The Cary Institute is offering professional development for teachers who are interested in learning how to use the nature of science to investigate climate change, and the implications of changing ecosystems.  Through ecological research, lectures, field explorations, and discussions, we will explore how water systems and biodiversity are responding to our changing world.

 We will help you teach your students about the ecosystems we depend on, and how they can  make a difference. You will spend time working with Cary Institute scientists, learn how to integrate schoolyard ecology into your classroom, gain data analysis skills, and learn about current scientific concepts and effective ecology teaching techniques from Cary Institute educators and scientists.

Fellowships

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. 

• 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. (5 postions available)
  
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• Data Explorations in Ecology Project (DEEP) Fellowships: 

  High school teachers who are interested in a two-year project to understand how using local, real-time data in the classroom helps students become better environmental citizens should contact Cornelia Harris, harrisc@caryinstitute.org for more information.  This Fellowship includes professional development that will take place from August 15-19, 2011.   
  

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. We will adjust the daily opportunities based on the group’s interest and knowledge, and you will have time to work in small groups with other, like-minded professionals.  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. 

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.  

Five Fellowship positions 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. 

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, Biodiversity, and Ecological Evidence. This year, our focus will be on Understanding Climate Change. This 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 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.

Can I receive graduate credit? 
We are currently working with SUNY New Paltz to provide you with this option in summer 2011.  Check back soon for an update. 

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. There will be extra costs for graduate credit. 

How do I register?
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2011

I still have some questions. Who should I contact?
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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