2000 TORCH Workshop Descriptions
Biology
Evolution
Contact
Harry Wolf
for more information
Evolutionary biology is a theory or a way of understanding
the diversity of living things. It is also a subject of
study in its own right. This institute focuses on the way
evolutionary thinking provides a context for understanding
biological phenomena at many levels of organization -- molecular,
cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem. It also
touches on some of the many ways we can learn and teach
about evolution. Pedagogical models include constructive
learning, cooperative learning, and learning through discovery;
project-based assessment methods are also explored. Through
a variety of hands-on activities, participants discover
ways to connect the study of evolution with genetics, mathematics,
physical science, history, anthropology and language arts.
General information is provided along with ideas for field
trips and museum visits, labs, and other classroom activities.
Hand-held Technology:
TI-82
Genetics
for Teachers grades K-12
Contact
Judy Jones
for more information
This institute focuses on the
molecular basis of inheritance, the action of
chromosomes in cells, the effect of gene expression on
an organism, the role of genetics in evolution, and ethics and
the decision-making process. Workshop content is appropriate for
teachers of general, college prep and advanced biology
courses. Although not specifically designed for middle grades
teachers, those who have participated in the
past have found many ideas adaptable for use with younger
students. Each day focuses on a different aspect of
inheritance: variation, molecules, chromosomes, populations, and ethics and
choices. Activities include laboratories, simulations, group presentations
and content presentations. Activities are aligned with
National Science Standards. Several examples of computer software
for teaching about genetics will be available to examine,
and participants may take some materials home on disk.
Hand-held Technology:
TI-83 Computer Needs: 16 PowerMacs all with Internet
access
Neurobiology
Contact
Mike McNabb
for more information
Levels of organization is a key concept in the
study of biology. Some biologists take complex systems apart
to understand their simpler components more fully. Others
are interested in how simpler components interact to produce
new properties at more complex levels of organization. The
content of this workshop focuses on these levels of organization
by examining animal behavior, the nervous system, neurotransmitters,
hormones and genes and their regulators.
Reproduction and Development:
Integrating Technology in Life Science/Biology curricula
Contact
Jewel Reuter
for more information
This hands-on workshop explores the topics of reproduction
and development across kingdoms and integrates various technologies
and teaching strategies with National Science Education
Standards. Some of the laboratory activities include: colony
transformation of E. coli with Bio-Rad pGLO plasmid and
purification of green fluorescent protein; isolation of
sporozoans in earthworms; embryological development of zebrafish;
and clay modeling of developmental patterns. Participants
will also explore bioethics, identify difficult concepts,
and develop ways to make learning easier with the technologies
present. Innovative teaching methods will make learning
biology more fun and understandable for students.
Middle School Biology
Contact
Andrew Goldenkranz
for more information
The week-long program focuses on
these four themes: Structure, Function, Adaptation and Variation;
Genetics; Biodiversity and Ecology; and Long-Term Patterns of
Change. Participants engage in hands-on labs, lesson planning, demonstrations, and team presentations. In addition
participants will be exposed to computer-based
tools (CD-ROMs and laser discs) as well as
ways to incorporate software and the Internet in
their classrooms. Meeting standards, cooperative learning, performance-based assessment,
and inclusion strategies are also explored. The week
is closely aligned with Content Standard C for Life Science
grades 5-8, as well as Unifying Concepts
and Processes, Science as Inquiry, Science
in Personal and Social Perspective, History and Nature of
Science and Science and Technology. Topics covered and methods used fit
well with most local curricula and individual state standards.
In addition to our base workshop, we have offered
specialized curricula to host sites including "Life in
the Universe", "Integrating Math and Science", and "Water, Water
Everywhere."
Hand-held Technology:
TI-82 and TI-83 Computer Needs: MAC Lab - 1 computer
per participant Other Technology: VCR, Laser disc player
and Monitor
Biodiversity
Wichita, KS
Contact
Thomas Koenigsberger
for more information
The course includes in depth coverage of the evolution, diversity, threats
and importance of biological organisms. Emphasis will also be placed on
the abiotic effects of Illinois' geology on the local flora and fauna.
Labs will deal with the microfauna and the biostatistical analysis of the
data collected.
Computer technology will be incorporated so that the teachers will end the
course with presentations that can be used for their classrooms or to be
shared with other teachers.
Field trips will be taken to collect arthropods, learn field techniques,
and observe disturbed, restored and virgin prairie.
Technology used:
Power Macs, Internet, Inspiration, PowerPoint, Netscape Composer.
Biodiversity for Elementary Teachers
for Teachers grades 3-6
Hatton, ND
Contact
Dave Hedland
for more information
The workshop will introduce biodiversity into the
elementary classroom using short hands-on activities
and technology like microscopes, flex cams, and the
internet. The material will be appropriate for grades
3-6. Participants will develop a closed aquatic ecosystem
and exchange ideas about the adaptation of organisms.
PowerPoint presentations will be developed by the participants
along with other technology based activities.
Institute on Microbiology
Louisville, KY
Contact
Glenn E. Zwanzig Jr.
for more information
This institute will focus on microbiology.
Microbiology is relevant to daily life. It is not only a scientific
issue. Microbiology activities that can be used in a variety of settings
and ability levels will be presented to the teachers. Activities
presented will be appropriate for both high and middle school. Teachers
will help develop some of the activities into inquiry based activities.
Topics to be covered in this Institute are:
1.Inquiry in the classroom.
2. Diversity of microbes and the microbial world.
3. Basic laboratory safety.
4. Microbiology and disease.
All activities developed by the teachers will be posted onto a district
web site for downloading by district teachers.
Technology used:
Power Macintosh Computers.
Bridging the Gap: Bringing Biodiversity to the Science Class
Navasota, TX
Contact
Ginger Torregrossa
for more information
This workshop centers around the theme of biodiversity:
the concept, components and importance to humankind. Science
teachers of all grade levels will participate in a week-long
series of activities ranging from:
microorganisms - using lab-oriented lessons to familiarize participants with safe techniques for teaching the "invisible world";
protozoans - collecting data from the local environment and relating it to human effect;
plants and animals - visiting a natural history museum to determine their effectiveness as teaching resources;
Emphasis will be on the development of inquiry lessons based on workshop experiences.
Technology used:
Sharing data across geographic boundaries, learning new
software programs, and introducing web page design.
Explorations in Neurobiology: How Your Wiring Works
Contact
Judy Lachvayder
for more information
Come and explore your inner world. Learn modern concepts
about your brain and nervous system from faculty working at
the frontiers of neuroscience research. How the nervous system
works and the causes and effects of alterations to the system
will be addressed. Learn how your brain and nervous system enable
you to be you.
This workshop is designed for middle school and high school biology
and life science teachers. Participants will have hands-on experiences
with activities and labs that are ready for incorporation into the
classroom and that are relevant to each presentation. The wealth of
resources for this day are made possible through the support of the
Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Water Creatures
Aurora, CO
Contact
Ruth Baldivia
for more information
This institute focuses on using artificial aquatic habitats to
design inquiry science investigations. Participants
will learn how to set up artificial aquatic habitats
within their own classrooms and how
to direct students in designing scientific investigations that correlate
with the National Science Standards. The workshop will have facilitators
from Denver's Colorado Ocean Journey Aquarium who will share their
expertise and show teachers how they can use public aquariums
as effective educational tools in
designing classroom investigations. The workshop is designed
for secondary science instructors.
Technology used:
Power Macs and PC with Internet access.
Microbial Diversity
Dublin, GA
Contact
Alan Yauck
The workshop focuses on microscopic life from
bacteria to arthropods with the emphasis being on
bacteria. The program is designed for high school
teachers, but middle and elementary school teachers should
benefit from the workshop. Activities include: labs, a visit to
centers for disease control and prevention and Fernbank, and a visit
to a water treatment facility. Dr. Sherry Drenzek from the
State Health Department of Georgia will be a presenter during the
program. Participants may receive staff development units
through RESA in Eastmen, or for those in the Graduate program of Georgia College
and State University, 3 semester hours may be received. The
workshop will be held at Middle Georgia College Dublin Center.
Computers and the media center will be available for
participants.
Life in Motion
Contact
Laura Parker
for more information
This five day workshop emphasizes thue importance of movement to
all organisms and deals with biological concepts at multiple
levels of study. Participants will develop a short unit on
biology in motion appropriate for the
grade level(s) and courses that they teach. This will
be and inquiry-based learning experience, allowing teachers of
different learning syles and backgrounds to work together while
exploring new techniques and classroom activities.
Biodiversity Institute
Contact
Peter Corfield
for more information
From the polar ice caps to the equatorial rainforests, life
comes in such diverse forms, ranging from minute, ancient bacteria
in thermal vents of the ocean deep
to giant elephants in the African savannas. However, all accomplish
the same basic life functions, and together may hold clues to
the orgins of life and cures for disease. This summer the institute
will focus on four framing questions:
1.What is biodiversity?
2.Why is biodiversity important?
3. What are the threats facing life on Earth?
4. How can we ease the tide of habitat destruction and species extinction?
Through hands on, inquiry based activities, lectures, readings, field
studies and group discussions we will investigate the preceding
questions. We will address the New York
State Living Environment curriculum and align those standards with these
framing questions. We will alsoo develop classroom activities that
will enhance students'
conceptual understanding of biodiversity.
For
more information contact:
Tonka Irish, irish@woodrow.org
(609)452-7007, x123
