Studying Animal Behavior with the Science Practices
What is “behavior,” how does it impact our lives and our teaching, and how do scientists study it?
In this course, for P-Credits and CTLE hours, participants will learn how animals can motivate and enhance student learning. Through this introduction to animal behavior, participants learn the basics of behavior, why it is important, and how it is studied, utilizing science skills and embarking on their very own animal behavior investigation! We will also explore how behavior is not always an objective topic and sensory perceptions and culture shape the meaning we make in the world, and how we can deal with that. Participants will hear the inside story of animals and some of the amazing examples of animal behavior, such as self-identity, mourning, sensory perceptions, and more. Participants will practice developing good investigable research questions, learn the implementation of techniques to observe animals, and will practice collecting and reporting relevant behavioral data. Additionally, participants will explore how to use and modify these skills for classes of varying ages – from elementary through to middle school, as well how to use and modify these skills to create an equitable learning environment for all students, including students from groups historically excluded from science.
Location: Queens Zoo
- Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside every day. All paths are wheelchair accessible, see our webpage for Queens Zoo accessibility information. If you have any concerns or require accommodations, please contact your instructor.
Dates: April 21 - April 26, 2024
Times: 8:00am-4:30pm daily
Price: $250
Course is eligible for: 45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credit
All in-person courses will follow current NYC COVID safety guidelines and mandates. For more information see the Queens Zoo's Know Before You Go page.
For more information about On-Site Professional Development, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136
Meet Your Instructor
Tara Chudoba (she/her)
Tara is a Manager of Professional Development and finds joy in partnering with educators in their personal journeys of learning and discovery. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology, with a focus on Animal Behavior and her Masters of Science in Teaching, Conservation Biology. Prior to joining WCS, she had many roles in informal science institutions from digital design and exhibit development to education programming, school partnerships, and managing research and development projects. She hopes to instill in others, a passion for wildlife and a practice of finding ways to promote positive change in our world.