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Marine Animals 

Join us for this CTLE and P-Credit course for Preschool through Elementary teachers as we explore the New York Aquarium and get up close and personal with some of the amazing marine animals that live there. Participants will blend science and ELA as we explore both large and small creatures of the sea, their adaptations, habitats, survival needs, and interactions. We will discuss the ways humans are impacting these animals and what we can do about it. We will also reflect on how our identities and assumptions shape both education and conservation alike, and the ways we can challenge assumptions to help wildlife and create a more affirming learning environment for students. Explore the exhibits at the aquarium to discover ways to use these exhibits with students as well as engaging activities to bring back to the classroom. Work collaboratively with peers and create an assessment to be used in your own classroom as you explore how marine animals can help you meet the NY State learning standards for science and ELA.

If you have any accessibility needs that would prevent you from attending this course, please contact teacherinfo@wcs.org right away so we can make the necessary accommodations.

July 13-18, 2025 at the NY Aquarium  

Climate Institute

Be part of our inaugural 5-day Climate Institute, July 20–24—an energizing summer experience designed for educators ready to bring climate solutions into their classrooms. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, you’ll connect with a vibrant network of local partners and fellow teachers leading climate and environmental action across New York City. This program spotlights community-based organizations, including NYCPS Sustainability partners, giving you direct access to the inspiring work happening in neighborhoods throughout the city. Walk away with practical, interdisciplinary tools and lasting partnerships to make climate learning real and relevant for your students. 

July 20-24, 2026 in person at the Bronx Zoo & New York Aquarium

Zoo Animals and Teaching the Elementary Curriculum 

Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of the planet’s (and the Bronx Zoo’s) animals! In this P-credit and CTLE course, you will gain knowledge to help transform your classroom into a prosperous and equitable science learning center and expose your students to fun, educational, and culturally relevant learning opportunities. Through diverse learning experiences, you will increase your knowledge of such topics as major characteristics of animals, adaptations, and habitats. Many activities will promote the integration of basic life science through an interdisciplinary approach. In addition, this unique opportunity to learn at the zoo will demonstrate the advantages of utilizing informal science institutions as learning-rich environments that promote the development of scientific literacy skills.

July 27 - August 1, 2026 at the Bronx Zoo 

Habitat Ecology for Educators

Habitat Ecology for Educators is a creative way to integrate multiple subjects and research-based pedagogical strategies to teach science! The learning experiences in this course, which align with NYS Elementary Science Standards and Common Core Learning Standards, will help teachers strengthen their content knowledge of animal habitats, evolution, biology, and ecology. Teachers will also develop pedagogical skills like utilizing inquiry-based learning, teaching for conceptual change, and designing with a culturally responsive lens to enhance students’ understanding of life science. In addition, teachers will develop specific strategies to highlight the impact that human activities can have on wildlife and wild places in a way that inspires students to take conservation action. Finally, teachers will learn how to utilize the exhibit spaces at the zoo to support authentic learning. Each teacher will receive access to WCS Curriculum and supplemental resources to help encourage students to explore the richness of ecology– both in the classroom and in a local park, nature center, or zoo. 

August 3-8, 2026 in person at the Bronx Zoo

Small Bugs, Big Science    

“Bugs” are everywhere and are a fabulous gateway to the natural world. This P-Credit and CTLE course for pre-k and elementary teachers will help you dive into the miniature world of bugs to build on your own and your student’s cultural perspective towards bugs, to foster positive attitudes towards the amazing world of insects and the important role they play in the environment and our own lives. Learn how to cover language arts, math, social studies, and life science standards in fun, interactive ways. You will explore the biology behind these amazing animals, from life cycles to coloration, and take away tips and tricks for making your classroom activities into a very buggy adventure! 

If you have any accessibility needs that would prevent you from attending this course, please contact teacherinfo@wcs.org right away so we can make the necessary accommodations.

