MITS Professional Development Seminar Series Begins January 22nd
The Museum Institute for Teaching Science will kick off the year’s first Professional Development Seminar on Thursday, January 22nd at Clark University. The full day seminar will be broken up into two sessions:
Butterflies, Caterpillars & Phenology: Community Ecology through Citizen Science, with Dr. Colleen Hitchcock, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Brandeis University
What is the current state of butterflies and caterpillars in Massachusetts? How can we deepen our understanding of these amazing insects through citizen science in ecological inquiry? Join Dr. Colleen Hitchcock as she orients us to some of the amazing research being done around butterflies as they relate to climate change, community ecology and citizen science. We’ll hear about the latest research trends on butterflies and phenology as well as explore ways that institutions can get involved in research projects. Find out how doing your own research can engage your audience and spur their interest in science!
More Than Show and Tell: Artifacts and Biofacts in Inquiry, with Amy O’Donnell, Cumberland High School, Cumberland, RI
How can we use artifacts and biofacts as pathways to project-based learning and to enhanced inquiry-based investigations? Nature centers, zoos, aquariums and museums are filled with collections of artifacts and biofacts, but are sometimes at a loss for how to effectively use these materials to simulate authentic inquiry. Join Amy O’Donnell as we explore the myriad pathways that we can use objects as a springboard for inquiry and project-based learning. Examine artifacts, ask questions and investigate novel ways to use artifacts and biofacts. Learn how to put project-based learning into your programming for students and teachers. We’ll discuss how these investigations can be shared with teachers as tools for meeting the MA Science, Technology/Engineering Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
The 2015 MITS Professional Development Seminar series will be held from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on January 22, February 26, March 19 and April 7 at Clark University in Worcester, MA. These sessions are designed for staff, volunteers and other museum professionals from science, history, art and other cultural institutions and centers in New England.
Date: Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Clark University, Worcester MA
Cost: $40/session (Discounted Rates: $90 for 3 sessions, $120 for all 4 sessions)
PDPs: 5 PDPs are available for each full day session.
Lunch is included with your registration.
How to Register: Visit the 2015 Professional Development Seminar Series page for online and mail-in registration options.
Questions? Let us know by emailing mits@mits.org, or calling 617-328-1515.