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Spring 2013 Professional Development Programs

Please contact Alyssa Walker at 508-626-4057, or awalker4@framingham.edu, to register.

Exploring Earth from Space

Saturday, March 16
Use online and printed images of Earth from space to get a sense of how astronauts see and interpret Earth's science and breathtaking beauty. Learn how astronauts photograph Earth from space and gain an understanding of the Windows on Earth software as used by astronauts on board the International Space Station, & explore ways to bring these tools to your classroom! Space is limited, so register early!

Presented by: Dan Barstow
Location: Christa McAuliffe Center
Time: 8:30-12:00pm
Cost: $30
PDPs: 3

A Night in the Planetarium: Free & Open to the Public
Astronomy & Your Mobile Device

Tuesday, March 26
Join us in the brand new, full dome planetarium at Framingham State University for an exciting evening of stargazing, skywalking, and space traveling as we take you through the universe with the help of your own personal mobile device. 

Planetarium Specialist Ed Jameson will show you how to get the most out of the educational apps available to you for learning about astronomy, identifying constellations, exploring our solar system, and bringing space a little bit closer to home. 

Bring your mobile devices (smartphones, iPods, tablets, etc.) to get the most out of this experience! Featured apps include: Star Walk, MoonPhase, Solar Walk, and others. Feel free to bring other apps to share & explore! 

Space is limited, so please register early to reserve your place.

Presented by: Ed Jameson, Planetarium Educator
Location: FSU Planetarium
Time: 7-9pm
Cost: FREE 

Quantifying Change over Time: Using Satellite Image Data

Thursday, April 11
As one of the longest running Earth Observing Satellite Systems, Landsat data has served as a unique resource for global change research and applications in agriculture, cartography, geology, forestry, regional planning, surveillance, education and national security. 

Explore a simplified method of using satellite images taken of the same areas over time to quantify natural and human-influenced changes. Rick Varner, NASA AESP Specialist, will present in a live webinar broadcast.This workshop will run as a "webshop," with a live webinar broadcast on campus at Framingham State University followed by a f2f sampling of hands-on activities that you can use in your classroom.  

Presented by: Rick Varner, NASA/AESP Specialist
Location:  FSU Curriculum Library
Time: 4:30-7:30
Cost: FREE 
PDPs: 3

STEM Certificate Program In partnership with PTC, Inc.

Explore, design, & deliver STEM education using real-world tools & technologies. The STEM Certificate Program offered by the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University gives educators the opportunity to: 

1. Learn about STEM technologies used by engineers through an online delivery format
2. Engage in hands-on exercises
3. Participate as teaching assistants in delivering STEM workshops worldwide using exciting online collaboration technologies
4. Learn STEM tools and how to create classroom activities using these tools to inspire students  to explore careers in STEM
5. Earn graduate credit and/or PDPs

For more information or to register for the STEM Certificate Program,
contact Alyssa Walker at awalker4@framingham.edu or  508-626-4057.

More Exciting Opportunities at the Christa McAuliffe Center:

• Making Learning Accessible for all Learners: Universal Design – Saturday, May 11 (PD Workshop)
• Personal Genetics Workshop with the Personal Genetics Education Project/Harvard Medical School – (PD Workshop) – date TBD
  
  

The McAuliffe/Challenger Learning Center strives to be the premier source for quality professional development for teachers in New England.

The programs described in these pages reflect our dedication to the classroom teacher, our commitment to hands-on education, and our belief that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are not just important - they're also FUN!

All Framingham State University students are eligible to participate in McAuliffe Center professional development programs.