Apply now! At Water's Edge | Current Watershed Science for the Classroom
At Water’s Edge | Current Watershed Science for the Classroom
August 9-12, 2021
Trinity Center, Salter Path, NC
A FREE Professional Development Experience for Educators
During this four-day teacher institute, 8th-12th grade science teachers will explore and compare several unique coastal ecosystems through inquiry-based, hands-on activities, evaluating human impacts on these systems alongside scientists and expert environmental educators. Teachers will gain updated content knowledge and instructional resources designed to foster student learning of watershed science and stimulate awareness of actions that promote watershed stewardship. Content and activities are aligned with the NC Essential Standards for 8th Grade Science, Earth/Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science.
Hands-on, real world, and STEM-based experiences will be emphasized – be prepared to get wet, sandy and re-energized!
“This has been one of the best professional development sessions I have ever done as a teacher. I really appreciate the practical information, interesting content, and resources provided.” – 2020 Participant
Participants will:
- Actively participate in hands-on and STEM-based experiences in North Carolina's coastal aquatic ecosystems
- Engage with a variety of outstanding environmental educators, researchers and scientists
- Gain knowledge about current watershed science, human impacts to coastal watersheds and strategies to protect watersheds
Participants will receive:
- A wealth of new ideas and instructional resources including curriculum-related materials
- An opportunity to network with colleagues in a relaxed professional development setting
- Excellent food and lodging at beautiful Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC
- CEU and Environmental Education Certification Credits
Participants will be expected to:
- Commit to the entire institute
- Incorporate learned skills and experiences into your lesson plans and teaching
- Share their experiences and mentor other teachers in your school or system
- Participate in evaluation of the program.
The institute will begin at 11AM on Monday, August 9, 2021 and end by 2PM on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Lodging provided Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. Meals provided from Monday lunch through Thursday lunch.
“I would highly recommend this PD to any educator interested in these topics, along with the location!” – 2019 Participant
Eligibility: The Institute is open to 8th – 12th grade science teachers.
To apply: please complete the Online Application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 6, 2021.
Please note: There are a limited number of seats available for this Institute. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status on or before June 18, 2021. If you are accepted, a $100 refundable deposit will be required to reserve your spot. Your spot will be forfeited if your deposit is not received in a timely manner. Your check will not be deposited and will be returned to you upon check-in at the institute on August 9. Cancellations made after July 23, 2021 will result in the forfeiture of the deposit; your check will be cashed and considered a tax-deductible donation to the UNC Institute for the Environment.
Health and Safety Precautions:
All in-person program components will follow current University, state and federal health guidelines and apply a range of safety measures to mitigate health risks, including
- Physical distancing
- Requiring properly worn face coverings indoors and when social distancing is not possible
- Leading activities outdoors as much as possible
- Increasing sanitation efforts
- If indoors, leaving doors and windows open to increase air exchange
Please note that in-person programs are subject to change, rescheduling or cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions.
The institute is presented by the UNC-Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment’s Center for Public Engagement with Science, with funding provided by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP).
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Megan Rodgers, MEA
Public Science & Internship Coordinator
Center for Public Engagement with Science
UNC Institute for the Environment
megan.rodgers@unc.edu | 919-966-7238
