This introductory hands-on workshop is a must for any educator who wants to explore genomics through the use of biotechnology and genomics activities for the classroom. Industry scientists and academic researchers provided training on the basics of DNA structure and function. The laboratory sessions included preparation of and procedures for DNA extraction and expression. Computer laboratory sessions will include data analysis with clustering, as well as other bioinformatics tools.
Facilitated by Judi Heitz, Grossmont Unified School District, Susan Moerder, Francis Pakrer School and researchers from The Scripps Research Institute and UC San Diego
Relevant Course Materials and Lesson Plans:
Coming Soon!
Earthquakes Recorded in the Landscape: Using online digital topography to investigate earthquake faulting
This class takes advantage of cutting-edge digital topography now available online to examine how earthquakes are recorded in the
landscape. We'll use simple, freely available, software to visualize
these datasets and to think about how our observations can inform our
understanding of earthquake faulting. Using data from the San Andreas
fault in southern and central California, the basics of
how earthquakes interact with the landscape will be discussed. We'll examine, measure
and think about offset stream channels, fault scarps and other
features produced by earthquakes and documented in stunning detail in
these digital data. From observations of these features in the
landscape you will gain an understanding of earthquake recurrence,
slip and magnitude.
Presented by Chris Crosby, Arizona State University
Relevant Course Materials:
San Andreas Fault System Offset Stream Channels in the Carrizo Plain
Schoolyard Discovery Water Modules: A Hands-on Adventure in Water Conservation
Water conservation is everybody's responsibility, especially now that southern California is experiencing a decrease in supply (drought, delta smelt) and increase in demand (population increase).
A considerable fraction of the total water use in CA is for irrigation, both in agricultural and residential areas. The water teaching kit presented in this workshop is a 91 page document complete with teacher's guide,
samples, data sheets, and hardware. It is available in English and Spanish. Students will get hands-on experience and tools to determine the amount of water loss (evaporation) from irrigated surfaces. For example,
using a simple pan set up outside the classroom, students collect data about evaporation. They relate evaporation rates to the average temperature. This activity can also be used to relate evaporation to wind speed, relative humidity,
and biome type using local weather observations by the students. In another activity, students design an irrigation system and compare the performance of different strategies.
Presented by Dr. Jan Kleissl, University of California, San Diego
Relevant Course Materials:
Water Module Kit PowerPoint Presentation Slides Water Education Foundation DEMROES Weather Station Project at UCSD
California Irrigation Management Information System
A Scientific Investigation of Science Instructional Materials
In this hands-on workshop, we'll critically analyze a variety of science instructional materials from conventional and inquiry based textbooks,
as well as online resources. The primary colors and the reason for the
seasons will be our test cases. We'll also use hands-on activities,
models, and scientific data to make sense of these topics. The goal is to
provide general guidelines that will help your students learn
conceptually difficult concepts. As a bonus, you will find that one of
the commonly accepted reasons for the seasons is actually wrong -
showing that new science can arise even from investigating middle and
high school science topics!
Presented by Dr. Larry Woolf, General Atomics
Relevant Course Materials:
Presentation Slides Additional Information About the Presenter
Sensing the Environment in San Diego County
How healthy is our San Diego County environment? Middle school teachers are invited to use a variety of hand-held sensors to learn how to read the health of our local environment. They will take these measurements and apply them to an Internet based, interactive map of San Diego County. Our hope is to eventually build a storehouse of environmental data, all collected by local students. Also covered will be the implications of environmentally out-of-range measurements.
Presented by Julie Humprhrey, Cardiff School District and Jeff Sale, San Diego Supercomputer Center
Relevant Course Materials:
Interactive Data Mapping Tutorial
Newton's Laws and Gravity: From the Terrestrial to the Celestial
IAre astronauts in Earth orbit realy "weightless"? Have you and your students ever felt weightlessness. (The answer is YES!). Can a feather and a hammer both fall at the same rate? Understanding Newton's laws and its consequences on Earth and in space can be a challenge for students, as well as for teachers who do not have a strong physics background. However, the basic ideas worked out by Galileo, Newton and others can be made accessible and engaging with a combination of in-class experiments, "thought experiments" realized by animations, and selected video clips from our recent but rich history of space exploration.
Presented by Dr. Philip Blanco, Project ASTRO, Grossmont College
If you are interested in receiving a CD chocked full of classroom resources and videos, please let us know.
