Twenty middle school math and science teachers from Northeast Arkansas participated in an exploration of Physical Science concepts during the Science and Technology Engaging Middle School Students (STEMSS) initiative held at Crowley’s Ridge Education Service Cooperative. The purpose of the summer training was to infuse technology and hands-on inquiry based instruction within the study of Physical Science. Along with instructional strategies, the STEMSS cadre of teachers gained the tools to implement specialized labs in their classrooms. The lab activities will give students the opportunity to solve real world problems and to use new tools in examining scientific principles.
Along with the professional development, the teachers received software and Vernier probes to use in their classrooms. The workshop encompassed Arkansas education standards in physical science including Matter: Properties and Change, Acids and Bases, Newton’s Laws, and Transfer of Energy. The participants obtained the expertise and equipment to implement eight different Physical Science labs in their classrooms. They will also be hired by the cooperative to provide training for additional teachers during 2010 summer professional development.
Technology skill-building was also an area of focus for the workshop. The teachers received flip cameras and digital still cameras to use in documenting their units of study. The technology component includes a collaborative website where information and ideas for the labs can be shared throughout the school year. The workshop was funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation through the STEM Professional Development program at the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.