Applied Science: Studying Marine Ecology at the Shore

Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

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: NY Aquarium, with field work on Coney Island Beach and a day trip to a local marsh

  • Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside daily, including walking on sandy beaches and unpaved trails, as well as wading into knee deep water. See our webpage for NY Aquarium accessibility information. If you have any questions or concerns about the course, please contact the instructor.
Dates: July 18 - 23, 2022
Times: 8:00am-4:30pm daily
Price: $250
Course is eligible for: 45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credits


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 Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136

Meet Your Instructor

Chris MacKay

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!

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