Teacher Professional Development Courses

The Education Department at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden offers several professional development courses to teachers in Miami-Dade county.  The classes focus on botany, ecology and South Florida natural history, and are designed to increase teachers' knowledge and understanding of the importance of plants, plant uses, and habitat conservation. Workshops are conducted using a combination of discussion and hands-on activities, and teachers are provided with materials, resources and curriculum activities to implement in their classrooms. Fairchild works closely with the Miami-Dade County Public School system to make these professional development courses available.

To register, please visit http://calendar.dadeschools.net/.

For more information, contact Kiki Mutis at kmutis@fairchildgarden.org or 305.667.1651 x 3330.

2012-2013 Professional Development Workshop Schedule 

Fundamentals of Scientific Research - This workshop will be an introduction to the scientific research process. It is primarily aimed to help teachers assist students in formulating, designing, and conducting research projects. The workshop will explore the different types of projects, experimental design, sampling and measurement, analysis of experimental data, and the individual components of dissemination (poster, oral, and thesis). Sept. 22

Flying Wild - This workshop focuses on migratory birds and is designed to inspire students to discover more about the natural world. Oct. 6 

School Garden Workshop - A one-day workshop, offered bi-annually, for teachers creating school gardens. Teachers will learn the basics of planning, designing, and implementing a school garden, as well as how to integrate garden activities into the curriculum. Oct. 26 and Jan. 12

Linking Food and the Environment - This workshop promotes national health goals for people to eat healthy diets and lead physically active lives. The workshop emphasizes on the strong connection between gardens and nutrition and the connection between food, land, environment and people.  Feb. 9  

South Florida Plants and Ecosystems - A one-day workshop exploring our local ecology outside of the classroom. This workshop will provide a hands-on approach to understanding Florida native plants and ecosystems, as well as local conservation issues. Mar. 2

Ethnobotany - A one-day workshop offering a hands-on approach to understanding the cultural and economic value of plants and their importance in our lives. Mar. 16

Basic Botany - This one-day workshop will teach the basics of roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit, emphasizing easy strategies to teach students about plant parts and functions. Apr. 13

Tropical Botany - A two-week intensive immersion course for k-12 teachers, affectionately known as "Botany Bootcamp".  June 17-28

Downloadable Teaching Modules

2012-2013 Professional Development Flyer

last updated 3/13