2010 STEM Teaching Institutes registration and information coming soon!
2009 STEM Teaching Institutes Information
This summer the Rochester Area Colleges' Center for Excellence in Math and Science is sponsoring seven summer institutes for K-12 teachers. Each Institute will be led by regional college faculty in a challenging one or two week session.
The goals of the Rochester Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Teaching Institutes are to provide high quality professional development and to establish a regional professional learning community committed to continuous improvement in STEM education.
The Center for Excellence in Math and Science defines "High Quality Professional Development" as a challenging professional learning experience that:
- focuses on STEM content; hands-on, active learning
- aligns with standards, assessments, & curriculum
- encourages professional collaboration
- provides opportunities to analyze and apply research
- incorporates knowledge of adult learning
- provides a rich set of diverse activities
- is intensive and sustained
|
 |
RAC-CEMS goal is to support and encourage area colleges and community educational organizations to provide professional development opportunities that meet these standards.
Each STEM Institute supports the NYS Learning Standards using active learning to deliver a high quality professional development experience. However, the conclusion of the intensive summer experience is truly just the beginning for the participants.
Each course provides opportunities for sustained professional development throughout the year including, but not limited to scheduled contacts and peer-to-peer networking. These are not optional activities, but rather an integral part of the Institute coursework. STEM Institute participants will:
• Receive materials that will enable them to implement the instructional activities developed during the Institute in their classroom
• Attend followup sessions with the instructor during the school year
• Participate online with fellow participants and the course instructor
• Access resources and sustained support from participating institutes
In addition participants will be encouraged to share information with colleagues in their own district and collaborate with participating teachers to share information with the broader community of educators at a RAC-CEMS STEM Educators' Collaboration Event.
|
|
Developing Mathematical Ideas: Building a System of Tens
|
Elementary
Math
(K-5th) |
|
|
The goal of this Institute is to deepen the mathematical content knowledge of participants in the area of Number Sense and Operations, a major focus of the NCTM's (2000) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics.
|
|
|
Inquiry in Earth Sciences
|
Intermediate
Science
(3rd-8th) |
|
|
Teachers will become stronger and more confident teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels in the areas of:
1) Geological processes
2) Weather and Climate Change
3) Astronomy
|
|
|
Using Aquatic Resources for Inquiry-Based Teaching
"Using Zebra Mussels for Good, Not Evil"
|
Secondary
Science
(9th-12th) |
|
|
This Institute, "Using Zebra Mussels for Good, Not Evil", will provide teachers with a tool to transform a real world, local problem into an opportunity to engage in active, on-going, hands-on research with their students while increasing their understanding and use of science, mathematics and technology. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your Living Environment, Environmental Science or Chemistry course.
|
|
Finger Lakes Watershed
Ecology Workshop
|
Intermediate Science
(6th-8th) |
|
|
Teachers will be introduced to lessons on forest, wetland and aquatic ecology and will also visit a number of field sites in order to better understand the diversity of ecosystems and natural habitats. The Finger Lakes region creates an ideal environment for learning field-based ecology, providing teachers with the ability to develop lessons as well as activities that can be conducted in the classroom which incorporate local data and information.
|
|
Inquiry-based Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Science, Technology and Literacy (MSTL)
|
Elementary
(K-6th) |
|
|
A four-day intensive summer workshop for K-6 teachers will provide the opportunity for teachers to participate in projects and activities that will focus on MSTL content enrichment with experts in the fields of biology, chemistry, literacy and the use of technology.
|
|
|
Mathematics, Science & Technology Institute (MST)
|
Intermediate
(5th-8th) |
|
|
The target of this workshop is to enhance both content knowledge and pedagogy in math and science. Participants will experience inquiry based learning and will learn how to create activities specifically aligned with the curriculum used throughout the year. Attendees will be provided with a packet of activities which should prove useful during the following school year.
|
|
|
Hands-on Environmental Science Activities using GLOBE
|
Intermediate
&
Secondary Science
(6th-12th) |
|
|
|
Click here for additional Rochester area summer programs for teachers.
Developing Mathematical Ideas: Building a System of Tens
Overview
The goal of the Institute is that of deepening the mathematical content knowledge of the participants in the area of Number Sense and Operations, a major focus of the NCTM's (2000) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. A fundamental understanding of the base ten number system serves as a foundation for attaining skill and fluency in computation with whole numbers and provides a basis for a rich understanding of the number system as it develops through the early grades.
