In the Classroom Archives • Arkansas Game & Fish Commission https://www.agfc.com/tag/in-the-classroom/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:19:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6 Youth Shooting Sports (YSS) https://www.agfc.com/education/youth-shooting-sports/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:45:37 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=4579 The post Youth Shooting Sports (YSS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Youth Shooting Sports (YSS)

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Families
Hunters
Youth
Click Here to View State Tournament Scores

About

Youth Shooting Sports aims to bring the joy of the outdoors and the rewards of safely learning to shoot to young Arkansans. Have you ever considered competing in the Olympics or a national shooting championship? This program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission could be a start.

Youth Shooting Sports has two divisions: junior and senior. The junior division is for grades 5-8 and the senior division is for grades 9-12. Home-schooled students compete in the division they would be in if they were in public school. Home-schooled students 15 or older must compete in the senior division. Trap shooting is the sanctioned sport of Youth Shooting Sports. The season begins February 1.

Any type of shotgun action is allowed, as long as the bore is 12 or 20 gauge. Release triggers and exposed hammers are not allowed. Trap machines that throw targets at unknown angles are used. The state coordinator may specify models of trap machines for Youth Shooting Sports events. All shooters and coaches must wear appropriate eye and ear protection.

Tournament Info

All teams must be on the field and ready to compete 45 minutes prior to their scheduled time to compete. No ammunition is allowed on the AGFF shooting sports complex range grounds during YSS tournaments. Anyone caught having any ammunition on their person or vehicle will be grounds for disqualification of the team. Youth Shooting Sports will provide all competitors their needed ammunition once they take the competition line.

2024 Youth Shooting Sports Regional Tournament Map

Tournament Dates:

  • May 17, 2024 for Juniors
  • May 18, 2024 for Seniors

Tournament Dates:

  • May 10, 2024 for Juniors
  • May 11, 2024 for Seniors

Tournament Dates:

  • May 3, 2024 for Juniors
  • May 4, 2024 for Seniors

Tournament Dates:

  • April 26, 2024 for Juniors
  • April 27, 2024 for Seniors

Team Terms

Each participant must be on a team. Teams commonly represent schools, 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups and other organizations, although anyone may form a group. Each team must have a coach and must meet these requirements:

  • A team must have at least five members.
  • Teams shoot in squads of five members.
  • A team may field as many squads as it can fill.
  • Participants must take part in at least five team practices.
  • Practices must be held on different days.
  • Regional and state competitions do not count as practice.
  • Each participant must shoot at least 25 targets at each practice.
  • Each team must register with the Youth Shooting Sports state coordinator.

A shoot is a competition between at least two teams. A regional meet is a competition among shooting squads from a geographic area that are trying to qualify for the state championship.

Only registered Youth Shooting Sports participants are allowed to compete and practice. All teams must be registered by March 1. Only coaches may register teams. Click on the link below to register.

Click here to register online. First time users will enter their AGFC Coach ID Number and Last Name. Returning users will enter their Username and Password.

Team Support Packages

A shooting team may apply for an Youth Shooting Sports grant. A team must have at least five members and must practice at least five times. A grant will provide a basic team support package which includes:

  • Targets
  • Ammunition
  • Protective glasses
  • Ear protection

Coach Info and Team Registration

Coaches must be 21 to apply and must be certified by AGFC to participate in the program. Contact the YSS program coordinator to learn more. Program forms including Practice Log, Shotgun Checkout, Tournament Score Sheet, Trap Machine Checkout and Trap Machine Grant Application can be found under the Documents tab.

The Coach Application, Background Check and Volunteer Background Check Forms must be completed and mailed to the YSS Coordinator when applying for an YSS coach position. Be sure to have both background check forms notarized before their return. An Arkansas State Police background check will be run on every applicant who is not an active Hunter Education Instructor on file with the AGFC.

New Coach Training

Youth Shooting Sports Training Manual for Coaches

Active Coaches

Online Registration (certified coaches only)

Documents

Contact

Jimmy Self

Youth Shooting Sports Coordinator

Phone 501-604-0460
Email James.Self@agfc.ar.gov

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Families, Hunters, Youth

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Youth Shooting Sports (YSS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Educational Programming https://www.agfc.com/education/educational-programming/ Thu, 18 May 2023 15:40:31 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=1918 The post Educational Programming appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Educational Programming

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Classes
Programs
Youth

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission educators are available to come to your location to teach about wildlife and the outdoors at your school, civic group, library, church, home-school group or other organized group.

