Natural Inquirer: Using Nature to Promote Inquiry
Research shows that increasing inquiry-based science instruction in the classroom has positive impacts on student achievement. During this interactive workshop you will learn about the different types of inquiry activities, experience models of using scientific inquiry to explore the natural world and build your confidence and skill in restructuring some of your elementary classroom lessons to be more inquiry-based and student-centered. You'll discover how different scientific inquiry methods address diverse student learning styles and multiple intelligences to differentiate and create culturally relevant, inclusive experiences for your students. And rest assured - becoming a natural inquirer is fun! You'll leave the course enthusiastic and empowered to engage students in learning and grow their sense of discovery.
Location: Queens Zoo
Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside. All paths are wheelchair accessible, see our webpage for Queens Zoo Accessibility. If you have any concerns, please contact your instructor.
Dates: Sunday March 2; Sunday March 9; Sunday March 16; Sunday March 23, Sunday April 6; Sunday April 27Times: 8:00 am - 4:30pm per session
Price: $250
Course is eligible for: 45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credits
All in-person courses will follow current NYC COVID safety guidelines and mandates. For more information see the Queens Zoo Know Before You Go page.
For more information about Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136
Meet Your Instructor
Nuno Peixoto (he/his)
Nuno is a Professional Development Coordinator whose love for wildlife, conversation, and education is present in all that he does here at WCS. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Childhood Education with a concentration in Biology, and his Master of Science in Teaching, Literacy. He has over 5 years of teaching experience at the elementary level, and he hopes to use these past experiences to partner with educators to expand their knowledge of the natural world and pedagogy. His goal is to foster a community of educators who will make meaningful changes in their classrooms and communities to help not only their students succeed, but also to inspire them to appreciate and care for animals and nature.