Arizona Game and Fish: Wildlife Educator STEM Academy – Research Practices and Management

Are you interested in learning more about how biologists are conducting research projects to better conserve and protect Arizona’s wildlife species? Do you want to better understand how to help students set up and carry out their own wildlife and habitat research projects? Then the Arizona Game and Fish Department has the perfect professional development opportunity for you. Join us as we host the Wildlife Educator STEM Academy focused on research practices, conservation and management. Over the course of three days, participants will engage in educational activities that: - Explore the tools and techniques for carrying out wildlife science research projects. - Address current Arizona science standards and focus on three-dimensional teaching strategies. - Model teaching instruction. - Allow for reflection and discussion of current and future teaching practices. In addition, participants will meet biologists who are currently working with Arizona’s wildlife and receive activities and resources that can be brought back for use in the classroom. Please read all of the information below to have a better understanding of what to expect during this workshop. EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES Activities have been designed with the Arizona science standards in mind. In addition to the general science content (DCIs), we will also address relevant Crosscutting Concepts (e.g., patterns, structure and function) and the Science and Engineering Practices (e.g., obtaining, evaluating and communicating information). We will explore the use of phenomena to drive student exploration and engagement. Our focus will primarily be on middle and high school (6th-12th grade) level standards although educators of all grades and types are welcome to attend. Participants will receive numerous resources and a certificate for at least 18 hours of professional development credit. SCHEDULE AND LOCATION NOTES This workshop does take place over the course of three days. This includes 18 hours of required “seat time” during those sessions. The workshop will take place at the Arizona Game and Fish Department main headquarters located next to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. Most of the time will be spent indoors in a typical classroom/workshop setting. However, it is possible that some time may be spent in the desert-like area located onsite. FEE INFORMATION The fees for this workshop will cover the expenses necessary to run the program as well as all resources that will be provided to the participants. Unfortunately, this does not include food. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and snacks. Adequate time (30-60 minutes) will be provided on all days for participants to get lunch nearby. They can also bring lunch in a cooler or similar carrier if they prefer. REGISTRATION The Arizona Game and Fish Department reserves the right to cancel this program or change venues as necessary. The cancellation policy has been updated to permit participants to cancel up to 18 hours prior to the program with a full refund. Space is extremely limited and registration is required. Spots will be filled on a “first to register” basis. If all spots are filled, additional registrations will be added to a waiting list. The waiting list will be used to fill any spots that result from a cancellation. Please complete the form below to register. Registered participants will receive additional information as we get closer to the event. Date Time Monday, July 14, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday, July 15, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Wednesday, July 16, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm