Mini-Courses

Dissections Made Easy

Facilitator: MƒA Master Teacher David Studer

WEDNESDAYS, FEB 8, FEB 15 MƒA

Data-Driven Climate Justice With EcoRise p Facilitator: Zakhia Grant

WEDNESDAYS, APR 26, MAY 3, MAY 10

MƒA



SCIENCE

Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping helps us understand patterns and relationships within a geographic context. GIS is used in virtually every field and can make data come “alive” for your students. Join us as we discover GIS, explore EcoRise resources, and learn strategies to inspire students to act by giving them the skills needed to design solutions to environmental issues within their communities. In session one, we will begin with an introduction to environmental justice issues as we discuss and try out hands-on activities from the EcoRise curriculum. In session two, we’ll delve deeper by examining how EcoRise resources related to climate data, GIS mapping, and climate justice can shape students’ understanding of the causes and impact of climate change within their community. In our final session, teachers will learn how to support student climate action at their schools through the creation of datadriven policy or by applying for a student-driven EcoAudit grant. This course is best for middle and high school life science, environmental science, and Earth Science teachers.

Zakhia Grant is the Northeast Program Manager for EcoRise and provides professional development to K-12 teachers participating in the Sustainable Intelligence Program in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. She is a geologist and a LEED Green Associate and brings with her more than a decade of experience teaching science and sustainability at both the high school and collegiate levels in NYC. She is passionate about equity and justice in sustainability and environmental education. Zakhia holds a B.A. in Geology from George Washington University and an M.S. in Geology from Bowling Green State University.

 SCIENCE

+ PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO SESSION MINI-COURSE.

”When are we doing dissections?” Students often ask this question on the first day of class as they are eager to dive into the fun and exciting work of dissection. However, integrating dissection into an already packed life science curriculum can take time and effort. Join us to learn how to seamlessly incorporate dissection into your classroom. In session one, we’ll discuss the value of teaching through dissection, review DOE safety protocols, and consider the ethical concerns around this work. Then we’ll explore a step-by-step guide as we dissect earthworms. In session two, teachers will conduct two additional dissections, beginning with the classic frog dissection and then choosing between the crayfish or grasshopper. Each small group will learn more about their chosen organism, perform the dissection, and then share their findings with the larger group. Finally, teachers will have time to identify strategies for incorporating these dissections into their own classrooms. This course is best suited for middle and high school life science teachers.

David Studer is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn.

DIY Skills: Machine Sewing and Screen Printing

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Dorothy Cupka, Ph.D., and Jamie Munkatchy

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, MAR 15, MAR 22

Offsite

 INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

+ PLEASE NOTE: ALL THREE SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT HUMANITIES PREPARATORY ACADEMY.

Are you interested in crafting and making, incorporating more art into your classroom, or building a makerspace in your own school? Come join us in this mini-course as we discuss how to integrate the DIY culture in science, entrepreneurship, and art with a STEAM curriculum. As part of the process, we will create a silk screen, print on canvas drop cloth, and sew the printed fabric into a personal tote bag! We will also explore how the making skills used in this course are applicable to both mathematics and science. Crafters of all levels and experience are welcome! All materials and tools will be provided.

Dr. Dorothy Cupka is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at Humanities Preparatory Academy in Manhattan.

Jamie Munkatchy is an MƒA Master Teacher and science teacher at The James Baldwin School: A School for Expeditionary Learning in Manhattan.

DuraSEL: Fostering Change Through Motivational Interviewing

Facilitator: Marvin Antebi-Gruszka

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 15, MAR 29, APR 19 MƒA  INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

Do you ever find yourself needing help to promote positive change in student behavior? Whether you choose to become a cheerleader or an industrial strength micro-manager, these efforts are rarely effective and always tiring. How might we view resistance to change as an opportunity for connection and growth? In this mini-course, teachers will explore the foundational skills and strategies of Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative, conversation-based approach aiming to get those we work with to become their own cheerleaders for change. The primary goals of this mini-course are to (1) provide teachers with foundational skills in MI, (2) dedicate time and space to practice MI with feedback, and (3) create opportunities to integrate MI skills into the classroom. In session one, we will compare two cornerstones of MI, ambivalence and OARS (Open questioning, Affirming, Reflecting, and Summarizing) skills. In session two, we’ll consider how to transform resistance into motivation. And in session three, we’ll review the change process from beginning to end. Throughout, we will ground our work in Motivational Interviewing in Schools by Rollnick et al. (2016). All subject areas, grades, and