BWET Teacher Workshop
Layers of Louisiana History
South Louisiana is a dynamic landscape that will continue to change in the coming years. The area is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms; productive fisheries have been impacted by these storms, as well as by nutrients and increasing amounts of freshwater; and coastal land loss due to the combined threats of subsidence and sea level rise are a chronic, ever-present challenge. This region is also highly engineered. The operation of current and planned future structures will have impacts that ripple through multiple ecosystems and industries.
During this professional development workshop, K-12 science teachers will work in the field alongside university graduate students and research faculty to collect scientific samples that are environmental indicators on climate, fisheries science and coastal geology. All field sites are located near or downstream from engineered structures, therefore providing ample conversations about engineering solutions, their benefits and their consequences. Additionally, participating teachers will be receive support and guidance on how to turn these field experiences into lesson plans focusing on Louisiana phenomena. They will also receive stipends and travel awards for their efforts.
This is a two-year professional development opportunity. The first year will examine the southeastern half of the state, the second year will explore the southwestern side. Preference is given to teachers who could commit to both years of the project, but we know that scheduling is always a challenge and 2023 dates will not be set until the end of 2022.
Dates:
- Southeastern Louisiana: June 13 – 17, 2022
- Southwestern Louisiana: June 12 – 15, 2023
Program Highlights:
- Work alongside university researchers to better understand coastal challenges
- Explore different coastal habitats
- Receive a toolkit of environmental samples to use in class
- Have facilitated, guided lesson plan development
- Continuing education credits
- All lodging, meals and activities covered at no cost to the participant
- $300 in participant stipends (per year)
- Travel awards to Louisiana Science Teacher Association conference
To Apply: https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OFdRvqRbcbDmv4
Program Contact: Dani DiIullo, ddiiullo@lsu.edu