Summer Teacher Programs

Teacher Workshop Credit Options

The Saint Louis Zoo is pleased to announce that graduate credit options are available through four local universities for summer teacher workshops. Participants can register for the workshop by paying the Zoo lab fee. Participants can enroll for graduate credit from Lindenwood University, Maryville University, University of Missouri-St. Louis or Webster University by paying the associated tuition fee (reduced). Please contact Jim Jordan at (314) 646-4561 to receive more details about credit options.

This summer, teacher workshops are available for one or two credit hours, depending on workshop duration and out-of-class requirements. We hope you find workshops that meet your professional development needs and that you can participate in more than one.

Click here to register online for summer teacher programs or print and complete a Household Registration form from link at right. Please see exceptions listed below.

Herpetology Connections for the Classroom

For Teachers of grades 6th - 12th

Join us at the Saint Louis Zoo to discover interesting and exciting ways to incorporate the study of reptiles and amphibians into your classroom curriculum. This two-day program will include classroom activities and a field component. At the Zoo, using live animals, animal artifacts, and a unique behind-the-scenes trip to the Charlie Hoessle Herpertarium, we will investigate snakes, lizards, turtles, crocs and alligators, salamander, frogs, toads and maybe even newts. In the field, led by Education and Herpetarium staff members, we will explore common research techniques and conservation practices. During this program you will also receive information about citizen-science projects, including Frog Watch, in which your students can collect and contribute real scientific data to the study of these amazing animals.

Workshop Highlights:

• Hands-on field experiences led by herpetarium and education department staff.
• Lesson plans and hands-on activities for use in the classroom.
• Activities presented that illustrate amphibian and reptile adaptations and current conservation practices for use in the classroom.
• Background information and resources for citizen science projects to make the classroom connections.

Limited to 12 participants.
Instructors: Michael Dawson, Naturalist/Instructor, Mark Wanner, Zoological Manager of Aquatics & Reptiles, Ryan Turnquist, Herpetarium Keeper.
Fee: $80 Zoo lab fee; one-hour graduate credit offered through various universities (see credit option description above).

Code	Date	Day	Time
T607HC	June 7 - 8	M & Tu	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.	CLOSED

Inquiry: What Is It and How Do I Do It In My Classroom?

For Teachers of grades K-12

In this week-long institute, you will increase your understanding and use of inquiry-based learning. You will compare different approaches to hands-on science and determine the best times to use each in your classroom. In addition to learning the elements of inquiry, participants will also learn how to modify their own curricular materials to inquiry-based formats. Priority will be given to teams of 2 or more teachers from the same school.

Limited to 25 participants.
Instructors: Tracie Cain, Manager of School Services, Sharon Anibal, Education Instructor, Melissa Poth, Supervisor, School Programs, Missouri Botanical Garden; Betsy King, Senior Educator, Saint Louis Science Center; Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator, Saint Louis Zoo.
Fee: $200, Includes materials and lunch each day

Date	Day	Time
June 7-11	M-F	9 a.m. - 4 p.m.	CLOSED

For registration information, call the Missouri Bontanical Garden at (314) 577-5185.

Animal Adaptations and Behavior

For Teachers of grades 2nd - 8th

This workshop introduces you to a myriad of ways animals survive and thrive in many different habitats. You will investigate both behavioral and physical adaptations through live animals and biofacts. Investigations, simulations, activities, discussions, and Zoo tours will provide content knowledge as well as hands-on, learner-centered ways to bring the amazing animal world to life for your students. You will receive lesson plans of activities you can implement in the classroom. This workshop will be presented in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Workshop Highlights:

• Background information provided in a real world learning context.
• Activities presented that illustrate animal adaptations for use in your classroom.

