Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at The Beckman Center

Credit Validation for San Diego Zoo Beckman Center Participants Only

Our summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science expose teachers to new and creative ways to present science content to their students in the context of conserving endangered species, an inspiring topic for students of all ages.

This summer, workshops will take place at the San Diego Zoo's Beckman Center for Conservation Research in Escondido, California. The experience includes hands-on training in cutting-edge methods and techniques including DNA-based gender determination via polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis, radio telemetry and spatial ecology, biodiversity assessment and monitoring, and enzyme immuno assays. These experiences will provide knowledge and enthusiasm for science topics that will better translate to students back in the classroom.

The workshops help educators incorporate conservation science into content standards and challenge students to apply their textbook knowledge of biology and chemistry to issues in saving biodiversity. For example, as a model for teaching students about the role of hormones in regulating conditions in the body, participating workshop teachers explore the use of hormone assays and fecal samples from female southern white rhinos at the Safari Park to assess reproductive status. All elements of the workshops are aligned with the Next Generation Science standards and curriculum frameworks.

The goals of our teacher training initiatives are to: (1) provide replicable, relevant, standards-based conservation science activities for formal and informal education settings, (2) connect science educators to wildlife conservation through relevant laboratory and field-based experiences that share recent advances in conservation research, and (3) provide a forum for science educators to network and share ideas for weaving conservation themes into their school community and engaging students in conservation.