Awareness Inspires Conservation: From Data to Action
A 4-Day Summer Professional Development Institute for Grades 3-8 Educators
This four-day Summer Institute centers on real-world conservation challenges including population recovery, protection status, and the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Educators will engage with authentic research and data collection practices to understand species’ roles within ecosystems and the stakeholders involved in their management. With a strong emphasis on the Science and Engineering Practices, participants will practice collecting meaningful questions, analyzing and interpreting data, and constructing evidence-based arguments. With collaborating partners, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the Center for Coastal Studies, teachers will experience a variety of unique investigations, including a spiny dogfish shark dissection, a coastal marsh walk, and interactive mapping. Teachers will leave with classroom-ready strategies for helping students communicate new understandings while grappling with human impacts on the natural world.
An additional fifth programmatic day (Friday, July 24th) can be included in your registration as an add-on. This will include a themed tour, “Science in the Harbor” at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, MA from 10:30am-12:00pm.
Dates: Monday, July 20th – Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 (8:30 AM – 3:30 PM ET each day)
Location: Cape Cod, MA (Eastham, MA/Chatham, MA)
Cost: $475 per educator; $425 per educator if attending in a team of 3 or more educators
Collaborating Partners: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy; Center for Coastal Studies
PDPs and Optional Graduate Credit: 28 PDPs available without graduate credit; 52 PDPs available with optional graduate credit. For more information on graduate credits, please indicate on the registration form if you are interested in adding the optional credits. Additional work required for graduate credit.
Please Note: Housing is not provided by the Wade Institute for any Summer Professional Development Institute programs
Additional Opportunity: Our collaborating partner, the Center for Coastal Studies is hosting an event on Friday, July 24th at 10:30 AM in Provincetown, MA. This will be a “Science in the Harbor” tour. This is not part of the 4-Day institute, but can be added for a few additional PDPs if you’re interested in attending. Please indicate in your registration form if you are interested in receiving more event information.
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
Center for Coastal Studies