College of the Atlantic > Summer Programs > Summer Courses for K-12 Teachers

Some courses are primarily field based, and students can plan on being on field trips most days. Others are more classroom oriented with occasional outings. All courses combine lecture and discussion with a variety of hands-on activities.

Most classes meet from approximately 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; however, there may be days when your class runs longer due to field trips, tide schedules, boat trips, etc. All classes end on the last Friday of the session, and students housed on campus may leave anytime after 3:00 pm or depart Saturday morning by 9:00 am.

Contact Information:
College of the Atlantic Summer Programs
Attn: Jean Sylvia
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: 800-597-9500
Fax: 207-288-3780
e-mail: summer@coa.edu

Course Descriptions and Faculty Bios

June 29 - July 12 Two Week Courses:

A Field-based Introduction to Geology
Course # SG-5073

The goal of the introductory geology course is to provide K-12 educators with a variety of experiences that will enhance their teaching of earth, life and/or physical science. We will investigate an active beach, salt marsh, diverse glacial features, various levels of an ancient caldera and vestiges of volcanic seafloor erupted early in the development of the Appalachian mountain system. Learn how geologists function as forensic scientists in order to decipher the geologic record of climatic, sea-level and tectonic changes. Significant time will be devoted to the practical application of these experiences in the classroom.
**Lab fee $50**

Douglas Reusch, Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Maine; M.Sc., Earth Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland. Dr. Reusch an Assistant Professor of Geology at the University of Maine at Farmington was recently a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education. His doctoral research examined relationships among plate tectonics, CO2 sources and sinks, and long-term climate changes. He has participated in Antarctic research, Ocean Drilling Project Leg 183 to the southern Indian Ocean, and has taught 9th grade earth science.

This course examines fundamentals of oceanography using as context current fisheries management efforts in the Gulf of Maine. General principles of biological, physical, and chemical oceanography will be studied and brought alive examining the factors that determine sustainability. A mock forum of the New England Fisheries Management Council will be staged with students representing special interest groups. Several field trips aboard the college's research vessel Indigo will be included along with fieldwork at various sites of representative oceanography including examinations of the inter-tidal zone, planktonic and benthic marine flora and fauna, wave action, tides, currents, and chemical analysis of sea water. Weather and time permitting, we will take one day trip to Mount Desert Rock for scientific observation of marine mammals, particularly Right Whales.
** Lab fee: $175**

John Viechnicki, Ph.D., received his B.A.in physics from Middlebury College; M.S. and Ph.D. in applied marine physics from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami. John is a quality and environmental manager in Prospect Harbor, Maine at the last sardine cannery in the United States. His interests include human ecology issues such as the sustainability of the herring fishery in the Gulf of Maine and the increasing role companies play as stewards of the environment. John has spent time sailing the North Atlantic with the Sea Education Association teaching college students and K-12 teachers all aspects of oceanography, sailing and navigation. He taught COA students about herring management issues at the first ever Mount Desert Rock Herring Forum last year. John participates in Allied Whale projects including the development of the digital North Atlantic and Antarctic humpback whale catalogs.

E-mail: john@downeastscience.com

Field Botany
Course #SG-5098

This course in plant ecology examines the diversity of our region's flora, with emphasis on the identification and ecology of seed-bearing plants (both flowering plants and gymnosperms) in the field. We will explore the shores, marshes, bogs, meadows, deciduous and coniferous forests and mountain summits of Mount Desert Island. Additional field trips will explore heavy metal-contaminated mine tailings in Brooksville, Maine and nickel-rich serpentine outcrops on Deer Isle, Maine to examine the effects of unusual geologies on plant life. Students will learn to use technical identification keys and the herbarium to prepare a small plant collection. Field work involves hiking and participants must be in reasonably good physical condition. Prior course in general botany, field botany and/or plant identification is not required but recommended. Evaluations are based on class participation, collection, identification, and preparation of 20 specimens, and a final project presentation.
**Lab fee $50**

Nishanta "Nishi" Rajakaruna has a B.A. in human ecology (1994) from College of the Atlantic and a M.Sc. (1998) and Ph.D. (2002) in Botany from The University of British Columbia, Canada. Nishi pursued a post-doctoral fellowship in plant ecology (2003-2004) at Stanford University before returning to College of the Atlantic to teach botany. He teaches a range of courses in the life sciences including biology, field botany, ethnobotany, plant evolution, and biogeography. Nishi's research focuses on the ecology and evolution of plants growing on extreme soils, specifically those found on heavy metal-rich soils.

This course is designed to introduce teachers to ornithology through direct field observations and other techniques in the varied Maine coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on seabirds nesting on offshore islands, as well as raptores, warblers and other forest-dwelling songbirds, many of which can be found in other states as well. No previous knowledge of ornithology is necessary to take this course. The main topics that will be treated are identification, classification, geographical distribution, migration, behavior, ecology of populations, adaptations, origin of new species, evolution, and conservation. Several boat trips will be planned to see colonies of gulls, terns, eiders and puffins and to learn about current research projects in the region. Since much of the class will be taught in the filed, not only on land but also at sea and on off-shore islands, students must come prepared for field work that may require strenuous hiking and other physical activity. Suitable clothes, including waterproof jacket, pants, and boots are essential. A pair of binoculars is indispensable. Practical demonstrations will include how to use binoculars, tips on filed identification, note taking in the filed, census techniques and specimen preparation. The extensive holding of the COA library and Natural History Museum will be used.
** Lab fee: $100**

Matt Drennan, B.A. Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic. Matt teaches Ornithology and Polar Studies at College of the Atlantic. He has spent the greater portion of his life studying seabirds, particularly the gulls and terns of Long Island Sound at Great Gull Island followed by several seasons at Petit Manan, investigating the breeding biology of the seabirds of the Gulf of Maine. For the last 18 years during the austral summer (our winter) Matt migrates to the Antarctic Peninsula, where he leads natural history trips aboard small expedition ships. He lives in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Scott Swann B.A and M.Ph, College of the Atlantic: For the last 12 years Scott has taught Ornithology, field ecology and marine botany at College of the Atlantic where he is also curator of the collection at the Dorr Museum of Natural History. Scott and his wife drove from Bar Harbor Maine through central and south America to Terra del Fuego on an epic bird watching voyage.

Matt and Scott have team taught Ornithology at COA for the last eight years, both have a life long passionate interest in birds. Although there will be indoor labs and lectures, this is a field based course and participants should expect to spend a fair amount of time outdoors.

E-mail: Matt Drennan mpdrennan@adelphia.net
Scott Swann sswann@coa.edu

Course Syllabus

This comprehensive course gives elementary and secondary school teachers the chance to study and observe the marine mammals common to New England. Campus lectures, slide presentations and discussion examining behavior, ecology and world-wide issues in the conservation of marine mammals will be supplemented with field trips cruising the off-shore waters of the Maine coast to observe whales, porpoises and seals.
**Lab fee $200**

Christoph Richter, Ph.D., Marine Science and Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand; M.S. Biopsychology (and Graduate Program in Teaching), Memorial University of Newfoundland. Christoph is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at Queen's University where he teaches courses in animal behavior, vertebrate zoology, and data management and analysis. His graduate research investigated means to reduce bycatch of harbor porpoise in the Bay of Fundy and the impact of whale watching on male sperm whales off Kaikoura, New Zealand. Currently, he is part of a team observing sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico to assess the impacts oil exploration has on their behavior and basic biology. http://post.queensu.ca/~richterc

This course offers a variety of investigations and activities relating to the understanding and teaching of astronomy. It includes content information and pedagogical techniques suitable for all levels of teacher understanding, and is useful for all grade levels. The major components of the course will be, but are not limited to: observations of the sky at night and during the day, participation in activities that a teacher can use with his or her own classes (aligned with Nat ional Science Standards), and enrichment sessions to deepen an understanding of topics in astronomy.
**No Lab Fee**

Hank Bouchelle Ed.D., Wilmington College; M.S., Johns Hopkins University. Hank is director of the Colonial School District's Starwalk Planetarium in New Castle, DE. He is also adjunct assistant professor at the University of Delaware and at Widener University, where he teaches introduction to astronomy courses. He is current president of the Delaware Astronomical Society.

Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Specifically, forensic science deals with the analysis of evidence. This interdisciplinary course will serve as an introduction to the incorporation of forensics into middle and high school science curriculum. The major areas of science will be used in determining the evidentiary value of crime-scene and related evidence. Use of the scientific method will be key and lab activities will accompany each topic. Time will be devoted to discussing the practical aspects of using crime scenes/forensics as a teaching tool. Included will be the logistics of setting-up "crime scenes" in the classroom, as well as the discussion of ideas for implementing the material presented.
**Lab fee: $35**

Howard Schindler: M.S., Education, Johns Hopkins University, B.S.E., School Health Education, SUNY at Cortland. Schindler teaches forensics, health, biology and human anatomy and physiology at St. Paul's School in Brooklandville, Maryland and forensics at Villa Julie College in Stevenson, Maryland.

The concept of conservation photography has grown out of the need to make a distinction between capturing images for the sake of photography, and the creation of images to serve the purpose of conserving nature. Conservation photography reveals both the beauty and fragility of our planet's natural systems.

This area of photography is a subset of nature photography that produces images that inspire and move people to change their behavior and take action to help conserve our planet. Dr. FitzGerald will lead the class through hands-on coursework that will guide participants through the process of capturing inspirational images and processing these images for web presentation and/or print display.

The course will cover composition, lighting, subject matter, digital optimization, printing, matting and framing. Although this course is geared toward the novice and intermediate photographer, participants will need (at a minimum) a digital SLR and a tripod. Participants must be open to learning some advanced PhotoShop techniques. Some light hiking will be required to reach areas where images will be captured.
**Lab fee: $50**

Randall Fitzgerald is a biologist, behavioral ecologist and environmental educator at Montclair State University's School of Conservation. He has pursued the fine art of photography for over 40 years, using many different photographic techniques. His love of the natural environment has permeated both his academic and photographic life, and consequently most of his fine art images reflect the intimacy he enjoys with the natural world. Natural and rural landscapes comprise the bulk of his work, however he also enjoys creating still-life photography and capturing images of wildlife. Regardless of the subject matter, he strives to create images that stimulate our undeniable connection to the planet and the cultures that have populated it. His goal is to strike that universal cord of understanding, through imagery, that is innately present in each of us. Dr. FitzGerald currently exhibits and sells his images at several galleries in the northwestern region of New Jersey. A sampling of his images can be viewed on his website at www.randallfitzgerald.com.

Field Botany and Creative Writing: Where the Science of Writing Meets the Writing of Science
Course #SG-5062

Learning how to identify the plants that dominate the Maine landscape will provide the backdrop for an integrative learning experience designed to dovetail plant identification with creative writing. Identifying plants in the field and becoming adept at using taxonomic keys will provide the substance and insights needed to fuel a variety of writing exercises. The dual focus of this course will be implemented by combining in-class field excursions to identify plants and consider their ecology, with out-of-class assignments focused on creative writing. Taken back to your own classrooms, these exploratory exercises and techniques will help you meet National Science Education Standards, and perhaps more importantly, will provide your students with an outlet for creative thought and expression. Writing creatively is a skill that can be nurtured and used effectively to reinforce the learning of botany in particular, and science in general. The bogs, offshore islands, salt marshes, ponds, and uplands of coastal Maine will be our primary classroom, and our ultimate inspiration.
**Lab fee: $50**

Keith Killingbeck, Ph.D., University of North Dakota. Dr. Killingbeck teaches courses in botany and ecology at the University of Rhode Island, and pursues ecological research in the forests of New England and the deserts of the Southwest. http://www.uri.edu/cels/bio/bio_killingbeck.html

This course, co-taught by Thomas Campbell, M.A. and Hank Bouchelle, EdD., provides teachers of all grade levels with basic astronomical concepts enhanced by using the Starlab Portable Planetarium to make connections throughout the curriculum. Participants will receive a variety of hands-on activities that, when used with the Starlab Portable Planetarium, will make it easy to integrate astronomy throughout their curriculum. Participants will become familiar with the Starlab Planetarium through daily use and by developing and presenting their own lessons. This planetarium is very user friendly and will fit into most classrooms. Grant writing skills to help you obtain a planetarium for your school will be an integral part of the course.
**No Lab Fee**

Thomas Campbell, M.A. Education with emphasis in Earth Science, Boise State University. Thomas developed the astronomy curriculum for the Boise Public Schools, grades 1-8 earth science. He also designed planetarium programs to enrich classroom astronomy related activities for grades 3-12. He instructs "Astronomy for Teachers" classes for Boise State University and the University of Idaho. He is the TASEL (Technological Applications for Science Education Leadership) site Coordinator for Idaho, a federally funded program to introduce Project STARWALK to selected elementary schools nationwide.

E-mail: tom.campbell@boiseschools.org

Children's Literature by Celebrated Maine Authors and Illustrators
Course # SG-5100

Maine has inspired some of America's most celebrated children's authors and illustrators. This course will explore the contributions made by E.B. White, Robert McClosky, and Rachel Field along with other early and contemporary writers and artists. During the week you will read a wide selection of children's fictional novels, nonfiction, poetry, and picture books. We will meet authors and illustrators, and a storyteller whose works impart a sense of the unique place we call Maine. Woven into the week will be visits to museums, bookstores, libraries, and well-known harbors. As we hike the trails and carriage roads of Acadia National Park we will discuss how an in-depth study of Maine's children's literature can translate into learning in your classroom. As you progress through the week you will create individual portfolio of curriculum unit ideas to add to your teaching tool kit.
**Lab fee: $50**

Molly O'Brien is a school librarian in Atlanta, Georgia. She has also been a middle school language arts teacher, an editor, a writer, a freelance journalist, the manager of a children's bookstore, and a public librarian (one summer when she was twelve). She received BA's in English and Fine Arts from the University of Colorado in Boulder and an MA in Library Media from Georgia State University. Molly has lectured on such topics as writing profiles of community members, reading strategies, and writing poetry across the curriculum at several Georgia Council of Teachers of English annual conferences. She also recently presented at the Georgia Children's Literature Conference at the University of Georgia in Athens and at the Georgia Public Library System's Annual Teen Conference on the topic of "Chick Lit for Tweens". Molly grew up on the Maine coast and is very excited about sharing her passion for this area through the medium of children's books.

