Saturday, July 3, 2010

Chemistry Modeling

A few weeks ago, I got an email that was a forward from a forward from my principal. It was about a chemistry modeling workshop that was being offered at a university near me. I had heard people talking about modeling on the NSTA list serve, but didn't know very much about it. I only really knew I had always thought it sounded interesting when it was mentioned.

I emailed the lady in charge and was told the workshop was full. Darn. Maybe next time.

A few days later, I got a call from the professor in charge, was informed of a cancellation and am I still interested in attending. Of course I am.

THEN I went to the workshop website to find out more about the whole thing. In some unbelievable stroke of luck, I discovered the workshop was FREE. Plus, I was going to earn 3 credit hours. AND I get a stipend. I will also receive a technology package for my classroom.

AND! There are funds available to attend NSTA 2011!!! I am so excited about this last one. I have never been able to attend either a regional or national NSTA, so I am definitely going next year.

All of this along with some good professional development. I know, those three words rarely go together.

What a good summer.
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7 comments:

  1. Jason BuellJuly 13, 2010 at 7:24 PM

    I might be at NSTA! It's local but ASCD is also here so I might have to pick. Is modeling chemistry like modeling physics? http://vimeo.com/channels/modelingphysics

    Blog all about it. Really curious.

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  2. Tracie SchroederJuly 13, 2010 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Jason (love your blog, by the way)
    Yes, the chemistry modeling is from Arizona State, as well. They are rumored to have a biology curriculum, but the link is dead at this time.

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  3. AnonymousJuly 14, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    I am so happy you are going to a Modeling workshop! I did Physics back in 2004. It completely changed my teaching and I haven't looked back since! The workshops are so important to really understanding the method -- just looking at curriculum materials or reading about it isn't enough. Keep us posted!

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  4. Tracie SchroederJuly 14, 2010 at 6:30 PM

    Thanks Frank! I am three days into it right now and can't believe it took me this long to discover it!

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  5. Mrs. TenkelyJuly 22, 2010 at 12:38 PM

    I cannot believe that it is free! I am reading the posts backward so I know what you have been learning and I am amazed. I want to find one of those close to me!

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  6. Tracie SchroederJuly 24, 2010 at 9:42 PM

    Mrs. Tenkely - I highly recommend finding a workshop. Even if you don't adopt the system for your classroom, it really makes you think about how you teach and what the kids are getting out of it.

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  7. Mrs. TenkelyJuly 25, 2010 at 7:58 PM

    I definitely will look into it, it looks like an excellent workshop!

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