Join the College of Exploration and NOAA’s Ocean Explorer for the free online teacher workshop, Why Do We Explore, October 5-16, 2009. This is the second workshop in a series of teacher professional development opportunities focused around NOAA’s new ship, the Okeanos Explorer. Scientific keynote presenters and education facilitators will work with participants to delve into the benefits of ocean exploration targeting climate change, energy, human health and ocean health. Interact with scientists, converse and share classroom applications with other educators, and find a wealth of multimedia resources. The workshop will introduce the first in a series of Leader’s Guides for Classroom Explorers Why Do We Explore? with associated exploration lessons and hands-on activities. The workshop will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Join the workshop
Category Archives: Professional Development
EETAP Fall Courses – Online
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) offer the following online courses this fall:
Fundamentals of Environmental Education, September 8-November 25, 2009
Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences, September 8-November 13, 2009.
Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation, September 7-December 4, 2009
Leadership Development in Natural Resources: Strategic Planning and Implementation, September 22–November 21, 2009
Check the website for availability and registration deadlines.
MITS Offers Build Your Own ROV Workshop for Teachers
The Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS), MIT Sea Grant, the Office of Naval Research, and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers are partnering to offer an ROV building workshop for middle and high school teachers. Participants will experience the MIT SeaPerch program through building their own ROV and then exploring how this ROV can be used in the classroom and field. Teachers will receive a complete ROV kit to use in the classroom along with the SeaPerch curriculum guide.
The Sea Perch Program, created by the MIT Sea Grant College Program in 2003, trains educators across the United States and around the world to build the Sea Perch, a simple, remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV, made from PVC pipe and other inexpensive, easily available materials. Teachers then work with students to build their own Sea Perches and deploy them on research missions in nearby bodies of water. The hands-on Sea Perch experience is a gateway to further study and careers in robotics, engineering, marine sciences and more.
Where: Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute 85 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA
When: November 6-7, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
16 PDPs will be awarded
Cost: This workshop is funded by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers through a grant from the US Office of Naval Research and includes all materials, funds for substitute teachers on Friday, and lunch both days.
To apply: Please email Amy Hoffmaster (ahoffmaster@mits.org) before October 28, 2009 with the following information:
Name, School, School Address, Phone, E-mail Address, Grade Level and Subject(s), Electronics/robotics experience
Environmental Education Online Course
The University of North Carolina Wilmington will offer a fundamentals of environmental education online course this fall, beginning August 19, 2009. EVS 592-800 Fundamentals of Environmental Education is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. This is a three credit-hour graduate course. The “Fundamentals of Environmental Education” online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the state. No on-campus meetings are required. The course will be taught by Dr. Rosanne Fortner. Contact her at fortner.2@osu.edu or the Environmental Studies Department at evs@uncw.edu or 910-962-7675.
Teacher Development This Summer at New England Aquarium
The Teacher Resource Center at New England Aquarium is offering several programs for professional development this summer:
MITS Summer Institute, July 6-17
On the Waterfront: Integrating Science Standards Through Classroom and Field Investigations,July 27-August 1
Climate Science and the Ocean Workshop, August 10-13
Informal Science Education Online Certificate
University of South Florida is offering a new Online Distance Learning Graduate Certificate Program in Informal Education. The program is for
· Professionals who educate the public about science
· Science teachers who want to go beyond traditional coursework and delve into the field of informal science
Courses can be used toward Ph.D., M.A. and M.Ed. degrees
If you want to
· Increase your career opportunities in informal science education
· Create a career ladder
· Understand how individuals and communities learn science
· Address learning styles for multiple audiences
· Enhance relationships between ISIs/ ISEIs and K-16 schools
· Understand the science education reform movement and standards in depth
· Build an ISI/ ISEI community professional network
· Professionalize informal science education,
then this Informal Science Education Program is for you!
· Professionals who educate the public about science
· Science teachers who want to go beyond traditional coursework and delve into the field of informal science
Courses can be used toward Ph.D., M.A. and M.Ed. degrees
If you want to
· Increase your career opportunities in informal science education
· Create a career ladder
· Understand how individuals and communities learn science
· Address learning styles for multiple audiences
· Enhance relationships between ISIs/ ISEIs and K-16 schools
· Understand the science education reform movement and standards in depth
· Build an ISI/ ISEI community professional network
· Professionalize informal science education,
then this Informal Science Education Program is for you!
Register now to become a part of the cohort beginning Fall 2009. Spaces are limited. More online
(Select Informal Science Institutions: Environmental Education)
Course Descriptions available
For more information contact Program Director Barbara Spector, Ph.D. at spector@coedu.usf.edu or 813.971.1856
Online Seminars from American Museum of Natural History
Seminars on Science and the American Museum of Natural History in New York is offering online courses involving marine biology and ocean systems. Join a research scientist and an experienced instructor as they guide you through these courses . Visit the course website at learn.amnh.org for the syllabi, key course concepts, and free sample resources including essays and videos.
Courses include:
- The Ocean System
- Sharks and Rays (summer course only!)
- Evolution
- **NEW** Water: Environmental Science (Please note that there is special pricing for the Summer 2009 session of the Water course. Sign up by June 22nd and receive $200 off the course cost!)
Designed for K-12 educators, each six-week course is led by an experienced classroom teacher and a research scientist. Summer Session Two runs July 6 – August 16. Registration closes June 22nd. For more information and to register, go to learn.amnh.org or call 800-649-6715
Summer Institutes for Massachusetts K-8 Teachers
MITS (Museum Institute for Teaching Science) offers summer institutes in nine regions throughout Massachusetts. The 2009 Summer Institute Inquiry-Based Science: Investigating Water and Energy Concepts in the State Frameworks will be offered July 6-17 and will integrate hands-on, minds-on STEM activities to enrich all areas of classroom curriculum. More