Dr. Jacalyn Willis will guide you through some of her observations of monkeys in Panama.  Speaking from Barro Colorado Island field station in central Panama, she will show you recent photos and video clips of the native species.  Several monkey species can live in the same forest but use different resources. Monkey species also show a diversity of life styles and social organizations. Many of these fascinating species are in danger of extinction. Learn about how monkeys live, their special adaptations, their unique behaviors and their ecological roles in rainforests.  Be prepared to ask questions to participate in the discussion!

Videoconference Outline:

• Introduction to the location (Panama) and rainforests, with information on spider monkeys (10 minutes)
• Question and Answer Session (we will call on schools in alphabetical order during this portion of the videoconference) (10 minutes)
• Information talk about howler monkeys, white-faces capuchins and tamarins (10 minutes)
• Questions and Answer Session 2 (14 minutes)
• Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Pre-Videoconference Activities

• Review resources (listed under resources)
• Generate Questions: Have students generate some questions prior to the videoconference. This will help the flow of the Q&A sessions.

About Dr. Jacalyn Willis

Rainforest Connections Project Director, Jacalyn Willis, holds a doctoral degree in biology from the City University of New York. She and her husband Gregory Willis created the Rainforest Connection internet project seven years ago. Jackie is the Director of the Center for Professional Resources In Science & Mathematics (PRISM), in the College of Science & Mathematics at Montclair State University. PRISM provides services to school districts in the teaching of science and mathematics through a variety of projects, including the Visiting Professors Program, and Summer Science Institutes for teachers.

About PRISM

PRISM, located at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Center for Science Teaching and Learning, is a program that serves school districts to improve science and mathematics teaching. PRISM scientists, educators, and classroom teachers are content area specialists in curriculum, professional development, and pedagogy. PRISM programs emphasize inquiry-based and constructivist teaching strategies, ad instructional uses of technology to improve student outcomes in science and mathematics.