Content related to Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:
Grades K - 4: VIIA2, VIIB3, VIIC2, VIID2, VIIE1& 2, VIIIA1, 4, 5 & 6, VIIIB2
Grades 5 - 8: VIIA3, VIIC2, VIIE1, 2, & 3, VIIIA4, VIIIB1 & 2

Limited to 20 participants.
Instructors: Jim Jordan, Curator of Education, and Jamila Harris, Education Consultant, Missouri Department of Conservation
Fee: $50 Zoo lab fee; one-hour graduate credit offered through various universities (see credit option description above).

Code	Date	Day	Time
T608AD	June 8 & June 9 & June 9 & June 10	Tu W W Th	8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon	CLOSED

Interdisciplinary Topics: Connecting the Zoo to You

For Teachers of grades K - 6th

The Saint Louis Zoo is a great place to enhance your science curriculum, but what about other subject areas? This workshop will provide background information about the Zoo with ideas and materials you can use in various subject areas while on field trip to the Zoo or in your own classroom. Elements will include: "Wild about Reading" science literacy concepts, Animal Math, Animal Artistry and Zoo Architecture, map making/sense of place, and exhibit design.

Workshop Highlights:

• Background information and examples on a variety of topics including literacy, Zoo history, mathematics, geography and conservation.
• Lesson plans and hands-on activities for immediate application in the classroom.
• Materials and strategies for the implementation of inquiry-based projects at the Zoo.
• Zoo tours and presentations by Zoo staff.
• This program was designed compliance with all applicable GLEs.

Limited to 20 participants.
Instructors: Jim Jordan, Curator of Education and Sharon Kassing, Teacher Program Coordinator
Fee: $130 Zoo lab fee; two-hours graduate credit offered through various universities (see credit option description above).

Code	Date	Day	Time
T614IN	June 14 - 17	M - Th	8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.	CLOSED

Assessing for Learning Institute

For Teachers of grades K - 12th

Using the model of the Exploratorium's Assessing for Learning Institute, participants will examine methods for assessing student learning when using inquiry-based teaching approaches. The formative assessment cycle will be introduced and explored as a process to document student's thinking and determine the next steps in teaching. Priority will be given to teams of 2 or more from the same school.

Limited to 25 participants.
Instructors: Tracie Cain, Manager of School Services, Sharon Anibal, Education Instructor, Missouri Botanical Garden; Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator, Saint Louis Zoo.
Fee: $130, includes materials and lunch each day

Date	Day	Time
June 28-30	M-W	9 a.m.- 4 p.m.	CLOSED

For registration information, call the Missouri Botanical Garden at (314) 577- 5185.

In the Garden of Eden: The Plant - Pollinator Connection

For Middle and High School Teachers

This workshop will provide an in-depth look at plant/animal interactions in the pollination process. The co-evolution of plants and their animal pollinators, as well as the ecological services provided, tell fascinating stories of some of the intricacies found in nature. You will participate in field studies, conduct pollinator surveys, and examine plant/pollinator interactions of native vs. introduced plants-all of which can be used with your students.

Workshop Highlights:

• Background information provided in a hands-on context.
• Lesson plans and resources for use in the classroom.
• Honey Bee case studies and an in-depth look at native pollinators.
• Plant adaptations and mechanisms that enhance reproduction through pollination.
• Information about Citizen Science opportunities for students to carry out field censuses and investigations that contribute to scientific understanding of native pollinators and associated plants.
• Conservation issues and initiatives related to the pollinator crisis.

Content related to Missouri Science Grade Level Expectations:
Grades 5 - 8: III1D, III3A, IV1B & D, VII1A & B, VIII3B

Content related to Missouri Biology Course Level Expectations:
IV1A,B,C,D; IV3B,C; VII1A,B; VIII3B

Limited to 20 participants.
Instructors: Jim Jordan, Curator of Education and Ed Spevak, Curator of Invertebrates; Retha Edens-Meier, Saint Louis University Science Education and Research Associate at Missouri Botanical Garden.
Fee: $70 Zoo lab fee; one-hour graduate credit offered through various universities (see credit option description above).

Code	Date	Day	Time
T708GE	July 8 -9	Th - F	8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.	CLOSED