This institute uses Module 1 of the Developing Mathematical Ideas (DMI) professional development program developed by Deborah Schifter, Virginia Bastable and Susan Jo Russell. In this first module participants examine children's thinking to uncover their conceptions and misconceptions about the base ten number system. Using video and written cases, participants will explore their own ideas about the base ten number system, learn how the core ideas of the number system develop across the grades; examine student work and learn to recognize key ideas students grapple with, and enhance their capacity to ask questions that help students deepen their understanding of the base ten system.
TOP
Dates and Locations
| When: |
June 29-July 3, 2009
(8:30 am-3:30 pm) |
| Where: |
Gates-Chili District Office
3 Spartan Way, Rochester, NY 14624 |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
TBA |
TOP
Point of Contact:
Mary Bellini, Mathematics Outreach Coordinator
Warner Center for Professional Development & Education Reform
University of Rochester
Dewey Hall PO Box#270425
Rochester, NY 14627
Phone: 585-273-4915
FAX: 585-276-0312
email
TOP
Instructors:
Stephanie Martin and Laurie King, mathematics educators for decades, are also experienced facilitators of professional development for the Warner Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the University of Rochester. In addition to having been trained in and having facilitated a variety of professional development offerings in mathematics, both were specifically trained in the use of the Developing Mathematical Ideas: Building a System of Tens materials.
The facilitators will be supported by Dr. Cynthia Callard, Director of Mathematics Outreach, Mary Bellini, Mathematics Outreach Coordinator, and the staff of the Warner Center for Professional Development and Education Reform at the University of Rochester.
TOP
Additional Information:
Participants will receive a $20 stipend for attending one followup session. They will have access to a list-serve and information regarding early registration for the second DMI component, Making Meaning of Operations.
TOP
Inquiry in Earth Sciences - Intermediate and Elementary Curriculum
Overview:
Teachers will become stronger and more confident teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels in the areas of: 1) Geological processes (History of the Earth, Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, Landforms, Rocks, Minerals and fossils, Weathering, Erosion, Deposition, and Glaciation) 2) Weather and Climate Change, and 3) Astronomy.
The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) offers a unique opportunity of exploration and learning in the Earth Sciences through the use of hands-on inquiry-based exhibits, experimentation supported by take away materials, and facilitation by content specialists and professionals in the fields of formal and informal education. Participants will have the unique opportunity to take advantage of key components in the newly expanded Expedition Earth, the Strasenburgh Planetarium, the Time Warner Weather exhibition and extensive museum collections, as well as content-area experts.
Teachers will collaborate to create lesson plans grounded in inquiry, incorporate multidisciplinary approaches, and support New York State MST learning standards. They will share their ideas and lessons with the group, and reflect upon the experiences gained by participation in the Institute.
Teachers will return to their classrooms with supplies and equipment to use in the classroom as well as a compact disk with reviews of lesson plans, experiments conducted throughout the week, web links, and supply lists. To promote sustained learning, teachers will be provided with support from the network of museum professionals and colleagues with three points of contact over an approximately ten-month period.
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| When: |
July 20-24, 2009
(9:00 am-4:00 pm) |
| Where: |
RMSC
657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 |
| Followup Dates: |
During the 2009-2010 school year there will be three 1 ½ hour meetings. These events will be scheduled in November 2009, February 2010 and April 2010. |
TOP
Point of Contact:
Deborah Massey
Head of School and Teacher Programs
Rochester Museum & Science Center
657 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-271-4552 ext. 521
FAX: 585-271-0492
email
TOP
Deborah Massey, workshop facilitator, is the Head of School and Teacher Programs at RMSC and has ten years of experience in adult education, including the development and facilitation of inquiry-based learning as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Finger Lakes Community College. She grounds her pedagogical methods in twelve years of research experience in both academic and industry in the fields of academic chemistry, biochemistry, marine toxicology, and molecular biology.
Dr. Calvin Uzelmeier, Director of Museum Education is a scientist with experience in government, industrial and academic research settings and has 17 years experience in both formal and informal science education settings, including exhibit development and program delivery for grades P-16. Dr. Uzelmeier has taught as adjunct faculty in Chemistry at Monroe Community College, Nazareth College, and the University of Rochester.
Dr. George McIntosh, RMSC Director of Collections, has pursued his dual interests in geology and public science education at RMSC, working closely with the education and exhibit departments to uphold standards of collection quality, care and scholarly interpretation. Dr. MacIntosh served as the chief natural scientist, exhibition curator and collections/content specialist for Expedition Earth, funded in part by NEH.
Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium, has worked as a lecturer at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, CA and in the public affairs division of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, and mission control for the Viking Mars and Voyager outer-planet missions.
TOP
Additional Information:
|
Day and Time |
Topic |
|
Monday |
|
|
am |
Registration and Introductions
"Day 1 Survey"
Overview of the Weeks' Topics
Activity: Earthquakes and Tectonic Plates |
|
Lunch |
Catered Lunch |
|
pm |
Geology of the Rochester Area
Object-Based Teaching
Reflection and Feedback |
|
4-5 pm |
Free Time in the Museum |
|
Tuesday |
|
|
am |
Field Trip to the Genesee Valley Gorge |
|
Lunch |
Brown Bag or On your Own |
|
pm |
Activity: Rocks and Minerals
Activity: Fossils
Reflection and Feedback |
|
4-5 pm |
Free Time in the Museum |
|
Wednesday |
|
|
am |
Activity: Weather Stations |
|
Lunch |
Brown Bag or On your Own |
|
pm |
Erosion and Deposition: Activity #1
Reflection and Feedback |
|
4-5 pm |
Free Time in the Museum |
|
Thursday |
|
|
am |
Star Show
Activity: Earth Ball |
|
Lunch |
Brown Bag or On your Own |
|
pm |
Curriculum Design
Reflection and Feedback |
|
4-5 pm |
Free Time in the Museum |
|
Friday |
|
|
am |
Erosion and Deposition: Activity #2 |
|
Lunch |
Brown Bag or On your Own |
|
pm |
Computer Lab for Resource Exploration
Culminating Activity
Reflection and Feedback
"Day 5 Survey" |
TOP
Using Aquatic Resources for Inquiry-Based Teaching
Original Name: "Using Zebra Mussels for Good, Not Evil: Hands-on Experiments and Modeling Activities"
Overview:
This Institute will provide teachers with a tool to transform a real world, local problem into an opportunity to engage in active, on-going, hands-on research with their students while increasing their understanding and use of science (environmental, biology, and chemistry), mathematics and technology.
While the invasion of zebra mussels has caused numerous problems in our water ways, these organisms actually can be an excellent tool to teach a variety of science and mathematics skills. High school science teachers will learn how to easily collect, maintain and use these abundant aquatic organisms in a plethora of hands-on scientific experiments and quantitative modeling exercises. The activities are designed to promote inquiry-based learning, teach and strengthen students' scientific research and mathematical analysis skills, and demonstrate to the students their relationship with their environment. Activities will include the collection of mussels, the design and completion of hypothesis-driven, quantitative experiments, and the integration of the field and experimental data into mathematical models detailing the ecosystems effects of zebra mussels.
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| When: |
July 27-31, 2009
(9:30 am-5:30 pm) |
| Where: |
Keuka College
141 Central Avenue, Keuka Park, NY 14478 |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
TBA |
TOP
Point of Contact:
Dr. Michael Keck
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Keuka College
141 Central Avenue
Keuka Park, NY 14478
Phone: 315-279-5267
email
Dr. Tim Sellers
Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Keuka College
141 Central Avenue
Keuka Park, NY 14478
Phone: 315-279-5435
email
TOP
Instructors:
Dr. Tim Sellers
Dr. Michael Keck
Joyce Monje: Joyce taught mathematics at Canandaigua Academy for over twenty years and is well-versed in secondary pedagogy and the needs of high school students and teachers.
TOP
Additional Information:
$100 Stipend for each participant with two half-day follow-up workshops to address participant concerns and share successes.
TOP
Finger LakesWatershed Ecology Workshop
Overview:
The diversity of ecosystems and natural habitats in and around the Finger Lakes region creates an ideal environment for learning field-based ecology, providing teachers with the ability to develop lessons as well as activities that can be conducted in the classroom which incorporate local data and information. The Finger Lakes Institute will host 20 middle and high school living environment, environmental science and earth science teachers from school districts in the Finger Lakes region (including the Rochester City School District) for a 3 day, 2 night workshop focused on Finger Lakes watershed ecology.
During the workshop, the teachers will be introduced to lessons on forest, wetland and aquatic ecology and will also visit a number of field sites including: a canoe trip on Canadice Lake; a trip on Seneca Lake onboard The William Scandling, the Hobart and William Smith Colleges' research vessel; and a hike on Rob's Trail in the Hemlock - Canadice watershed. The teachers will be housed on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
As part of this program teachers will commit to implementing a lesson plan for their students during the 2009-2010 academic year and participating in a regional conference of Finger Lakes teachers in the fall of 2009 held at the Finger Lakes Institute.
