Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Press ESC to close

Enriching Teachers’ Ecology Knowledge: Cary Institute’s Innovative Ecosystem Science Program

Expanding the field: Cary invites teachers to study ecology at the Institute

This summer marks the beginning of an innovative program at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, where nine dedicated math and science teachers will embark on a six-week, hands-on research journey in the realm of ecosystem science. This unique initiative does not end with the summer; participants will reconvene throughout the academic year to collaboratively design curricula informed by their summer research adventures.

Supported by a generous three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, this program aims to enrich teachers’ understanding of ecology. The ultimate objective is to craft educational experiences that are not only engaging but also illuminate the critical environmental challenges our planet currently faces. The intention is to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of ecological principles among students, priming them for future careers in STEM disciplines.

The Cary Institute is currently seeking applications from teachers eager to participate. There is a deliberate focus on inclusivity, with a particular emphasis on recruiting educators from underrepresented groups in STEM and those teaching in schools with significant minority populations. Interest has already been shown by teachers serving in four economically challenged school districts within the Hudson Valley, which cater to both urban and rural student bodies. Teachers nationwide are encouraged to apply, with assurances of coverage for travel and housing expenses. In addition, a stipend of $8,800 is provided to each participant.

Rebecca Van Tassell, leading the coordination efforts for the program, asserts that the initiative welcomes not just biology teachers but educators across all STEM disciplines, including mathematics, computer science, and chemistry. The complexity of today’s environmental challenges necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to devise innovative solutions. Accordingly, participating teachers will delve into a variety of projects covering topics such as wildfire, aquatic ecosystems, disease ecology, forests, and nutrient cycling; all areas in which the Cary Institute has established a reputation for excellence.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in activities ranging from simulation of future forest and fire dynamics to conducting field surveys to assess tick populations. Additional activities may involve studying soil food webs or identifying various tree species.

The expectation is that this program will not only facilitate personal growth for the educators but also enable the development of fresh instructional materials. These materials aim to introduce students to ecological concepts in an engaging and informative manner based on the teachers’ firsthand research experiences.

Moreover, this program fosters a sense of community among participants. They are encouraged to share their findings and experiences through professional publications, conference presentations, or workshops in their respective school districts. The Cary Institute’s education team will offer ongoing support, including hosting four virtual meetings over the following year to assist in the rollout of the new curricula.

The emphasis on cooperation and collective learning stands at the heart of this initiative. By learning from each other, participants can refine their ideas and teaching methodologies in a supportive, collaborative environment. The Cary Institute has a long history of working with educators to develop curricula and promote professional development. This program is distinct in that it is customized to the interests and classroom dynamics of each teacher, allowing them to engage in an authentic and inquiry-based learning process.

“By immersing teachers in this kind of authentic, investigative learning process, we’re equipped to help them craft teaching materials that empower their students to learn in the same manner,” Van Tassell concluded, emphasizing the power of active, hands-on learning in fostering a deeper understanding of complex ecological issues.

Marcus Rivero

Marcus Rivero is an environmental journalist with over ten years of experience covering the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From the melting ice caps of the Arctic to the deforestation of the Amazon, Marcus has brought critical stories to the forefront of public consciousness. His expertise lies in dissecting global environmental policies and showcasing the latest in renewable energy technologies. Marcus' writing not only informs but also challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the Earth, advocating for a collective push towards a more sustainable future.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *