(Register by June 10; Aug. 4-5, 8:30am-5:30pm; ASP Annual Meeting, DoubleTree Hotel Reid Park, Tucson, Ariz.)
In this workshop, participants will explore classroom-tested, standards-based astronomy activities, with a focus on the solar system. Participants will learn about the development of students’ understanding of science and science reasoning skills, which explore historical and multicultural perspectives on astronomy. Discussion will also cover how astronomy and space science fit into the new science framework and standards, and how to teach about recent developments in the exploration of the universe.
Registration is $75, and includes the new Universe at Your Fingertips DVD, which contains a collection of 133 classroom-ready activities. A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants, for proof of professional advancement. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/IbX6is.
(Applications Accepted May 15-June 15)
NASA is looking for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Women@NASA has created a mentoring project that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for middle school girls. Participants will get to explore the possibilities of a career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The project will feature one-on-one mentoring from women working at NASA, and participants will complete online lessons with their mentors while virtually connected through Skype or Google Chat. The mentoring project will take place over a five-week period during the summer. For more information and to register online, visit http://bit.ly/IbUh0V.
(Apply by June 15; August 6-10, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.)
During the summer of 2012, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will hold a one-week workshop for teachers grades 3-9. Teachers will learn about hands-on activities that are based on current projects in astronomy and space science at JPL, focusing on NASA’s current Dawn Mission to the asteroid Vesta. The integration of the lessons into curricula will be discussed, and a field trip to JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory is included. Teachers will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with JPL scientists. For more information and to register, please visit http://1.usa.gov/IrhOsK.
In celebration of this year’s Earth Day, NASA’s Webby Award-winning Global Climate Change website has unveiled a new version of its popular image gallery, “State of Flux.” This gallery presents images, mostly from space, of our ever-changing planet, chronicling changes taking place over time periods ranging from days to centuries. To view the gallery, visit http://1.usa.gov/I8mT96.
The Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops for Higher Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. The goal of these workshops is to familiarize participants with research-validated active engagement teaching strategies and assessment materials, as well as how to implement them in their college courses. Participants will learn how to create productive learning environments, beginning with a brief review of research on the nature of teaching and learning. Participants will spend most of the workshop in the roles of student, instructor, and critical friend to practice implementing new strategies learned. Advanced levels are available for those who have participated in previous CAE workshops. To learn more and to register, visit http://bit.ly/rLp5cu.
- May 5 – Oceanside, Calif. – Regional Teaching Exchange on Implementing Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
- May 19-20 - Holly Springs, Miss. – Improving the General Education College-Level Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop
- June 2 - Seattle, Wash. – CAE Greater Northwest Regional Teaching Exchange on Introductory Astronomy and Space Science Courses
- June 9-10 - Anchorage, Alaska – Improving the College Introductory Courses Through Active Engagement: A Tier I (Introductory) Workshop (Fee)
- June 10 - Anchorage, Alaska – NASA CAE Tier II (Advanced) Special Topics Workshop: Using Technology in the Classroom (Fee)
(Entries due May 11)
Our planet is changing quickly – and what better way to capture those seasonal changes than with a photograph. Spring is a dynamic season: gray and brown landscapes give way to green trees and colorful flowers, birds migrate to summer homes, and weather patterns change. During the week of Earth Day (April 22), middle school students across the country can be part of a unique photography and short essay contest, documenting changes in their local environment. The top three winners will receive $150, $100, and $75 Visa gift cards. For more information and complete rules, visit http://bit.ly/yV35bh.
(Apply by May 31; June 28-30, Queens College, New York City, N.Y.)
Secondary school educators interested in enhancing their effectiveness in teaching about climate and climate change are invited to participate in this workshop, funded through NASA’s Innovations in Climate Education (NICE) program. The workshop, conducted by the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, in partnership with Queens College, has the goal of developing a comprehensive approach to developing teachers’ and students’ understanding of sun/Earth/atmosphere interactions through hands-on student activities and research that combine NASA climate data with innovative and inexpensive instruments for ground-based measurements. The program also hopes to start building an infrastructure that enables secondary school students to undertake independent climate science research projects that will be competitive in high-level local, regional, and national science competitions.
Some travel support may be available for participants from outside the New York City metropolitan area. For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/tpNh4R.
(June 25-July 13)
Explore NASA resources in a combination of online synchronous and asynchronous formats to understand how astronomers use their knowledge of light to investigate the universe. Participants have the opportunity to obtain academic credit through Sonoma State University (1 credit for EDUC 490 or 1.5 Continuing Education Credits). For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/GTMM1t.
(July 17-18; Madison, Wisc.)
The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) invites teachers to attend a 1.5 day workshop on Earth science education, with an integral strand dedicated to climate change education. Participants will be able to choose from several breakout sessions demonstrating ways that Earth science tools and data can be used in science classrooms. Educators for grades 6-12 are eligible to receive a $200 time and travel stipend. After the workshop, teachers are invited to stay for the ESIP conference plenary and poster reception. To register for the workshop, please visit http://bit.ly/HpPqFT. To learn more about the ESIP summer conference, please visit http://bit.ly/H4x4AP.
(July 19-23; Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, Texas)
High school teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach, are invited to attend this week-long workshop investigating Mars science and exploration. Topics include a comparison of Earth and Mars geologic features, Mars’ volcanic and aqueous mineralogy, spectroscopy, Mars exploration, and the relationship between science and technology. Workshop registration is free, and participants will receive a $700 stipend upon completion of the workshop. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/H9Albf.
