Teacher Workshops and Professional Development
The Teacher Professional Development Workshops at the Challenger Learning
Center are designed to increase content knowledge and pedagogy in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics) subject areas. The professional development opportunities offered at the Challenger Learning
Center facilitate the continuing education in areas such as pedagogy, content specific topics, technology
integration, and many other subjects desired by teachers. For more information or to register for a
workshop, please contact Susan Borland at 850.645.7788 or email Susan here.
Pre-Mission Teacher Workshops
Before students enter the Challenger Learning Center we prepare educators with
multi-disciplinary pre- and post-activity curriculum to utilize in the classroom. These materials are
designed to increase content knowledge, assist teachers in the use of simulation and inquiry based
learning in the classroom, and incorporate standards based aerospace education in order to increase
enthusiasm for math, science, engineering and technology. They have all been designed to support the
goals and objectives of the National Science Education Standards, Project 2061 Benchmarks for Science
Literacy and Florida Sunshine State Standards as well as aid in the preparation of students for the
FCAT in Science and Mathematics. For each class that is conducting a space mission simulation you are
entitled to send a teacher to the Pre-Mission workshop. However, at least one teacher from each school
MUST attend the teacher workshop for this academic year. New information on the IMAX® show, planetarium
show and current events such as Stardust’s Rendezvous with Comet Wild II will be included. Attendance
must be at least 6 weeks prior to flying your mission.
Dates:
Comet Workshops:
Thrusday, September 18, 2008: 9AM - 4PM
Mars Workshops:
Friday, September 12, 2008: 9AM - 4PM
Moon Workshops:
Thursday, September 11, 2008: 9AM - 4PM
Nanonaut (formerly "Micronaut") Workshops:
Friday, September 19, 2008: 9AM - 4PM
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Cosmic EdVentures
The Cosmic EdVentures curriculum includes students becoming space savvy as they complete three levels of training coursework: Solar System Basics, Planetary Features, and Planetary Excursions. The lessons contain hands on activities about the Solar System, the features of planets and moons, and Solar System travel. The coursework provides not only content knowledge but is designed to be an effective tool for modeling effective pedagogy in the classroom through inquiry and hands-on activities.
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Using Robots to Connect the Curriculum Dots
These workshops are designed for teachers that have an interest in using robots
and hydraulic equipment in their classrooms with a standards-based curriculum. The curriculum includes
science, math, language arts and history. Additionally, the curriculum includes written lessons to use
with the equipment as well as lessons for students that are not using equipment so that the entire class
can be engaged in the curriculum at the same time. A team of teachers from the same school will be given
preference due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the curriculum. Teachers must attend both workshops.
Following the first workshop, teachers will be able to check out a robot and hydra lift to take home to
work with and develop additional lesson plans if desired. The second workshop is an opportunity for
participants to ask questions about the curriculum, collaborate with other teachers to share ideas
and develop work plans. During the 2008-09 school year, each participating school will have 6 robots
and computers, 6 hydra lifts and a Tempest game to use in their classroom for a month.
ARIES
ARIES (Astronomy Resources for Inter-curricular Elementary Science) brings the excitement of hands-on discovery to elementary and middle school students, using astronomy as the central focus to do physical science. Students use innovative, simple, and affordable materials to carry out a wide range of indoor and outdoor discovery-based activities. Each of the eight self-contained modules encourages students to learn and master a limited number of powerful scientific concepts. Dynamic one-day workshops on how to use the ARIES curriculum and materials are available to teachers, principals, and other educators. Workshops are provided through the SEDNet program. Visit the SEDNet Web site to find the location of a workshop near you. Grade levels: 3-8
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