Register by Wednesday, June 19

Biodiversity Bonanza!

Agenda_2019K-12PartnershipSummerInstitute_FINAL

Who: K-12 teachers and informal educators

When: Tuesday-Thursday, June 25-27, 2019 8am – 4pm

Where: Auditorium, Kellogg Biological Station, 3700 East Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners, MI 49060

Compensation: $75/teacher/day, upto $225

SCECHs: 6 per day, up to 18

The 2019 KBS Summer Institute has an exciting lineup, with sessions devoted to exploring the biodiversity around us! For our Field Day (June 27), choose between ‘BioBlitz – A schoolyard species inventory event’ or ‘Vernal Pools Monitoring Workshop’!  Both workshops are led by amazing scientist educators and would be great project-based additions to curriculum.

We are also excited to bring three plenary speakers from Michigan State University:

• Dr. Will Wetzel will talk about plant-insect interactions featuring his research as a Professor of Entomology;
• Dr. Mariah Meek, a Professor of Integrative Biology, will talk about using genomics to aid in conservation of fish populations; and
• Dr. Rebecca Jordan from the Department of Community Sustainability will talk about citizen science!

The workshop will also feature lessons developed by scientists at a variety of career stages, with session topics that range from educational methods to the biodiversity of seeds, insects, macroinvertebrates, and DNA. There will be something for everyone at this exciting summer workshop!

Field Day, Thursday, June 27 options:

BioBlitz – A schoolyard species inventory event                              Grade levels: K-12

Organizer: Gabrielle Likavec, Michigan Geographic Alliance Director, Central Michigan University

Using the free lessons developed by the Michigan Geographic Alliance, we’ll start by participating in some structured BioBlitz activities (inc. plot/grid observations, scavenger hunts, etc.). For the afternoon we’ll head outside to do some Blitzing! We’ll do a broad survey of many different groups of organisms, practicing survey techniques and using identification tools such as apps and field guides. We will conclude the experience with a wrap up of species observed (iNaturalist) and creating plans for bringing the experience to students. At the end of the day participants will also have taken the first step in the journey towards becoming National Geographic Certified Educators.

Vernal Pool Monitoring Workshop

Grade levels: Middle/High School

Organizer: Daria Hyde and Yu Man Lee, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University

Our vernal pools workshop will start in the classroom where educators from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory will give what, when, where, why of vernal pools—what are they, when and where do they occur, and why should we care about them? They will also tell us how we can find them and what critters we can expect to find in them! In the afternoon we will head out to a vernal pool to put our knowledge in action! We will sample the pool to look for macroinvertebrates present (including indicator species like fairy shrimp!), and learn how we can participate in vernal pool monitoring. By the end of the day you will have all the tools you need to feel confident teaching about vernal pools yourself!

Thank you to Fellows, Meredith Zettlemoyer and Ava Garrison for planning and coordinating!

Learn more about the K-12 Partnership.

Lodging?  It’s free!

Please send lodging requests (with check in and out dates, times, roommate name) to Kara Haas.  Our grant will cover lodging costs for registered participants.  We have use of the Orchard Dorms: Overlooking the KBS grounds these suites have two twin beds on each side, dorm refrigerators, study desks, and wireless Internet connectivity. Bathrooms are shared between two rooms (4 beds / 1 bathroom per suite) with separate vanity areas that include a sink and counter space.  No air conditioning.

Send questions to Kara Haas, KBS Science Education and Outreach Coordinator