Topics we cover include:

  • Conservation education and wildlife biology
  • Setting up and teaching basic archery or bowhunting
  • Hunting skills, including working with you to teach hunting
  • Fishing clinics, classes and skill building at any level or fishing type
  • Arkansas wildlife biology, identification and viewing
  • Birding skills and taking groups to view birds
  • Hunter Education
  • Boater Education
  • ATV Safety
  • Outdoor and/or wild game cooking techniques and recipes
  • Orienteering
  • Rifle, pistol and shotgun firearms safety and instruction
  • Helping teachers meet academic standards and requirements through customized activities in your classroom
  • And anything else outdoors or wildlife related you can think of!

Bring the Outdoors Into Your Community

Click here to request AGFC support for community events, education outreach in your school and more.

Coordinate an AGFC Visit

For Schools and Teachers

Engage your students of any age with standards-based activities and support for conservation education in the field through these programs:

Fishing in the Natural State

Curriculum and resource kits for 4th-12th grade classrooms teaching fishing, stream ecology and/or biology. Educators who attend training are eligible for kits, fishing derbies and in-class fish dissections with AGFC staff.

Project WILD

Project WILD is a K-12 teacher professional development program rooted in nature that helps educators bring the outdoors to their students. Educators who attend training receive activity guides and support for their classroom.

Growing Up Wild

This early childhood education guide helps preschool and early elementary educators build on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them.

Outdoor Adventures

This outdoor skill building and conservation education program for middle and high school students offers curriculum, training and equipment for an outdoor recreation physical education course, agriculture or wildlife biology and management class.

Hunter Education and Boater Education

Teachers are encouraged to become a certified Hunter and/or Boater Education instructor. AGFC will provide you training and all the materials you need to incorporate these important skills into your classroom.

Wildlife Education Grants

Fines collected from game and fish citations return to the county where the offense occurred. AGFC and the Rural Services division work together to grant these funds to schools and conservation districts for conservation and outdoor education. Applications are due in October each year.

Archery in the Schools

Archery in the Schools Program (AIS) – part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) – targets students as young as fourth grade and as old as high school seniors. AGFC certifies coaches and PE teachers to teach archery skills and offer tournaments for students.

Youth Shooting Sports

Trap-shooting program for students. Teams are invited to participate in regional and state tournaments.

Conservation Scholarships

Learn More

Internship Opportunities

Learn More

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Classes, Programs, Youth

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Educational Programming appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Outdoor Adventures https://www.agfc.com/education/outdoor-adventures/ Tue, 16 May 2023 21:05:15 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=1561 The post Outdoor Adventures appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Outdoor Adventures

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Anglers
Education
Hunters
Programs
Type
…

What is the Outdoor Adventures Course in Schools?

Outdoor Adventures is a fun and exciting co-ed physical education course, local elective, or Ag Science wildlife management class. Students are taught life-long skills by using an integrated curriculum of science, math, writing, critical thinking, and computer technology. This innovative curriculum is through the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation with support from AGFC.

Outdoor Activities Include:

  • Fishing
  • Archery
  • Boater Education
  • Hunter Education
  • Orienteering
  • Survival Skills
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Trip Planning
  • Tackle Crafts
  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Camping Outdoor
  • Cooking Wildlife
  • Conservation

How can I get this course in my school?

The Outdoor Adventures curriculum order form is available under the education tab at GoOTF.com. There is a one-time fee for the curriculum.

Outdoor Adventures curriculum is aligned to the national standards NPE K-12, 1-7

The curriculum includes:

  1. Complete scope and sequence
  2. Course syllabus
  3. Complete daily lesson plans for 36 weeks
  4. Many lessons incorporate STEM, cross-curricular opportunities, writing, community projects and standardized test applications.

