Last week, I found out that I have been awarded a spot in the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research's Summer Teacher Workshop in Conservation Biology. Best of all, I'll be joining one of the teachers from my 2011 Costa Rica trip! Susan Tate from Michigan was also selected for the program so it will be a mini-reunion of sorts (West Coast-style).
I copied this from the Institute's website:
“The Summer Teacher Workshop in Conservation Biology gives teachers the opportunity to study the science of saving species while gathering stories, activities, and lessons in conservation to bring back to students in the classroom. In the state-of-the-art Conservation Education Lab, teachers learn through hands-on experiments about the innovative ways our scientists are using techniques in genetics, reproduction, and disease diagnostics to conserve endangered species around the world. With 900 acres of protected native habitat just steps away, teachers also have the opportunity to assist field researchers in projects such as biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, and remote sensing, while learning how new technologies in ecology can be brought to life in the classroom. While in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, teachers will learn how our captive population of endangered species contributes to our conservation mission through studies in animal behavior and climate science, night lectures and guided walks, a Caravan Safari, and free time to explore the Park.”
Needless to say, I am pretty jazzed about the whole thing. And I never would have applied if another teacher from the Costa Rica program hadn't posted info about it in our Facebook group, so I feel like the whole Costa Rica experience is still continuing to enrich my life.
I will share more information as my mid-July travel date approaches!
*photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo
