TEA Collaborative Learning Group
Team Meetings

Ellwood
2003

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Date: 2/12/03
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Rye Junior High
Parcticipants: Robin Ellwood and Kathleen Cole

Goal(s) of Meeting
The goal of this meeting was to introduce Kathleen to the Polar Learning group philosophy, to explain in more detail my intentions for the group, and to answer questions Kathleen may have about joining the group.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Kathleen and I reviewed personal and possible group goals for the polar learning group. I shared numerous resources that I have aquired, gave Kathleen a "polar learning packet" (includes: Press Release book, Antarctica workbook, NSF window sticker, penguin sticker, TEA/NSF arctic and antarctic brochures, AMANDA bookmark, penguin walker, ice breaker mints, Mt. Washington observatory field trip information, and list of current projects from NSF); we went through the packet and discussed possible uses of the items.

Kathleen decided she would like to be a significant parcticipant in the group. We set meeting times for future group sessions to be the second wednesday of each month. Additional meetings will be established by the entire group. For the next meeting, Kathleen will prepare information about all the different species of penguins, and I will prepare detailed info about the food chain for penguins and polare bears. We will share this info with the group and begin to establish lesson plans that could be implemented at various grade levels. I will also share my power point presentation about TEA with the group next session.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We discussed how to connect polar research to the mandated curriculum standards. We determined that one focus of our efforts will be to incorporate polar studies with "hands-on" activities; thus will begin collecting resources to facilitate such a desire - such as environmental probes which can be connected to available computers.

We also discussed using the TEA and Glacier web sites in the classroom.

Additional reflections:
Kathleen and I discussed at length the 140 hour professional development incentive. We discussed how this information being put "up front" was helpful to recruit her, but she knows it also turned several people away. We discussed how I debated whether to include the "140 hour" contact time in the brochure I sent out. I knew it would be a deterent to many people, but wanted it to be clear that I was interested in forming a long term, dedicated group.

I believe I have 3 committed people in my group, but must admit I was hoping for more of a response to the brochure I sent out (over 130 brochures went out - to all local schools as well as specific individuals - including TEA Associates - in ME, NH, VT, MA). Each person who responded favorably is from my own school district. The benefit to this is that it makes it easier to coordinate meetings.

In response to a concern that calling the group a "mentoring workshop series" would not encourage people to join - absolutely correct! I did not use those words. I titled it: "Polar Bears, Penguins, and a Polar Learning Community". In the brochure I outlined benefits to parcticipating in the group, possible topics to incorporate into the group, and some incentives. I sent a copy of the brochure to Marge Porter - would be happy to send one to TEA as well.

Goal(s) of Meeting
The focus of this group was technology; specifically digital cameras - both still and video. Sheila and Laura ran this meeting. There were several examples of digital cameras with varying features. We also began focusing on iPhoto and iMovie.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We discussed the differences and advantages to each type of camera. We spent an extended amount of time reviewing the camera I have for the TEA experience; began looking at specific features and what potential "in the field needs" would be. This discussion will continue at the next meeting (3/11/03). Resources included "hands-on" viewing/comparing of still and video equipment. Next steps: - continue discussion of features (I will have experimented with my camera a bit more and share my experiences/quesions with the group) - bring a list of ideas to share at the next brainstorming session of how to incorporate such technology into meaningful content based tools.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
This was primarily a "get aquainted" session with a variety of types of cameras. The next session will focus on pedagogy and bringing the use of this equipment effectively to the classroom.

Additional reflections:
The camera I have selected for the TEA experience seems to be a good choice. I also have an underwater housing for the camera.s

Goal(s) of Meeting
To brainstorm ideas for creating a scientific movie that would capture the interest and attention of students. We also brainstormed ideas for creating hands-on displays throughout the planetarium. The goal was to spark interest in the process of science.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Several planetarium resources were used - star charts, video clips, etc. Personell from the IT department at the planetarium were present to discuss the realistic possibilities of creating our ideas.

A follow up meeting will be scheduled for later in the spring/summer.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
The technology use focused on video/audio/special effect possibilities within the dome theater of the planetarium. One goal was to use the theater technology to accentuate the technology used by researchers in their latest investigations (like Mars planetary robots). We discussed in great length the need for hands-on, real time connections to scietific studies.

Additional reflections:
Sheila and I discussed creating a smaller scale movie in our own school - having students create their own videos to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process and specific topics.

