Biodiversity Alliance Summer Science Institute

Butterflies and Wildflowers
June 23-27, 2008
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Spend National Pollinators Week with Biodiversity Alliance and experience the diversity of butterflies and wildflowers here in northeastern Ohio!

Biodiversity Alliance, a partnership including the Cleveland Botanical Garden, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Holden Arboretum, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Cleveland Zoological Society, is offering a week-long learning opportunity in June for K-8th grade teachers. Spend one full week participating in hands-on investigations focused on our native butterflies and wildflowers.

Join us as we explore our collections and the habitats of northeastern Ohio in the context of your curriculum. Each day we will meet with educators and conservation biologists for activities and to learn about the many resources available for the classroom. Teachers will create and take home lesson plans, background materials and network with enthusiastic colleagues.

• Cost: $105
• For K-8th grade teachers
• Credit: earn 1 or 2 graduate credits through CSU or JCU (an additional cost)
• No prior scientific knowledge necessary. Bring your curiosity!
• Registration: Call the Garden at (216) 721-1600 x100
• Dates & Times: June 23-27, 2008, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WILD about Math and Literacy

Have you ever calculated the weight of a bear? Or tried to predict what a monkey would do next? Have you ever told a story while surrounded by giraffes of the African Savanna? These adventures come alive as we explore Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in a new educator's workshop series: WILD about Math and Literacy, a course introducing new and exciting methods of teaching math and literacy to grades K-8.

This program is divided into two parts, one focusing on math and the other on reading and writing. Both parts are composed of four mini-segments, taking place in different areas of the Zoo and addressing Ohio Academic Content Standards. Join us for part or all of this exciting new series. If the hat you wear includes both of these disciplines, sign up for both entire programs and earn college credit!

Techniques and activities will be tailored to the grade levels taught by workshop participants and can be applied directly to the classroom. Topics meet Ohio Academic Content Standards.

Cost: $25 for a single Math or Literacy workshop, $100 for either all Math workshops or all Literacy workshops, or $150 for both Math and Literacy complete workshops

Class Limit: 25
Credit: Available only by taking both Math and Literacy entire programs
Affiliated university: John Carroll University
Additional cost to earn credit: $160 ($150 for credit + $10 application fee - payable to John Carroll University)
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Wild About Math If math is your specialty, take the WILD about Math track and explore: Geometry of the RainForest: Geometry and Spatial Sense Algebra in Africa: Algebra, Patterns and Functions Math and Monkeys: Data Analysis and Probability Bear Essentials of Measurement: Measurement Wild About Math will be offered in the Fall 2008 Semester. WILD About Literacy If literacy is your niche, zero in on WILD about Literacy and discover: Reading in the RainForest: Vocabulary and Reading Process Literacy in Africa: Communication and Literary Text Reading, Writing and Ring-Tailed Lemurs: Writing Process and Application Bear Essentials of Literacy: Reading Application and Informational Text Wild About Math and Literacy will be offered in the Fall 2008 Semester.

Critters in the Classroom

According to the National Science Teachers Association, having animals in the classroom setting can help students gain interest in the study of animal behavior, develop skills of observation and comparison, and develop a sense of stewardship and responsibility. Although this may be true, there are many things that must be considered before making such a commitment. During this course we will discuss the components of responsible animal care, including animal selection, proper husbandry, and classroom hygiene. Human-animal interaction information and lesson plans will be provided. Although the majority of the lesson plans will be science-based, this workshop is not limited to science teachers; classroom discussions will address integrating animals across the curriculum and for various grades.

Class Limit: 20
Credit: 1 hour non-degree
Affiliated universities: Ashland University, John Carroll University and Kent State University
Registration: $100 to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Dates & Times:

• Program is not offered this semester

Download a syllabus

Zoos and Endangered Species Conservation

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums' (AZA's) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. In this course, we will include specific information on SSPs and the challenges of managing a captive population. Specifically, participation will familiarize teachers with animal endangerment, animal husbandry, and the role of zoos in conservation. Students will take on the roll of a Species Survival Plan coordinator and work with a simple database and simulation to learn about population genetics, demography and statistics relating to the captive black rhinoceros population. This course will include techniques that can be applied to the classroom. Participants will receive "To Save a Species: Managing a Captive Population" curriculum and software. Topics meet Science Academic Content Standards.

Class Limit: 15
Credit: 1 hour non degree
Affiliated universities: Ashland University, John Carroll University and Kent State University
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Dates & Times:

• Program is not offered this semester

Download a syllabus

The Effect of Wildlife Trade on Biodiversity

Wildlife trade is commonly known as the import and export of wild plants, animals, and the products made from them. Wildlife trade can have a significant impact on biodiversity, especially when coupled with habitat loss, pollution, and other biodiversity threats. In this course we will include specific information on endangered species, biodiversity, wildlife trade in its various forms, current wildlife trade issues, and various activities that can be adapted to the classroom. Participants will be trained in and receive "Windows on the Wild, Wildlife for Sale: An Educator's Guide to Exploring Wildlife Trade." Participants completing the course will also have future opportunities to borrow Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's "Suitcase for Survival" which contains items that have been seized at ports of entry and at sites engaged in various illegal-trading activities. Topics meet Science Academic Content Standards.

Class Limit: 15
Credit: 1 hour non-degree
Affiliated universities: Ashland University, John Carroll University and Kent State University
Registration: $150 to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Dates & Times:

• This program not offered this semester

Download a syllabus