Math + Science Teacher Forum

Posted by on November 18, 2013

December 2013  Math + Science Teacher Forum  – December 2, 4:30-6:45.

RSVP BY November 27  AT NOON TO DON MCKINNEY at dmckinney7@verizon.net.

Note the early deadline to RSVP due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Include your school, the grade(s) and the subject(s) you teach. Join us for a meal, professional development and conversation with other math and science teachers from across the city.

And it’s all free.  Dinner is provided so bring your appetite.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA TEACHERS WHO ATTEND WILL RECEIVE ACT 48 CREDIT.

All math and science teachers, grades K-12, in Philly are welcome.  In addition we welcome pre-service math and science teachers and out-of-school-time staff interested in learning more about STEM and interacting with classroom teachers.

The Forum is held at the United Way Building, 1709 Ben Franklin Parkway.  PARKING:  You can now park in the garage at the Sheraton Hotel for $5 for three hours.  The Sheraton is located between Race and Vine, with entry to the garage from either 16th St. or 17th St.  It’s less than a block from the United Way Building.  Get a sticker from the receptionist at the United Way when you come to the Forum.  Pay at the garage when you leave. NOTE:  We hope you will come, but if you RSVP, please honor that by actually attending.  Funds we use for your meal could otherwise be used to fund resources for your classrooms.

December Professional Development (You will choose one session):

Science:   Inquiry and Literacy, Inseparable in the Elementary Classroom

Together we will dive into an investigation of a common material and a phenomenon it frequently exhibits.  Then we will connect it to a book that at first seems unrelated, reflect on inquiry and the elementary student, share classroom strategies and explore other ways to think about incorporating literacy seamlessly into science learning. Susan Holmes will present. You know her from 20 years at the Franklin Institute, but she is now working with the NJ Academy for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium.  Please update her contact information!   susan.holmes.0@gmail.com or phone: 610-623-7692.

Science:  Science and Literature

Teachers will read the children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings”  and create science lessons based on the story.

Teachers will:

• Learn about the characteristics of birds

• Perform a simple experiment to determine why birds need to preen themselves

• Observe feathers under a hand lens

• Learn about bird bones

• Learn how to make 3 dimensional graphic organizers called Foldables ™

• Record findings in Science Notebooks

The Workshop  is geared towards those who teach K-4th grade. Anita Brooke Dupree will present.

Math:  Bringing Research into the Classroom: Addressing Misconceptions with Worked Examples

The use of worked example problems, not to be confused with working out an example, gives students and teachers an opportunity to do math in a different way by showing students a completed problem and asking them questions to deeper their understanding of mathematics.  This idea has been researched in classrooms and has shown increased learning.  Also aligned with the Common Core, these strategies can be applied to any topic in your own classroom!  The majority of research has been completed in Algebra 1 classrooms, though time will be devoted to discussing how this strategy can apply to elementary, middle, and higher level mathematics as well! Karin Lange will present.