The Aquarium offers a wealth of courses and workshops for professional development. Pre-registration is required to attend. For more information, contact the Teacher Resource Center. In addition to these scheduled workshops, the Aquarium works with teachers, schools and districts to design custom in-service training, including one- or two-day workshops. The Aquarium also encourages teachers to attend science-themed events and conferences.

 

February Vacation 2012 Professional Development Courses

Introductory Ocean Science Course for Elementary and Middle Educators

Date: Tuesday- Thursday, February 21-23, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per session or $100 for all three sessions
Grades: 2 – 8
Credit: PDPs or, for an additional cost ($50), one graduate credit from Cambridge College (Must attend all three session to receive graduate credit.)

Join us for any or all of this three part series. This introductory course is best suited for teachers in grades 2 through 8 but anyone looking to refresh their ocean literacy is welcome to attend as well.

During this three part series, we will explore essential science concepts in the unique and important context of ocean science through engaging investigations and meaningful writing.

Participants will leave knowing more about the ocean, its inhabitants and humans interactions with the ocean. All participants will receive activities, videos and other resources to use in their classroom.

Topic Agenda
February 21: Physical properties of the ocean
February 22: Organisms in the ocean
February 23: How do humans use the ocean and how can we help

For more information or to register, please e-mail trc@neaq.org and put “Ocean Course” in the subject line.

A Closer Look: Integrating Science Observation, Literacy and Inquiry

Date: Friday, February 24, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $40
Grades: K – 9

Sharpen your understanding of how to facilitate inquiry-based learning activities and design investigations. Discover ways to help students write and develop their observational skills with artifacts, live animals and aquarium exhibits.

Through various hands-on, inquiry based activities participants will:
• Connect science to literacy
• Experience and understand effective approaches in science teaching
• Understand how simple observations can lead to questions, investigation and exploration
• Engage their students in new ways to explore the world around them

For more information about this course or to register, please e-mail trc@neaq.org and put “Inquiry Workshop” in the subject line.

 

Teacher Workshop: Fundamental Science and Essential Resources for Teaching Earth’s History and Earth’s Processes

Did you know that much of our understanding of plate tectonics, climate change, extinctions events, deep biosphere, and more comes from studying deep sea sediments and rocks obtained by drilling below the sea floor? Come learn about the science that plays a vital role in our growing understanding of Earth by joining staff and scientists from Consortium for Ocean Leadership’s Deep Earth Academy and the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program!

In this FREE interactive workshop, you will learn how to bring the excitement and adventure of the research done onboard the JOIDES Resolution to your students through our hands on activities based on authentic ocean drilling data. We will also share how you can use the JR website to have your students follow current expeditions through live video broadcasts with the scientists onboard, blogs, and other social media tools; and how you can apply to sail as an Education Officer. Everyone will walk away with free posters and other resources that bring the real science to life. A special emphasis will be placed on the process and nature of science.

Registration is required and space is limited. Registration Deadline is March 2, 2012.

Location: New England Aquarium
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012
Cost: FREE
For: Teachers grade 6 – 12

For more information or to register, please contact the Teacher Resource Center at trc@neaq.org or call us at 617-973-6590.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration Program

Why Do We Explore? Workshop

Join NOAA OER Education Program Manager, Susan Haynes, as we introduce Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection: Why Do We Explore? Participants will learn how to use inquiry- and standards-based lessons and other online resources that guide classroom inquiries into several important reasons for ocean exploration including Climate Change, Energy, Ocean Health and Human Health.

Educators who attend the full day will receive a $50 stipend. Each participant will receive Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection, Why Do We Explore?, materials related to activities presented during the workshop, a NOAA Ocean Exploration Certificate of Participation, continental breakfast, and lunch.

Registration is required and space is limited. Registration Deadline is April 13, 2012

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
For: Teachers grade 6 – 12

For more information, please see attached flyer (PDF 273 KB).

For more information or to register, please contact the Teacher Resource Center at trc@neaq.org or call us at 617-973-6590.

The Teacher Resource Center is here to help. Please contact us with questions or to register for one of the Winter workshops at trc@neaq.org or 617-973-6590.