Helpful Resources

Program Brochure and Link

Outdoor Adventures Education Overview

To learn more about the course contact:

Scot McClure

OTF Outdoor Adventures Coordinator

Phone 972-504-9008
Email Scot@goOTF.com
Mobile 469-805-2390

The Outdoor Adventures teacher training is done through the Education Division of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. For information on trainings, contact:

Sheila Connerly

AGFC Program Coordinator

Phone 479-518-2621
Email sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Anglers, Education, Hunters, Programs, Type, Youth

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Outdoor Adventures appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Archery in the Schools (AIS) https://www.agfc.com/education/archery-in-the-schools/ Fri, 12 May 2023 19:09:58 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=1276 The post Archery in the Schools (AIS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Archery in the Schools (AIS)

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Hunters
Programs
Youth
Check State Tournament Scores Here

Click the picture below to download a pdf of the AIS State Participation Certificate:

2024 Arkansas State Tournament Weekend Dates

Elementary/Middle School

3/1/2024  – 3/1/2024

Registration: 2/12/2024 8:00:00 AM
Drop By: 2/16/2024 11:59:00 PM
Close: 2/20/2024 11:59:00 PM

High School

3/2/2024  – 3/2/2024

Registration: 2/12/2024 8:00:00 AM
Drop By: 2/16/2024 11:59:00 PM
Close: 2/20/2024 11:59:00 PM

About Us

Archery is a great way to sharpen skills, build self-esteem and create a stronger atmosphere for success in the classroom.

The Archery in the Schools Program (AIS) – part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) – targets students as young as fourth grade and as old as high school seniors. They learn archery skills, as well as an outdoor hobby they may enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Benefits of Archery

Kids of many physical skill levels can enjoy archery. A little concentration and hand-to-eye coordination is all it takes. Not only will students enjoy archery in the classroom, they’ll get the chance to display their skills at a state archery tournament sponsored by the AGFC.

Arkansas students will join thousands of others across the U.S. and Canada who have enjoyed and learned from NASP.

Beginning is Easy

Archery is fun and beneficial in many ways, but it’s also relatively inexpensive and simple. Archery in the Schools requires a Genesis bow with a universal draw length and a wide range of draw weights. It works for just about everyone, right- or left-handed. Young archers love this bow, which comes in a variety of colors.

A National Archery in the Schools Program kit, which costs about $3,000, includes:

  • 12 Genesis Bows
  • 5 Targets
  • 1 Backstop
  • 60 Regulation Aluminum Arrows
  • 1 Repair Kit

Money for Archery in the Schools Program may come from many sources, including Act 799 of 2003, which sends fine money collected from violators of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations to all 75 counties. The money is earmarked for conservation education in schools.

The AGFC may offer grants for archery equipment. Contact the AGFC for more information at 833-345-0325. Conservation groups also may be interested in helping support the Archery in the Schools Program.

Arkansas Outdoor Skills Network

Have you ever wanted to try hunting or harvest your own food? The Outdoor Skills Network is your one-stop resource for events offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a network of partners who conduct opportunities to engage your outdoor skills in hunting, fishing, trapping, safety, wildlife, marksmanship, and more!

Event types and descriptions are merely guidelines to help you choose what is best for you — they are not prerequisites.

Click here to download any of the following forms found on the NASP website.

Order Forms | Public Schools and Government Agencies

  • Public School/Government Order Form
  • Federal Excise Tax (FET) Form
  • Arrow Parts Order Form
  • Bow Parts Order Form
  • Mini, Parts, Scorecard, Paper Face Order Form
  • Target Replacement/3D/Paper Face Order Form
  • Bowcase/Banner/Stringbow/Armguard Order Form
  • Academic Archer Patch/Decal Order Form
  • BAI/Scorecard Order Form

 

Order Forms | Private Schools and Non-Profit Organizations

  • Private School/Non-Profit Order Form
  • Arrow Parts Order Form
  • Bow Parts Order Form
  • Mini, Parts, Scorecard, Paper Face Order Form
  • Target Replacement/3D/Paper Face Order Form
  • Bowcase/Banner/Stringbow/Armguard Order Form
  • Academic Archer Patch/Decal Order Form
  • BAI/Scorecard Order Form

 

