The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers educators in Illinois and across the globe a MicroCertification as an IMSA Educator. This MicroCertification qualifies an educator to be trained in and present IMSA Professional Development throughout their area. The MicroCertification is structured in four micro-credentials representing IMSA’s four core competencies. Educators can complete the micro-credentials individually or as part of a structured program. Each micro-credential consists of an introduction, 5 Learning Experiences (LE), and a portfolio highlighting understanding and application. Educators who complete all four micro-credentials are awarded the MicroCertification as an IMSA Educator. The micro-credentials include:
- INQUIRY-BASED TEACHING & LEARNING – promotes analytic thinking, knowledge generation and application, and construction of meaning through mindful investigation driven by compelling questions that engage the learner’s curiosity.
- PROBLEM CENTERED TEACHING & LEARNING – provides experiences in which learners grapple with complex, meaningful, open-ended problems of our world. Learners provide potential evidence-based solutions or responses to these problems.
- COMPETENCY-DRIVEN TEACHING & LEARNING – enable students (1) to acquire strong bases of disciplinary content knowledge and skills; (2) to use the ideas, processes, and tools of the disciplines for the acquisition and generation of new knowledge; and (3) to apply knowledge when addressing issues and solving real-world problems.
- INTEGRATIVE TEACHING & LEARNING – forge meaningful connections of concepts, constructs, and principles within and across academic subjects and real-world situations.
Learning Experiences
IMSA’s MicroCertification includes in-person and/or online professional development focused on IMSA’s four core competencies. These professional development opportunities are called “Learning Experiences”. Learning Experiences are available to all educators at any grade level and discipline. Learning experiences consist of approximately 3 hours of professional learning which include a research base, pedagogy, and instructional strategies. Each Learning Experience (LE) is identified with a grade level band, content area, and instructional focus so that educators know what they will experience. Each LE also includes an “Apply and Reflect” assignment to promote professional reflection and conversation about their learning.
Upcoming Events
Summer In-Person Professional Learning Experiences
Next Generation Science Standards for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Date: Mon, June 12th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: PreK – 2nd | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
During this session, we will explore the progression of science content and skills as presented in the Next Generation Science Standards as they build from Pre-K forward, with a focus on the expectations for K-2 students. By participating in three-dimensional activities, teachers will develop strategies to provide students with opportunities to build a strong foundation in science and STEAM.
Lesson Analysis: From Basic to Inquiry Based Approach
Date: Mon, June 12th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 4th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
One of the IMSA’s core competencies is the ability to conceive, design, develop, and demonstrate exemplary competency-driven learning experiences and materials in mathematics and science that are inquiry-based. Inquiry-based learning experiences are those, which promote analytic thinking, knowledge generation and application, and meaning construction through mindful investigation driven by compelling questions that have engaged or have the potential for engaging the learner’s curiosity. This course will provide the necessary tools and guidance for teachers to transform a traditional lesson plan into an inquiry-based one by adjusting just a few parts and sections of the traditional lesson plan.
Next Generation Science Standards for 3rd - 5th Grade
Date: Tues, June 13th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 3rd – 5th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
During this session, we will explore the progression of science content and skills as presented in the Next Generation Science Standards as they build from Pre-K forward, with a focus on the expectations for 3-5 students. By participating in three-dimensional activities, teachers will develop strategies to provide students with opportunities to build a strong foundation in science and STEAM.
Chemistry of the Composition of Fire: Fire Under the Microscope
Date: Tues, June 13th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 4th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Students will analyze different types of fabrics commonly used in the production of everyday items. Then students will analyze the physical properties of the fabrics and will predict the fabric’s behavior during and after combustion. Lastly, they will prepare a presentation to explain the reason why certain fabrics burn in certain ways due to their structure.
Music Box
Date: Wed, June 14th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 4th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this unit students further explore the physics of music and the relationship between length, vibrations, and pitch. Students engineer a hand-pipe-based machine and then create a tool (using simple machines) to mimic the sounds produced when the hand normally hits the pipe. They also observe how the sound the pipes produce changes when materials are added that obstruct the movement of air through the pipes. Lastly, students further explore the use of simple machines in music, this time using a wheel and axle to design and engineer an automated music machine.
