The Gottesman Center for Science Teaching and Learning invites you to continue learning, stay engaged, and stay safe this school year by applying for our upcoming teacher professional learning opportunities. Please note that all offerings are online and are conducted over Zoom. A device and connection that allows you to participate fully is required.
All offerings are application-based but free and offer CTLE credit upon completion.
Facilitating Student Talk at Home
December 5; 9 am–Noon
Grades 3–8 Teachers
Are you interested in learning specific strategies to ensure all students can engage in productive science talk while learning from home? Do you want to know how to facilitate their conversations remotely?
Talk is a fundamental component of how students construct understanding in science. During this practical session teachers will participate in immersive learning experiences, gain exposure to new technology, engage in video analysis, and converse with their peers to consider innovative ways of supporting student talk online. Teachers will have an opportunity to plan for goal-oriented talk both for their classroom, as well as in a remote learning setting.
Please note: This session includes collaborative learning activities in small groups. We ask that attendees come prepared to participate actively in these activities to the best of their ability.
Facilitator: Colleen Owen Apply now
Investigate Weather Phenomena Using Real Weather Data from the Graphing Tool “Patterns: Investigating Weather and Climate”
December 5; 1–4 pm
Grades 6–12 Teachers
Participants will develop a model of atmospheric circulation to support their understanding of a specific weather phenomenon. Participants will become familiar with the free online graphing tool “Patterns: Investigating Weather and Climate” and will design an investigation, obtain and analyze data, and ultimately explain the weather phenomenon. This session supports all three dimensions of Next Generation Science Standards aligned instruction, in addition to using phenomena to promote student engagement.
Please note: This session includes collaborative learning activities in small groups. We ask that attendees come prepared to participate actively in these activities to the best of their ability.
Facilitator: Hudson Roditi Apply now
Looking, Sketching and Talking: Using Museum Dioramas in Teaching
December 7 and 9; 4–5:30 pm
Grades K–12 Teachers
This two-part class is geared towards teachers who are interested in strengthening their use of Museum dioramas in teaching. Participants will strengthen their background knowledge of the history of the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals, facilitate student engagement in sketching and conversation, and use a critical lens to broaden perspectives on Museum dioramas. This session will use the Museum’s digital resources to access the Hall virtually for remote learning. Participation in both workshops is required.
Please note: This session includes collaborative learning activities in small groups. We ask that attendees come prepared to participate actively in these activities to the best of their ability.
Facilitator: Cristina Trowbridge Apply now
Science Practices in Darwin’s Garden
December 8 and 15; 4 –6 pm
Grades 6–12 Teachers
Participants will explore science practices and the nature of science as described in appendices F and H of the Next Generation Science Standards, through investigations conducted by Charles Darwin. We will utilize primary source documents from the Museum’s Darwin Manuscripts Project and others, and live plant observations. We will explore areas including insectivory in plants. Our focus science concepts will be Adaptation and Natural Selection. Participation in both sessions is required.
Please note: These sessions includes collaborative learning activities in small groups. We ask that attendees come prepared to participate actively in these activities to the best of their ability.
Facilitator: Jay Holmes Apply now
Using the Museum’s online resources in your virtual K–5 classroom: Dinosaurs
December 10; 4–6 pm
Grades K–5 Teachers
In this session, participants will explore the Museum’s online educational resources on dinosaurs, and how they can be applied in virtual classroom settings. An optional one-hour extension will allow participants to explore the resources in small groups and receive targeted suggestions for their needs.
Please note: This session includes collaborative learning activities in small groups. We ask that attendees come prepared to participate actively in these activities to the best of their ability.
Facilitator: Rebecca Taylor Apply now
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