Professional Development
Professional Development at the Science Museum
The Science Museum of Minnesota is a leader in continuing educators for the educators of our region. Find out the ways in which you can expand the classroom science experience for students of all ages. Learn More
Hands-on plant investigations
PlantingScience is a learning and research resource bringing together students, plant scientists, and teachers from across the nation. Students engage in hands-on plant investigations, working with peers and scientist mentors to build collaborations and improve their understanding of science. Registration is open for the fall session; the website includes information for teachers and students.
Forensic Science Educational Conference
The Forensic Science Educational Conference will be held on the campus of Michigan State University August 4-7, 2008. The four-day conference is designed to provide instruction to secondary science teachers on the use of the scientific method in the investigation of crime. Each day will include lectures and hands-on workshops led by specialists in various fields to introduce teachers to experiments and exercises. There will also be sessions on best practices recommended by master teachers, as well as a session on how to set up a mock crime scene. Registration is limited; the cost is $330. More information is available on the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.
Seminars in science
The American Museum of Natural History offers award-winning online courses in the life, earth, and physical sciences. Gain access to cutting-edge research and world-class scientists while earning graduate and P-credit. Register by August 18 for the September 1 - October 12 session; by October 6 for the October 20 - November 30 sessions; and by January 12 for the January 26 - March 8, 2009 session. There is a $50 discount for early registration; download the course catalogue from the website.
KSTF Teaching Fellowships
In the United States, approximately half of all secondary teachers leave the teaching profession within five years. Research indicates that some key challenges facing beginning teachers are a sense of professional isolation and a lack of support and mentoring. The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) Teaching Fellowship program was designed to meet the needs of high school science and mathematics teachers through the early years of their careers. The fellowship supports them professionally and financially for up to five years through eligibility for tenure. The deadline for application for these fellowships is January 14, 2009. Learn more about the program on the Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles Foundation website.
Grants for projects led by women
The Open Meadows Foundation is a grant-making organization for projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. It offers grants up to $2,000 for projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls, that reflect the diversity of the community served, and promote building community power and racial, social, economic and environmental justice. The organizational budget for the project should not exceed $150,000. Find more information on the website, or email questions or comments to openmeadows@igc.org, or call 718-885-0969. The deadline for application is August 15, 2008.
e-Mentoring for Student Success
E-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS) supports and extends mentoring for beginning science teachers, anytime and anywhere through flexible and accessible technology that is easy to learn and use. The eMSS network is designed to promote professional development through dialogue. The network includes: online mentoring for beginning science teachers by trained mentors who teach the same discipline, online curriculum that focuses on science content and pedagogy, access to scientists to deepen understanding, and leadership training. The program begins with an online orientation in August and September to learn about the program and site navigation. Learn more on the website.
Hands-On Chemistry Workshop
Vernier Software and Technology and Flinn Scientific will co-host three AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry hands-on technology workshops for high school classes. During these two-day summer workshops, teachers will do many of the twenty-two experiments recommended by The College Board. These experiments will center on Vernier and Flinn equipment, supplies, and kits, and are from the Vernier-Flinn lab book, Advanced Chemistry with Vernier; the $149 registration fee includes a copy of this text. Earn two (quarter) Graduate Science credit hours through the Portland State University Center for Science Education. The two sessions are July 23-24 in Illinois, and August 13-14, 2008, in California. Information is available on the Vernier website.
Become a road scholar
Road Scholar, a division of Elderhostel, is a not-for-profit organization that offers educational travel adventures for a new generation of lifelong learners. Road Scholar offers experiential, rather than classroom learning, and nontourist-oriented experiences that would be difficult to arrange on your own. Each program has been created for those who view travel as a means for discovery and a journey toward lifelong learning. Participants benefit from the local knowledge of resident experts and through hands-on activities. Road Scholar Educator of the Year Awards are given to active teachers, principals, superintendents, school nurses, school librarians, and guidance counselors with at least fifteen years of experience in K-12 education. Awards of $7,000, $2,000, and $1,000 are given to winners. Apply before August 1, 2008. Visit the website to learn more about this program and awards or to get a catalog.
Ecological Literacy and Research Day
On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, there will be a High School Educators' Ecological Literacy and Research Day held during the Ecological Society of America's (ESA) 93rd Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The ESA Educator Literacy and Research Day focuses on how high school educators can integrate ecological literacy and research into their teaching practice. This day-long event begins with an orientation to ESA, a symposium on Ecological Literacy for All followed by a discussion, a plenary session on Advances in Research and Training Biology Teachers in Ecological Research, and a hands-on workshop. A talk on Population Halved as Invasive Mussels Rule will be presented by Dr. Russell Cuhel, a microbiologist from the UWM-Great Lakes Water Institute, to explore how to use ecological issues to do research in the classroom. A full complement of papers in ecology and education are presented in afternoon poster sessions ending with a wrap up discussion. For more details and to register, go to the ESA website.
