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PROGRAM INFORMATION
High School teachers from across Canada are invited to apply (see, Application Form). As this institute is limited in space (12 participants); priority selection is for participants registered in the summer institute as a graduate credit course through the University of Alberta.1
We encourage teachers that have shown leadership in professional development, innovation in teaching practice, or curriculum development at the regional or provincial levels to apply. Beginning teachers with a strong interest in advancing biogeoscience or intergrated high school science education are also encouraged to apply.
Please submit one letter of reference with the application (i.e., from your school principal, school jurisdiction, professional science teacher association, provincial education department, or education faculty).
What is the institute about?
The Summer Institute in Biogeoscience Education is a professional development program 2 providing teachers the opportunity to work with internationally recognized ecologists, hydrogeologists, and science teacher educators to develop innovative integrated science education resources for the topic of Climate Change within High School Biology, Geology, or Environmental Sciences Program of Studies.
The program consists of an 8-day summer institute, wherein participants have an opportunity to work in the field with leading scientists to learn about current biogeoscience research regarding climate change and headwater streams of the Canadian Rockies and Foothills.
Participants will also have the opportunity to apply these concepts and skills to their classroom, by working with leading science teacher educators who will assist teachers to develop teaching and assessment strategies for their classrooms.
Where does the institute take place?
The institute is located 80 km west of Calgary at the University of Calgary Biogeoscience Institute Barrier Lake Field Station, located in Kananaskis Country in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies (adjacent to Barrier Lake, 10 km south of TransCanada Highway, along Highway 40).
What are the program costs for the institute?
The cost is $550* + GST for meals, accommodation and field-site transportation (*$450 + GST for graduate course registrants). Additional costs apply for standard University of Alberta tuition and fees, if applying for graduate credit. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs to and from the Barrier Lake Field Station.
1 The Universities of Calgary and Alberta respect, appreciate, and encourage diversity in applications. We also encourage applications from those working with under-represented groups in science (e.g., First Nations school districts, large urban districts with diverse ethnicity).
2 Participants may be eligible to gain post-graduate credit for this institute. The University of Alberta offers this institute as a graduate credit course. Please contact Dr. Susan Barker regarding this opportunity (susan [dot] barker [at] ualberta [dot] ca).
What does the schedule look like?
The summer institute consists of 8 days: 1 day of introduction; 4 days immersed in field research, 2 days applying research to curriculum and lesson plans, and 1 day assessing instructional resources. classroom portion of the program, and 2 travel days.
Who are the scientists, guests, and educators involved in this institute?
What should I do to prepare for this institute?
Participants will receive an information package upon registration describing how to best arrange travel logistics (arrival & departure times), what to bring, along with a list of selected readings prior to the institute. Participants will also be invited to bring teaching resources on Climate Change, to share with colleagues at the institute.
What else should I know about this institute?
Can teachers outside of Alberta apply to attend?
The institute is available to teachers from across Canada, as well as Alberta.
Do I have to attend the entire institute?
Yes. Only applicants able to attend the entire institute will be selected.
Can I have a private room and bathroom?
Lodging is dormitory-style (2 people per room) with separate dormitories and bathrooms/showers for men and women. We will try to accommodate special needs, but accommodation options are limited during the summer field research and course season at the station.
Can I bring my family/partner, or my pet, with me to the Barrier Lake Field Station?
We can only accommodate participants for the institute at this time of year. If you wish to bring family to the area, we can provide you with list of nearby accommodation or campgrounds. Camping and pets are not allowed on site.
What is the food like, and can you accommodate special needs?
Meals are served cafeteria style in the Main Lodge. We are able to accommodate most dietary needs or restrictions. Please let us know when you submit your Medical Information form, upon acceptance to the institute.
What should I pack or wear for this institute?
Dress is casual. However, be prepared for fieldwork for a good portion of the institute. Dress appropriately for all weather conditions by having sturdy field shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, and layers of clothing, you do not mind getting dirty.
Are there hiking, running, or biking trails nearby?
Yes. The Barrier Lake Forestry Trails are adjacent to the station, and there are numerous forestry roads nearby for hiking, running and mountain biking.
What is my commitment after the summer institute?
To implement and assess lesson plans in your classroom. If registered for the graduate credit course, a separate course outline & evaluation is provided.
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