Natural Resources Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2004

Participants on the line:  Andy Curtis (Educator), Nicki Foremsky (Educator), Chad Barkley (4H Member), Debbie Beisel (Leader), Kathy Sacco (Leader), Margaret Brittingham (Wildlife Specialist), Sanford "Sandy" Smith (Youth & Natural Resources Specialist)

Unable to Participate: Bob Hansen (Educator), Susan Taylor (Educator), Helaine Brown (Educator)

 1. "Trees and Me" is in the process of revision.  Bob Hansen and Sandy have made needed changes and have given it to Eston Martz for editing and redesign.  It should be ready in late Spring 2005.  If there are any suggested changes, please let Sandy know ASAP.

 
2.  Sandy updated the committee on the status of the PFBC fishing member book.  While it has taken a long time, it appears that it is almost done.  The committee discussed the need for something right now to fill the gap until the PFBC book is finally ready.  It was decided to ask the state to purchase approximately 200 copies of the national book along with leader's guides.  Sandy will present this proposed purchase at the upcoming State Curriculum Team Leaders meeting in January.


3. Sandy asked if any members of the committee would be interested in assisting with an Educators Workshop at the 4H Afterschool Conference on February (16-17), 2005.  Andy and Nicki expressed interest and agreed that February 16 works best for them.  Sandy will follow up with a phone call on October 18 at 12:30 PM to prepare the proposal.


4.    Discussion took place about how we might expand the 4H natural resources projects to attract more members.  There were many ideas expressed.  Debbie said we should look at our delivery mode and go with programs that are more condensed with less busy work.  Kathy suggested that we consider more combined projects such as wildlife study and fishing or camping, or forestry and orientating.  The idea of having on-line curriculum available was discussed and Andy suggested we work with NWF and PA Wildlife Federation and see if they might support this.  Chad suggested they might support this.  Chad suggested that though "on-line" is good, he still likes to have a book to use.  Whatever is on-line should be printer friendly.

            The idea of having short on-line modules with separate activities was discussed, as well as the need for accountability and evaluation.  Perhaps passwords would be needed to control access.  Andy suggested that the number of hits viewed on lower pages of a site was a good indication of use.  Debbie expressed her dissatisfaction with the large 4H books that are used over two to three years - basically, they fall apart.  There was much agreement that we need to look at this option, and for starters, we should all look at the http://www.nwf.org/ website.  Sandy will follow up with Gary San Julian and Margaret on this idea.