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2010 Summer Course
Conservation Biology - Earn four university graduate credits in seven weeks after completing this environmental science course that combines online learning activities with hands-on, collaborative field research. Spend seven days exploring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The research component of this experience begins along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay where students will assess environmental quality. Then, they will follow the Potomac River up to where it intersects the Shenandoah River at Harpers Ferry. Environmental quality will be monitored at several points along this journey. Researchers with follow the Shenandoah up through Front Royal and board canoes north of Luray and float down to Bentonville to assess water quality, riverbank erosion, invasive species, and more.
Click here to see the course syllabus.
Course Description: Graduate students earn four university science credits by completing this seven week course that combines four weeks of online activities covering conservation biology concepts, seven days of field research in Virginia, and two weeks of online analysis and conclusion activities.
Course Instructors: Florian Schmitt and Chris Packert - You can read their biographies by clicking on the "AES Faculty" link in the navigation bar at the top of the page.
This is a unique experience for people involved in science education to participate in a Community of Practice educational model while studying environmental science concepts. This course unites high school students who qualify for our Advanced Scholars program, undergraduate students seeking specific environmental content, and graduate students looking to diversify their teaching methods. Graduate students learn how to develop a science curriculum that engages undergraduate and high school students in online activities and field-based research. Course participants develop knowledge of conservation biology, and learn to implement equipment like digital prep scopes, Vernier LabQuests, and GPS units to conduct scientific research. They also learn how to use Web 2.0 programs like WiZiQ and Wikispaces. Those who complete this course will learn how to connect online teaching tools with field-based research. Participants who successfully complete our courses can also apply to become mentors for future courses. If you like to be a part of a learning community, use technology to engage students, and enjoy exploring majestic regions of our planet, this course is for you.
Course Timeline:
Pretrip Online Coursework: June 14th - July 23rd
Exploring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: July 24th - August 1st, 2010
Follow-up Online Activities: August 2nd - August 13th, 2010
Tuition and Fees:
$1,736.00 includes four university science graduate credits from Virginia Commonwealth University and all expedition expenses except food.
Course Registration: Registration is currently open. Click here to register for Conservation Biology. Complete the online registration form, and pay your nonrefundable deposit. Space is limited, so we suggest enrolling as soon as possible. Once registration has been completed, further instructions will follow.
Payment Schedule:
Down Payment: $300.00 (Nonrefundable but is transferable to a new student): Due at registration.
Final Payment: Balance due May 1st, 2010
Refund Policy:
A partial refund may be available and is dependent upon when The RiverRidge Foundation is notified of the cancellation in writing.
Substantial payments and deposits are made on the traveler's behalf to airlines, hotels, transportation companies, and overseas suppliers well in advance of departure and are nonrefundable. No refunds will be given for any missed or unused services obtained for this course.
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