Professional Development Opportunities

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Get ready for spring and summer with these great workshops and trainings. Below are links to some upcoming programs all over the state. For a more complete list visit the NCSTA Professional Development Calendar.

If you know a program that should be included in the next issue of the Science Reflector, email the editor.

Teacher Renewal Seminars: The NCCAT Experience
Join us for a North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) seminar. Teachers of all grade levels and subjects who have been employed full-time in North Carolina public schools for at least three years may apply. Seminar materials, lodging, meals, substitute teacher pay, and most travel expenses are covered at no cost to the participating teacher or their school. All seminars are aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study, are multi-disciplinary, and are based on experiential learning principles.

To register call NCCAT Teacher Services at 1-800-922-0482 or email registrar@nccat.org submitting your name, home telephone number, social security number, and seminar choice. Abridged descriptions follow; however, full descriptions of all professional development offerings are available on the NCCAT web page, www.nccat.org.

8345 * Hands in the Soil
June 11-15: Cullowhee
Join us in the NCCAT garden as we put our hands in the soil and learn the basics of landscape design while planning a garden for your school or home. Survey gardens of the past with a special focus on Southern garden history. How has the role of the garden evolved since our ancestors first tilled the ground? How can we help our students understand the enduring connection that humans have had with the soil? How can nature provide us with strength and renew our spirit? Explore the beautiful gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum, an institutional facility of the University of North Carolina, which came into existence because of the proposal of this country?s father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. Learn how this 434-acre public garden serves as a center for education, research, conservation, and economic development. Gain a new understanding of the role of plants in protecting our planet as we explore their many medicinal and traditional craft-making uses. Discover how gardening offers active and engaging curriculum connections from science and math to nutrition and art. Learn how environment-based education develops skills in problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, and creativity.

8435 * Get the Picture? The Math, Science, and Art of Photography
June 25-29: Dillsboro
Shutter speed, aperture diameter, depth-of-field who knew there was so much math and science involved in taking a high-quality photograph? Discover how this unique art form can provide an ideal vehicle for strengthening math and science skills while encouraging disciplined creativity. Understand how photographers not only record what is visual but create and preserve a sense of time and place. Likewise, photographers use high-level critical thinking skills as they identify problems and explore new solutions. Experiment with the variables of distance, light, and field of view as you explore and photograph the cabins and creeks of western North Carolina. This seminar will change the way you view and take pictures. No prior training in photography is necessary; however, participants must provide their own 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. (Two participants to a room.)

8585 * Connect to Your Future: Celebrating Success in the Classroom
July 9-13: Cullowhee
Specially designed for Initially Licensed Teachers in their second or third year.
Teaching is an art, a science, and a profession supported by best practices of extensive educational theory and research. But what tips, tools, and techniques help teachers promote student success? Do children of poverty have different and unique learning needs? How do you determine and meet the learning styles, multiple intelligences, and cognitive levels of all students in the classroom? This seminar supports motivated Initially Licensed Teachers in their second or third year of teaching by strengthening their knowledge base and classroom expertise. Through experiential learning teachers will explore pedagogical concerns including differentiated instruction, brain-based research, communication, assessment, and classroom management. Come prepared to build professional competencies and confidence, improve student achievement, and reinforce your commitment to this critically important profession.

8525 * Waterfalls: The Beauty and Power of Flowing Water
July 9-13: Cullowhee
Where water, stone, and gravity come together, a waterfall is born. Come explore how waterfalls are geologically formed, and discover the distinctive botanical communities that surround some of the grandest cascades in the mountains of western North Carolina. In this seminar we?ll spend our week learning about the geology, history, and economic impact of waterfalls such as Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. We will also consider the ways in which artists throughout the ages have attempted to immortalize their encounters with nature as we learn the techniques of watercolor journaling to capture the beauty and power of the mountain environment. Moderate hikes will carry us into the great outdoors of western North Carolina, where waterfalls and panoramic mountain scenes will inspire the artist within.

8495 * Everyone Needs a Little Mystery: CSI in Your Classroom
July 16-20: Cullowhee
Was it really Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with a knife? After this seminar, you?ll know for sure. Our survey of forensic science techniques will span from fingerprinting and impression analysis to forensic entomology, bite mark analysis, the physics of blood spatter, and much more. Use the equipment that the professionals use and hone your powers of observation and deduction as you assume the guise of expert CSI-Crime Scene Instructor. You will process a crime scene, use computers to generate mug shots, and explore DNA forensic analysis in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Don?t be surprised if crime investigation experts make their way into the seminar and share their experiences from the field. You will never watch forensic shows the same way again. Learn the tips, tricks, and techniques to make your classroom come alive with forensic science and crime scene investigation. It would be a crime to miss this seminar.

