Summer 2010 Science Courses for Teachers
3-4 DAY classes
Energy Production, Utilization and Distribution:
Now and in the Future
Dates:
June 1, 2010 - June 3, 2010
Where:
Centennial Engineering Building, UNM Main Campus
Instructor:
Dr. Charles Fledderman, School of Engineering, University of New Mexico
Class Description:
Perhaps no technologies are more important to our future than those used in the production, distribution, and use of energy. In this course, you will learn the science behind energy production and distribution in the US. This will include conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, oil, and nuclear, and will emphasize emerging energy technologies such as solar, wind, and geothermal. We will also discuss how conservation strategies might impact our energy future. Included will be discussion of economic and political issues related to energy production and use in the US.
Logistics:
All participants will receive a $150 stipend after successful completion of the class, as determined by the instructor. This class can be taken for 2 UNM graduate credits. If taken for credit, participants are responsible for paying tuition and then applying their stipend to partially offset costs. Participants who take the class for credit must enroll at UNM and then register for the class. Enrollment in this class is limited to 20 participants.
Using Rock Samples and Landscapes to Think Like a Scientist
Dates:
June 7, 2010 - June 9, 2010
Where:
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northrop Hall, UNM Main Campus
Instructor:
Dr. Jane Selverstone, Earth and Planetary Sciences, UNM
Class Description:
This course for K-8 teachers will focus on making basic observations of rocks and landforms, followed by development of multiple working hypotheses to explain - and argue about - the specific features we observe. We will spend the first morning in the classroom and then will spend the afternoon and all of day 2 up close and personal with rocks, outcrops, and landforms in the greater Albuquerque area. Collection of rock samples for classroom use will be part of the agenda. On day 3, we will be back in the classroom, working together to devise thought-provoking classroom assignments based on the samples we collected and the landscapes we observed. The course will involve some walking on uneven ground. A day pack for carrying rocks and plenty of water will be needed.
Logistics:
All participants will receive a $150 stipend after successful completion of the class, as determined by the instructor. This class can be taken for 2 UNM graduate credits. If taken for credit, participants are responsible for paying tuition and then applying their stipend to partially offset costs. Participants who take the class for credit must enroll at UNM and then register for the class. Enrollment in this class is limited to 20 participants.
The Valles Caldera: A Tuff Act to Follow
Dates:
June 11, 2010 - June 13, 2010
Where:
Young Ranch, Jemez Mountains
Instructor:
Dr. Aviva Sussman, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Class Description:
Approximately 1.5 million years ago, a couple of huge volcanic eruptions produced a large caldera (~25 km across) and deposited an enormous volume of tuff (~600 km^3 of Bandelier Tuff; for reference, Mt.St. Helens erupted 1km^3 of material) on it's flanks. This happened in what is now known as northern New Mexico. During this three-day course, we will study the physical properties of the Bandelier Tuff such as welding and strength and use several geological tools, including rock hammers, gps units, a Schmidt rebound hammer, and possibly a hyperspectral imaging system. You will learn basic mineral and rock identification skills, general geologic concepts regarding tectonics and volcanism, and how to lead a field trip in the Valles Caldera region.
Logistics:
All participants will receive a $150 stipend after successful completion of the class, as determined by the instructor. This class can be taken for 2 UNM graduate credits. If taken for credit, participants are responsible for paying tuition and then applying their stipend to partially offset costs. Participants who take the class for credit must enroll at UNM and then register for the class. Enrollment in this class is limited to 20 participants.
One Week Class
Natural History of the Southwest
Dates:
June 14, 2010 - June 18, 2010
Where:
University of New Mexico and field locations
Instructor:
Dr. Ursual Shepherd, UC - University Honors Program, UNM
Class Description:
Where in the US is the greatest amount of biodiversity found? Who lives here and why? In this week- long course, we will study the ecology and life forms of the southwestern landscape. We will spend one night and part of two days at UNM’s research station and will travel to a number of other local sites. We will spotlight during our evening at the Sevielleta, and will become acquainted with the special attributes of arid environments. You will also become familiar with local plants and animals as well as with weather patterns. You will keep a field journal throughout the class and we will talk about and work with the practice of science throughout the course. This hand-on class will prepare you to work with your students to appreciate our region while you introduce them to fundamental questions and theories of ecology. You will need to bring binoculars and we will provide field guides for your use. We will be out in the field several times throughout the class, so be prepared for some walking and driving to sites.
Logistics:
All participants will receive a $250 stipend after successful completion of the class, as determined by the instructor. This class can be taken for 2 UNM graduate credits. If taken for credit, participants are responsible for paying tuition and then applying their stipend to partially offset costs. Participants who take the class for credit must enroll at UNM and then register for the class. Enrollment in this class is limited to 20 participants.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES
