CRES Conservation Biology- The California Condor
Summer Institute for High School Life Science Teachers

Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), the research arm of the Zoological Society of San Diego, is pleased to offer High School Life Science Teachers a research opportunity in Conservation Biology. The summer institute is designed to help teachers bring true science challenges into their classrooms and provide them with new expertise and materials to enhance student learning. Institute activities are aligned with California State Biology/Life Science Standards and will focus particularly on various aspects of the biology of the California Condor, an endangered and complex local species, recently brought back from the brink of extinction through the efforts of Wild Animal Park and CRES staff.

Institute Objectives:
Bring teachers together with CRES researchers from various disciplines in laboratory and field settings to engage in conservation science activities.


As participants in the institute, teachers will:

* take part in lectures and hands-on science activities focusing on fields of genetics, reproductive physiology and endocrinology, behavioral biology, pathology, applied animal ecology, botanical conservation, and evolutionary biology

* sleep in a tent at the Wild Animal Park, complete with campfire and safari caravan

* have the opportunity to bring classes for a tour of CRES facilities and hands-on activity during the 2007-2008 school year


Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for participation in the institute, selected teachers must:
* be a current High School Life Science Teacher
* be available to attend both days of the institute (9am-5pm,August 6th-7th), full day attendance required
* have access to transportation to CRES facilities at the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, CA (North San Diego County)
* be able to sleep in a tent at the Wild Animal Park! (night of August 6th)
* have a genuine interest in the preservation of endangered species

Interested life science teachers are encouraged to download an application at http://www.cres.sandiegozoo.org. Application packets must be postmarked by Friday, June 8th, 2007. Notifications will be made by Friday, June 15th.