WILD about Monarchs! Pollinator Education for K-8
Join us to learn to engage students in the story of monarchs and pollinators using the Project WILD at the OKC Zoo or Oxley Nature Center!
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
Each fall, monarch butterflies take flight on one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world. Join us on Saturday, October 17th in either Oklahoma City or Tulsa for an unforgettable professional development experience that blends hands-on science, wildlife education, and real-world conservation action.
In this workshop, educators will learn how to engage students in the story of monarchs and other pollinators using the award-winning Project WILD curriculum alongside resources from the OKC Zoo or Tulsa’s Oxley Nature Center. Activities will highlight inquiry-based learning about pollination, habitat needs, and the connections between wildlife and people. Educators will also explore how pollinator-focused lessons align with Oklahoma Academic Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), providing meaningful classroom applications across science, literacy, and social studies.
Special Field Experience: A highlight of the workshop will be the opportunity to go into the field to tag monarchs as part of ongoing migration research. This rare, hands-on experience will give participants direct insight into citizen science and how educators can connect their students to authentic scientific investigations.
What to Expect
- Interactive Pollinator Lessons: Experience Project WILD activities and learn how to adapt them for multiple grade levels.
- Natural Resource Expert Insights: Hear directly from experts at the about monarch biology, migration, and conservation.
- Hands-On Tagging: Participate in monarch tagging and data collection to contribute to real-world science.
- Curriculum Guide: Receive your own Project WILD activity guide to continue the learning in your classroom.
- Resource Sharing: Connect with educational programs and community partners to expand your teaching toolkit on pollinators and conservation.
Workshop Details
- Date/Time: Saturday, October 17th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Oklahoma City Zoo or Oxley Nature Center Tulsa (Pick Location in Ticket Options)
- Cost: $10 (includes Project WILD K-12 ‘Terrestrial’ guide and workshop supplies)
- Lunch: Pack a lunch
We are committed to making professional learning accessible to all educators. Scholarships are available for participants for whom the registration fee creates a financial burden. Please contact the state coordinators for scholarship information.
Why Attend? These workshops aredesigned to help educators:
- Integrate monarch and pollinator lessons into PreK–12 classrooms with clear standards alignment.
- Model the use of authentic data collection and citizen science for student learning.
- Inspire students to understand and protect pollinators—key species for both ecosystems and human food systems.
- Bring home resources, guides, and experiences that can immediately enhance your teaching practice.
Take flight with us and go WILD About Monarchs!
ADDRESSES:
Oklahoma City Zoo: 2000 Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Oxley Nature Center: 6700 Mohawk Blvd., Tulsa, OK 74115
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
Jack Hilgert, jack.hilgert@conservation.ok.gov, (405) 613-3835, Oklahoma Project WET and Project WILD
Rachael Robinson, Director of Education, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, (405) 425-0288
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM:
Project WILD’s mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.