The FLI Education Outreach Coordinator will manage this program in conjunction with collaborating faculty, provide instruction on how to utilize activities from classroom-tested curricula previously developed by the FLI with the assistance of cooperating teachers (located on the FLI website) as well as Project Wet curriculum, and will maintain contact with the teachers to provide ongoing assistance and resources such as field guides, field equipment, watershed models, probes, and test kits as necessary for the teachers to conduct classroom activities during the school year.
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| Dates: |
August 3 -5, 2009
(3 days and 2 nights) |
| Location: |
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY 14456 |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
TBA |
TOP
Points of Contact:
Marion Balyszak, Director
Finger Lakes Institute
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Sheila Myers, Education Outreach Coordinator
Finger Lakes Institute
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
601 S. Main Street
Geneva, New York 14456
Phone: 315-781-4381
FAX: 315-781-4399
Website:
http://fli.hws.edu
TOP
Instructors:
Sheila Myers, Education Outreach Coordinator
Dr. Megan Brown, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology, Environmental Studies
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Dr. Bruce Gilman, Ph. D. Department of Environmental conservation and Horticulture
Finger Lakes Community College
TOP
Additional Information:
Stipend: $100 per day for each participant for participation in the Summer Institute and participation in the Institute's one day conference, "My Place in the Finger Lakes".
Schedule of Activities:
TOP
Inquiry-based Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Science, Technology and Literacy (MSTL) for Grades K-6
Overview:
A four-day intensive summer workshop for K-6 teachers will provide the opportunity for teachers to participate in projects and activities that will focus on MSTL content enrichment with experts in the fields of biology, chemistry, literacy and the use of technology. This workshop is part of a year-long Institute that provides follow-up and support during the following school year.
This institute will model an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to teach MSTL content. Teachers will become students for portions of the institute, experiencing first hand activities that allow incorporation of technology, literacy, and subject content which will include states of matter, motion and other topics in physics; using computer games to teach content; using Smartboards in the classroom; and may include animal adaptations, plant response to the environment, the water cycle, and weather depending on participant interest.
Teachers will leave the Institute with at least one classroom-ready lesson plan, access to resources to implement their activity, and on-going support from Institute faculty and Master Teacher Coaches during the 2009-2010 school year. Teachers attending this workshop should be prepared to participate in two additional supper seminars during the school year, implement their lesson plan during the school year, and work with Master Teacher Coaches to develop, extend or adapt additional inquiry-based lessons for their classrooms.
See our brochure
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| Dates: |
August 10-13, 2009 |
| Locations: |
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
TBA; two supper seminars during the year |
TOP
Point of Contact:
Dr. Beverly Brown, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Biology Department
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: 585-389-2555
FAX: 585-586-2452
email
TOP
Instructors:
Dr. Beverly Brown (Ecology)
Ms. Lynn Gatto
Ms. Gatto is a retired Rochester City School District teacher and Master Teacher Coach. Ms. Gatto currently has her own STEM teaching excellence consulting firm. She is currently an adjunct faculty member and a Doctoral Candidate at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester.
Dr. Heather Ames Lewis (Mathematics)
Dr. Lewis is a faculty member at Nazareth College in the Mathematics Department and has worked extensively with K-6 teachers in the Rochester City School District. She served on the faculty of the MSTL Naz 2008 Institute.
Ms. Sheila Brady Root (Biology and Chemistry)
Ms. Brady Root is a Lecturer in Chemistry and a Visiting Instructor in Biology at Nazareth College. She has been involved in improving the quality of STEM teaching in New York State for may years including serving in multiple leadership roles within the Science Teachers' Association of New York State (STANYS).
Dr. Carol Roote (Biology)
Dr. Roote is on the faculty of Nazareth College in the Biology Department and was a faculty member for the MSTL 2008 Institute.
TOP
Additional Information:
Two evening supper seminars will be provided (fall and spring).
Master Teacher coaches will be available for individuals or teams of teachers who want to implement additional inquiry-based STEM curriculum. Ongoing support will be provided to each participant via the internet including a wiki.
Year-round access to consulting services from summer institute faculty will be available.
Mini-grants of $50/successful applicant will also be available.
