2012 AIP/Graduate Courses

If you are interested in taking any of these classes without enrolling in the AIP Master's program, you can still register and earn graduate credit through Miami University. Open registration for spring semester courses begins December 5, 2011. Registration for summer semester courses begins May 5, 2012.

Foundations of Inquiry (June 18–22, 2012)

Discover the world around you by making observations, asking questions and putting your predictions to the test. This class explores the use of inquiry and inquiry based learning. Participants will not only learn the art of creating comparative questions and designing simple tests to find answers, but will learn how to apply these skills for use in their classrooms or communities to create change and become local leaders. This class is composed of 5 days spent at the Zoo as well as continued online coursework through a web-based community.

Required as first course in AIP
3 credit hours
Summer; 5 day class with continued coursework online
Cost: $775 total (Includes 3 credits through Miami University, Technology fees and Zoo facilities fee)

Course Themes:

• Conduct a simple inquiry in small groups to review the importance of observation
• Assess audiences before beginning an inquiry as step one in the inquiry cycle
• Conduct an inquiry that focuses on critical thinking skills and how an instructor's language promotes critical thinking
• Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in science, math, literacy, and the arts
• Facilitate the steps of the inquiry process in their classroom or community, leading to the final step: forming new questions for investigation

Register for Foundations of Inquiry
(registration available May 5, 2012)

Zoo Expeditions: Primate Behavior and Conservation (June 25–29, 2012)

Participants investigate conservation and behavior through direct observation of primates at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Opportunities for comparative study range from exploring social structure to communication or exhibit design. This course will provide a foundation for understanding research methods and conservation issues. We will also examine how course topics can be applied and adapted to teaching in local educational settings.

3 credit hours
Fall Semester: This course will meet for 5 days during the summer and continued coursework will continue throughout the summer via web-based community
Cost: $775 total (Includes 3 credits through Miami University, technology fees and Zoo facilities fee)

Course Themes:

• Classification of natural history of primates
• Primate conservation
• Design and methods of behavioral studies
• Curricular development and educational leadership
• Inquiry-based learning

Register for Zoo Expeditions: Primate Behavior and Conservation
(registration available May 5, 2012)

Master Plan in Action (July 30–August 2, 2012)

In this course, participants will perform a large body of work towards their Master Plan. Although the course is self-directed, students will meet four times for morning peer review sessions to discuss their progress and offer advice and assistance with each other’s design and data analysis.

3 credit hours
Fall semester: this class will meet 4 days during the summer and will have continued course work throughout the fall semester. Participants complete projects via web based learning.
Cost: $775 total (Includes 3 credits through Miami University, technology fees and Zoo facilities fee)

Course Themes:

• Develop a timeline for completion of the Master Plan, including inquiry projects, Leadership Challenges and e-Portfolio.
• Begin developing a cohesive body of work for inclusion in e-Portfolio, potentially design and implement side projects to enhance the overall quality of their Master Plan project(s).
• Apply an understanding of experimental design and data analysis
• Critical peer review
• Critical examination of research methodologies from published studies

Register for Master Plan in Action
(registration available May 5, 2012)

Environmental Stewardship in Northeast Ohio (August 6–10, 2012)

Learn about sustainable practices from area leaders in the field. Travel to local sites as we explore the latest developments in sustainability. Participants will investigate conservation opportunities and solutions in their local communities, practice inquiry-based learning, develop a conservation project to be used in their classroom or community, and reflect on their own ecological footprints. This class is composed of 5 days spent at the Zoo as well as continued online coursework through a web-based community.

3 credit hours
Fall semester; 5 day summer class with continued coursework online throughout the fall
Cost: $775 total (Includes 3 credits through Miami University, Technology fees and Zoo facilities fee)

Course Themes:

• Investigate local and global conservation issues to understand causes and impacts; analyze solutions to these issues
• Strategies for engaging students or community members in conservation action of local organizations
• Explore principles of sustainability
• Investigate conservation practices and programs conducted by Northeast Ohio organizations

Register for Environmental Stewardship in Northeast Ohio
(registration available May 5, 2012)

Problems in Zoology: Global Connections (February 4–5, 2012)

Students will participate in a web-based book discussion focusing on one of the following:

• Assigned book (conservation or inquiry themed)
  
• Collection of published research articles featuring work done at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or one of its supported organizations

1 credit hour
Spring semester: this course will be fully web-based

• Course Themes:Explore relevant and current research and conservation issues
• Background on topics and issues
• Explore and experience the roles of zoos in conservation

Register for Book Discussion
(registration available December 5, 2011)