Arizona Game and Fish Department: The Science of Desert Tortoises

Sonoran desert tortoises are an iconic Arizona species. And the Arizona Game and Fish Department has been studying their natural history for decades trying to learn as much as possible about these shelled critters so that we can provide the best management of the species. One of those key study sites is located only about 30 minutes north of Mesa and Phoenix.

In this exciting, hands-on workshop, we will be giving educators an opportunity to work in the field with Department biologists and learn how we conduct surveys for Sonoran desert tortoises. After a morning spent in the desert, participants will then move inside where they will learn all about desert tortoises and other Arizona turtle species 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 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., patterns, stability and change) and the Science and Engineering Practices (e.g., analyzing and interpreting data and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information). 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. The afternoon classroom portion will take place at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Mesa Office (located near Power Road and University). Prior to that, however, we will meet for a special morning field session. This will take place about 25-30 miles north of the office along Highway 87 at an active desert tortoise research site. The field portion will be outdoors in an extreme desert environment. Participants will be actively working during this time and need to be able to hike across rough, rocky terrain in the heat.

In order to beat the heat as much as possible, the morning field session will begin at 6am. It is expected to last until 11am but may wrap up earlier depending on a number of factors. The afternoon classroom session will begin at 12:30pm and will conclude at 4:30pm.

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 or transportation. Participants are responsible for their own lunch and snacks as well as their transportation to and from the two workshop locations. Adequate time (at least 90 minutes) will be provided for participants to move between the two workshop locations and to get lunch. They can also bring lunch in a cooler or similar carrier if they prefer.

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 VI – Mesa