Partners in Science National Conference

Workshops -  Download Workshops - PDF

Please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices when registering online.

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: "Greening The Chemistry Curriculum"

Mary Kirchhoff, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC

Green chemistry focuses on practicing chemistry in an environmentally responsible manner and this workshop will introduce the basic concepts of green chemistry, provide an overview of green chemistry resources, and engage participants in greener experiments. Green chemistry reinforces the interest that many students have in environmental issues. Integrating green chemistry into the high school curriculum can increase safety while decreasing the amount of hazardous waste generated in the lab.

Workshop 2: "The NSTA Learning Center: Free Professional Development Resources and Opportunities for Educators"

Flavio Mendez, National Science Teachers Association Learning Center; and Dr. Deborah Tucker, National Science Teachers Association, Arlington, VA

Lost when it comes to finding online professional development resources to enhance your content knowledge and skills? With over 5,200 resources and tools to help you manage and document your PD growth, the NSTA Learning Center has the answers! Attend this session and receive free access to fee-based resources.

Workshop 3: "Using Available Internet Tools to Develop Successful Gene Cloning Strategies"

Craig Kuchel, Florence-Carlton High School, Florence, MT

Modern molecular biology and biomedical research would be impossible without gene cloning. Developing successful cloning strategies can be challenging and complex. Teach students the logic used in developing cloning strategies as they work with real DNA sequences using only the Internet. This inquiry lab enables students to develop complex cloning strategies without expensive molecular biology equipment.

Workshop 4: "Energy Transfer: A Basis for Environmental Sustainability "

Julia Chillemi, New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY

This workshop will focus on the responsible use of natural resources. Participants will discuss energy transfer as a model for identifying components of a system and [in]efficient practices. The discussion will continue by comparing efficient designs in nature and culminate with an inquiry into anaerobic energy transfer. Environmental Sustainability is an interdisciplinary area of study that embodies both stewardship to protect the natural setting and a willingness to plan with nature, as opposed to a desire to control it.  Participants will identify entry points for the content presented within their own respective curricula.

Workshop 5: "Data Collection and Analysis with Vernier in the Biology Lab"

Michael Collins, Vernier Software & Technology, Beaverton, OR; and Coleen Swihart, Aloha High School, Aloha, OR

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 science 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, analyze, 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 possibilities for your students’ learning.

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.