CALIFORNIA SCIENCE EDUCATION CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 2, 2008
SAN JOSE CONVENTION CENTER

SHORT COURSES

Short Courses offer participants an opportunity to explore a specific science concept in-depth during a three- or six-hour course. Short Courses are California standards-aligned and include a considerable amount of hands-on activity, interactive instruction, group work, and discussion. They are optional, additional-fee events that are open to registered conference participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Unsold Short Course tickets may be available on-site at the conference, but as many Short Courses sell out early, CSTA highly encourages advance ticket purchase. Short Courses will be held at Fairmont San Jose Hotel.

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Last Updated: 4/19/2008

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008 ~ 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

SC01: Everything You Need to Teach About Energy

Hands-on activities will explore the science of energy, sources of energy, electricity, efficiency, and conservation. Receive curriculum to teach energy at all grade levels while meeting California standards. Fee: $10
Physical Science, Informal Science
Grades: K-12
Presenter: Cindy Welchko, Curriculum Associate, The NEED Project
Co-Presenter: Keith Etheridge, Training Director, NEED Project

SC02: Using Ethnobotany to Explore Plant Sciences

Explore humans' dependence on plants for food and shelter, classification and identification of plant parts and grocery produce, comparative floral morphology, and geographical origins of common edible plants. (CSP) Fee: $15
Life Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades 3-5
Presenter: Andreana Ososki, Research Associate, Redwood Science Project, Humboldt State University
Co-Presenter: John DeMartini, Professor Emeritus Biological Sciences, Redwood Science Project, Humboldt State University

SC03: What Goes Around – A Biochemical Investigation of Water Resources

Elementary kids love learning about both the natural world and chemistry. These simple and fun investigations build content knowledge and develop key process skills in learning about our water resources. Fee: $50
Multidisciplinary Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 3-5
Presenter: Fred Estes, LS Science Coordinator, The Nueva School
Co-Presenter: Lisa Dettlofff, Science Specialist, The Nueva School

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SC04: Discrepant Events and Pseudoscience Help Teach the Nature of Science

Use discrepant events and science vs. pseudoscience activities to teach critical thinking and the nature of science. Participants receive materials and handouts. Appropriate for elementary through college level instructors. Fee: $40
Life Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: K-13+
Presenter: Walter Wogee, Retired Science Teacher

SC05: Teaching Science in the Digital Age

Help students think and act like scientists with 21st century skills! Teach them to analyze information they receive from their media-rich world and express their science knowledge using new technologies. Fee: $25
Multidisciplinary Science, Literacy/EL
Grades: 9-12
Presenter: Jessica Neely, Project Supervisor, Science Education, KQED, Inc

SC06: School Gardens: Composting to Nutrition

School gardens are an ideal location for promoting interdisciplinary critical thinking while exploring healthy soil, practicing good nutrition, increasing physical activity, and reducing your school’s carbon footprint. Fee: $15 
Integrated Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-8
Presenter: Doug Wallis, Garden Curriculum Coordinator, Sacramento Country Day School
Co-Presenter: Charles Whelan, Grounds Steward, Sacramento Country Day School

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SC07: Bring the Ocean into Your Classroom with California's National Marine Sanctuaries

California's National Marine Sanctuaries offer a range of hands-on, standards-based lessons. Dive into education with America’s underwater treasures, and pick up materials to bring the ocean into your classroom.  (SWMEA) Fee: $10
Earth/Space Science, Technology
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Claire Fackler, National Education Liaison, NOAA/National Marine Sanctuaries
Co-Presenter: Carol Preston, Education Coordinator, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

SC08: Project WET and the Science of Water Quality Monitoring

Using Project WET’s "Healthy Water, Healthy People Water Quality Educators Guide" activities, participants will be introduced to the science of water quality monitoring and walk away with 25 interdisciplinary activities. (CEEIN) Fee: $40 
Environmental Science, Informal Science
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Brian Brown, California Project WET Coordinator, Water Education Foundation

