Partners in Science National Conference
Workshops
Workshops will be open to all high school teacher participants, and if space is available, workshops will be open to university research mentors also. The workshop space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshop 1: "Acid Rain, the Forgotten Environmental Disaster"
Jason Choi, Sleepy Hollow High School, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Remember when everyone was worried about acid rain? Well, acid rain is still a problem that persists in many regions of North America and Europe. Moreover, as countries like China and India modernize and increase their use of coal, the problem will truly become global in nature. Global warming has eclipsed acid rain; however, our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are being irreparably damaged by the increased acidity of our precipitation. This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to use hands-on, inquiry based activities and captivating demonstrations to further their knowledge of acids and bases, the pH scale, causes of acid rain, effects of acid rain, and methods to remediate acid rain. The workshop will be structured to address the needs of both the introductory science course as well as the college-level curriculum.
Workshop 2: "Data Collection and Analysis with Vernier"
Michael Collins and Robyn Johnson, Vernier Software & Technology, Beaverton, OR; and Coleen Swihart, Oregon City High School, Oregon City, OR
Vernier's Technology, A Faithful Partner in Your Science Lab. This workshop offers participants an opportunity to use the highly portable LabQuest interface, the latest release of Logger Pro software, and sensors to perform many labs common to high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes. These tools will greatly enhance many of the labs your students perform, inspiring them with hands-on technology and allowing them to more deeply investigate, explore, and demonstrate understanding of scientific concepts. Whether you are a seasoned sensor veteran or newcomer to data collection, this session will help invigorate and foster possiblities for your students' learning.
Workshop 3: "Green's the New Black: What is a Sustaintable School?"
David Friedman, General Douglas MacArthur High School, Levittown, NY
Going green. Urban sustainability. Sustainable agriculture. Alternative energy. What does this all mean and how does it relate to our schools? With oil and gas prices near all-time highs, and environmental sciences on the front page of almost every newspaper, here's your opportunity to prepare a school sustainability plan. We will also brainstorm and share ideas for grants, research projects, and lessons that may be geared toward any of the sciences.
Workshop 4: "Astronomy Activities and Courses for Your High School"
Eric Muhs, Ballard High School, Seattle, WA; Vince Santo Pietro, Shorecrest High School, Seattle, WA; Dr. Julie Lutz and Chris Laws, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Are you or your colleagues considering offering astronomy at your high school either as a stand-alone course or as a unit within another course such as integrated science, physics, chemistry, earth science, or biology (Think astrobiology!)? If so, join us for a session on 101 ways to use astronomy in your curriculum. We'll go over some course and unit outlines, resources (like web sites and on-line databases) and activities. We'll have lots of time for questions and discussion. In addition, you'll get a chance to learn and do some of our favorite astronomy activities for the classroom.
Workshop 5: "Wacky or Real? Science in the Age of Ambivalence"
Mike Fitzgibbons, Forest Grove, OR; and Dr. Erik Bodegom, Portland State University, Portland, OR
Research shows that students persistently believe a variety of pseudoscientific claims. Strong scientific knowledge, the learning of facts, equations and laws, don't give students the critical skills they need to prevent irrational beliefs. Critical thinking is not explicitly taught in many classrooms; we have developed in curriculum for high school science classrooms which teaches students how to think critically. Start teaching the practice of science instead of just facts. Come learn how!! Real-life hands-on activities for the classroom will be demonstrated.
Workshop 6: "General Atomics Fusion Education Program"
Rick Lee, Fusion Education Coordinator, General Atomics, San Diego, CA
The General Atomics Fusion Education Program (http://fusioned.gat.com) helps to promote an increased understanding of gaseous plasma and high temperature fusion sciences at the elementary through college level by providing exciting workshops and tours for teachers. We offer you a fascinating workshop and tour using the nation's largest magnetic confinement fusion device as the centerpiece. Materials will be provided to each participant for use in their classroom.