Breaking the Mold of Traditional Chemistry
Date: Mon, July 10th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 9th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Labs are an integral piece of science courses, but many labs are often done to confirm a concept that students have already learned. In this Learning Experience, educators will look at how laboratory experiences can be structured into different levels of inquiry by working through some hands-on activities that focus on polarity. While the lessons in this learning experience are designed for a high school chemistry class, the activities can be adapted for biology or middle school science class.
Learning Outcomes include:
– Engaging in different levels and uses of inquiry-based activities in chemistry.
– Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of inquiry-based activities.
– Reflecting on the use of safe, real-world applications of chemical concepts such as molecular polarity.
– Applying strategies for creating or transforming traditional labs into student-centered, inquiry-based activities.
Date: Wed, June 14th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 9th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Games can be a fun and motivating way to engage students, but they are often used as a means to practice, apply, or review learned content instead of introducing a new concept. In this Learning Experience, educators will explore the use of common games as a tool for an inquiry-based approach to introducing topics in high school chemistry such as atomic structure and periodic trends.
Learning Outcomes include:
– Engaging in different levels of games that introduce a new chemical concept.
– Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of inquiry-based activities.
– Reflecting on how to engage students in making observations and recognizing patterns when teaching abstract chemical concepts.
– Applying strategies for modifying familiar games into student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences.
Technology and Science in Papermaking
Date: Mon, July 17th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Science is all around us. In this session, we will explore water properties, materials science, and chemical interactions with regard to paper-making. Yes, you will be creating paper in the process.
The STEM of Medieval Clocks
Date: Tues, July 18th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Science, engineering, and technology abounded in the “Dark Ages”. One area to explore is in clock-making. Explore the inquiry process involved in engineering through building a medieval verge and foliot clock out of K’nex!
Exploring Music and Language, Inquiry Style!
Date: Wed, July 19th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 3rd – 5th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Inquiry activities can be fun and engaging to use in the classroom. Explore this instructional method while experiencing lessons integrating music and language.
Medieval Farming Innovations: Three Field Rotation
Date: Thurs, July 20th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
What’s agriculture got to do with it? Ohhhhh, if you only knew! Well… learn about it then! Join us for a hands-on inquiry exploration of the medieval farming innovation called three-field rotation!
Problem Centered Teaching by Tomorrow
Date: Tues, June 20th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: K – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Problem Centered Instruction is a great way to engage students, integrate content, and inspire learning. However, true problem-centered instruction requires a major shift in both teaching and learning, requiring the one thing teachers don’t have: time. In this learning experience, we will look at some simple strategies that teachers can put to immediate use within the classroom to help start the shift toward a student-led, problem-centered learning environment.
Recycling Process Innovation: Recycling 911
Date: Tues, June 20th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 5th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
During this learning experience, we will explore the different operations and mechanisms that take place in the recycling process to obtain, evaluate and explain the current advantages and disadvantages of the system. Also, we will redesign the interior of the recycling truck by applying STEM thinking skills such as deductive reasoning, analyzing parts of complex systems, decision-making, and problem-solving in combination with NGSS practices such as defining problems, developing and using models, planning an investigation, and designing solutions to develop our possible redesign of a recycling truck. By utilizing science and technology as a tool to help protect our natural resources, our students, the engineers of tomorrow, will explore a better approach to recycle tons of recyclable material such as paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, and metal more efficiently.
Picture Books and Engineering: Dare to Tinker
Date: Wed, June 21st, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: K – 2nd | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Up for a challenge? Join us for an interactive workshop based on the picture book, The Most Magnificent Thing. Connecting literature with engineering, questioning techniques, and inferential reasoning strategies will focus on the trials and tribulations, frustrations, and successes achieved by the protagonist, a little girl. Participants will engage in a design challenge to construct their own magnificent thing while working within constraints. Counting, graphing, working with money, and measurement will be emphasized.
