Teacher training 2023
"Evolution and behavior" was the topic of this year's teacher training course, which, due to high demand, took place on two consecutive days at the German Primate Center. Recently, the topic of behavioral biology had been reintroduced into the core curriculum in Lower Saxony, so the offer came at just the right time for many teachers. A total of 50 biology teachers from Lower Saxony, as well as Saxony-Anhalt and Hesse, came to Göttingen to refresh their basic knowledge and pick up practical ideas for their lessons. In four modules, DPZ scientists from the field of primate biology explained to the teachers in a clear and entertaining way why no species concept is set in stone and how the various social structures in primate societies have developed. They explained why representatives of certain species are aggressive, while others are friendly and cooperative, and how our immune system evolved. In addition, the participants were given an introduction on how to scientifically record animal behavior. Subsequntly they were encouraged to try out the data recording themselves in a practical exercise.
How to study behavior?
Julia Ostner opened the event with an image-packed presentation on the evolution of behavior. Using examples from her department's current research, she explained the adaptive value of play and social bonding in male and female macaques. Especially well received was her reference to current textbook excerpts on the topic, which she critically categorized and discussed with the teachers. Next, Federica Dal Pesco presented the most important concepts for standardized behavioral observation and shared tips and tricks with the teachers on how to recognize individuals in a large group. In small exercises, she first had the participants vote on the classification of sample photos using QR codes. This already ensured the audience's full attention. In the large practical exercise that followed, even more concentration was required: using a specially developed app, the teachers recorded the behavior of Guinea baboons "live" in a video clip.
How do evolutionary advantages arise?
With effective illustrations and a pinch of humor, Dietmar Zinner explained why the species concept is always under scrutiny and emphasized that even in times of genetic technologies, fossils remain important references. He made a point that there is always gene flow between species and that hybridization therefore contributes to speciation alongside genetic drift and mutation. In his lecture "Evolution of the immune system: Many roads lead to Rome and no standstill", Lutz Walter explained the peculiarities of our body's own defense system. He focused in particular on hereditary traits that have different characteristics in different populations and can be detrimental to the child in certain combinations.
A successful conclusion
The program was rounded off with a guided tour of the outdoor facilities of the primate husbandry at the DPZ. Jana Wilken gave the teachers an insight into the research, husbandry and breeding of various primate species. She used every opportunity to explain the meaning of various facial expressions and body postures by pointing out what was going on between the monkeys.
The participants were very positive about the successful balance between practical relevance and background information. There was also praise for a consistently lively presentation style, the proximity to current research and the relevance of the topics for everyday school life. "Great insights into research, topics relevant to schools!" was how one participant summed it up in the feedback form. The teachers also repeatedly praised the fact that there was enough space to exchange ideas and that an open and friendly atmosphere was noticeable at the DPZ. They also made suggestions for possible future topics for further training in the coming year: the favorites were cancer research, neurobiology and genetics.