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

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.