Marine Animals
Join us for this CTLE and P-Credit course for Preschool through Elementary teachers as we explore the New York Aquarium and get up close and personal with some of the amazing marine animals that live there. Participants will blend science and ELA as we explore both large and small creatures of the sea, their adaptations, habitats, survival needs, and interactions. We will discuss the ways humans are impacting these animals and what we can do about it. We will also reflect on how our identities and assumptions shape both education and conservation alike, and the ways we can challenge assumptions to help wildlife and create a more affirming learning environment for students. Explore the exhibits at the aquarium to discover ways to use these exhibits with students as well as engaging activities to bring back to the classroom. Work collaboratively with peers and create an assessment to be used in your own classroom as you explore how marine animals can help you meet the NY State learning standards for science and ELA. 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: New York Aquarium
Dates: Monday, July 13 - Saturday, July 18
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 NY Aquarium Accessibility. If you have any concerns, please contact your instructor. For more information see the NY Aquarium'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
Becky Higgins (she/her)
Becky is the Manager of Professional Development (Teacher Education) at WCS. She is passionate about working with educators and creating equitable access to conservation and climate education for all. As a former science educator, curriculum specialist, and professional learning manager, Becky has remained fully committed sharing climate change education, conservation, and environmental advocacy and leadership opportunities for teachers, particularly urban science educators. Becky is especially passionate about ocean conservation and has conducted research on white shark migration and on pilot whale communication. Becky received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University where she studied biology, marine science, and education and holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Becky continues to center her work on expanding conservation and advocacy work to amplifying opportunities for educators and their students!