Honeywell, Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon Society Partner for a Second Year to Inspire a New Generation of Scientists
Onondaga County’s top middle school science teachers can now apply to receive one of 15 full scholarships to a hands-on professional development program that offers an invaluable experience and new tools to stimulate student learning.
Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education, now in its second year, was developed by Honeywell, the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Onondaga Audubon Society to provide unique learning opportunities to help the area’s best teachers excite and inspire a new generation of scientists in their classrooms. It is part of an overall initiative to recognize the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and to educate youth about habitat and conservation.
The program is scheduled for August 8 – 12 and combines classroom instruction with diverse outdoor experiences at sites throughout the Onondaga Lake watershed. The curriculum also is designed to complement the adoption of Onondaga Lake as an Important Bird Area as recognized by the National Audubon Society.
“Audubon is excited to partner with Honeywell, a corporate leader in STEM learning initiatives, to provide educators with techniques that will inspire their students to learn about natural systems and the environment,” said Frank Moses, Director of the Montezuma Audubon Center. “The real-world science lessons in the program will inspire students to take a more active role in preserving their environment and encourage them to become environmental stewards in their own communities.”
Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education provides inquiry-based techniques for teachers to learn about habitats and ecosystems, water quality, birds, native plants and sustainability. The program is aligned with New York State’s standards in math, science and technology, and is adaptable for classroom curriculum. Last summer, 15 teachers from 10 different Onondaga County school districts completed the week-long exploration of the watershed. They examined freshwater and field habitats, explored streams and marshes with environmental leaders and naturalists, and took a boat tour of Onondaga Lake.
“The Honeywell Institute provided a learning experience that directly aligns with our science curriculum,” said Jennifer Cohen, a sixth-grade science teacher at Long Branch Elementary School in Liverpool. “The students are excited because they already know about the lake and they take ownership in knowing they are learning about science through our local community. Also, the materials we received were very valuable. We use the statistical information to read tables and interpret data.”
Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education offers participants opportunities to model lessons and learn new teaching techniques, gain practice using field study instruments and technologies, and discover creative ways to integrate natural system studies into their existing curriculum. All teachers who are accepted into the program will receive a full scholarship from Honeywell to attend the five-day program.
Teachers will:
- Investigate the Onondaga Lake watershed region and the Onondaga Lake Important Bird Area
- Learn new content that supports the New York State curriculum in Mathematics, Science and Technology Learning Standards 1, 2, 4 & 7
- Receive free tuition and New York-specific curricular materials as well as other supplemental information and resources
- Have the opportunity to earn 30 professional development hours
- Receive a weekly stipend for participation
- Be eligible for a sponsored class field trip
For more information or to apply, http://honeywell.com/Citizenship/Pages/habitat-conservation.aspx and click on the Central New York link. If you have additional questions, please contact the Montezuma Audubon Center at 315-365-3588 or e-mail clajewski@audubon.org. Applications are due by June 17.