Martian Cargo Rover
Date: Wed, June 21st, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Students will consider the requirements for a Martian cargo rover. After seeing examples of other rovers, students will design, build, and test a prototype of their own. The emphasis will be on communications and cooperation between small teams as students are introduced to the concept of Systems Engineering.
Foundational Course | Design Thinking: Empathetic Problem
Date: Wed, June 21st, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: K – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Design thinking applies the human element to the problem-solving process. In a world that requires students to systematically formulate solutions in a creative and empathetic way, this teaching and learning method encourages students to question, innovate, and iterate. In this learning experience, participants will experience first-hand the creative problem-solving process inherent in design thinking. Through modeling and authentic applications, educators will take a deep dive into this problem-centered teaching and learning experience.
Learning Outcomes include:
– Experience an authentic problem and use design thinking to work toward possible solutions
– Analyze design thinking processes and create a model to be used in the classroom
– Compose a lesson or activity that will engage students in the design-thinking process
Modeling Parachutes: Data and Statistics
Date: Thurs, June 22nd, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 8th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this activity, participants will complete an investigation incorporating problems in aerodynamics. Using the mathematical, science, and engineering practice standards, they will design and model parachutes to determine a life-size chute to support their body weight. Participants will also consider design criteria for the rate of descent, and graphically represent data and mathematical information as a scatter plot.
Mars Habitat
Date: Thurs, June 22nd, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Students will consider the practical difficulties of constructing a permanent colony on Mars. First, they will experiment with construction techniques and materials by building and testing domes of simulated Martian concrete. Next, they will examine what it means for a community to be self-sufficient by looking at their own communities on Earth. Finally, they will design the physical layout of a colony for 500 Martian settlers.
Date: Mon, June 26th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: K – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Culture and history are integral to conceptualizing math and science concepts, and yet it is often not taught to our students. Spend three hours exploring hands-on activities designed to approach math and science concepts from an inclusive, cultural perspective.
Intro to Competency Driven Curriculum
Date: Mon, June 26th, 12:30 am – 3:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Valuable Lessons in Waves
Date: Tues, June 27th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Let’s have fun learning about different types of waves using the 3-Dimensional NGSS approach. We will explore this popular topic through the lens of the student perspective, enjoying hands-on activities while learning new approaches (or simply tweaking familiar ones)!
Intro To Biomedical Research
Dates:
Tues, June 27th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Register Here
Wed, June 28th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Register Here
Thur, June 29th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Register Here
Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy | Grade band: 9th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
While many biology courses explain the foundations of the subject in a textbook fashion, students are often not exposed to techniques used in modern biomedical research. This condensed 10-day program introduces common techniques and practices used in biomedical research through a multiple-day hands-on lab experiment. Students learn to pipette, count cells, run a PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and perform other important skills as they investigate the genomes of yeast cells.
Quadratic Functions: As Simple As A, B, C
Date: Wed, June 28th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 8th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Participants will engage in several activities that demystify applications of quadratic functions. By exploring simple, yet interactive exercises, students will understand that this function is more than just a formula of a, b, and c. Participants will walk away with several lessons that can be easily adapted to any classroom.
Exploring Properties of Water
Date: Wed, June 28th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 9th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this 3-hour session, we will explore hands-on, inventive activities to teach the properties of water, with a real-world focus.
Data: A Picture Tells A Story
Date: Thurs, June 29th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 3rd – 5th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Students will explore the properties of data representations through a series of engaging activities. First, the story, Sir Cumference, and the Off-the-Charts Dessert will be used to introduce two basic data representations: bar graphs and pie charts. Next, students will design a survey to collect data and will use manipulatives to construct a bar graph and pie chart to represent their data. An extension of this part of the activity will have students deconstruct the pie chart to compare the proportion of each shaded sector of the circle to the proportion of data represented by that sector. Finally, students will match various data sets with their graphs and will infer which graph best represents different data types. Line graphs and scatter plots will be introduced.
