Finding Good Science in Children’s Books

February 4, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Literacy and Science work well together! Join us in discovering connections between classic children’s stories and elementary science, as we introduce many excellent books for supporting your science lessons. You will enjoy exploring literature and science from a child’s point of view with Gerry Telmosse, author and science resource teacher. Great for early childhood through second grade teachers and paraprofessionals.

Science Fairs and Controlled Experiments Planning

CANCELED!

February 11, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

It’s not too early to think about preparing for the Spring Science Fair celebrations! Join us for a round of activities developing ideas, explaining Controlled Experiments and preparing your students for making exciting presentations they can be proud of. Mr. Jim Messersmith will be sharing his years of science fair experiences and judging with you so you can make this event seamlessly work with your third and fourth quarter curricula.

Middle School Classroom Management

February 18, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

This program will be geared for middle school teachers who seek advice and problem-solving strategies with classroom management issues. We will begin with “Let’s Get Real”, a powerful documentary where middle school youth speak up about name-calling and bullying. Following a group discussion of this film, participants will share in small groups their own case studies of actual classroom management issues. A panel of middle level administrators and counselors will be on hand to facilitate a discussion on how to effectively address these issues and promote a positive classroom and school environment.

Science Fairs and Science Topic Ideas

February 25, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

This workshop offers many short activities on all topics designed to wow your science class. Great for introducing a science lesson, making a point, or for keeping a class focused. Dr. Mitch Batoff author of a column on these ideas for the N.J. Science Teachers Association, will present exciting activities gathered over more than 40 years of teaching science teachers, K-12.

Pack it Up and Ship it Out!

CANCELED!

March 4, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Students explore:
• The purpose and role of packaging
• Packaging engineering and industry
• The manufacturing process
• Surface area and volume
• Materials
• Marketing strategies
• Safety and environmental issues

The students also make paper and glue and test their strength, durability and ease of use. They create packaging patterns through the use of computers and Microsoft Office software. The final stage of the unit challenges the students to design, model and test a complex package of their own.

All about Bones!

March 18, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Wondering how to teach bones and make it exciting?  Come join Linda Burroughs and engage in many activities designed to teach construction, motion, attachments and the disease processes living bone provides. We will examine X-rays, attach muscle to skeletons, examine bone microscopically and design better bones while learning why they work so well.  We will even delve into some cool ways to test bone strength and build skeletons.  Good for muscular-skeletal units, general understanding and scientific testing methods.

Digital Imaging

CANCELED!

April 4, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Discover how to use tools you already have! Bring your digital camera, its manual and connecting cables (USB). Manipulate pictures with tools that are part of Windows XP operating system and free, online resources such as Picasso and Picnic. See how you can use the mysterious “Print Screen” key to capture images.

Designing Web Quests and Using Real Time Data

CANCELED!

April 8, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Join Linda Burroughs as she demonstrates how easy it is to create online investigations that engage students.  Every student should have the opportunity to use real life information to draw conclusions from within the context of solving a mystery, supporting or refuting scientific facts, and/or learning to conjecture as real scientists do.  Participants will work in our computer lab constructing web quests and exploring sites with data from real events.  This workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning how online science investigations can be created and used effectively in the classroom.
Limited to 20 Seats.

Lights, Camera, Action: Digital Film Making in the Classroom

April 15, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Presenter: Chad Ripberger, County 4-H Agent, and Keturah Monroe, H-H SET Program Coordinator, of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County.

Challenge your creative and technical skills!  Using notebook computers, digital camcorders, and simple editing software, participants will work in teams of three to plan, shoot, edit, and present short digital films.  Presenters will share sample student projects, suggested resources for digital filmmaking, and ideas for incorporating this type of project-based learning in the classroom.  Those who own digital cameras with video capability should bring them to the workshop (along with connection cable and memory card)-although it certainly isn’t required.
Limited to 30 participants.

Suds Shop

April, 22 2009 from 4-6:30pm

Participants delve deeply into understanding germs and hygiene, then focus their attention on soaps and detergents.  They learn about the chemistry of mixtures, suspensions and emulsions, investigate consumer product preferences, packaging, promotion, pricing and profit, then design and make soaps for the “Suds Shop.”

Adapting Math and Science Lessons to Reach All Learners

CANCELED!

May 13, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

This professional development will help teachers recognize the different types of learners they may find in a typical math or science class.  It provides strategies for adapting instruction so learners have better access to the content, use a variety of skills, and become more engaged.

Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving With Role Playing

May 20, 2009 from 4-6:30pm

COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING (CPS) was first developed by Ross Greene, PhD as a psychosocial treatment model for children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.  However, the model is equally applicable to a wide range of human interactions for adults and children alike.
This revolutionary and innovative model is gaining widespread international attention!
When adults rethink challenging kids, amazing things can happen.

Let’s Play Math Games!

CANCELED!

May 27th from 4-6:30pm

Games can be used to motivate learning, differentiate instruction and strengthen math skills. This workshop will focus on the philosophy of using games to enhance instruction in grades 5 & 6. We will play and discuss sample games for a variety of content strands.

True Colors

June 3, 2009 from 4:00-6:30pm

True Colors is a diversity and equity tool that utilizes colors to identify four distinct perspectives and personalities, and supports the basic values of self-confidence, pride, dignity, worthiness, and esteem. K-12 educators join us for this fun, highly interactive session focusing on understanding yourself and others and how it applies to various educational and classroom settings.