Previous Math Science
Partnership Teacher Workshops
Winter/Spring 2016 Workshops
A Closer Look at Climate Change: Cause and Effect -
Cass Runyon, Ph.D. & Cynthia Hall, Department of Geology,
College of Charleston.
Saturday, January 23
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: SSMB 239
We will explore current ideas and misconceptions surrounding Climate
Change on Earth. Hands-on activities will include data
collection and analysis and a look at what is driving global climate
change.
Introduction to the Seafloor -
Leslie Sautter, Ph,D. Department of Geology, College of Charleston
Saturday, January 30
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: SSMB 211
Gain a new perspective of your planet by examining the variety of
seafloor features and the related processes that formed them.
Workshop activities utilize maps and Google Earth to explore the
features, and participants will be introduced to 3D visualizations
of the deep sea using state-of-the-art software.
Evolutionary Forces Contributing to the
Rise of Slavery in the South - Dr. John Peters, Ph.D.
College of Charleston, Department of Biology
Saturday, February 6
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Locations: Caw
Caw County Park
Sign-up!
What were the health, environmental, and economic factors
contributing to the rise of slavery in the South? What could
natural selection have to do with slavery? In this workshop,
teachers will explore a case-based lab which teaches students about
the evolutionary connections between Christopher Columbus, malaria,
mosquitoes, evolutionary adaptation, and Charleston's rice
plantations. Although we will be working in the classroom and
interpretive center for part of the morning, do dress to stay warm
and dry as we will be hiking around the old rice fields around Caw
Caw County Park. Meet at the park interpretive center at 9:00
AM.
Proportions, Decimals, and Percent
- Kate Owens, Ph.D. Department of Mathematics, College of Charleston
Saturday, February 6
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: North
Campus Computer Lab
This workshop is designed to reinforce skills in several areas of
major concern for most teachers: decimals, proportions, percents,
and application of these skills through word problems. We will
investigate different approaches to solving these types of
problems. We will also learn about some online manipulatives
that can be used to create lessons and solve problems. South
Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards to be addressed include
6.RP.1, 6.RP.2, 6.RP.3, 7.RP.1, 7.RP.2, with particular focus on
7.RP.3: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving ratios
and percentages using proportional reasoning (e.g., multi-step
increase/decrease, tax).
Mars- Earth's Cousin? Exploring the
Geology of Mars - Cass Runyon, Ph.D. & Cynthia
Hall, Department of Geology, College of Charleston.
Saturday, February 6
9:00 AM- 1:00 PM | Location: SSMB 239
Sign-up!
We will explore similarities and differences between Earth and Mars.
Hands on activities will shed light on how many of the surface
features likely formed and why they may bot be similar to those on
Earth. Activities will include some image and data analysis.
Case It! Problem & Case Studies-Based
Learning in Science - John Peters, Ph.D. College of
Charleston, Department of Biology
Saturday, February 20
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: North
Campus
In today's test/grade-driven school culture, learning for students
has become an attempt to remember a dizzying array of details, which
are then quickly forgotten after the test. For teachers, the
desire to cover a large body of knowledge leads to using passize
lecture-based methods which reinforces the "memorize and forget" way
of learning. What is lost is also the very reason we educate
-- to develop engaged, responsible, and critically thinking
citizens. This interactive workshop explores strategies for
utilizing engaging problems and case studies to provide meaningful
context for deeper learning and use of intellectual problem solving
skill in any science class. This workshop will lead into
participating in an actual problem/project.
Project-Based Learning: Solar and Wind Power -
William Veal, Ph.D. Department of Teacher Education, College of
Charleston
Saturday, February 20
9:00 - 1:00 AM | Location: North
Campus
This workshop will use the Vernier probes to explore Problem-based
Learning and apply the pedagogy to solar and wind power.
