Tennessee Science Teachers Association
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Professional Development
Vernier Kicks Off Its Free 2012 STEM Workshop Series with
Tennessee Opportunities to Engage Educators in Hands-On Learning
Workshops provide opportunities for educators to use computer and handheld technology to gain real-world experience with data collection. Starting this February, science and STEM educators can participate in one of Vernier Software & Technology’s 30 free nationwide workshops. The 4-hour hands-on workshops will teach attendees how to integrate computer and handheld data-collection technology into their science curriculum while providing a valuable professional development opportunity.Led by current or former classroom science and math teachers, each workshop will provide educators with valuable tips and lesson ideas that they can use in their chemistry, biology, physics, middle school science, physical science, and Earth science classes.
Attendees have the option of earning two (quarter) Graduate Science credit hours through the Portland State University Center for Science Education. Each workshop also includes a light meal and experiment handouts. To register for a Vernier probeware workshop near you, visit http://www.vernier.com/workshop.
March Workshop Dates and Locations
March 15: Chattanooga, TNApril Workshop Dates and Locations
March 20: Nashville, TN
April 16: Memphis, TN
Summer Institute in Physics and Physical Science for Inservice Teachers
June 25-July 27, 2012 (tentative)
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle
The Center for Physics Education in the University of Washington Physics Department offers a five-week, 10-credit summer institute in physics and physical science for full-time inservice teachers. The 2012 institute is tentatively scheduled for June 25-July 27 at the UW in Seattle. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday, except for two Fridays scheduled for exams. Directed by Professor Lillian C. McDermott and supported by the National Science Foundation, the institute is tuition-free and a $1500 stipend is offered on successful completion of the course work. Additional money is available if needed to help defray the cost of lodging for persons from outside the Seattle area.The Physics by Inquiry curriculum used in the course has been especially designed to strengthen the subject matter background of teachers in topics typically covered in precollege physics and physical science using a hands-on, inquiry-oriented method of instruction. The materials emphasize the development of fundamental concepts and reasoning skills through laboratory experience. The class is divided into two sections: one for elementary-middle school teachers who may have little or no background in physics; the other for high school teachers of physics, physical science, and mathematics.
The application deadline is March 2, 2012.
Additional information is available on our website
<http://www.phys.washington.edu/groups/peg/si2012.html>
QUESTIONING PRACTICES
Science using inquiry
Professional Development workshop
Friday March 9, 2012
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Adventure Science Center
Questions that facilitate inquiry provoke curiosity, invite participation, and encourage experimentation. Using hands-on science activities, learn how to use questioning techniques to encourage students to develop an understanding of what they are doing without telling them what to do. Discover the importance of reflection as a tool for inspiring further explorations. To find out more about this three-hour workshop, contact Sharon Mendonsa for information (615) 401-5078.
$20 registration fee, advance payment required, deadline to register March 1.
Millard Oakley STEM Center at TTU NASA Educator Resource Center
The Upper Cumberland welcomes a NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) to the region. Tennessee Tech University’s Millard Oakley STEM Center has been officially designated as a field NASA ERC. The purpose of an ERC is to help teachers learn about and use NASA's vast educational resources. “I am ecstatic about announcing the new NASA Educator Resource Center now at home in the Millard Oakley STEM Center,” said Dr. Sally Pardue, director of the new STEM-education facility on Tennessee Tech’s campus. “We will provide access to a library of resources, support materials, and “lending” opportunities to teachers throughout Tennessee via the NASA ERC and professional development workshops.” For more information visit www.tntech.edu/stem or call 931-372-6573.Growing Up Wild!
Professional development for early childhood Thursday, Feb. 16
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Adventure Science Center
This nature-based early childhood program
from Project WILD and the Council for Environmental Education offers
low-cost, hands-on, active and thematic units that invite children to
explore wildlife and the world around them. Participants receive a
Growing up WILD! lesson book with more than 100 pages of lessons on art,
music, movement, science inquiry, math, language and literacy
connections.
In addition to Growing Up WILD!, we will also offer an in-depth session
on how to develop engaging and age-appropriate learning expeditions to
Adventure Science Center and how to incorporate that experience into
your daily lessons.
Who: Pre-K – 2nd grade teachers
Cost: $25 (includes lesson book) Copyright . Tennessee Science Teachers Association. All rights reserved.
