Where
Modesto Junior College2201 Blue Gum Avenue
Science Community Center
Room 133
Modesto, CA 95358
Driving Directions
Contact
Kirk BrownSan Joaquin County Office of Education: Science and STEM Integration/Innovation
209-468-4880
akennedy@sjcoe.net
DSSP Middle School: Shifting Practices and Exploring Integration
The Delta Sierra Science Project (DSSP) is a regional project funded by the California Science Project (CSP), a university-based professional development network for teachers of science at ALL levels. DSSP is a partnership between San Joaquin County Office of Education and University of the Pacific and services the region which includes: Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties.
Participants will engage in activies designed to illustrate and explore the developing Next Generation Science Standards and the Science and Engineering practices included in the standards. We will be focused on the middle school model during this week-long institute and how science and engineering practices apply to all disciplines. Technology will be heavily utilized and the laboratories and activies will be focused on infusing these practices into modern classrooms! This workshop is intended for grades 6-8 only. We have limited availability; therefore, this workshop is available to the first 25 participants.
Being a part of DSSP is an honor. We receive grant funds that provide this training and this is a project for professionals. We appreciate your full cooperation in meeting both your learning goals as well as our project goals. Please feel free to share your experience with your faculty and administration.
Find out more about the NGSS science and engineering practices.
Individuals who are selected to participate need to:
- Have the ability to implement hands-on, standards-based labs into your classroom.
- Exhibit a willingness to work with new technology - probeware, laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
- Be committed to the year-long process.
- Attend one follow-up session. This will occur on a Saturday.
Participants Receive:
- Earth, Life and Physical Science content related to the Next Generation Science Standards and science and engineering practices.
- Opportunity to network with teachers in the region.
- Opportunity to shift current lessons, laboratories, and teaching practices.
- Opportunity to use probeware and other related materials (PASCO and Vernier Probeware and devices available for checkout).
- Stipend will be given; $600.
- Continuing education units (2 semester units for summer institute) are available for purchase.
Participant Requirements:
- Summer Institute: June 23-27, 2014 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm each day)
- CASEL Conference (1/24/15)
What to Bring for the Institute:
- Your laboratory lessons and activities. We will have time to shift or modify lessons.
- Pen / Pencil.
- A laptop or tablet - There is free wireless in the classrooms.
- Any other materials you may need to help you see to your comfort.
- Closed toe shoes – we will be in a lab and must comply with MJC requirements.
Science Content Training: More than half of the summer institute is a gift of science knowledge, taught on an adult level designed to improve your science content knowledge in Earth, Life and Physical Science. These sessions will be interactive and involve activities where possible, rather than lecture. The focus will be on activities to improve your science knowledge and investigate the science and engineering practices as outlined in the NRC framework and NGSS standards.
Science Pedagogy: We are engaged in a quest, like you, for best practices to teach the content you learn. This institute is unique because we will be working together to develop implementation strategies for using hands-on, technology-rich labs. The goal of the program is to deepen your content background and begin the process of shifting lessons and activities to include more of the science and engineering practices and to think about the integrated vs discipline specifice middle school model.
University Credit: You will be able to access two units of credit for the five days of the summer institute. The summer credit will be offered by Teachers College of San Joaquin and registration will be completed the first day of the institute.
Dress: Dress for the summer institute is casual; shorts, shirts and closed-toe shoes. There may be some walking on some days to visit labs, so wear comfortable shoes. Sometimes there are fluctuations in temperature, so consider bringing a light sweater or wear long pants if you need to.
Computers: You are encouraged to bring your computer, but please take charge of security. MJC provides free, wireless Internet service. DSSP and MJC will not be responsible for lost or stolen computers. Please limit the use of computers during the sessions to ONLY relevant use.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and light snacks are provided to all participants Monday - Friday. If you have special dietary needs, please contact Amy Kennedy at akennedy@sjcoe.net.
Comfort: You are responsible for your own comfort. If you have specific needs that are not provided, you are welcome to provide them on your own.
Parking: There is a parking lot located in front of the MJC Science Community Center.