Activities will focus on problem-solving, data collection, and
construction of instruments to collect data. Teachers will
also be able to alter variables to determine maximum efficiency for
energy collection through solar and wind power. Activities can
be used at the MS or HS level and focus on state science
standards. Math integration, data analysis, and calculations
will be explored for any math teacher who wants to integrate a
practical, hands-on approach to teaching and learning. All
Lead Teachers are expected to be in this workshop or the PBL
workshop for biology offered by Dr. Peters.
Introduction to Plate Tectonics - Leslie
Sautter, Ph,D. Department of Geology, College of Charleston
Saturday, March 5
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: SSMB 211
Using puzzles, maps, and other materials, learn about the processes
and seafloor features occurring at divergent, convergent, and
transform plate boundaries, including earthquakes and volcanoes.
Mathematical Fun with Paper Folding
- Kate Owens, Ph.D. & Christel Wohlafka, Department of
Mathematics, College of Charleston
Saturday, March 19
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: North
Campus
Using a variety of puzzles and problems, we will explore what kinds
of mathematics emerges from origami and paper-folding. The
South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards to be addressed
come from the GCO strand, with a special focus on GCO.11:
Construct geometric figures using a variety of tools, including a
compass, straightedge, dynamic geometry software, and paper folding,
and use these constructions to make conjectures about geometric
relationships.
Charleston Harbor Oceanographic Cruise
- John Peters, Ph.D. College of Charleston, Department of Biology
& William Veal, Ph.D. Department of Teacher Education, College
of Charleston
Saturday, March 19 (tentative at this point)
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Location: CofC's
Grice Marine Lab on James Island- meet at boat slip.
Join us for a Saturday morning oceanographic cruise of the
Charleston Harbor, During our cruise, one of the biologists
from the Department of Natural Resources will introduce us to the
physical and hydrographic characteristics of the harbor and how
these affect the diversity of life in the harbor. Teachers
will then complete a lab that uses Vernier sensors to explore water
chemistry at different sites followed by an exploration of the
diversity of planktonic and benthic life. You'll also learn
about taking your own students our on a harbor cruise with
DNR. Bring your cameras, binoculars, and dress to stay warm
and dry!
Fall 2015
Saturday, August 22
- Performance-based Science Standards - This workshop
will focus on leadership for implementing performance-based
science standards for South Carolina. Specifically, participants
will conduct investigations reflecting action verbs for
chemistry and physical science topics for Middle school and high
school physical science and chemistry. Topics to be covered
include behavior of waves, simple machines, half-life, periodic
trends, and heating curve graph. This workshop is directed at
chemistry and physical science teachers. All MSP Lead
Teachers should attend also.
- Real Time Physics Using Vernier Technology - This
workshop led by Dr. Ana Oprisan in the Physics Dept. at the
College, will cover accelerated motion (free falling motion and
motion along the incline), air resistance, conservation of
energy (energy of a tossed ball and energy in simple harmonic
motion), series and parallel circuits. Participants will
learn how to develop labs and activities that explore these
phenomena using Vernier sensors and data loggers.
Classroom sets of the equipment that is used in the workshop can
be checked out by participants for use in their own
classrooms!
Saturday, August 29
- Exploring Ploonoids & Other Unknown Worlds -
In this workshop lead by Dr. Cass Runyon and Cynthia Hall, we
will explore what newly discovered planets, moons and asteroids
look like. Come explore small bodies in our solar system
through a variety of innovative STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts and mathematics) activities. Workshop
will meet in at the C of C downtown campus in room 239 School
of Science and Math Bldg (SSMB), 9:00 AM -1:00 PM.
- Teaching Aquatic Ecology & Conservation Biology Around
Your School - This workshop will introduce teachers to the
use of case studies-based activities and labs to teach ecology
& conservation biology concepts. The workshop will
begin by exploring the issue of human overpopulation and its
effects on the earth's ecosystems. We will then head into
the field to explore biological and physical features of a
nearby aquatic ecosystem using Vernier data loggers and sensors
and aquatic sampling equipment. Activity and lab support
materials will be made available to all participants, and
classroom sets of the equipment used in this workshop can be
loaned out to teachers for use the classroom. So, learn
how to get your students outside doing biology in a way that
connects their exploration to important conservation
issues! We will meet at the CofC
downtown campus - Rm. 339 Lightsey Center at 9:00 AM.
