The Cary Institute is offering professional development for teachers who are interested in learning about local biodiversity, ecosystem ecology, and current ecological research methods that can be used in the classroom and schoolyard.

By learning more about our local ecosystems, as well as how humans impact ecosystems near and far, you and your students can learn how to use science to make a difference. During the Institute, teachers will spend time working with Cary Institute scientists, learn how to integrate schoolyard ecology into their classrooms, and learn about current scientific concepts and effective ecology teaching techniques from Cary Institute educators and scientists.

Here are a few FAQs about our Summer Institutes:

As an Elementary School teacher, what should I expect from this Institute?
Each day, we will schedule lectures and workshops with scientists for all teachers. This will be an opportunity to strengthen your own knowledge about ecosystems. In addition, each day will provide opportunities to interact with our educators that specialize in infusing ecology into K-5 classrooms, getting hands-on experience with a myriad of lessons that focus on connecting children to the ecosystems they depend upon for drinking water, energy, food, waste removal. In addition, teachers will gain skills on how to collect data about the local plants, animals and microbes.

As a Middle School or High School teacher, what should I expect from this Institute?
During the Institute, we will hear from scientists who are leaders in the field of ecology.  Breakout sessions will allow you to get more in-depth information from our scientists about certain topics, or learn how to apply that information in the classroom.  We are striving to provide enough choices so that teachers with different levels of expertise can select the topics and workshops most appropriate to them.  Data analysis skills will also be a part of the upper level workshop, so that teachers can become comfortable using real data in their classrooms.  

Two Fellowships are available for middle and high school teachers interested in a more intensive professional development experience.  Selected teachers will attend the institute free of charge and will receive a stipend for their participation. 

• Tidal Marsh Research Project:  Middle and high school teachers who are interested in learning more about the benefit of  tidal marshes to remove nutrient pollution will join aquatic ecologist Dr. Stuart Findlay in a field study. Marsh Fellowship teachers attend the five-day Summer Institute, and spend an additional research day on the Hudson River.  We also will meet 2-3 times during the school year to analyze the collected data and plan for ways to integrate the information into the classroom.  Each teacher is required to submit a lesson plan upon completion of the Fellowship.  Each Fellow receives a stipend for attending the professional development sessions, travel support, and some meals. 
  
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• Environmental Science Literacy Fellowships: Middle and high school teachers who would like to participate in a year-long education research project to develop environmental literacy learning progressions are encouraged to apply to this Fellowship.  Funded by a Math-Science Partnership grant from NSF, this is a multi-site, multi-year project designed to understand how students learn about key environmental concepts, including water, carbon, and biodiversity.  By participating in this project, you commit to this year-long project, which includes a daily stipend during the summer and school-year professional development sessions, travel support, funds for supplies, and some meals.
  
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I already attended an Institute at Cary, what would I gain by returning?
While our core pedagogies of inquiry-based, outdoor, science education do not change, each Institute is focused on different themes. In the past, we have focused on Hudson River Ecology, Water Cycles, Food Webs and Ecological Evidence. This year, our focus will be on Biodiversity and schools’ use of Natural Resources. This new theme will involve scientists that haven’t previously presented at Institutes, as well as new lessons that we have been developing.

Where will the Institute take place?
The Summer Institute will take place mainly at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, with field trips to the Hudson River and local streams, ponds, and wetlands.  Affordable accommodations are available; contact us for more information. 

Will I get PD credit?
You can obtain 35 hours of professional development credits.

How much does it cost?
There is no tuition, and only a modest materials fee of $50 ($40 for Early Birds), which includes coffee and snacks, handouts, and some manipulatives.

How do I register?
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2010
If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for 2010, please contact Cornelia Harris at (845) 677-7600 x321 or harrisc@caryinstitute.org

 

I still have some questions. Who should I contact?
Elementary teachers: Kim Notin at (845) 677-7600 x303 or notink@caryinstitute.org. 
Middle and high school teachers: Cornelia Harris at (845) 677-7600 x321 or harrisc@caryinstitute.org . 

View a PDF with photos and details about last years’ summer institutes.

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