The Sun is Amazing!

Solar Energy-Solar Science Teacher Workshop

Grades:  Elementary (K-5), Middle school (6-8) & High School (9-12)

Tue., July 17 - Wed., July 18th
8am-5:00pm both days

Place: UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory in Berkeley, CA
 
Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Kyle Fricke, Bryan Mendez, Karen Meyer (UC Berkeley), Caryn Turrel (National Energy Education Division), Josh Rubin (Woodside High School, Woodside, CA)

Cost: FREE

Come and learn about NASA’s exciting solar discoveries, experiment with engaging classroom projects to harness the Sun’s power, and learn alongside other local teachers. This workshop is a unique opportunity for teachers of grades K-12 to learn about the Sun in a unique and exciting way!

This workshop provides educators with proven curriculum and classroom materials that will enable you to teach about the Sun and align to California standards.  Participants will receive certificates verifying number of hours of professional development.

The “Energy from the Sun” project joins NASA with solar energy education experts.

Please note: We will have a follow-on Saturday workshop later in the year; the date will be posted when determined.

The Sun is Amazing!

Solar Energy-Solar Science Teacher Workshop

Grades:  Elementary (K-5), Middle school (6-8) & High School (9-12)

Tue., June 26 - Thurs., June 28th
8am-3:30pm each of the 3 days

Place: SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utilities District) Energy and Technology Center
 
Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Kyle Fricke, Bryan Mendez, Karen Meyer (UC Berkeley), Hal Aronson (Aronson and Stachel Consulting), Suzette DelBono (SMUD)

Cost: FREE

Come and learn about NASA’s exciting solar discoveries, experiment with engaging classroom projects to harness the Sun’s power, and learn alongside other local teachers. This workshop is a unique opportunity for teachers of grades K-12 to learn about the Sun in a unique and exciting way!

This workshop provides educators with proven curriculum and classroom materials that will enable you to teach about the Sun and align to California standards.  Participants will receive certificates verifying number of hours of professional development.

The “Energy from the Sun” project joins NASA with solar energy education experts.

Please note: We will have a follow-on Saturday workshop later in the year; the date will be posted when determined.

Calendar in the Sky:

Professional Development Workshop for Informal Educators

Mon & Tues, April 30 - May 1

9am-5pm both days

Place: American Museum of Natural History in NY, NY

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Nancy Ali, UC Berkeley, along with many other expert presenters from various organizations

"Calendar in the Sky" is a NASA-funded project led by the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory to engage the American public in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture. The Exploratorium museum of science, art, and human perception is a world leader in informal education and a partner in "Calendar in the Sky".

This project emphasizes the interplay of science and culture embodied by Maya calendars and addresses misconceptions about the Maya. It also uses NASA resources to inform the public about the astronomical basis of the Maya calendar system and dispels misconceptions about the year 2012 doomsday prophecies.

We are providing free professional development trainings for informal educators to:

• increase their familiarity in "Calendar in the Sky" topics and resources,
• learn about and share best practices in public programming for Latinos in informal settings,
• get ideas for an informal education event or program around astronomy, Maya culture and the year 2012, and
• create opportunities for networking between participants (especially with Latino community members), allowing for future interactions and/or collaborations.

These trainings are intended for informal educators from a broad range of venues: museums, science centers, community leaders, parks, astronomical societies, Latino cultural organizations, libraries, etc. During the workshop, participants will interact with experts in NASA science and Maya astronomy and culture, and use the Exploratium's hands-on exhibits and information about Latino-focused public programs as resources.

Note: This same workshop was held in additional locations around the United States. Separate application notices were sent out for those workshops. Funding for travel to the workshops was not provided. We will also be offering online training sessions beginning in mid-2012 for informal educators who cannot attend the workshops.

Calendar in the Sky:

Professional Development Workshop for Informal Educators

Fri & Sat, Mar. 9th-10th

9am-5pm both days

Place: Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, TX

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Nancy Ali, UC Berkeley, along with many other expert presenters from various organizations

"Calendar in the Sky" is a NASA-funded project led by the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory to engage the American public in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture. The Exploratorium museum of science, art, and human perception is a world leader in informal education and a partner in "Calendar in the Sky".

This project emphasizes the interplay of science and culture embodied by Maya calendars and addresses misconceptions about the Maya. It also uses NASA resources to inform the public about the astronomical basis of the Maya calendar system and dispels misconceptions about the year 2012 doomsday prophecies.

We are providing free professional development trainings for informal educators to:

• increase their familiarity in "Calendar in the Sky" topics and resources,
• learn about and share best practices in public programming for Latinos in informal settings,
• get ideas for an informal education event or program around astronomy, Maya culture and the year 2012, and
• create opportunities for networking between participants (especially with Latino community members), allowing for future interactions and/or collaborations.

These trainings are intended for informal educators from a broad range of venues: museums, science centers, community leaders, parks, astronomical societies, Latino cultural organizations, libraries, etc. During the workshop, participants will interact with experts in NASA science and Maya astronomy and culture, and use the Exploratium's hands-on exhibits and information about Latino-focused public programs as resources.

NASA's WISE Mission Presents: More Than A Pretty Picture - Using Astronomical Data in the Classroom

Grades: Middle School-High School

Thurs., March 29

9:30-10:30am

NSTA Conference, Indianapolis, IN

Westin Indianapolis, Grand Ballroom 1

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

WISE stands for Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer. The data of NASA's WISE mission is public and accessible via the internet. Learn how to use real astronomical data to teach concepts in physical science.

NASA's Ready-to-Go Solar Science and Solar Energy Activities for the K-5 Classroom

Grades: Elementary

Thurs., March 29

12:30-1:30pm

NSTA Conference, Indianapolis, IN

Indiana Convention Center, 123

Presenter(s): Ruth Paglierani, UC Berkeley

Solar energy and solar science make a dynamic classroom combination. Use fun hands-on activities integrating literacy and math to learn more about our amazing Sun.

NASA: Exploring the Universe Through the World Wide Telescope

Grades: Middle School-High School/ Informal Education

Thurs., March 29

12:30-1:30pm

NSTA Conference, Indianapolis, IN

Westin Indianapolis, Grand Ballroom 1

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Get up close and personal with the cosmos with the free, downloadable World Wide Telescope software that you can use to create tours of the universe with NASA images.

Informal Science Day Session: Calendar in the Sky: Engaging Latinos in NASA Science and Maya Astronomy

Grades: Informal Education

Fri., March 30

8-9am

NSTA Conference, Indianapolis, IN

JW Marriott Indianapolis, JW GGrand Ballroom 5/Group 3

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, UC Berkeley, & Laura Huerta Migus, ASTC

Discover resources and professional development opportunities that connect NASA science with Maya culture as a way to engage Latinos informal learning.

Calendar in the Sky:

Professional Development Workshop for Informal Educators

Fri & Sat, Feb. 24th-25th

9am-5pm both days

Place: Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, AZ

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Nancy Ali, UC Berkeley, along with many other expert presenters from various organizations

"Calendar in the Sky" is a NASA-funded project led by the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory to engage the American public in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture. The Exploratorium museum of science, art, and human perception is a world leader in informal education and a partner in "Calendar in the Sky".

This project emphasizes the interplay of science and culture embodied by Maya calendars and addresses misconceptions about the Maya. It also uses NASA resources to inform the public about the astronomical basis of the Maya calendar system and dispels misconceptions about the year 2012 doomsday prophecies.

We are providing free professional development trainings for informal educators to:

• increase their familiarity in "Calendar in the Sky" topics and resources,
• learn about and share best practices in public programming for Latinos in informal settings,
• get ideas for an informal education event or program around astronomy, Maya culture and the year 2012, and
• create opportunities for networking between participants (especially with Latino community members), allowing for future interactions and/or collaborations.

These trainings are intended for informal educators from a broad range of venues: museums, science centers, community leaders, parks, astronomical societies, Latino cultural organizations, libraries, etc. During the workshop, participants will interact with experts in NASA science and Maya astronomy and culture, and use the Exploratium's hands-on exhibits and information about Latino-focused public programs as resources.

Note: This same workshop was held in additional locations around the United States. Separate application notices were sent out for those workshops. Funding for travel to the workshops was not provided. We will also be offering online training sessions beginning in mid-2012 for informal educators who cannot attend the workshops.

Calendar in the Sky:

Professional Development Workshop for Informal Educators

Tue & Wed, Nov. 1st-2nd

9am-5pm both days

The Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Nancy Ali, UC Berkeley, along with many other expert presenters from various organizations

"Calendar in the Sky" is a NASA-funded project led by the UC Berkeley Center for Science Education at the Space Sciences Laboratory to engage the American public in NASA science (space exploration, astronomy, planetary and Earth sciences, etc.) via the broad interest in Maya culture. The Exploratorium museum of science, art, and human perception is a world leader in informal education and a partner in "Calendar in the Sky".

This project emphasizes the interplay of science and culture embodied by Maya calendars and addresses misconceptions about the Maya. It also uses NASA resources to inform the public about the astronomical basis of the Maya calendar system and dispels misconceptions about the year 2012 doomsday prophecies.

We are providing free professional development trainings for informal educators to:

• increase their familiarity in "Calendar in the Sky" topics and resources,
• learn about and share best practices in public programming for Latinos in informal settings,
• get ideas for an informal education event or program around astronomy, Maya culture and the year 2012, and
• create opportunities for networking between participants (especially with Latino community members), allowing for future interactions and/or collaborations.

NASA's WISE Mission Presents: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: Middle School-High School

Fri., Nov. 18th

4:30pm-5:30pm

CAST Conference, Dallas, TX

Dallas Convention Center, Room C141

Presenter: Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the different realms of the Universe. Discover the immense sizes of the Earth, Sun, Solar System, Solar Neighborhood, Milky Way, Local Group, Supercluster, and the observable Universe. It's a fascinating and even humbling educational experience. Also learn about one of NASA's latest missions to investigate the Universe, WISE.

