Educator professional development

Educator professional development opportunities at Cedar Creek aim to increase student achievement and content retention in science by improving the quality and effectiveness of teachers’ delivery of science curriculum in both formal and informal educational environments. Specifically, they are designed to enhance teacher and student understanding of fundamental ecological principles and the impacts of various human-induced disturbances on ecosystem health and function. Some programs are offered by Cedar Creek and the University of Minnesota, while others are run by outside organizations using Cedar Creek as a venue for science education workshops.

A FREE, science-focused professional development opportunity with activities aligned with the NGSS and MN State Science Standards for elementary and middle school teachers.

January 20, 2025: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Visit Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and learn more about how scientists study snow through hands-on, low-cost activities you can use in your schoolyard including exploring snowpack, measuring snow totals, snow depth, and snow water equivalent. Learn about a suite of free snow-focused lessons and videos created through the Winter Wildlands Alliance's Snow School. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided. The first eight teachers to register will receive a free COSI Snow Science Kit to use in their classrooms. Teachers who complete the training will also receive 4.5 hours of continuing education unit (CEU) clock hours.

Register for The Science of Snow Teacher PD

Led by: Dr. Kara Baldwin, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator and Holle Despen, experienced elementary teacher and naturalist.

Location: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve; Lindeman Laboratory; 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE; East Bethel, MN 55005.

What to bring: We will be going outside for portions of the training. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to go outside for more than an hour (snow boots, winter coat, gloves, snow pants, etc.). Optional: A laptop to explore online resources in the afternoon.

Outline for the day:

9:30 a.m. - Arrive, gather, and welcome

10:00 a.m. - Go outside and explore the snowpack*

11:30 a.m. - Explore snow kits and think about how salt changes the properties of snow.

12:00 p.m. - Lunch break

12:30 p.m. - Methods for measuring fresh snowfall

1:20 p.m. - Learn about free snow resources through SnowSchool

2:30 p.m. - Depart

2:30 p.m.-3:45 p.m. - Optional Extension Activity: If enough snow is on the ground, individuals can opt to join the program leaders, Kara and Holle, on a hike to Cedar Bog Lake while wearing snowshoes.

*Note: If snow is not on the ground, activities will be adjusted to focus on other ways scientists measure weather including wind speed, etc. With opportunities to consider how different habitats (prairie, forest, etc.) can impact the microweather.

For more information, contact Kara Baldwin, [email protected]