Year 1 (New Participants)
PreK–2
- Not offered in 2020
Please check back for updates on the 2021 institute.
About the Institute
Explore the amazing animals of Monterey Bay's marine ecosystems firsthand: the rocky shore, schoolyard, sandy shore and slough! With colleagues and experts, you'll focus on the patterns of survival in different habitats and examine ways to inspire conservation of the ocean during this year-long institute. You'll learn to implement new teaching strategies and conduct your own field investigations to improve science literacy and get students excited about science. Share ideas about connecting science notebooks, language arts, inquiry and technology with a focus on Patterns, one of the Next Generation Science Standards' crosscutting concepts. Sessions will be held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, local coastal field sites and Stevensen School in Pebble Beach.
Opportunities
Fees
- The institute is free
- A stipend of $50 per day is available upon completion of the program
- Dorm housing and meals will be provided at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach
- CEUs are available through CSU Monterey Bay for an additional fee (verify that your district office accepts CEUs, which are non-academic units)
Eligibility
- Full-time Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade teachers
- Teams of two to four teachers from the same or nearby schools
Requirements
- Attend all summer sessions and Saturday follow-ups during the school year
- Implement the curriculum with your students and share your efforts with institute participants
- Lead an in-service or action project at your school site or district
- Participate in the Aquarium's online professional development community
Related Classroom Activities
"This week went above and beyond my expectations. Field trips and labs were extremely engaging. Every activity was well thought out and planned. I am extremely excited to start these labs and writing lessons in my class."
- Past participant, 2nd grade teacher
Educator Programs
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Phone: 831.648.4846
Fax: 831.647.4526
educatorprograms@mbayaq.org
Year 2 (Program Alumni)
K–2
- June 15–19, 2020
- Follow-up Sessions:
November 7, 2020; February 20 and May 15, 2021
Applications open January 13, 2020.
About the Institute
Continue to hone your practice with this second year of teacher professional development. This institute is focused on interdisciplinary activities, including storytelling and engineering, which will help your students build empathy for animals as they explore how they are similar and different to various species. As a Year 2 participant, you’ll also have greater access to community resources and Aquarium staff for coaching and curriculum support. Sessions will be held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and local coastal field sites.
Opportunities:
Fees
- The institute is free
- A stipend of $100 per day is available upon completion of the program
- CEUs are available through CSU Monterey Bay for an additional fee (verify that your district office accepts CEUs, which are non-academic units)
Eligibility
- For Year 2, teachers must have previously completed Year 1 of the Splash Zone Teacher Institute
- Full-time K through 2nd grade classroom teachers
- Teams of two to four SZTI alumni teachers from the same or nearby schools
Requirements
Educator Programs
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Phone: 831.648.4846
Fax: 831.647.4526
educatorprograms@mbayaq.org