Category: Teacher Education

Teaching About Global Change Summer 2016

Global Change
Global Change

Teaching About Global Change

June 20 – 24, 2016
Deadline: May 2, 201

ED5641 Global Change Teacher Institute (for Grades 4-12 Teachers)
Date: M-F, June 20-24, 2016
This 5-day Institute will prepare you to engage your middle and high school students in a real-world study of the effects of global change on ecosystems, including the impacts of climatic change on forests— elevated carbon dioxide and ozone levels, nitrogen saturation, acid rain, and invasive species. Teachers will participate in the MEECS Climate Change workshop and receive the NEW MEECS Climate Change Unit. Cost: $400 off campus includes five lunches, 2 MTU graduate credits and instructional materials. $700 on campus includes 5 nights lodging & meals from Monday morning through Friday lunch, 2 MTU graduate credits and instructional materials.
Link to register: 2016 Global Change Teacher Institute Application

Mi-STAR and the NEW Michigan Science Standards

Geoseminar: Jacqueline Huntoon, Provost
The next Geoseminar will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016, in 610 Dow. The discussion topic will be “Mi-STAR and the NEW Michigan Science Standards.”

Anyone who is interested in working with K-12 science educators needs to be familiar with some of the major changes taking place as a result of development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In Michigan, new Michigan Science Standards, which are based on the NGSS, were adopted in the fall of 2015. Currently, the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Science Teachers Association, teachers and teacher-educators are working together to prepare for implementation of a reformed curriculum and new instructional practices in our state.

In the past, science standards focused primarily on disciplinary content. In contrast, the new standards ask for teachers to help students become proficient in doing science, as opposed to simply learning about it. This change requires wholescale reform of curriculum and instructional practice. The Mi-STAR project, funded by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, is working with teachers from throughout the state of Michigan to enact the needed reforms. Preliminary research and evaluation results indicate that the new standards and teaching methods are engaging students in science who were previously uninterested in the subject.

This presentation will include a brief overview of the NGSS and the Mi-STAR project along with the opportunity for everyone to try to come up with an idea for a “three-dimensional” learning opportunity for middle-school students. Come prepared to work with a partner or group to begin to create something meaningful and fun.

From Tech Today, by Bill Rose, GMES.

Hands on: Students do science, not just learn facts

HOUGHTON – When Michigan Tech researchers proposed and won funding for the new MiSTAR science curriculum development project, they were facing some challenging new state standards, according to principal investigator Jackie Huntoon.

Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Dan Roblee. (Subscription required.)

L’Anse students pilot hands-on science lessons

L’ANSE, Mich. (AP) – Students in L’Anse are taking part in new hands-on science units being piloted this year in the state.

Read more at 9 and 10 News.

After School Science & Engineering class for Gr. 6-8

An  after school science and engineering class taught by Michigan Tech Innovation Fellows who are nationally-trained facilitators is available for students in grades 6-8.

“Discover Your Creative Confidence & Inner Maker” will be taught from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays from Jan 14 to Feb 18, in a mobile makerspace at the Great Lakes Research Center.

 This class will introduce students to:

  • design thinking
  • creativity
  • innovation

The course will prepare students for a variety of future paths, whether that involves capitalizing on a big idea or implementing entrepreneurship. Action-filled problem solving! Students put ideas into action using a variety of materials.  Tinker, dream, invent!

The cost: $75/student and you must register by Jan. 6. Pay by credit card by calling the cashiers office 7‐2247. (Space is not reserved until payment has been received.) Register online

Any questions? Email Joan Chadde or call 7‐3341.

Note: Houghton school bus will drop off students at the GLRC by 3:45 pm

From Tech Today, by Joan Chadde.

Chadde Presents on Transportation Education

MTWCJoan Chadde, director of the Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, presented “Engaging K-12 Students & Teachers in Learning About Transportation” at the Midwest Transportation Workforce Summit held last week at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Attending the conference with Chadde were Ronesha Strozier, an MS graduate in Environmental Policy (SS) and Rachel Chard, a 2nd year student majoring in Supply Chain & Operations (Business Management).

From Tech Today.

Egg Drop Learning Objective in MSTA Journal

MSTA Journal Fall 2015Joshua Ellis and Emily Dare published an article entitled “Rethinking the Egg Drop with NGSS Science and Engineering Practices” in the Fall 2015 issue of the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Journal. The STEM education article, which made the journal cover, addresses the application of meaningful math and science concepts to a traditional classroom activity. The Egg Drop is an opportunity for students to learn engineering principles by designing a mechanism to prevent breakage of a dropped egg.

