Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at The Beckman Center - EDC-X713J

Course Description

Credit Validation for San Diego Zoo Beckman Center Participants Only

Our summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science expose teachers to new and creative ways to present science content to their students in the context of conserving endangered species, an inspiring topic for students of all ages.

This summer, workshops will take place at the San Diego Zoo's Beckman Center for Conservation Research in Escondido, California. The experience includes hands-on training in cutting-edge methods and techniques including DNA-based gender determination via polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis, radio telemetry and spatial ecology, biodiversity assessment and monitoring, and enzyme immuno assays. These experiences will provide knowledge and enthusiasm for science topics that will better translate to students back in the classroom.

The workshops help educators incorporate conservation science into content standards and challenge students to apply their textbook knowledge of biology and chemistry to issues in saving biodiversity. For example, as a model for teaching students about the role of hormones in regulating conditions in the body, participating workshop teachers explore the use of hormone assays and fecal samples from female southern white rhinos at the Safari Park to assess reproductive status. All elements of the workshops are aligned with the Next Generation Science standards and curriculum frameworks.

The goals of our teacher training initiatives are to: (1) provide replicable, relevant, standards-based conservation science activities for formal and informal education settings, (2) connect science educators to wildlife conservation through relevant laboratory and field-based experiences that share recent advances in conservation research, and (3) provide a forum for science educators to network and share ideas for weaving conservation themes into their school community and engaging students in conservation.

Learner Outcomes

In order to unite internally and externally, with a laser focus on our cause, we will provide a forum for science educators to network and share ideas to weave conservation themes into their school community and engage students in conservation.  Participants will be able to:

• Collaborate to build cross-curricular lessons to weave conservation themes into their classrooms
• Engage with fellow Teacher Workshops alumni, and SDZWA staff and materials
• Fight against extinction of animal and plant species by providing replicable, relevant, Next Generation Science Standards - aligned conservation science activities at sixth through twelfth-grade levels for informal and formal education settings
• Incorporate modules into their curriculum
• Engage students with inquiry-based learning
• Ignite life-changing passion for animals and plants by connecting science educators to wildlife conservation through relevant laboratory and field-based experiences that share recent advances in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's conservation research
• Inspire students by sharing first hand, emotional experiences to build connections to wildlife
• Highlight the research and fieldwork done by SDZWA researchers
• Motivate students to take action for wildlife conservation

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.

Number of Units: 3.0 - 4.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for teachers enrolled in Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science offered through the San Diego Zoo Beckman Center. These workshops are designed for middle and high school life science teachers and open to all educators.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (SD Zoo Wildlife Alliance) 
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Homepage: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
• Course Page: Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science
• Any questions can be sent to TeacherWorkshops@sdzwa.org

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.