NASA's WISE Mission presents: More Than a Pretty Picture - Using Astronomical Data in the Classroom

Grades: High School

Sat., Nov. 19th

2:30pm-3:30pm

CAST Conference, Dallas, TX

Dallas Convention Center, Room A310

Presenter: Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Images and data from NASA's WISE mission are now free and open to the public! Learn how to use these raw astronomical images in the classroom to teach concepts in astronomy and physical science. Several activities/projects will be highlighted that mimic the actual processes that astronomers carry out when doing real research. Many of the activities are also applicable to images taken using most astronomical cameras, including those attached to many schools' private telescopes.

NASA's WISE Mission Presents: More Than Your Eyes Can See - The Universe Across the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Grades: Middle School-High School

Sun., Oct. 23rd

8-9am

CSTA Conference, Pasadena, CA

Pasadena Convention Center, Room 104

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

NASA uses instruments sensitive across the electromagnetic spectrum to get the whole picture of the Universe. Come learn ways to demonstrate these different parts of the spectrum in your classroom.

NASA's WISE Mission presents: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: Middle School- High School

Sun., Oct. 23rd

9:20-10:20am

CSTA Conference, Pasadena, CA

Pasadena Convention Center, Room 104

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez & Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances.

The Sun is Amazing!

Solar Energy-Solar Science Teacher Workshop

Grades:  Elementary (K-5), Middle school (6-8) & High School (9-12)

Tue., Aug. 9 - Wed., Aug. 10
9am-3:30pm

Place: SMUD Energy and Technology Center
 
Presenters: Ruth Paglerani, Bryan Mendez, Kyle Fricke, Hal Aronson

Cost: FREE

Come and learn about NASA’s exciting solar discoveries, experiment with engaging classroom projects to harness the Sun’s power, and learn alongside other local teachers. This workshop is a unique opportunity for teachers of grades K-12 to learn about the Sun in a unique and exciting way!

This workshop provides educators with proven curriculum and classroom materials that will enable you to teach about the Sun and align to California standards.  Participants will receive certificates verifying number of hours of professional development.

The “Energy from the Sun” project joins NASA with solar energy education experts.

http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/energy/

Heliophysics Educator Ambassador Program

Grades: Middle school (6-8)

Mon-Fri, July 18-22
8:30am -4:30pm each day (One 5-day workshop)

Place: Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL

Presenters: Lindsay Bartalone, Heidi Schmitt, Heather Withnell, Michelle Nichols, Kyle Fricke, and many more experts from several NASA Heliophysics missions

The Heliophysics Educator Ambassador (HEA) program will focus on in-depth learning experiences around Earth, Space, and Physical Science topics for educators teaching in middle and high school grades.

The goal of the HEA program is to develop the capacity and provide the opportunity for educators to train other teachers on NASA Heliophysics science and educational resources. This program will provide educators with a week-long training and follow-up support for several years via teleconference calls and other electronic communications. We expect that the educators involved in the HEA program will implement lesson plans based on NASA Heliophysics education resources in their own classrooms and also train other teachers at local and regional professional development conferences or meetings.

http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/HEA/

The Sun is Amazing!

Solar Energy-Solar Science Teacher Workshop

Grades:  Elementary (K-5), Middle school (6-8) & High School (9-12)

Tue., June 28 - Wed., June 29
9am-3:30pm

Place: Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley
 
Presenters: Ruth Paglerani, Bryan Mendez, Kyle Fricke, Barry Scott

Cost: FREE

Come and learn about NASA’s exciting solar discoveries, experiment with engaging classroom projects to harness the Sun’s power, and learn alongside other local teachers. This workshop is a unique opportunity for teachers of grades K-12 to learn about the Sun in a unique and exciting way!

This workshop provides educators with proven curriculum and classroom materials that will enable you to teach about the Sun and align to California standards.  Participants will receive certificates verifying number of hours of professional development. 

The “Energy from the Sun” project joins NASA with solar energy education experts. 

http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/energy/

Cool Astronomy with NASA's WISE Mission

Grades: Middle school (6-8) & High School (9-12)

Sat, April 2nd
9:00am - 4:00pm

Place: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Brian Abbott, Susan Kelly, Nancy Alimi Ali 

Cost: FREE

NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer space telescope, or WISE, recently mapped the entire sky in infrared light, searching for dangerous asteroids in our Solar System, the nearest and coolest stars, the origins of stellar and planetary systems, and the most luminous galaxies in the Universe. In this full-day workshop educators will experience NASA-developed hands-on, inquiry-based lessons and other educational resources about infrared astronomy and the WISE mission. We will discuss how astronomers use infrared to learn about a variety of phenomena throughout the Cosmos. Some of the activities will be from the NASA guide “Active Astronomy.” These hands-on activities are designed to complement instruction on the electromagnetic spectrum for middle and high school students. Participants will receive “Active Astronomy” kits to take back to their classrooms. We will present lessons that make use of real image data from infrared space telescopes and discuss how to involve your students in research projects using WISE data. We will also take a tour of the invisible Universe, focusing on how objects in space look in infrared light. Participants will gain hands-on familiarity with the lessons and content to feel comfortable using them in their own classrooms effectively. We seek to enhance the teachers’ content knowledge as well as model pedagogical methods for improvement of their science teaching in the classroom. Participants will receive copies of the activities presented as well as other NASA educational materials: CD-ROMs, fliers, bookmarks, lithographs, etc.

Ready-to-Go Space Science Activities for Young Explorers

Grades: elementary

Thurs., Mar. 10

8:00-9:00 am

NSTA Meeting, San Fancisco, CA

Hilton Hotel, Golden Gate 7

Presenter(s): Ruth Paglierani, UC Berkeley

Make the most of students’ curiosity about Space! Use fun, hands-on activities that integrate literacy and math to explore the Sun and Solar System in your classroom.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

NASA: Bring NASA Science into Your Classroom

Grades: elementary-high school

Thurs., Mar. 10

8:00-9:00 am

NSTA Meeting, San Fancisco, CA

Marriott San Francisco Marquis, Pacific B

Presenter(s): John Ensworth, IGES; Laura Peticolas, UC Berkeley 

Learn about NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and how to navigate the many NASA SMD sessions for earth/space, physics, chemistry, biology, and general science teachers.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades: elementary-high school

Fri., Mar. 11

9:30am-10:30am

NSTA Meeting, San Fancisco, CA

Marriott San Francisco Marquis, Walnut  

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, Nancy Ali, UC Berkeley

These fun hands-on activities and strategies teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth System.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

NASA: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: middle level- high school

Sat., Mar. 12

3:30pm-4:30pm

NSTA Meeting, San Fancisco, CA

Marriott San Francisco Marquis, Walnut

Presenter(s): Pam Whiffen, Mohave Middle School, Scottsdale , AZ; Kyle Fricke, Bryan Mendez, UC Berkeley

Experience hands-on, inquiry-based activities designed to enliven your classroom and stimulate your students' sense of curiosity. NASA materials include a CD, posters, and complete lessons.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

Space Science Sequence Teacher Workshop for Grades 6-8

Grades:  Middle school (6-8)

Part 1: Sat, Jan 8th,  8:30am - 4pm

-AND-

Part 2: Sat, Jan 22nd,  8:30am - 4pm (one workshop spread out over two Saturdays)

Place: UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, John Erickson, Nancy Alimi Ali, Kyle Fricke

Link to flyer for this workshop (pdf)

Looking for a way to include space science in your curriculum or after-school program? Interested in exploring nationally field-tested activities for teaching about the Solar System and beyond? The Center for Science Education at UC Berkeley’s Space Science Laboratory is pleased to partner with GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) to provide professional development for educators on the GEMS Space Science Sequence for 6th – 8th graders.

The Space Science Sequence was developed with NASA and leading astronomy educators, researchers, assessment experts, and GEMS curriculum development staff. It is made up of four units (“How Does the Sun Affect the Earth?”, “Why Are There Seasons?”, “The Solar System”, and “Beyond the Solar System”) that can be implemented individually or in sequence. Curriculum guides will be provided to all participants. Kits including the materials for teaching the units will be available for check out, free of charge, from the Center for Science Education on the UC Berkeley campus.

Participants receive:

• engaging, hands-on immersion in the new GEMS Space Science Sequences for Grades 6-8
• teachers guides, background information and interactive CD-ROM (a $150 value!)
• ability to borrow complete GEMS Space Science Sequence materials kits

Features of the Space Science Sequences:

• developed with NASA and other leading astronomy educators and researchers
• aligned with both the National Science Standards and California State Science Standards
• field tested extensively nationwide to ensure success with all students
• research studies available showing the effectiveness of the curriculum
• opportunities for student discourse, supportive readings, CD-ROM extension activities and background content for teachers
• summative assessment system        
• inquiry-based activities          
• flexible across grade levels

NASA's WISE Mission Presents: Cool Astronomy

Grades: Middle School-High School

Fri., Oct. 22nd

11am-Noon

CSTA Conference, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Convention Center, Room 314

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, Nancy Ali, Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the universe using this invisible light.

NASA's WISE Mission presents: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: Middle School- High School

Fri., Oct. 22nd

1pm - 2pm

CSTA Conference, Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Convention Center, Room 314

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, Nancy Ali, Kyle Fricke, UC Berkeley

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances.

Ready-to-go Space Science Activities for the K-4 and 5-8 Classroom

Grades: Elementary and Middle school (K-8)

Sat, Sep. 11
9am - 5pm

-AND-

Sat, Oct. 16 10am - 6pm (follow-up workshop & community event)

Place: Hartnell College Planetarium
Salinas, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani, Nancy Alimi Ali, Kyle Fricke

Two full-day workshops. Explore the exciting Sun-Earth system through hands-on science activities created especially for elementary and middle school classrooms. Discover new strategies for teaching inquiry-based science curriculum developed by UC Berkeley/NASA scientists working in collaboration with classroom teachers.

