Smithsonian Science Education Academy for Teachers

Biodiversity, July 19–24, 2009 (dates are tentative)
Washington, D.C.

Understanding issues of the nature and evolution of biodiversity is key to the survival of life on this planet. The Biodiversity Academy consists of a series of unique experiences designed to introduce teachers to the variety of earth’s living organisms and to enhance teacher understanding of concepts related to plant and animal biodiversity. Each day you will participate in hands-on content sessions on plant and animal diversity, and interact with scientists, curators, and museum educators during specially designed visits to museums, laboratories, and the National Zoo.

Location
Contact Time
Who Should Attend
Course Objectives
Course Fee
College Credits
Logistics
Registration

Course Location
The Smithsonian Institution: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.; National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center; Edgewater, Maryland

Contact Time
Approximately 36 hours

Who Should Attend
Life and earth science teachers (grades 6–12)

Course Objectives
By completing this course, you will:

• Develop your understanding of key concepts that relate to biodiversity;
• Improve your understanding and experience the nature of the work of scientists who study the diversity of life on our planet;
• Enjoy special access to the scientific and educational resources of the Smithsonian Institution’s collections and scientists;
• Experience and learn pedagogical techniques that facilitate a hands-on, inquiry approach in teaching; and
• Form rich connections through dialogue and shared experiences with a cadre of life scientists and educators from across the country.

Course Fee
$1,950, covers course design, hotel accommodations, breakfast and lunch daily, a Sunday evening reception and orientation, a special Thursday academy banquet, and all local travel (excluding transit to and from the airport or station). A discount of $500 is available if you choose not to stay in the academy hotel.

College Credits 
Three optional graduate-level credits are available from Virginia Commonwealth University for an additional cost of $300.

Logistics
Information on accomodations will be updated on the Academies overview page as it is finalized.

Information regarding travel, evening meals, and sightseeing will be posted on the academies Web site at http://www.scienceteachersacademies.si.edu.

Registration

Contact 
Juliet Crowell

NSRC Professional Development Center
901 D Street, SW, Suite 704B
Washington, DC 20024

To pay over the phone by credit card, please contact Juliet Crowell, PD Center Program Specialist, at 202.633.2968 or crowellj@si.edu.

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