Biodiversity with a Backbone

July 13-17, 2009
Instructor: Dr. Jim Schulte, Assistant Professor, Biology
Did you know that almost all snake species in the North Country have live birth like mammals? Did you know that the Eastern US has the greatest number of salamander species in the world? Did you know that one of only seven venomous mammals in the world are found in your backyard? This institute will explore these and many other little known ÒGee-whizÓ questions about our fellow vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) in the North Country and Eastern United States. We will introduce web-based resources for investigating vertebrate biodiversity as well as spend significant time outdoors studying these animals in their own elements. All participants will work together to develop project and content-based modules appropriate for middle school students with example modules also provided and discussed. The primary goal of this institute is to provide teachers with the knowledge that will be of interest to all students by opening their eyes to the world that lies right in front of them.