Watershed Dynamics and Journaling

July 17-19, 2009
July 24-26, 2009

Two weekends: Friday through Sunday

Join us as we explore the Sierra Nevada landscape in the Yosemite region while learning to incorporate scientific field journaling, stimulating inquiry-based activities, and multimedia curricula in your intermediate science classroom!

After the success of our 2008 pilot Sierra institute, we look forward to bringing this opportunity to even more teachers in 2009. This summer's in-depth institute will return to the Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School (Fish Camp, CA) and from there investigate the Sierra Nevada with a strong content focus on watershed and stewardship. As a participating teacher, you will investigate with experienced instructors, learning about the geology and ecology of the landscape.

The California Institute for Biodiversity is excited to both partner with the California State Parks and work with naturalist and illustrator John Muir (Jack) Laws (California Academy of Sciences) for this professional development institute. Under Jack's guidance as lead instructor (see photo at right), teachers will learn the difference between drawing a pretty picture and using sketching as a scientific tool to help record observations. The journaling activities, which include a matrix for grading, will serve as an excellent route to scientific investigations of these incredible ecosystems.

This intensive course will integrate California science, social science, and Language Arts content standards for 4th through 8th grade. Teachers will conduct local field investigations, receive a teacher manual, an interactive CD-ROM, and The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. Housing and meals are provided. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also available.

Registration is closed.

• CEUs