Science Teacher Professional Development Events

Fall 2011/January 2012 Schedule

Teacher responses to the evaluation question “How will this program help you professionally?” from previous PD Workshops.

I will use labs and investigations as introductions to an idea or topic rather than a reinforcement of it.

I will not put an aim on the board, but rather let my students discover for themselves the purpose of the lesson. I hope this will create more meaning as they will be in “charge” of their learning.

It helped me think about ways I can bring the schoolyard ecosystem to the classroom by doing outdoor investigations by collecting samples and analyzing data.

Today’s program has reinforced the necessity to return to inquiry experiences for my students. Giving children a bag of “stuff” and an objective is an experience they do not get in school anymore or even when they are home “playing”.

Because of today’s program I will ask students to think of ways to solve problems. I will incorporate this into student art lessons so that the students are not lonely creating artwork but generating ideas. I will encourage them to think of any ideas because unsuccessful ideas can lead to incredible ideas.

I was able to think outside of the box. I also learned ways in which I can instigate creative thinking in my students.

These workshops require registration and have fees. If you have questions, call 516-463-5792.

November 8, 2011: Election Day
Professional Development Day for Teachers of Science at Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center (formerly Atlantis Marine World)

IDEAS is offering an opportunity for science teachers of all levels to enhance their science content knowledge and examine how the new “Framework for K-12 Science Education” will impact their teaching practices. Opening and closing sessions will focus on the role of literacy and argument in science teaching and assessments, as described in the new science frameworks. The day will be held at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, and includes a range of topic and grade level specific workshops presented by aquarium educators plus free time to explore.

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 8, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, New York
This workshop is appropriate for all teachers of science, grades K-12.
Fee/Credit: Six hours toward Professional Development credit for $60. (includes lunch.)

Download a registration form

November 16, 2011
Forensics in the Classroom: A Workshop for Teachers of Grades 5-12

This six-hour professional development workshop features three sessions led by members of the Hofstra forensics faculty (a part of the Chemistry Department). Topics to be discussed include Trace Evidence/Microscopy, Forensic DNA Typing, and Toolmarks/ Firearms Identification and Comparison. Each session concludes with a brief discussion that links the material of the workshop to the new “Framework for Science Education.” A “Science Evenings with IDEAS” presentation on forensic science will conclude the workshop.

Professor: Scott Kovar, Senior Forensic Microscopist, Nassau County Police Department and Director, Forensic Science Program, Hofstra University
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 16, 3:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Hofstra University Club, David S. Mack Hall, Hofstra University North Campus
This workshop is appropriate for teachers of science, grades 5-12.
Fee/Credit: Six hours toward Professional Development credit, $60. (includes dinner)

Download a registration form

January 21, 2012
Name That Rock

This eight hour mineral and rock identification workshop includes simple hand sample description, microscopic examination, and classification, assisting attendees in learning and teaching the basics of classification of geological materials.

Speaker: Charles Merguerian, Department of Geology, Hofstra University
Date/Time: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Gittleson Hall, California Avenue, Hofstra University South Campus
This workshop is appropriate for all teachers, grades K-12, and interested members of the public. This workshop is limited to 20 students: enrollment preference will be given to students registering for Hofstra University credit. For details on credit, see the IDEAS Graduate courses bullet.
Fee/Credit: Eight hours toward Professional Development credit for $95.