The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will be offering several teacher training workshops in March and April. For additional information, please contact Cornelia Harris via e-mail or call (845) 677-7600 x321.

Hudson River Food Webs and Invasion
Date: March 12, 2009
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers, NY
What has the zebra mussel done to the Hudson River's food web? Learn how to teach a common topic using a local context, engaging visuals, and online resources. We will extend the food web idea to help students think about dynamic changes to food webs over time in response to an invasive species. Practical lesson plans will be shared! This workshop is for middle and high school teachers. Space is limited. Register by contacting Barbara by phone (845) 677-7600 x101 or email. Professional development certificates available upon request.

Invasive Species: Quietly Taking Over Our Ecosystems
Date: March 19, 2009
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Model Schools Computer Lab Dutchess-Boces Beta
Cost: $5.00
Course #: MST-0809023
What do 115 different freshwater creatures have in common? They don't belong here! Learn about the most destructive invasive species in the Hudson River, and ways to replicate their effects in the classroom. Teachers will use local data on water chestnut and zebra mussels to explore how they have changed the ecosystems. This workshop is for middle and high school teachers. To register, go to www.mhtc.dcboces.org and click on "Online Registration." Registration deadline: March 12.

Water Quality: Then and Now
Date: March 25, 2009
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Saugerties High School
Cost: $5.00
Course #: MST-0809024
Learn how the quality of the water in the Hudson has changed over the last forty years, as well as what's taking place now. Teachers will learn how to use the HRECOS (Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System) website to integrate real-time data from the Hudson into their classrooms. Teachers will receive lesson materials for use in science and math classes. They will also learn how to use historical data to investigate long-term pollution changes. This workshop is for middle and high school teachers. To register, go to www.mhtc.dcboces.org and click on "Online Registration." Registration deadline: March 18.

Hudson River Science Workshop for K-12 Teachers
Date: April 18, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center
Join us for a one-day workshop focusing on Hudson River Ecology. Teachers will have the opportunity to interact with a scientist from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, seine in the river, test water quality, and gain resources for teaching students in a variety of grade levels. Sponsored by the Hudson River Research Reserve, Hudson River Estuary Program, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Six hours of professional development credit hours available. Space is limited, so register soon! To register for this workshop, please contact Cornelia Harris, (845) 677-7600 x321 or Kim Notin, (845) 677-7600 x303.

Interested in additional teaching tools? Visit our Resources for Educators page.