Professional Development in Science and Mathematics

CONNECT-ED Professional Development in Science and Mathematics

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL INVOLVED IN SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Third Annual CONNECT-ED Conference “Big Ideas in Science and Mathematics”

Keynote Speaker: Gordon Sherman, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Newgrange School and Education Center Teaching Tomorrow¹s Scientists Today: Teach the Brain First Tomorrow¹s scientists should have more than methods, skills, and factual knowledge. They will need agile, open, and curious minds adept at harnessing the power of coming technologies.

Friday, October 26, 2007 (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ Registration Deadline: Friday, October 12, 2007

Who Should Attend? All with a stake in K-16 science & math teaching and learning:

K-12 Teachers of Science and Mathematics Superintendents of Schools Private School Heads/Executive Directors Board of Education Members Curriculum and Instruction Administrators Professional Development Directors Teacher Preparation/School of Education leaders Science and Math Supervisors Higher Education Faculty: science, math, education State, County, and Local Education Leaders Science and Technology related Industry Leaders

Rider University is the lead institution in the Consortium for New Explorations in Coherent Teacher Education (CONNECT-ED). CONNECT-ED is dedicated to providing high quality, sustained, coherent professional development for K-16 teachers of science and mathematics.

CONNECT-ED Consortium Members consist of: Public School Districts/Independent Schools; High Education Institutions; Corporate Partner; Community Partners

CONNECT-ED has been supported by grants from: 3M, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Martinson Family Foundation, NJ Department of Education “P12/Higher Education-Public School Partnership,” and The Wachovia Foundation “Teachers and Teaching Initiative.” CONNECT-ED Professional Development in Science and Mathematics

“The next generation of standards and curricula at both the national and state levels should be structured to identify a few core ideas in a discipline and elaborate on how those ideas can be grown in a cumulative manner over grades K-8.”

Taking Science to School: Learning and Teaching Science in K-8. National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies, 2006.

"This essential link between a factual knowledge base and a conceptual framework can help illuminate a persistent debate in education: whether we need to emphasize 'big ideas' more and facts less, or are producing graduates with a factual knowledge base that The CONNECT- is unacceptably thin....Studies of experts and ED Consortium novices...demonstrate that experts know considerably has developed more detail than novices...and have better memory for a unique model these details. But the reason they remember more is for professional that what novices see as separate pieces of information, experts see as organized sets of ideas....Thus, the issue development. is not whether to emphasize facts or 'big ideas;' both The central are needed...Teaching for understanding, then, requires element of the model is the that the core concepts...that organize the knowledge of CONNECT-ED “Big Idea experts also organize instruction." Module” (BIM), which traces a single Big Idea in science or How Students Learn: History, Mathematics, and Science in the Classroom. Donovan and Bransford, ed. National Research math across the elementary, Council (NRC) of the National Academies, 2005. middle and high school levels. At the same time, participants engage in inquiry-based classroom activities that explore the big idea at all three grade levels in developmentally appropriate ways.

CONNECT-ED: It’s all about connections!

Come to the 2007 CONNECT-ED Conference! Participate in a BIM and  experience the power of organizing learning around a Big Idea  make conceptual connections across grade levels  apply “Big Ideas thinking” to your instruction and curriculum planning

Get Connected! Choose One FULL DAY BIM in one of these disciplines: Physics/Astronomy Earth Science Mathematics

See the attached conference schedule and registration form to select and schedule your day’s program. *Important Note: Recent changes in NJ State Law may require as much as 60 days for board approval of professional development requests. Submit your request to your district as soon as possible to ensure you receive approval and a purchase order in time to register.

PHYSICS/ASTRONOMY: K-12

BIM A: From the Big Bang to Our Solar System Description: In this full-day track you will experience a Big Idea Module that focuses on the Solar System. Participants will experience elementary, middle and high school inquiry-based lessons addressing elementary, middle and high school concepts that build towards a deep understanding of our Solar System. Participants will experience grade-level appropriate lessons that explore the movement of the Earth and other satellites of the Sun, and consider the formation of our solar system. The BIM was designed and will be presented by the South Brunswick Public School District CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Alison Cooper, High School Science, South Brunswick High School; Mark Celio, Grade 6 teacher, Crossroads North Middle School; Tara Shortreed, Grade 3 teacher, Greenbrook Elementary; Beverly Dezan, Elementary Science Specialist; Nick Bond, Princeton University.

