“Planetary Science & Astronomy
for the Next Generation of Science Standards”

Summer Institute 2012

July 16-20, 2012
8:30 - 3:30pm
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Summer@Rensselaer)

40+ professional development credit hours. Download Application
A graduate credit option may also be available.

This summer institute is brought to teachers of Earth Science though a NASA grant written by Dr. Heidi Newberg, Rensselaer astrophysicist, and the Dudley Observatory Curriculum Committee.

       

Using a combination of hands-on activities and lectures from prominent scientists, teachers will learn how to integrate their improved knowledge of space science into their classrooms.

 

Topics and Activities include:

• Formation of the Universe
• Stellar Evolution
• Planetary geology
• Motion in the Universe
• Astrobiology
• Exoplanets
• Solar observing
• Evening star gazing party

All topics will be aligned with the NYS Earth Science Standards.
Teachers will be provided with a toolkit of activities to bring into their classrooms.
Continued support for the integration of these topics into the classroom will continue throughout the school year.

       

Open to pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers.
If you have any questions, please contact Joan Wagner at jsw2012@aol.com or 518-306-5230

Download Application

 

"Hearing the latest discoveries in astronomy was awesome and useful. I really enjoyed when the RPI porfessors talked to us about their knowledge in the field."

 

"I had high expectations for the professional development (PD) program offered in conjunction with the Dudley Observatory, and I was extremely satisfied with the experience. The variety of learning opportunities offered was vast, the speakers were exceptional, and the other participants pushed my thoughts on how to reach all students. During the observational astronomy evening, middle and high school students were able to demonstrate their understanding and passion for astronomy. This excitement was made available by the individuals working for the Dudley Observatory."

 

"I found the workshop very useful. I was able to set up and test my Action Research project with my students. I was very pleased at how well the materials I received were integrated into my classroom. I also valued the time to hear and share ideas with my colleagues. I certainly would not hesitate to recommend the workshop to my fellow educators."

 

"I attended an excellent week-long seminar for middle school teachers co-sponsored by the Dudley Observatory. I learned the basics of sun-viewing, star, galaxy and nebula-watching in a nighttime viewing and generally got very excited about pushing more astronomy into my earth science curriculum. The ideas I was exposed to came from NASA, longtime eteacher experts in the field and others devoted to the astrosciences. Without this course, I wouldn't have the enthusiasm and ideas to pump up my teaching. Thanks!"