Science SOLutions for Teachers
Summer 2008
Teachers of grades K–5, earn graduate credits while enriching your hands-on science learning techniques.
Over the next two summers, Danville Science Center staff will lead four new science courses specially designed for teachers of grades K–5. The 2008 sessions are "Energy and Heat" and "Weather and Atmosphere." "Ecosystems" and "Sun and Earth" will be offered in 2009. Each course aligns with the Science strands of the Virginia's Standards of Learning and corresponds to four core areas: Physical, Life, Earth and Space Science. Each three-credit course combines meaningful content learning with hands-on experience.
This series of courses will be thematically integrated by global issues of climate change and be designed to highlight associations between topics. Teachers of grades K–5 will earn graduate credits and develop deeper science understanding while fine-tuning their ability to deliver student-focused, hands-on lessons.
Initiated through intensive week-long summer sessions, the learning continues throughout the school year as teacher teams meet to plan, implement and assess exciting new activities and new approaches to learning in their classrooms. This project is funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Education and is supported by Averett University, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and the Danville Science Center. There is no cost to attend.
Summer 2008 Course Schedule
Courses are open to teachers of grades K–5. Credit hours are recorded through Averett University.
Energy and Heat
June 23–27, 2008; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Danville Science Center
Credits: 3
This course uses constructivist-based methods to create a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of heat and energy and its relation to climate change
Weather and Atmosphere
July 7–11, 2008; 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Averett University, Danville, Va.
Credits: 3
This course uses a constructivist-based curriculum to create a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of the atmosphere, weather patterns and systems, and weather's relationship to climate change.
Requirements
Participants must be able to attend all five days of any sessions for which they register. During the 2008–2009 school year participants must commit to:
- attend two Saturday meetings during the school year to share and critique lessons with the full class;
- observe at least one of their teammates' classroom lessons; and
- be observed at least once by one of their teammates.
Courses are limited to 25 participants with priority given to K–5 teachers from partnering school systems (Danville and Martinsville cities, Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, Henry and Pittsylvania counties) and to participants who can attend both courses. Others may apply.
Register Now! Call Jeff Liverman, 434-791-5160, Ext. 201, or email jliverman@smv.org