Professional Learning Opportunities

IN PERSON AT THE MUSEUM
Join us for a day in the park!

During this workshop, we will explore the geology of Central Park to learn field techniques for making observations of local rock formations. Teachers will analyze and interpret these observations to make inferences about the geologic origins of Central Park rocks.

We will share our Teacher's Field Guide for Central Park, produced by the Museum which provides location information and student-facing materials for middle and high school Earth Science class field trips to Central Park.

The workshop will start in the Museum, where we will become familiar with the guide and how to use it. Then we will head out to Central Park, where we will spend several hours making observations on rock outcrops using the guide.

The field portion of this workshop requires some strenuous activity, so we suggest the following:

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes for walking 2 to 4 miles through the park. We will be mostly on paved roads, but the day will include some amount of walking on uneven surfaces and paths.
• We will provide breakfast and a bagged lunch, but bring any walking snacks you’d like 
• Bring a water bottle! 
• Bring sunscreen 
• We will be going out into the park rain or shine, so please dress appropriately based on the weather forecast for this day 
• You will not need a laptop or tablet, so you can save yourself the trouble of lugging it through the park and leave it at home! Phones for taking photos are ok and encouraged!

We are committed to accommodating all participants' needs during our professional learning days. Components of this offering are physically and mentally demanding, as this session includes an extensive Central Park visit that requires time outside in the Sun, walking on uneven ground, and mild elevation changes. Please let us know at least seven days in advance if you have any concerns or need accommodation so that we can ensure that you will have a positive experience

Agenda
8:30 am– 9:15 am: Sign in and breakfast reception

9:30 am–10:15 am: Dr. Steven Jaret gives an overview of the field guide

10:15–10:40 am: Walk to Central Park

10:40 am–2:15 pm: Exploration of Central Park (including 30-min break for lunch)

2:15 pm–3 pm: Return to the Museum for a debrief

After 3 pm, teachers who would like to stay will be invited to visit the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation and explore the new spaces, including the Solomon Family Insectarium.

Museum Facilitator: Steven Jaret

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