Grant funds physical science training
by Shannon Harrison, ne news editor

     NE Campus will offer Properties of Matter, a physical science workshop for teachers in grades 6-8, as a result of funding by an Eisenhower Grant.
     The Eisenhower Professional Development Program provides financial assistance to institutions of higher education to help teachers and other staff obtain professional development in core academic subjects.
     Because of limited funding, primary emphasis remains on the subjects of mathematics and science. The program represents the largest federal initiative for using professional development to improve teaching and learning.
     Jean Anne Lanier, assistant professor of natural sciences, serves as project director.
     According to Lanier, this program is designed to increase content knowledge of physical and chemical properties of matter, physical and chemical changes and the relationship between properties and atomic structure.
     Lessons will center on laboratory exercises, using a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. Topics in the course are included in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for grades 6-8.
     Teachers of other grades can participate if space is available.
     In addition, teachers of students who belong to groups that are under represented in science careers or economically disadvantaged are being encouraged to apply.
     The summer science workshop will be June 5-22, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
     A workshop on generating expectations for student achievement is available June 26-28, Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
     The academic year group meetings will take place September through May on the third Monday of each month, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
     Also, each month an additional two or three hours will be spent outside of class with field trips and classroom observations by the project director.
     The workshops are free, paid for by the Eisenhower Grant funds and the teachers will be paid for attending.
     These workshops are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and only 21 teachers can be accepted, Lanier said.
     To gain the grant, NE personnel developed a comprehensive plan that outlined approaches for providing teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to give their students the opportunity to meet state required content and student performance standards.
     The grant proposal also included a narrative description of cooperative planning and agreement with area schools.
     As with all Eisenhower projects, the NE Campus program will offer over 90 contact hours in a full-year of instructional programs including activity-based problem solving instruction and a follow-up component with group meetings and one-on-one meetings.
     For more information, contact Lanier at 817-515-6556.