Join us and bring the excitement of Thermal Biology science to your classroom. This summer TBI offers the class: Thermal Biology in Yellowstone National Park through the Master of Science in Science Education Program (MSSE) at Montana State University.

Thermal Biology in Yellowstone National Park
June 23-27, 2008

This 2-credit course is designed for teachers participating in the Master’s in Science of Science of Science Education (MSSE) program at Montana State University. It will provide a survey of the ecology of important organisms common in thermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park, including a review of different life forms and their modes of metabolism, and the physical and chemical habitats that define their environment. The course is structured to provide (1) necessary fundamentals for understanding the ecology of different life forms in thermal habitats, (2) a survey of measurement and observational techniques that may serve as applications appropriate for science educators, and (3) field trips to visit and characterize several geothermal habitats environments.
Fundamental principles of microbial ecology will be emphasized during morning lectures on Monday , Wednesday , and Friday. Methods of chemical , physical , and biological analyses will be emphasized during the laboratory component (afternoons). Two days of field trips (Tuesday and Thursday) will be used to visit , discuss , sample and characterize diverse geothermal habitats in Yellowstone National Park. More Course Information

TBI is taking part in the 2007 M EA-MFT Educators Conference held in Belgrade Montana, October 18-19, 2007.

TBI scientists and outreach educators are focusing on Yellowstone thermal environments and are presenting information and hands-on learning in 5 seminars during the conference. Schedule will be posted when available.

The Thermal Biology Institute is co-sponsoring the 2007 Montana science teachers association’s banquet and is providing scholarship funds in partnership with the MEA-MFT to encourage new teachers to attend the conference.

The Thermal Biology Institute is offering an exciting all day Yellowstone field trip for Montana science teachers Saturday, October 20th.  The trip will focus on Yellowstone thermal environments and will include special guest, NASA microbiologist Brad Bebout.
Participation is limited to the first 40 Montana 6th-12th science teachers that sign up.
Please join us for information about cutting edge thermal research in Yellowstone National Park. 

(YNP Fieldtrip Application PDF)

Bozeman School District Flex-days

Great Falls Training

Bozeman School District Flex-days
Date: August 23, 2007 Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am

Great Falls Training
Dates: October 2 and October 9 Time: 4:00 – 7:00 pm

The Thermal Biology Institute is developing a Middle School science curriculum focused on the unique thermal environments of Yellowstone National Park. This curriculum, Hot Science!, addresses science concepts like scale, biodiversity and energy flow using local examples to enhance connection with students to universal concepts. TBI has 17 research scientists that are conducting cutting edge research in Yellowstone on thermal features in diverse fields such as virology, microbiology, ecology, genomics, geochemistry, bio-remediation, chemistry, biochemistry, and plant sciences. In and around these thermal features hundreds and perhaps thousands organisms are perfectly suited to the harshest environments on the surface of the earth, and this unique system is in our backyard. TBI outreach program is devoted to connecting the scientists to teachers and students. In this workshop, we will provide information about current research occurring in Yellowstone National Park and how these new developments can be used in the classroom. TBI has developed an integrated set of resources, lessons, and props for the classroom; and promotes access to real time data from scientists via the World Wide Web. The lessons have been tied to National and Montana Science Standards and are being piloted in local classrooms now.

What Lies Beneath

October 18-21, 2007 Old Faithful
Cost: $400 for tuition (meals and lodging extra)

Yellowstone is one of the most geologically dynamic places on earth, providing evidence of past and present forces that have shaped and continue to shape this landscape on a grand scale.  Yellowstone ’s geologic story provides examples of how geologic processes work on a planetary scale.  By introducing geology in this unparalleled field setting, complex concepts are readily rendered relevant and immediate.  Content will include information and/or lesson plans on volcanism, geysers, earthquakes, glaciers, sedimentation and erosion, fossils, and more. Instructors will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to teaching geology including lessons appropriate to both classroom and field settings.

Graduate credit (2SH) available through Colorado State University (pending).

For more information call (307) 344-2294 or visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org      

Join us and bring the excitement of Thermal Biology science to your classroom. This summer TBI offers the class: Thermal Biology in Yellowstone National Park through the Master of Science in Science Education Program (MSSE) at Montana State University.

Thermal Biology in Yellowstone National Park
June 18-22 2007 

This 2-credit course is designed for teachers participating in the Master’s in Science of Science of Science Education (MSSE) program at Montana State University. It will provide a survey of the ecology of important organisms common in thermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park, including a review of different life forms and their modes of metabolism, and the physical and chemical habitats that define their environment. The course is structured to provide (1) necessary fundamentals for understanding the ecology of different life forms in thermal habitats, (2) a survey of measurement and observational techniques that may serve as applications appropriate for science educators, and (3) field trips to visit and characterize several geothermal habitats environments. Fundamental principles of microbial ecology will be emphasized during morning lectures on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Methods of chemical, physical, and biological analyses will be emphasized during the laboratory component (afternoons). Two days of field trips (Monday and Friday) will be used to visit, discuss, sample, and characterize diverse geothermal habitats in Yellowstone National Park. More Course Information

NASA Extremophile Workshop
at Yellowstone

The Lunar and Planetary Institute invites you to participate in Earth's Extremophiles: Implications for Life in the Solar System

This NASA-sponsored field-based workshop, 22 - 29 July 2007, is intended primarily for middle school science teachers (although other educators are welcome).

At what extremes do we find life on Earth?  What other planets or moons have - or had - conditions that could support life? How can we detect life (or its environments) at a distance?  What are NASA's exploration plans for searching for life in our solar system?

Participants will spend a week with planetary scientists and astrobiologists in Yellowstone National Park investigating the geologic processes that result in extreme environmental conditions and the environments themselves. We will explore the different types of organisms that live in these conditions, the adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive, and how we might detect the organisms and their environments from Earth or from spacecraft. We will build an understanding of how life has evolved on Earth, the possibility of past or present similar environmental conditions on other planets, and what this implies for finding life in our Solar System.  The experience will be divided between the field and lab, where participants will work with classroom-tested, hands-on inquiry based activities and resources that can be used to enhance Earth, life, and space science teaching in the classroom.  Participants receive lesson plans, supporting resources, and presentations.  A limited number of grants are available to cover registration.

Join us!  Explore extreme environments on Earth and across the solar system with planetary scientists! Bring the excitement of Earth and planetary science into your classroom!

For more information, and to apply for the experience, please visit: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/fieldtrips/2007/

Applications are due April 4, 2007

Take an exciting tour of some of today's hottest science and topics in the news—stem cell research, mammalian cloning, gene therapy, personalized medicine, family health history, and the genetics of addiction. You'll learn the science, technology, potential, challenges, and bioethical issues related to these cutting-edge fields that promise to revolutionize medicine and health care. Hear talks by scientists, tour research labs, and engage in using the animated, online, wet lab and classroom curriculum materials on these topics developed by the Genetic Science Learning Center in collaboration with master teachers from across the U.S.

Dates: July 9-13, 2007
Location: University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Cost: $275, includes all materials, breakfasts and lunches; low-cost lodging options available
Credit: 3 graduate credits from the Department of Human Genetics (optional, $40 additional fee)

Applications are due May 31, 2007
Application and more information:
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/teachers/courses/gs2007/