The Summer Teacher Conservation Science Institute focused on the conservation of the California condor.
Summer Teacher Conservation
Science Institute
Conservation education connects the science of CRES to the broader conservation community. By educating teachers about conservation science CRES can also make a positive difference in student’s attitudes toward conservation. Providing opportunities for teachers to experience conservation science and then translate that experience to their students through defined lesson plans allow CRES scientists to participate in an effective program that produces impacts beyond the laboratory setting.
In summer 2006, CRES gave 12 local high school science teachers the opportunity to engage in hands-on science activities focused on the conservation of the California condor. Institute participants worked alongside CRES researchers and learned about the biology of the condor from a multitude of scientific disciplines including Behavioral Biology, Genetics, Reproductive Physiology, Wildlife Disease Laboratories, and Applied Animal Ecology, in both field and laboratory settings.
From a genetic perspective, topics included chromosome analysis, PCR sexing, development of genetic carrier tests, gene mapping, and pedigree analysis. From a reproductive physiology perspective, topics included timing of ovulation, egg development, and cryopreservation of germplasm. From a behavioral perspective, topics included effectiveness of sub-adult mentoring, structure of social systems, techniques of behavioral scoring, and sociogram construction. From a pathology perspective, participants learned about various condor-specific disorders, lead and zinc toxicity, and various causes of mortality. From an applied ecology perspective, topics included reintroduction, population sustainability, and identification of critical habitat. Activities were aligned with the California State Biology/Life Science Standards and were presented in a manner that allowed for replication back in the classroom.
It is hoped that the Institute provided teachers with innovative, hands-on science learning experiences in conservation biology, equipping them with new knowledge and skills to be shared.
