Current
Science and mathematics education modules for teachers
The Global Educational Outreach for Science, Engineering, and Technology (GEOSET) project is led by FCRSTEM Director, Sir
Harold Kroto. The GEOSET team is producing educational modules that support teacher instruction of math and science concepts via the
Internet. These modules include a variety of formats, such as
interviews with Nobel laureate scientists, Powerpoint presentations,
and photos. They use a variety of Internet technologies, such
as Video on Demand (VOD), video web conferencing, and Audio and Video
Podcasts. Access these resources at http://www.geoset.info
Math, Science, and Communities of Practice - Professional Development for Principals
The
Florida PROMiSE Principal Project provides professional development
activities designed to assist the principal in supporting and building
capacity for teachers of mathematics and science. The primary focus is
to increase student achievement by creating and fostering an
environment that values the application of new knowledge, skills, and
practices. The training supports the implementation of the new
mathematics and science standards with a focus on student achievement,
data-driven decision-making, reflective practice, action research, and
communities of practice. Ongoing collaboration with colleagues is an
integral function of the professional development. More information can be found at here
Past
State-wide Regional Workshops for Understanding and Implementing the New Florida Standards for Mathematics
The Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (FCRSTEM) will be hosting five one day regional drive in workshops across the state of Florida (SE, SW, Central, NE, and NW) within the current school year. The central theme of the workshops will be the new Sunshine State Standards for Mathematics. We plan to (1) discuss the outcome goals of the standards, highlighting the new content and Access Points, and how these changes will impact instruction and large scale planning (~1.5hs); (2) demonstrate the utility of the new standards database for teachers and curriculum developers (~40mins); (3) engage participants in guided, collaborative activities of lesson and assessment planning that incorporate research based practices, process standards, proficiency strands, levels of cognitive complexity, and concept mastery (~3hs). Applications will be on a district level for trainers, mentors, or principals. Each of the four symposia will include 50 participants. Several resources, including those necessary for workshop replication, will be disseminated to all participants. If you are a mathematics supervisor, coach, or collaborative teachers, we want you to come together with us to build an understanding of and be a resource for implementing the new Florida standards for Mathematics. Please, email Danielle Sherdan for more information.
Content Enhancement Routines
In fall 2007, FCR-STEM will provide professional development to 100 math and science teachers on three Content Enhancement Routines (CERs) developed by the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas (http://www.ku-crl.org/sim/index.html). Easily integrated into math and science instruction, CERs are explicit instructional procedures that revolve around visual devices that enable teachers to focus on targeted information, present information explicitly, prompt students to elaborate on the targeted topic, and make ideas and relationships concrete. These devices also help students organize, understand, remember, and apply information presented in class. For greatest impact, we will target this face-to-face and online professional development for school-wide or department-wide adoption. Recruitment will begin in spring 2007.