Technology Immersion in the Science Classroom
Explore a plethora of resources to help students achieve in science. Using technology in your classroom is a marvelous way to educate students, regardless of their learning style, and add some pizzazz to your lessons. Learn practical ways on how you can keep your students focused and engaged while learning key components of the curriculum.
Presented by Scott Moss, Adjunct Professor, National University.
Activities AIMS
AIMS Education Foundation creates hands-on, standards-based activities and curricula. Webquests
Search for rated WebQuests by subject and grade. “A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet…” (Dodge, 1995). NASA National Science Foundation Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education
CIESE collaborates with K-12 and university educators, researchers, policymakers and educational organizations to develop curriculum materials, conduct professional development programs, and research new methodologies to strengthen STEM education. National Geographic
Simulations The Virtual Courseware Project The VCP produces interactive, online simulations for the life science laboratory or for earth science field studies. The activities are designed to enhance an existing curriculum and include online assessments. They can be used by students ranging from middle school, high school, or college classrooms. Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education
CIESE collaborates with K-12 and university educators, researchers, policymakers and educational organizations to develop curriculum materials, conduct professional development programs, and research new methodologies to strengthen STEM education. Brain Pop
Brainpop has great animations. It is a subscription-based service that includes several free animations in each subject area. BBC Interactive Science Animations The Visible Human Project The Franklin Institute Science Museum How Stuff Works
Comprehensive articles, graphics and videos walk you through many great science topics. Volcano Explorer Virtual Frog Dissection Kit
You can interactively dissect a (digitized) frog named Fluffy, and play the Virtual Frog Builder Game.
Molecular Biology Magnified from Imagination to Hand Size –Grasping Protein Structure and
Visualizing Interactions through Physical Modeling
Proteins do the work of the cell. They signal, transfer, catalyze, recognize, move, remember and advertise and they do all of that because of their twisted chemistry. They bend and wind around and change shape often because of a simple response to water or because acids and bases have opposite charges causing them to link. The fantastically convoluted elegant shapes of proteins are built up from simple pieces into incredibly beautiful symmetries.
Understanding the symmetry is very important for understanding the functions of biological molecules. Students can get lost in the complexity unless they understand how proteins build up from simple subunits. This important workshop builds on the previous workshops on proteins presented this year and gives students an often missing link so that they can better understand the important world of protein structure and function. It also provides a glimpse into the world of research scientists and the tools that they use to study complex biological molecules that underlie most diseases.
Presented by Dr. Art Olson, The Scripps Research Institute
Relevant Standards Based Classroom Curriculum (PDF Download): Protein Symmetry
Putting Fun into Protein Structures
Imagining at the molecular level is a challenge to many students, especially kinesthetic learners and concrete thinkers. Biomolecules can come alive for all students when they learn by physically building amino acids and linking them through peptide bonds. All students more easily learn how the properties of matter influence protein structure and function when they fold their own peptide models. They can effectively build mental pictures of protein structure when they assemble beta sheets and alpha helices on the table and hold beautiful three dimensional protein models in their hands. These physical models are an excellent learning tool combined with the computer modeling tools on the Protein Data Bank website.
Presented by Ann Marie Wellhouse, Arroyo Paseo Charter High School
Relevant Standards Based Classroom Curriculum Coming Soon!
Plate Tectonics Made to Order!
Are you teaching plate tectonics and earthquakes, but don't know where to find a good resource? Save prep time by using the National Science Digital Library’s (NSDL) collections of “just in time” resources that are carefully selected by content specialists. Examples of NSDL collections such as ERESE (http://www.earthref.org/ERESE) and the NSDL Middle School Portal resources of animations, real-time data, and more to get your classroom rolling.
Presented by Christina Symons and Anthony Koppers, Scipps Institution of Oceanography
Relevant Standards Based Classroom Curriculum (PDF Download): Plate Tectonics
Proteins, Amino Acids and the Bioinformatics of Insulin
The new generation of medical and science researchers will rely heavily on accessing and interacting with global information resources. Using public databases and tools on the Internet, it is possible to view and interact with 3-D proteins and see important features that provide structure and function. It is also possible to view the details of the protein sequence and use Internet databases to determine the gene and possibly its location in a genome. On the genome level, it is important to take a look at mutations and how these are reflected in sequence and 3-D protein structures. In addition, investigating the known biological hallmarks of cancer allows for investigation of the genetic basis for the anomalies that lead to patogenes.
