Educator Workshops

Series 7

The Science of Cheese Making

Thursday, March 23, 2023
Guest Instructor: Lindsay Klaunig, Owner, Trouvaille Farm

Experience an in-depth dive to the fascinating process of transforming milk into cheese. Make a batch or two of basic farmer’s style cheese, while learning about the science and history of this amazing food. The rise of vegan cheeses and the complex science behind their creation will be discussed as well.

Fossils

Thursday, April 13, 2023
Guest Instructor: Brenda Hunda, Ph.D., Curator, Invertebrate Paleontology, Cincinnati Museum Center

Fossils reveal the rich and diverse history of life on Earth, how the Earth operates at small and grand scales, and provides evidence and insight into modern questions of concern, such as biodiversity crises, extinction, and climate change. Join CMC’s Invertebrate Paleontologist while looking at some of the local, rich fossil resources to identify them in the field, understand how ancient communities evolve and change, and what this means for humans today.

Scales, Slime, and Warts: Exploring the World of Herps

Thursday, April 20, 2023
Guest Instructor: Andrew Hoffman, Ph.D., Postdoctoral researcher, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Laboratory

Understanding the lives and perceptions of other animals, especially reptiles and amphibians can help us become better observers and protectors of these amazing animals. Dr. Hoffman will lead us in field excursions to find herps and learn about their life histories, adaptations, and phenology. Explore many different habitats while learning about threats such as diseases and ways to help students and public audiences connect with our slimy and scaley neighbors.

Series 8

Water Wins!

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Guest Instructors: Angie Burke, Community & Conservation Specialist, The Nature Conservancy; Liss Whiting, Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

Join CMC’s Edge of Appalachia Preserve System’s partner, The Nature Conservancy for a day of watery fun! Experience and participate in citizen science by investigating streams, creeks, runs, and ditches. Learn how to make visual observations, record water quality measurements, document sampling location with a photo and coordinates, and upload information to the online “My Backyard Stream” program through Ohio University. Discover tips and strategies for indoor use and larger events as well as field trips and camp activities.

A Day of Fun-gi!

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Guest Instructor: Gia Giammarinaro, Park Naturalist, Nature Center Director, Explore Nature!, Cincinnati Park Board

Want to have more to say about mushrooms and fungus in general when out with students or participants? Join fellow educator, Gia G. and delve into the kingdom of fungi. This workshop will focus less on taxonomy and more on fungi’s ecological role, proper collection techniques, and hands on activities that can be replicated in the park or classroom.

Making Pictures

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Guest Instructor: Sam James, Photographer

Join professional photographer, Samuel James, for an introduction to nature photography. See and experience nature through a different lens and go beyond the mechanics of taking a picture and learn to make the picture you really want. In addition to working on developing your personal artistic voice, practice making images that can be used to effectively illustrate scientific ideas and tell stories about natural history.

Animal Adaptations

Thursday, February 29, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Every animal has adapted to fill a specific niche in their ecosystem. From teeth and beaks to feet and everything in between, these adaptations make each animal unique. Investigate physical and behavioral adaptations that have helped animals survive and thrive in the Eastern Forest.

Land Snails

Thursday, March 21, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Small and often overlooked, land snails are tremendously important organisms in the ecosystem. Occupying several trophic levels and taking part in nutrient cycling, these mollusks are worth taking a closer look at. With 60 species of land snails documented at EOA, the preserve is the perfect place to learn and love the humble land snail.

Abuzz about Bees

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Other insects want to be them and plants need them, yet we know so little about the approx. 4,000 native bees known to North America. Discover all things bees and pollination with this hands-on and field based workshop!