8615 * Growing Healthy
July 23-27: Cullowhee
For centuries, the healing qualities of nature have been recognized as essential to health and renewal. In this seminar we will develop knowledge of current research on the connections among nature, human stress reduction, and disease prevention. Join us in the NCCAT Renaissance garden surrounded by the beautiful North Carolina mountains as we find tools for self-exploration, healthful living, and natural healing. Spend time with a mountain beekeeper and discover the complex society of bees and other tiny creatures that are vital to the life of a garden. Visit an organic farm and learn how sustainable and ecological practices can replace pesticides and fertilizers to grow wholesome food. We will learn what store labels on produce really mean as well as compare the tastes of organic and non-organic grown produce. Our seasoned organic gardener will share techniques for creating vegetable, herb, and flower gardens for both school and home. Reap the benefits of exploring the universal metaphor of the garden as a natural haven for slow, steady growth in our fast-paced, technology driven times.

8630 * Hooked! Fish, Rivers, and People of Western North Carolina
July 23-27: Cullowhee
The Southern Appalachians are home to one of the most diverse assemblages of temperate freshwater fishes in the world. Come experience the rivers and streams that these fishes call home. Spend time on the river as we learn to identify numerous types of fish. Experience the thrill of being on the river while learning the economic importance and the ecological impact of fishing in western North Carolina waters. We also will investigate other flora and fauna associated with the complex ecosystem that is a mountain stream. Learn how to tie a fly and be able to identify the actual aquatic insect that it mimics. Deepen your understanding of the dynamic interplay between the lives of people and the life of the river. See how concerned citizens have restored sections of a river allowing the native flora and fauna to return and flourish. No prior river experience is necessary although participants should be in good general physical condition for the exciting canoe experience and hike upstream on moderately hilly terrain. Rain or shine-expect to get wet!

8705 * Multimedia in the Classroom: Empowering Student Learning
August 6-10: Cullowhee
Discover the increasing range of instructional strategies that technology offers and how to use these strategies to enhance teaching and learning. Examine multimedia projects that have been effective in classrooms. Determine how to choose projects that address curriculum standards, are pedagogically sound, and appeal to a wide range of learners. An exciting whitewater rafting trip down one of the most scenic rivers of western North Carolina will give us an opportunity to gain mastery of new media techniques as we weave technology, digital photography, and curriculum plans in the creation of our own multimedia project. This seminar will empower classroom teachers and library media specialists with the practical know-how and confidence they need to introduce multimedia projects into their instruction. No prior technology or boating experience is necessary.

8720 * Sound, Sand, and Sea: Coastal Ecology of the Outer Banks
August 6-10: Ocracoke
From the fresh waters of Currituck Sound to the salty marshes of Pamlico Sound the Outer Banks encompass the second largest estuarine system in our nation. Journey out to the Gulf Stream to collect strange and wonderful sea life that live in the floating mats of Sargasso seaweed. Get up close and personal with the fishes off the coast that are vital to North Carolina?s fishing industry. Walk the sound to sea boardwalk exploring this fragile ecosystem. Track down the elusive ponies of Currituck Banks as we discuss the ecological impact and challenge of managing this herd of ?naturalized? feral horses in this fragile ecosystem. (Two participants to a room.)

8780 * The Graveyard of the Atlantic
August 13-17: Ocracoke
Dive into the history, science, and mystery of North Carolina?s infamously treacherous coastline, aptly named the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Since the time of Blackbeard, primary documents reveal that more than two thousand vessels have sunk beneath its waves. Explore the historic lighthouses of Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke to determine their importance in lifesaving efforts. Work in teams to design, construct, and test-drive Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) models of engineering and technology that are used today for underwater research and can be replicated for use in the classroom. Step aboard a schooner as we travel toward the Graveyard of the Atlantic, exploring this area of history and mystery. (Two participants to a room.)

How do I apply?
Teachers of all grade levels and subjects who have been employed full-time in North Carolina public schools for at least three years may choose a seminar. There is no cost to the teacher. Call NCCAT Teacher Services at 1-800-922-0482 or email registrar@nccat.org submitting your name, home telephone number, social security number, and seminar choice. Or visit the NCCAT Website at www.nccat.org to download an application. If you have any questions about particular seminars, please feel free to contact Renée Coward, 2005 NCSTA President and NCCAT representative.

