The University of Texas at Austin Texas Natural Science Center Texas Natural Science Center

Education

Getting into the Swim—Evolution of Aquatic Adaptations in Mammals and Reptiles

Teacher Training for Secondary Science Teachers

Texas Natural Science Center is pleased to announce two FREE day-long teacher training workshops entitled Getting into the Swim—Evolution of Aquatic Adaptations in Mammals and Reptiles.  In each session teachers will work with a University of Texas at Austin vertebrate paleontologist to:

  • demonstrate how the fossil records of whales and marine reptiles provide evidence for evolution;
  • examine vertebrate skeletons and their parts;
  • investigate form, function, and evolutionary relationships among aquatic vertebrates; and
  • analyze adaptations that allow species to survive. 

Teachers will participate in inquiry-based activities using Museum specimens and exhibits.  This training is designed for secondary science teachers and will increase their understanding of the vertebrate skeleton, aquatic adaptations, transitional fossils and geological time.  Each teacher will receive:

  • a curriculum aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS);
  • Carl Zimmer’s book, At the Water’s Edge: fish with fingers, whales with legs, and how life came ashore but then went back again;
  • paper copies of pertinent scientific articles;
  • opportunity to check out a “loaner kit” of specimens used in the training;
  • credit for eight hours of continuing professional education (CPE);
  • lunch and parking.

Workshop dates (choose one):

  • Saturday, October 31st, 9am–5pm
  • Saturday, December 12th, 9am–5pm (waitlist only)

Cost: FREE (a $30 deposit, refundable upon completion of the workshop is required).

To register: Complete the on-line registration form.

For more information contact Pamela R. Owen at powen@mail.utexas.edu or 512.232.5511.

Sponsorship of Getting into the Swim—Evolution of Aquatic Adaptations in Mammals and Reptiles is provided by the Peterson Charitable Lead Trust and The Winkler Family Foundation