Intro Video by Tom Porter
Course Overview
This exciting five-day field-oriented Island Ecology course is conducted at the USC Marine Science Center on beautiful Catalina Island. 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.
Last year's courses - Island Ecology 2010 - Island Ecology 2011, were outstanding
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 a scientific investigation project. 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 may be offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education to teachers for three to four CEUs.
Participants not seeking CEUs may also attend this course.
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 $595 will cover all food, transportation to and from the island, parking, facility use (e.g., dive gear, wetsuits, boat), attractive double occupancy room accommodations for four nights and five days at the USC Marine Laboratory on Catalina Island, CA. Participants must supply their own clothing, dive locker 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. 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 Science Center. 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.
Tentative Daily Schedule
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