Integrated Mathematics, Science and Technology
This course explores the relationships among mathematics, science and technology in the context of the real world, problem-solving activities, with a focus on environmental monitoring. Introduces problem-based learning concepts and a hands-on distance mission involving simulated natural disasters and an international space station satellite videoconference. Computers, calculator-based laboratory probes, chemical test kits, global positioning satellite devices and digital cameras will be used to gather and analyze data. Participants will integrate activities to design a home site investigation. There is also an optional Scuba Science Course where participants can become certified in scuba diving.
Action Research
Action research entails a set of steps from an idea to a refined teaching module, integrating program content with current practice. Throughout the seven semesters, participants will be engaged in the development, refinement, assessment and analysis of a curriculum tailored for his/her own classroom. Four mini-courses are designed to support teachers as they conduct action research. The mini-courses are Educational Research Design, Instructional Design & Theory, Testing & Assessment with Statistics and Professional Writing.
Educational Psychology
The study of psychological principles applied to the field of education. Topics include: characteristics of effective teaching, nature of intelligence, student-centered/constructivist theories, learning environments, using rubrics, motivation and the assessment of student learning. Participants will create lesson plans for juried/peer review.
Astronomical: Integrating Physics & Mathematics in Space
Examining the contents, structure and dynamics of the universe using extensive mathematical tools and technology. Astronomy Village, the Voyager software and website resources combine to create an integrated mathematics and science learning environment. Mathematics applications use information from the cosmos. Topics include: celestial dynamics, optics and telescopes, galaxies and quasars as well as UFOs and extraterrestrials.
Energy in the 21st Century
Increasing knowledge in the physical sciences and mathematics through integrated lecture and lab. Resources include computer simulations, data acquisition and analysis software, CBLs and graphing calculators, as well as the Internet. Topics include: electricity generation, fossil fuels, magnetism, heat transfer, alternative fuels. The mathematics content includes: basic algebra, exponentials and logarithms, extensive graphing and graphical analysis.
Earth Systems: A Qualitative & Quantitative Look
Featuring a collaborative, inquiry-based, on-line environment, this course focuses on the impacts and interactions between earth events and each of the spheres - biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. Topics include: deforestation, ozone, global warming and coral reefs. Participants will draw on the chemistry discipline and mathematical modeling to design PBL lessons that will help their students to think in terms of earth systems science.
Teaching in America in the 21st Century: Contemporary Issues
Investigate comtemporary issues in education that impact teaching effectiveness and career success. The on-line format will be enhanced by the use of Guided Design, an interactive problem-solving approach. Representative topics include school violence, core curriculum, successful intelligence and motivating the unmotivated.
Applying Earth Ecology to Space Habitation (SPACEHAB)
Applying ecological principles to solve the problem of human habitation of space with a focus on biological fundamentals of ecology, experimentation using scientific instrumentation to take measurements, as well as the use of computer simulations and spreadsheets for graph interpretation and data analysis. Participants will use multimedia, laboratory and other technology tools as they present an integrated three-year lunar base simulation analysis.
