In October, the MU ARSI Teacher Partner meeting was held in conjunction with the West Virginia Science Teachers' Association state meeting in Charleston.
Linda Richards and Glenn Righman discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a curriculum document they are evaluating.
Because attendance at professional meetings is so valuable and time out of the classroom is so precious, Teacher Partner meetings are held in conjunction with state science and mathematics meetings.
The first morning was a Teacher Partner meeting. WV Project CATS invited Teacher Partners to attend some of their pre-conference sessions as well.
Many of the Teacher Partners shared activities in a share-a-ton. Teacher partner Nancy Booth is interested in Dan Dailey's project on using data from vital statistics like heart rate and blood pressure.
Diane Johnson's lab on the effectiveness of alpha-galactosidase in breaking down glacatose in beans was VERY popular!
Glenn Righman's integrated math and science unit used clinometers and water rockets.
Homer Hickam has brought new pride and enthusiasm to science in West Virginia with his award winning book Rocket Boys Jo Hendricks and Nancy Booth presented their unit lesson plans based on the movie October Sky.
Nancy continues the explanations. West Virginia teachers are anxious to make the real world ties in science and math.
ARSI believes in LIFE LONG LEARNERS. It's never too early to begin those good habits. Teacher Partner John Putnam and wife Andrea are introducing daughter Caroline to the world of science.
John presented an individual session on pendulums - collecting and analyzing data using a computerized photogate.
The renowned ethnobotanist, Dr. Mark J. Plotkin, was the featured speaker at the Grand Banquet. For over 15 years Dr. Plotkin has worked with ancient shamans of Central and South America learning about healing plants.
It takes MANY people to put on a successful conference with over 1000 participants. ARSI would proud to have several current and previous ARSI Teacher Partners involved in the planning. Cindy and Rick Willis were the site coordinators and Jo Hendricks was in charge of door prizes.
Clay County Teacher, Partner Rick Willis, was honored as 1999 Outstanding Biology Teacher by NABT.
Fayette County Teacher Partner, Wayne Yonkelowitz, received the State Level 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools AND the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award for West Virginia.
