Connecting Global Conservation Stories in your Classroom
Use real world science and conservation stories to engage your students with NY State science and engineering standards! Using WCS digital resources, you will explore how conservationists around the world engage in science, community, and redefining learning. This is a series of five workshops, book 1 or all 5, whatever you choose! Each workshop day will be hosted by a different WCS wildlife park to highlight the conservation connections we have in our own urban backyards. If you would like to attend multiple sessions, select one, add to cart, fill out your information, and then select "Back to Shopping" to add more sessions.
Thanks to generous grant funding, we are able to offer this series of programming free to teachers!
Please note that these courses includes 1-2 miles of walking outside. Most paths are wheelchair accessible, see our webpages, linked below, for more accessibility information. If you have any concerns, please contact your instructor.
All in-person courses will follow current NYC COVID safety guidelines and mandates. For more information see the Know Before You Go page for the WCS park where your course will take place.
Skills to Advocate for Conservation
Listening is just as important as speaking when it comes to genuine communication. In this day’s workshop, practice the skills involved in collecting evidence and building effective arguments to achieve shared goals.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 11, 2024; 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: New York Aquarium
Course is eligible for: 5 CTLE Hours
Intended Audience: Middle-High School Teachers, with extensions for Elementary School
Using Scientific Methods
While we might be very familiar with the classic linear scientific method, science and learning truly do not fit in one box. Through structured and unstructured exploration, we will explore how learning is iterative due to us always adapting with new information that leads to refining and asking new questions.
Date and Time: Sunday, June 23, 2024; 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Queens Zoo
Course is eligible for: 5 CTLE Hours
Intended Audience: Middle-High School Teachers, with extensions for Elementary School
All About Investigating
Discover how to build investigable questions, identify explorable angles, and evaluate the meaning behind results at Bronx Zoo!
Date and Time: Sunday, February 25, 2024; 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Bronx Zoo
Course is eligible for: 5 CTLE Hours
Intended Audience: Middle-High School Teachers, with extensions for Elementary School
Bronx Zoo Accessibility
Bronx Zoo Know Before You Go
Registration Closed
Numbers Talk
Join us on this day to see how mathematical and analytical skills allow for scientists to protect animals and preserve habitats in exciting ways!
Date and Time: Saturday, March 9, 2024; 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Queens Zoo
Course is eligible for: 5 CTLE Hours
Intended Audience: Middle-High School Teachers, with extensions for Elementary School
Queens Zoo Accessibility
Queens Zoo Know Before You Go
Registration Closed
Building Solutions Together
A big shift in current education pedagogy is to authentically seek out different perspectives. Many of today’s obstacles require out-of-the box thinking for sustainable solutions. During this workshop, you will explore successes and challenges that give rise to unique opportunities for collaboration.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 13, 2024; 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Central Park Zoo
Course is eligible for: 5 CTLE Hours
Intended Audience: Middle-High School Teachers, with extensions for Elementary School
Central Park Zoo Accessibility
Central Park Zoo Know Before You Go
Registration Closed
For more information about Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136
Meet Your Instructor
Shannen Rivadeneira (she/her)
A true innate lover of wildlife, Shannen Rivadeneira has dedicated her life to connecting with people from all over the world and inspiring conservation action. As a Professional Development Coordinator, Shannen seeks to build comfort and confidence in learning about the natural world. She holds a BS in Biological Sciences-Zoology from Florida State University and an MS in Conservation Biology from University of Central Florida. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England researching authentic cultural incorporation in community conservation programs.