Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute

Overview

The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is an immersive four-day professional development program for middle school and high school science teachers hosted by the Kansas Biological Survey at the KU Field Station. The program is designed to deepen teachers' understanding of Kansas ecosystems through hands-on exploration, NGSS-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. 

Over the four-day period, teachers will step into the role of learner, exploring prairie, forest and aquatic ecosystems through field investigations, lab activities and collaborative discussions, all while reconnecting 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. 

Participants will earn 28 professional development points through Jayhawk Global, which can be applied toward license renewal and 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.

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 postsecondary educators; and
• exchange ideas with fellow educators around differentiated instruction, vertical alignment and classroom practice.

When: June 2–5, 2025, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: University of Kansas Field Station, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, KS 66044
Participant limit: 10
Registration fee: $60

Who should apply

In 2026, the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is open to 6th- to 12th-grade science teachers, including those from outside Kansas. We aim to train a diverse cohort of teachers each summer and encourage all interested teachers to apply. Past participants and those who have previously applied are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to those who have not attended in previous years. 

An online application period is open from March 1 through March 31. 

All applicants will be notified of their status by April 15. Teachers who are accepted will receive instructions to complete their official registration through Jayhawk Global. To secure a place in the program, accepted participants must complete online registration (link available after acceptance) and submit the $60 fee by May 1.

What to expect

The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute combines professional development with a hands-on “science camp for adults” experience that lets you be the student, connect with your love of science, and immerse yourself in the ecosystems of Kansas while taking a break from the demands of teaching. Each day includes whole- or small-group activities focused on prairie, forest and aquatic ecosystems, guided by university researchers and facilitators. Participants can expect to spend a significant amount of time outdoors, exploring the diverse ecosystems of our region. Activities include expert-led field trips to various Kansas ecosystem sites, hands-on lab exercises, lunch-and-learns and more.

Professional development points and approval

Participants in the Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute earn 28 professional development points through Jayhawk Global, the continuing education and professional learning unit of the University of Kansas. Jayhawk Global provides official documentation of completed professional development hours, which many school districts require for license renewal and salary advancement.

Because professional development approval processes vary by district and state, participants are responsible for confirming with their own school or district how these points may be applied. Teachers are encouraged to seek any required pre-approval prior to the institute and to submit the official documentation provided upon completion according to their district’s procedures.