Goal(s) of Meeting
To share the results of our homework assignments from the last group meeting and to begin plans for interdisciplinary units.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We shared all the info we had gathered and research conducted. Shared basic info about polar bears and penguins - habitat/nutrient requirements. We charted the food web for both these critters. We discussed possibilities for student projects to demonstrate the food chain for Polar animals. We established group goals - short and long term.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Our focus was on creating interdisciplinary, hands-on lessons that would allow the students to learn the content material. We also brainstormed ways for kids to create their own polar topics to investigate.

Additional reflections:
Kathleen will start a polar newsletter to inform other teachers/community members about what the group is doing and to invite other folks to parcticipate/join.

Goal(s) of Meeting
Create "running" web site page for polar information. Start adding polar info-resources to the school web pages. Discuss purchased items - books/maps/videos. Create a "check out" resource list to make available to other teachers.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We have quite a good start on our resource lists and have a plan in place to distribute information to other teachers. Next step is to get everything posted on the school web pages and disseminate a flyer to announce availability of resources.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We discussed the importance of getting other teachers "on board" in order to create a truly interdisciplinary unit. We want to make teachers feel comfortable and know they will have a plethora of resources immediately available - they will not have to do "aimless" searhes on their own.

Additional reflections:
We have a good foundation to start building on!

Goal(s) of Meeting
To become more comfortable with the use of digital cameras - still and video. To hook into Real Time Audio to ensure we are able to do it smoothly when deployed in the field.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Great practice with imaging and downloading. Had trouble hooking into Real Audio - Sheila will talk to tech people to try and resolve problems.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Digital technology will bring the experience to life for my students, so we wanted to be skilled with the cameras and computer inter-connections. "Images are worth a thousand words" - good images will enhance the experience for my students.

Additional reflections:
Real Audio is causing problems - perhaps fire wall issue in building.

Goal(s) of Meeting
to perfect using iPhoto and psynching photos to music.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Mac "experts" were on hand to demonstrate iPhoto techniques and some of the advanced features. They also demonstrated how to psynch the music to the images. Discussion with Sheila and I was how to create exciting movies for the kids and how to have them create movies to demonstrate comprehension of material.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Students will use technology to illustrate their understanding of concepts. Kids will teach each other "cool techniques" - peer instruction is very effective.

Additional reflections:
Difficulties will be having enough computers with the required programs to have entire classes working on digital movie creations.

Goal(s) of Meeting
- To prepare for a group meeting on 7/10; we wanted to create an agenda, have supplies available, and have some practice with a new probe received from the University of Chicago.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Sheila and I gathered/prepared supplies from science lab so they would be ready for tomorrows meeting. We also determined what supplies (for a craft projects and display boards) would need to be purchased prior to tomorrows meeting.

We discussed how to bring more probe technology into the mentoring group; tackling peoples comfort levels and making the technology simple seemed to be key.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We want to have training/practice sessions with both digital cameras (still and video) and the downloading process as well as creating movies. We also want to have training/practice sessions for Hobo and Pasco probes which have been acquired through a grant.

Additional reflections:

Goal(s) of Meeting
- To prepare bulletin boad displays for polar units - To develop interdisciplinary units - To evaluate technology needs within the group and at each school - Plan group field trips

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We designed and made awesome bulletin boards. We began plans for a "polar day" at each school. - this day will include: poster sessions about research/projects being done, art sculptures of polar animals and scientific information cards, graphs of data - weather patterns/temps etc., poetry readings for LA, and political policies for social studies. We identified personell to work around fire wall issues at the schools. We planned a field trip to CRREL for 7/23`

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Content was captured in bulletin board highlights. Captions/ thought provoking questions (such as why is the Arctic warmer than the Antarctic) were generated and put into display items. We attempted to hook into Real Audio - still having issues getting into the school. We identified good internet sites for kids at different grade levels to use to assist in research/info gathering.

Additional reflections:
The group feels like we gained some good ground today!

Goal(s) of Meeting
-Finalize plans for CRREL Tour -Work on computer glitches -Continue work on interdisciplinary unit - looked into funding sources to elaborate the project. - decide how images will be sent from Antarctica

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Tour plans are set. Still no real audio access. Interdisciplinary unit is fairly set now. Grant application to Rye Education Foundation may allow further advancement.

