Advance Science Education at the University of Kansas Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute
Bridging the Gap Between Classroom Theory and Field Biology
Connecting classroom theory to real-world application remains a primary challenge for science educators across the USA. Textbooks and standard laboratory exercises provide foundational knowledge, but they often fail to capture the dynamic, interconnected nature of local environments. Recognizing this critical gap, the University of Kansas has developed a targeted solution for secondary educators. The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute provides an immersive, field-based professional development experience designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and resources necessary to revitalize their science education curricula.
Hosted at the expansive KU Field Station just north of Lawrence, this program moves beyond traditional seminars. It places educators directly into the environments they teach about, allowing them to work alongside active ecological researchers. By prioritizing hands-on engagement, the institute helps teachers shift their instructional focus from rote memorization to active scientific inquiry. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how field-based professional development can benefit your school’s science department.
Understanding the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute
Manage professional growth effectively by taking advantage of specialized programs like the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute. Now in its eighth year, this annual event is organized and led by the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, a designated research center at the University of Kansas. The program was initially created by Peggy Schultz, a researcher and faculty member in KU’s Environmental Studies Program, as an outreach component of a National Science Foundation research grant.
Following the conclusion of the original grant, the institute demonstrated such high value for science education that it was sustained through the generous support of donors to the Kansas Biological Survey’s Friends of the KU Field Station Fund at KU Endowment. Today, the program is coordinated by Wendy Holman, the education program coordinator for the KU Field Station and a former middle school science teacher. Her background ensures the program remains highly relevant and practical for secondary educators.
The structure of the Summer Institute is deliberately designed to model effective outdoor education. Participants spend their mornings at various field sites across the 3,200-acre KU Field Station. Afternoons are reserved for indoor work at the Armitage Education Center, where teachers process data, collaborate on lesson plans, and discuss pedagogical strategies. This balance of fieldwork and classroom preparation allows educators to immediately translate their experiences into actionable lesson plans.
Aligning Fieldwork with Next Generation Science Standards
Integrate new teaching methodologies with confidence by utilizing programs strictly aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is built around these standards, ensuring that the activities and lessons developed by teachers meet rigorous national benchmarks for science education in the USA.
Stream Ecology and Aquatic Systems
Investigate aquatic environments by working directly with KU researchers on boats at the KU Field Station’s Cross Reservoir. Teachers learn to assess water quality, identify macroinvertebrates, and understand the complex interactions between aquatic organisms and their physical surroundings. These activities translate directly into NGSS standards focused on ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience. By studying local streams, teachers can design lessons that help students understand watershed management and the impact of human activity on local water resources.
Prairie Ecosystems and Soil Microbiomes
Examine the foundational elements of the Great Plains by visiting the KU Field Station’s Rockefeller Native Prairie. Educators explore the relationships among soils, microbes, and prairie plants. Guided by experts like Ashley Bowman, a prairie plant communities ecologist, and Liz Koziol, an assistant research professor specializing in mycorrhizal fungi, teachers dig into the invisible but essential biological networks that sustain native grasslands. This specific knowledge allows teachers to craft lessons on nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and the importance of biodiversity in the USA’s native ecosystems.
Forest Preserve Dynamics
Analyze woodland ecosystems through guided explorations of the KU Field Station’s Baldwin Woods Forest Preserve. Led by E.J. Jamison, a district forester with the Kansas Forest Service, teachers learn about forest management, tree identification, and the historical context of eastern Kansas woodlands. Understanding the distinct differences between prairie and forest ecosystems enables educators to provide students with a comprehensive view of regional biodiversity. Explore our related articles for further reading on integrating local forestry concepts into middle and high school curricula.
Collaborating with Leading Ecological Researchers
Build a professional network by interacting directly with leading scientists during the Summer Institute. The University of Kansas boasts a robust faculty of ecologists, biologists, and geospatial analysts who actively participate in this program. Instructors include Sara Baer, the director of the Kansas Biological Survey and a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, along with specialists from the Lake Assessment Lab, the R.L. McGregor Herbarium, and the Kansas Applied Remote Sensing Program.
