Math + Science Teacher Forum

Posted by Philadelpiha Math + Science Coalition on October 26, 2015

November 2015 Math + Science Teacher Forum – NOTE: WE HAVE MOVED THE FORUM TO WEDNESDAYS FOR THE FALL.

November 4, 4:30-6:45. RSVP BY November 2 AT 5 PM TO DON MCKINNEY. FREE! Dinner included. The Forums are held at the United Way Building, 1709 Ben Franklin Parkway.

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.

PARKING: Note that on-street parking is free after 5 PM on Wednesdays. You can also park in the garage at the Sheraton Hotel for $8. NOTE: CREDIT CARD ONLY PAYMENT ACCEPTED. Enter the garage as usual and get your ticket. The receptionist at the United Way Building will give you a second ticket (called a “chaser”)for the reduced rate. When you return to the garage and exit you will insert your parking ticket, then the chaser and finally your credit card. The Sheraton is located between Race and Vine, with entry to the garage from either 16th St. or 17th St.

We are working to confirm Act 48 credits for this year so bring your PPID number.

NOVEMBER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION (YOU WILL CHOSE ONE TO ATTEND)

Science – AIR, WATER AND WEATHER -This will be the first of two sessions focused on grade-appropriate weather connections for 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. To set the stage for weather, we will begin by devising investigations which examine the properties of air and water. Together we will explore what students can find out about these materials for themselves: Where are they? How do they act? What can they do? How do they change? and When do they change? Susan Holmes will present. .December will focus on making some meteorological tools, using those tools to collect data, and interpreting that data in order to predict.

(Science and Engineering) Hands-on science activities that are inexpensive, creative, and fun will be shared. You can adjust them to fit your classroom, teaching style or content area. Best of all, these activities are aligned with the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices. Activities: 1. A series of quick, inexpensive demos and hands on labs that can be used in elementary and middle school classes. The focus will be air pressure as related to weather, equilibrium in nature, and properties of matter. 2. Experimental Design-Given a set of objects, materials or chemicals, (based on your discipline) teachers will design, conduct, analyze, and write up an experiment. NGSS-Science and Engineering Practices 1-8

3. Write it, Do it-a technical writing exercise where teachers write a description of a contraption and other students attempt to recreate it using only the written directions. NGSS-Science and Engineering Practices 2, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Come play and learn how you can use these activities as introductory lessons or meld them into your existing curriculum. Hopefully, you’ll also leave considering how you might set up your own experiments – and make the STEM curriculum even more fun. Scott Leggett from Science Olympiad will present.

(Math): Exploring Functions: In this session you’ll explore several Web Sketchpad activities in which students investigate algebraic functions, ranging from the Slope Game to exploring behavior of linear, polynomial, and more advanced functions, with a particular emphasis on relative rate of change. These activities are online and ready to use with your students. You’ll also learn how to use your Web Sketchpad license to incorporate tools into your own Web Sketchpad activities. will concentrate on geometric transformations and functions (both areas of increased emphasis in the CCSS), and on the connections between geometry and algebra. On the technology side, you’ll learn to use Web Sketchpad, a brand-new product that puts Sketchpad activities on the web, available from any modern browser and using a very simple interface for students. You’ll even receive a license enabling you to create your own Web Sketchpad documents. Scott Steketee will present.

(Math) Building Mathematical Stamina: Do you teach students who are always looking for a formula or the “easy way” to solve the problem? These students lack academic stamina for mathematical problem solving. In this session you will learn how to pose math problems that foster TRUE problem solving, and help to build mathematical stamina. You will also learn how to use systematic questioning to encourage student independence during mathematic class. Come to this session and leave with problems to use in your classroom tomorrow! Catherine Willard will present.