SC09: Understanding Science – Integrating the Process of Science into Your Teaching

Engage in new strategies and activities for helping students understand how science really works. Discover the added value of reinforcing science as a non-linear, dynamic process while teaching content. Fee: $15 
Multidisciplinary Science, Pedagogy/IE
Grades: K-12
Presenter: Judy Scotchmoor, Director of Education and Public Programs, UC Museum of Paleontology
Co-Presenter: Anna Thanukos, UC Museum of Paleontology

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SC10: Creating a Better Learning Cycle Through Balance

Balance your instruction to maximize student learning. Explore activities connecting student prior knowledge about position/balance to scientific understanding. Apply your learning to lesson design and questions to stimulate student thinking. (K-12A) Fee: $20
Multidisciplinary Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades:K-8
Presenter: Kathy DiRanna, Statewide Director, K-12 Alliance

SC11: Producing Hydrogen Gas from Water – Clean Energy

Explore the NEED (National Energy Education Development) curriculum on the conversion of water into hydrogen gas. Attendees will explore the Science of Energy and Hydrogen curriculum guides. Fee: $16
Physical Science, Technology
Grades: 3-8
Presenter: Bob Hodash, Teacher, Sierra Middle School
Co-Presenter: Allison Arnold, Teacher, Sierra Middle School

SC12: Linking Chemistry and Literacy

Participants explore several literacy strategies (LINK, chunking text, clarifying, summarizing) and a video case study to consider the potential for helping low-achieving students simultaneously increase their science and literacy learning. Fee: $10
Chemistry, Literacy/EL
Grades: 9-12
Presenter: Willard Brown, Literacy Coach & Science Teacher, WestEd & Oakland USD
Co-Presenter: Janet Creech, Math and Science Resource Teacher, Sequoia UHSD

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SC13: Forensic Analysis of the JFK Assassination

A forensic examination of the JFK assassination addressing the shot sequence, magic bullet, and shooter on the grassy knoll. Participants will be engaged in lab activities applying physical and biological principles. Fee: $20
Physics, Informal Science
Grades: 8-12
Presenter: Mark Okuda, Educational Consultant, BioScience Education & Research

SC14: A Tectonic Time Bomb in our Backyard: The Hayward Fault

Explore bay area faults, the 1868 Hayward earthquake, and the impending big one(s)...materials and activities provided. Fee: $20
Earth/Space Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Ellen Metzger, Professor and Co-Director, Bay Area Earth Science Institute, San Jose State University
Co-Presenter: Peggy Hellweg, Associate Research Seismologist, Berkeley Seismological Laboratory

SC15: Using Reading and Writing to Support Investigation and Experimentation

Participate in guided inquiry experiences followed by an opportunity to ask and answer your own questions about forest floor organisms, using reading and writing as supports. Fee: $30
Life Science, Literacy/EL
Grades: K-5
Presenter: Jacqueline Barber, Director, Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS Program

SC16: Teaching Evolution: Successful Strategies for Challenges in the Classroom

Evolution is fundamental biology, but teachers are pressured to avoid teaching it. Gain resources and strategies that enable you to effectively deal with the challenges and pitfalls around teaching evolution. Fee: $30
Life Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Pamela Harman, Education and Outreach Manager, SETI Institute
Co-Presenter: Louise Mead, Education Project Director, National Center for Science Education

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SC17: Test Tubes and Equations: Making Math and Science Connections Meaningful

This Short Course illustrates how higher-level math skills (pre-algebra, algebra) can be effectively used to create labs that are student-friendly and high in inquiry value. Be prepared to love math through science! Fee: $15
Physical Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 8-12
Presenter: Ginna Myers, Science Teacher, Norwood Junior High School
Co-Presenter: Pearl Hinlo, Math/Science Teacher, Grant Union High School

