Document

Summer Institute Part C - Content (E=MC2)

Summer Institute Part C (E=MC2)

Summer Science Institute Part C workshops are designed to build teacher's content knowledge in the Earth, Life, Physical sciences by engaging them in hands-on inquiry-centered investigations. Each was selected to illustrate an important science concept in a standards-based curriculum. Participants will work in groups formulating questions, designing and evaluating experiments, analyzing data, and reflecting on instructional strategies that they can bring back to their classrooms.

Earth Strand

The K-6 program - will enhance teachers; earth science background with a strong emphasis on the local geology and the geology of New Jersey. On the middle day of each 3-day workshop, participants will go on a field trip to investigate local geology. The workshops will cover the key concepts of earth materials, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics that underlie the earth science modules. Model inquiry approach to teaching and learning science and enable appropriate adaptation of earth science modules for various grade levels.

Life Strand

K-6 program - will enhance teachers' understanding of the major themes in biology: diversity, heredity, cells, interdependence of life, matter and energy flow, and evolution. Experiments will be rooted in real world observation and will begin with a question that addresses a central life science concept. Model inquiry approach to teaching and learning science and enable appropriate adaptation of life science modules for various grade levels.

Physical Strand

K-3 program - will focus on observing and measuring several properties of matter. They will apply their knowledge of properties to design separations and to study which properties change as materials are mixed with water, divided into smaller piece, heated, or altered in other ways.

4-6 program - will emphasize on energy and energy transformation. Through investigations with moving carts, falling weights, electric circuits, electromagnets, motors, and generators teachers will explore several aspects of energy transfer. All of the investigations will model the elements of inquiry and help teachers recognize the importance of energy transfer.

Return to E=MC2 Workshop Information