Then we will head out to a nearby aquatic environment to do some
field sampling. So dress to get a little wet and muddy
(old shoes, short pants, hats), bring your own sunscreen and bug
spray. Workshop will end around 1:00 PM, so bring a snack!
Saturday, November 07
- PBL Presentations that Pop - Are you interested in
having your students showcase what they have learned in your
class? Have you already had students participate in the
Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Problem Based
Learning (PBL) division? Then this 1/2 day workshop is for
you! Join your colleagues in this exploration of Problem
Based Learning (PBL). In this 4 hour training we will identify
steps for facilitating the development of successful PBL entries
for the Lowcountry Regional Science & Engineering Fair, PBL
competition. We will also discover implementation strategies for
PBL in the classroom, giving real and relevant context to your
content, and helping engage students in meaningful
inquiry. This workshop is sponsored by the CofC's
Lowcountry Hall of Science & Math and Solutions in Science,
Technology & Math Education (S2TEM). Please register at
S2TEM's Eventbrite. If you are teaching at one of our MSP
partner schools please also sign up on the MSP Sign-Up Form. A
$75.00 stipend and a book will be provided to all participants
who agree to enter at least one PBL project in the Low Country
Science Fair. Teachers from MSP partner schools will receive and
additional $75 for attending the workshop.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, CofC North Campus
Spring 2015
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015
A STEAMy view of Earth; using art and
science to explore the earth (Dr. Cass Runyon) - CofC North
Campus Rm 244
Teachers will learn how to integrate Earth
science topics with art in a hands-on workshop. Various activities
(drawing, models, and design) will be completed showing different
artistic approaches to learning content.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015
Teaching about Evolution & the Nature of
Science (Dr. John Peters) - CofC North Campus
– Rm 244
This workshop is intended to expose teachers to
strategies for teaching about evolution and helping students
develop literate understandings of the nature of science. We
will explore the use of problem and case studies (Problem and
Case-based Learning) in teaching about evolution, and
inquiry-based labs and hands-on-minds-on activities which support
this approach. Resources for implementing labs, problems and
case studies will also be shared.
-Nature
of Science Map
-Chance
and Natural Selection in Evolution Activity
-Termite Trails Activity
& PowerPoint
-The
Grateful Whale
Leadership: Science and Math Performance
Standards and Lesson Plans (Dr. William Veal) - CofC North
Campus
Lead Teachers and others will explore vertical
alignment of activities in science and math while relating them to
performance standards and problem-solving standards. Hands-on
lesson plans and activities will provide teachers with the
vertical alignment among grade levels and schools and the relation
to national standards.
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015
Math: Algebra I Concepts and Technology (Dr.
Owens) - Cane Bay HS – Room TBD
In this workshop we will explore several
projects related to a variety of algebra topics. Some of the
projects will introduce teachers to the use of the Vernier data
loggers in the algebra classroom. Data gathered using the Vernier
devices will be analyzed using graphing calculators (specifically
the TI-83+ series). We will also introduce some computer
applications that can make algebra more fun, both for the teachers
and the students. The math content topics we will talk about will
include symbols and expressions, linear functions, and quadratic
functions.
Physics: Free falling motion, inclined
plane, Newton’s second law, simple machine, & conservation
of energy (Dr. Oprisan) Harbor
Walk 111 (building next to the Charleston Aquarium)
We will explore free falling motion, simple
machine, work and efficiency, compare work done in raising the
object to the same height by lifting it and pulling it up an
inclined plane. The conservation law of energy will be explored
for a toss ball and motion along an incline. Newton’s second law
will be verified using a motion sensor and a force probe sensor.
