Arizona Game and Fish Department: The Science of Prairie Dogs and Ferrets

The black-footed ferret is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. It has been declared extinct twice! And the fate of North America’s only native ferret is closely tied to that of the prairie dog. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been working tirelessly to recover and manage both of these important grassland species.

In this exciting, two-day, hands-on workshop (July 17 – 18), we will be giving educators an opportunity to work in the field with Department biologists and learn how we conduct trapping surveys for prairie dogs in order to learn more about their populations. But not before we spend some time indoors learning about the natural history and management of both critters through engaging activities that can be brought back to the classroom.

Over the course of this workshop, participants will:

– Engage in actual field-based science and small mammal trapping surveys.
– Take part in classroom-friendly educational activities that will model teaching instruction while also increasing science content knowledge.
– Reflect on current and new learning and discuss implications for future teaching.
– Receive activities and resources to be used back in the classroom.

Please read all of the information below to have a better understanding of what to expect during this workshop.

EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
Activities have been designed with the new Arizona science standards in mind. In addition to the general science content (DCIs), we will also address relevant Crosscutting Concepts (e.g., SYSTEMS AND SYSTEM MODELS and ENERGY AND MATTER) and the Science and Engineering Practices (e.g., DEVELOPING AND USING MODELS and ENGAGING IN ARGUMENT FROM EVIDENCE). We will explore the use of phenomena to drive student exploration and engagement. The activities will cover a variety of grade levels throughout K-12. Educators of all grades and types are welcome to attend. Participants will receive numerous resources and a certificate for at least 7 hours of professional development credit.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATION NOTES
This workshop will take place at two locations on two different dates. Participants are expected to be at both sections. The first section will take place at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman Office. It will begin at 12:30pm and wrap up by 4:30pm. The next morning, participants will meet at a predetermined location near Seligman to assist the biologists in the field. This section will be outdoors in a typical grassland environment. Participants will be actively working during this time. The exact times are still to be determined but participants should expect to be onsite around 7:30am and ending around 1:30pm.

FEE INFORMATION
The fees for this workshop will cover the expenses necessary to run the program as well as all resources that will be provided to the participants. Unfortunately, this does not include food, transportation or lodging. Participants are responsible for bringing any food that they may want to consume during both portions of the workshop. They will also be responsible for getting themselves to and from both workshop locations.

IN-PERSON SAFETY PROTOCOLS
This is an in-person event. Registration in this program has been limited to address physical distancing when possible. Individual participants are welcome to wear masks if they wish. Hand sanitizer will be made available.

REGISTRATION
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reserves the right to cancel this program, change venues or update safety and wellness protocols as necessary. The cancellation policy has been updated to permit participants to cancel up to 18 hours prior to the program. Space is extremely limited and registration is required. Spots will be filled on a “first to register” basis. If all spots are filled, additional registrations will be added to a waiting list. The waiting list will be used to fill any spots that result from a cancellation. Please complete the form below to register. Registered participants will receive additional information as we get closer to the event.

LOCATION: AZGFD Region III – Kingman