Exploring the Brain
Date: Thurs, June 29th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this 3-hour session, we explore various activities we can use to introduce the brain and central nervous system to our students. This includes a focus on mindfulness and understanding the developing brain of our middle-school students with regard to learning and emotion, along with discussing integrative, inquiry approaches to brain dissection. Depending on the availability of materials, this may include a sheep brain dissection activity.
Engineering Hogwarts: An Integrative Approach to the 5E Learning Method
Date: Mon, July 10th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: K – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this learning experience, we will explore an integrative activity that could be used for mathematics, science, reading/ELA, any technology or STEM course, or as a fun after-school activity. Learners will design, plan, and build a room from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone using textual evidence from the book to guide and support their plans. This activity uses the 5E instructional model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate), so we will also take a look at using the 5E model as a planning strategy. Each course module will focus on one ‘E’ of the 5E instructional model–taking you first through the student portion of the activity, and then reflecting as an educator. You will then create a 5E learning sequence of your own.
Not Just a Story: Genetics and Probability
Date: Mon, July 10th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this session, educators will engage in an Integrative STEM-based activity framed in a fictional story. This story integrates well with mathematical concepts of probability and chance, along with science concepts such as heredity, geared towards 6th through 12th grades.
Date: Tues, July 11th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: PreK – 2nd | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Young students are naturally equipped with the curiosity and creativity to be successful scientists and mathematicians. In today’s early childhood classrooms, strong foundational skills in math and scientific inquiry promote success in integrated contexts for years to come. Through play-based, open-ended explorations, young students can engage in skills such as subitizing, sorting, drawing, pattern recognition, and innovation and inquiry with loose parts. In this workshop, participants will actively take part in several activities highlighting each of these skills, discuss how they promote mathematical and scientific thinking, and share resources to be used in the classroom.
Learning outcomes include:
– Review and discuss math and science foundations appropriate for early childhood learners
– Explore play-based activities that support math and science foundations through subtilizing, sorting, drawing, patterns, and loose parts
– Discuss ways to incorporate play-based math and science activities to enhance established lessons
Body Temp and Handedness: Math - Science Connection
Date: Tues, July 11th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Probability and statistics are mathematical concepts that are integrally linked to science, experimentation, and data analysis. Join us for a hands-on approach to the topic.
Data, Graphs, and Fractions: Using Fiction as a Source
Date: Wed, July 12th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 8th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Can we take a book and analyze its structure in a data-driven way? Yes, we can! Enjoy a fun, integrative approach to data and analysis using a popular piece of fiction, the book, Wonder, by RJ Palacio, for our evidence!
A Unified Science: What's Chem Got to Do With It?
Date: Wed, July 12th, 12:30 am – 3:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
It is important for all students, no matter what their future education and career path, to engage in innovative and integrated STEM experiences. However, while chemistry is often referred to as “the central science”, most students experience it as one of the many subject-specific courses in their schedules. In this learning experience, educators will look at how inquiry-based activities can be used as a tool for integrating content across multiple disciplines. While the lessons in this learning experience are designed for a high school chemistry class, the activities can be adapted for other courses.
Learning outcomes include:
– Engaging in different inquiry-based chemistry activities that integrate physical and life science concepts
– Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of integrated STEM activities
– Reflecting on how to engage students in real-world applications of scientific concepts such as solution concentration and gas laws
– Applying strategies for creating integrative science learning experiences
Senses, Art and Technology
Date: Thur, July 13th, 8:30 am – 11:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band:3rd – 5th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
STEM is naturally integrative, but so is art. Join us for a STEAM-generated, hands-on exploration of our senses, art, and technology. This session will include a variety of activities centered around sensation, visual arts, and sound, and how we can utilize this in technology.
Girls IN2 STEM - Computer Science
Date: Mon, July 17th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Report: Girls’ Aptitude Far Exceeds Interest in STEM. That’s the track-stopping article title in The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology. With STEM-related jobs expected to increase by more than 10 % in less than 10 years, it’s important to expose students to possible STEM careers. In this course, STEM professionals will help educators identify ways to integrate Real Word job responsibilities into the course curriculum.