The article authors are Joshua Ellis, Assistant Professor of STEM Education and Emily Dare, Assistant Professor of STEM Education, Michigan Technological University, Matthew Voigt, Graduate Student in Math and Science Ed, San Diego State University, Gillian Roehrig, Professor of STEM Education, University of Minnesota.

SHPE Chapter will conduct Family Engineering Event in Detroit

Family EngineeringThe Michigan Tech Student Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) will be spreading the word about engineering as a possible STEM career path. The Tech students will conduct a Family Engineering event Sunday at the Academy of the Americas in Detroit. A free supper for families will be provided from 3:45-4:30 p.m. Families will then attend three 35-minute activities. To learn more, visit the Family Engineering webpage or contact Joan Chadde by email or at 7-3341.

From Tech Today, by Joan Chadde.

Joan Chadde appointed to the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council

Joan Chadde
Joan Chadde

Joan Chadde has been appointed to the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council, an advisory group composed of representatives of municipalities, industry, non-profits and forestry professionals that provide assistance and advice to the state urban and community forestry program administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Because of her work in urban forest stewardship in Detroit, Chadde was asked to represent the K-12 education perspective. The Council works to advance the conservation and maintenance of urban forests throughout Michigan by ensuring trees and forests where people live, work and play are healthy, sustainable and diverse.

From Tech Today.

Faculty Attend TeachingWorks

Last Friday, October 16, 2015, three Michigan Tech faculty attended TeachingWorks, sponsored by the University of Michigan. Shari Stockero (CLS), Amy Lark (CLS) and Evelyn Johnson (HU) represented Michigan Tech’s Teacher Preparation program. These convenings will continue for three years and are aimed at developing 19 high leverage teaching techniques practiced across the curriculum. TeachingWorks aims to raise the quality of beginning teaching through partnering with teacher preparation programs.

From Tech Today.

Chadde Presents at Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education

Terry Sharik (SFRES) presented the keynote address titled, “Undergraduate Enrollment in U.S. Natural Resource Academic Programs: Trends, Drivers and Implications for the Future of the Profession,” at the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education annual conference Friday and Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie. Joan Chadde (Center for Science and Environmental Outreach) and a Houghton High School science teacher presented, “Designing a Sustainable Future.” Jean Dunstan, Deidre Erbisch and Michael Hainault, Stanton Township School teachers, presented, “All About Birds: How to Start A Bird Program for Kids.” Marcy Erickson (CSEO) and Nathan Miller, Keweenaw Land Trust, received registration stipends to attend their first MAEOE conference.

From Tech Today.

MAEOE Conference 2015

Designing a Sustainable Future
Presenter: Joan Chadde & Lauri Davis- Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Western UP Center for
Science, Math, & Environmental Education, and Michigan Technical University.
Audience: All Location: Lake Huron Room
The session will facilitate teachers’ ability to engage Gr. 4-12 students in learning about sustainability and how to integrate this topic into their science, math, technology, or engineering curriculum. Participants will explore building and site design, renewable energy sources, vehicle design (mechanical engineering), efficient transportation systems (civil engineering), product life cycles and sustainable forestry initiative, food systems, and more. Attendees will receive lessons and resources.

Joan Chadde- Michigan Tech University
Joan is the director of the Center for Science & Environmental Outreach at Michigan Tech University and has more than 30 years of experience in K-12 science and environmental education.

Three Inducted into Academy of Educators 2015

The Academy of Educators induction ceremony was held on Saturday, October 3, 2015. This year two alumni educators and one honorary member were recognized as those who brought distinction to themselves, Michigan Technological University and the Teacher Education program, through their participation, commitment, outstanding leadership, and/or public service in the field of education.

Awards were presented by Bruce Seely, Dean, College of Sciences and Arts, Susan Amato-Henderson, Chair, Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences, and Shari Stockero, Director of Teacher Education, Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences.

The 2015 inductees are:

Dennis P. Harbour
Master’s in School Administration, ‘77
Bachelor of Science, Business Education, ‘74
Superintendent of Schools (retired)
Copper Country Intermediate School District

Darrell R. Hendrickson
Bachelor of Science, Forestry, ‘77
Secondary Teacher Certification, ‘01
7th Grade Teacher
Washington Middle School
Public Schools of Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw

Charles G. Schepke
Master of Science, Applied Science Education, ‘05
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, ‘87
Secondary Teaching Certification, ‘94
5th – 8th Grade Teacher
Roscommon Middle/High School

Portraits and brief vitae of these distinguished academy members will be prominently displayed in the Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences to serve as inspirational role models for Michigan Tech students.

Academy of Educators - 2015 Inductees
Academy of Educators – 2015 Inductees