Presented by Jeff Milton, Protein Data Bank, University of California, San Diego
Relevant Standards Based Classroom Curriculum (PDF Downloads): Bioinformatics of Insulin Bioinformatics of Phylogenetics Bioinformatics of Cancer Bioinformatics of Transcription
What's Shaking? Hands-on Activities in Earthquake Science
Earthquakes are a familiar occurrence for most Southern Californians.
Whether you have or have not experienced an earthquake, this workshop
provides an overview of the forces involved in an earthquake and how
buildings and structures are affected by seismic activity, ground motion, or
soil failure due to earthquakes. Specifically, we will investigate:
1) liquefaction of soil, the phenomenon in which the strength and stiffness
of a soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading; 2) how concrete columns retain their shape in an earthquake, the concept of confinement of columns; and 3) how forces transfer in a suspension bridge, the concepts of tension and
compression.
Presented by Dr. Lelli Van Den Einde, Network for Earthquake Engineering
Simulation Cyberinfrastructure Center (NEESit)
Relevant Class Materials (PDF Downloads): Activity 1: Liquefaction of Soil Activity 2: Understanding How Earthquakes Make Buildings Vibrate Activity 3: Forced Transfer Mechanisms
A Look at Local and Global Earthquakes
As teachers’ time becomes more and more valuable and the technology rapidly advances, the gap between development and practicum increases. This workshop will help to provide a local link between these two communities. Teachers frequently lack the pedagogical skills and resources required to convey Earth science concepts that are inherently 3-D in nature in ways that can be internalized by students. Teaching tools are typically limited by 2D representations (map or cross sectional views) of difficult concepts like fault plans and Benioff zones--features that are far better illustrated using 3-D data that can be manipulated and viewed interactively. Recognizing this, our workshop aims to provide instructional resources and much needed content knowledge for K-12 Earth Science teachers. This workshop will give us the opportunity to introduce teachers, and in turn their students, to freeware 3D technological tools that can be used in their own classrooms
Presented by Dr. Debi Kilb, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Relevant Class Materials: Scripps Institute of Oceanography Viz Center (Educational movies and visualizations) Real-Time Earthquake Information
Discovering the NASA SCIence Files
Have you discovered NASA SCIence Files? Have you met the Tree House
Detectives? Would you like a fun way to help you teach students in grades
3-6 concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)?
Attend this workshop and learn about how NASA SCI Files support the
national standards and integrate and introduce students to STEM through the
use of problem-based learning, scientific inquiry, and the scientific
method. NASA worked with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to create
this Emmy award-winning series of free instructional programs that provide
role models for girls as well as boys.
Presented by Laura Meldrum, Society of Women Engineers
Relevant Class Materials: The NASA SCIence Files NASA CONNECT NASA LIVE
The Molecules of Cancer
With the completion of the human genome project and the initiation of
the Structural Genomics Initiative, the next 50 years of diagnostic and
therapeutic discovery will rely heavily on understanding the nature of
biological macromolecules. The Protein Data Bank, a publicly accessible
resource, is the single worldwide repository for many of these
structures. In an effort to inspire a new generation of scientists to
explore these new frontiers and realize the potential for invention and
discovery, the PDB is proposing an informal science documentary on the
molecular biology of cancer.
Presented by Jeff Milton, Protein Data Bank, University of California, San Diego
Relevant Class Materials: Powerpoint Presentation Slides Chemistry Collective The Protein Data Bank
Hands On Activities to Explain Constellations and Seasons
Preserving our planet needs to take front stage in the way we live on a daily basis. For example, global warming is an increasing concern that could exponentially worsen if we continue to ignore the harmful effects of fossil fuels. Although our trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and this helps to slow down global warming, by ignoring recycling campaigns and choosing to cut down trees for paper production, we contribute directly to climate change. This workshop will correct some common misconceptions about weather and climate change
Presented by Memorie Yasuda, Earthguide, University of California, San Diego
Relevant Class Materials: Earthguide
View this presentation: (RealPlayer Plug-in Required) A Discussion of Climate Change (Time: 1:30) Resource Links
Astronomy Tools for the Elementary School and Middle School Classroom
Astronomy is a great vehicle for engaging students of all ages in science and math, and is the only science with a vast amateur following. But many students (and as we shall see, even teachers and college graduates!) have misconceptions about the basics: seasons, moon phases, our place in the universe, and the various scales involved.