There is diverse array of earth science resources available from our National Parks. During the week, K-12 teachers will create a classroom kit of materials and teaching examples to take home for their classrooms. Sample age-appropriate activities for integrating geology, hydrology, soil formation, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy concepts across your grade level's curriculum will be supplied. Many of our activities will help your students gain an understanding of basic earth science principles while developing an awareness of our national park treasures. During the course, educators will meet scientists studying Acadia National Park's resources, investigate glacial terrain, hike a scenic watershed, and visit an elevated sea cave. We will develop a geologic mapping project for your classroom, experiment in different ways to correlate tides to the lunar cycle, tour a National Park Service atmospheric sampling lab and learn about traveling trunks available from a number of parks.
**Lab fee: $50**

Kathie Petrie earned her B.S. at the University of Maine in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management/Interpretation, and was awarded her M. Ed. from UMO in Natural Resource Management and Earth Science Education. Kate has worked as a Lead Education Ranger at Acadia National Park, directing the Schoodic Education Adventure residential program and Artist-in-Residence Program. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty at UMO's College of Human Development and Education teaching Science Education, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Earth Science for Educators.

This course combines an introduction to watershed ecology with hands-on computer-mapping experience. In the field we will focus on key aspects of watershed science and the impacts of humans on these ecosystems. A mapping component will utilize Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and GIS. GIS is a highly interactive map-based way of learning about our environment using "map overlay." School groups, citizen scientists, and non-profit environmental organizations often use map-based projects as a forum for learning about watershed science, as well as for promoting interest in local environmental management issues. We will collect spatially referenced data in the field and display this information using GIS to create interactive electronic maps. GIS mapping will include, for example, pollution sources, key habitats, priority areas, and land-use characterizations. Students will be introduced to GIS at the college's GIS Laboratory through hands-on learning using the field-collected data and on-line data. In addition, we will provide an introduction to ways for publishing watershed maps on the Internet. We will discuss sources of downloadable map-based data for areas of the country represented by participants in this course. The study area will be the Northeast Creek Watershed on Mount Desert Island, which is composed of national park lands, private property and non-profit held lands. Located within 10 minutes of the college, it is accessible by car, foot and canoe. No text required.
**Lab fee: $50**

Peter Vaux is an aquatic ecologist, with a B.Sc. from the University of London and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. He conducted water resources research on the Colorado River system in Nevada, Arizona and Utah for eight years before moving to Maine in 1995. He has spent several years working in West Africa, Central and South America. Now at the University of Maine, Peter has been involved with a series of research projects that focus on large-scale patterns in aquatic biodiversity and the physico-chemical characteristics of freshwater ecosystems. He is conducting watershed assessments for several National Park Service properties in the Northeast and manages a Web site for sharing geo-referenced environmental data in Maine.

Gordon Longsworth has a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1993, he has been head of the GIS laboratory at College of the Atlantic. He has directed an array of projects designed to provide access to, and interpretation of, environmental information for diverse audiences. Working with COA students, he has produced multiple mapping products for governmental agencies, NGOs and municipalities in the Mount Desert Island area and beyond. He has recently developed a Google Earth-based interface for on-line environmental data in Maine, as well as a series of on-line GIS interactive mapping products.

Field Ecology and Natural History is a course that integrates concepts of ecology, natural history, and environmental science using examples from Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island. Daily field exercises will focus on natural history of the Maine coast and ecological analysis of local streams, forests, lakes, bogs, marine intertidal systems, salt marshes, and montane granite domes. Participants will collect and interpret evidence regarding forest stand history and disturbance patterns, ecological zonation of organisms in different habitats, influence of soil and geologic conditions, adaptations in a coastal bog ecosystem, biodiversity patterns in different ecosystems, and indicator species in stream benthic communities. Class projects will focus on developing teaching tools, visual aids, mapping techniques, methods of data analysis, and lecture materials for use in middle school and high school classrooms. It is expected that course content will provide substantial enrichment for teachers seeking to meet national science education standards in life science, earth science, and scientific inquiry.
**Lab Fee $25.

Contact Information:
College of the Atlantic Summer Programs
Attn: Jean Sylvia
105 Eden Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: 800-597-9500
Fax: 207-288-3780
e-mail: summer@coa.edu