Teachers Workshop at the University of Arizona –
Santa Rita Experimental Range
What:
Santa Rita Outdoor Education Workshop, for 4th - 12th grade educators from Green
Valley, Sahuarita, and nearby communities. Continuing Education credits available. 40
participants, maximum.
When:
March 10, 2014, 8AM to 3:30 PM
Where:
Florida Station, 12 miles east of Green Valley, headquarters of the Santa Rita
Experimental Range (map attached)
Description and take-homes:
 Learn about the natural history of the Santa Rita area and outdoor education
opportunities available to your classes
 Visit the historic headquarters of the Santa Rita Experimental Range, Florida Station, a
resource for outdoor education
 Earn continuing education credit
Next Generation Science Standards addressed:
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MS-LS2-2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms
across multiple ecosystems (LS2.A, LS2.C, LSr.D).
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in
ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions,
but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem (LS2.A, LS2.C, LS4.D, ETS1B).
MS-ESS3-5 Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global
temperatures over the past century (ESS2.D, ESS3.D).
HS-ESS3-5 Analyze geoscience data and the results of global or regional climate change and
associated future impacts to the Earth systems (ESS2.D, ESS3.D).
Program (Draft, subject to review and input from schools):
8:00 AM Sign in, nametags, coffee, tea, snacks
8:15 AM Welcome: Mark Heitlinger, Manager, Santa Rita Experimental Range
8:20 AM Introductory remarks:
 Kevin Harcourt
 John Titre (Coronado Nat’l Forest): lead discussion of participants goals and
expectations
8:45 Break, bird watching
9:00 AM Talk: "The Nature of Madera Canyon and the Santa Rita Mountains," by Doug
Moore, Director of Education for the Friends of Madera Canyon, and author of The
Nature of Madera Canyon, (1999) 177 pages.
A natural history overview of the geology, climate, life zones/habitats and plants and
animals of the canyon and surrounding Santa Rita Range. The talk will include:
 Goals/objectives of this session
 Friends of Madera Canyon educational resources and programs available
for the classroom and in the canyon
 A “hands on” activity
 Relation of subject matter to science standards
11:00 AM Break
11:15 AM Walking tour: habitats, wildlife, and facilities of Florida Canyon, a resource
for educators and classes, Mark Heitlinger, Doug Moore, LoriAnne Barnett, John Titre
11:45 Teacher input: enhancing Florida Canyon facilities for educators
Noon Lunch (Please bring your own)
12:30 PM “Nature’s Notebook, observing life cycles and change,” by LoriAnne Barnett,
Education Coordinator, USA National Phenology Network
Learn how students can become part of a national network of citizen scientists
contributing to an understanding of how cycles in nature, observed in our school
and home back yards, help inform us about global ecological processes. The
Nature’s Notebook program examines how ecology, climate, biodiversity, and
phenology are indicators of a changing ecosystem. The talk will include:
 Goals/objectives of this session
 Discussion of practical applications and career and internship opportunities
for students
 A “hands on” activity
 Relation of subject matter to science standards
2:30 Break
2:45 Round Table – discussion, questions, conclusions, feedback and critique
3:15 Feedback on Florida Station future renovation, enhancement
3:30 Adjourn