TEACHERS

LUMCON offers several programs for preK-12, non-formal, and university educators to improve their effectiveness in teaching science. These programs help teachers understand the scientific process, learn marine and coastal science, and gain confidence in active learning methods. In addition, workshops (lasting 4 hours to 1 week) can be designed to meet school or district needs for professional development for teachers.

Teachers are also encouraged to apply for and participate in summer university courses and internships.

Contact our Director of Education and Outreach to request a workshop or apply for any of the following opportunities. Click here for information on LUMCON fees and policies.

WORKSHOPS

Coding for Marine Science Workshop
DATES:  June 28-30, 2024 at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:LUMCON seeks to establish a capable biotechnology workforce by using DNA analysis from the extraction of the DNA through to bioinformatics (the science of collecting and analyzing complex biological data such as genetic codes) by supporting educators with a new kind of professional development.  Workshop participants will each receive a PCR kit and training to use the kit in their classrooms.  The kit contains a PCR thermocycler, gel electrophoresis station, gel viewer, pipettes, and assorted consumables.  Participants will also receive a $250 stipend. CLICK HERE for the program one pager.

Themes of the workshop include:

  • microbial communities of Louisiana salt marshes
  • the microbial pathways affected by human caused stresses
  • cutting edge technology used to investigate the status and function of salt marsh microbes
Participants of the workshop will:
  • learn how to conduct hands-on demonstrations with students regarding the basics of microbiology, laying the groundwork for future workers in the biotechnology sector
  • participate in sequencing samples at LUMCON and using R (an open source coding platform) to analyze samples
  • be able to introduce students to a more computer science related side of biotechnology
This workshop is supported by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation.

WORKSHOP TOPICS: Environmental monitoring, climate change, coding, environmental parameters, data management and analysis, and field techniques.
REGISTRATION: Send an email to education@lumcon.edu with the subject line “Coding workshop registration”.

Water Quality Monitoring Training Workshop 
DATES: TBA
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  All activities are designed to ensure that participants have the knowledge and skills needed to use Bayouside Classroom with their students. The focus of this workshop is on water quality and how you can use regular sampling to help your students understand scientific methods, their place in the estuary, watersheds, and what types of water quality problems exist in estuaries and the ocean.  Each new program teacher will earn a stipend and a full water quality monitoring kit. Workshop funding provided by BTNEP.
WORKSHOP TOPICS: Water quality parameters and normal limits, sampling techniques, use of data to test hypotheses, gulf hypoxia (Dead Zones), watersheds & estuaries, sea-level rise, pollution, estuaries, invasive species, nutrients & nutrient impacts.

Ship Time & Shoreline: a field methods workshop for teachers
DATES: TBA
Program Description: Ship Time & Shoreline is a multi-day residential workshop held at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA. It is designed to immerse educators in the coastal habitats of south Louisiana and give them insight into various scientific methods. Field and laboratory activities will highlight the scientific methods being used by Coastal Waters Consortium researchers. Participants will spend the week meeting and interacting with scientists, exploring various coastal environments, and learning about field and laboratory methods and how that information can be used back in the classroom.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND OTHER RESOURCES

Bathymetric Mapping Research Cruise
Marsh Methods
Phytoplankton Identification Guide
Restore Food Web

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