Teacher Programs at The Science House

Introduction to TI Graphing Calculator Workshop

The Science House is offering a new series of workshops for teachers this spring. The last of the series is for teachers who would like to learn the capabilities of their TI calculator and how it can be used in the math and science classroom. Hosted at our Raleigh office on NC State's Centennial Campus, this workshop is open to all who wish to attend. The workshops and dates are: Introduction to the Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator, May 19, 2007
Detailed workshop descriptions and information on registering are online at http://www.science-house.org/workshops/open/

Summer Environmental Science Workshop

High school teachers are invited to attend a 3-day, hands-on environmental science workshop. Participants will receive a copy of the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes publication, Environmental Science: A Collection of Activities for the High School Classroom Volume II lab manual, stipend, certification and renewal credits and free lab materials. The workshop will be offered across the state this summer. Visit the web site for details and registration for details and registration at www.science-house.org/CO2/educators/workshops.html

Imhotep Academy Summer Job Opportunities

Imhotep Academy (www.science-house.org/student/imhotep/), a pre-college mathematiics, science, and technology program, is recruiting teachers with a physics, mathematics, and information technology background. We provide excellent pay and resources for an individual who has the ability to communicate and relate to middle and high school students in an inquiry manner. Our environment is supportive, built upon the team approach and nuturing students' interest in science.

Please submit your resume along with a philosophy of education, any developed curriculum modules, as it relates to teaching to pamela_gilchrist@ncsu.edu.

Middle School Programs:
Imhotep Summer Science Program June 11-15.
Algebra Camp July 23-27.

High School Programs:
Photonics Xplorers June 18 – 22.
Photonics Leaders June 25- 39, July 9-13, July 16-20.

The Science House Girls Collaborative Project

The Science House Girls Collaborative Project brings together organizations throughout North Carolina that are committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Learn more about how you can participate at www.science-house.org/ngcp/

Science Olympiad Training for Teachers and Students

New Team Institutes
This 2 day institute for teachers, parents and prospective coaches will help your school develop a Science Olympiad program, provide $500 for supplies, pay your registration fee for next year and provide CEU credits. Workshops will be held across the state. Visit the web site for details www.tx.ncsu.edu/science_olympiad/SOSEP/

NC Science Olympiad Summer Camp
Rising 6th-9th graders are invited to spend a week doing science through hands-on exploration. Learn to work as a team and improve your problem solving skills. Students will end the week with a Science Olympiad tournament. Learn more and apply online at
www.tx.ncsu.edu/science_olympiad/Exciting_opportunities/ncso_summer_camp.cfm

Bring the Science House Teacher Workshops to Your School

The Science House also provides one or two-day programs to update and refresh teachers' mathematics, science, and Internet skills. These workshops have been taught many times in schools across North Carolina. Our workshop participants learn skills and activities that they can immediately use in their own classrooms. We especially emphasize programs to help meet teacher technology competencies. Each workshop can be tailored to fit local needs. Please visit the workshop web page (www.science-house.org/workshops/) for more information on our workshop or contact Scott Ragan (scott_ragan@ncsu.edu) at The Science House or call (919) 515-6118

NC-MSEN SITE Programs

SITE: 6-12 Content Area Reading in Science and Mathematics

June 25-27 and October 11-12, 2007 at the Carolina Center for Educational Excellence, Chapel Hill

This 5-day institute for teachers of grades 6-12 will focus on focus on strategies for increasing student learning in grades 6-12 by enabling them to cope more effectively with required reading and writing. Instruction will involve analyzing texts participants use in their classrooms, designing lessons to help students use those texts more successfully, and providing ways to use writing to enhance student learning. The examples used during the institute will focus on science and mathematics content, but the strategies are appropriate for any classroom teacher. This course will reflect the tenets of the Reading Apprenticeship program being used by the Science Section of the NC Department of Public Instruction.

Schools or school systems should pay for participant’s registration ($300) and two substitute days during the school year. Optional, but strongly encouraged, are stipends for teachers.

Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is available at http://unc.edu/depts/cmse/. Registration deadline: May 1, 2007 or until the institutes

For more information, contact Pat Shane, 919-966-3092, pshane@email.unc.edu; Sally Adkin, 919- 416-2882, adkin@ncssm.edu; or Sherry Coble, 919-962-7232, scoble@email.unc.edu

SITE: 9-12 Biology

The Centers of the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network, in collaboration with the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction, are providing professional development for high school biology teachers through a series of statewide SITE (Statewide Institute for Teaching Excellence): 9-12 Biology workshops.

