Scientist in the Classroom Partnership Workshops

The Scientist in the Classroom Partnership conducts a two-week summer workshop for Science Teaching Fellows (STF) and partner teachers. Held at the Science Support Center in early June, the workshop provides an opportunity for fellows and teachers to establish a working relationship, plan lessons and activities, and hone classroom management and teaching skills.  The summer workshop prepares teachers and fellows to work towards a successful and rewarding school year.

Specifically, STFs and partner teachers:

• participate in team-building activities to develop partnering relationships;
• work to clearly define the roles and expectations of each member of the team;
• participate in activities to clarify the nature of hands-on and inquiry-based instruction;
• develop  and plan lessons, activities, and demonstrations that correlate with the curriculum;
• demonstrate lessons to fellow teachers and STFs in preparation for instruction in science classrooms in the fall;
• form partnerships by meeting with the principals of their schools and the directors of their laboratories; and
• collaborate with local resources to increase scientific knowledge and develop a sense of scientific community.

Additionally, two professional days are held during the school year, one in fall and the other in spring, to allow fellows and teachers time to evaluate the work completed and to continue to plan for up-coming lessons and activities. Fellows and teachers share successful lessons and effective instructional strategies. A guest speaker from one of the participating universities is invited to share current developments in scientific research.