Building Teacher Expertise to Implement Inquiry-Centered Curriculum

In order to be an effective science educator, the teacher must also be an effective learner, continually building on existing knowledge and skills. The PDC courses provide teachers with the opportunity to learn and practice the skills needed to create supportive classrooms environments for student inquiry. The PDC offers courses that move teachers through all levels of the proficiency continuum – from novice to expert. 

• Middle school curriculum: Courses focused on the NSRC Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools (STC/MS) curriculum.
• Elementary School curriculum: Courses for the NSRC elementary curriculum, Science and Technology for Children (STC).
• College-level Syllabi for use at college level.

Summer 2008 Professional Development Opportunities: 

Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers. Three optional graduate-level credits are available from Virginia Commonwealth University for an additional cost of $300 for each academy. This year there are four academies:

• Energy and Motion, July 6-11, 2008
• Biodiversity, July 6-11, 2008
• Ecological Field Studies, July 20-25, 2008
• Electricity and Magnetism, July 20-25, 2008
• For information on these events and previous year's academies, please go to the Academies Web site at http://www.scienceteachersacademies.si.edu.

Other Professional Development Offerings: