2024 CEA Convention: Full Schedule

10:45am PDT

Exploring God's Creation: Integrating Maple Sugaring for Seasonal Learning

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am PDT

Engage in an immersive maple sugaring sectional to support integrating the great outdoors into your seasonal content. Delve into interdisciplinary learning, emphasizing social studies connections. Learn how to utilize your schoolyard's maple trees for eco-friendly science practice and citizen science projects, aligning with standards. God's wondrous creation inspires a deeper connection to His majesty.

Chairperson

Kelsey Hoffman

Grandville Calvin Christian School

Speakers

Janet Staal

Director of Nature Based and Outdoor Education, West Side Christian School

Janet Staal, BA in K-8 Education and a Master Naturalist Certification. Her journey from childhood explorations in West Michigan's woods to fostering nature-based education at WSCS reflects a lifelong commitment to teaching and glorifying God. Join us as she shares her passion for... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
120 Science Commons, 1st floor

Session

Audience K - 5th Grade
Subject Science
Area Outdoor Education

1:50pm PDT

Honey Bee Fidelity

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

113

This session highlights the life cycle and lifestyle of the honey bee while incorporating the ways honey bees exhibit faithfulness to their hives and to each other. Are there lessons we can learn from the humble honey bee?

Chairperson

Clay Lubbers

Middle School Science Teacher, Byron Center Christian School

Clay is an outdoor enthusiast and is working towards integrating more outdoor learning into his middle school science curriculum. He's had a passion for the outdoors as long as he has been alive and he longs for kids to see the story of creation in creation itself.

Speakers

Don Snoeyink

Thornapple Woodlands

Don has a passion for "opening people's eyes" to the awe and wonder of nature; specifically beekeeping, maple syrup, and fishing. His contagious enthusiasm for God's creation is evident in his fun, fast paced and informative speaking style.

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
113 Teacher's Lounge, 1st floor

Session

Audience General
Subject Science
Area Outdoor Education

3:00pm PDT

Incorporating TfT and Outdoor Ed

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

146

A fun way to incorporate TfT in grades PreK-2nd/3rd. Outdoor Ed for littles in an urban setting.

Chairperson

Janet Staal

Director of Nature Based and Outdoor Education, West Side Christian School

Speakers

Allison Westra

Preschool Teacher and Early Childhood Director, Muskegon Christian School

I would like to introduce Allison Westra. Shs is currently the Early Childhood Director at Muskegon Christian school. Allison is in her 9th year with MCS and 11th year teaching. She hopes to inspire you to try new things with TfT instruction and to love, learn, and lead for C... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
146 Choir room, 1st floor

Session

Audience K - 4th
Subject Professional Development
Area Outdoor Education

9:00am PDT

Why Waste? Get Growing and Create a Class or Even a Schoolwide Compost System

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

142

Transform waste into wisdom! Discover the power of student-led composting initiatives. Learn how to integrate composting into the curriculum, engage students in sustainability, and build a supportive community. Empower students to lead with practical implementation guidance. Join in ways to glorify God through caring for His creation.

Chairperson

Elizabeth Cruz

Grandville Calvin Christian School

Speakers

Janet Staal

Director of Nature Based and Outdoor Education, West Side Christian School

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
142 Band room, 1st floor

Session

Audience K - 8th Grade
Subject Science
Area Outdoor Education