Participants will receive…

• complete lesson plans for activities conducted in the workshop
• free NASA educational materials including posters, age-appropriate readers, lithographs, and information about NASA teaching resources
• a stipend for attending the workshop and the follow-up “Family Celebration of Maya Culture and Astronomy” event on October 16th
• the opportunity for a class field trip to the HartnellCollege Planetarium

Alignment to California science standards will be highlighted at this workshop.

K-8 teachers from all Salinas Valley schools are welcome.

Flyer for this event

NASA: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: middle level- high school

Thurs., Mar. 18

2:00-3:00 pm

NSTA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA

Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, Freedom E

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, UC Berkeley

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

Ready-to-Go Space Science Activities for Young Explorers

Grades: elementary

Fri., Mar. 19

2:00-3:00 pm

NSTA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D/Room 10

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, UC Berkeley

Make the most of K–4 students' curiosity about space with these fun hands-on activities exploring the solar system and the Sun.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

Cool Astronomy

Grades: Middle Level-High School

Fri., Mar. 19

3:30-4:30 pm

NSTA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA

Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, Freedom E

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, UC Berkeley

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the universe using this invisible light.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades: elementary-high school

Sat., Mar. 20

11:00am-12 noon

NSTA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA

Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel, Freedom E

Presenter(s): Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas, UC Berkeley

Teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth connection with these fun hands-on activities and strategies.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

Exploring the Solar System Through the Eyes of Scientists

Grades: elementary

Sat., Mar. 20

12:30-1:30 pm

NSTA Meeting, Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D/Room 10

Presenter(s): Sally Feldman, Washington Elementary School, Richmond, CA; Ruth Paglierani, UC Berkeley

Come explore our solar system through hands-on astronomy activities created especially for primary students. Topics include ice, moons, and how our solar system works as a system. Key to the learning process is the use of student notebooks.

Register at the National Science Teachers Association conference page.

Cool Astronomy with NASA's WISE Mission

Grades: middle and high school

Sat, Feb. 6

9:00am - 4:00 pm

Center for Science Education, Space Sciences Lab, Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

NASA's latest space telescope is the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). WISE will map the sky in infrared light, searching for dangerous asteroids in our Solar System, the nearest and coolest stars, the origins of stellar and planetary systems, and the most luminous galaxies in the Universe. In this full-day workshop educators will experience NASA-developed hands-on, inquiry-based lessons and other educational resources about infrared astronomy and the WISE mission. We will discuss how astronomers use infrared to learn about a variety of phenomena throughout the Cosmos. Some of the activities will be from the NASA guide “Active Astronomy.” These hands-on activities are designed to complement instruction on the electromagnetic spectrum for middle and high school students. Participants will receive “Active Astronomy” kits to take back to their classrooms. We will present lessons that make use of real image data from infrared space telescopes and discuss how to involve your students in research projects using WISE data. We will also take a tour of the invisible Universe, focusing on how objects in space look in infrared light. Participants will gain hands-on familiarity with the lessons and content to feel comfortable using them in their own classrooms effectively. We seek to enhance the teachers' content knowledge as well as model pedagogical methods for improvement of their science teaching in the classroom. Copies of the presented activities and NASA educational materials will be available: CD-ROMs, fliers, bookmarks, lithographs, etc.

Cool Astronomy with NASA's WISE Mission

Grades: middle and high school

Sat, Feb. 20

9:00am - 4:00 pm

American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

NASA's latest space telescope is the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). WISE will map the sky in infrared light, searching for dangerous asteroids in our Solar System, the nearest and coolest stars, the origins of stellar and planetary systems, and the most luminous galaxies in the Universe. In this full-day workshop educators will experience NASA-developed hands-on, inquiry-based lessons and other educational resources about infrared astronomy and the WISE mission. We will discuss how astronomers use infrared to learn about a variety of phenomena throughout the Cosmos. Some of the activities will be from the NASA guide “Active Astronomy.” These hands-on activities are designed to complement instruction on the electromagnetic spectrum for middle and high school students. Participants will receive “Active Astronomy” kits to take back to their classrooms. We will present lessons that make use of real image data from infrared space telescopes and discuss how to involve your students in research projects using WISE data. We will also take a tour of the invisible Universe, focusing on how objects in space look in infrared light. Participants will gain hands-on familiarity with the lessons and content to feel comfortable using them in their own classrooms effectively. We seek to enhance the teachers' content knowledge as well as model pedagogical methods for improvement of their science teaching in the classroom. Copies of the presented activities and NASA educational materials will be available: CD-ROMs, fliers, bookmarks, lithographs, etc.

Cool Astronomy with NASA's WISE Mission

Grades: middle and high school

Sat., Jan. 23

9:00am-4:00pm

JPL, Pasadena

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

NASA's latest space telescope is the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). WISE will map the sky in infrared light, searching for dangerous asteroids in our Solar System, the nearest and coolest stars, the origins of stellar and planetary systems, and the most luminous galaxies in the Universe. In this full-day workshop educators will experience NASA-developed hands-on, inquiry-based lessons and other educational resources about infrared astronomy and the WISE mission. We will discuss how astronomers use infrared to learn about a variety of phenomena throughout the Cosmos. Some of the activities will be from the NASA guide “Active Astronomy.” These hands-on activities are designed to complement instruction on the electromagnetic spectrum for middle and high school students. Participants will receive “Active Astronomy” kits to take back to their classrooms. We will present lessons that make use of real image data from infrared space telescopes and discuss how to involve your students in research projects using WISE data. We will also take a tour of the invisible Universe, focusing on how objects in space look in infrared light. Participants will gain hands-on familiarity with the lessons and content to feel comfortable using them in their own classrooms effectively. We seek to enhance the teachers' content knowledge as well as model pedagogical methods for improvement of their science teaching in the classroom. Participants will receive copies of the activities presented as well as other NASA educational materials: CD-ROMs, fliers, bookmarks, lithographs, etc.

Register

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) for Classroom Teachers

SACNAS
Conference

Grades:

Fri., Oct. 16

1:30am-4:30pm

Remington Room

Sheraton Hotel, Dallas

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Galileos first astronomical observations with a telescope. For IYA, we will present NASA-developed classroom lessons that examine our current understanding of our place in the Universe and the questions that motivate astronomers today.

To Register visit: http://www.sacnas.org/confnew/confclient/

Cool Astronomy: Exploring the Infrared Universe

SACNAS Conference

Grades:

Sat, Oct. 17

1:30am - 3:00 pm

Sheraton Hotel Dallas, City View 6

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Explore the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the Universe using invisible light. Also learn about NASA's new infrared telescope, WISE, launching in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy and receive educational resources from the mission. Teachers and students are welcome.

To Register visit: http://www.sacnas.org/confnew/confclient/

NASA's WISE Mission Presents: Cool Astronomy

CSTA Conference

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

Fri., Oct. 23

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying the universe using space telescopes sensitive to infrared, like the soon-to-launch WISE mission

To register, visit California Science Teachers Association:
http://www.cascience.org/csta/conf_home09.asp

Learning the Real Reasons for Seasons with NASA and GEMS

CSTA Conference

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Fri., Oct. 23

3:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wyndham Palm Spring Hotel

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Experience hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding the causes of seasons—and how to help students better learn this subject. Participants will receive NASA/GEMS materials.

To register, visit California Science Teachers Association:
http://www.cascience.org/csta/conf_home09.asp

NASA's Heliophysics Missions Present: Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

CSTA Conference

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Sat., Oct. 24

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Join us in exploring fun, hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the sun-earth connection.

To register, visit California Science Teachers Association:
http://www.cascience.org/csta/conf_home09.asp

SA Presents STEREO (IMPACT) and the Solar Wind

CSTA Conference

Grades: 6-8

Sat., Oct. 24

1:000 pm - 2:00 pm

Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Provide students an engaging way to emphasize middle school physical science standards by learning about the sun through a short lecture and an inquiry engineering process.

To register, visit California Science Teachers Association:
http://www.cascience.org/csta/conf_home09.asp

Hands-On Universe/NASA WISE Workshop

Grades: high school

Sat, Oct. 3

8:30am - 5:00 pm

Belmont High School

255 Seavey Road, Belmont, NH 03220

Presenters: Tom Morin

Attention high school science teachers!

Join a team of teachers taking advantage of the opportunity to incorporate the NASA WISE mission (Wide Angle Infrared Explorer) asteroid studies in Physics, Astronomy, and/or Earth Science courses.

The UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) Hands-On Universe HOU project, Global Systems Science (GSS) and the WISE mission are joining forces to organize teacher workshops in the the Fall of 2009. There will be a 1-day workshop to introduce new curriculum materials that can be easily integrated into existing science courses and provide reinforcement of certain key science education standards (physics, astronomy, and inquiry-based learning). Participating teachers will be field test teachers for these new curriculum materials. The 1-day workshop will be followed by periodic teleconferences to assist teachers in implementing materials introduced in the workshops. In this way, participating teachers form a Professional Learning Community to share effective teaching strategies. For participation, you get a stipend of $50 for the 1-day workshop and another $50 for implementation and classroom field test feedback.

Workshop includes these topics:

* Using Hands-On Universe and the Global Systems Science book A Changing Cosmos to set stage for asteroid studies

* Basics of astronomical Image Processing

* Activity: Using Image Processing software to find moving objects--identify asteroids,

* Asteroid Lore (powerpoint teaching/presentation files)

* Activity: Doomsday Scenario: 99942 Apophis Asteroid --asteroid collision with Earth (use JPL small body database browser)

* How and why things move

Model movements of Earth relative to asteroid

* Introduction to the NASA WISE mission (powerpoint presentation file)

* Activity on Infrared astronomy

* Activities: Figuring out the rotation period of asteroids

("Potato" Asteroid and 22 Kalliope)

* Introduction to Asteroid Research projects with the

International Astronomical Search Campaign (IASC)

Register (Registration deadline: 5 pm - Sept 26)

Hands-On Universe/NASA WISE Workshop

Grades: high school

Sat, Sept. 26

8:30am-4:30pm

Cordova High School

2239 Chase Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Presenters: Glenn Reagan

Attention high school science teachers!