Recommended for: All audiences. Registration is limited to 24 participants on a first-come, first- served basis.

BIM B : Orbital Motion and Gravity

Description: In this full-day track you will experience a Big Idea Module that focuses on the Gravity and Orbital motion of planets and satellites. Participants will experience inquiry based activities that challenge the learner to make observations of moving objects and address how speed, direction, and distance may affect motion. The presenters will demonstrate how elementary, middle and high school concepts build to help students understand these two complex concepts. This BIM was designed and will be presented by the Hillsborough Public School District CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Chari Zeiss, grade 3 teacher, Hillsborough Elementary School; Debbie Gross, grade 7 teacher, Hillsborough Middle School; Stephen Grabowski, high school teacher, Hillsborough High School; Kim Feltre, Supervisor of Science; Dr. Wil van der veen, Program Director, Raritan Valley Community College.

EARTH SCIENCE: K-12

BIM C: Human Impacts on Living Systems

Description: In this full-day track you will experience a Big Idea Module that focuses on the environmental impact of human activity. Participants will experience elementary, middle and high school activities that demonstrate how human activity can impact the equilibrium of ecosystems. Participants will be challenged to think critically about the delicate balance of an ecosystem and how small changes can affect both the physical and biological components of the environment. The BIM was designed and is presented by The Newgrange School CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Carol Paine, elementary teacher, The Newgrange School; Michelle Mentor, elementary teacher, The Newgrange School; Geri Silver, high school teacher, The Newgrange School; Diane Smith- Giardinella, elementary teacher, The Newgrange School, Lorraine Marinelli, Administrator, The Newgrange School; Reed Schwimmer, Department of Geological, Environmental, and Marine Science, Rider University;

Recommended for: All audiences. Registration is limited to 24 participants on a first-come, first- served basis. BIM D: It’s Not Easy Being Green

Description: In this full-day track you will experience a Big Idea Module that focuses on Technology and the Environment. Participants will experience inquiry based activities that challenge elementary, middle and high school students to develop and experiment with innovative ways to conserve energy. Participants will analyze factors that influence their personal decisions with regard to energy use. The BIM was designed and will be presented by the Hamilton Township Public School District CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Shazia Ansari, elementary teacher, Yardville Elementary School; Jacqueline Garatva, middle school teacher, Crockett Middle School; Jennifer Magdelinskas, high school teacher, Hamilton High School North; Hope Benson, Science Supervisor, Hamilton Public Schools; Pierre LaCombe, scientist, US Geological Survey.

MATHEMATICS : K-12

BIM E: 5 Out of 4 People Have a Problem With Fractions.

Description: In this full-day track, participants will explore how students build an understanding of ratios and probability through elementary, middle and high school. BIM lessons incorporate the use of graphic representations to illustrate fractions, probability and how they connect to data analysis using graphing calculator simulations. Participants will also explore the challenges and misconceptions that elementary, middle, and high school students face when learning fractions, ratios and probability. The BIM was designed and will be presented by the South Brunswick Public School District CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Lori King, elementary teacher, Constable School; Carol Clark, high school teacher, South Brunswick High School; Jan Bozowski, BSI teacher, South Brunswick elementary schools; Dr. Sylvia Bulgar, Department of Teacher Education, Rider University.

BIM F: Making Sense of Data

Description: In this full-day track you will experience a Big Idea Module that focuses on Data Analysis. Participants will experience elementary, middle and high school lessons, which combined, help build an understanding of graphical representations, data sampling strategies, and mathematical simulations. Participants will discuss these methods and examine how gathering data in this fashion is useful and helps to construct informed inferences. The BIM was designed and will be presented by the Hillsborough Public School District CONNECT-ED Design Team.

Presenters: Linda Glincman, elementary teacher, Triangle Elementary School; Dena Kleinman, middle school teacher, Hillsborough Middle School; Julia Hasser, high school teacher, Hillsborough High School; Joanne Krause, Math Supervisor, Hillsborough Public Schools.

Recommended for: All audiences. Registration is limited to 24 participants on a first-come, first- served basis. Travel to Rider University

 Travel information and a Rider University campus map can be found at: http://www.rider.edu (click on “Get Directions” at the very top of the page).  Follow the signs to conference parking. Van service will be available for those requiring assistance upon arrival and/or departure.