SC18: From Guided to Open Inquiry: Shaping and Reshaping Landforms

Learn the 4th grade earth science standards of weathering, erosion, and deposition using FOSS curriculum. We will explore teaching concepts through guided inquiry and extend learning through open inquiry projects. (CSP) Fee: $28
Earth/Space Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 3-5
Presenter: Claudio B. Vargas, Director, Bay Area Science Project, UC Berkeley
Co-Presenter: Joanna Totino, Co-Director, FOSS Professional Development, Lawrence Hall of Science

SC19: Seeing into Students' Brains Through Writing

Experience new techniques for getting students to produce writing that reveals understanding, explore methods of using writing as formative and summative assessment, and learn ways to handle student writing. (CSP) Fee: $22
Multidisciplinary Science, Literacy/EL
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Kevin English, Teacher, Will C. Wood High School
Co-Presenter: Aaron Kelly Stephens, Science Teacher, Will C. Wood High School

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SC20: Earthquakes – A One-Day Workshop for Teachers

This Short Course is for teachers who wish to learn more about earthquakes, seismology, plate tectonics, and related earth science and implement hands-on activities. Free teaching materials provided. Fee: $20
Earth/Space Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Lawrence Braile, Professor, Purdue University
Co-Presenter: Sheryl Braile, Teacher, Happy Hollow School

SC21: Earth’s Place in the Universe: Galaxies, Stars, Planets, and Us

Prepare for the International Year of Astronomy. Learn about the origin and evolution of the universe: stars, galaxies, planets, and us. Receive a six-week module on cosmic or planetary evolution. Fee: $70
Earth/Space Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 9-12
Presenter: Jill Tarter, Director, Center for SETI Research, SETI Institute
Co-Presenter: Edna DeVore, Deputy CEO and Director of Education and Outreach, SETI Institute

SC22: Discovery Science as a Vehicle for Academic Language Development

Discovery science engages and excites students. Learn techniques to translate the excitement of discovery into the activation of academic language. Participants will engage in discovery science and leave with a class set of supplies. Fee: $15
Multidisciplinary Science, Literacy/EL
Grades: 3-12
Presenter: Jane Yuster, Coordinator, Science K-12, Alameda County Office of Education

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SC23: Demystifying the Language of Life: DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes

Experience guided-inquiry activities in molecular biology and genetics that will help you further your knowledge and give you the confidence to help clarify student’s misconceptions. (CSP) Fee: $15
Life Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Patricia Caldera, Academic Coordinator, UC San Francisco
Co-Presenter: Sabine Jeske, Academic Coordinator, UC San Francisco

SC24: Energy Technologies and the Environment

This standards-based session will provide teachers with classroom activities focused on the topics of emerging energy technologies, the energy crisis, and current issues related to global climate change. Fee: $10
Physical Science, Technology
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Carey Kopay, Executive Director, Edward Teller Education Center, UC Davis School of Education

SC25: Inquiry-Based Explorations and Investigations of Properties of Matter

Use investigations into the states of matter to understand how complicated phenomena described in the K-5 physical science standards impact the world around you and relate to earth science. (CSP) Fee: $20
Physical Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: K-5
Presenter: Rebecca Smith, Co-Director, UCSF Science & Health Education Partnership
Co-Presenter: Jennifer Chu, Academic Coordinator, UCSF Science & Health Education Partnership

SC26: Infusing Inquiry into Place-Based Learning

Using a geology framework, participants identify inquiry elements in place-based investigations, engage in hands-on inquiry, learn to design an inquiry experience, and determine ways to embed assessment into curriculum .Fee: $10
Environmental Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 6-12
Presenter: Roxanne Farwell, Park Ranger and Education Specialist, National Park Service
Co-Presenter: Lynn Fonfa, Education Specialist, National Park Service/Golden Gate NRA

SC27: Why Does the Moon Change Shape? Addressing Elementary Space Science Misconceptions

Actively experience innovative methods to assess, address, and correct common student misconceptions in space science, particularly those involving shadows, phases of the moon, and gravity. NASA resources will be provided.<strong> Fee: $25
Earth/Space Science, Pedagogy/I&E
Grades: 3-5
Presenter: John Erickson, Science Specialsit , Lawrence Hall of Science