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Sweet Briar College

Spring 2008 Workshops

Find the Spring 2008 brochure here: Word or PDF.

Workshops are open to teachers and educators in central Virginia.

One content session will be held each day. Participants will conduct experiments, do activities to learn more about the science or math content area, and analyze data. Workshops will typically begin at 9:00am and end around 3:00pm each day, with a lunch break around noon. We recommend that participants arrive about 15 minutes early (at 8:45) to do paperwork. Lunch will be provided, free of charge, in the Sweet Briar College cafeteria.

We will provide certificates documenting completion of five instructional hours. Consult with your school HR departments to translate the hours into points. For documentation of attendance at previous workshops, click here.

February 16, Variables in Scientific Investigation
Instructor: Jill Granger
We will analyze the variable components of experimentation as presented in several different types of simple, fun investigations. Investigations will touch on multiple science content topics, including simple machines and floating/sinking/density. The workshop includes cross-curriculum materials (from the Lawrence Hall of Science FOSS program) to connect the science unit to other subjects. In-process and summative assessments appropriate for the evaluation of student inquiry will also be presented.
SOL Science: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, PS.1, PS.10
SOL Math: 4.20, 5.18, 5.19, 6.18, 7.17, 7.18, 8.12, 8.18

February 23, Weather
Instructor: Robin Davies
This workshop will include study of weather phenomena and the forces responsible for weather patterns as well as construction of simple instruments for making weather measurements.
SOL Science: 3.1, 3.11, 4.1, 4.6, 5.1, 6.1, 6.3, 6.5, 6.6, LS.1, PS.1, PS.7

March 22, Experiencing Probability
Instructor: Steve Wassell
This workshop will introduce teachers to fun and accessible activities for exploring probability with grades 3-8. We will discuss basic principles for finding theoretical probabilities, and we will compare experimental probabilities from in-class activities. As we will see, experimental results will exhibit variation but validate theoretical probabilities in the long run. Essentially all of the Probability (though not the Statistics) Standards of Learning for Grades 3 through 8 will be involved.
SOL Mathematics : 3.23, 4.19, 5.17, 6.20, 7.14, 7.15, 8.11

March 22, Water Analysis: Matter, Measurement, and Graphing
Instructor: Rob Granger
Limited to 6 participants; grades 6-8 teachers only
This workshop will include investigations in water analysis that are engaging to students in a variety of contexts. Teachers will test and analyze water samples using a simple, hand-held probe, the PASCO Xplorer GLX. We will analyze the data we collect using grade-appropriate techniques that address multiple math standards. In addition to basic concepts in science (pH, solubility, conductivity), topics explored can be used to study environmental issues such as biological oxygen demand, thermoclines, and stream flow. The probes will be available to teachers for use in the classroom supported by the Instructional Support Specialist.
SOL Science: 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, LS.1, LS.4, LS.7, LS.12
SOL Mathematics: 6.18, 7.5, 7.17, 7.18, 8.12

March 29, Fun and Easy Ways to Use Computers to Work with Maps
Instructor: Rebecca Ambers
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce teachers to easy-to-use computer tools they can use to integrate maps and map skills into their classes across the curriculum. We will discuss the many uses of geographic information systems (GIS) and get hands-on computer experience working with mapping websites and free software programs. Learn about the range of map resources on the web, and find out how fun and easy it is for you and your students to create and use customized maps!
SOL Science: 4.6, 5.6, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, ES.3
SOL Mathematics : 3.14, 3.19, 4.11, 4.15, 5.13, 6.2, 6.9, 6.13, 7.13, 8.3, 8.6, 8.8

March 29, Learning about Force, Motion, and Energy by Graphing: Experiments with Hovercrafts and Hotwheels
Instructor: Hank Yochum
By doing a variety of hands-on experiments with a small single-person hovercraft and hot wheels cars and tracks (both available for teachers to borrow during the academic year) participants will gain a better understanding of the concepts of position, speed, acceleration, force, kinetic energy, and friction. Participants will gain experience in data collection and data analysis that can be used for many other experiments. Emphasis will be placed on the mathematical skills necessary for data analysis.
SOL Science: 4.1 and 4.2
SOL Mathematics : 3.21, 3.22, 4.20

April 5, Building Measurement Understanding in the Classroom
Instructor: Beth Williams
Meaningful measurement and estimation depends on student familiarity with the units being used. Participants in this workshop will spend a day using U.S. customary and metric units of measurement to investigate length, weight/mass, liquid volume, and area. We will also explore and estimate conversions between units in each system.
SOL: To be announced.

April 12, Schoolyard Ecology
Instructor: Linda Fink
How can you establish a long-term, inquiry-based ecology project on your school grounds? You will be introduced to observational and manipulative projects that your students can carry out independently or in groups, during or outside of class, over periods of time ranging from several weeks to many years. We will examine questions appropriate to rural, suburban and urban schools, focusing on plants, vertebrates and invertebrates. We will address such topics as biodiversity, seasonality and climate change, species interactions, animal behavior, and human influences on natural environments. Before the workshop, you will fill out a questionnaire about your schoolyard, so that we can tailor the workshop to your particular circumstances.
SOL Science: 3.1, 3.4-3.8, 3.10, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.5, 6.1, 6.7, 6.9, Bio.1, Bio.5, Bio.7, Bio.8, Bio.9