Saturday, March 7, 2014
Exploring the planets through art and
science (Dr. Runyon) Cane Bay MS – Room TBD
Teachers will use art and art-based strategies
(modeling, drawing, and designing) to learn about planets and
stellar bodies. This hands-on workshop will provide pedagogical
and content related information for teachers to use directly in
their MS and some HS courses related to space science.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Math: Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (Dr.
Owens) - CofC
North Campus Computer Lab – Rm 211
In this workshop, we will investigate different
approaches to problems involving fractions, decimals, and
percents. We will work through activities using both physical and
virtual manipulatives. Activities will include “Introducing
Fractions with Fraction Bars” and “Introducing Decimals with
Base-Ten Pieces.” The math content topics we will talk about will
include models of fraction arithmetic; operations with decimals;
and ratio and percent problems.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Field Trip – Exploring Dune Ecology (Dr.
Peters) – Folly Beach.
In this field-based lab we will explore the
ecology of the dune ecosystem. Specifically we will be
examining dune succession and adaptations that plants have for
living in different regions of the dune environment. We will
begin by “profiling” the dunes, then using Vernier sensors and
data loggers to measure various physical aspects of the dune
environment and then test how these factors influence biological
parameters such as diversity, and productivity. We will meet
at the coast guard (north) end of Folly Beach. Parking on FB
is $8 so please car pool if possible.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Physics: Explore
electrostatics, electric current (Ohm’s law), and
electromagnetism (Dr. Oprisan) - Harbor
Walk 111 (building next to Charleston Aquarium)
The basics of electrostatics will be explored
using hands on activities. We will verify Ohm’s law validity as
well as circuit reduction and applications. We will build an
electromagnet and measure magnetic field using a magnetic field
sensor.
Fall 2014
February 22, 2014
- Mathematics - What is the Problem with Probability? Unscrambling
Student
Confusions -
Many statistics teachers find that the units on probability
are by far the most difficult to teach and the most difficult
for students to learn. They are often “jammed” into just a
chapter or two, with few explanations, and high expectations.
Since most state mandated exams now include questions on
probability, even as early as 6th grade, it is important that
these units be included in an aggressive curriculum. The
use of everyday examples, often referred to as COINS, CARDS
and DICE 101, sometimes do not truly help student
understanding. In this workshop teachers will be exposed
to individual and group lessons that show students how to
conduct probability experiments to accumulate data
quickly. Using simulations will add in the data
collection process and the verification of classical
probability laws and formulas. Using games taken from The
Price Is Right television show is another great way to explain
probability, both classical and empirical in nature. This
seminar will also include exploring random number tables,
binomial Events the
use of TI series calculator.
March 15, 2014
- Physics - Explore conservation of energy, Elastic and
inelastic collisions, optics (reflection, refraction). The
workshop will introduce teachers to using Vernier data loggers
and sensors of physics and physical science lab
explorations. The equipment used in this workshop (full
classroom sets) will be available for participating teachers to
check out (for up to 2 weeks) for use in their own classrooms.
- Mathematics - Correlation & Regression
Analysis has become an integral part of virtually every
business in the United States and around the world. The
examination of trends and the ability to make accurate
predictions often lends itself to the success or failure of a
company. The
statistics curriculum in our schools now reflects and emphasizes
correlation and tries to explain the issues with
cause-and-effect relationships and to what extent they truly
exist. This
workshop is designed to provide instruction as well as to
provide every day examples of analysis, the ability to construct
and interpret prediction intervals and to find those, which are
truly meaningful. We
will examine linear, quadratic, cubic and other relationships
and how they may be used effectively. The use of residual plots
and point to point analysis will also be covered. Simulations
will be used to create large quantities of data, which will be
used in a total regression analysis.
