Follow ups - University of Dayton



WeEXCEL Academies for Teachers: Earth, Moon, Sun System

Syllabus for Academy Part I; (Follow up is Part II – see separate syllabus)

PHY 599 01 Earth, Moon, Sun Systems; Summer 2007 University of Dayton

June 11-15, 2007: 33.5 contact hours; 1.5 semester hours

Instructors: Marijane Recob, Lead Flight Director, The Dayton Challenger Learning Center,

Dayton Public Schools

Michael R. Sandy, Professor, Department of Geology, University of Dayton

Location for Institute: Dayton Challenger Learning Center, Leo Street, Dayton

Institute dates: June 11th – 15th, 2007: M 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and T-F 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Contact information:

Marijane Recob

E-mail: mrecob@dps.k12.oh.us

Phone: 937-542-6196

Office: Dayton Challenger Learning Center, Leo Street, Dayton

Michael Sandy

E-mail: michael.sandy@notes.udayton.edu

Phone: 937-229-2952 (office # with voice mail); 937-229-3432 (Geology Dept. office)

Office: Science Center 091, University of Dayton

WeExcel website is at:

Your contact information:

Please note that you are responsible for keeping the instructors informed of your current e-mail address, i.e., one that you check regularly (daily or every few days). This way we can make sure we have a reliable way of communicating directly with you regarding your questions, assignments, information regarding the follow up meetings, and any updates or information that we wish to get to you in a timely manner.

If you have more than one e-mail address we can cc to both e-mail addresses if you wish (e.g., work; home), you just have to let us know. We will also ask you for contact ‘phone numbers.

Required texts and materials: provided

Suggested Audience:

Teachers of grades 5-9, special education teachers and those from high-need districts are encouraged to attend.

Course Objective:

1. To gain understanding of the nature of science and mathematics and to gain appreciation of the interrelations between science, mathematics, technology and society;

2. To further develop inquiry, science and mathematics process and content understanding;

3. To enhance understanding of basic science and mathematics concepts and to apply these concepts to a wide range real life contexts;

4. To deepen pedagogical understanding of student learning of specific science topics.

5. To enhance the range of materials and resources that participants may use in their teaching.

6. To provide a forum where participants can enhance their understanding of best practices and content.

Ohio Science Academic Content Standards: reference will be made to grade-appropriate Earth and Space Science indicators from the “Ohio Standards”:

Course description and activities:

We will investigate Earth, Moon, and Sun systems.

The main daily themes for the academy are:

• Introduction – Big Bang, Age of the Universe

• An introduction to our Solar System; the Sun

• The Moon

• Earth and Moon processes and composition

During the 5-day summer institute, a cooperative, inquiry-based learning environment will be modeled as participants work in cooperative groups on science inquiry units to enhance their understanding of science concepts and processes. Each group is responsible for carrying out experiments, gathering data, analyzing data, and reaching conclusions. It is the responsibility of each group to see that all members of the group achieve an understanding of each concept before they proceed to other work. Each participant constructs their own knowledge with the aid and feedback from other group members and the facilitators. Consequently, participants are fully immersed in a classroom that models state and national standards for instruction. Through the activities, participant understanding of not only science concepts will increase, but also understanding of pedagogical strategies in teaching science and mathematics. To aid participants in coalescing their understanding of the concepts and processes covered during the activities, homework is assigned daily. During the institute, topics in pedagogy, such as student misconceptions, process skills, and the learning cycle will be discussed in the context of participant learning experiences. This occurs not only in structured activities built into the end of the class day, but throughout the day as the instructional staff interacts with the participants. Pedagogical topics of curriculum, instruction, and assessment will be focused on during the follow-up sessions of the course during the academic year.

Homework: Homework is designed to deepen participant understanding of science and mathematics concepts and reasoning. Participants are encouraged to resubmit homework that was not completely correct.

Exams: A pre/post exam covering science content of the institute will be given before and after the institute. The pretest score will not be counted in the final grade, but the posttest scores will.

Questionnaires: You are required to participate in questionnaires designed to assess your perception of your level of preparedness to teach specific content and utilize specific pedagogical techniques. No grade other than participation grade is given.

Evaluation: Teachers will be evaluated on participation in all activities, performance in institute activities, and posttest achievement..

Attendance is required. Since all activities require participation, it is expected that teachers will attend regularly. Stipends will only be awarded to teachers who have attended fully.

In the event of a documented illness or emergency, teachers need to contact their facilitator to see if assignments can be made up. Only in the event of a documented emergency or illness will project directors consider prorating stipends to the attendance of the participant.

Grading Scale: Grading scale: A = 92.5+; A - = 90-92.49%; B + 87.5-89.9%; B = 82.5-87.49%; B - = 80.0-82.49%; C + 77.5-79.9%; C = 72.5-77.49%; C - = 70.0-72.49%; < 70% = F.

To receive stipend for participation in the academy, you need to attain both a C or better in the summer institute component (this syllabus) and a C or better in the academic year/ follow-up component (see syllabus II). Stipends will be distributed in May 2008 at the end of the academy.

Point Distribution:

Course Activity % of total grade

Participation in institute (including punctuality, questionnaires, etc) 25%

Homework, projects, other activities in institute 25%

Post-test score 50%

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