PROBE Summer Activities
All Teacher-Leaders and Fellows are required to attend the PROBE Institute during August 2-6, 2004 (Fellows will also be active in a variety of these summer activities). Teachers should select activities that expand their repertoire and background for coaching inquiry and authentic science projects. Teacher-leaders must commit to participate in at least one week-long event in addition to the PROBE Institute:
These titles contain active links or you may access more information on the GK-12 info site at: http://unh.edu/impact/Leitzel/GK-12.htm
· Forest Watch Training is offered during the last full week in June. The week is split between Forest Watch protocols and the use of Multi-Spec in analyzing Land-Sat data images.
· Project SMART is 4-weeks in length and we would encourage lead teachers to participate as much as possible. The ongoing preparation of student projects with researchers, guest speakers, and laboratory experiments offers an opportunity for observation and reflection on the integration of authentic inquiry experiences. The regular interaction of graduate students with high school students as they move forward in research projects will mimic some of the high school science learning process possible with PROBE. June 26 through July 23, 2004.
Sessions currently being offered include:
o Biotechnology
o Chemistry: The Study of Molecules – Materials Science focus for 2004
o Environmental Science
o Earth, Space & Physics
See the hyperlink for more information.
· Science Technology Institute V – July 12-16, 2004 The Advancing Science program assists high school science teachers with new knowledge and skills through academic and industrial scientists and peer-based coaching in modern scientific methodologies. These currently include:
o UV-Vis Diode Array Spectroscopy for the analysis of transparent materials and solutions, and light. A reflectance accessory is also available for the analysis of powders and opaque materials.
o Biotechnology methods include DNA (PCR-supported) and protein analysis. There are 4 class sets of equipment being shared in NH.
o Molecular Modeling software that is dynamic and easy to use. Based on real-time calculations, this software can be used for research in of molecular structures and interactions as well as to communicate molecular characteristics through dynamic models.
o High Performance Liquid Chromatography is used to separate and analyze complex samples. Our initial activities are designed to analyze pain killers and beverages.
· Great Bay Coast Watch – July 27 -28, 2004 This environmental monitoring program trains teachers and students in current water quality assessment techniques for both estuarine and open ocean studies. One day will be at a local estuarine site and the other will be held on the open ocean. You will be introduced to the techniques and given access to the large data set which extends from the early 1990’s.
· Engineering Projects – We are currently working on a potential training event with several of the engineering departments to showcase specific projects that meld science and mathematics through engineering applications. As more specific details are determined they will be shared. It is likely these dates will correlate with the last week in July.