Habitat Ecology for Educators
Habitat Ecology for Educators is a creative way to integrate multiple subjects and research-based pedagogical strategies to teach science! The learning experiences in this course, which align with NYS Elementary Science Standards and Common Core Learning Standards, will help teachers strengthen their content knowledge of animal habitats, evolution, biology, and ecology. Teachers will also develop pedagogical skills like utilizing inquiry-based learning, teaching for conceptual change, and designing with a culturally responsive lens to enhance students’ understanding of life science. In addition, teachers will develop specific strategies to highlight the impact that human activities can have on wildlife and wild places in a way that inspires students to take conservation action. Finally, teachers will learn how to utilize the exhibit spaces at the zoo to support authentic learning. Each teacher will receive access to WCS Curriculum and supplemental resources to help encourage students to explore the richness of ecology– both in the classroom and in a local park, nature center, or zoo.
Location: Bronx Zoo
- Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside every day, as well as climbing a flight a stairs. All zoo paths are wheelchair accessible, but the classroom is not, see our webpage for more accessibility information. If you have any concerns or require accommodations, please contact your instructor.
Dates: July 22 - July 27, 2024
Times: 8:00am-4:30pm daily
Price: $250
Course is eligible for: 45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credit
Registration Closed
All in-person courses will follow current NYC COVID safety guidelines and mandates. For more information see the Bronx 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
Chris MacKay (he/him)
Christopher MacKay is a Coordinator of Professional Development at the WCS. Chris first joined WCS in 2004 as a member of the Bronx Zoo Education Dept and has been working in informal science education ever since! He has a BS in Environmental Forest Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and an MS in Secondary Science Education from CUNY Queens College. Chris is always excited to share with teachers how they can utilize zoos and aquariums as a resource to make learning come alive for their students!