Join a team of teachers taking advantage of the opportunity to incorporate the NASA WISE mission (Wide Angle Infrared Explorer) asteroid studies in Physics, Astronomy, and/or Earth Science courses.

The UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) Hands-On Universe HOU project, Global Systems Science (GSS) and the WISE mission are joining forces to organize teacher workshops in the the Fall of 2009. There will be a 1-day workshop to introduce new curriculum materials that can be easily integrated into existing science courses and provide reinforcement of certain key science education standards (physics, astronomy, and inquiry-based learning). Participating teachers will be field test teachers for these new curriculum materials. The 1-day workshop will be followed by periodic teleconferences to assist teachers in implementing materials introduced in the workshops. In this way, participating teachers form a Professional Learning Community to share effective teaching strategies. For participation, you get a stipend of $50 for the 1-day workshop and another $50 for implementation and classroom field test feedback.

Workshop includes these topics:

* Using Hands-On Universe and the Global Systems Science book A Changing Cosmos to set stage for asteroid studies

* Basics of astronomical Image Processing

* Activity: Using Image Processing software to find moving objects--identify asteroids

* Asteroid Lore (powerpoint teaching/presentation files)

* Activity: Doomsday Scenario: 99942 Apophis Asteroid --asteroid collision with Earth (use JPL small body database browser)

* How and why things move

Model movements of Earth relative to asteroid

* Introduction to the NASA WISE mission (powerpoint presentation file)

* Activity on Infrared astronomy

* Activities: Figuring out the rotation period of asteroids ("Potato" Asteroid and 22 Kalliope)

* Introduction to Asteroid Research projects with the

International Astronomical Search Campaign (IASC)

Register (Registration deadline: 5 pm - Sep 19)

NASA: Ready-made Earth and Space Science Lessons from the THEMIS and FAST Missions

Grades: Middle Level

Fri., March 20

9:30 - 10:30 AM

NSTA Conference (New Orleans, LA):

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 354

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Cris DeWolf

Explore activities from two NASA teacher guides—Exploring Magnetism on Earth and Space Weather. We will calculate the average speed of the magnetic pole's movement over the past 1,000 years and use magnetic data to calculate the probability of a large magnetic storm occurring on a given day. Each participant will receive a CD and numerous handouts.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

NASA: Cool Astronomy

Grades: Middle Level - College

Fri., March 20

12:30 - 1:30 PM

NSTA Conference (New Orleans, LA):

Sheraton New Orleans, Napoleon C2

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the universe using this invisible light.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

Ready-to-Go Space Science Activities for the K–5 Classroom

Grades: Elementary

Fri., March 20

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

NSTA Conference (New Orleans, LA):

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room R03

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Sally L. Feldman

Make the most of young students' curiosity about space! Explore fun hands-on activities for learning about our amazing solar system.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades: Elementary - Middle

Sat., Mar 21

8:00 AM - 9:00 am

NSTA Conference:

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room R07

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

These fun hands-on activities and strategies teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth Connection.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in Solar Flares with the RHESSI Mission

Grades Middle Level - College

Sat., Mar 21

12:30 - 1:30 PM

NSTA Conference:

Sheraton New Orleans, Salon 817 & 821

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Explore the nature and cause of the Solar System's largest explosions—solar flares. I'll share classroom activities involving physical science, reading, and math standards.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

NASA: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades Middle Level - College

Sun., Mar 22

11:00 - 12:00 PM

NSTA Conference:

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 229

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances.

See National Science Teachers Association Conference for more information.

The Solar Cycle and Its Effects on Earth

Grades: K-12

Sat., Dec. 13, 2008

9:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Embassy Suites Napa Valley
(Cabernet Room)
1075 California Blvd, Napa, CA 94559

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani and NASA space scientists

We live in the atmosphere of a dynamic, magnetic star that interacts with the Earth and the planets beyond—the Sun. A new solar cycle has just begun and scientists are poised to study this next cycle in greater detail than ever before. Come learn about the latest discoveries in the study of the Sun, and explore activities for your classroom. During this workshop we will present hands-on, inquiry-based lessons plans that explore Sun-Earth Connection concepts such as magnetism, the seasons, space weather, eclipses, and solar energy. In addition, NASA space scientists will be on hand to explain their newest investigations into the workings of the Sun.

We will feature special afternoon breakout sessions for elementary and middle/high school grades.

Lunch will be provided for free. Parking is free. Plus we will distribute several free NASA classroom materials, including GEMS guides (The Real Reasons for Seasons, and Living With a Star), and elementary lessons from Eye on the Sky ( http://www.eyeonthesky.org/ ).

Register (Registration deadline: 5 pm - Dec 5th)

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades 3-5, 6-8

Sat., Nov 1

11:00 AM - 12 noon

CSTA Conference:

Marriott San Jose Hotel (CA)

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Join us in exploring fun, hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the sun-earth connection.

See California Science Teachers Association for more information.

Cool Astronomy

Grades 6-8, 9-12

Sat., Nov 1

4:00 - 5:00 pm

CSTA Conference:

Marriott San Jose Hotel (CA)

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the Universe using NASA missions with telescopes sensitive to this invisible light.

See California Science Teachers Association for more information.

Learning the Real Reasons for Seasons with NASA and GEMS

Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Friday, Oct. 31

8:00 am - 9:00 am

CSTA Conference:

San Jose Convention Center (CA)

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez

Experience hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding the causes of seasons�and how to help students better learn this subject. Participants will receive NASA/GEMS materials.

See California Science Teachers Association for more information.

NASA STEREO (IMPACT) Mission Presents Discovering the Sun

Grades 6-8

Friday, Oct. 31

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

CSTA Conference:

San Jose Convention Center (CA)

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez

Provide students an engaging way to emphasize middle school physical science standards by learning about the sun through a short lecture and an inquiry engineering process.

See California Science Teachers Association for more information.

From Space Sciences Discoveries to Mayan Culture

2-Day Workshop

Grades K-12

August 16
Space Sciences Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
9 AM - 5 PM

November 15
Pickelweed Community Center, Canal Street, San Rafael, CA
9 AM - 3 PM

CSE Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas, Isabel Hawkins, Priya Desai

This two-day teacher professional development workshop will include topics such as space weather, seasons, magnetism and the electromagnetic spectrum with a special emphasis on working with Latino communities.

Day #1 of the workshop will feature modeling of classroom-tested, standards-based, NASA-funded educator guides such as "Exploring Magnetism," "Real Reasons for the Seasons," "Living with a Star," and "Eye on the Sky." There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about "Eye on the Sky" materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide "Living with a Star."

Day #2 of the workshop will take place in conjunction with a Mayan community event in San Rafael, CA. The multilingual community event will feature space science activity stations along with vendors selling food, arts, crafts, & textiles. There will be lectures from Mexican scientists about the astronomy of the ancient and modern Mayan culture and from NASA scientists about modern Solar research. There will also be presentations of traditional Mayan dances. Teachers will meet in the morning, prior to the start of the event to learn about the space science activity stations and how to plan similar events in their own communities.

We will provide the opportunity to earn college credits for teachers completing 15 hours of professional development over the 2-day workshop. To receive credit, teachers are expected to commit to writing a lesson plan using content and resources from the workshop, trying out this lesson plan in their classrooms, and participating in the bilingual space science stations at the Mayan community event on day #2 of the workshop.

The workshop is free. Free lunch and snacks will be provided. Parking is free. Plus we will distribute several free NASA classroom materials, including GEMS guides, and elementary lessons from Eye on the Sky.\

Flyer (189 KB)

Bay Area Science Project (BASP) Oakland Unified K-3 Science Summer Institute 2008

Grades K-3

June 23-27

Skyline High School, Oakland, CA

CSE Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas*

* We are only four of many more presenters. This workshop is run by the BASP staff.

The goal of this five-day workshop is to help Oakland, CA teachers teach science from the adopted science curriculum, FOSS. The workshop will help with teacher background science, FOSS science activities, and science teaching pedagogy. At these grades this includes discussions and examples of how to tie reading and mathematics to the science lessons.

To register for this workshop, contact:

Claudio Vargas B.
Bay Area Science Project Director
Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley
cvargasb@berkeley.edu

GEMS Site Workshop: NASA and Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Space workshop

Grades 4-9

May 28-29

Pierre, SD

Presenters: Nahide Craig, Laura Peticolas

Description: In this two-day workshop, we will model engaging NASA and GEMS activities from four teachers guides: Exploring Magnetism, GEMS Living with a Star, GEMS Invisible Universe, and GEMS Real Reasons for the Seasons. We will also present a talk about Space weather and auroras.

Agenda (48 KB)

To register for this workshop, contact:
Kristie Maher
South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium
805 W. Sioux Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8295
kristiemaher@sd-discovery.com

CSE@SSL 1-Day Workshop on the Sun-Earth Connection

Grades:K-12

Sat., April 5, 2008
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani

During this workshop we will present lessons plans that explore Sun-Earth concepts such as the seasons, space weather, eclipses, and solar energy. We'll present content and resources related to Sun-Earth Day 2008: Space Weather Around the World. We live in the atmosphere of a dynamic, magnetic star that interacts with the Earth and the planets beyond. Prepare for an international celebration of the Sun's domain and influence! We will feature special afternoon breakout sessions for elementary and middle/high school grades.

Lunch is free. Parking is free. Plus we will distribute several free NASA classroom materials, including GEMS guides, and elementary lessons from Eye on the Sky (http://www.eyeonthesky.org/ ).

Register (Registration deadline: 5 pm - April 3rd)

Agenda (48 KB) | Directions

THEMIS Magnetometer Data in the Classroom

Grades: middle school to high school

Thu., March 27, 2008
9:30 -10:30 AM

NSTA Conference

Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Boston, MA

Presenters: Laura M. Peticolas and Cris DeWolf

Learn how high school teachers are using THEMIS magnetometer data in astronomy and physical science classrooms as they teach about vectors, magnetic fields, and space weather.

