Online Professional Development
Through convenient traditional and hybrid online programs, we are reaching new audiences of busy educators. Our online courses are also a great way for you to connect your students to educators around the country and throughout the world!
Upcoming Courses
Habitat Ecology for Educators (6 week online course)
Fall Session: October 1- Nov. 17, 2008
Winter Session: February 20 - April 6, 2009
Living things have evolved over millions of years to exist in particular environments. We call those environments habitats, and we say that species are adapted to them. The interrelationships among plants, animals, climate, and seasons of a particular habitat are complex and fragile. Habitat loss is the greatest threat to the world’s biodiversity. Through this course you will gain background knowledge in habitats and wildlife, learn about basic ecology, adaptations, how organisms interact with their environment, and the interactions between organisms in a temperate forests and wetlands. Course members will explore humanity’s influence and interaction with nature and discuss teaching ecology to elementary school children.
Cost: $300 ($275 if you register more than 4 weeks before the course begins)
Read the syllabus
Conservation Biology for the Classroom (4 week online course)
Fall Session: November 1 - December 7, 2008
Spring Session: April 3 – May 4, 2009
Why should we protect wild nature? What is threatening biodiversity? How do populations change over time? How do scientists go about protecting wildlife? Who is doing the work of conservation? These are just some of the questions that will be investigated through this online course from the Wildlife Conservation Society. In this course, participants will explore how to bring conservation into the classroom while learning from one of the most prestigious conservation organizations in the world.
Cost: $200 ($175 if you register more than 4 weeks before the course begins)
Read the syllabus
Predators: Biology and Conservation Pilot Course (4 week online course; 2 credits)
Winter Session: January 23- February 23, 2009
Globally, large predators are experiencing major declines. This course will focus on the role of predators in the ecosystem; the tools conservation biologists use to study predator ecology and behavior, images and ideas about predators across cultures, actions conservation biologists are taking to try and save wild predator populations. Participants will explore different techniques for presenting life science across the disciplines and how to make core science concepts come alive by using real life case studies. All activities are aligned with National Standards and participants will receive an electronic version of the book Teachers for Tigers. (Teachers of Grades 5-10 or anybody interested in learning more about predators).
Cost: $75
Marine Biology for Elementary Instructors Pilot Course (4 week online course; 2 credits)
Spring Session: May 1- May 31, 2009
The ocean covers 75% of the earth’s surface and yet the animals that live here remain unfamiliar to most of us. This course will submerse you in the biology of aquatic animals. You will increase your knowledge about marine biology and be able to build a connection between your students and the oceans while covering topics core to elementary education. This course combines interactive activities, stories, literacy and math teaching with learning about sea creatures. Participants will receive an electronic version of Elly Jelly Looks at Marine Animals student book and teacher’s guide “Elly Jelly’s Surprise”.
Cost: $75
Summer Sessions 2009
June 13- July 18, 2009
Conservation Biology (4 week online course; 2 credits, $200)
July 11- August 22, 2009
Habitat Ecology (6 week online course; 3 credits, $300)
Predators: Biology and Conservation (6 week online course; 3 credits, $300)
Visit the learning environment at http://learning.wcs.org/home/instructorIndex.html