Abstract Detail

Teaching

Nepal, Madhav P. [1], Browning, Larry [2], Miller, Matthew [3].

Integrative Lesson Plans Centered on Vertical Hydroponic System (VHS): Immersive Professional Development Workshops for Science Teachers in a Rural Setting.

In the summer of 2015, we conducted a week long immersive professional development workshop for South Dakota science teachers. The workshop was titled STREAM (Science and Technology Resources for Engagement Activity Modules) and conducted at South Dakota State University. Fifteen participants attended the workshop and were guided by the authors, were fully engaged in building models, writing lesson plans and developing hands-on activities based on Cross Cutting Concepts and Core Ideas as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards. A large portion of the workshop included activities that were designed around Vertical Hydroponic System (VHS). The topics in botany included photosynthesis, respiration, signal transduction, water and mineral uptake, sugar translocation, nutrient cycling, energy transformation dynamics, engineering design etc. Fifteen teachers (female to male ratio of 2:1) from 14 school districts attended the workshop. Out of 15, one teacher is teaching Elementary-High School science, while two are teaching only Middle School science while remaining 12 have been teaching 7-12 sciences. Fourteen of 15 participants serve public school districts while one serve a tribal school. Graduate credits were optional for participants. Additional Face to Face meetings to discuss outcomes and new activities were held at the 2016 conference of the SD Science Teachers Association in Huron, SD Feb. 6 - 7, 2016. Electronic meetings were also held and the authors visited some schools to assess the teachers’ implementation of the lessons. Successes, challenges and impacts of the professional development workshop in a rural setting (funded by No Child Left Behind Title II project), will be discussed in our presentation

1 - South Dakota State University, Biology And Microbiology, Northern Plain Biostress Laboratory, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA
2 - South Dakota State University, Department of Physics, Daktronics Hall, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States
3 - South Dakota State University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Avera Hall, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States

Keywords:
Vertical Hydroponic System
K-12 Life Scienec Teachers
Immersive Professional Development Workshop
Next Generation Science Standards.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 18, Teaching Section Papers Session I
Location: 101/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: 18001
Abstract ID:530
Candidate for Awards:None