GEMS Professional Development

The following Professional Development sessions are open for registration or will be scheduled in the near future. You can also contact us as indicated below if you are interested in custom workshops.

• Events at the National Science Teachers Association national conference in Indianapolis:
  
  
  • Wednesday, March 28
    Hands On Science for AfterSchool Seminar
    1:00 - 5:00 PM
    Indiana Ballroom G -
    Want to engage children in science activities during out-of-school time? GEMS has developed a new series—the AfterSchool KidzScience program, ideal for 3rd to 5th graders. Based on tried-and-true LHS curricula, these “little GEMS” are adapted for use in after school programs, Girls and Boys Clubs, Scouts, recreation and camp programs, or any out-of-school programs. The available kits focus on physical science (Oobleck, Bubbles, Magnets, and Falling and Flying), life science (Beach Science, Colors in Nature, Predators and Prey, and Exploring Habitats) and green science (Alternative Energy, Food from Plants, Fresh Water, Waste Not). Forensics and Sun Science kits are in process and will be available in 2013.
    Sample materials, including an AfterSchool KidzScience session guide, accompanying hands-on materials, and a companion student book will be provided. Refreshments will be served.
    Registration: $25 advance; $30 on site. Register here.
    
    
  • Friday, March 30
    GEMS Network Reception–Please come meet and greet!
    3:00 – 4:30 PM
    Marriott Ballroom 5 – Mingle with GEMS educators from around the country. Learn from each other about the various GEMS activities taking place in classrooms and communities near you. Explore our newest curriculum! All are welcome!

• GEMS Associates professional development opportunities: These three day workshops are designed for those who are already using GEMS units and who are interested in an in-depth look at the program and its philosophy, with the goal of your becoming a GEMS Associate, qualified to offer professional development to teachers that you work with in your school or area. The next GEMS Associates sessions here at Lawrence Hall of Science will be scheduled for Summer 2012, and we will post the dates here as they become available in early 2012.
  
  
• ATLSS: The goal of this program is to provide high quality training for teachers around the country who want to know how to successfully implement the GEMS Space Science Sequences for Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8. Would you like to participate in an ATLSS workshop? Each participating institution will be offering a 2-day workshop. Please contact the site of interest directly to ask about attending a session. Each session will include GEMS staff as well as educators at the local site. For details on trainings and their locations please contact our ATLSS partners from the list here.

• AfterSchool KidzScience: AfterSchool KidzScience workshops introduce out-of-school leaders to the use of AfterSchool KidzScience: easy and fun activities designed for 3rd–5th graders. Learn how to engage, explore, and make sense with activities from a range of kits. Participants will be introduced to and participate in a number of the AfterSchool KidzScience 45-minute long sessions. Special attention will be paid to techniques for fostering an inventive, creative, and safe approach to science after school. We plan to schedule the next sessions in summer 2012. Please check back for dates and details.

• Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading professional development opportunities: These three day workshops are designed for those who are interested in using the new Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading curriculum for Grades 2–5, and are looking for a better understanding of the Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading philosophy and the benefits of integrating science and literacy. Topics and activities typically covered:
  
  
  • Presentation of our approach to integrating science and literacy.
  • Firsthand experience with activities from multiple Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading units.
  • Review of the student books and the role they serve in supporting inquiry science.
  • The benefits of the Teaching Support and Considerations features in the teacher guides and how to implement them.
  • Information about effectiveness studies.
  • Experience with the Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading assessment system.

The next Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading professional development sessions are expected to be in Summer 2012. Please check back here and on the professional development page on the Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading site.

• GEMS Curriculum Sequences professional development opportunities: The GEMS Curriculum Sequences are developed by GEMS and published and distributed by Carolina Curriculum. This growing line of products provides in depth coverage of specific, standards-based topics and includes integrated assessments and complete materials kits. We currently offer a GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 3–5, a GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6–8, a GEMS Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 3–5, and we are currently developing a GEMS Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 6–8. Please contact us if you are interested in professional development on these units.

If you have questions about any of our professional development offerings, or if you would like to be contacted as new sessions are scheduled, please contact Karen Milligan at:Karen Milligan or call at 510 642-7771. GEMS can also provide customized professional development at your site; contact Brandon for details. You should also check the network of GEMS Sites and Centers for professional development opportunities offered by sites in your area.