This minicourse builds on the ideas introduced in Landscapes I, II & III, as we explore the landscape of learning for algebra and the associated big ideas, strategies, and models. New participants are welcome- you need not have attended previous landscape courses to register! Discussions will focus on fostering a conceptual understanding of equivalence and variable, the generalization of numeric relationships and properties, patterning, and functional thinking. Models from Landscapes I, II & III will be refined and developed to support a concrete-pictorial-abstract progression leading to deeper algebraic knowledge and understanding. Classroom routines (e.g. number/algebra strings), that foster algebraic reasoning and take advantage of the range of grade-level perspectives represented will be featured.
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These two science courses explore the science that is important for P-8 teachers. You can choose one course to attend - each course will run for 12 hours over 4 sessions.
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Matter and Its Interactions, NYSSLS Grades 2, 5, MS
This minicourse builds ideas about the nature of matter and interactions. We will explore the small particle model of matter and how this model can be used to explain the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gasses. We will also investigate physical changes versus chemical changes, and conservation of mass. We will explore the NGSS learning progressions and performance indicators in physical science. [Note: This course is not intended for anyone with chemistry certification]
Waves & Sound, NYSSLS Grades K, 1, 4 and MS
In this minicourse, we will explore the phenomenon of waves and sound. We will learn how waves are made starting with pulses and then introduce the wave model for continuous waves. Refraction, reflection, water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves are all investigated. [Note: This course is not intended for teachers with physics]
Introduction Workshop:
We will explore the scope and sequence of the new science standards, learn how to read the new Performance Expectations, and work in groups to explore learning activities that represent good science practices.
Storyline Workshop:
The NYSSLS Storyline Workshop is only open to participants who have completed an NYSSLS Introduction Workshop or an equivalent workshop. Participants will explore the scope and sequence of the new science standards and practice creating a storyline using the teaching tools explored in the first workshop.
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This 12-hour mini-course will eliminate any fears of where to start or not knowing anything about coding! We will start with the basics of how to think like a computer and first solve puzzles that are fun and challenging without a computer in order to recognize how we, as humans, naturally go through the process of computational thinking; observing patterns, trends, and regularities in data (decomposition), identifying the general principles that generate these patterns (abstraction), develop step by step instructions (algorithm) and devise tests for finding and fixing errors (debug).
We will look at how to implement NYSSLS engineering standards through brief design challenges from the Harvard Creative Computing Curriculum. Finally, we will learn and practice the basics of block-based coding through Scratch.mit.edu and pull it all together with a fun, hands-on, and creative make and take with Makey-Makey Go. All activities are appropriate and can be easily modified for any grade K-8.
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Geometry and Spatial SenseIn this minicourse we will explore fundamental ideas related to the classification of 2-D and 3-D shapes, spatial orientation, and geometric reasoning. The landscape of learning related to the classification of shapes progresses from children’s early visual-based categorizations to an increased focus on attributes and properties within categories of shapes and culminates in an understanding of the hierarchical relationships among different classes of shapes. Within this progression are important ideas related to the role of definition, and the nature and need for proof. The second area of focus will be on the landscape that maps the development of spatial reasoning and positional awareness. Content involving shape composition and decomposition, the specification of location using coordinate grids, transformations in the plane, and the Pythagorean theorem will also be explored. Our discussions will focus on sharing classroom practices that foster students’ growth across the landscape and take advantage of the range of grade-level perspectives that will be represented. Concrete tools for thinking including tiles, blocks, sketches and drawings, shape sets, and geoboards, as well as apps and computer graphics and coding, will be integrated into course activities.
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New York State Master Teacher Program
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