Integrating Nature and Science into Early Childhood Education
With time outdoors and in, this course takes a hands-on approach to support early childhood educators in weaving more science and nature into their classrooms and learning centers. We will break down research and best equitable practices for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved and marginalized, about engaging young children with the scientific process and the natural world. Teachers will be provided with knowledge, strategies, concrete examples, and collaborative workshopping to create practical, inclusive, and realizable plans for bringing nature and science to their preschool and early childhood students. The environment is in desperate need of assistance, kids spend most of their time indoors, and now more than ever, the role of early childhood educators to engage and excite young children about the natural world is critical for the future of our planet! Please note: While this course is designated with ASPDP for a specific grade band, educators of all grade levels are welcome to participate. For further questions, feel free to contact teacherinfo@wcs.org.
Location: Bronx Zoo
Dates: Monday, August 4 - Saturday, August 9
Times: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm per session
Price: $250
Course is eligible for: 45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credits
Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside. All paths are wheelchair accessible, see our webpage for Bronx Zoo Accessibility. The classroom for this program is located up a flight of stairs. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. For more information see the Bronx Zoo's Know Before You Go page.For more information about Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136.
Meet Your Instructor
Christine Boyer (she/her)
Retiring from the classroom only meant leaving her day job. Christine Boyer has cultivated a deep love for education and a passion for science so working for WCS is a natural next step. As an Adjunct Conservation Educator, Christine’s goal is to bring her years of classroom experience to a new level working with dynamic educators to bring the message of conservation, and the importance of our connections to the natural world to as many students as possible.