Astronomy at COSI

The Ohio State Astronomy Department has teamed with COSI experts in informal science education to offer education and outreach programs for middle school students, high school students, and teachers. To date, 50 schools and more than 400 students have participated. The field trips begin with an interactive lecture given by an Ohio State astronomy faculty member designed to teach basic astronomical/physical principles needed to explain an astronomical discovery. After the lecture, the students are led through hands-on activities. At the same time, teachers are given individual training specific to their curriculum needs by the Ohio State astronomy professor. Astronomy faculty also work closely with the COSI Academy, a group of high school students highly interested in pursing science careers. College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Department of Astronomy, Education/Public Outreach, 614-292-5812.

Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears

Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears is an online professional development magazine for elementary teachers that focuses on preparing teachers to teach polar science concepts by integrating inquiry-based science with literacy teaching. Issues focus on standards-based science and content-rich literacy learning through engaging science activities, compelling images, rich text, and multimedia resources such as podcasts and videos. Byrd Polar Research Center; College of Education and Human Ecology; Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading. beyondpenguins.nsdl.org/

Byrd Polar Research Center Learning Center

The Learning Center in 136 Scott Hall is part of an education and outreach program aimed at promoting science and technology in the classroom while also fostering dialogue between scientists, educators, and students at all levels. The center is equipped with SMARTboards, computers, projectors, video cameras, and other technological resources. The BPRC Education and Outreach team offers training in their use and opportunities for direct interaction between scientists, teachers, and students. bprc.osu.edu/education/learning_center.php

Contemporary Physics Education Project

The Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP) has produced a chart of fundamental particles and interactions and a chart for fusion energy. Teachers seeking help in teaching about energy-related issues should consider ways to use materials available from the Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP). Both web-based and paper-based materials are available in addition to the CPEP charts that can help teachers design their own presentations and/or be used with students. Some materials are available from CPEP, some from other sources. College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. www.cpepweb.org

GK-12 Program

This National Science Foundation-funded program partners teachers in grades 3-5 from Columbus City Schools and other districts with graduate students from the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the College of Engineering in teacher/fellow teams for the academic year. Each fellow spends 10 hours per week in the classroom teaching, assisting the classroom teacher with inquiry-based science topics and collaborating on lesson development. Teachers eventually take over more responsibility in leading science lessons as they become more confident in scientific topics. College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Department of Chemistry; College of Engineering. www.gk-12.osu.edu/index.html

Nanotechnology Workshop for High School Science Teachers

The NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) in Ohio State’s College of Engineering conducts a 1-day workshop annually for high school science teachers. Teachers from high schools in central Ohio participate in this workshop, learn about nanotechnology, observe and perform experiments, and receive kits that contain materials for hands-on classroom activities. Experiments range in complexity from measuring a nanometer to advanced computer-based molecular modeling. Teachers also tour the NSEC cleanroom facility at Nanotech West on Kinnear Road and observe researchers at work on cutting edge nanotechnology projects. Additional activities include a cryogenics and phase change demonstration involving the preparation of liquid nitrogen ice cream. This workshop is co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation. www.nsec.ohio-state.edu/teacher_workshop.htm

STEM Academy in Computational Science and Engineering

The 2-week STEM Academy is for upperclass high school students interested in computer modeling and simulation in engineering design. The nonresidential summer program operates at two sites, the Ohio Supercomputer Center and the University of Akron. It teaches basic modeling and programming skills, enhances communication skills, and shows how to apply concepts in math, scientific experimentation, and design. The program continues through the academic year with mentoring and two Saturday events focusing on more sophisticated approaches to modeling and simulation. Student participants receive three semester hours of undergraduate credit and at least a half credit from their high schools. Teachers learn how to integrate modeling and simulation into their classrooms, how to teach the materials associated with this course, and how to apply project-based learning to enhance their own classrooms. Teachers receive three semester hours of graduate credit for their participation. Ohio Supercomputer Center, Ralph Regula School of Computational Science. www.rrscs.org/STEM_academy/index.shtml

U.S. Polar Rock Repository Website

This website contains teachers’ guides and activities for elementary school students about Antarctica and a Web Expedition for high school students. These activities are designed to use as a supplement to Earth Science courses. The materials are aligned with national and Ohio educational standards. Teachers can also find information about touring the repository and borrowing a U.S. Antarctic Rock Box from the Byrd Polar Research Center. bprc.osu.edu/education/rr/

Weld-Ed

Weld-Ed is a National Science Foundation-funded Advanced Technology Education center charged with developing engineering technician courseware. During the summer, the center offers a 2-week high school teacher training course in Advanced Materials Joining, which is used as a technical elective in Ohio to the High School Project Lead the Way series of STEM-based courses. There is a cost for the summer teacher training, but teachers receive the courseware upon completion. College of Engineering, Department of Industrial, Welding, and Systems Engingeering. www.weld-ed.org/default.htm