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Workshops 2013

Citizen Science Research for Teachers

This summer, partner with scientists from the University of Minnesota to learn about and participate in citizen science research. Citizen science is an exciting (and easy) way to involved students in field ecology that matters!

June 24-28 and July 8-11 with two Saturday meetings during the school year

For summer 2013 Monarchs in the Classroom will offer a 9 day course for licensed K12 MN teachers to focus on science inquiry teaching and STEM goals. We will utilize the available structure and local significance of citizen science to do authentic field science inquiry. Choose from citizen science programs such as the, Citizen Stream Monitoring Program, MN Odonata Survey Project, Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird and Feederwatch, MN Phenology Network and more. These programs provide a rigorous and established protocol that creates a scaffold from which to build a unique research project. Teachers of all grades will participate together in the citizen science project, but will work in grade level groups to adapt for specific grade level needs for work in the classroom. The focus will be on addressing the challenges of making rigorous science fun and rewarding for you and your students, while at the same time addressing key inquiry and MN state science standards. The citizen science groups will be lead by an expert UMN scientist in the field. The pace and content of this course will allow you to focus on cultivating your science confidence and expertise.

Summer Course Dates: June 24-28 and July 8-11, with two Saturday meetings during the school year. The school year meetings provide a way to continue the support of instructors and colleagues during implementation.

Location: University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus

Instructors: Karen Oberhauser, Rob Blair, Lis Young-Isebrand, Sarah Weaver, Don Alstad, Sami Nichols, Elaine Evans, Chris Buyarski from the University of Minnesota, and Kurt Mead and Ami Thompson from the MN Odonata Survey Project.

To Apply: Apply Online - Applications received by March 12th will receive full consideration. Applications received after March 12th will be considered if space is available. If you have any questions feel free to email Sarah Weaver.

Details: As in the past, we are able to offer you free of charge 3 graduate credits, all the equipment necessary for you to conduct your experiments, catered lunches, supportive curriculum and more. You will also receive a $300 stipend. Please note that if you are currently enrolled in a degree seeking program at the University of Minnesota you will have to pay approximately $100 - $200 in special fees.