AIMS and GLOBE Workshops scheduled for Fall 2009

CMSE has scheduled offerings of its popular AIMS and GLOBE workshops for early fall 2009.

AIMS (Activities Integrating Mathematics and Science) is a nationally-acclaimed program designed to enrich the education of students in kindergarten through grade nine using a hands-on approach integrating mathematics and science.  Our workshops will address the problem solving goal in the new elementary mathematics Standard Course of Study. Separate workshops will be offered for grades K-1 (September 17), 2-3 (September 24) and 4-5 (October 1).

GLOBE is a hands-on environmental science and education program that joins students, educators, and scientists from around the world in studying the global environment. The program allows students to conduct science investigations much like scientists do—gather and analyze real life data and share that data with others.  Our workshop on October 10 will focus on two GLOBE protocols: hydrology and soils.

More information and registration forms are available for both AIMS and GLOBE.

Person County partnership project extended a second time

The State Board of Education has granted $83,640 to Person County Schools to extend Making Geometric Thinking Happen, the county's mathematics and science partnership with CMSE. The new funds will extend the program through August 2010.

In the project, CMSE staff and instructors are providing job-embedded professional development for Person County's middle and high school mathematics and mathematics lead teachers in grades 3-12. From UNC, Ann Crawford, clinical professor of mathematics education, is providing leadership for the project, along with center director Russ Rowlett, associate director Pat Shane, and clinical instructor Cindy Kahler. At Person County, the project is led by assistant superintendents Sandra Davis and Maggie Whitt.

SITE Geometry scheduled for June 2009

CMSE's popular SITE institute for high school geometry teachers is set for a third offering in June 2009. The institute is presented by two of the Triangle's top geometry teachers, Jan Crane of Durham's Riverside High and Beth Neill of East Chapel Hill High School.

Scheduled for June 22-26, 2009, the workshop covers content and pedagogical strategies for the Geometry course as it is described by the NC Standard Course of Study. Participating teachers will leave the workshop with a thick notebook of tested activities and strategies. In addition, each participant will receive a copy of Geometer's Sketchpad, the leading instructional software for geometry.

SITE Geometry is one of the Statewide Insitutes in Teaching Excellence developed by the NC Mathematics and Science Education Network.

Plan now to attend this valuable institute! Information and application forms are online now.

Online Discrete Mathematics course for Summer 2009

Center Director Russ Rowlett has developed a new online course in Discrete Mathematics intended for teachers seeking licensure in middle grades or secondary mathematics. The new course is one of many being developed by UNC General Administration as part of a major effort, led by President Erskine Bowles and supported by the legislature, to expand UNC's online offerings.

Discrete Mathematics is required for mathematics majors at UNC and at most other universities. For prospective high school and middle school mathematics teachers, the course satisfies the required competency in discrete mathematics.

The course was offered during fall and spring 2008-09, and another offering is scheduled for summer 2009. Registration for the course is open now through the Carolina Courses Online program.

NCBC hosts Symposium for Life Sciences Education on May 26

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park is hosting a special Symposium on Life Sciences Education on Tuesday, May 26. The Symposium will focus on educational technology and resources for Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Functional Genomics, and related fields. A series of invited talks will focus on modern technologies and resources in Life Science education, and a poster session will present current projects involving Teaching and Eduction in the Life Sciences. Full information and registration materials are available here.