TOP
Mathematics, Science & Technology Institute (MST)
Overview:
This summer institute for mathematics and science teachers of grades 5 through 8 will use inquiry and technology to explore the many connections between math and science that exist all around us. Teachers will experience integrated inquiry based activities aligned with New York State Learning Standards including but not limited to Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design; Standard 4: Living Environment; Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving; and Standard 3: Mathematics for grades 5-8 including Algebra Concepts, measurement, Number Sense, Statistics and Probability.
The target of this workshop is to enhance both content knowledge and pedagogy in math and science. Participants will produce materials that can be used in their classes as well as create a plan for continual reflection on how math, science and technology integration can be regularly implemented in the curriculum. Graphing calculators, probeware, SmartBoards, and LCD projectors will be some of the technology that will be used during this workshop as well as technology that will allow participants to continue to collaborate with each other and the facilitators throughout out the year.
Participants will not only experience inquiry-based learning but the workshop will also foster the creation of activities specifically aligned with the curriculum that the participants will be using throughout the year. Participants will be provided with a packet of activities which should prove useful during the following school year.
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| Dates: |
August 18-21, 2009
(8:00 am-4:00 pm) |
| Location: |
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
TBA; Three follow-up sessions |
TOP
Point of Contact:
Dr. Diane Barrett
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY
585-385-8366
email
TOP
Instructors:
Dr. Diane Barrett, Graduate Program in Mathematics, Science & Technology Education
Dr. Kris Green, Graduate Program in Mathematics, Science & Technology Education: St. John Fisher College
Dr. Green is a mathematician/scientist with a broad background in science and engineering. He teachers math and integrated science content courses for candidates in GMST.
Brenda Green, Teacher: Webster Central School District
Ms. Green is an elementary educator and the science lead teacher at Plank Road North Elementary School in Webster. She has also taught pedagogical courses in GMST and has extensive experience integrating subject matter across the disciplines.
TOP
Additional Information:
Three follow-up sessions will be scheduled throughout the 2009-2010 school year during which additional inquiry-based integrative activities will be provided.
TOP
Hands-on Environmental Science Activities using GLOBE
(Global learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment)
Overview:
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in learning about environmental issues in K-12 classrooms. A variety of environmental educational materials have been developed by individuals and organizations over the past two decades, which allow teachers to involve their students in hands-on activities for learning about the natural world. One of these is the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) program, which includes a series of protocols for hands-on activities and a mechanism for sharing student-collected data via the internet (www.globe.gov).
This institute will introduce teachers to some of the GLOBE protocols for studying soil and water and allow them to practice using these protocols with their students in follow-up visits to Alfred University's outdoor field laboratory at Foster Lake in Alfred, NY. The specific protocols we will cover include atmospheric, hydrology, soil and land cover/biology protocols. Participants will be provided with the equipment necessary for these outdoor activities (a GLOBE "kit"), which they can then take back to their respective school systems.
The initial institute will take place over a 2-day period in Alfred, NY in late August and will be followed by a 1-day field day later in the fall. Each teacher (or team of teachers) will be invited to return with a group of their students in the fall for a field day to engage in these learning activities assisted by faculty and students from Alfred University. Later in the school year, we will convene a follow-up meeting of the participants to share successful strategies, how they have adapted exercises for their age group or demographic, what challenges they have faced, and evaluations of how the new activities have increased their students' knowledge of the environment. Follow up visits to individual schools by institute personnel will provide additional support for the development of exercises and activities.
TOP
Dates and Locations:
| Dates: |
August 28 and 29, 2009 |
| Location: |
Foster Lake, Alfred, NY |
| Follow-Up Dates: |
Two follow-up days:
- one field day
- one conference day
School visitation during the school year |
TOP
Points of Contact:
Dr. Michele Hluchy
Environmental Studies and Geology Division
Alfred University
Alfred, NY 14802
Phone: 607-871-2838
FAX: 607-871-2697
email
Dr. Ann Monroe-Baillargeon
Education Division
Alfred University
Alfred, NY 14802
Phone: 607-871-2221
email
TOP
Instructors:
Dr. Michele Hluchy
Dr. Ann Monroe-Baillargeon
Jean Bilson, Alfred University Environmental Studies Technical Specialist
Justin Grigg, Alfred University, Environmental Studies
TOP
Additional Information:
Teams of teachers as well as individual teachers are encouraged to apply.
$500 Stipend for each participant.
Sustained support will be provided by the implementation of a Yahoo group site as a communication tool as well as access to the GLOBE program network.
TOP