Igniting a Passion for Science

Science achievement levels in the United States are declining, along with student interest in science-related fields. Beyond preparing students for the rigors of college, it's important that educators reinforce the applicability of science to both real-world experience and—potentially—globally competitive careers.

Our science courses provide strategies for teaching students how to think critically and collaboratively, developing problem-solving skills, introducing hands-on activities into daily instruction, and impressing on them the applicability of science concepts to real-world experience.

Our current science courses include:

ExpandScience Literacy: Preparing Students for the Future, 3–5

Learn how to build science content knowledge and support science literacy in this hands-on course. Participants will learn strategies for teaching science vocabulary, using the scientific process, incorporating classroom friendly, hands-on experiments, differentiating instruction, and preparing students for state assessments.

Length:
One day

Objectives

  • Understand the research related to science literacy and the attributes of an excellent science program
  • Understand the components of inquiry science projects and know how to design one for their individual classroom
  • Apply strategies that improve and differentiate classroom science instruction
  • Manage activity-based learning in the classroom
  • Incorporate meaningful strategies for vocabulary instruction
  • Utilize assessment strategies to transfer to district and state assessments
  • Recognize opportunities to integrate science instruction throughout the curriculum

College Credit Pending

ExpandAn Open-Inquiry Approach to Science, K–8

Participants will explore the Body of Knowledge: The Nature of Science in this course, focusing on the open-inquiry approach to teaching. Educators will learn how to create an open-inquiry environment that supports science instruction and provides authentic experiences for students. Separate courses for K–5 and 6–8 teachers, specific to their needs, are available.

Length:
One day

Objectives

  • Understand the open-inquiry approach to teaching science
  • Understand specific instructional strategies for implementing the open-inquiry approach
  • Understand how an open-inquiry approach will provide students with the skills to understand science content across the grades
  • Use assessment effectively in the open-inquiry science classroom environment

College Credit Pending

ExpandScience and Technology: A Creative Partnership, K–12

In this course, participants will explore ways for integrating technology into science curriculum. Topics include research, probes, working with experts, and collaborative projects. Participants will gain the confidence and skills to integrate such learning technologies in the science curriculum.

Length:
One day

Participants must have access to a computer and the Internet.

Objectives

  • Explore/Gather/Design appropriate curriculum/technology integration projects for science learners
  • Understand the components of science projects and know how to design one for their individual classroom
  • Locate different types of science projects, resources and project development tools
  • Identify and evaluate Internet sites for use in science education
  • Locate and use online tools used in data analysis, graphing, assessment, and presentation
  • Use professional resources on the Internet that support science instruction
  • Locate and utilize online classroom projects, simulations, and various sites that support scientific education and exploration
  • Manage activity-based learning in the classroom

College Credit Pending

ExpandCamp Connect Science, K–12

This three-day course promotes the integration of technology into the science curriculum, the enhancement of teaching practices, and improved student achievement. Participants will acquire skills and strategies in the areas of understanding Internet tools, accessing teacher and student resources, and integrating student activities and projects in science. Participants will explore project-based learning, a key component of any STEM curriculum. Participants will gain an understanding of applying real-world problems and challenges through the characteristics of project-based learning. Meaningful assessment and ideas for classroom management will be investigated.

Length:
Three days

Objectives

  • Locate, evaluate, and organize Web sites according to science content
  • Locate Web sites that illustrate the use of higher-level problem-solving skills and science standards
  • Understand how to locate and/or develop Internet lesson plans in science
  • Locate online content and resources that support National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and local science standards
  • Collect Internet content and resources that support project-based and scientific inquiry-based learning
  • Explore the different types of collaborative science projects for elementary students that exist globally
  • Understand how to manage project-based learning in science curriculum
  • Design and create one online assignment in elementary science that meets local, state, and/or NSTA standards

College Credit Pending

ExpandSTEM and Project-Based Learning, K–12

This course takes participants through an exploration of project-based learning, a key component of any STEM curriculum. Participants will gain an understanding of applying real-world problems and challenges through the characteristics of project-based learning. Meaningful assessment and ideas for classroom management will be investigated. Available for grades K–5 and 6–12

Length:
One day

Objectives

  • Understand the characteristics of Project-Based Learning
  • Understand how Project-Based Learning supports a STEM curriculum
  • Design and develop a STEM project
  • Learn about the assessment strategies that support project based learning
  • Explore instructional strategies and suggestions for classroom management

Job-Embedded Professional Development