Mathematics & Science Institute 2007
July 23-25, 2007
Middle School Science
Middle school science covers a range of scientific disciplines from biology to earth science
to physical science. The following sessions
center upon topics that pertain to this important subject. Note that when possible presenters have indicated
the typical middle, secondary, or college level courses that their work is germain to. Note that morning
sessions run from 9:00 until 10:50 am and afternoon sessions from 1:00 until 2:50 pm.
Middle School Science Sessions
The LSU Coastal Roots Program is a stewardship project that is currently underway in 16 schools in ten parishes across southern Louisiana . Schools in the program install plant nurseries that are capable of producing native wetland plants for use in habitat restoration by the students at these schools. Students managing the nurseries oversee the entire growth cycle of the plants, from seed germination to the planting of the seedlings at restoration sites that have partnered with the schools. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate science concepts from geology, horticulture and environmental sciences from this project into their science classes. St. Martin ’s Episcopal School, host of this educational gathering, is the most recent addition to the LSU Coastal Roots Program. Come see a Coastal Roots nursery and learn how it is integrated into courses, plant some seeds to help restore our coast and learn about how to become a Coastal Roots School .
Courses of Interest: Biology, Middle School Science
Leader: Dr. Pam Blanchard, LSU Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice, Dr. Ed Bush, LSU School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Mr. David Bourgeois, LA Sea Grant College Program/LSU AgCenter, Ms. Kate Marchal, St. Martin’s Episcopal School (bio)
(Linked to sessions #50 and #51)
Based on brain research, this session will address how to teach experimental design through inquiry. Using the learning cycle, you will experience hands-on activities dealing with experimental design in a meaningful, real-life situation. Using the Four Question Strategy, you will then design and conduct your own experiment. Following data analysis, you will construct a mini-board to highlight your session work. You will leave with an in-depth handout, a mini-board, and samples of student work. Please join us for a session packed with fun and effective activities that focus on content development, effective brain-based instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and meaningful integration of technology. EcoLogger data loggers will be available for use with individual experiments.
Courses of Interest: Middle School Science
Leaders:Barbara Armfield, (bio), consultant, and Ann Powell, (bio), consultant
Participants will investigate the question: How can we document changes in an ecosystem? through project-based inquiry activities. An entry document and rubric will guide participants through the steps necessary to produce differentiated products. Data will be collected using Vernier probes and TI-84+ calculators.
Courses of Interest: Biology, Middle School Science
Leader: Janell Simpson, (bio), Patrick Taylor Academy
(Linked to sessions #49 and #51)
Based on brain research, this session will address how to teach experimental design through inquiry. Using the learning cycle, you will experience hands-on activities dealing with experimental design in a meaningful, real-life situation. Using the Four Question Strategy, you will then design and conduct your own experiment. Following data analysis, you will construct a mini-board to highlight your session work. You will leave with an in-depth handout, a mini-board, and samples of student work. Please join us for a session packed with fun and effective activities that focus on content development, effective brain-based instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and meaningful integration of technology. EcoLogger data loggers will be available for use with individual experiments.
Courses of Interest: Middle School Science
Leaders:Barbara Armfield, (bio), consultant, and Ann Powell, (bio), consultant
Description: Come see what’s new from TI! In this session, you’ll discover new technology, resources, and activities for your classroom. This session is appropriate for secondary math and science teachers. No experience needed!
Courses of Interest:Geometry
Leader: Ellen Johnston, (bio), Texas Instruments
Have you ever wondered how to systematically integrate content objectives with other equally important learning outcomes? Have you been challenged to develop differentiated curriculum? This session will present the principles of project-based learning assessed with school-wide learning outcomes through an original biology curriculum. Sample entry documents, rubrics, and student products are described. The differentiation of process and product is demonstrated in several projects. Participants will then become part of a group assigned to develop curricula based on common objectives and following the pattern of project-based learning. Project titles discussed include: Maximillian's Macromolecules, Peter's Pineapple Problem, Lost Conversation (between Mendel and Darwin), The Fountain of Youth, Movie Time, and Tina's Turner Trouble.
Courses of Interest: Biology, Middle School Science
Leader: Janell Simpson, (bio), Patrick Taylor Academy
(Linked to sessions #49 and #50)
Based on brain research, this session will address how to teach experimental design through inquiry. Using the learning cycle, you will experience hands-on activities dealing with experimental design in a meaningful, real-life situation. Using the Four Question Strategy, you will then design and conduct your own experiment. Following data analysis, you will construct a mini-board to highlight your session work. You will leave with an in-depth handout, a mini-board, and samples of student work. Please join us for a session packed with fun and effective activities that focus on content development, effective brain-based instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and meaningful integration of technology. EcoLogger data loggers will be available for use with individual experiments.
Courses of Interest: Middle School Science
Leaders:Barbara Armfield, (bio), consultant, and Ann Powell, (bio), consultant