Girls IN2 STEM - Health Care
Date: Tues, July 18th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Report: Girls’ Aptitude Far Exceeds Interest in STEM. That’s the track-stopping article title in The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology. With STEM-related jobs expected to increase by more than 10 % in less than 10 years, it’s important to expose students to possible STEM careers. In this course, STEM professionals will help educators identify ways to integrate Real Word job responsibilities into the course curriculum.
Girls IN2 STEM - Technology
Date: Wed, July 19th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Report: Girls’ Aptitude Far Exceeds Interest in STEM. That’s the track-stopping article title in The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology. With STEM-related jobs expected to increase by more than 10 % in less than 10 years, it’s important to expose students to possible STEM careers. In this course, STEM professionals will help educators identify ways to integrate Real Word job responsibilities into the course curriculum.
Girls IN2 STEM - Engineering
Date: Thurs, July 20th, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Location: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grade band: 6th – 12th | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Report: Girls’ Aptitude Far Exceeds Interest in STEM. That’s the track-stopping article title in The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology. With STEM-related jobs expected to increase by more than 10 % in less than 10 years, it’s important to expose students to possible STEM careers. In this course, STEM professionals will help educators identify ways to integrate Real Word job responsibilities into the course curriculum.
FREE Introductory Courses
Introduction to Inquiry-Based Teaching & Learning – Register: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Introduction to Problem Centered Teaching & Learning – Register: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Introduction to Integrative Teaching & Learning – Register: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Introduction to Competency Driven Teaching & Learning – Register: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Professional Learning Experiences
Foundations | Teaching with a Full Deck: Card Sorts
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Card sorts tend to make students do the “things” we value most: think and talk. Beyond making matches, card sorts provide opportunities for students to classify, rank, sequence, and mind map while setting a natural context for inquiry, argumentation, and use of the claim-evidence-reasoning framework. In this Learning Experience, educators will engage in a series of math and science card sorts to explore how this easy-to-prep tool will encourage students to reason and think critically.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Identifying ways in which card activities encourage inquiry-based learning.
- Participating in several types of card activities and reflecting upon these experiences.
- Designing several card activities to be used in the classroom.
Einstein for Grades 3rd - 5th
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 3rd-5th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Through children’s literature, we explore the life of a quirky boy who lived to think and dream. Hands-on STEM activities, related to Einstein’s work, are introduced as a way to address several of the required NGSS physical science standards for grades 3-5. We will learn about force, motion, electricity, and light using simple materials and the type of play once experienced by a boy growing up in his family’s electrical equipment shop. We will also explore what the adult Einstein had to say about education and developing minds.
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 9th-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Games can be a fun and motivating way to engage students, but they are often used as a means to practice, apply, or review learned content instead of introducing a new concept. In this Learning Experience, educators will explore the use of common games as a tool for an inquiry-based approach to introducing topics in high school chemistry such as atomic structure and periodic trends.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Engaging in different levels of games that introduce a new chemical concept.
- Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of inquiry-based activities.
- Reflecting on how to engage students in making observations and recognizing patterns when teaching abstract chemical concepts.
- Applying strategies for modifying familiar games into student-centered, inquiry-based learning experiences.
Breaking the Mold of Traditional Chemistry Labs
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 9th-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Labs are an integral piece of science courses, but many labs are often done to confirm a concept that students have already learned. In this Learning Experience, educators will look at how laboratory experiences can be structured into different levels of inquiry by working through some hands-on activities that focus on polarity. While the lessons in this learning experience are designed for a high school chemistry class, the activities can be adapted for biology or middle school science class.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Engaging in different levels and uses of inquiry-based activities in chemistry.
- Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of inquiry-based activities.
- Reflecting on the use of safe, real-world applications of chemical concepts such as molecular polarity.
- Applying strategies for creating or transforming traditional labs into student-centered, inquiry-based activities.
