Earth Science Workshop
for Teacher Professional Development
June 23-26 (Mon-Thurs), 2008
(May be taken for 2 graduate credits from Kent State University, or on a non-credit basis)
Description
This four-day graduate-level workshop builds understanding of how the Earth works as a system through participation in hands-on activities, field explorations and laboratory investigations. Participants will enhance their understanding of the Earth Sciences by studying geological, chemical, physical and biological processes and how these interact within the Earth System. A broad spectrum of issues relevant to life on Earth today will be considered, including the water cycle, weather, plate tectonics, biogeochemical cycling, ecosystems and biodiversity. Attendees will participate in a diverse array of inquiry-based collaborative group activities, including work with physical models, maps, satellite imagery, "real-world" data, and internet-based resources.
Schedule
On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (June 23, 56 and 26), the workshop will be held at the R.G. Drage Career Center in Stark County, Ohio (see "Location" below for directions). On Tuesday, June 24, participants will meet at the R.G. Drage Center in the morning and the group will depart for a field trip to explore ecological, geological, meteorological and hydrological processes in action in the nearby Cuyahoga Valley.
Workshop Volume
Each participant will receive a workshop volume containing descriptions of Earth Science classroom activities that meet the Ohio Academic Content Standards, Benchmarks and Indicators for grades 5-12.
Continuing Education Credit (optional)
This workshop may be taken on a non-credit basis or for two graduate credits from Kent State University. Participants taking the workshop for credit will be expected to participate in all workshop activities and to complete a final project following the workshop. The final project will focus on bringing new Earth science content into the K-12 classroom by (i) developing an original inquiry-based Earth science activity, and (ii) completing a reflective essay about your experiences in the workshop and the impact that these might have on your teaching. The final project will be due on Friday, August 8, 2008 by email to the lead instructor (dwitter@kent.edu).
Location
The workshop will meet on the grounds of the R.G. Drage Career Center in Stark County, Ohio for the three classroom-based days. The field trip will depart from and return to the R.G. Drage Career Center.
R.G. Drage Career Center
6805 Richville Drive SW
Massillon, Ohio 44646
Tel: 330 832 9856
For additional information about this workshop, please contact:
Dr. Donna Witter (Lead Instructor)
Kent State University, Department of Geology
email: dwitter@kent.edu
phone: 330-672-7002
