Math and Science Partnership (MSP): A NanoBio Science Partnership for the Alabama Black Belt Region

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1 Math and Science Partnership (MSP): A NanoBio Science Partnership for the Alabama Black Belt Region Events and Highlights: MSP Master Teacher Workshop February 17, Chappie James Center Tuskegee, AL Phone: / Fax:

2 MSP Master Teacher Workshop Dr. Shaik Jeelani, PI/PD of MSP provides an overview of the MSP Master Teacher Workshop to MSP Master Teachers, STEM faculty and other supporting partners. Twenty one MSP Master Teachers, eighteen STEM faculty, seven Ph. D. students, and a representative from the McWane Science Center look on as they prepare presentations on the Alabama Course of Study for Science at grades 6th - 8th" by master teachers and course module demonstrations by STEM faculty.

3 What is a MSP Master Teacher? The MSP s primary goal is to provide advanced training and development for middle school teachers and to enhance their teaching effectiveness. Master Teachers at each partnering school will play a critical role toward this end. Master Teachers serve as liaison to the project. They are also change agents in their schools. Master Teachers at each school are selected by their Principals on the basis of the following characteristics. Characteristics of a "MSP Master Teacher": Has leadership qualities. Is willing to go beyond conventional approaches to help students learn. Has played an active role in other initiatives for school improvement. The roles and responsibilities of a Master Teacher are: To serve as liaison between schools and Universities / Colleges. To serve as a peer coach to help other teachers implement strategies advocated by the project in their classrooms. To ensure that the project is being implemented in the schools. To provide advice for teachers concerning instruction. To facilitate planning meetings with College faculty. To get new science teachers acclimated with the project. To oversee the use and implementation of the materials that the schools will receive as part of their proposals for enhanced support (for laboratory upgrades). To collaborate with Master Teachers from other schools to ensure uniformity in project implementation. To coordinate project evaluation activities in the school. To create awareness of the projects mission in the school and in the community (e.g. through PTA).

4 Over twenty master teachers from grades 6th - 8th along with a cadre of STEM and education faculty and supporting partners participated in the February 17, 2012 workshop. There were over twenty master teachers and a camaraderie of faculty and other supporting partners. The master teachers at each of the three grade levels presented the Alabama Course of Study for grade 6, 7 and 8 in Science and shared resources, including textbooks, lab equipment, and teaching strategies. James Bearden, School of Discovery-Dallas County shares the 6 th grade curriculum. 6 th grade teacher, Monique Gordan, of Lowndes Middle School-Lowndes County, tells what is taught in her school district. Dr. Marian Carter of Loachapoka Elementary-Lee County, shows science book used in her 6 th grade class.

5 Tipton Middle School-Dallas County teacher, Lefloris Jemison, speaks on the 7 th grade curriculum. William Bowles of Robert Hatch High School-Perry County presented 7 th grade course of study. Carr Middle School-Montgomery County teacher, Monica Jackson provides 8 th grade curriculum. Eighth grade teacher, Belinda Hart, of Tuskegee Middle School-Macon County, gives an overview of materials and resources used in her grade level.

6 Dr. Chang, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Director of Materials World Modules Program at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL demonstrated several modules developed by his group after lunch via satellite communication, which provided an opportunity for the master science teachers to think about integrating new and non-conventional scientific enquiry into their science curricula. The modules highlighted the advances in materials development which impact all facets of society to enhance quality of life. Presentation by Dr. Chang via satellite communication

7 Three modules were demonstrated to the master teachers. These modules included: Composites, Intro to Nano, and Sports Materials. Each module may be used to supplement classroom learning for middle school science teachers to engage students in making sense of materials and to learn ways of creating new materials for use in several applications in our daily life. Demonstration of Intro to Nano Module