Professional Learning Teams (PLTs)

Let’s Build! Designing Student-Centered Explorations Using GeoGebra

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kevin Ehly and Benjamin Siegel

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 15, MAR 22, MAY 3, MAY 31 MƒA  MATHEMATICS

How might we use the power of GeoGebra to spark curiosity in our students and help them discover critical geometric concepts? GeoGebra contains a vast library of dynamic diagrams, but many need more context to be ready for classroom use. Join us as we create a bank of high-quality investigations we can easily implement in our geometry lessons. In this PLT, we will define the necessary elements of exploration and identify highleverage topics well-suited for the interactive nature of GeoGebra. Then, we will collaboratively create or revise pre-existing activities to guide our students, allowing them to discover new geometric concepts or relationships. Finally, we will build a library of studentcentered explorations publicly available to all geometry teachers. Teachers who have participated in previous GeoGebra courses or have a strong command of the software are encouraged to join. Let’s build!

Providing Opportunities for Student-Led Investigations

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Grace Hu and Pravesh Shiwnarain

TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6

ONLINE

 SCIENCE

How might we create learning opportunities for our students to plan and carry out scientific investigations? As teachers, we are often torn between covering all the content and providing authentic opportunities for our students to engage in student-driven scientific investigations. Join us in this PLT as we strengthen our knowledge and implementation of this science and engineering practice! We will open by discussing the concept and how to scaffold the process for all learners. Then, teachers will work in small groups to brainstorm possible experiments they want to implement in their classrooms. In our second and third sessions, we will co-create and adapt experimental instructions, slideshows, kits, and rubrics. In our final session, teachers will demo their experiments and give and receive feedback for further improvement and iteration.

All high school science teachers are welcome.

Ratchetdemic Reality Hip Hop Ed Book Club p

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Sharon Colllins and Chereese Gardner

TUESDAYS, FEB 7, MAR 14, APR 18, MAY 23 ONLINE

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

+ PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF RATCHETDEMIC: REIMAGINING ACADEMIC SUCCESS , BY DR. CHRISTOPHER EMDIN, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

How might we implement Reality Pedagogy and #HipHopEd in our classrooms to create studentcentered STEM education where teachers and students can express their true Ratchetdemic selves? Dr. Christopher Emdin has transformed urban education all across America. In this book club, we will read selections from four of Dr. Emdin’s seminal works: For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood...and the Rest of Y’all Too; Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success; Stem, Steam, Make, Dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and #HipHopEd: The Compilation on Hiphop Education. In the first session, we will self-reflect and explore how to be a Ratchetdemic and Hip-Hop Ed teacher. In the second session, we will focus on teacher moves to increase student engagement and achievement via Reality Pedagogy. In the third session, we will focus on empowering students so that STEAM lessons reflect their lived experiences. In our final session, we will dive deep into problems with the current education system, our roles in that system, and what we want urban education to truly look like. Throughout the four sessions, we will explore these topics through Dr. Emdin’s works and share ways we implement his strategies in our classrooms. This course is for any mathematics or science teacher interested in reading a cross-selection of Dr. Emdin’s works and transforming their pedagogy, practice, and presence.

Rethinking APES Lab Activities

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Leovie Diaz and Sharisse Small

THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 30, MAY 11, JUN 15 MƒA  SCIENCE

How might we design a series of engaging and datadriven laboratory activities for the AP Environmental Science (APES) curriculum? In this PLT, we will work collaboratively to develop inquiry-driven lab activities that align with the nine units of the APES curriculum framework . In session one, we will discuss the new DOE lab safety requirements, lab offerings from the AP College Board, and our best lab experiences and practices. In the next two sessions, we will conduct demonstrations of our lab best practices and adapt them to each other’s classrooms. Before the last session, teachers will pilot one or more labs designed or adapted by the group in their classrooms. In the last session, we will reflect on the implementation, give and receive feedback on student performance, set goals and next steps, and digitally organize and share labs and resources. This PLT is best suited for AP Environmental Science teachers, but any high school science teacher interested in developing ecologically-driven lab activities is welcome.