 From
Micro to Macro Institute
We are not accepting applications for this program at this time.
The Micro to Macro Institute includes
a 2-week program for 6th-8th grade science or mathematics teachers
that focuses on using project-based explorations to teach data collection,
analysis and problem solving strategies. The curriculum will move
from the microscopic world of genetics to the expanse of the universe.
Teachers engage in hands-on laboratory
and field studies to improve middle school students' process skills
involved in carrying out authentic scientific and mathematics investigations.
Workshop activities are:
- Aligned with the TEKS and HISD's
Project CLEAR
- Project-based, hands-on learning
- Designed to be easily modified
for diverse learners
- Designed to build problem-solving
skills
- Based on building knowledge
from the concrete to the abstract
- Connected to other academic
disciplines
- Authentic integration of science
and mathematics concepts
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|  Expectations
of Participants
In
this program, teachers attend a two-week summer program held in the
Center for Professional Development at The Rice School/La Escuela Rice
the first week, followed by a week at Rice University.
During the summer session, classes meet weekdays for a total of about
75 contact hours. Teachers continue to interact with Rice University
staff throughout the school year (approximately once a month) through
workshops, electronic conferences, and on-site support. Follow-up takes
place after school hours as well as on Saturdays. Participation in
the full year's activities is required.
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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. |
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 Benefits
to Campus and Participants
- Satisfies
the state requirement for Gifted & Talented professional
development (initial 30-hour and annual 10-hour requirements)
- Qualifies for state Continuing
Professional Education (CPE) credits
- Aligned with the TAKS and HISD's
Project CLEAR
- Receipt of a wealth of instructional
and classroom materials
- Three hours tuition-waived
graduate credit from Rice University for the summer session with
the completion of an additional project
- On-going academic year professional
development and support
- One-year membership in the
National Science Teachers Association or the National Council
of Teachers of Mathematics
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For more information contact Debbie Jensen, (713) 349-1800
ext. 343 - djensen@rice.edu.
Funding
The Micro to Macro Institute is sponsored by theDepartment of Biochemistry
and Cell Biology at Rice University. Funding to develop the project was initially
provided in 1999 by Houston ISD as part of an effort among members of the Houston
Area University/College Coalition to provide professional development aligned
with the district’s urban systemic initiative (called HU-LINC) funded by the
National Science Foundation. Starting in 2000, funding to offer the program to date has been
provided by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Eisenhower
Professional Development Grants program. Supplementary
funding has been provided through an award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Biological
Sciences Education Program (Project Director, Dr. Frederick
Rudolph). Final determination for funding
of the 2003-2004 offering is pending the outcome of the current THECB’s Teacher
Quality/No Child Left Behind Professional Development Grants
competition.
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