Archaeology Adventures
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center provides a weeklong course for teachers to provide professional development that is both intellectually stimulating and relevant in the classroom. Archaeology of the American Southwest gives educators an opportunity to learn the science of archaeology and further their knowledge of ancestral Pueblo Indian (Anasazi) history. The course also provides educators ideas and materials to develop a unit on archaeology. Participants are introduced to the tools and techniques of archaeology and the fundamentals of Pueblo Indian history, share lesson plans, do laboratory analysis, and identify artifacts. Excavation at one of several Pueblo Indian sites is featured as well as a field trip to Mesa Verde National Park. The session is held in Cortez, Colorado from Sunday, July 27 to Saturday, August 2, 2008. Tuition is $1,275 and covers accommodations, meals, entry fees and permits, and local transportation. The deadline for application is July 27, 2008. More information is available on the website.
Lions and bears at the Bell Museum
Exhibits on lions and bears are featured through September 7, 2008, at the Bell Museum of Natural History. The exhibits include The Lion's Mane (Science in the Serengeti) explains the purpose of the lion's mane and its role in attracting a mate. The Hidden World of Bears with photography of Lynn Rogers features the lives of bears including food habits, maternal care, and social behavior. The Bell Museum is located on the University of Minnesota campus at the corner of University Avenue and 17th Street, Minneapolis. Check out the website for details about exhibits, parking, and directions.
Bioscience workshops
The Coastal Marine Biolab (CMB) teacher development program aims to train educators to use sophisticated scientific methodologies and technologies, and assist teachers in developing new science-based educational opportunities for their students. The two-day career workshops for K-12 teachers include Neurolab, Symbiosis, and Bioluminescence. Teaching materials include practical guides with objectives, materials, procedures, adaptations, discussion questions, evaluations, extensions, readings, web resources, and lesson plans. Teachers should contact staff to arrange workshop dates that fit their schedules; workshops are limited to 12-14 participants. Tuition is $300. Contact information and other details can be found on the website.
Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers
Four courses will be offered by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC): Energy and Motion and Biodiversity, on July 6-11, and Ecological Field Studies and Electricity and Magnetism, on July 20-25, 2008. These Academy sessions will be held at the museums and research centers of the Smithsonian and other museums, laboratories, and facilities in or near Washington, D.C. Each of the four Academies is unique in both the approach and science specific content. More information and descriptions of the individual Academies can be found on the online catalog on the NSRC website. Three graduate credits are available for each of the Academies. Register online or the form at the back of the catalog and return it by mail or fax to the NSRC, or contact the Professional Development Center directly at (202) 633-2970.
Summer courses in Montana
The Department of Intercollege Programs for Science Education at Montana State University offers unique courses in biology, chemistry, earth science, ecology, education, environmental science, land resources, microbiology, physics, and plant sciences designed for middle and high school science teachers. Campus field and lab courses offer opportunities to integrate learning experiences in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Courses may be taken for professional development or to earn a graduate degree. The Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) Degree Program is sponsored by the Colleges of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Development, Letters and Science, and Division of Graduate Education at Montana State University—sometimes called the University of the Yellowstone. Courses can be taken online or on site. Check out the website for more information.
Summer Workshop Series in Virginia
Spend a week of your summer in historic Richmond experiencing the city's rich history and culture. Gain new knowledge and get instructional ideas to capture your students' interest... all while earning graduate credit at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. The one-week workshops are designed especially for teachers. Tuition for each workshop will be $525. Each workshop also has a program fee of $125; this fee provides the essentials for classroom activities and daily lunch. Classes are held in late June and July, 2008; details on the website.
Effective science lessons
The Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning offers a series of four workshops on designing effective science lessons. Geared for K-12 science teachers, the sessions are held in Denver, Colorado on July 7-11. The registration fee is $1,000; Continuing Education Units can be earned. If interested, contact Mary Cullen at 303-632-5547, or check out the web site for further information.
The Infinity Project
The Infinity Project is a national award winning high school and early college math- and science-based engineering and technology education initiative. The goal is to help educators deliver the most engineering exposure with the least training, expense, and time. The project was created to help students see the value of math and science and its applications to high tech engineering. Components of the program include the curriculum, a classroom technology kit, and professional development. Admission to The Infinity Project is competitive and there are a limited number of slots for schools and teachers. Applications are being considered now for the 2008-2009 academic year. Learn more about the program and apply on the website.
Science programs in Hawaii
The Edge of Kauai offers two main programs in Hawaii this summer. One is on "The Science of Ecosystems" held on Kauai, and the second is "Geoscience on the Big Island" held on Hawaii. A series of lectures on background information precedes the field trips where "hands-on" experiences take place: a stroll through the forest; a walk on the beach; and snorkeling for corals, fish, and turtles. The state of Hawaii includes 132 islands, reefs, and corals among the eight main islands. The fee for these courses is $1150 and the deadline for application is July 7, 2008. Get more information and register online on the website.
