Scientist in Residence Program

RNC and CSD Scientist in Residence (SIR) Program Model

The SIR Theory of Change believes by integrating experimental, outdoor, hands-on learning experiences guided by a scientist in residence into schools, children will benefit through enhance learning and increased emotional health; teachers and schools will benefit through strengthened curricula and decreased student behavioral issues; and the community will benefit from the strengthened educational system.

2019 Riveredge Student Impact Plan | Goals

1. Curriculum | Develop an organizational method to warehouse Inside/Out lessons and other resources for teachers. 
2. Community Education | Create a parent and community (school and broader community) educational network to provide ongoing learning opportunities around environmental education topics.
3. Integration | Continue fostering a partnership with classroom teachers at all levels, so that indoor lessons can be moved outside.

There is a growing body of research that shows how getting students outdoors improves their attention, academics, stress levels, health, and more. That's why in 2016, Riveredge Nature Center partnered with the Cedarburg School District to implement the Scientist in Residence Partnership with the goal of working alongside teachers to integrate more outdoor learning into the everyday school day. Riveredge's SIR program theory of change states that in five years time, we see students in CSD healthier, happier, more creative, and inspired by the world around them. We witness schools that do not have to make the choice between less recess and more reading time because teachers have learned ways of transforming their local outdoor spaces into classrooms for learning.

Dr. Thelma Heidel-Baker is the Scientist in Residence for Riveredge Nature Center at the Cedarburg School District.  

She works to create novel outdoor learning opportunities for all students. She is an entomologist, organic farmer, and staunch advocate for childhood learning through fun and engaging outdoor experiences. Dr. T, as she is known by the students, has a PhD in Entomology from the University of Minnesota, her Masters from Purdue and an Undergraduate degree from UW-Madison. Married and living in Randon Lake, she and her husband are the owners of Bossie Cow Organic Farm. She has been featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and most recently partnered with Cedarburg Public Library Radio to bring a regularly occurring educational series to the community highlighting events and activities at the School District. Here are two podcast from December - "Outdoor Ed with Dr. T" and "Outdoor Adventures in Winter".

Scientist in Residence Lesson Plans
 

Each activity is developed by Dr. Thelma Heidel-Baker, Scientist in Residence for Cedarburg School District, 2019

On November 26, students of Westlawn Elementary were ready to learn about pollinators and helping plant wildflower seeds for the Faith Community Lutheran Church Pathways Project.

Students Travel to Riveredge Nature Center | 4K-5 Field Trips

The Riveredge Nature Center environmental education staff has developed an Environmental Education Curriculum Framework, using Cedarburg School District grade level curriculum standards, that builds a progressive series of environmental education activities and field trips for students in 4K Kindergarten through 5th grade. This is a guaranteed experience across all three elementary schools and moves students from knowledge of the natural environment through exploration of our interconnectedness with nature. The Framework centers on a series of yearly field trips to Riveredge, all of which are supported by in-class pre and post activities.

Riveredge Nature Center | Scientist in Residence Impact Summary 2018-19

Please Join Us....

Outdoor Learning In The Burg

A Four Part Series, All Things Nature

Cedarburg School District and Riveredge Nature Center partner to bring an outdoor learning opportunity to the community. This free seasonal nature series is designed for parents and broader Cedarburg community members who have a desire to learn more about exploring the outdoors. 

1. November 6,  2019 6-7:00 p.m. | Promoting Pollinators and Community Partnerships
   Location: Faith Lutheran Church, Cedarburg Learn about the value of pollinators and the importance of wildflower habitat. Hear about the Faith Community Pathways pollinator project and the Westlawn Elementary School partnership to teach about pollinators as well as benefit the whole community.
2. December 10, 2019 6-7:00 p.m. | Outdoor Adventures in the Winter: Ideas for the whole family!
   Location: Cedarburg Public Library Winter in Wisconsin is a beautiful time of year, and sometimes a challenging time of year to get your family outdoors. This session will explore fresh new ideas to make your winter the most enjoyable, and interesting, one yet!
3. February 4, 2020 6-7:00 p.m. | Nurturing through Nature
   Location: WI Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts Geared for caretakers with young children in their lives, this session will explore why outdoor nature experiences are so important for young children. Also learn about ideas and opportunities locally for nature exploration with young children.
4. April 7, 2020 6-7:00 p.m. | Sprouts and Soil: Cultivating Learning from Backyard, School, and Community Gardens Location: Cedar Creek Settlement
   From a garden in your own back yard to school gardens, this session will explore the value of gardens for childhood learning as well as simple tips to make your garden a learning success!