Museum Ecologist for Teachers: Cities
Applications for 2026 are opening soon!
Keep reading to learn more about this new Museum Ecologist field course
Program Overview
In this brand-new pilot program, NHMU educators are providing an opportunity for teachers to learn more about the Wasatch Front and the Salt Lake Valley’s unique and beautiful city ecosystem. Teachers will spend three days exploring Salt Lake’s natural spaces and learning more about the nature all around us, encouraging students to appreciate the nature they find in their own backyard or schoolyard, and think outside the classroom for fun experiences and resources to bring all these ideas together. Prior to this workshop weekend, teachers will be required to explore using citizen science, complete short readings, and participate in weekly virtual meetings with enthusiasm and curiosity.
See beyond the city skyline and learn about the complex connectivity of the nature living alongside us in cities with hands-on activities ready for your classroom. Learn to look closely and with curiosity at nature with community partners and the most enthusiastic science educators you may have ever met! Class sizes are kept small to maximize both your learning opportunities and your enjoyment!
What You'll Earn:
Teachers will earn 2 USBE credits and certification as a NHMU Museum Ecologist for attending the field excursions and weekly virtual meetings. Teachers will earn .5 USBE credit for completing only the online course. Preference for future Museum Ecologist workshops will be given to those who attend this one.
Applications:
Applications are opening January 5th, 2026.
Applications close February 2nd, 2026.
You will be notified about your application status between February 3rd – February 6th.
Applications found to be using AI for responses will not be considered.
When:
Weekly virtual zoom classes with corresponding readings March 2nd – April 6th, culminating in three field days April 10-12th, 2026.
Our online Zoom classes will be held from 5:30pm - 7pm. Classes with guest speakers will be recorded for asynchronous viewing, though your participation and attendance is highly recommended. We are very proud of our program and we believe your experience will be reflective of your effort to participate in class.
Our field excursions will start with an evening meet-up 5:30pm- 7pm at the Natural History Museum of Utah, Friday April 10th. Saturday and Sunday April 11th & 12th we’ll be departing the Natural History Museum of Utah in the morning and spend all day exploring the valley (approximately 8:30am – 3 or 4pm).
Class Schedule
Notified of application status – Feb 3rd -6th
Monday, March 2nd 5:30pm – 7pm - Zoom Class 1 – Orientation (mandatory)
Monday March 9th 5:30pm – 7pm – Zoom Class 2
Monday March 16th 5:30pm – 7pm – Zoom Class 3
Monday March 23rd 5:30pm – 7pm – Zoom Class 4
Monday March 30th 5:30pm – 7pm – 7pm – Zoom Class 5
Monday April 6th 5:30pm – 7pm – Zoom Class 6 – Preparing for Field Days
Friday April 10th 5:30pm – 7:00pm In-person meet up to get to know your cohort better and learn more about bringing science into the classroom. Dinner provided.
Saturday April 11th – In-person field days exploring the valley with community partners. Lunch provided.
Sunday April 12th - In-person field days exploring the valley with community partners. Lunch provided.
Who:
K-12 public and charter school teachers in Utah
Cost:
FREE - food, transportation, and accommodations will be provided, made possible by funding through the iSEE program.
If you have questions about this program, please click here to email the Museum Ecologist Team!