Photos will be taken on low res and downloaded and sent at that file size.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Our main focus was more on just trying to ensure everything will run smoothly while in the field... kids shut down very quickly when lessons are disorganized and patched together.

Additional reflections:

Goal(s) of Meeting
To expose the students to the project and have them begin to generate questions about Antarctica and about scientific research - what are the challenges, etc.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We met with 2 groups of students. I explained the basics about the trip I will be going on and then answered questions. We also had the kids brainstorm questions about Antarctica in parcticular.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We didn't address this too much in this meeting - it was more of a free brainstorming session by the students and facilitated by Kathleen and I.

Additional reflections:
The students seemed very excited to be able to follow along with my journey through the internet.

Goal(s) of Meeting
To visit CRREL and get a sense of the work being done through CRREL and to discuss ideas for student research topics about polar science.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We had a wonderful tour of the facility. We discussed bringing a small group of 8th graders who had a genuine interest in polar studies and were invested in the scientific process to CRREL.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We discussed the benefits of having students connected to "real time" science and the importance of exposing students to as much variety of research as possible.

Additional reflections:
We hope to bring a small group of students up to CRREL.

Goal(s) of Meeting
Practice using new HOBO and Pasco probeware. Brainstorm lessons/projects that could implement use of the probes. Possible Palm compatability - will we write a grant to acquire Palms?

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We got the operating discs downloades onto the appropriate computers. We practiced programming probes to monitor/record different variables. We set up probes in various locations to test for accuracy.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
This session was all about practicing to use the technology of the probes and computers - to master the skills so they could smoothly be transferred to the students. We discussed the importance to have the probes working smoothly for the students to eliminate/reduce frustrations

Additional reflections:
Getting Palms for the classroom will be a goal.

Goal(s) of Meeting
- Showcase designed lessons to interested teachers to encourage their parcticipation in a polar unit.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
We had several teachers from neighboring schools join our group and take the units/plans we have created. They are going to implement the plans in their classrooms. We will compare results/discuss highs/lows at a later date.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We shared what we had learned about the probes - offered other schools the opportunity to borrow them for their lessons/units on polar and/or inquiry studies.

Additional reflections:
Everyone seems excited to give the lessons a try. Several folks said they may join future sessions.

Goal(s) of Meeting
- Prepare for upcoming NHSTE meeting - run through my presentation for Sheila

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
Sheila and I laid out an itineray for the upcoming meeting and I practiced my presentation.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We discussed multidisciplinary units, multi-grade level needs/parcticipation, and set up some experiments to run to test there effectiveness for the NHSTE talk. (like HOBO probes in enclosed jar - temp readout)

Additional reflections:
The presentation should go smoothly!

Goal(s) of Meeting
- To present to several 2nd grade classes.

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
multimedia presentation - LCD/powerpoint, audio CD of Antarctic Sounds, Maps, stuffed animals, books, Antarctic rock, inflatable penguin.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
Multimedia kept the 2nd graders attention for well over an hour - they were engaged the entire time.

Additional reflections:
Kids want me to come back, so they seemed to have enjoyed it!

Goal(s) of Meeting
- presentation for NH Science Teacher Association - expose teachers to the TEA program and NSF - to demonstrate how to access the TEA web page and TEA journals - show interdisciplinary unit possibilities, share science specific lessons, demonstrate and allow hands on experience for all the above. - Present to 1st & 6th grade classes at Greenland Central School and to 4th, 5th, 6th grade classes at Shapleigh Middle School

Overview of Session (e.g., resources used, discussion points, next steps, etc.):
- Multimedia presentation using powerpoint/lcd/video/audio cd/computer/books/maps/art-craft supplies/probes. - allowed hands on practice in the computer lab with accessing TEA site and the variety of locations / projects TEA's are involved with. - multi age level lessons were discussed - some practiced. - probe ware was demonstrated - some practiced. - discussed ways to bring the topic into existing curriculum. - Same resources were used for the Greenland & Shapleigh school presentations.

How did your team address pedagogy, content, the process of science, and the use of technology during the session?
We discussed in great length the benefits of connecting students to actual "real time" research being done - allowing them to pose questions to scientists in the field, and doing the science via mimmicking experiments rather than just reading about them.

Additional reflections:
The meeting went great! Lots of parcticipation and excitement about TEA/NSF/Antarctica/Polar research/Inquiry formats.

The students loved the presentations - they got dressed in ECW gear, etc.