Engage with researchers like Caleb Morse, senior collection manager at the herbarium, to learn about plant taxonomy and specimen preservation. Work alongside Debbie Baker and Christine Cornish to understand advanced aquatic monitoring techniques. This direct access to active researchers demystifies the scientific process for educators. It allows teachers to bring real, ongoing research data into their classrooms, showing students that science is a living, breathing discipline rather than a static collection of facts.
Bringing Field Biology Back to the Secondary Classroom
Apply the knowledge gained at the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute directly to your teaching practice. The primary goal of the program is to impact secondary science education by empowering teachers to create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for their students. Participants are selected through a competitive application process, ensuring a cohort of highly motivated educators dedicated to improving their craft.
Consider the perspective of past participants like Jackson Dinsmore, a teacher at Blue Valley North High School. Dinsmore applied to the institute to deepen his understanding of Kansas ecosystems as he incorporated more field biology into his curriculum. He emphasizes the importance of helping students see science as a process for understanding the world. Similarly, Jackson Alex, a teacher at Spring Hill High School who recently introduced AP Environmental Science, noted that the program provided a crucial foundation for teaching complex ecological topics. By starting in their own backyard, teachers can make global environmental issues feel local and actionable for their students.
Incorporate digital tools alongside outdoor experiences by utilizing resources like The Virtual Field, an online platform introduced during the institute. This tool helps teachers connect students with ecosystems when physical field trips are not feasible, ensuring that the reach of the Summer Institute extends far beyond the physical borders of the KU Field Station. Have questions? Write to us! to share how you use digital tools to supplement field biology in your classroom.
Evaluating the Impact of the KU Field Station on Regional Education
Recognize the value of dedicated research stations in supporting science education. The KU Field Station is not merely a nature preserve; it is an active site for study in the sciences, arts, and humanities. Managed by the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, the facility houses diverse ecological research and remote sensing programs. Its existence allows the University of Kansas to bridge the gap between high-level academic research and practical K-12 education.
Programs like the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute demonstrate how universities can leverage their physical and intellectual assets to serve the broader community. By funding teacher professional development, the University of Kansas invests indirectly in thousands of secondary students across the state. When one teacher learns how to effectively teach stream ecology or soil microbiology, that knowledge is multiplied across hundreds of students year after year. This cascading effect makes the Summer Institute one of the most efficient and impactful science education initiatives in the region.
Applying for Future Professional Development Opportunities
Take the next step in your professional development journey by seeking out similar immersive programs. The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute accepts a limited number of secondary school science teachers each year through a structured application process. Information regarding future cohorts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines is available through the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research website.
Prepare a strong application by clearly articulating how you plan to use the experience to enhance your curriculum. Highlight your current use of inquiry-based learning and your specific interests in Kansas ecosystems. Whether you teach middle school life science or high school AP Environmental Science, demonstrating a commitment to hands-on, NGSS-aligned instruction will strengthen your candidacy. Submit your application today when the next cycle opens, and secure your place at the forefront of ecological education in the USA.
Investing in Educators to Strengthen Science Literacy
Improve overall science literacy by prioritizing the continuous education of science teachers. The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute at the University of Kansas represents a proven model for professional development. By combining rigorous fieldwork, collaboration with leading researchers, and explicit alignment with national education standards, the program equips teachers to inspire the next generation of ecologists, biologists, and informed citizens.
Move away from outdated textbook reliance and embrace the dynamic, hands-on approach modeled at the KU Field Station. As the demands of science education continue to evolve, programs that connect educators directly with their local environments will become increasingly essential. Empower your students to understand, appreciate, and protect the natural world by first empowering yourself with the knowledge and skills gained through immersive, field-based professional development. Share your experiences in the comments below regarding the most effective professional development you have attended as a science educator.