Register at the NSTA website

Ready-to-Go Space Science Activities for the K-5 Classroom

Grades: K-5

Fri., March 28, 2008
12:30 -1:30 PM

NSTA Conference

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 157B
Boston, MA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani

Register at the NSTA website

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in Solar Flares with the RHESSI Mission

Grades: middle/high school

Sat., March 29, 2008
8:00 - 9:00 AM

NSTA Conference

The Westin Boston Waterfront, Grand Ballroom E
Boston, MA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Come explore the nature and cause of solar flares, the solar system's largest explosions. Learn about classroom activities involving physical science, reading, and math standards.

Register at the NSTA website

Cool Astronomy

Grades: middle to high school

Sat., March 29, 2008
9:30 - 10:30 AM

NSTA Conference

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Room 259B

Boston, MA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the universe using this invisible light.

Register at the NSTA website

NASA: STEREO (IMPACT) Mission Presents: The Physics of the Sun

Grades: middle to high school

Sat., March 29, 2008
12:30 - 1:30 PM

The Westin Boston Waterfront, Grand Ballroom E

Boston, MA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas , Bryan Mendez

Learn an engaging way of teaching the electromagnetic spectrum in one class period, including scientists' discoveries about the Sun from studying it in different wavelengths.

Register at the NSTA website

Balancing Accessibility and Complexity: Strategies for Developing Science Materials for the Primary Classroom

K-4

Sat., March 29, 2008
2:00 - 3:00 PM

The Westin Boston Waterfront, Commonwealth A

Boston , MA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani

Register at the NSTA website

CSE@SSL 1-Day Workshop on Astronomy

Grades: 1-12

Sat., Feb. 23, 2008
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani

During this workshop we will present lessons plans that explore concepts in astronomy such as the size and scale of the Universe and the electromagnetic spectrum. We'll present content on the lives and death of stars, the Pluto controversy, and a new NASA mission. We'll also introduce you to an online project that allows you and your students to help search for interstellar dust. We will feature special afternoon breakout sessions for elementary and middle/high school grades.

Lunch is free. Parking is free. Plus we will distribute several free NASA classroom materials, including the GEMS guide Invisible Universe for those in the 5-12 breakout.

Register (Registration deadline Feb. 20).

Agenda (40 KB)

THEMIS and FAST NASA Missions Present Aurora and Earth’s Magnetism

Grades: 9-12

October 26, 2007
8:00 - 9:00 AM

Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, Seaview B

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez

Learn about the effect of the sun on dynamic auroras, and how to teach calculations of average speed and percentages using real data associated with Earth’s magnetic field and auroras.

Register with California Science Teachers Association

Learning the Real Reasons for the Seasons

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

October 26, 2007
12:00 - 1:00 PM

Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, Seaview B

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez

Experience hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding the causes of seasons—and how to help students better learn this subject. Participants will receive GEMS/NASA materials.

Register with California Science Teachers Association

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

October 26, 2007
1:30 - 2:30 PM

Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, Seaview B

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez

Join us in exploring fun, hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the sun-earth connection.

Register with California Teachers Association

Cool Astronomy

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

October 26, 2007
3:00 - 4:00 PM

Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, Seaview B

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the universe using NASA missions with telescopes sensitive to this invisible light.

Register with California Science Teachers Association

The Year of the Sun

Grades: Pre K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13+

October 27, 2007

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Long Beach Convention Center, Rm. 104 C

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Scientists and educators around the world are participating in the International Heliophysical Year. This world-wide effort has been organized to bring about a greater understanding of the space influenced by the Sun, the heliosphere. Come learn about our dynamic star, the Sun, and discover the dramatic impact it has on Earth and throughout the Solar System.

Register with California Science Teachers Association

Living with a Star: From Sunscreen to Space Weather

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

October 27, 2007

1:30 - 4:30 PM

Westin Long Beach, Shanghai Room

Presenters: Greg Schultz

Ticket required $35.00

Through engaging activities, teachers and their students will gain an enhanced understanding of the dynamic Sun and aspects of the Sun-Earth system that affect life and society. Activities include “The Mystery,” “Energy From the Sun,” “Balloon/Rocket Mission,” and “Ultraviolet Experiments.” This is designed as a hands-on professional development experience for teachers, involving them in actively investigating Sun-Earth phenomena and interpreting results.

Register with California Science Teachers Association

GEMS Site Launch

Grades 6-9

July 17-18, 2007

Baton Rouge, LA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

CSE@SSL Space Science
1-Day Workshop Double-Feature: "Nature's Biggest Blasts & Auroras in the Sky with Atoms"

Grades: 7-12

July 28, 2007

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Kevin McLin, Laura Peticolas, Kevin Hurley

Learn about nature's biggest blasts, cosmic gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and the exciting northern and southern lights, called the aurora. GRBs are thought to be the results of either a hypernovae explosion (the hyper-violent death of the most massive stars) or the merger of extremely compact objects such as two neutron stars. Both events release enormous bursts of gamma rays and the end state is a new black hole. Auroras are result of electrons being accelerated into Earth's upper atmosphere from the magnetosphere. We will present select lessons from the GEMS guide, Invisible Universe, which participants will receive for free.

We will also present two breakout sessions:

1) Activities from the educator guide, “Gamma Ray Bursts,” developed by NASA's Swift mission.

2) And activities from Educators guides developed by NASA's THEMIS mission about Earth's magnetosphere and aurora.

Finally, participants will hear a presentation about the our current understandings of GRBs and the importance of using multiple NASA observatories (such as Swift, Mars Odyssey, and RHESSI) to develop a greater understanding of them.

A free lunch will be provided.

Register (Registration deadline July 25th) |

Solstice Talks and Workshops

Grades: K-4, 8-12

June 20-21, 2007

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani

Come learn about space science and seasons, take part in a treasure hunt at the Alien Earths exhibit, and take part in the solstice events at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. This two-day workshop and outreach event will cover Magnetism (NASA UCB Exploring Magnetism), Real Reasons for the Seasons GEMS guides, and will have a break-out session for K-4 (Eye on the Sky) and 8-12 (GEMS Living with a Star). You will receive teacher guides for the activities you take part in.

NASA/GEMS Space Science Workshop

Grades: K-12

May 5, 2007
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
Energy & Technology Center
6301 S Street
Sacramento, CA

Presenters:Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani, Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

In this teacher professional development workshop, science educators from the Space Sciences Laboratory at UC Berkeley will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: "Exploring Magnetism," "Real Reasons for the Seasons," "Living with a Star," and "Eye on the Sky." There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about "Eye on the Sky" materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide "Living with a Star." Teachers will receive free Exploring Magnetism and GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants.

To register for this workshop contact:
Katie Hobson
Education Specialist
SMUD Energy & Technology Center
6301 S Street MS A226
Sacramento, California 95817
(916) 732-5752
khobson@smud.org

Special Workshop on Sun-Earth Day 2007: Living in the Atmosphere of the Sun

Grades: K-4, 5-8,
9-12

Mar. 10, 2007

10:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters:Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani

We live in the atmosphere of a dynamic, magnetic star that interacts with the Earth and the planets beyond. Prepare for an international celebration of our Sun's domain! This year's Sun-Earth Day theme, Living in the Atmosphere of the Sun, shares the beauty, relevance and significance of our Sun's relationship to Earth and the solar system.

Come join us in exploration, discovery and new understandings as we present activities for Sun-Earth Day 2007. This annual program is a focus of the education & public outreach efforts of NASA's Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum (SECEF), which is jointly based out of UC Berkeley and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In this workshop we'll be providing some timely and useful NASA education materials (print and electronic), do some hands-on activities, and present and discuss some of the science of the Sun-Earth system. You'll come away with classroom-ready lessons, enhanced science understandings, and excitement about the 2007 Sun-Earth Day program and its educational resources.

Note that Sun-Earth Day is actually not just a 1-day event or program – in fact every day is Sun-Earth Day and we will be showcasing materials and activities you can use with students year-round! You are strongly encouraged to preview the website and to register as an educator for Sun-Earth Day 2007: Living in the Atmosphere of the Sun, by going to http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/

Workshop registration, parking, and refreshments will be provided for free. Please register below.

Agenda (132 KB) | Register (Registration deadline: March 7)

Nature's Biggest Blasts

Grades 7-12

March 17, 2007

10 AM – 4PM

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley. CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez , Sarah Silva

Learn about nature's biggest blasts, cosmic gamma ray bursts (GRBs). GRBs are thought to be the results of either a hypernovae explosion (the hyper-violent death of the most massive stars) or the merger of extremely compact objects such as two neutron stars. Both events release enormous bursts of gamma rays and the end state is a new black hole.

We will present select lessons from the GEMS guide, Invisible Universe, which participants will receive for free. We will also present activities from the educator guide, “Gamma Ray Bursts,” developed by NASA's Swift mission. Finally, participants will hear a presentation about the our current understandings of GRBs and the importance of using multiple NASA observatories (such as Swift, Mars Odyssey, and RHESSI) to develop a greater understanding of them.

This workshop is a follow-up to the Beyond the Event Horizon workshop held at the Chabot Space & Science Center this past October, but is open to all, not only those who previously attended the black holes workshop. A free lunch will be provided.

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN POSTPONED. CHECK BACK HERE SOON FOR ANOTHER DATE.

Agenda (80 KB) | Register

NASA: Exploring the Infrared Universe

Grades: 5-8, 9-12, college

March 29, 2007

9:30–10:30 AM

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Presenters: Nahide Craig, Bryan Mendez

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the Universe using this invisible light.

To find out more about the NSTA conference and how to attend this workshop visit: http://www.nsta.org/

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in Space

Grades: College

March 29, 2007

12:30–1:30 PM

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Join us in exploring fun hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth Connection.

To find out more about the NSTA conference and how to attend this workshop visit: http://www.nsta.org/

NASA: Teaching and Learning the Real Reasons for Seasons

Grades: 5-9

March 29, 2007

2:00–3:00 PM

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Bryan Mendez

Learn about common student/adult misconceptions around the causes of seasons, and discover teaching strategies and receive resources to enhance student understanding in this fundamental subject.