SITE: 9-12 Biology workshops will help teachers more effectively implement the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Biology. During the 5-day summer workshops content material and pedagogical strategies will focus on respiration, photosynthesis, energy transfer in ecosystems, gene regulation, evolution, adaptation and unity and diversity of life. Content misconceptions, concept mapping and reading strategies will also be covered.

A two-hour session at the North Carolina Science Teacher’s Association fall institute will be held to bring all workshop participants together for resource sharing and assessment and online follow up is planned.

Below are the tentative workshop dates for each NC-MSEN Center with contact information.

NC-MSEN Center SITE: 9-12 Biology  
2007 Dates		 Center Director Contact e-mail
addresses		 Center's Phone No.
Appalachian State University June 18 – June 22 Dr. Phillip Johnson johnsnpe@appstate.edu 828.262.3185
East Carolina University June 25 – June 29 Dr. Karen Dawkins dawkinsk@mail.ecu.edu 252.328.6885
Fayetteville State University July 9 – July 13 Dr. Kimberly Smith-Burton ksmith@uncfsu.edu 910.672.1669
GAMSEC -NC A&T University June 25 – June 29 Dr. Vallie Guthrie gamsec@ncat.edu 336.334.7938
UNC Chapel Hill and NC School of Science and Mathematics July 16 – July 20 Dr. Pat Shane pshane@unc.edu 919.966.5922
UNC Charlotte July 30 - August 3 Dr. David Royster droyster@email.uncc.edu 704.687.8816
UNC Wilmington July 23 – July 27 Ms. Karen Shafer shaferk@uncw.edu 910.962.3168
Western Carolina University June 25 – June 29 Dr. Elaine Franklin efranklin@email.wcu.edu 828.227.7300
Winston Salem State University July 16 – July 20 Dr. Vincent Snipes snipesv@wssu.edu 336.750.2995

Middle School Summer Science Institutes

The Centers of NC-MSEN, in collaboration with the NC-DPI, are providing professional development for middle grades science teachers. The five- day institute is one of the four middle grades science institutes planned across the state during the Summer 2007:

  • June 25-29, 2007 at East Carolina University or Appalachian State University
  • July 23-27, 2007 at UNC Charlotte or NC School for Science & Math and UNC Chapel Hill

The NC DPI Summer Science Institute for 6-8 teachers will help teachers more effectively implement the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Science by increasing content knowledge and developing instructional strategies. During the 5- day summer workshops content material and pedagogical strategies will focus on energy transfer in ecosystems, motion and forces, chemistry and microbiology. The NC DPI Middle Grades Support Documents will be reviewed and integrated into each grade level. The NAEP and SCASS released-test items will also be reviewed by teachers.

The registration deadline is May 1, 2007 and the fee is $450, to be paid by the school or LEA. Teachers will receive 3.0 units of renewal credit and many teaching resources.

For more information, contact:

East Carolina University June 25-29, 2007
Karen Dawkins dawkinsk@mail.ecu.edu 252-328.6885

Appalachian State University June 25-29, 2007
Phillip Johnson johnsnpe@appstate.edu 828.262.3185

UNC Chapel Hill & NC School for Science & Math July 23-29, 2007
Sally Adkin, adkin@ncssm.edu 919.416.2882
Pat Shane, pshane@email.unc.edu 919.966.3092
Sherry Coble, scoble@email.unc.edu 919.962.7232

UNC Charlotte July 23-27, 2007
Alisa Wickliff abwickli@email.uncc.edu 704.687.8818

Science Laboratory Safety Seminars
Science Safety and Consulting Services is offering 3 workshops this summer for LEA and college level science education personnel:

July 8-12 in Raleigh for College/University Science Education personnel
This workshop will give participants the knowledge and skills necessary to provide science laboratory safety training for science education majors before they student teach or become novice science teachers.

July 8-13 in Raleigh Level 1 for LEA personnel
This workshop will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to provide LEA and school personnel with the knowledge and skills to develop and sustain an on-going science laboratory safety program in their LEA and school.

July 22-27 in N. Wilksboro Level 2 for LEA personnel
How to Build a Sustainable Science Safety Program
This hands-on course is designed for Level 1 Science Laboratory Safety Seminar participants to apply their knowledge and skills using the Customized Comprehensive Science Safety Laboratory Program (C2S2LP) to develop a sustainable science laboratory safety program for their schools and LEAs.

