Communication Center  Conference  Projects Share  Reports from the Field Resources  Library  LSC Project Websites  NSF Program Notes
 How to Use this site    Contact us  LSC-Net: Local Systemic Change Network
Newsclippings and Press Releases

LSC Reference Materials

LSC Case Study Reports

Annual Report Overviews

Summer Workshop Plans

Summer Workshop Plans

  New!     

Summer Workshop Agenda

submitter: TEAM 2000
published: 09/10/1998
posted to site: 09/03/1998
TEAM 2000 offered workshops to both teachers new to inquiry-based science instruction (Structured Level Workshops) and to those teachers who had received at least 15 hours of professional development by the TEAM 2000 project (Insightful Level Workshops). The following "pyramid" of Professional Development activities shows how Insightful Level workshops build upon the foundation that teachers receive in the Structured Level Workshops. The agendas that follow on this page are for the Structured Level Workshops. To see the Insightful Level Workshops, go on to page two

Structured Level
Professional Development Workshop

Inquiry and Journaling - The First Step

The focus of this workshop is to lay the foundation of the TEAM 2000 program. Participants will be engaged in a variety of activities that focus on inquiry and are directly related to the New York State Elementary Science Syllabus and Learning Standards: Mathematics, Science and Technology.

Since the use of student journals are strongly encouraged, workshop participants will engage in writing in their own journals. Sample entries of student science journals will be on display during the workshop.

Teachers and administrators are encouraged to attend this 3 hour workshop before participating in future TEAM 2000 workshops.

The workshop will take place at the C. R. Drew Science Magnet School in Room 302.

Inquiry and Journaling Workshop dates and times:
Wednesday, April 22 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Monday, April 27 4;00 - 7;00 PM
Wednesday, April 29 4 00 - 7:00 PM
Monday, May 4 3:30 - 8:30 PM
Monday, May 11 4:00 - 7:00 PM


TEAM 2000 Hands-on, Inquiry-Based Science Kits

PHYSICAL SCIENCE LIFE SCIENCE EARTH SCIENCE
PRE-K     Water Exploration - this kit is designed to build on student experiences by extending their exploration of water.
KINDER-
GARTEN
Balls and Ramps - this kit is designed to build upon student experiences by extending their exploration of balls and ramps and the things that affect the way they behave. Students will create their own balls, build their own ramps and roadways to explore the relationship between ball weight, size and movement, as well as relationships between ramp steepness and acceleration. Living Things - this kit is designed to give students the opportunity to explore, observe and discover the natural world around and near the school. Students will plant and care for a variety of seeds and bulbs. They will observe and create an appropriate home for plants and animals by constructing a terrarium to compare living organisms. Senses - this kit is designed to give students the opportunity to focus on and extend their five senses by closely observing, describing, comparing, contrasting, and classifying phenomena in the world around them. Students have an opportunity to describe, categorize and match familiar sounds, odors, and tastes.
GRADE 1 Solids and Liquids - this kit provides students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of liquids and solids. Students construct towers using natural objects made of wood, plastic, and metal, play games to reinforce vocabulary associated with liquids and test objects such as toothpaste to determine if they are a solid or a liquid. Organisms - this kit provides activities that help students develop an understanding of and sensitivity to living things. Students grow plants from seeds and create and maintain a woodland habitat containing pine seedlings, moss, pill bugs, and Bess beetles. They also set up and observe a freshwater habitat into which they introduce Elodes and Cabomba plants, pond snails and guppies. Students determine that each organism has specific needs. By placing both plants and animals in each habitat, students have the opportunity to observe how these organisms coexist. Sunshine and Shadows - this kit introduces students to the phenomena of shadows. Students will create, observe, record and experiment with the making and movement of shadows.
GRADE 2 Balancing and Weighing - this module provides opportunities for students to explore the relationship between balances, weight, density, and volume through observations and experimentation. Students create balances and mobiles, manipulate objects and use recorded data to problem-solve. Growing Things - students experience the growth and development of plants. They plant seeds and observe, record and measure their growth and changes. Outdoor activities give students the opportunity to observe, describe and record many other plants which are in the surrounding area. Students design and conduct simple experiments to explore factors that affect plant growth. Air and Weather - students record weather changes over a period of time. Weather instruments such as thermometers, anemometers and rain gauges are used to monitor weather. Properties of a gas mixture (air) are also explored by using devices such as parachutes, propellers, balloon rockets and gliders. Students further their studies by making and comparing systems that move in the wind: streamers, pinwheels, windsocks, kites and whirligigs.
GRADE 3 Lifting Heavy Things - in this module students investigate three simple machine levers, pulleys and inclined planes. In cooperative groups, children complete tabletop activities and discover ways to make work easier. Habitats - in this module, students examine their own basic needs and those of other living things. Students explore the school grounds or other nearby space to discover what living things are to be found. They construct microhabitats in order to more closely observe found organisms (mini-beasts). Water - in this module, students become familiar with properties of water. They observe what happens when water is heated, coded, and frozen. They investigate the phenomena of evaporation and condensation. They investigate mystery waters and test local water samples.
GRADE 4 Liquids - this unit gives students the opportunity to explore the unique characteristics of liquids. They will compare liquids and investigate how they interact with solids and with one another. Students will explore some of the factors that influence whether objects sink of float in water. Plant Growth and Development - in this module, students experience the complete life cycle of a plant. It features rapid growing Wisconsin fats Plants, which go from seed to seed in 40 days. Students make daily observations and record findings. They explore the interdependence of the flower and the bee by cross-pollinating their own plants using dried bees. Reading the Environment - students begin this unit by observing changes in their environment. They can move on to expand their concept of change over time. Weathering, erosion, rock, and fossil formation are incorporated into this module.
GRADE 5 Electric Circuits - students are introduced to the basic properties of electricity, circuits, conductors, insulators, switches, diodes and parts of a light bulb and flashlight. basic symbols represented in circuit diagrams are learned. The culminating activity is wiring a cardboard box house. Students are encouraged to define their questions and experiment, as well as use resource materials for additional information. Ecosystems - students will create an environment with living and non-living things. These environments called ecosystems demonstrate that many complex relationships exist in nature. Applications to real-life situations are approached by examination of real environmental problems, leading to a miniconference conducted by the students. Earth, Sun and Moon/Astronomy - this kit examines the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in relation to one another. It focuses on the natural movement of the Earth and Moon relative to the Sun and each other. It shows the connections between our concept of time and its correspondence to these movements. Students will gain a better understanding of the Earth in relationship to the universe. Additional activities involving the planets and constellations are also included.
GRADE 6 Magnets and Motors - this kit mirrors the historical development of our understanding and use of magnetism, electricity and electromagnetism. Students experiment with these phenomena in the same order scientists first discovered them. The unit culminates in building an electric motor. Experiments with Plants - students use Wisconsin Fast Plants to design their own controlled experiments throughout this unit, students practice scientific methodology including variables, controls and good experiment procedures. Knowledge of plant life and growth is reinforced. Structures - this technology based kit provides students with opportunities to explore ways of building a variety of structures. They will create ways to build strong structures. Problem-solving skills give students the opportunity to make decisions regarding the functionality, choice of materials and aesthetic aspects of their final project - the design and construction of a playground.

