2010 Programs

PLANETS is the first full-dome video portable planetarium in North Carolina, delivering engaging standards-based science education throughout North Carolina to students in grades K-6, along with professional development opportunities and resources to their teachers.  Teachers participating in PLANETS workshops will be provided with a resource kit that will enable them to conduct Astronomy-related activities in their classrooms.  This workshop is funded in part by the North Carolina Space Grant.  Click for informational flyer and registration form.

Date:  March 6, 2010
Location: WCU Campus
Credit: 1.0 CEU
Registration Fee: $25
Registration Deadline: February 15, 2010   REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Lunch will be provided

Mountain Biodiversity

This course will be conducted at the Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, NC. by Dr. Karen Kandl, adjunct professor in the Biology Department at WCU.  A five-day study of the biogeography and biodiversity of the southern Appalachian Mountains for teachers K-12.  The course focuses on the theory and practice of conservation biology as it relates to this unique regional environment.  Accommodations are available at the station for those who wish to be in residence fur the week rather than commute.  Click for flyer  and information, and registration form.

Date: June 21 - 25, 2010
Location: Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, NC
Credit:  3.0 CEUs
            2 Graduate Credits (optional
Costs:   Registration Fee: $30
            2 Hour Graduate Credits $85 (optional)
            Residence Fee $100  (optional)

Archaeological Fieldwork Experience for Educators

This weeklong institute explores the science of archaeology through a combination of classroom activities and archaeological fieldwork.  You'll learn and apply fundamental concepts of archaeology as you excavate a sixteenth-century Spanish fort at the Berry site in western North Carolina.  Your exploration will be guided by inquiry-based activities that you can adapt for use in your own classroom.  Click for flyer and registration form.

Date:       Session 1:  June 21 - 25, 2010
               Session 2:  July 19 - 23, 2010
Location: Morganton, NC
Credit:     4.0 CEUs
Cost:       Registration Fee $125

Content Area Reading in Science and Mathematics (CARSAM)

This 5-day institute will focus on strategies that enable students in grades 3-12 to cope more effectively with reading and writing in these important content ares.  All lessons will be applied directly to various kinds of texts used in participants' classrooms.    (If you are interested in earning Graduate Credits in a WCU course please contact Dr. Patricia Bricker, 828-227-3352, or bricker@email.wcu.edu.  This will include the institute and an online component that extends through July 2)  Additional costs are involved if taken for graduate credit.  Click on flyer and registration form, and Graduate Course information.

Date:       June 21 - 25, 2010
Location: UNC-Asheville
Credit:     3.0 CEUs
Cost:       Registration Fee $100 (includes 5 days of instruction, books, and materials)

For more information on these programs, contact the Center for Math/Science Education.