In-person at the Bronx Zoo 

Urban Ecology in New York City
Urban Ecology and Urban Planning will be explored hand in hand in this 45 hour P-credit course. Through this course we will dig into the historical design and long-lasting impacts of urban planning within New York City, examine urban development decisions from colonial to modern times and discuss the equity issues that can arise from urban planning and decision making. In addition to classroom and zoo grounds explorations covering topics including woodlands ecosystem ecology, water cycles, carbon cycles, and species adaptation to urbanization, one full day of our course will be a walking and learning tour of Lower Manhattan (total walking distance approximately 1.1 miles). During this walking exploration we will examine ecological systems management in NYC including storm water runoff, coastal planning, urban biodiversity, urban population growth, and greenhouse gas emission. Teachers can bring all this new knowledge back to their classrooms, supported by our exploration of inquiry teaching and learning methodologies and constructivism, in the design of a lesson or unit for their classrooms that allows students to explore issues of urban ecology.

In-person at the Bronx Zoo, with one day offsite in Manhattan 

From Mammoths to Mountain Lions: Exploring Genetics, Conservation & Human Impact - In-person at Bronx Zoo
Explore the powerful connection between genetics, ecology, and conservation in this high school teacher PD anchored in the New Visions Living Environment curriculum. Investigate human impact on ecosystems through the lens of the Woolly Mammoth unit and the real-world case of mountain lion conservation in Unit 4: Saving The Mountain Lion. Analyze genetic diversity, interpret authentic data, and discover how zoos support species survival.

Eco-Innovators: Engineering Solutions Where Nature Leads - Online class
Join us on an exciting, professional learning experience for educators who want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and problem-solvers. In this course, you'll explore how conservation and engineering can come together to address real-world environmental challenges. Through engaging case studies, Field Sight videos, and hands-on design challenges, you’ll discover how to help students explore the science behind human–wildlife coexistence, sustainable innovations, and biodiversity protection. 

Biographies in the Biosphere: Real Scientists, Real Science and Real Writing - In-person at Central Park Zoo
Explore the groundbreaking work of real-life scientists —pioneers who’ve dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting wildlife across the globe. Through engaging texts and powerful stories, you’ll uncover how these scientists studied big cats, sharks, gorillas, and more—and use their journeys to model meaningful writing with your students. 

Tools and Technology in Conservation - Online class
Explore the world of cutting-edge conservation science—and learn how to translate it into impactful education programs. In this one-day course designed for zoo and aquarium educators, you’ll dive into real-world case studies highlighting how scientists use tools like GPS tracking, camera traps, and data modeling to protect wildlife and ecosystems. Then, shift from learning to application as you collaborate with peers to revise your own programming—integrating STEM strategies and proven teaching practices to inspire the next generation of conservation-minded learners.

Melting, Moving, Missing: Making Climate Change Visible in Nature-Based Education - Online class
In this workshop, we invite educators to explore how climate change is reshaping the natural world—and how to bring those changes to life for students. Through the lenses of rising temperatures (Melting), shifting species ranges (Moving), and biodiversity loss (Missing), this course connects real-world environmental changes to hands-on, nature-based teaching. Dive into human impacts, renewable energy solutions, and strategies for combating the climate crisis. 

Teaching for Impact: Strengthening Conservation Programming in Conservation - Online class
Designed for international zoo and aquarium educators, this dynamic workshop explores your vital role in conservation and the power of empathy to inspire action. Through engaging case studies, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, you’ll gain effective strategies to teach conservation concepts and foster emotional connections with wildlife. 

Join us for an immersive one-day workshop that transforms the zoo into your classroom, where living animals become powerful teachers of empathy, ecology, and our interconnected world. This hands-on experience unfolds in three integrated sections related to curricular themes across grade levels: family studies, ecosystems, and mammal studies. The day focuses on a collaborative Exhibit Design Project where you'll synthesize these scientific, emotional and ecological perspectives, creating exhibits that link scientific understanding with empathy and inspire deeper connections to the natural world. A perfect blend of science and STEM!

Thursday, June 4th 2026
In-person at the Queens Zoo