Summer 2011 Science Courses for Teachers
Short Courses (3 and 4 days long)
Using Rock Samples to Think Like a Scientist
Dates:
June 8-10, 2011
Where:
Science and Mathematics Learning Center, UNM Main Campus
Instructor:
Dr. Jane Selverstone, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
Class Description:
This course for K-8 teachers will focus on making basic observations on a wide variety of rock types, followed by development of multiple working hypotheses to explain - and argue about - the specific features we observe. We will spend the first day in the classroom and examining rocks around the UNM campus. All of day 2 will be spent 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 hiking on uneven ground (i.e., a walk to the top of one of the Albuquerque volcanoes). 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 1 UNM graduate credit. 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.
Paleoecology: Math, Fossil Mammals, and Body Mass
Dates:
June 13-15, 2011
Where:
Science and Mathematics Learning Center, UNM Main Campus
Instructor:
Dr. Felisa Smith, Department of Biology, UNM
Class Description:
Body mass is the most obvious and arguably fundamental trait of an organism. It is well established that many vital physiological, life history, and ecological traits scale in a regular way with body mass. Thus, the ability to estimate the mass of extinct animals opens a window into the structure and function of paleoecommunities. Using a variety of empirical and analytical methods, participants will learn how to estimate body mass of extinct species and how to translate those estimates using simple mathematical relationships into an understanding of the paleoecology of extinct animals. This course is designed for middle and high school teachers, but all teachers of all grade levels may apply.
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 1 UNM graduate credit. 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.
Astronomy Summer Camp for Teachers
Dates:
June 15-17, 2011
Where:
City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Boulevard
Instructor:
Judy Stanley, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Class Description:
Albuquerque has many resources for learning and teaching about the night sky. This course for elementary teachers will introduce teachers to astronomy through hands-on activities, field trips and guest speakers, and will culminate in a family-friendly moon party on the evening of June 17.
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 1 UNM graduate credit. 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.
Digital Mapping – An Exploration of Spatial Data Acquisition and Manipulation
Dates:
June 20-23, 2011
Where:
Science and Mathematics Learning Center, UNM Main Campus
Instructor:
Dr. Tom Dewers, Sandia National Labs & Ivy Graham-Dewers, Bosque School
Class Description:
Global positioning systems (GPS) (the friendly voice in your car) and digital mapping are becoming familiar through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications like Google Earth and Google Maps. In this short course, we will explore the technology behind these applications, and how to use this technology in real-world science and engineering teaching applications. Teachers will be led through a series of hands-on demonstrations and mapping exercises including
- Introduction to digital data formats and datums
- How to obtain GIS data and software for using it
- Satellite images, aerial orthophotography, digital elevation models, and digital raster graphs
- Field mapping using GPS
- Digital data manipulation and GIS map preparation
Examples to be discussed have applications in engineering, city planning, architecture, surveying, mining, forestry, environmental, land use, water resources, and archaeology. Students will be provided free software, sample digital maps, and lesson plans for later classroom use. This course is designed for middle and high school teachers, but all teachers of all grade levels may apply.
Logistics:
All participants will receive a $200 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.
Long Course (2 months long)
Master Naturalist Program
Dates:
June - July, 2011
Where:
Bernalillo County Open Space
Class Description:
The Master Naturalist Program provides an excellent opportunity to participate in conserving, preserving and restoring the local environment. This is a three year pilot project that was launched in 2010, and participants are instrumental in shaping the Program that will eventually extend state-wide.
Through this Program, a select group of dedicated participants will experience a wide range of free classes and hands-on experiences including 55 hours of in-class training and field studies. Upon completion of classes and field studies, participants will carry out a 40 hour service project on Open Space properties. Course topics include:
Master Naturalist Program
Introduction to the MN Program, Bernalillo County Open Space and Partnering Agencies Overview, and Basics to Ecology
Geology, Biomes and Habitats of New Mexico
Biomes in NM, Geology, Soils, Rift Valley, Mountain Life Zones
Flora and Fauna of New Mexico
Flora: Botany, Taxonomy, Plant Identification, Using a Field Guide, Land Health
Fauna: Zoology, Native Species, Taxonomy, Animal Identification, Using a Field Guide, Wildlife Management, Land Health
Water In New Mexico
Water bodies in NM, Hydrology, Water Chemistry, Aquatic Insects, and Irrigation/Acequias, History and Culture of Water in NM
The Role of Naturalists and Naturalist Skills
Naturalists, Heroes of Conservation: Historical and Local Stories, Land Ethics, Communicating your Message
Connections to and Observations of Nature
Overview, Observation techniques: scientific methods, phenology, journaling, reflection, recreation
Project Management
Volunteer Management, Wilderness Survival, Service Project
Logistics:
No stipend is available for this class. This class can be taken for 4 UNM graduate credits. If taken for credit, participants are responsible for paying tuition. Participants who take the class for credit must enroll at UNM and then register for the class.
Please contact Colleen McRoberts, Open Space Coordinator at 505-314-0398 to register or for more information. Or visit the Open Space website.
