The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is an immersive four-day professional development experience for middle school and high school science teachers from Kansas and the surrounding area. Hosted by the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas Field Station, the institute is designed to deepen teachers' understanding of Kansas ecosystems through hands-on exploration, Next Generation Science Standards-aligned lessons, and direct interaction with university researchers and subject experts. The institute is grounded in field-based science, curiosity-driven learning, classroom-ready activities, and collaboration with like-minded educators. Teachers step into the role of learner, exploring prairie, forest, and aquatic ecosystems through field investigations, lab activities, and collaborative discussions, all while (re)connecting with their own love of learning and discovery. We value the work teachers do every day to educate and support their students, and our goal is to provide a meaningful experience that leaves them inspired, refreshed, and equipped with new tools for the year ahead.

Teachers earn 28 professional development points through Jayhawk Global, which can be applied toward license renewal / salary advancement. A light breakfast and full lunch from local restaurants will be provided each day. Accepted participants are required to pay a $60 registration fee to secure their spot.

Participation in the institute requires an application and acceptance prior to registration, as space is limited. Interested teachers must apply by March 31 at: https://biosurvey.ku.edu/ecosystems-kansas-summer-institute

All applicants will be notified of their status by April 15. Teachers who are accepted into the program will receive instructions to complete their official registration through Jayhawk Global. To secure a spot in the institute, accepted participants must complete registration and submit the $60 registration fee by May 1.

Course Outcomes:

Teachers participating in the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute will:

• Deepen their understanding of Kansas prairie, forest, and aquatic ecosystems
• Engage with researchers to learn about current research and scientific practices
• Participate in hands-on field and lab activities
• Strengthen curriculum through place-based and phenomenon-driven approaches
• Build professional connections with a community of like-minded secondary and post-secondary educators
• Exchange ideas with fellow educators around differentiated instruction, vertical alignment, and classroom practice
• Earn 28 professional development points for license renewal / salary advancement