TEAM 2000
Structured Level Professional Development Opportunities
Summer, 1998

Workshop: Hands-On, Inquiry Based-Science Kits

These 15 hour workshops are the basis for the Kindergarten - Grade 6 science program and are designed to help teachers become familiar with the life, physical, and earth science kits at his or her grade level.
PreK workshop will focus on the development of the earth science kit water.

Who Should Participate?

Prerequisite: Grade K-6 teachers and special ed self-contained classroom teachers.
Pre-K teachers who are willing to assist in the development of the Water Explorations kit by attending follow-up meetings during the first semester.

Key Opportunities:

  • Learn the structure and purpose of the kit.
  • Examine the science content of the kit.
  • Study each kit learning experience and participate in the hands-on components of the kit.
  • Connect kit learning experiences with the state standards and the Buffalo curriculum.
  • Develop a collegial network for support.
  • Learn how to manage materials and activities when using the kits.
  • Develop earth science kit for Pre-K level.

Focus:

Participants will familiarize themselves with the science content, problem-solving, and process skills required when using the hands-on, inquiry-based science kits. They will also relate kit content to the state science standards and to the Buffalo curriculum for their grade level.

After completing the workshop you will be eligible to sign-up for a kit to be used during the school year.

Registration Requirements:

  • 15 hours of professional development.
  • Pre-K only - 15 hours professional development + 123 follow-up hours during the first semester.
  • Stipend provided.
  • Registration: 20 teachers (max.)
  • Attendance is required at all sessions.

Schedule of Workshops:

See Summer 1998 Schedule.
Workshops run five consecutive days: July 6 - 10 or July 13-17 or July 20-24 AM (8:30 - 11:30) or PM (12:30- - 3:30)


Workshop: Museum Connections

This 3 hour workshop is designed for teachers who are interested in learning how the resources of the Buffalo Museum of Science can be used for focused trips.

Who Should Participate?

Prerequisite: Grade Pre-K - 6 teachers.
Grade 7 and 8 science teachers.

Key Opportunities:

  • Explore, learn and enjoy the exhibits and collections of the Buffalo Museum of Science.
  • Learn how to enhance the museum experience.
  • Develop the museum approach to learning through field trips.

Focus:

Participants will be oriented to the Buffalo Museum of Science and develop strategies and techniques of museum learning.

Registration Requirements:

  • 3 professional development hours.
  • Stipend provided.
  • Registration: 20 teachers (max.)
Schedule of Workshops:

8:30 - 11:30 AM
Monday, July 13 or Wednesday, July 15 or Friday, July 17
12:30 - 3:30 PM
Monday, July 13 or Wednesday, July 15 or Friday, July 17


Seminar: Mentor Chats

This 2 hour grade level seminar offers the opportunity for teachers t engage in informal discussion of kit based science with the senior mentor for that level.