Presented by Philip Blanco, Project Astro, Grossmont Community College
Relevant Class Materials: Hands On Astronomy Activities Paper Towel Solar System Activity Apply to Have Project Astro Come to Your Classroom
Genetics and the Protein Data Bank as a Valuable Classroom Tool
In this workshop, you will be using a lesson plan that showcases the power of the Protein Data Bank. The PDB is the single most significant worldwide repository for the processing and distribution of 3-D structure data of large molecules of proteins and nucleic acids. Learn how to incorporate PDB images and retrieval processes into your classroom curriculum using the standards based lesson plan. See how and why biomolecules are dynamic, from structural transitions in response to binding events to molecular motors in action. The lesson will use VMD, a freely available, powerful visualization tool. RASMOL and CHIME visualization tools will also be discussed.
Presented by Steve Bartram, Rancho Buena Vista High School and Jeff Milton, PDB Software Developer, University of California, San Diego Class Lecture Notes Lesson Plan
Visualization of Biomolecules: Structure, Function and Dynamics
In this workshop, you will learn how to recognize the basic building blocks of proteins and DNA and illustrate how structure and function of biomolecules are inexorably linked. See how and why biomolecules are dynamic, from structural transitions in response to binding events to molecular motors in action. Learn to use VMD - a freely available, powerful application - to visualize and understand these themes.
Presented by Dr. Christoph Weber, The Scripps Research Institute
Relevant link: http://www.ks.uiuc.edu/Research/vmd/ Class notes Curriculum Standards for High School Powerpoint Presentation Slides
View a Motor Animation: (Quicktime Required) Motors Movie
Interactive Tools to Support Regional Environmental Education
Learn about some exciting ways interactive web-based software is being used to help teach about regional issues in science and the environment important to all of us living in San Diego county. Navigate through detailed 3D models of the seven watersheds of San Diego county, interact with real time 3D southern California seismic data, learn earthquake disaster preparedness, pan and zoom through a 20 year 'history' of high-resolution imagery of southern California to learn about land use and urban planning, and browse an interactive image atlas of the Tijuana River Watershed. Then, get some hands-on experience learning how these educational tools are created, and get some ideas how you might create your own using courseware development tools like Macromedia Director, Shockwave 3D, and Flash.
Presented by Jeff Sale, SDSC Educational Scientific Programmer
Relevant links:
http://www.edcenter.sdsu.edu/sigkids2003/shockwave/ http://www.edcenter.sdsu.edu/geowall/ http://www.edcenter.sdsu.edu/ssc/3d/ssc3dproject.html http://130.191.18.220/wkg2/ View this presentation: (RealPlayer Plug-in Required) Regional Environmental Education Powerpoint Presentation Slides
Marine Mammals and the Sound in the Sea
Enjoy an engaging discussion about mammals and how they use sound to navigate the ocean, communicate with their pods and track food. Learn how to assemble a low cost hydrophone from easily available components. Test it, use it and take it back to your classroom!
Presented by Dr. Ana Sirovic and Kevin Hardy, Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
RealPlayer Plug-in Required) Marine Mammals and the Sound in the Sea
Biology Tools to Enhance Teaching
Do your students seem to nod off during your biology lectures? Are you tired of trying to represent the beauty of the molecular world with sticky gumdrop and pipe cleaner models? This workshop will enable you to spice up your lessons by introducing you to resources and tools freely avaailable on the web that you can use to vividly show your students the beauty of SCIENCE. Specific examples will focus on molecule (protein) visualiztaion, and gene and protein sequence examination, so students can examine and manipulate real data for the structures and sequences of proteins and their genes.
Presented by Dr. Christopher Smith, SDSC Principal Scientist
Relevant links:
Anatomy of the Human Eye http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/groups/GS/eye.html
The Protein Data Bank http://rcsb.org
Earth Science Tools
Learn how to easily access and interact with high-resolution geospatial data using web-based applications. In this workshop, you will be introduced to a collection of web tools and classroom activities that teach discovery topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes, topography,plate tectonics and sea level change. See how students can learn by developing their own insights into Earth processes by using these tools.
Presented by Dr. Dogan Seber, SDSC Geoinformatics Research Scientist.
Relevant links:
Discover Our Earth http://atlas.geo.cornell.edu/education/
Digital Library for Earth System Education http://www.dlese.org
View this presentation: (RealPlayer Plug-in Required) How to Use Discover Our Earth in the Classroom Powerpoint Presentation Slides