To find out more about the NSTA conference and how to attend this workshop visit: http://www.nsta.org/

NASA: Bringing the Cosmos Home with Stardust@Home

Grades: All

March 30, 2007

9:30–10:30 AM

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Learn about the first-ever interstellar dust returned to Earth by NASA's Stardust mission. Discover classroom lessons about stardust and the origins of the Solar System.

To find out more about the NSTA conference and how to attend this workshop visit: http://www.nsta.org/

NASA: STEREO (IMPACT) Mission Presents the Physics of the Sun

Grades: 6-12

March 30, 2007

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Nahide Craig

Learn an engaging way of teaching the electromagnetic spectrum in one class period, including scientists' discoveries about the Sun from
studying it in different wavelengths.

To find out more about the NSTA conference and how to attend this workshop visit: http://www.nsta.org/

CSE@SSL 1-Day Workshop

Grades: K-4, 5-8,
9-12

Feb. 3, 2007
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani, Darlene Yan, Igor Ruderman

Learn real NASA space science to bring into your classrooms. We will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: Real Reasons for the Seasons, Living with a Star, and Eye on the Sky. There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about Eye on the Sky materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide Living with a Star. Teachers will receive free GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. We will also present information and classroom activities from two NASA projects: the THEMIS and STEREO missions that are studying the Sun-Earth connection. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants. Weather permitting, there will also be viewing of the Sun with a special telescope and sunspotters. Lunch will be provided for free.

Register (Registration deadline Jan. 31) Agenda

THEMIS Workshops: "THEMIS and the Mysteries of the Auroras"

Grades 6-12

Feb. 13, 2007
9:30 - 2:30

(LUNCH PROVIDED)

Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Boulevard
Cape Canaveral, FL 39320

Presenters: Nahide Craig, Laura Peticolas

This workshop is intended for teachers of 9-12th grades, and will provide hands-on experience with five inquiry, NASA-developed units which are aligned with the Florida State Science Standards. The emphasis of the workshop will be on magnetism, with strong earth science, astronomy, and mathematics components. Workshop participants will experience the guide activities as their students would, with additional information about the THEMIS science, recommendations for materials, and tips for teaching activity-based curriculum.

This workshop is completely full and we regret that we cannot accommodate any more teachers. Please visit the THEMIS Education and Public Outreach website for more information about the THEMIS launch and our teacher lessons and materials.

KSC tour dresscode (22 KB) | THEMIS Brochure (59 KB)

Exploring Magnetism Workshop

Grades 8-12

Jan. 6, 2007
1 - 5 PM

607, Washington State Convention and Trade Center
Seattle, WA

Presenters: Nahide Craig, Bryan Mendez

We will present hands-on lessons, developed by the Center for Science Education at UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory, about the basics of magnetism and its connection to electricity. Magnetism is important in understanding topics such as sunspots, solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and aurorae. Participants will map the magnetic fields around bar magnets; explore how to make a coil of wire behave like a bar magnet; and electrical currents with nothing more than a bar magnet. Additional activities will explore the strength of magnetic fields during a solar flare, a presentation about the role of magnetism in the Sun-Earth connection, and an activity involving using the internet and computer software programs to discover how the Sun's electrical solar wind is influencing Earth's magnetic field.

Visit the AAPT/AAS conference website to learn how to participate.

Eye on the Sky I: "Our Star, the Sun—Astronomy in the K-4 Classroom"

Jan. 20, 2007
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz

Join us at the Space Science Lab for a 2-hour workshop on Saturday, January 20th, from 10 am until noon. Explore the exciting Sun-Earth-Moon system through hands-on activities created for the K-4 classroom and discover some strategies for integrating literacy and science in the early grades.

We will showcase activities and resources that introduce topics such as shadows, the day/night cycle, motions of the Sun and earth, and the nature of the dynamic Sun to young students. Classroom activities are aligned to National and California Science Standards. You'll have a chance to learn more about the Sun and participate in age-appropriate activities that you can easily incorporate into your curriculum. Activities include classroom models for your students to create to explore the comparative sizes of the Sun, Earth and Moon, making a tabletop eclipse, and outdoor exploration of the Sun's UV with ultraviolet beads.

Language arts, math and art connections are woven throughout the activities to enhance the learning of science concepts. We will have lots of student work for you to take a look at, and a variety of NASA elementary teaching resources will be available for you to take home!

Agenda (154 KB) Register (CANCELLED - but if you're interested, take a look at our Feb. 3 workshop)

CSE 2-Hour Workshop :"Space Weather Brought to the Classroom with NASA's THEMIS Mission."

Grades: 8-12

Jan. 27, 2007
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Nahide Craig

Come model activities around magnetism and Earth's magnetism, including the effect of the Sun on Earth's magnetism, for grades 8-12. Find out about NASA's THEMIS (Time History and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms) mission relates to this data. We will do activities with mapping magnetic fields, data from the wandering of the magnetic pole, data of magnetic storms at Earth, and we will present a short lecture on space weather and the THEMIS mission. These activities cover the National Science Education Standards: Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications (science as inquiry); Motions and forces (physical science); Science as a human endeavor (history and nature of science). The activities also cover the National Mathematics Education Standards: Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates (Number and Operations); Analyze change in various contexts (Algebra); Formulate questions that can be addressed with data; and Collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them and understand and apply basic concepts of probability (Data Analysis and Probability).

Register | Agenda (84 KB) | Standards (19K)
(CANCELLED - but if you're interested, take a look at our Feb. 3 workshop)

Exploring Space Science 2-Day Workshop, Part 2

Grades: K-4, 5-8, 9-12

December 9, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Nahide Craig, Ruth Paglierani, Laura Peticolas, Sally Feldman

Learn real NASA space science to bring into your classrooms. We will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: Real Reasons for the Seasons, Living with a Star, and Eye on the Sky. There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about Eye on the Sky materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide Living with a Star. Teachers will receive free GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. We will also present information and classroom activities from two NASA projects: Stardust@home and the STEREO mission. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants. Weather permitting, there will also be viewing of the Sun with a special telescope and sunspotters. Lunch will be provided for free.
This is part 2 of a 2-part workshop.

Participants will be asked to develop a plan for adapting an activity or the science content presented on Day 1, August 12. Day 2 of the workshop will be December 9, and participants will share then their experiences with lesson adaptation and implementation in their classrooms. We will also present additional activities on Day 2 of the workshop.

Graduate Credits: 1.5 units of graduate academic credits will be available through California State University, East Bay for this workshop/course (TED 7841 for the Winter 2007 quarter). There will be an $81 fee for those who wish to receive the graduate credits (payable on Day 2). There is no charge for attending the workshop. To receive the credits, you must attend all of the course/workshop and submit the lesson plan homework assignment for Day 2 on Dec. 9.

Register | Agenda (62 KB)

Invisible Universe: The Electromagnetic Spectrum from Radio Waves to Gamma Rays

Grades: 5-12

October 27, 2006
8 - 9:45 AM

SACNAS Conference,
Tampa Convention Center

Tampa, Florida

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Experience engaging, hands-on classroom activities, which explore the electromagnetic spectrum and how astronomers use its different parts to learn about the Universe. Participants will receive the GEMS guide Invisible Universe and one lucky attendee will receive a full kit of materials.

Visit the SACNAS Website to register for the conference.

Beyond the Event Horizon and Nature's Biggest Blasts

Grades: 7-9

Day 1:
October 7, 2006
10 AM - 3PM

Chabot Space and Science Center
Oakland, CA

Day 2:
TBD Feb/Mar, 2007
10 AM - 3PM

UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Sarah Silva, Phil Plait, Bryan Mendez

The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: 6 - 8, 9 - 12

October 20, 2006
3 - 4 PM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 405
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the Universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

Learning the Real Reasons for Seasons with GEMS and NASA

Grades: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

October 21, 2006
9:30 - 10:30 AM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 406
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz

Experience hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding the causes of seasons - and how to help students better learn this subject. Participants will receive GEMS/NASA materials.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades: 3-5, 6-8

October 21, 2006
11 AM - 12 PM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 406
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Join us in exploring fun, hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth Connection.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

Exploring Magnetism in Solar Flares with NASA’s RHESSI mission

Grades: 9-12

October 21, 2006
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 406
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Come explore the nature and cause of the Solar System’s largest explosions, solar flares. Learn about activities involving physical science, reading, and math standards for your classroom.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

SC18 - GEMS/NASA Living With a Star: From Sunscreen to Space Weather

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

October 21, 2006
1:30 - 4:30 PM

CSTA Conference

Holiday Inn Golden GateWay Hotel,
Washington Room
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz

Experience engaging activities that enhance understanding of the dynamic Sun and Sun-Earth system. Facilitated by NASA scientists, participants will receive this GEMS guide, its companion CD-ROM, and other NASA resources.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

NASA's THEMIS and FAST Missions Present Auroras and Earth's Magnetism

Grades: 9-12

October 21, 2006
2 - 3 PM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 406
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Nahide Craig

Learn about the effect of the Sun on dynamic auroras and how to teach calculations of average speed and percentages using real data associated with Earth’s magnetic field and auroras.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

Our Star, the Sun: Astronomy in the K-4 Classroom

Grades: K-4

October 22, 2006
8:30 - 9:30 AM

CSTA Conference

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium,
Room 303
San Francisco, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani

Explore the exciting Sun-Earth system through hands-on science activities created for the elementary classroom. Discover new classroom strategies for integrating science, language arts, and mathematics.

Visit the CSTA Website to register for the conference.

Awing Auroras: THEMIS Mission

Grades: 5 - 12

September 21, 2006
6 - 8 PM

Maryland Science Center

Baltimore, MD

Presenters: Sten Odenwald

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a bright greenish-white glow of light stretching across the northern night sky. Often, the Northern lights evolve from a peaceful green glow to bands of red, purple, and white light rapidly dancing across the sky. Sten Odenwald will "shed light" on this mysterious phenomenon with explanations and activities that you can take back to your classroom. You will also learn about the upcoming NASA THEMIS Mission, which will likely confirm one of the two competing theories for explaining the formation of auroral substorms.