Foundations | The Art of Getting it Wrong: Developing Persistence
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Winston Churchill once said, “success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Unfortunately, traditional learning activities often lack the ability to authentically and safely fail, evaluate points of error, and celebrate the process of learning. Providing students the opportunity to fail, reevaluate and redesign leads to persistence in learning and allows students to struggle through difficult problems in a productive manner. In this experience, participants explore a struggle-worthy activity, reflect on the importance of perseverance and determine what to do with those questions that aren’t quite right.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Identify how including the analysis of student-generated errors in the classroom is beneficial for learning.
- Explore ways to struggle productively through problem solving, developing persistence.
- Understand how changes in the classroom environment and teacher talk can promote student persistence.
Foundations | Design Thinking: Empathetic Problem
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Design thinking applies the human element to the problem solving process. In a world that requires students to systematically formulate solutions in a creative and empathetic way, this teaching and learning method encourages students to question, innovate, and iterate. In this learning experience, participants will experience first-hand the creative problem solving process inherent in design thinking. Through modeling and authentic applications, educators will take a deep dive into this problem-centered teaching and learning experience.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Experience an authentic problem and use design thinking to work toward possible solutions
- Analyze design thinking processes and create a model to be used in the classroom
- Compose a lesson or activity that will engage students in the design thinking process
Real World Math: Three Act Tasks
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 3rd-8th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Mathematicians view mathematics within interesting and natural contexts. In this learning experience, participants will engage and explore Three-Act Math Tasks; a story-telling, problem-centered, pedagogical strategy that elicits student curiosity, collaboration, and questioning while redefining the term “real-world context” and the role that students play in the learning process.
Learning outcomes include:
- Participating in a three-act math task and reflecting on the experience
- Exploring the instructional methods behind this story-telling pedagogical strategy and how they support problem-based learning
- Evaluating the definition and application of real-world mathematics
Problem-Based Learning Course 1: Fundamentals
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: K-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
This course is designed to be an autonomous learning experience. First, we introduce the learner to the fundamentals of the Problem-Based Learning technique. Learners then work to define the technique, identify important characteristics and explore the student experience of the process. Lastly, learners identify problems they can use to teach specific classroom content. Instructor feedback is provided throughout the course.
Problem-Based Learning Course 2: Details in Design
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: K-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours.
This course is the second in the PBL course series and is designed to be an autonomous learning experience. In this course, learners explore design elements involved in creating Problem-Based Learning for the K-12 classroom. Through exploration of example units, learners learn to apply the design elements to create their own PBL unit unique to their classroom. Instructor feedback is provided throughout the course. Suggested Prerequisite: PBL 1: Fundamentals
Problem-Based Learning Course 3: Applications in the Classroom
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: K-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
The third in our online PBL series, this course focuses on techniques to prepare the teacher and their students for the successful implementation of a Problem-Based Learning unit. Topics such as inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and building collaboration, as well as assessments, are explored. Instructor feedback is provided throughout the course. Suggested Prerequisite: PBL 2: Details in Design
Foundations | Low Floor, High Ceiling
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
It can be difficult to provide the differentiation needed for students at different stages of mastery. One solution is to use activities that can engaged with at multiple levels. If meeting the relevant standards is represented by the floor, then going above and beyond them is the ceiling. Ideally, an activity begins with an inviting, non-threatening floor, but allows accomplished students to quickly climb toward more engaging challenges within the same activity.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Learn to recognize a LFHC activity.
- Create your own LFHC activities by:
a) Learning to capture the bare essential features of a standard.
b) Learning to lower the floor by making the entry to an activity feel less threatening.
c) Learning to raise the ceiling by adding successively more challenging tasks to an activity with a low floor.
Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom: A Book Study
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
This Competency Driven Learning Experience is centered around the book Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom, by Alissa A. Lange, Kimberly Brenneman, and Hagit Mano. In this book, the authors first discuss the concept of STEM education and its importance in the preschool classroom, followed by an in-depth look into each facet of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as it applies to early childhood education.
Learning outcomes include:
- Reflect on your own STEM teaching in your classroom
- Identify your own personal strengths and weaknesses as they apply to STEM teaching and learning
- Create a plan to further incorporate STEM content and pedagogy into your classroom.
This learning experience requires the purchase of the book: Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom, by Alissa A. Lange, Kimberly Brenneman, and Hagit Mano.
