Science
Workshops
- 20 participants per course
- Date: May 14, 2010
- Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Immaculata University
- Coordinator: Valerie Martin, Chair, Mathematics Department,
610-647-4400 ext. 3251, vmartin@immaculata.edu
Introduction to Cladistics
In this course you will explore the fundamentals of cladistical analysis, a tool used to construct cladograms (trees showing patterns of relatedness among different groups of organisms). You will receive instruction in cladistical theory and procedures. Then, in consultation with your instructor, use the theory and procedures to construct cladograms among groups of organisms of your own choosing.
- Instructor: Frank Martin, Ph.D.
- Target Audience: Middle and High School Science Teachers
Nanotechnology: A Look into the Nano World
Through selected straightforward demonstrative experiments that are complementary to those that you now use in the classroom, we illustrate representative aspects of nanotechnology. These experiments, on the macro (commonly observed) scale, will demonstrate the new properties, both physical and chemical, that occur on the nano (10-9m) scale. Using a high speed computer link, we will demonstrate remote experimentation; the use of several analytical instruments at the University of Pennsylvania that you will be able to access in you classroom to observe, analyze and measure nano-size structures. We also discuss current and future nanotechnology applications and products in medicine, computers, and materials, as well as issues of risk, and risk perception vs. reality.
- Instructor: James K. Murray, Jr. , Ph.D.
- Target Audience: Middle and High School Science Teachers
Using Case Studies in Science Courses
Instructors typically strive to generate student interest in science topics and to demonstrate how science actually “works.” One way to accomplish this is to present research or current popular science topics in the form of case studies. Participants will be introduced to the concept of case studies as a vehicle for delivering course content. Examples of case studies will be presented and discussed. After viewing a variety of examples, participants will work to create a case study of their own that they can use in their classroom. These studies will be shared with the entire group with the goal of each participant being able to take home a number of “classroom ready” case studies. Teams of teachers encouraged but not required.
- Instructor: Carl R. Pratt, Ph.D.
- Target Audience: High School Science Teachers