Teacher Workshops
Explore many facets of science through teacher professional development at the Academy! Dive into science content, explore scientific practices, engage in effective teaching pedagogy, and develop a sense of how science really works. Each workshop includes relevant science activities, thoughtful discussions, and the opportunity to connect with other educators. Please join us for some fun and meaningful professional development!
Click the button below to download the complete schedule of teacher professional development.
Registration
Register for workshops by calling the Contact Center at (877) 227-3311, or by purchasing a ticket online at the link below. Ticket prices for each workshop are listed below with the workshop descriptions.
Oct 2, 2013 - Plants and Carbon (grades 5 - 8)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Biology plays an important role in the movement of carbon in and out of the air, land and ocean through the process of photosynthesis. Plants pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and use it to power themselves and increase their mass as they grow. But how does the carbon dioxide get into a plant? Using microscopes, we will investigate stomata on the leaves of plants, pores that plants open and close to allow carbon dioxide to come in and water to get out. This workshop is a great connection to pre- and post- visit activities for the Plants of the Living Roof field trip program.
Oct 5, 2013 - Rainforests of the World Kit Training (grades 4 - 8)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Tropical rainforests cover only about 6 percent of the world's land surface, yet are home to about 50 percent of all terrestrial plant and animal species. In this workshop, you will learn about the importance of the water cycle in the Amazon, the challenging life cycle of rainforest plants, and more. Explore the California Academy of Sciences' Rainforests of the World exhibit and discover ways to connect this unique exhibit with your classroom curriculum.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Rainforests of the World (grades 4-8) Kit in your classroom.
To see activity descriptions, materials, and the science content standards covered by the kit, visit the Rainforest (grades 4-8) Kit page.
Oct 9, 2013 - Owl Pellets and Beyond Kit Training
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Dissecting owl pellets is an engaging and popular activity for all ages. In this workshop, you will practice two different dissection techniques and learn how to use a dichotomous key to identify the bones you find. Discover how to turn a simple dissection into a rich, inquiry-based experience for your students. You will also play an educational board game based on the barn owl's food web, and learn about the natural history of these remarkable birds and their prey.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Owl Pellets and Beyond Kit in your classroom.
To see activity descriptions, materials, and the science content standards covered by the kit, visit the Owl Pellets Kit page.
Nov 2, 2013 - Astronomy Kit Training (grades 5 - 8)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Tickets: $15
NEW! How do we know what we know about the solar system? Get your hands on the Academy’s brand new Astronomy Kit and find out! Explore the planet Mars and discover how our knowledge about this red planet has been built over time. Start by observing the movement of a tiny red dot across the constellations, then see how telescopes transformed our observations. Consider the benefits and challenges of using rovers to learn about distant worlds, and find out how careful planning and critical thinking play a role in space exploration.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Astronomy Kit in your classroom.
Activity descriptions and materials will be posted soon!
Nov 6, 2013 - Skulls Kit Training (grades K - 8)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
An animal skull can be an amazing resource for exploring natural history and practicing skills such as observation and interpretation. In this workshop, participants will investigate the skulls of seven Northern Californian mammals and learn some of the critical differences that distinguish herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. Discover the significance of eye placement and learn to infer what animals eat from the shapes of their teeth.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Skulls Kit in your classroom.
To see activity descriptions, materials, and the science content standards covered by the kit, visit the Skulls Kit page.
Dec 7, 2013 - Coral Reefs Kit Training (grades 3 - 7)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Dive into the world of the coral reef ecosystem through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities and games. Learn about coral polyp anatomy, the ecological importance of coral reefs, and the critical environmental conditions necessary for coral to survive. Explore the California Academy of Sciences' Philippine coral reef exhibit and discover ways to connect this vibrant exhibit with your classroom curriculum.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Coral Reefs Kit in your classroom.
To see activity descriptions, materials, and the science content standards covered by the kit, visit the Coral Reefs Kit page.
Dec 14, 2013 - Evolution Kit Training (grades 7 - 12)
Location: California Academy of Sciences
Evolution is happening all around us. Take part in a workshop that brings evolution to life. Workshop participants will engage in hands-on activities that explore genetic variation, natural selection, predation, adaptation, and other topics. Learn how to make these abstract ideas more concrete for your students, while exercising their observation and communication skills.
After taking this workshop, you will be eligible to use the Evolution Kit in your classroom.
To see activity descriptions, materials, and the science content standards covered by the kit, visit the Evolution Kit page.
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