Courses and Workshops
We offer several professional development opportunities for teachers, ranging from
1-2 hour workshops in districts to intensive two week courses for graduate credit.
All of these are taught by teams of scientists and classroom teachers.
Two-Week Summer Courses 2009
To apply for any of the summer courses listed below, fill out an electronic application
(www.teachercourses.umn.edu)
or contact Lis Young-Isebrand. All participants
must apply for admission to the course. Applications received by April 15, 2009
will be given priority consideration.
Schoolyard Ecology Explorations for Middle
and High School Teachers
Target grades: 6-12
Learn how to investigate the ecology found right outside your classroom door using
field techniques!
Did
you know your schoolyard is an excellent place for scientific research? Take two
weeks this summer to train your eye to view your schoolyard as a resource for student
scientific investigation. Expert classroom teachers and U of M scientists will teach
field techniques for studying plants and animals, using data collection and observation
protocols that are appropriate for any schoolyard site. Teachers will deepen their
understanding of ecological research during two days at the Cedar Creek Natural
History Area, meeting with ecologists and touring their research sites. The inquiry
focus of the course is woven into the study of ecological sustainability, with field
and classroom study of the relationship between biodiversity and long-term ecosystem
health. You'll learn from teachers who use their schoolyards and gardens as student
research sites, and Master Gardeners will help you develop or enhance a schoolyard
garden. Teachers will collaborate in grade specific groups to integrate course experiences
into their curriculum and address Minnesota standards.
“This really is the most valuable education class I have ever taken!”
“I feel like my ‘tool kit’ (for conducting outdoor science inquiry)
has grown 10 fold!”
- 2008 participant quotes
Course dates: July 6-10 and July 27-31
Instructors: Dr. Robert Blair (U of M), Lis Young-Isebrand (U of
M), Cindy Petersen (St. Hubert’s Middle School), J Mclelland (Maple Lake H.S.) and
Haley Kalina (Lakes Area Charter School).
All course fees, materials, lunches, per diem and 3 graduate credits are covered
by a grant from the MN Office of Higher Education.
Monarchs & More: Insect Ecology for
Elementary Teachers
Target grades: K-6
Gain confidence and expertise in scientific inquiry as you learn to observe, maintain
and collect insects appropriate for classroom and schoolyard study!
Elementary
school teachers are invited to participate in an intensive, fun and inquiry-based
study of insect ecology at the University of Minnesota. Learn basic ecological concepts,
develop skills in scientific inquiry and prepare to translate these skills to the
classroom as you develop new ideas to meet the requirements of standards based education.
You'll learn from expert classroom teachers as you participate in hands-on study
of insects, developing experience with the process of scientific inquiry as you
conduct investigations that are applicable to your own and your students' scientific
learning. Throughout the course, interdisciplinary connects and fun collegiality
are emphasized. This course has a stronger emphasis on direct and interdisciplinary
classroom applications for elementary teachers than the Insect Field Ecology course.
“I am at such a different place in my knowledge and confidence level (with
science) than at the beginning of this course! Thank you for helping me gain that!”
“I can hardly wait to get back to school to share monarchs and insects with
my class!”
- 2008 participant quotes
Course dates: July 6-10 and July 27-31
Instructors: Lead Instructor: Dr. Michele Koomen (Gustavus Adolphus
College), Dr. Karen Oberhauser (U of M), Laura Molenaar (New London-Spicer Elementary),
Mary Hedenstrom (Garlough Environmental Magnet School) and Ann Hobbie (Groveland
Park Elementary).
All course fees, materials, lunches, per diem, a stipend and 3 graduate credits
will be covered for Minnesota teachers by a grant from the MN Office of Higher Education
Improving Teacher Quality Program.
District Workshops and Residencies
Monarchs in the Classroom conducts on-site workshops
for 10 or more teachers. These workshops range in length from 1.5 to 7 hours, and
cost approximately $100 per hour plus travel. They cover basic monarch rearing techniques
and successful classroom lessons.
For information on organizing a workshop in your district, contact
Karen Oberhauser.
Minnesota Master Naturalist Program
The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program provides an exciting new opportunity for
adults who are curious and enjoy learning about the natural world. If you enjoy
hiking, bird watching, following tracks or identifying wildflowers, you’ll
love being a Master Naturalist. Anyone can participate: teachers, retired professionals,
nature guides, hunters, ecotour operators, farmers, and … You!
As a Master Naturalist, you'll join a statewide network of trained volunteers in
environmental education, interpretation and service; support conservation education
efforts throughout Minnesota; and increase Minnesotan’s understanding and
appreciation of the natural world. The program will offer three different courses,
locally taught, that correspond to Minnesota's three major ecosystem areas (focusing
on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) – the Big Woods and Big Rivers,
the Northwoods and Great Lakes, and the Prairies and Potholes. Master Naturalists
complete 40-hour hands-on courses with expert instructors, studying natural history,
environmental interpretation and conservation stewardship. There is a volunteer
requirement for continued Master Naturalist status, and a wide variety of advanced
training and networking opportunities. The program is a collaborative partnership
between the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources, and is funded by the National Science Foundation.
For more information about the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program, see
www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org.