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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 2008

To apply for any of the summer courses listed below, fill out an electronic application (www.teachercourses.umn.edu) or contact Karen Oberhauser. All participants must apply for admission to the course. Applications received by April 15, 2008 will be given priority consideration.

Schoolyard Ecology Explorations for Elementary Teachers

Target Grade Levels: 2-6

Learn schoolyard inquiry techniques and let nature be your students’ teacher!

Take two weeks this summer to train your eye to view your schoolyard as a resource for student investigations. Expert classroom teachers and U of M scientists will teach simple field techniques for studying the plants and animals in urban, suburban and rural schoolyards. Teachers will deepen their understanding of ecology and 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. Expert elementary teachers who use their schoolyards and gardens for student inquiry will lead participants in schoolyard field research. Master Gardeners will be available to help you develop or enhance a schoolyard garden. Teachers will collaborate in grade specific groups to integrate these experiences into their curriculum and to address standard requirements.

"Best class I’ve had in my education career!"
"The content and faculty are awesome!"
- 2006 participant quotes

Course dates and location:  July 7 - 11 and July 28 - August 1

Instructors: Dr. Robert Blair (U of M), Susan Barrott (U of M Scientist), Lis Young-Isebrand (High School teacher), and expert elementary teachers.

All course fees, materials, lunches, per diem and 3 graduate credits will be covered by grants from the MN Office of Higher Education Improving Teacher Quality Program, The Bush Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

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.

“Excellent Practical Class!”
“Absolutely, I would recommend this course; we leave with a huge amount of knowledge and resources!” 
- 2006 participant quotes

Course dates and location: July 7 - 11 and July 28 - August 1st

Instructors: Dr. Robert Blair (U of M) and De Cansler (Rochester Middle School Teacher) and expert teachers.

All course fees, materials, lunches, per diem and 3 graduate credits will be covered by grants from the MN Office of Higher Education Improving Teacher Quality Program, The Bush Foundation and the National Science Foundation.

Monarchs & More: Insect Ecology for Elementary Teachers

Target grades:  K-5

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.

Course dates and location: July 7-11 and July 28 - August 1

Instructors: Lead Instructor: Dr. Michele Koomen (Gustavus Adolphus College). Laura Molenaar, Terry Vick, Mary Hedenstrom, Jane Blumer (elementary teachers).

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.

Monarchs & More: Insect Field Ecology for Teachers

Target grades: K-8

Experience the process of scientific inquiry through hands-on research with insects!

Middle and Elementary school teachers are invited to participate in an intensive study of field ecology at the University of Minnesota and Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. During this two-week summer workshop taught by expert elementary and middle school teachers and U of M scientists, you?ll learn field techniques for studying insects, ways to collect data, and basic insect ecology. The course blends lab activities, research and lectures that will enhance your understanding of scientific inquiry and provide new ideas to meet the requirements of standards based education. We will spend three days during week one (July 8-10) at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Week two will focus on techniques for transmitting these new principles to students, as you engage in activities that will be directly transferable to the classroom. This course has a stronger emphasis on inquiry-based research than our Insect Field Ecology course for elementary teachers, but is appropriate for elementary teachers interested in this focus. It is designed for teachers who would like to enhance their own understanding of field ecology as they prepare to teach these concepts to their students; there is ample time for grade-level interactions.

Course dates and location: July 7 - 11 and July 28 - August 1

Instructors: Lead Instructor: Dr. Karen Oberhauser. Middle School and Elementary School teacher co-instructors: Cindy Petersen, Caroline Waskow and Jeannie Ness.

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. Check out more Research Opportunities.

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.

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