Foundational Science: Setting the Stage for Success
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: K-12 | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
The Next Generation Science Standards have provided educators with a magnificent framework on which to base science education in today’s classrooms, and the three dimensions provide consistent themes in terms of content and skill for K-12 students. During this learning experience, we will explore the progression of science content and skills as they build from Pre-K forward and identify and practice ways to provide early learners with opportunities to build a strong foundation in science and STEAM.
Objectives:
- Examine the three dimensions of science as they apply to ‘3-dimensional learning’ within the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSSs)
- Explore the progression of science skills and knowledge as they build from Pre-K forward
- Identify ways to provide early learners with opportunities to build a strong foundation in science and STEAM
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-2nd | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In their math infancy, early childhood and elementary students are just beginning the journey of growing as proficient mathematicians. Laying the foundation for success ensures students develop positive experiences and skills in mathematics. In this Learning Experience, educators will explore the role of mathematics in the early childhood and elementary classrooms. Exploring literature, research, and suggested activities, participants will investigate six mathematical foundations for young learners: sets, patterns, number sense, counting and operations, measurement and data, and spatial relationships and shape.
Learning outcomes include:
- Reflect on the journey of growing as a mathematician and identify the misconceptions and stereotypes of the field
- Understand the charge for early childhood educators in developing confident, proficient, and fluent math students
- Examine the big ideas of early childhood mathematics and what they look like in the classroom setting
Scale and Size: Modeling Powers of 10
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 4th-8th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this Learning Experience, educators will experience a set of student activities that utilize a mathematical model to engage students in exploring very large and very small objects. This will be achieved by looking at patterns and measurements, ultimately building number sense in our students through the lens of an integrated real-world application. As educators journey through this course, they will reflect on how the student activities directly support Competency-Based teaching methods and several Common Core State Mathematics Standards written for students in Grades 4 through 8.
Learning outcomes include:
- Use a mathematical model to engage students in exploring very large and very small objects in relation to powers of ten
- Reflect on how studying the powers of ten develops number sense through pattern recognition and measurement
DNA, RNA, and Proteins, Oh My!
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 6th-12th | Format: 100% Online Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this Learning Experience, educators will focus on the assessment aspect of competency-driven teaching and learning by working through a student instructional unit that covers DNA, transcription, translation, and protein folding. The lessons and assessment are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standard HS-LS1.1, but after working through the sample lessons educators will be able to pick a different standard for which to create a rubric and assessment to try out on their own.
Learning outcomes include:
- Use modeling to engage students in abstract concepts
- Break down a Next Generation Science Standard into measurable parts and objectives
- Analyze and create unique assessment techniques using a three-point rubric
Foundational Course: Engineering Hogwarts: An Integrative Approach to the 5E Instructional Model
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 9th-12th | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
In this learning experience, we will explore an integrative activity that could be used for mathematics, science, reading/ELA, any technology or STEM course, or as a fun after-school activity. Learners will design, plan, and build a room from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone using textual evidence from the book to guide and support their plans. This activity uses the 5E instructional model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate), so we will also take a look at using the 5E model as a planning strategy. Each course module will focus on one ‘E’ of the 5E instructional model–taking you first through the student portion of the activity, and then reflecting as an educator. You will then create a 5E learning sequence of your own.
Senses and Soundtracks: Integrative Methods to Content Delivery
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 3rd-5th | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Did you know that music may alter how you perceive the world? Stimulate your students with an exploration in senses and soundtracks! In this learning experience, we explore methods to address standards from multiple disciplines with one activity, specifically integrating literacy with science and music. The goal is to explore the process of developing student competency using integrative techniques. We will also explore how the activity can be scaled to a variety of grade levels
Learning outcomes include:
- Explore covering standards/content in an interdisciplinary manner
- Identify real-world applications to integrate science and engineering practices in the classroom
Code of the Wild
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-2 | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Code of the Wild introduces teachers to Computational Thinking (CT) and demonstrates a method by which CT can be integrated with other K-2 subject areas. The example given is a curriculum that guides students in the use of a programming language called ScratchJr. Students use the free software to write stories about animals interacting with their environments in a realistic manner. After being written, these stories are coded into computer animations using ScratchJr. Teachers will learn that CT is more than just coding, but a problem-solving mindset that is applicable to science, math, ELA, and any other problem-solving endeavor.