Visit www.sciencesafetyconsulting.com or contact Linda Stroud at 919-270-2914 to register by May 30, 2007

Sustainable Forestry Teachers' Academies

New Bern Coastal Academy: June 18-22, 2007
Asheville Mountain Academy: June 25-29, 2007

The Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Academy is a 4-day residential program, that focuses on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainable forestry. Participants should expect a fast-paced week, with extended moderate walking, great food, networking, and lots of fun. At this time, the Academies are open only to classroom teachers. Acceptance will be dependent upon responses to application essay questions, and preference will be given to full-time classroom educators for grades K12, with teachers of environmental studies, sciences, etc. given first priority. Multiple teachers from the same school can apply. Participants may request which Academy they would like to attend (Coastal or Mountain). Tuition, hotel lodging, all meals, materials, admission fees (including The Biltmore Estate or Tryon Palace), and transportation while at the Academy are all free. There is no application fee, however a fully refundable deposit of $50 is required to hold your spot. Learn more an apply online at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/feop/teachers

Pisgah Forest Institute at Brevard College

Pisgah Forest Institute is a non-profit, cooperative, environmental education effort of the USDA Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, and Brevard College. 

For more information on all of these workshops and to pre-register, go to our website at www.pisgahforestinstitute.org Get in touch! pfi@brevard.edu or call us at (828) 884-8229.

All PFI workshops are FREE and include room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

June 17—22, 2007: Earth/Environmental Science for Middle and High School Teachers

This workshop provides science educators of grades 6-12 with classroom lessons, laboratory activities, and field experiences associated with earth and environmental topics. The workshop will focus on four general sections of earth and environmental science curriculum: geology, ecology, hydrology, and atmospheric conditions. The workshop will use the national forests of Western North Carolina as a classroom to teach participants about the unique organisms and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria I or II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. Three semester hours of undergraduate college credit is available through Brevard College. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

June 24—29, 2007: Earth/Environmental Science for Elementary School Teachers

This workshop provides elementary educators with classroom lessons, laboratory activities, and field experiences that capitalize on the topics in the earth and environmental K-5 science curriculums. Teachers will be presented pertinent background information along with tangible methods to introduce these earth and environmental science concepts to K-5 students. Emphasis will be placed on using the environment around us to provide a living classroom to students. Some of the specific topics include: plants and animals, geology, water and air quality, and weather. Environmental issues will be integrated throughout the workshop. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria I or II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. Three semester hours of undergraduate college credit is available through Brevard College. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 8—13, 2007: Forest Ecology

This workshop offers participants an opportunity to learn about the important interrelationships in forests. Participants will discover how plants, animals, fungi, and microbes connect to each other to create forest ecosystems. The importance of abiotic features in determining forest type will also be examined, and the role of humans as agents of change will be addressed. The workshop will use the national forests of Western North Carolina as a classroom to teach participants about the unique organisms and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Topics include: types of forests, changes within the forest systems, and biodiversity. This workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 15—20, 2007: Earth Systems Science (Formally Elements of Nature)

As we view our planet Earth from space it becomes apparent that we inhabit an interwoven planet where air, water, organisms, and land are tightly connected. All the inhabitants of Earth, including humans, play a role in our planet’s function. Earth Systems Science takes a holistic, interconnected approach to examining the Earth, its systems, and its inhabitants. Designed for K-12 educators, this workshop has something for everyone! Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 25—27, 2007: Goods in the Woods

We all love to go to the woods to hike, bike, swim, camp, and explore, but have you ever stepped back to consider what else comes from the woods? In addition to common timber products such as paper and lumber, forests also provide other commodities. Not only do forests purify our water and air, but countless generations of humans have relied on them for medicinal and edible organisms. Explore the diversity of goods in the woods of the Southern Appalachians during this 3-day mini workshop. This workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 1.5 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 15 contact hours, as well as Criteria III credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

ACEE Geology Trip to Iceland

The Appalachian Center for Environmental Education (ACEE) is sponsoring two Summer Geology focused trips to Iceland this summer.

The first trip, designed for undergraduate and graduate students only, will take place from July 8-22. The second trip will take place from July 24-August 8. Although this trip is open to any one interested in visiting Iceland’s volcanoes and glaciers, it will be of particular interest to K-12 and college educators.

