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.

GEMS Curriculum Sequences Workshop: June 22–23, 2013

• GEMS Curriculum Sequences professional development July 22–23, 2013: The GEMS Curriculum Sequences are developed by GEMS and published and distributed by Carolina Curriculum. This growing line provides in depth coverage of specific, standards-based topics and includes integrated assessments and complete materials kits.
  
  We currently offer:
  GEMS Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 3–5
  GEMS Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 6–8 (available Spring 2013)
  GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 3–5
  GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6–8.
  
  This workshop will focus on the Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 6–8: The Ocean—Atmosphere Connection and Climate Change.
  This latest addition to the GEMS Curriculum Sequences engages students in investigating climate change through the evolution of the ocean and atmosphere through Earth’s history, movement of the atmosphere and ocean through density and air and water currents, the carbon cycle, and the ocean’s relationship to climate and climate change.
  Topics and activities covered at the workshop include:
  • In-depth, hands-on experiences with curriculum activities, including practice in the use of “scientific argumentation” and making evidence-based explanations.
  • A detailed review of the Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 6–8 concepts, and how the units provide both in-depth coverage of the subject matter, and great flexibility of implementation.
  • How sequences are developed to address standards, and how the Ocean Sciences Sequence for Grades 6–8 specifically addresses benchmarks, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles.
  • Review of the Ocean Sciences Sequence philosophy, our approach to the scope and sequence, and the strong teacher support features of the curriculum.
  • A discussion of the effectiveness studies done with the GEMSCurriculum Sequences (Ocean and Space) and how those validate the curriculum and inform your approach to teaching the units.

Workshop is July 22–23, 2013 at Lawrence Hall of Science. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. Register for the GEMS Curriculum Sequences Workshop Here.

Afterschool KidzScience Fall Workshops

• AfterSchool KidzScience Fall Workshops: AfterSchool KidzScience workshops introduce out-of-school leaders to the use of AfterSchool KidzScience, a collection of easy and fun science kits designed for 3rd–5th graders. Learn how to engage, explore, and make sense with activities on a range of kit-based topics. 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 anticipate scheduling an AfterSchool KidzScience 2-day workshop in the Fall of 2013. If you would like to speak with a program representative about hosting your own AfterSchool KidzScience workshop, please e-mail Dana Greene or call her at (510) 664-4578.

For more information on any of the above, e-mail Dana Greene or call her at (510) 664-4578. Custom GEMS Workshops can be arranged and provided at your school or in Berkeley.

Need a place to stay? See our list of recommended accommodations.