Learning outcomes include:
- Learning to use ScratchJr
- Developing ideas for integrating CT with other subject areas
- Developing ideas for helping students improve their collaboration skills while using tablets or computers
In addition to these learning outcomes, teachers will exit the course with a five-hour integrative STEM curriculum they can use in their classrooms.
Naval Engineering for Grades 4th - 6th
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 4th-6th | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Reading The Girl with a Mind for Math, we learn about the career of Raye Montague, an African-American woman who broke every barrier to pioneer computer-aided ship design and become the first female program manager in the United States Navy. Lessons are provided for using free, online software to design ships and submarines while addressing several Common Core Math standards and NGSS standards for engineering design.
Learning Outcomes include:
- Learn how computer-aided design (CAD) can be used to integrate science and math education.
- Learn activities using computers and Tinkercad to address the following standards: NGSS 3-5-ETS 1-1 and 3-5-ETS 1-2, and CCSS Math.Content: 4.OA.A.1, 4.OA.A.2, 4.OA.A.3, 4.MD.A.1, 4.MD.A.2, 4.MD.A.3, 5.MD.A.1, 5.MD.C.3, 5.MD.C.4, 5.MD.C.5.
Not Just a Story: Genetics and Probability
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 6th-12th | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
*This Learning Experience requires the book “Wonder” by RJ Palacio; a pair of dice; and two coins*
In this Learning Experience, educators will focus on the application of Integrative STEM-based instruction through experiencing a set of activities framed in literacy using a fictional story. This story integrates well with mathematical concepts of probability and chance, along with science concepts dealing with heredity. While the fictional story of focus is geared toward 5th grade, these activities focus on middle and high school level concepts (6th-12th grades).
Learning outcomes include:
- Explore and analyze the use or applicability of integrative techniques used in a model activity
- Identify characteristics of integrative instruction
- Consider opportunities for integrative teaching in your current curricula
- Long-term goal: to apply at least one facet of integrative techniques to teaching and learning in the classroom
A Unified Science: What's Chem Got to Do with It? | Integrated STEM
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: 9th-12th | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
It is important for all students, no matter what their future education and career path, to engage in innovative and integrated STEM experiences. However, while chemistry is often referred to as “the central science”, most students experience it as one of their many subject-specific courses in their schedules. In this learning experience, educators will look at how inquiry-based activities can be used as a tool for integrating content across multiple disciplines. While the lessons in this learning experience are designed for a high school chemistry class, the activities can be adapted for other courses.
Learning outcomes include:
- Engaging in different inquiry-based chemistry activities that integrate physical and life science concepts
- Identifying the focus and analyzing the structure of integrated STEM activities
- Reflecting on how to engage students in real-world applications of scientific concepts such as solution concentration and gas laws
- Applying strategies for creating integrative science learning experiences
REGISTER: APRIL | MAY | JUNE
Grade band: PreK-2 | Format: 100% Asynchronous | Cost: $50.00 | CPDUs: 3 hours
Young students are naturally equipped with the curiosity and creativity to be successful scientists and mathematicians. In today’s early childhood classrooms, strong foundational skills in math and scientific inquiry promote success in integrated contexts for years to come. Through play-based, open-ended explorations, young students can engage in skills such as subitizing, sorting, drawing, pattern recognition, and innovation and inquiry with loose parts. In this workshop, participants will actively take part in several activities highlighting each of these skills, discuss how they promote mathematical and scientific thinking, and share resources to be used in the classroom.
Learning outcomes include:
- Review and discuss math and science foundations appropriate early childhood learners
- Explore play-based activities that support math and science foundations through subtilizing, sorting, drawing, patterns, and loose parts
- Discuss ways to incorporate play-based math and science activities to enhance established lessons
