We’re always excited to learn about new professional development opportunities for teachers, so this year’s series of trainings at the Biosphere are of special interest. The Center is teaming up with the University of Arizona, the Arizona Science Foundation and the STEM Center to offer this teacher training in science and math content areas.
These trainings are unique. Conducted within the Biosphere, a remarkable scientific facility known around the world, teachers will have the chance to work side by side with scientists conducting real research. They will then be able to draw from this research to replicate similar experiments in their classrooms with their students. What a wonderful way for teachers to strengthen their science and math curriculum.
We know that to be effective, teachers need a strong content background as well as skill in pedagogy. You can’t succeed at one without the other. Many teachers lack content expertise in science and math. This program gives teachers a fascinating opportunity to boost their understanding in a hands-on environment.
The Center’s role in this program is to help ensure the experience is an effective one for teachers by preparing and supporting the lead teachers who will be guiding it. We will also assist with the technology applications that dovetail naturally with this content. The Center has developed expertise in technology and teaching through our Camp Plug and Play, which has been a big hit, now going into its fourth year.
Teachers have three options to choose from. Two weekend courses will be offered, one in the spring and one in the fall. For teachers who want to delve more deeply into areas of interest, a three-week summer course will offer an extensive immersion into the world of science at the biosphere.
The topic of the first short course,
Darwin Days, was in. The theme of the longer summer program will be a “State of Wonder”. The idea is to create classroom environments that encourage kids to be inquisitive and creative. This is how real scientists function in their work. As educators, we want to nurture a state of wonder for students of all ages in what ever subject they are studying.
Participating teachers will no doubt learn a lot from the scientists and from the Biosphere itself. But this is also a great way for teachers to get out of the isolation of their classroom and share with colleagues.
This program is a learning experience for the Center as well. We are committed to integrating science, technology, engineering and math content into effective professional development opportunities for Arizona teachers. As we continue to develop our 2009-10 program offering, we will apply the lessons we gain from these Biosphere trainings to future courses.
To learn more about the Biosphere and the Arizona Center for STEM Teachers, please visit http://www.az-stem-teachers.org/