This workshop is part of the Maryland Science Center's Teacher's Thursday series.

*Cancelled Due to Low Enrollment*

Stardust@home II

Grades: 5 - 12

September 23, 2006
10 AM - 12 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

The Stardust mission returned to Earth in January after a seven-year journey to collect particles from the coma of a comet and dust that originated from beyond the Solar System. Participants will learn about an exciting project that they and their students can become involved in to search for the precious dust particles caught in the Stardust collectors called Stardust@home. We will present a classroom lesson using Stardust@home and tour some of the facilities at the Lab. Please bring a laptop computer with wireless internet capabilities if possible.

This workshop has been cancelled due to low enrollment. We will attempt to reschedule later in the school year.

2nd Combined GLOBE and THEMIS workshop

Grades: 3 - 8

August 8-11, 2006

Bay Mills Community College

12214 W Lakeshore Dr
Brimley, MI 49715

Presenters: Nahide Craig, Sten Odenwald

Join us in exploring hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth connection. In this first workshop we will focus on the basic concepts of magnetism and electromagnetism. We will present activities from the Educator's Activity Guide: Exploring Magnetism.

Learn ways to teach your students about the Northern and Southern Lights (aurora) while at the same time teaching them important physical science content standards.

Exploring Space Science 2-Day Workshop

Grades: K-4, 5-8, 9-12

August 12, 2006 and
December 9, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (both days)

Space Sciences Lab
Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Nahide Craig, Ruth Paglierani, Laura Peticolas, Sally Feldman

Learn real NASA space science to bring into your classrooms. We will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: Real Reasons for the Seasons, Living with a Star, and Eye on the Sky. There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about Eye on the Sky materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide Living with a Star. Teachers will receive free GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. We will also present information and classroom activities from two NASA projects: Stardust@home and the STEREO mission. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants. Weather permitting, there will also be viewing of the Sun with a special telescope and sunspotters. Lunch will be provided for free.
This will be a 2-part workshop.

Participants will be asked to develop a plan for adapting an activity or the science content presented on Day 1, August 12. Day 2 of the workshop will be December 9, and participants will share then their experiences with lesson adaptation and implementation in their classrooms. We will also present additional activities on Day 2 of the workshop. For Day 1, if you have a laptop computer with a wireless internet card or ethernet port please bring it along to participate in the Stardust@home presentation.

Graduate Credits: 1.5 units of graduate academic credits will be available through California State University, East Bay for this workshop/course (TED 7841 for the Winter 2007 quarter). There will be an $81 fee for those who wish to receive the graduate credits (payable on Day 2). There is no charge for attending the workshop. To receive the credits, you must attend all of the course/workshop and submit the lesson plan homework assignment for Day 2 on Dec. 9.

Register | Agenda (62 KB)

The Real Reasons for Seasons

NASA/GEMS Space Science Workshop

Grades: 5-9

July 15, 2006
10 AM - 12 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenter: Greg Schultz

Experience hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding the causes of seasons - and how to help students better learn this subject. Participants will explore the NASA-supported GEMS guide, “The Real Reasons for Seasons,” and receive a copy of the guide. Through engaging activities, participants will gain (a) an enhanced understanding of the causes of seasons, (b) awareness of common student misconceptions, and (c) greater readiness to help students learn this core topic. Activities, including “Sun-Earth Survey,” “What Shape is Earth’s Orbit?,” “Temperatures Around the World,” and “Tilted Earth,” explicitly build from the prior knowledge of students, and this workshop adopts the constructivist strategy as well, with teachers actively engaged as learners. There is minimal lecturing, as this is designed as a hands-on professional development experience for teachers. “The Real Reasons for Seasons” is influenced by education research and the classic Harvard-produced video, “A Private Universe.”

**NOTE** - This same subject and educators guide will also be explored in the longer July 29 and Aug. 12 workshops we’re offering. So if you register for this July 15 workshop along with either of the other workshops upcoming, please be prepared for repetition on “The Real Reasons for Seasons.” Instead, you may want to choose which workshop most suits your interests and availability: either this seasons-focused 2-hour workshop on 7/15 or one of the longer and broader workshops that follow.

Register

CSE@SSL Space Science 1-Day Workshop

Grades: K-12

July 29, 2006

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Nahide Craig, Ruth Paglierani

Learn real NASA space science to bring into your classrooms. We will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: Real Reasons for the Seasons, Living with a Star, and Eye on the Sky. There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about Eye on the Sky materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide Living with a Star. Teachers will receive free GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. We will also present information and classroom activities from two NASA projects: Stardust@home and the STEREO mission. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants. Weather permitting, there will also be viewing of the Sun with a special telescope and sunspotters. Lunch will be provided for free.

Register | Agenda (56 KB)

Making the Sun-Earth Connection

NPS and NASA Teacher Workshop

Grades: K - 8

June 29-30, 2006
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on 6/29,
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM on 6/30

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz, and other special guests

Join the National Park Service (NPS) and NASA for an exciting hands-on workshop that offers teachers a variety of ways to explore the Sun-Earth system with their K-8 students. Also explore how the Sun influences the native vegetation of the Santa Monica Mountains, and learn about the Sun-Earth connections of the Chumash and Navajo.

Registration: Deadline is June 12. This workshop is hosted by the SMMNRA Education Program Office, which will require a $35 materials fee from all participants in advance of the workshop. The workshop registration form is included in the following 4-page flyer, which has much more details overall on this workshop: SunEarthworkshop06.pdf.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit: One (1) credit is available through California Lutheran University for this course. There is a $60 fee for those who wish to receive the CPE credit.

For more information, please contact Lisa Okazaki at 805-370-2348 or lisa_okazaki@nps.gov. A general flyer on SMMNRA workshops is available at: 2006GeneralWorkshopFlyer.pdf.

Eye on the Sky I

Our Star, the Sun—Astronomy in the K-4 Classroom

Grades: K-4

May 6, 2006
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz

Join us at the Space Science Lab for a 2-hour workshop on Saturday, May 6th from 10 am until noon. Explore the exciting Sun-Earth-Moon system through hands-on activities created for the K-4 classroom and discover some strategies for integrating literacy and science in the early grades.

We will showcase activities and resources that introduce topics such as shadows, the day/night cycle, motions of the Sun and earth, and the nature of the dynamic Sun to young students. Classroom activities are aligned to National and California Science Standards. You'll have a chance to learn more about the Sun and participate in age-appropriate activities that you can easily incorporate into your curriculum. Activities include classroom models for your students to create to explore the comparative sizes of the Sun, Earth and Moon, making a tabletop eclipse, and outdoor exploration of the Sun's UV with ultraviolet beads.

Language arts, math and art connections are woven throughout the activities to enhance the learning of science concepts. We will have lots of student work for you to take a look at, and a variety of NASA elementary teaching resources will be available for you to take home!

Register | Agenda (154 KB)

NASA/GEMS Space Science Workshop

Grades: K-12

May 13, 2006
9:00 am –
3:00 pm

SMUD guest workshop
Sacramento, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani, Greg Schultz, Nahide Craig

In this workshop hosted by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), science educators from the Space Sciences Laboratory at UC Berkeley will present selections from lessons guides produced by NASA and the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program. Participants will take part in activities from the following activity guides: "Exploring Magnetism," "Real Reasons for the Seasons," "Living with a Star," and "Eye on the Sky." There will be a breakout session for elementary teachers to learn about "Eye on the Sky" materials and for middle and high school teachers to learn about the GEMS guide "Living with a Star." Teachers will receive free Exploring Magnetism and GEMS guides for the sessions they attend. Other free NASA materials will also be provided to participants.

To register for this workshop contact:
Katie Hobson
Education Specialist
SMUD Energy & Technology Center
6301 S Street MS A226
Sacramento, California 95817
(916) 732-5752
khobson@smud.org

Modeling the Universe: A NASA Exploration of Space and Time.

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

NSTA Conference
Orangewood 1, Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort

Anaheim, CA

Presenters: Mary Dussalt, Erika Reinfeld, Simon Steel, Bryan Mendez, Sarah Silva, Shannon Range, and Lindsay Bartolone

An inquiry-based exploration of key space science and physical science ideas. Through a series of integrated hands-on activities and inquiries, this educator workshop explores our current models for the origin and evolution of the Universe. We will also investigate the nature of science and the role of models, evidence, and explanations. The topics covered directly address the National Science Content Standards for grades 8-12 by highlighting how we understand the origin and evolution of the Universe. Participants will receive a free package of classroom-ready materials supporting each activity, along with background material and additional resources. Visit www.nsta.org/conferences to register.

NASA: STEREO (IMPACT) Mission Presents the Physics of the Sun

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

April 8, 2006
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSTA Conference, Anaheim Convention Center, Room 304A

Anaheim, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez

Learn an engaging way of teaching the electromagnetic spectrum in one class period. Hear about scientists? discoveries of the Sun from light and particle detectors. http://www.nsta.org

Explore Saturn with 'Reading, Writing, and Rings'

Grades: K-5

April 8, 2006
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

NSTA Conference, Anaheim Convention Center, Room 303A

Anaheim, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Shannon McConnell

Introduce your elementary school students to space exploration with this ingegrated language arts and science program available from NASA's Cassini Mission. http://www.nsta.org

NASA: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

April 8, 2006
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

NSTA Conference, Hilton Anaheim, Oceanside

Anaheim, CA

Presenter: Bryan Mendez

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the Universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances. http://www.nsta.org

NASA: Exploring Magnetism in the Sun-Earth Connection

Grades: 6-8, 9-12

April 9, 2006
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NSTA Conference
Orangewood 2,
Clarion Hotel

Anaheim, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Magnetism is all around us, from our televisions to power lines and from Earth's magnetic fields to the Sun's magnetic fields. This short course will take participants through several standards-based lessons about magnetism and its behavior in the dynamic Sun-Earth system. We will present hands-on lessons about the basics of magnetism and its connection to electricity which is important in understanding topics such as sunspots, solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and aurorae. Participants will map the magnetic fields around bar magnets and electrical circuits; explore how to make a coil of wire behave like a bar magnet; and discover how to generate electrical currents with nothing more than a bar magnet. Additional activities will explore the strength of magnetic fields during a solar flare, and how to design a spacecraft to measure the magnetic field of the Solar Wind. Participants will take home our three lesson guides from the series "Exploring Magnetism," along with free NASA Educational materials including posters, CD-ROMs, lithographs, lessons plans, etc. Visit www.nsta.org/conferences to register.

