ARSI Teacher Partners joined science teachers
from across the state in October for the West Virginia Science Teachers
Convention at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. A myriad of field trip opportunities
and sessions as well as nationally recognized speakers supported the conference
theme - Discovery in the Mountains.
Exceptional field trips were offered; hosted by
knowledgeable guides. A few of the field trips included: Cranberry Glades
and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
The Opening Session featured a welcome from John
D. Rockefeller IV, past Governor of West Virginia and US Senator. Dr. George
"Pinky" Nelson, astronaut and Director for Project 2061 was the featured
speaker for the Opening Session. Gerry Wheeler, National Science Teachers
Association President was the speaker for the Saturday luncheon.
ARSI Teacher Partners met for a separate ARSI
session continuing last month's session on How to Facilitate Change. They
also presented a general session - "ARSI-Partnership for Inquiry," sharing
inquiry lessons in a share-a-thon format with WVSTA participants.
Looking at a problem from a different view point
was the focus of an activity that asked Teacher Partners to pick up a string
with an end in each hand and then tie a knot without letting go of the
string.
The opening session of WVSTA included a welcome
for Senator John D. Rockefeller IV.
Several Teacher Partners presented sessions by
themselves or in teams. Jo Hendricks discussed the features of digital
cameras with focus on classroom use.
Rah! Rah! Roaches! was the title of Teacher Partner
Susan McGlothen's Education Alliance grant project. Participants even got
to handle live Madagascar Hissing Roaches.
Patricia Williams and Nancy Booth chatting at
the Grand Buffet. Featured speaker was Dr. Sylvia Earle, the first TIME
Hero for the Week!
ARSI Teacher Partner Patricia Williams shared
activities/strategies on modeling cells.
Danny Dailey guiding Nancy Booth through making
silly putty.
Glenn Righman 's unit on "Know your Bones" had
participants handling bones in hunks of meat.
Who dunnit? Participants in Carolyn Falin and
Linda Richards Mystery Festival had to use clues to identify the murderer.
Pumpkin Math/Science led by Anne Jones had the
teachers involved in a variety of estimation activities.
NSTA president Gerry Wheeler presents ARSI Teacher
Partner Cindy Willis an award for being a finalist for Presidential Awardee
in Science. Congratulations, Cindy! You're a winner to us, regardless of
the outcome!
