2024 Teachers On The Estuary (TOTE) workshop
THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL. FEEL FREE TO SIGN UP BELOW TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST.
A bird’s eye view: Observation & Monitoring
Aug 12: Virtual; 10A-12P
Aug 13: Stonington, CT; 9A-4:30P
Aug 14: Old Lyme, CT; 9A-4:30P
The Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve is offering its inaugural Teachers On The Estuary (TOTE) workshop August 12-14, 2024. We’ll explore how climate change is impacting saltmarsh sparrow populations and how scientists monitor osprey nests. Researchers and guest speakers from the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Audubon will lead us in the field to show us the work they do. You’ll walk away with new knowledge, new skills, and new ideas for learning and monitoring in your classroom and schoolyard.
Join us for two and a half days of fun learning from experts and one another, exploring coastal habitats, and discovering new ways you can inspire your students. This workshop will be geared toward high school level science teachers. It is free and will provide you with resources and teaching supplies that you can use in your classroom. Travel stipends are available.
Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot soon if you are interested.
Course Outline (subject to change slightly)
DAY 1: Teachers on the Estuary Overview
Aug 12, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Classroom: Virtual, MS Teams link
10:00 – Introductions/Ice breaker
10:20 – What is the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve?
10:50 – What are data mysteries and how can we use them?
11:20 – Review agenda for workshop
11:45 – Wrap up
DAY 2: Saltmarsh sparrow and the impact of climate change
Aug 13, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Classroom: The Hounds (Stonington, CT)
Field Trip: Barn Island Wildlife Management Area (Pawcatuck, CT)
8:30 – Check-in
9:00 – Welcome, ice breaker, goals, review agenda
9:30 – Presentation: Saltmarsh sparrow, climate change, and restoration
10:15 – Field Trip: Join UConn researchers to learn how they assess wetland health and track bird populations at Barn Island National Wildlife Refuge
12:30 – Lunch and networking
1:30 – Data Mystery 1: The Polar Bear of the Salt Marsh?
2:30 – Data Mystery 2: What’s That Smell?!: The Case of the Sinking Salt Marsh
3:30 – Nature journaling/Reflection
4:30 – Adjourn
DAY 3: Osprey and the state-wide monitoring program
Aug 14, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Classroom/Field Trip: Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (Old Lyme, CT)
8:30 – Check in
9:00 – Introduction and welcome, ice breaker, reflection from prior day
9:30 – Presentation: Osprey populations and monitoring
10:15 – Field Trip: Join Audubon researchers to learn how to observe and monitor osprey nests statewide
12:30 – Lunch and networking
1:30 – Online exploration: Resources for the classroom and field
3:00 – Stewardship brainstorm: general and share ideas for projects
4:00 – Wrap up