Participants will explore the steps to an animal behavior field study through the animals and exhibits at the Staten Island Zoo.  We will learn the unique ways of collecting data in the field of animal behavior research as we also learn the evolutionary concepts that influence animal behavior.  Participants will, over six days, conduct their own scientific investigation that will lead to a deeper understanding of both science practices and science content that can be repeated both in their classrooms and using the Zoo as a field trip.  Participants will learn biological and ecological concepts while modeling the behavior of an animal behavior researcher in the field.  We will cover how to introduce the Zoo as a study site and prepare students for learning outside the classroom.  Participants will learn the steps and skills necessary to design and conduct an animal behavior investigation from initial questioning through designing a scientific explanation.  In this workshop, we will learn the particular data collection tools used to measure animal behaviors when conducting field research.  Using the resources of the zoo, participants will complete an entire animal behavior study and learn techniques to help students develop their own field investigations.  They will also learn about careers in the fields of biology and zoology, including captive management. 

After choosing and researching a species in our collection, participants will observe the animal’s behavior in a captive setting and compare this to what they would expect to see in a natural setting.  Participants will learn about the concept of “enrichment” and allowing species to display natural behaviors in a zoo setting.  Working with a team, they will design an enrichment item for their animal given our zoo’s parameters and approved items lists to promote any natural behaviors they expected to see but did not.

Each day will include an animal presentation and/or tour for background content in adaptations and animal behavior.  Zoo activities will also be planned to inform participants how to use the zoo and other cultural institutions to support their curriculum.

Session One:  July 13, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Session Two:  July 14, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Session Three:  July 15, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Session Four:  July 16, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Session Five:  July 17, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Session Six:  July 20, 2020, 8:00am - 4:00pm

Instructors:  David Zaitz, Pearl Cales, & Jessica Hartmann

Eligible for 45 CTLE hours and 3 P-Credits

In order to receive P-Credits, you must also register with ASPDP.  There is an additional $45 fee from ASPDP for this course.

Click here to view course syllabus.