The Program...
Central Methodist University and Inovatia Laboratories are proud to announce the receipt of a congressionally-directed grant. The grant total is $398,043 (84.2% federal funding - 15.8% local funding). The primary purpose of the funds is to provide resources to encourage and equip Grade 6-8 teachers to better facilitate learning in physical science. In addition to building knowledge and skills, we believe this program is an excellent opportunity for middle school teachers to work and build relationships with other teachers, university faculty and students. During an interactive workshop and subsequent follow-up sessions, participants will experience activities, problems and demonstrations designed at varying levels of difficulty. In addition to curriculum topics, there will be special instruction on classroom use of Texas Instruments Calculator-Based Lab systems (a sensor-based technology) and Lego Mindstorm robotics. Focused attention will be given to the use of the Learning Cycle and the Four-Questions Strategy for exploring science concepts.

Program Benefits…

• Classroom materials including a guide of activities, problems and demonstrations
• Equipment that is yours to keep including a complete TI-CBL system with a calculator and sensors and a Lego Mindstorm robotics kit (approximately $750 in equipment and supplies for your classroom)
• A $750 stipend (fully received upon completion of the program)
• Three hours of graduate credit at no charge through Central Methodist University
• Ongoing collaborative access to other teachers and university faculty and students
• Additional access to support from business and industry in your region

Program Requirements…
Participants must be willing and able to commit their time and interest to the following activity schedule. Please note that the introductory sessions are VERY important. We will be doing a lot of brainstorming of curricular topics that are most critical to YOU.

• Week-long Summer Workshops 2009 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day)

• July 6 - 10, 2009 @ Chillicothe High School
• July 20 - 24, 2009 @ North High School, Bonne Terre
• July 27 - 31, 2009 @ Central Methodist University
• Aug 3 - 7, 2009 @ Three Rivers Community College
• Follow-up Activities - Fall 2009 & Spring 2010

Cohort Locations...

Participant Locations...




Workshop Agenda...

Monday

A.M.

Welcome
Introduction to the project – recap
Paperwork
Intro to 4-Q Strategy / Learning Cycle & Sci Method
Introduction to CBL Graphing with MS Excel

P.M.

CBL Basics
Chemistry Heat, Temperature, and Energy

Tuesday

A.M.

CBL & computers
Chemistry - Physical and Chemical Changes
Chemistry - Mass, Volume, Density & Buoyancy

P.M.

Chemistry - Conservation of Mass
Chemistry - Kinetic Theory of Matter
Lego Mindstorm - Robotics
Project Wiki information

Wednesday

A.M.

Lego MindStorm - Robotics

P.M.

Physics - Force Physics - Motion

Thursday

A.M.

Physics - Work & Energy
Physics - Machines
METS Luncheon Presentation and Discussion
(for the TRCC Cohort, this will be a breakfast meeting on Friday at 8:30 AM)

P.M.

Physics - Light & Sound

Friday

Closing Activities
Planning for Year 2
Post test
Project Evaluation
(Finish by 1:30)