 Force
and Motion Institute
We are not accepting applcations for this program
at this time.
The Force and Motion Institute
is a two-week professional development program for middle school teachers
in the areas of science and mathematics. The institute addresses the
TEKS and TAKS related to physics concepts in both science and mathematics.
A goal of the institute is to provide a variety of ways to teach concepts
related to force and motion, using both everyday materials and specialized
equipment around real life themes such as sports, machines and art.
During a make-and-take session, participants will be able to build
levers, ramps and other materials used during the summer session to
take back to their classrooms. Special emphasis will be placed on differentiated
instruction that provides teachers the tools to meet students' needs
at all levels in their classrooms.
|
|
 Expectations of Participants
Participants in the institute attend the two full weeks of the summer session
and must successfully complete the related project for each week to receive
credit for attendance. Optional follow-up sessions will occur during the
academic year and will highlight how teachers can utilize existing programs
and local facilities to enhance classroom instruction of concepts.
|
Administrative Support
As in all successful professional development programs, administrative
support is a key to teacher participation. Encouragement for teachers
by administrators to develop new classroom methods of instruction that
will address needs of diverse learners is one key to having representation
in this program.
|
|
Benefits to Campus and Participants
- Satisfies the state
requirement for Gifted & Talented professional
development (initial 30-hour and annual
10-hour
requirements)
- Qualifies for Continuing
Professional Education (CPE) credits
- Aligned with the TEKS/TAKS
and HISD's Project CLEAR
- Receipt of a wealth
of instructional and classroom materials
- Availability of on-going
academic year professional development and support
|
Funding
The Force & Motion Institute is sponsored by theDepartment of Biochemistry
and Cell Biology at Rice University. Funding to develop and offer the project
during its first four years was provided through an award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biological
Sciences Education Program (Project Director, Dr. Frederick Rudolph). Since
1999, supplementary funding to support Houston ISD teachers’ participation in
the program has been received. Starting with the Summer 2003 offering, the program
is supported solely by Houston ISD funds available as a result of the district’s
urban systemic initiative (called HU-LINC) that was funded for five years starting
in 1999 by the National Science Foundation.
For more information contact Debbie Jensen, (713) 349-1800
ext. 343 or djensen@rice.edu.
|
|
|
|
|
