AWIN Teacher Training

STEM EduCasts:

May 1-August 1, 2008

These EduCasts are designed to enhance teachers’ awareness and knowledge of space-related topics and enable them to return to the classroom well-equipped to teach these topics to their students. There are three EduCasts available through the AWIN grant, all of which are available online so that teachers are able to complete the session at a time and place of their choosing. Three additional EduCasts are available through the TWC Biotechnology Grant. Each EduCast presentation is about 40 minutes in length. After viewing an EduCast and creating an accompanying classroom lesson plan, the participant is eligible to receive 8 hours of Professional Development/Continuing Education credit units through San Jacinto College.

AWIN EduCasts:

“A Boost to Space: Newton’s Laws of Motion”

Review and examine the three laws of motion
Explore how the laws of motion differ on Earth and in orbit
Review and experience hands-on classroom activities that reveal the influences of Newton’s laws
Discuss additional student hands-on activities that reinforce the laws of motion

“Rocketry for Educators”

Explore the history and science of rocketry
Discuss the impact of rocketry on science and the importance to the nation
Discuss pioneering rocket scientists and their contributions and accomplishments in rocket science
Examine actual flown spacecraft and showcase their accomplishments

“Space Geography”

Discuss how satellites are giving humans access to information with a whole new perspective
Examine how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has many uses from studying global warming trends to the U.S. Census Bureau to law enforcement
Demonstrate classroom activities that utilize GIS and GPS technologies
Review teacher classroom resources for GIS/GPS
Review GIS/GPS careers

For more information about these EduCasts, please contact Ellen Bay by email at ellen.a.bay@nasa.gov or by phone at 281-483-1146.

To enroll as a participant in the STEM EduCasts, please fill out and send the registration form to:

Ellen Bay
Aerospace Academy
2101 Nasa Parkway
Building 226
MC: AES
Houston, TX 77058

Fax: (281) 483-0435