To learn more about the trips and to apply visit www2.brevard.edu/reynoljh/iceland/iceland07

Summer 2007 Biotechnology Workshops for Educators

Don’t miss this summer’s 2007 Biotechnology Workshops for Educators, sponsored by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Learn about activities that will engage your students while reinforcing State objectives. North Carolina educators receive a daily stipend, room and board, technology or regular CEUs, and access to the Biotechnology Center's Free Supplies and Equipment Loan Programs.

Introductory Biotechnology
Davidson County Community College, June 18-22

Introductory Biotechnology
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, June 25-29

Introductory Biotechnology
UNC – Charlotte, June 25-29

Introduction to Biotechnology for CTE Teachers
North Carolina School of the Arts, June 25-28

Introductory Biotechnology
Carteret Community College, July 16-20

Microbiology and Biotechnology for Middle School Teachers
Meredith College, July 30-August 3

Complete information about the workshops may be found on the Biotechnology Center's Web site.

8th Grade Science Now Workshop

The Science Now workshops are designed to provide teachers the content knowledge and resources they will need to meet the challenges of facilitating inquiry-based science. Plan to join fellow 8th grade teachers for a week (June 25-29, 2007) in residence at the NC School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. Share information and ideas as NC begins end-of-grade (EOG) science testing in grade 8.

The Course Registration Fee is $25.00; breakfast, and lunch will be provided each day and participants may stay in the school dorms at no cost. Through the support of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, participating teachers will receive 3 CEUs, a science kit to keep for their classrooms that includes a GPS, a fossil kit, texts and electronic media. Emphasis will be on NC Standard Course of Study and the topic earth's dynamic history. Instruction will focus on the development of science process skills needed to investigate ways in which rocks, fossils, and ice cores record Earth's geologic history and the evolution of life.

Online registration for North Carolina teachers is available at http://ncssm.infonowonline.org/. If you have any questions, contact Carole Stern, NCSSM Outreach Specialist, 919 416-2635.

Teaching an Elementary Story of Life: The Web of Biology, Ecology, and Evolution

July 9 - 13, 2007. Jointly sponsored by Duke University’s National Evolutional Synthesis Center and The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, this workshop will consist of lessons for elementary science teachers to prepare their students in topics from the NC Standard Course of Study that deal with diversity, adaptation, and change. Teachers will learn these concepts as a connected ‘story,’ that is as intuitive and simple as possible, so that when teachers teach the concepts they learn in the workshop, the topics will naturally flow from one story – one chapter - to the next. The workshop will consist of 7 units taught as connected chapters of a story to be taught over the school year.

Participating teachers will earn 3 CEUs and receive a daily stipend of $100. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Participants may choose to live in the NCSSM dorms at no cost. A $25 registration fee is required to hold a place in this workshop. Directions for paying the fee will be emailed to participants after they pre-register online. To complete the pre-registration, go online to http://ncssm.infonowonline.org

Project: OBSERVE

Project: OBSERVE allows high school students to investigate the Universe by using remote, robotic telescopes over the Internet. Track the motion of Jupiter's moons, measure the period of variable stars, hunt for star formation regions in galaxies, and more! The telescopes are located in Cerro Tololo, Chile.

30 high school earth/environmental and astronomy teachers will stay on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill and have access to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and UNC resources to learn observational astronomy techniques, gain experience with the telescopes, and complete their own research projects. Experienced Morehead educators will lead the workshop. The workshop, including meals, lodging, and materials will be free to teachers. CEU credits are available.

The workshop will be held Monday, July 23 to Thursday, July 26, 2007 on the beautiful campus of UNC - Chapel Hill. Applications are due May 25, 2007! Please contact jesse@email.unc.edu for an application.

Physics Modeling Institute in North Carolina

A physics modeling institute on mechanics will be offered July 9-27, 2007 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This workshop is designed to enhance physics teaching at the high school level by training teachers in the Modeling Method of physics instruction. This proven method enhances student understanding through inquiry-based activities, data analysis techniques, and model development and deployment. Each participant in the institute will experience this process, /as both student and teacher/, for a variety of mechanics topics, including linear motion, forces, momentum, and energy. The cost for the institute is $600, and on-campus housing is available. Each participant will receive 3 CEU credits. Registration and details can be found at http://education.uncc.edu/cmste.

 

Current Issue | Archives | NCSTA

The Science Reflector
Newsletter of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association
P.O. Box 33478, Raleigh, NC 27636
Elizabeth Snoke Harris, Editor