Connecting Science and Language Arts in the Elementary Classroom

Grades: K-5

International Reading Association Meeting

Chicago, IL

Presenters: Ruth Pagleriani

...

Learning “The Real Reasons for Seasons” with GEMS and NASA

Grades 6-12

March 4, 2006
1:45 – 3:00 pm

CMSESMC Spring Conference
Redwood City, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz and Kathleen O’Sullivan

Experience engaging hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding and explaining the causes of seasons. Participants will receive GEMS/NASA materials.

Register: This workshop is part of the CMSESMC (Council of Math/Science Educators of San Mateo County) 30th Annual Spring Math and Science Conference, held at Cañada College.

Conference details, including registration info, are available at http://www.smcoe.k12.ca.us. Contact Christine Joy at (650) 802-5357 or cjoy@smcoe.k12.ca.us.

Eclipse in a Different Light

Grades: K-4, 5-8

March 11, 2006
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani

Come join us in exploration, discovery and new understandings as we prepare for the total solar eclipse on March 29, 2006! This special astronomical event is the focus of the 2006 Sun-Earth Day education & public outreach program presented by the NASA Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum. So in this workshop we’ll be providing some timely and useful NASA education materials (print and electronic), do some hands-on activities aimed at elementary and middle school, and present and discuss some of the science of eclipses and the Sun-Earth-Moon system. You’ll come away with classroom-ready lessons, enhanced science understandings, and excitement about the upcoming total solar eclipse and webcast (done in partnership with the Exploratorium).

We especially invite elementary teachers to come, since the primary set of lessons we’ll explore will be coming from the Eye on the Sky program (http://www.eyeonthesky.org), but we’ll also discuss how such lessons can be utilized in middle school. Parking and refreshments will be provided for free.

Register | Flyer (107 KB) | Agenda (105 KB)

** We're very sorry, but this workshop is now FULL. **

We welcome you to sign up for one of our other upcoming workshops, listed below.
If you're interested in the upcoming total solar eclipse on March 29, 2006, we recommend any of the following:
* Peruse our NASA Sun-Earth Day 2006 "Eclipse: In a Different Light" website for educators at sunearthday.nasa.gov/.
* Register as an educator for Sun-Earth Day 2006 "Eclipse: In a Different Light" at sunearthday.nasa.gov/, to receive a free Sun-Earth Day educational kit containing NASA materials rich in science content.
* Watch our solar eclipse webcast, via sunearthday.nasa.gov/.
* Attend the eclipse webcast event at either the Exploratorium in San Francisco (details at exploratorium.edu/) or the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland (details at chabotspace.org/).

CSE@SSL Space Science 1-Day Workshop

Grades: K-12

February 4, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani

Learn real NASA space science to bring into your classrooms. We'll have K-4 and 5-9 breakout sessions, and free food, NASA materials, and GEMS guides.

Register | Flyer (226 KB) | Agenda (77 KB)

Modeling the Universe

Grades 8-12

January 7, 2006
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

207th Meeting of the AAS

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, McKinley Room
2660 Woodley Rd, NW
Washington, D.C

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Nahide Craig, Mary Dussalt, Erika Reinfeld, Simon Steel, Sarah Silva, Phil Plait

An inquiry-based exploration of key space science and physical science ideas. Through a series of integrated hands-on activities and inquiries, this educator workshop explores our current models for the origin and evolution of the Universe. We will also investigate the nature of science and the role of models, evidence, and explanations. The topics covered directly address the National Science Content Standards for grades 8-12 by highlighting how we understand the origin and evolution of the Universe. Participants will receive a free package of classroom-ready materials supporting each activity, along with background material and additional resources. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Act fast as seating is limited. There is a $25.00 deposit to reserve your spot, and it will be returned to you at the completion of the workshop. Please bring this with you to the workshop.

Register here | Flyer (565 KB) | Agenda (53 KB)

Map and Directions to hotel | Map to McKinley Room

Promoting Teacher Development with The Real Reasons for Seasons

Grades 6-8, 9-12, teacher education

January 12, 2006
1:10 PM - 3:10 PM

ASTE

Portland, OR

Presenters: Kathleen O'Sullivan, Greg Schultz

The Real Reasons for Seasons, an exemplary module using constructivist strategies, can serve multiple purposes in workshops and classes for middle and high school teachers.
http://aste.chem.pitt.edu/

Stardust@home

Grades 6-8, 9-12

January 28, 2006
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Nahide Craig, Andrew Westphal

The Stardust mission returned to Earth this month after a seven-year journey to collect particles from the coma of a comet and dust that originated from beyond the Solar System. In this workshop we will present a classroom lesson about how the the Stardust mission collected these dust grains and tour some of the facilaties at the Lab. Participants will also learn about an exciting project to that they and their students can become involved in to search for the precious dust particles caught in the Stardust collectors called Stardust@home.

Register | Flyer (136 KB)

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science I

Grades 6-8, 9-12

November 19, 2005
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez, Nahide Craig

Join us in exploring hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth connection. In this first workshop of our Saturday morning series, we will focus on the basic concepts of magnetism and electromagnetism. We will present activities from the Educator's Activity Guide: Exploring Magnetism. In later workshops we will present activities from Exploring Magnetism in the Solar Wind and Exploring Magnetism in Solar Flares.

Register | Flyer (211 KB) | Agenda (89 KB)

NASA STEREO (IMPACT) Mission Presents the Physics of the Sun

Grades 6-8

October 27, 2005
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

CSTA Conference,
Palm Springs Convention Center, Mesquite C

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez, Nahide Craig

Learn ways to teach about the sun while teaching about the electromagnetic spectrum, structure of atoms, phases of matter, and that electric currents cause magnetism. http://www.cascience.org

Exploring Magnetism in Space Science

Grades 6-8, 9-12

October 28, 2005
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

CSTA Conference,
Palm Springs Convention Center, Mesquite C

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Laura Peticolas

Join us in exploring hands-on activities and strategies to teach the basic concepts of magnetism and its importance in the Sun-Earth connection. http://www.cascience.org

The Sun, Our Nearest Star: Astronomy for the Elementary Classroom

Grades K-2, 3-5

October 28, 2005
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

CSTA Conference, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Pueblo A

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Sally L. Feldman, Nahide Craig

Explore the exciting sun-earth systems through hands-on science activities for elementary classrooms. Discover new strategies for linking literacy, math, and science in the early grades. http://www.cascience.org

Revealing the Infrared Universe

Grades 6-8, 9-12

October 28, 2005
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CSTA Conference
Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Sierra

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez

Learn about the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and what astronomers learn by studying objects in the Universe using this invisible light. http://www.cascience.org

Learning the Real Reasons for the Seasons with GEMS and NASA

Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

October 29,2005
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

CSTA Conference
Wyndham Palm
Springs Hotel, Ventura

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Kathleen O'Sullivan

Experience engaging hands-on activities that address common misconceptions and aid in understanding and explaining the causes of seasons. Participants receive free NASA/GEMS materials. http://www.cascience.org

NASA FAST and THEMIS Missions Present the Physics of Aurora

Grades 6-8

October 29, 2005
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSTA Conference, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Andreas

Palm Springs, CA

Presenter: Laura Peticolas, Nahide Craig

Learn ways to teach your students about the Northern and Southern Lights (aurora) while at the same time teaching them important physical science content standards. http://www.cascience.org

The Size and Scale of the Universe

Grades 6-8, 9-12

Oct. 29, 2005
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSTA Conference, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Sierra

Palm Springs, CA

Presenter: Bryan Mendez

Explore hands-on, standards-based activities to help your students grasp the size and scale of the Universe and to understand how astronomers measure such incredible distances. http://www.cascience.org

Reading, Writing, and Rings! NASA's Cassini Mission to Saturn

Grades K-2, 3-5

Oct. 29, 2005
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CSTA Conference, Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel, Ventura

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Ruth Paglierani, Sally L. Feldman, Nahide Craig

Learn about Saturn and its fascinating moons through a science/language arts curriculum. Bring the excitement of space exploration to your elementary classroom! http://www.cascience.org

SC18 - GEMS/NASA Living with a Star: From Sunscreen to Space Weather

Grades 6-8, 9-12

October 29, 2004
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CSTA Conference, Hilton Palm Springs Hotel, Plaza B

Palm Springs, CA

Presenters: Greg Schultz, Laura Peticolas, Bryan Mendez

Experience engaging activities that enhance understanding of the dynamic Sun and Sun-Earth system. Participants will receive this GEMS guide and other NASA resources. http://www.cascience.org

CSE@SSL 1-Day Workshop

Grades: K-12

July 23, 2005
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani, Sally Feldman

Flyer , Agenda

Learn Space Science for Your Classroom

Grades: K-12

April 30, 2005
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CSU Fresno, Education Building, Room 400

Fresno, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Ruth Paglierani, Sally Feldman

Flyer , Agenda

CSE@SSL 1-Day Workshop

Grades: K-12

February 25, 2005
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani, Sally Feldman

Flyer , Agenda

CSE@SSL 2-Day Workshop

Grades: K-12

August 13-14, 2004
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

CSE@SSL

Berkeley, CA

Presenters: Bryan Mendez, Greg Schultz, Laura Peticolas, Ruth Paglierani, Sally Feldman

Agenda