Other Forms

  • Federal Excise Tax (FET) | Public Schools/Government Only
  • NASP W-9 | Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Aimee Swaim

Archery in the Schools Program Coordinator

Phone 501-246-1495
Email aimee.swaim@agfc.ar.gov

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Hunters, Programs, Youth

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Archery in the Schools (AIS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Fishing in the Natural State (FINS) https://www.agfc.com/education/fishing-in-the-natural-state/ Thu, 11 May 2023 22:37:23 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=1197 The post Fishing in the Natural State (FINS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Anglers
Youth

The Fishing In the Natural State Program was created for use in any Arkansas school. The primary focus is on grades 4-12. The program can also accommodate civic clubs and organizations. The curriculum provided to schools includes eight units covering Fish and Fishing, Ecology, Habitats, and the Human Impact on the environment. These lessons can be used in any type of classroom including, but not limited to Science, Math, English and Physical Education.

Through this program, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is striving to instill a culture of conservation and stewardship in our school age population. Each applicant is asked to complete at least one conservation program through the year and sponsor a fishing derby. To help accomplish these goals, a Fishing in the Natural State kit is provided. The kit includes rods and reels, tackle, and a classroom set of various support materials. Fishing in the Natural State Program participants are also eligible to apply for Wildlife Education Grant funds (use of fine revenue.) Funds may be used by educators to purchase any needed supplies and equipment as well as take students on field trips to AGFC Nature Centers and Wildlife Management Areas.

Seminar/Clinic Request Form

Submit a form to request a Seminar or a Clinic.

Submit a Form

Program Coordinator

James (Bo) Davidson

Fishing in the Natural State Program Coordinator

Phone 501-604-3774
Email james.davidson@agfc.ar.gov
Mobile 501-438-1663
Address
23 Joe Hogan Lane
Lonoke, AR
Website https://www.agfc.com/en/education/classroom/fins/

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Anglers, Youth

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Fishing in the Natural State (FINS) appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Project WILD https://www.agfc.com/education/project-wild/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:04:24 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=794 The post Project WILD appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Project WILD

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Anglers
Bear
Deer
Hunters

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Project WILD is an education program rooted in nature that helps educators bring the outdoors to their students. Workshops, offered at no charge, matching state and national teaching standards offer valuable education and lesson plans about the natural world. Materials are available for teachers of any age group, from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Workshop participants learn about the natural world through hands-on experience they can pass on to their students. Our classroom is the outdoors, and the experience is closer to a day at summer camp than a training seminar.

Teachers of all subjects are encouraged to participate. Workshops and courses cover a variety of subject areas, including science, social studies, language arts, mathematics and physical education. And because the workshops are fashioned according to national frameworks, participants will receive professional development credit.

You don’t have to be a traditional educator to learn and teach through Project WILD. Scout leaders, 4-H coordinators, nature camp counselors and other volunteers are welcome to participate. More than 1 million people have been trained at Project WILD workshops throughout the nation.

Bring the WILD life to your students

Educators attending the free, 6-hour workshop receive two activity guides with more than 150 activities matching state and national standards for kindergarten through 12th-grade programs.

Project WILD activity guides are written by teachers, school administrators, wildlife professionals and other educators. Materials are reviewed by science, curriculum, education and environmental experts for accuracy and educational value. Each lesson plan is tested in real classrooms to ensure effectiveness and high-quality student involvement.

AR WILD School Site Program

Project WILD educates students about wildlife, habitats, and the environment. To move students from awareness to action, AGFC’s Project WILD program provides teachers in Arkansas’ public and private schools an opportunity to apply for grant funding to build wildlife habitat on school grounds.

Sample Activities

Objectives: Students will classify fish according to body shape and coloration.

Methods: Students design a fish adapted for various aquatic habitats.

Objectives: Students will: (1) identify and describe food, water and shelter as three essential components of habitat; (2) describe factors that influence carrying capacity; (3) define “limiting factors” and give examples; and (4) recognize that some fluctuations in wildlife populations are natural as ecological systems undergo constant change.

Methods: Students portray deer and habitat components in a physical activity.

