Applied Science: Studying Marine Ecology at the Shore
Get outside, get dirty, do hands-on practical science with the New York Aquarium. This course, designed for 5th-9th grade teachers, will cover techniques in field studies, animal collecting, ecological monitoring and water chemistry while giving participants an introduction to marine ecology. A diversified teaching approach will reinforce and extend both science process and content skills, and will connect to the New York State Science Learning Standards, and heavily feature the NGSS Science and Engineering practices. Multi-faceted teaching approaches will utilize group investigations, audio-visual presentations, journaling, and interactive learning strategies. Field trips to Coney Island beach and a local marsh will immerse participants in both the ecological importance of salt marshes and sandy shore habitats, as well as prepare teachers to take students on these outings. Teachers will sharpen inquiry skills with science investigation design and reflect in journals on the pedagogical applications of the course content to their curriculums. Each participant will also receive supplemental instructional resources.
Location: New York Aquarium
Dates: Monday, July 28 - Saturday, August 2
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 mental 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!