Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at The Beckman Center

Course Available
4 Units
Escondido
Credit Validation

Course Description

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.

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 - 4.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for teachers enrolled in Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science offered through the San Diego Zoo Beckman Center. These workshops are designed for middle and high school life science teachers and open to all educators.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X713J – 016 08 Jul 202411 May 2025 4 $316

Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at The Beckman Center

08 Jul 202411 May 2025
4
$316
Credit Validation
In Person Online
View Details

EDC-X713J – 016 – Summer Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at The Beckman Center

Number of Sessions: 22

Type Date Time Location Instructors
Online 06 Aug 2024 to 11 May 2025
In Person Mon Jul 8, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Tue Jul 9, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Wed Jul 10, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Thu Jul 11, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Fri Jul 12, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Mon Jul 15, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Tue Jul 16, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Thu Jul 18, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Fri Jul 19, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Mon Jul 22, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Tue Jul 23, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Wed Jul 24, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Thu Jul 25, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Fri Jul 26, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Mon Jul 29, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Tue Jul 30, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Wed Jul 31, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Thu Aug 1, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Fri Aug 2, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido
In Person Mon Aug 5, 2024 8:00AM – 3:00PM Escondido, Escondido

Workshop Location:  Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, Escondido, California

Sponsoring Agency:  San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Course Format:  Material presented via lecture, group discussion, lab and field activities, and mixed media. Feedback is highly encouraged and incorporated through group discussions and pre- and post-evaluations.

Requirements: Attend workshop and complete online component.

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation courses after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: May 4, 2025 (11:59PM PST)

What You Will Learn

In order to unite internally and externally, with a laser focus on our cause, we will provide a forum for science educators to network and share ideas to weave conservation themes into their school community and engage students in conservation.  Participants will be able to:

  • Collaborate to build cross-curricular lessons to weave conservation themes into their classrooms
  • Engage with fellow Teacher Workshops alumni, and SDZWA staff and materials
  • Fight against extinction of animal and plant species by providing replicable, relevant, Next Generation Science Standards - aligned conservation science activities at sixth through twelfth-grade levels for informal and formal education settings
  • Incorporate modules into their curriculum
  • Engage students with inquiry-based learning
  • Ignite life-changing passion for animals and plants by connecting science educators to wildlife conservation through relevant laboratory and field-based experiences that share recent advances in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's conservation research
  • Inspire students by sharing first hand, emotional experiences to build connections to wildlife
  • Highlight the research and fieldwork done by SDZWA researchers
  • Motivate students to take action for wildlife conservation

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.