March 22, 2014
- Biology - One of the most important goals of science
course should be to help students use and evaluate scientific
knowledge to better understand real-world science related issues
which confront them in their personal, professional and civic
lives. In traditional labs, the main goal is usually to
learn about a scientific phenomenon, or concept. Although
scientific methods are generally used, little emphasis is placed
on evaluating scientific knowledge, or the process by which that
knowledge was generated. This is because traditional
science labs usually involve following a set of instructions,
which guide students through a process of finding out about
something, for which “an answer” or outcome is preplanned and
already known. This is more akin to following a cookbook
recipe, and like a recipe, is often thought to have failed if
the expected results don’t materialize. This more
“cookbook” approach to science labs does little to help students
develop literate conceptions of the nature of scientific
knowledge (validity, tentativeness, limitations, collaborative
nature of research, and factors that influence a scientist’s
choice of research topics etc…). In this workshop we
will explore ways of using Vernier data loggers, sensors and
data analysis tools to develop student-directed inquiry-based
labs in middle & high school biology class. The
equipment used in this workshop (full classroom sets) will be
available for participating teachers to check out (for up to 2
weeks) for use in their own classrooms.
March 29, 2014
- Physics - Exploring motion (velocity,
acceleration-free falling motion, incline), Newton’s second
law, Newton’s third law, air resistance.We will explore
motion with constant velocity, accelerated motion along the
incline and vertical motion using motion sensors. Newton’s
second law and third law will be verified using motion
sensors and force probe sensors. Using coffee filters and
motion sensors we will measure air resistance dependence on
different factors. The workshop will introduce
teachers to using Vernier data loggers and sensors of
physics and physical science lab explorations. This
equipment (full classroom sets) will be available for
participating teachers to use in their own classroom through
our MSP equipment loan program.
April 12, 2014
- Physics - Explore electrostatics, electric current
(Ohm’s law), and electromagnetism. The basics on electrostatics
will be explored using hands on activities. We will verify Ohm’s
law validity as well as circuit reduction and applications. We
will build an electromagnet and measure magnetic field using a
magnetic field sensor. The equipment used in this workshop
(full classroom sets) will be available for participating
teachers to check out (for up to 2 weeks) for use in their own
classrooms.
April 26, 2014
- Biology - Case It! This workshop will
explore the use of case-studies based lab explorations in
biology. This workshop will specifically explore concepts
related to genetics and molecular biology in the context of a
case study involving a child custody dispute among several
families whose children may have been accidentally switched in
the hospital after birth. The lab will introduce teachers
to using modern molecular techniques, and the equipment used in
the lab (full classroom sets) will be available for
participating teachers to check out (for up to 2 weeks) for use
in their own classrooms.
May 17, 2014
- Mathematics - Applications & Technology Across the
Mathematics Curriculum. We will explore several emerging
technologies that can be used in the mathematics classroom. We
will develop practical classroom presentations of various
applications, and integrate computer and graphing calculator
activities into these classroom modules. While exploring topics
from algebra, personal finance, geometry, precalculus, and
calculus, we will use several web-based applications, including
Geogebra, Wolfram|Alpha, and Desmos. We will also look at some
applications using the TI-series calculator.
August 16, 2014 (also Friday Aug.
15 for CCSD teachers)
- All Science Teachers - 2014 Performance-based Science
Standards – The newly adopted SC Science Standards are
performance-based. This workshop will introduce grade 4-12
educators with a comprehensive review of the standards, define
what performance-based instruction means, and how different
instructional methods can be used to teach content-specific,
performance-based standards using some Vernier handheld devices
and probe technology. The following science concepts will be
covered: habitats and transfer of energy. Dr. William Veal,
Workshop will be held at Cane Bay
High School.
- Dr. Veal will also be offering this workshop for teachers in
Charleston County School District on Friday, Aug. 15, 8:30 -
11:30 AM at Ft. Johnson Middle School.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
- Mathematics - Applications & Technology Across the
Mathematics Curriculum. We will explore several emerging
technologies that can be used in the mathematics classroom. We
will develop practical classroom presentations of various
applications, and integrate computer and graphing calculator
activities into these classroom modules. While exploring topics
from algebra, personal finance, geometry, precalculus, and
calculus, we will use several web-based applications, including
Geogebra, Wolfram|Alpha, and Desmos. We will also look at some
applications using the TI-series calculator. Instructor -
Kate Owens, Ph.D. Math Professor at the College of
Charleston. Workshop will be held at in Room 211 at the NEW CofC North Campus.
