Course Overview
Course Flyer (please download and post)
This exciting six-day field-oriented Island Ecology course is conducted at the USC Marine Science Center on beautiful Catalina Island August 2nd through August 7th, 2010. The course is designed for teachers at all grade levels and involves the principles of ecology applied to islands of the world with a special emphasis on the channel islands of southern California, specifically Catalina Island.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A TEACHER TO TAKE THE COURSE!
Content will focus on principles of island biogeography and ecology such as colonization, succession, energy flow, and niche partitioning, including a variety of intra and interspecies interactions. You will learn about unique natural history of fascinating terrestrial and marine island life, human impacts, and the preservation and conservation of island ecosystems. Participants will enjoy a variety of exciting hands-on activities.
Teachers taking this course for CEU credit will complete field observation sheets, lab activity sheets, an exit questionnaire, and an Island Ecology unit with at least three lesson plans. Teachers will become part of a small collaborative group where they will share their thoughts while teaching their unit at some point during the following school year. Participants should be prepared for extensive physical activity involving snorkeling and hiking on and off trails over rugged terrain.
Course Objectives
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Understand ecological principles such as energy flow, niche partitioning, and species interrelationships such as parasitism, commensalism, and predation.
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Explain the principles of island evolution and island biogeography.
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Discuss and interpret the natural history of the flora and fauna of the marine and terrestrial communities, specifically Catalina Island.
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Examine human ethno cultural impacts/influences on island ecosystems, emphasizing Catalina.
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Use a variety of field equipment/technology, collect, analyze, and evaluate field data and observations.
Credit/CEU
This course is being offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education to teachers for three to four CEUs. Participants not seeking CEUs may also attend this course.
Island Ecology DEV4 E880 – 103-80 - 3 CEUs
Island Ecology DEV4 E880 – 103-81- 4 CEUs
Textbook
Natural History of the Islands of California - by Allan A. Schoenherr, Robert Feldmeth, and Michael J. Emerson. 2000. University of California Press, $6.50 used, 492 pages, ISBN #: 0-52-021197-9.
Fees/ Logistics
A fee of approximately $650 will cover all food, facility use (e.g., dive gear, wetsuits, boat), and attractive double occupancy room accommodations for five nights and six days at the USC Marine Laboratory on Catalina Island, CA. Participants are responsible for their own transportations to and from the facility. Participants must also supply their own clothing, towels, pack, and other necessary personal gear and pay for CEU credit separately through Cal Poly Extension. Logistics for this field trip will be provided in detail through email prior to arrival.
About the Instructor
Dr. Lavoie has taught biology for the last 25 years in a variety of school settings. He has a special interest in marine biology and ecology and spent four years living on Catalina Island where he taught environmental science. Dr. Lavoie currently teaches biology at Cuesta College and is the Director of the Discovery Institute for the Advancement of Science and Technology Education, a non-profit foundation devoted to the improvement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. His most recent book, "Models of Science Teacher Preparation: Theory into Practice" is being used in science teacher preparation world wide. In his spare time he enjoys hiking and biking with his family.
Contacts
This course is sponsored and supported by the Discovery Institute for the Advancement of Science and Technology Education and USC Marine Laboratory. For questions concerning CEUs through Cal Poly Continuing Education contact Patricia Stoneman, Director of Academic Progams. For questions regarding course requirements, fees, schedule, content, activities and logistics contact Dr. Derrick Lavoie at the Discovery Institute.
Registration Process
Please fill out the COURSE REGISTRATION FORM and send a $200 refundable deposit (check, money order, cashier check) to the Discovery Institute, 1342 Wilson Ct., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. If you wish to pay for your deposit using a credit card please use the following link to PAYPAL. The balance of $450 will will be due by June 15th.
Additionally, if you are taking the course for CEU credit you must register through Cal Poly Continuing Education. Please download the CEU Registration Form and return the completed document with appropriate payment directly to Cal Poly Continuing Education, before the course starts. Or, you may register for CEU credit on line at: http://www.continuing-ed.calpoly.edu/specialprograms/sponsored_ceus.html
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
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