  • What: Arkansas Black Bear Workshop (includes a comprehensive black bear curriculum guide)
  • Who: K-6 Educators (min. 10; max. 30)
  • Where: Location of your choice
  • When: Must be scheduled three months in advance
  • Fee: No charge
  • Contact: Program Staff to schedule

Sheila Connerly

AGFC Program Coordinator

Phone 479-518-2621
Email sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Anglers, Bear, Deer, Hunters

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Project WILD appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]> Wildlife Education Grants https://www.agfc.com/education/wildlife-education-grants/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:01:07 +0000 https://agfc.wpengine.com/?page_id=796 The post Wildlife Education Grants appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>
Home  /  In the Classroom

Wildlife Education Grants

TOPIC
In the Classroom
CATEGORY
Conservation
Grants

Funds collected from game and fish law convictions never leave the county where the fine occurred. The money is used to fund educational programs focused on fish, wildlife and conservation in the counties where the offense occurred.

All fine money collected by the AGFC is redistributed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to schools and conservation districts in the county where the violation occurred in accordance with Arkansas Code Annotated 6-16-1101. A school or conservation district that wants to receive this fine money must submit an application on the form found on the Division of Rural Services website linked above.

Apply Online for an Arkansas Rural Services Wildlife Education Grant

Eligible Activities

The following activities meet the criteria for funding:

  • Field trips to AGFC nature centers, hatcheries or wildlife management areas
  • AGFC-sponsored archery and trap programs
  • AGFC-sponsored educator workshops
  • Schoolyard wildlife and butterfly habitats
  • Outdoor classroom supplies
  • Wildlife biology or recreation supplies
  • Conservation education materials

Wildlife Education Grant Money Available by County

2023-2024 Wildlife Education Grant Funding Available by County

Apply by October 25, 2023

CountyTotal Funds Available 2023-2024
Arkansas$28,133.47
Ashley$9,182.88
Baxter$13,481.09
Benton$9,758.10
Boone$3,147.52
Bradley$4,977.50
Calhoun$8,085.00
Carroll$6,210.00
Chicot$15,737.87
Clark$28,080.56
Clay$15,763.55
Cleburne$8,720.00
Cleveland$6,383.44
Columbia$4,345.53
Conway$5,077.88
Craighead$5,880.00
Crawford$19,844.14
Crittenden$5,016.30
Cross$1,804.07
Dallas$1,130.29
Desha$41,851.57
Drew$7,921.18
Faulkner$5,109.48
Franklin$19,183.42
Fulton$5,005.36
Garland$4,487.81
Grant$1,710.00
Greene$1,727.83
Hempstead$11,991.55
Hot Spring$2,305.00
Howard$9,106.45
Independence$3,900.00
Izard$6,900.79
Jackson$5,517.42
Jefferson$5,430.00
Johnson$17,522.42
Lafayette$14,251.34
Lawrence$3,711.75
Lee$5,358.88
Lincoln$9,830.86
Little River$9,141.54
Logan$8,563.63
Lonoke$12,338.80
Madison$14,704.93
Marion$22,463.00
Miller$15,050.54
Mississippi$1,108.31
Monroe$28,238.45
Montgomery$5,726.65
Nevada$5,782.00
Newton$2,168.70
Ouachita$1,529.73
Perry$1,747.00
Phillips$4,414.37
Pike$12,784.10
Poinsett$5,937.17
Polk$5,777.73
Pope$15,618.56
Prairie$10,390.00
Pulaski$10,153.10
Randolph$7,589.98
Saline$6,940.52
Scott$11,216.23
Searcy$8,752.95
Sebastian$14,185.95
Sevier$12,612.63
Sharp$4,153.69
St. Francis$2,180.00
Stone$2,439.22
Union$7,157.50
Van Buren$6,969.84
Washington$7,398.82
White$28,745.42
Woodruff$10,326.96
Yell$5,037.54
Total$712,947.86

Search Education

More on In the Classroom

Educational Programming
Outdoor Adventures
Archery in the Schools (AIS)
Fishing in the Natural State (FINS)
Project WILD

More on Conservation, Grants

AGFC Mobile App How-To
Volunteer
Avian Influenza
WMA Deer Hunt Permits
Urban Archery Hunts

The post Wildlife Education Grants appeared first on Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

]]>