- Open to all science teachers - A Walk in the
Francis Marion Forest – Come join us for a morning walk
through a Long Leaf Pine ecosystem in Francis Marion National
Forest. Learn about
the unique ecology of this ever vanishing ecosystem, the
organisms that live here, the life-sustaining ecological
services they provide to all species, including our own, and the
historical influences humans have had on the forest. The workshop will be
taught using case-based learning strategies and will offer ideas
for developing inquiry-based outdoor labs using many of the Vernier data loggers and sensors
available for teachers to check out and use in their classrooms
as part of the MSP project.
Bring your cameras, binoculars, bug spray, and boots (the
trail will be wet), and join us for a field trip that will help
you to help your students better understand their connections to
the ecology of this fascinating forest. Any and all science or
math teachers are welcome! Instructor - John Peters,
Ph.D., CofC Biology Instructor. Meet at the Sewee Visitor Center of Hwy
17 North of Mt. Pleasant.
- Physics: The latest Vernier
technologies, such as interfaces, force probes, motion
sensors, light, and graphing/analysis software will be used to
collect data and verify fundamental physics concepts. Background
information about the physics and math at play in each
experimental situation will be given to the educators as well
as basic working procedure and hints. The following physics
concepts will be covered: Newton’s second law; Frictional
force; Momentum, energy; Reflectivity of light;
Electromagnets. Instructors - Ana Oprisan, Ph.D. CofC Physics
Professor & William Veal, CofC Dept. of Teacher Education. Workshop will be
held in Room 111 Harbor Walk West
near the South Carolina Aquarium. please park in the Aquarium Garage.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
- Applying Technology in Science & Mathematics -
Would you like your classroom to be more engaging? Have you been
hoping to integrate additional educational technologies in your
classroom? This session will emphasize technology tools that
will help you create a more engaging, active learning
environment. We will explore tools that can be used for content
delivery, polling, gaming, and group work. We will also review
best practices for practical implementation of the tools.
The instructor, Dr. Kaitlin Woodlief works as an instructional
technologist in the Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Department at College of Charleston. She also teaches as an
adjunct professor for the Department of Biology, Kaitlin
completed her PhD in genetics and genomics and certificate in
teaching at Duke in 2012. Kaitlin loves melding her two
positions at College of Charleston - a technologist and
instructor - by frequently exploring and testing out new
technologies and teaching strategies in her classroom.
Workshop will meet at the NEW CofC
North Campus, Rm. 222.
- Physics - Real
time physics using Vernier technology - The latest
Vernier technologies, such as interfaces, force probes, motion
sensors and graphing/analysis software will be used to collect
data and verify fundamental physics concepts. Vernier technology
is innovative and interesting, easy to use and simple enough to
be understood by students in both middle and secondary grades.
Background information about the physics and math at play in
each experimental situation will be given to the educators as
well as basic working procedure and hints. The following physics
concepts will be covered: position, velocity, acceleration, air
resistance, Newton’s third law.
Instructors - Ana Oprisan, Ph.D. CofC Physics Professor
& William Veal, CofC Dept. of Teacher Education. Workshop will be held
in Room 111 Harbor
Walk West near the South Carolina Aquarium. please
park in the Aquarium
Garage.
- Mathematics: An Inquiry-Based Approach to Topics in
Algebra - This workshop is designed for middle-level and
secondary mathematics teachers. Using an inquiry-based approach,
we will explore different algebraic topics and engage in
collaborative problem solving. We will cover a variety of topics
across the algebra content strands and we will also make use of
the Vernier data pro loggers, focusing on how they can be used
to introduce students to new algebraic ideas. Topics may
include: patterns, sequences, and series; divisibility of
integers including tests for divisibility; sets and Venn
diagrams; variables, functions, and equations. Cane
Bay
High School - Rm. TBA