Course Information
AIP/GRADUATE COURSES
Foundations of Inquiry
June 15-19, 2020
Discover the world around you by making observations, asking questions and putting your predictions to the test. This class explores the use of inquiry and inquiry based learning. Participants will not only learn the art of creating comparative questions and designing simple tests to find answers, but will learn how to apply these skills for use in their classrooms or communities to create change and become local leaders. This class is composed of 5 days spent at the Zoo as well as continued online coursework through a web-based community.
AIP: Year 1
Required as first course in AIP
3 credit hours
Summer; 5 day class with continued coursework online
Cost: $1,425 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo
Course Themes:
- Conduct a simple inquiry in small groups to review the importance of observation
- Assess audiences before beginning an inquiry as step one in the inquiry cycle
- Conduct an inquiry that focuses on critical thinking skills and how an instructor's language promotes critical thinking
- Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in science, math, literacy, and the arts
- Facilitate the steps of the inquiry process in their classroom or community, leading to the final step: forming new questions for investigation
Zoo Expeditions: Primate Behavior and Conservation
June 8-10 and July 9-10, 2020
Participants investigate conservation and behavior through direct observation of primates at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Opportunities for comparative study range from exploring social structure to communication or exhibit design. This course will provide a foundation for understanding research methods and conservation issues. We will also examine how course topics can be applied and adapted to teaching in local educational settings.
AIP: Year 2
3 credit hours
Fall Semester: This course will meet for 5 days during the summer and continued coursework will continue throughout the summer via web-based community
Cost: $1,425 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
- Classification of natural history of primates
- Primate conservation
- Design and methods of behavioral studies
- Curricular development and educational leadership
- Inquiry-based learning
Biomimicry
June 11-12 and July 6-8, 2020
How could a butterfly inspire your next design? Humans and wildlife both face the same environmental challenges, but nature adapts to its situations in sustainable ways. Participants in this course will explore the ways in which humans can (and do) emulate systems and designs found in nature. Students will fine tune their observation skills and complete a design challenge using nature as their guide.
AIP Year 3
3 credit hours
Summer Semester; 5 day class with continued online coursework until August 16
Cost: $1,425 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
- Inquiry-based learning
- Conduct an inquiry-driven design challenge based on the use of biomimetics
- Further develop observation skills
- Think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems
Master Plan in Action
September 12, October 17, and November 14, 2019
*This course is available only to full AIP Master's students.
In this course, participants will perform a large body of work towards their Master Plan. Although the course is self-directed, students will meet four times for morning peer review sessions to discuss their progress and offer advice and assistance with each other’s design and data analysis.
AIP: Year 2
2 credit hours
Fall semester: this class will meet 2 Saturdays during the fall and will have continued course work throughout the fall semester. Participants complete projects via web based learning.
Cost: $950 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
- Develop a timeline for completion of the Master Plan, including inquiry projects, Leadership Challenges and e-Portfolio.
- Begin developing a cohesive body of work for inclusion in e-Portfolio, potentially design and implement side projects to enhance the overall quality of their Master Plan project(s).
- Apply an understanding of experimental design and data analysis
- Critical peer review
- Critical examination of research methodologies from published studies
Environmental Stewardship in My Community
September 19-20 and October 10-11, 2020
Learn about sustainable practices from area leaders in the field. Travel to local sites as we explore the latest developments in sustainability. Participants will investigate conservation opportunities and solutions in their local communities, practice inquiry-based learning, develop a conservation project to be used in their classroom or community, and reflect on their own ecological footprints. This class is composed of 5 days spent at the Zoo as well as continued online coursework through a web-based community.
AIP: Year 1
3 credit hours
Fall semester: course will meet 4 days (2 weekends) in the fall with additional coursework online
Cost: $1,425 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
- Investigate local and global conservation issues to understand causes and impacts; analyze solutions to these issues
- Strategies for engaging students or community members in conservation action of local organizations
- Explore principles of sustainability
- Investigate conservation practices and programs conducted by Northeast Ohio organizations