Summer 2011 Institute for Science Teaching
IST summer institutes are brought to you by the Lockheed Martin Corporation
The Institute for Science Teaching is a series of professional development programs for educators who want to enhance their understanding of content, broaden their repertoire of teaching methods, and (re)kindle their enthusiasm for science. Two new programs, IST-5 and IST-6, are available this summer.
IST 5: Earth & Space Science Institute
June 20 - 24
12:30 - 4:30 pm
The goal of this Institute is to provide 3-9th grade teachers with a working knowledge of earth and space science content and concepts and to explore classroom activities that reinforce student learning in these subject areas. Topics include: the structure of the earth, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere; the relationships between earth systems; the Earth Moon system and lunar phases; our solar system and the characteristics of planets and moons; the characteristics of stars; galaxies, galaxy clusters and the structure of our universe; the Big Bang theory. This Institute will also address the nature of science, focusing on Galileo’s use of technology, observation and modeling to gather evidence in support of the heliocentric model of our solar system.
IST 6– Exploring Earth and Life Sciences Through Fossils
July 25-29, 2011
12:30 - 4:30 pm
The sixth installment of the Institute for Science Teaching (IST) will focus on paleontology (the study of fossils) as a means for exploring Earth and Life Science concepts. The paleontologist needs to know how the earth has changed over time, how to “read” rocks, how changes in environments and ecosystems lead to extinctions, what variations in teeth and skeletons can tell us about a species and how fossils tell the story of evolutionary change over long periods of time. This institute is suitable for K-12 teachers.
Please note that the South Florida Museum is offering the opportunity to participate in a paleontological expedition to the Nebraska Badlands the week following IST 6. Teachers interested in more information can contact Jeff Rodgers, Director of Education at jrodgers@southfloridamuseum.org
The following Professional Development workshops are available for schools and grade level teams. The museum can also design custom professional development experiences for your school. Please contact Jeff Rodgers for more information.
Institute for Science Teachers I - A Short History of Nearly Everything
Don't know a proton from a protozoan? Now is your chance to learn everything you always wanted to know about science, but were afraid to ask - and get a leg up on your Science Channel addicted students. You are invited to attend the Institute for Science Teachers (IST) conducted at the South Florida Museum. A FREE Professional Development Institute brought to you by Lockheed Martin. IST is a comprehensive science institute for 3rd-9th grade teachers who want to enhance their understanding of content, broaden their repertoire of teaching methods, and (re)kindle their enthusiasm for science. Teachers must attend IST I session to attend sessions III & IV.
Institute for Science Teachers 2 - Thinking About Life in the Universe
The search for life on other planets is one of today's most exciting scientific endeavors. To understand the search, you have to think like a scientist, and grapple with concepts that span Biology (What is life? How did it come about? How does it evolve?), Earth Science (How did Earth come to be? Why is it habitable? How do its local and global systems maintain its habitability?) and Space Science (Are there other habitable places in our solar system? Are there any habitable extrasolar planets? Where and how do we search for life?) . Using the Drake Equation as a guide, this class will give you the tools you need to approach science in a unique, multidisciplinary way.
Institute for Science Teachers 3 - Understanding Evolution
Join Jeff Rodgers, Director of Education at the South Florida Museum, for the third installment of the Institute for Science Teachers. IST-3 will look at life - What is it? How did it get started? What drives its evolution? How do we learn about it? Through readings, discussions and lab activities, this institute is designed primarily to increase your content knowledge as an adult learner. IST is a comprehensive science institute for 3rd-9th grade teachers. Teachers must attend IST I session to attend sessions III and/or IV.
Institute for Science Teachers 4 - AHA!- A Hands-on Academy
AHA! – A Hands-On Academy. Join Jeff Rodgers at the South Florida Museum for Part 4 of the Institute for Science Teaching. This summer, the institute will re-visit concepts covered in IST 1 through 3 using the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. For each “Big Idea” addressed, teacher teams will develop and test hands-on activities suitable for their grade level.
Program Instructor
Jeff Rodgers
Director of Education for the South Florida Museum
Director of the Bishop Planetarium