For more information, please contact: Rider University Teaching & Learning Center 2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: 609-896-5333 Fax: 609-896-5334 e-mail: [email protected] CONNECT-ED Professional Development in Science and Mathematics Conference Schedule 8:00a.m. – 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m. 12:30p.m. – 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. 8:30a.m. 1:45p.m. Registration BIM A: From the Big Bang to Our Solar BIM A (continued) Location: System Keynote Bart and Lunch: Luedeke BIM B: Orbital Motion and Gravity Gordon BIM B (continued) Student Sherman Center BIM C: Human Impacts on Living Systems BIM C (continued) (BLC), Presentation Cavalla BIM D: It’s Not Easy Being Green of The Isaac BIM D (continued) Room Foyer Newton BIM E: 5 Out of 4 People Have a Problem Award BIM E (continued) Continental With Fractions Breakfast Location: Location: BIM F: Making Sense of Data Cavalla BIM F (continued) Your Room assigned *Professional Development certificates will be room distributed by your assigned session leaders at the end of the day. CONNECT-ED

Professional Development in Science and Mathematics

Third Annual CONNECT-ED Conference Registration Form **DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: Friday, October 12, 2007**

REGISTRANT INFORMATION

Name:______Position/Title:______

School District, University, or other institutional affiliation:______

K-12 School in which you work: ______Grade(s) you work with:______

Institution Mailing Address:______

Town ______State ______Zip ______

Work Phone: (_____) ______Fax: (_____) ______preferred email:______

Indicate: □ Elementary School Teacher □ Middle School Teacher □ High School Teacher □ Higher Ed Faculty □ Higher Ed Administration □ Other______I work primarily in: □ Science □ Mathematics □ Both □ Other: ______

PROGRAM SELECTION Important Directions and Notes: Each BIM is a FULL day program. Please see the conference grid for the time. Locations will be indicated when you register.

Please place the #1 by your first choice below. Please place the #2 by your second choice and #3 by your third choice. Every effort will be made to accommodate your first choice.

CHOOSE ONE First choice= #1 Second choice= #2 Third choice= #3

BIM A: From the Big Bang to Our Solar System______

BIM B: Orbital Motion and Gravity______

BIM C: Human Impacts on Living Systems______

BIM D: It’s Not Easy Being Green______

BIM E: 5 Out of 4 People Have a Problem with Fractions ______

BIM F: Making Sense of Data ______**PLEASE SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SUBMISSION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION.** CONNECT-ED Professional Development in Science and Mathematics

REGISTRATION FEE

The CONNECT-ED Conference welcomes both CONNECT-ED Consortium members and non-members.

Cost:  CONNECT-ED Consortium Members (see list below): No Fee (Grants to CONNECT-ED support members’ registration)  Non-members: $50.00 per person. A Purchase Order number OR check must accompany your registration.

My Purchase Order No. is: ______for # ___ registrations. District/institution issuing purchase order:______(Please submit payment as soon as possible as indicated below.)

A check in the amount of $______is enclosed for # ______registrations.

Make checks payable to: Rider University/CONNECT-ED

SUBMITTING YOUR REGISTRATION There are TWO pages to this registration form. Be sure to submit BOTH pages.

REGISTRATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED BY U.S. MAIL, FAX, OR e-MAIL. MAIL TO: Rider University Teaching & Learning Center/C-E Conference 2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

FAX TO: (609) 896-5334, OR e-MAIL TO: [email protected]

**DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: Friday, October 12, 2007**

CONNECT-ED Consortium Members: Public School Districts: City of Burlington Public Schools, East Windsor Regional School District, Ewing Township School District, Hamilton Township Public Schools, Hillsborough Township Public Schools, Hopewell Valley Regional School District, Lawrence Township Public Schools, Montgomery Township School District, Princeton Regional Schools, South Brunswick Township Public Schools, Trenton Public Schools, Warren Township Schools, Washington Township Board of Education, and West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Schools Independent Schools: Newgrange School, The Pennington School High Education Partners: Rider University, Princeton University, Raritan Valley Community College Corporate Partner: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Community Partners: Science To Go