Who Should Participate?

Prerequisite: must have taken the structured kit usage workshop for a minimum of one kit.

Key Opportunities:

  • Discussion may include
    • Using kits effectively.
    • Starting off on the right foot.
    • Kit libraries, where do they fit?
    • What if I can't go outside.
    • What if I don't have a sink?
    • How can my senior mentor assist me?

Focus:

To help participants become more comfortable with using the kits,, and working with the senior mentor.

Registration Requirements

  • 2 professional development hours.
  • Stipend provided.
  • Registration: 20 teachers (max.) of each grade level.
Schedule of Seminars

1:30 - 3:30 PM
July 27 - Kindergarten, 3rd grade and 5th grade
July 28 - 1st grade, 4th grade and 6th grade.
July 29 - 2nd grade.


Professional Development
Team 2000
Structured Levels (Kits)
Summer 1998 Schedule

  Pre-KKindergartenGrade 1Grade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6
Week:

July 6-10

8:30
11:30
 Living ThingsSolids & LiquidsGrowing ThingsHabitatsPlant
Growth &
Development
EcosystemsExperiment with Plants
12:30
3:30
 Balls & Ramps  WaterLiquidsElectric CircuitsMagnets & Motors
Week:

July 13-17

8:30
11:30
Water Explora-
tions
Senses Air & WeatherWaterReading the EnvironmentAstronomyStructures
12:30
3:30
 Living ThingsOrganismsGrowing ThingsHabitatsPlant
Growth &
Development
Ecosystems 
Week:

July 20-24

8:30
11:30
  OrganismsBalancing & Weighing LiquidsElectric CircuitsMagnets & Motors
12:30
3:30
Water Explora-
tions
  Air & WeatherLifting Heavy ThingsReading the EnvironmentAstronomyStructures


Professional Development - Team 2000 - Structured Level
Spring and Summer 1998
Summary of Course Offerings

Workshop Offerings PD Hours Date Time
Inquiry and Journaling 3 W, April 22 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Inquiry and Journaling 3 M, April 27 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Inquiry and Journaling 3 W, April 29 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Inquiry and Journaling 3 M, May 4 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Inquiry and Journaling 3 M, May 11 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Museum Connections 3 M, July 13 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Museum Connections 3 M, July 13 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Museum Connections 3 W, July 15 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Museum Connections 3 W, July 15 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Museum Connections 3 F, July 17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Museum Connections 3 F, July 17 12:30 - 3:30 PM

You may register only for the grade level(s) that you teach:

Seminar Offerings PD Hours Date Time
Mentor Chats
Kinder, 3rd gr., 5th gr.
2 M, July 27 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Mentor Chats
1st gr., 4th gr., 6th gr.
2 T, July 28 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Mentor Chats 2nd gr. 2 W, July 29 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Hands-on, Inquiry-Based Science Kits PD Hours Date Time
Pre-K Kit
Water Explorations 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Water Explorations 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Living Things 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Living Things 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Balls and Ramps 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Balls and Ramps 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Senses 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Senses 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 1 Kits
Solids and Liquids 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Solids and Liquids 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Organisms 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Organisms 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 2 Kits
Growing Things 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Growing Things 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Balancing and Weighing 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Balancing and Weighing 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Air and Weather 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Air and Weather 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 3 Kits
Habitats 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Habitats 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Water 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Water 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Lifting Heavy Things 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Lifting Heavy Things 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 4 Kits
Plant Growth and Development 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Plant Growth and Development 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Liquids 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Liquids 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Reading the Environment 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Reading the Environment 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 5 Kits
Ecosystems 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Ecosystems 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Astronomy 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Astronomy 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Electric Circuits 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Electric Circuits 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Grade 6 Kits
Experiments with Plants 15 M - F, July 6-10 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Experiments with Plants 15 M - F, July 13-17 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Magnets and Motors 15 M - F, July 20-24 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Magnets and Motors 15 M - F, July 6-10 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Structures 15 M - F, July 13-17 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Structures 15 M - F, July 20-24 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Grade Level Kit Workshops are for teachers who have completed 45 hours of kit inservice.

Monday, July 27 (8:30 - 12:30) Tuesday, July 28 (8:30 - 12:30) Wednesday, July 29 (8:30 - 12:30)
Grade Kit Kit Kit
Kindergarten Senses Balls and Ramps Living Things
Grade 1 not available Solids and Liquids Organisms
Grade 2 Air and Weather Balancing and Weighing Growing Things
Grade 3 Water Lifting Heavy Things Habitats
Grade 4 Reading the Environment Liquids Plant Growth and Development
Grade 5 Astronomy Electric Circuits Ecosystems
Grade 6 Structures Magnets and Motors Experiments with Plants

 next page