Vernier summer workshops
Learn to integrate data-collection technology into a chemistry, biology, physics, math, middle school science, physical science, and Earth science curriculum in a one-day training class. There will be opportunities to collect data on LabQuest handhelds and TI graphing calculators. These six-hour, hands-on workshops include lab handouts and lunch; the cost of the workshop is $99. Training packages, including equipment, can be added and the supplies will be sent to your school or your home. A schedule for the summer (June 11-August 11, 2008) and a list of locations are available on the Vernier website. Two of the workshops are full but a waiting list is available.
The Earth is our classroom
The Learnig Net is holding a Signs of a Changing Planet Summer Institute for educators July 6-12, 2008, in Boulder, Colorado. Experts from the Geological Society of America, NOAA, National Geographic Society, and others will be experts for the workshop. Learn how to become a carbon tracker, experience an "EarthCache," visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and more. The registration fee is $375 which covers transportation and supplies during the workshop, but not the hotel accommodations. To register, e-mail Barbara at thenetbarbara@aol.com, or visit the National Geographic EdNet website.
Online short course on Force and Motion
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is offering an online short course titled Force and Motion for teachers of grades 3-9. Starting July 10, 2008, it will continue for five consecutive Thursdays from 8 AM - 9:30 AM Eastern time. Participants work on their own time with self-paced materials. Two graduate credits can be earned from the University of Idaho. For details, fees, and to register, go to The NSTA Learning Center website.
ExploraDome plans for fall
The Minnesota Planetarium Society is taking reservations for its fall showing at the ExploraDome. Schools can save 20% by booking a tour now at the ExploraDome for this September or October, 2008. Find more information and register on the website, or contact Sally Brummel, sally@mplanetarium.org.
Teacher Workshop in Maine
If you want to integrate field research activities into your classroom curricula, there is an opportunity for middle-level education opportunities in Acadia National Park at Schoodic Point, Winter Harbor, Maine, on June 25–26, July 8–9, August 11–12, or October 14–15, 2008. It is open to all grade 4–8 teachers. Join in two- and three-day workshops to investigate opportunities to collect field data, apply it to classroom lessons across the curricula, and connect it to real-world applications in America’s national parks. The workshop fee of $225 covers meals, lodging, and supplies. Stipends and workshop scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, go to the National Park Service website.
New online magazine for K-5 teachers
Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears is the title of a new online magazine written for elementary educators. The goal of the magazine is to help teachers develop their own content knowledge about the polar regions and use best practices in integrating polar science with literacy skills. The twenty issues have themes and reflect science topics commonly found in the elementary curriculum. Learn more about this magazine and its accessibility on the website.
Ideas for K-3 lesson plans
The BrainPOP Jr. website provides educational movies and homework help for K-3 students. Each animated movie has quizzes, games, vocabulary, and activities for kids. BrainPOP Jr. is a great resource for teachers and home schools, offering lesson plans and lesson ideas that develop critical thinking and inquiry skills. There is a list of twenty ideas for science, thirteen for health, and thirteen for math. You ca learn how to incorporate these ideas into lesson plans on the website.
Digital Wish grants
Create a lesson plan and qualify to win a mobile digital camera lab in addition to as many as forty-three grants for hardware and software. Access the Digital Wish website to get ideas for integrating digital technology into the classroom, then register and enter a lesson plan to qualify for the awards. The grants will be awarded on the 28th of every calendar month.
Steger Foundation summer institute
The Will Steger Foundation will hold its annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education August 11-13, 2008, at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Topics include global warming science as well as its social, political, and ecological implications. The institute is open to seventy-five educators and the cost is $75 per person or $100 per pair of educators from the same school or district. Graduate credit is available. Get more details on the Global Warming 101.com website.
Verona Computer award
Dr. Mary Ellen Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership through their use of computer-based models, simulations, and visualizations to enhance student learning in K-12 classrooms or after-school settings, as well as their active participation in sharing their strategies and methods with others. The award consists of a cash prize, travel expenses to the SC08 Conference in Austin, Texas, in November 2008, and an award certificate. The Verona CSTL Award application process has two parts, one electronic and the other paper. Application materials are due August 1, 2008, and may be submitted via the electronic submission system. For more information and details, go to the SC Education website.
