ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Professional Development courses are interactive and offered in a flexible format.
Ignite Student Interest in STEAM
Research shows that learning about STEAM careers and the diverse people working in these fields inspires students and makes the study of science, technology and engineering, with applied mathematics and art design more meaningful to them. As you proceed through this course, you will discover how easy it is to incorporate discussions of scientists and engineers and the exciting work they do into your teaching practice. The course presents data on student interest and aptitude in science and math, a research-based framework for getting students interesting in STEM and then shows teachers how to make connections to STEAM careers and STEAM professionals while they are teaching science, mathematics, and non-fiction literacy.
In this course educators learn how to engage students in learning experiences that incorporate diverse role models into instruction and how to overcome negative STEAM stereotypes. This course highlights proven instructional approaches and resources to help educators ignite interest in STEAM topics and careers. Research shows that learning about STEAM careers and the diversity of individuals working in these fields inspires students and makes the study of science, technology, engineering, applied mathematics and art design more meaningful to them.
Integrates Cool Careers in STEM books
24/7 flexible online access
May qualify for salary point advancement credit
For Upper Elementary Educators (grades 3-5), click here for more information and to enroll.
For Middle School Educators (grades 6-8), click here for more information and to enroll.
Teach STEAM Using the 5Es
The course shows you how to design effective STEM lessons using the 5E instructional model. Under this model, developed by the Biological Science Curriculum Council, each lesson is divided into five easily remembered segments – Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This approach is based on research showing that students learn more readily when they – not the teacher – are the ones assessing their existing understanding and doing the work required to improve that understanding. The course explains the research that supports this approach and shows what to do, and what not to do, at each stage of a 5E lesson. The course also shows how to make 5E lessons even more engaging by embedding the stories of women and men from diverse background doing exciting work in STEM fields.
At the end of the course you will design your own 5E lesson with an activity for each of the five stages:
- Engage – Activate students’ prior knowledge and help them become engaged in a new concept.
- Explore – Provide a common base of activities so students can identify current conceptions and facilitate new understanding.
- Explain – Introduce concepts or skills and allow students to explain their understanding to each other.
- Elaborate – Challenge and extend students’ understanding and skills.
- Evaluate – Allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts.
Integrates Key Concepts in Science and Cool Careers in STEM Books
24/7 flexible online access
May qualify for salary point advancement credit
Click here for more information.
STEAM Connections to Common Core - Coming Soon
This “mini PD” shows educators how to incorporate STEAM topics as they address specific Common Core standards in nonfiction literacy, mathematics, and more while also supporting student engagement.
2 hours of online instruction
Integrates Common Core State Standards
24/7 flexible online access
