The Science House

Counter Top Chemistry
This hands-on workshop emphasizes simple activities, inquiry, and familiar materials. It is applicable for any teacher who enjoys doing fun demonstrations and activities in their classroom. Teachers are made cognizant of safety issues, use of household chemicals instead of special chemicals, and disposal of wastes. It covers activities from our book "Physics From the Junk Drawer/Counter Top Chemistry". Teachers receive a notebook of the activities and hands-on experience. For all teachers.

Physics From the Junk Drawer
The title describes it! This hands-on workshop emphasizes simple activities, inquiry, and familiar materials. It is applicable for any teacher who enjoys doing fun demonstrations and activities in their science classroom. It covers activities from our book "Physics From the Junk Drawer/Counter Top Chemistry". Teachers receive a notebook of the activities and hands-on experience. For all teachers.

Inquiry in the Science Classroom
This workshop was developed to increase teacher awareness of standards-based instruction with a focus on inquiry-based pedagogy. Teachers will work on their own definition of inquiry while being exposed to the different levels of inquiry-based instruction. While being engaged in inquiry, teachers will learn techniques of questioning that support inquiry activities. Participants will take part in lessons that model teacher and student roles suggested by the National Science Education Standards. They will also learn how to shift science lessons toward inquiry. Separate versions of this workshop are available at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Technology for Elementary Science
Using computers and probes isn't just for secondary schools! With the new technology available elementary students can collect science data with easy to use software and hardware. You can collect data on temperature, motion, pressure, light and more. This workshop teaches you how to use Vernier's new Go! equipment and computer software designed for elementary students. Activities come from Vernier's Elementary Science book and are correlated to the National Science Standards.

Safety Sense: A Safety Workshop for Science Teachers
In response to numerous requests for help in cleaning up science laboratories, The Science House offers a 3-hour or a 6-hour version of "Safety Sense." The workshop explains some of the liabilities associated with teaching science (tort law), practices to follow, practices to avoid, and a common sense approach to cleaning and maintaining science (especially chemistry) laboratories and classrooms. The 6-hour version also includes safe practices for inquiry-based labs. A copy of all presented materials is provided to workshop participants. For all teachers.

Introduction to the Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator
This workshop is for teachers who would like to learn the capabilities of their TI calculator and how it can be used (without the CBL) in the math and science classroom. Activities will include analyzing graphs, data collection and manipulation, and basic statistics. This workshop is most appropriate for people using the TI-73 Explorer or calculators in the TI-83 or TI-84 families, including the Plus models. Advanced topics can be covered upon request. For middle and high school teachers.

Using Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL) Equipment
to Teach Math and Science
Graphing calculators and calculator-based laboratory equipment are great tools for teaching integrated math and science. They promote inquiry learning and are relatively inexpensive. This introductory workshop covers the basics of using this equipment. Participants learn to use CBL to explore a variety of science topics. Labs and activities are designed for students of all abilities and complement the NRC’s National Science Standards. This workshop can be taught with CBLs, CBL2s, or Vernier LabPros. For middle and high school teachers.

Using Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Equipment (MBL) in the Science Classroom
This workshop is an overview of MBL equipment and a good way to introduce teachers to the capabilities of computer interfaces. Participants will learn how to use MBL to explore a variety of science topics. Labs and activities are designed for students of all abilities and complement the NRC’s National Science Standards. This workshop can be taught with Vernier’s ULI or LabPro interfaces or with PASCO interfaces. For middle and high school teachers.

GIS in the Classroom
This workshop will provide teachers with a basic overview to Geographic Information Systems technology. As the importance of the earth/environmental science curriculum in North Carolina grows, computer applications that support these sciences grow as well. The GIS software applications are visual mapping techniques to enhance the way that scientists, community planners, and business professionals examine data. GIS is a tool that will allow analysis of information in a different and powerful fashion. For middle and high school teachers.

Using Handheld Computers in the Science Classroom
Handheld computers are the latest technology making their way into the classroom. This workshop teaches participants how to use Palm handhelds in the science classroom. It covers the basics of using a Palm while focusing on science applications and software such as the periodic table on your handheld, several earth science applications, unit conversion software, quizzing software, and many others. In addition Palm handhelds can now be used with Vernier’s LabPro interface and probeware to do numerous hands-on labs. For middle and high school teachers.

There are charges for our professional development services. Contact Scott Ragan at the information provided below for more details.

The suggested format for most workshops includes six hours of instruction, however in some cases half day, three hour workshops may be taught. We can also teach multiday workshops if more advanced instruction is desired. For technology oriented workshops The Science House can usually provide the necessary equipment or probeware.

If desired we will also provide certificates for appropriate licensure renewal credits. The recommended maximum participants for most workshops is 24 teachers. Our staff is available year round and we can schedule on-site workshops around your needs.

Please contact The Science House for more information on our workshop fees and scheduling. Contact Scott Ragan at The Science House or call (919) 515-6118.