TERC and ASTC will collaborate with thirteen science and technology centers around the country to create and implement a professional development program for science center staff. The goal of this project is to use exhibits and educational programs as a vehicle for building a presence for mathematics in science centers nationwide. The participating science centers will develop mathematics initiatives while working with TERC and ASTC to create workshops on topics such as data, measurement, algebra, national standards and visitor accessibility. Start-up sites will create training networks in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas. Workshops will be offered on-line and also at local and national conferences. The project will produce a publication entitled "Promising Math Practices in Science Centers" that will highlight best practices for the incorporation of mathematics into museum programs. It is anticipated that the number of participating institutions will increase to 120 during the life of the project.
DATE:
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Janice MokrosMarlene KlimanDeAnna BeaneAndee Rubin
resourceprojectProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
Citizen science projects engage members of the general public in professionally directed research and participatory action research projects that investigate local environmental issues. The Cornell University - Laboratory of Ornithology is requesting funding to support a national conference and the development of a web-based Citizen Science Toolkit to inform these programs. The Toolkit will provide a framework for scientists and educators to develop, implement and evaluate independent citizen science projects. Deliverables include an invitational conference where best practices will be identified, in addition to the electronic toolkit that will include a Citizen Science Manual and instruments for assessing the effectiveness of projects. A virtual community of educators that develop and implement citizen science projects in a variety of STEM areas will be created. It is anticipated this work will improve the quality of citizen science projects across the country.