News
July 21, 2009
Star Gazing for Teachers
"Astronomy for Teachers Workshop" draws teachers to UNI to learn about astronomy
Teachers from around the state went back to the classroom recently to learn about stellar spectra and other tricks of the trade of astronomical studies at the "Astronomy for Teachers Workshop." Held on the University of Northern Iowa campus, K-12 teachers spent July 12-17 expanding their knowledge of the universe and strengthening their astronomy teaching practices for continuing education graduate credit.
"I want participants to walk away excited about astronomy and to pass that excitement along to their students," said Dr. Siobahn M. Morgan, professor of astronomy at UNI and workshop director. "This workshop is designed to help teachers get a handle on astronomy and make them more comfortable with teaching astronomy by providing them with knowledge, resources, techniques and curriculum development opportunities."
Teachers spent the 5-day program with UNI faculty to develop astronomy curricula and web-based resources that can be incorporated into the teachers' future lesson plans. In addition, participants worked with a state-of-the-art computer controlled telescope to learn about the night sky. Participants were encouraged to share their experience and insights with their colleagues and students to inspire a passion for lifelong scientific learning.
This first-year workshop was funded through a grant from the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP).
"We're excited to be part of continuing education for science teachers across the state," said Jeff Weld, director, Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership. "On the 400th anniversary of the telescope's invention and the 40th anniversary of Armstrong's moon walk, we're proud to sponsor Dr. Morgan's astronomy workshop for Iowa teachers. More than ever, the heavens inspire and excite young learners to study science and math, preparing them for vital careers and informed lives. That is precisely the mission of the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership."
Participants
IMSEP Astronomy for Teachers Workshop
July 12-17, 2009
| TEACHER | SCHOOL | CITY |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Ruderman | CAM High School | Anita, IA |
| Rhonda Almquist | Essex Jr-Sr High School | Essex, IA |
| Mary Ann Ruden | Hinton Community Schools | Hinton, IA |
| Joel Griner | East Mills Middle School | Hastings, IA |
| Rose Hornick | Jefferson High School | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Heather Davis | St. Patrick’s Catholic School | Sheldon, IA |
| Lori Fulcher | Winterset Elementary & Middle School | Winterset, IA |
| Rebecca Phipps | Cherokee Middle School | Cherokee, IA |
| Adam Moss | Le Mars High School | Le Mars, IA |
| Shana Hays-Jeffrey | Forest City High School | Forest City, IA |
| Sheryl Dusenberry | Atlantic Middle School | Atlantic, IA |
| Eric Grabe | Newton High School | Newton, IA |
| Cindy Bedford | Van Allen Elementary School | Chariton, IA |
| Lacey Burrell | Carlisle Middle School | Carlisle, IA |
| Eric Galvin | May Goodrell Magnet Middle School | Des Moines, IA |
| James Herzog | Iowa Falls-Alden High School | Iowa Falls, IA |
| Lisa Horsch | Johnston Middle School | Johnston, IA |
| Jan Paxton | Lincoln Center | Albia, IA |
| Janean Hauser | Urbandale Middle School | Urbandale, IA |
| Jolene Hultgren | Washington High School | Cherokee, IA |
In 2008, the state launched an ambitious plan for repositioning Iowa as a leader in science and math education with the creation of IMSEP. A partnership of the state's three public universities, IMSEP is headquartered on the University of Northern Iowa campus and charged with improving mathematics and science performance of Iowa students while preparing more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools.
Return to Announcements Home