Essential science video course
The Essential Science for Teachers courses are designed to help K–6 teachers gain an understanding of the bedrock science concepts needed to teach today’s standards-based curricula. The course consists of eight one-hour video programs, and includes a course guide and a corresponding website. The series of courses include Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. The videos can be purchased or viewed on television; the televised programs schedule starts July 2, 2008, and continues daily through July 9, at 12 PM (Eastern time). The eight topics are: soil, rocks, Earth's interior, the engine that drives Earth, colliding continents, restless landscapes, the moon, and the solar system. Graduate credit is available. To learn more and to register, go to the Teacher Resources on the Learner.org website.
Distance learning for geoscience teachers
A geoscience distance learning program is available at Mississippi State University to enable teachers to earn a Master of Science degree without having to be present on campus. The emphasis is on educational applications of geoscience; the program covers topics of meteorology, geology, planetary science, oceanography, physical geography, and hydrology. Learn more about the program on the website.
Arizona archaeological field school
Nevada State College offers two three-week archaeological field schools in Arizona at Mt. Trumbull (just north of Grand Canyon) June 16-July 4 and July 7-25, 2008. Students can select one or both sessions. Learn the basics of archaeological survey, site mapping, and laboratory analyses, including artifact recognition, recording procedures, and analytic methods. The courses include lectures, discussions, and field trips. All participants must enroll for four undergraduate credits. Students supply their own sleeping bags and tents; a cook will prepare food. Total costs are estimated to be $1070 for a three-week session. Apply as soon as possible to reserve a spot. For more information, contact Dr. Paul E. Buck, 702-992-26200 or paul.buck@nsc.nevada.edu, or check the Nevada State College events calendar online.
Welcome to Journey North!
Journey North engages students in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. K-12 students share their own field observations with classmates across North America. They track the coming of spring through the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, robins, hummingbirds, whooping cranes, gray whales, bald eagles—and other birds and mammals; the budding of plants; changing sunlight; and other natural events. Find migration maps, pictures, standards-based lesson plans, activities and information to help students make local observations and fit them into a global context. Widely considered a best-practices model for education, Journey North is the nation's premiere "citizen science" project for children. Check out the website to learn more; participation is free.
Adventure learning with Will Steger
National Geographic Explorer Will Steger and a team of adventurers from Norway, Great Britain, Canada, and the United State will bring their High Antarctic dogsled expedition to educators through multimedia dispatches on the Global Warming 101.com website. Follow their historic route on Ellesmere Island and mush across frozen sea ice to visit the frontlines of climate change. The Global Warming 101 lesson plans are free, appropriate for middle school ages and up. The free curriculum meets standards for history, social studies, geography, and science. A free classroom map is available on the website, or sign up to receive weekly dispatches of expedition progress.
TEAMS distance learning
TEAMS Distance Learning (TEAMS) received its initial funding in 1990 by the U.S. Department of Education's Star Schools grants to provide live, direct student instruction and ongoing professional development for teachers via satellite broadcasts throughout the United States. In addition to its original satellite delivery, TEAMS programs are telecast on a number of Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS) around the country. Created to deliver K-8 mathematics and science instruction, TEAMS has grown over the years to include K-8 instructional programs in language arts/reading, science, history/social science, and technology. Due to advances and increased access of technology in the classroom, TEAMS has evolved into delivering its K-8 programs as videotape modules. Modules include use of extensive teacher supported materials accessible via the web. To learn more or buy programs, contact Peggy Crisostomo at 562-922-6103 or crisostomo_peggy@lacoe.edu, or check the TEAMS website.
Project 2061 newsletter
An electronic newsletter from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Project 2061 Connections shares work with the science, mathematics, and technology education community. Each issue offers an in-depth look at current research, what we are learning, and how our findings, tools, and resources can be applied to your own efforts to advance science literacy. The current issue is March/April 2008, or find back issues in the archive. Sign up for a free subscription to Project 2061 Connections on the website.
Journal on Science & Children
To foster professional development in science teachers of elementary grade students, a journal was established by National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Titled Science & Children, this peer-reviewed journal provides pertinent articles and seeks manuscripts from teachers for publication. As an example of content, the April 2008 issue features assessment; engineering design; hands-on, minds-on zoo project; aquatic life; everyday science; animals communicating under water; wind at work, flower anatomy, and more. Learn about the journal on the NSTA website.
e-Mentoring by science teachers
e-Mentoring for Student Success (eMSS) is currently recruiting experienced (5+ years) middle and high school science teachers to participate in an innovative online mentoring project. Veteran teachers distinguish themselves by being selected as an eMSS mentor. Mentors play a crucial role in the eMSS online community of learners as they guide mentees and collaborate with eMSS colleagues across the country. Mentors and mentees are matched by content area and grade. The benefits to becoming an eMSS Mentor include: online mentor professional development, stipends from $1,400 to $2,200, e-Mentor certification, and immediate access to a nationwide network of other mentor teachers, professional scientists and new science teachers. The e-Mentor Institutes are scheduled June 23-July 11 or July 14-August 1. For details, go to the eMSS website.