Free Workshops Offered! DVSF Workshop Descriptions
1. STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Newton, Archimedes, Bell, Galileo, Curie – did these historical figures know they were “doing” STEM???? Why is a STEM education critical for those not pursuing a STEM career? This workshop is designed specifically for teachers to help them recognize STEM in its various forms and to understand how student science research is a way for students to apply their knowledge and skills to a relevant topic. 2. Getting Started with Science Fair This introductory workshop focuses on helping both teachers and students understand inquiry and its application to student science research (aka Science Fair). Through a hands-on inquiry experience, participants will recognize the components of science research: Choosing a topic, literature research, procedural set-up, data collection and analysis, writing a conclusion and project display. **This workshop can be tailored to middle or high school students or teachers. 3. How to Ask a Testable Question Writing a testable, investigable question is the first and most difficult piece of any science research. This workshop is highly recommended for students new to science research. Students will write questions based on observations of simple phenomena. Then, with guidance, they will then see how the questions they’ve asked are or are not testable. Subsequently, students will practice writing testable questions relating to their own research ideas. ***This workshop can be modified for a teacher only audience. Participants would acquire the skills necessary and a lesson plan for helping students write testable questions. 4. Analyzing Data through Statistics and Graph Analysis This workshop will provide teachers or students with an overview of statistical tests used to analyze various types of data and subsequently form conclusions. This workshop will be geared to either middle school students as a basic introduction to analyzing data or to high school students with a more in depth focus on statistical analyses. 5. Presenting a Project - Putting Your Best Foot Forward! This workshop is designed to help both teachers and students recognize the characteristics of quality visual & verbal presentations of their research. It is best scheduled between December and March – prior to local fairs. 6. Take It Up a Notch!! – Moving Projects to the Next Level This workshop is designed for students who are motivated and already have experience doing science research. Participants will receive information on choosing a topic, using a mentor, setting up a project for statistical analysis, and appealing to judges. In addition, formats for presenting mathematical, technological or engineering projects will be reviewed. |
Scheduling a Workshop
If you have questions about our workshops or are ready to schedule a FREE workshop please contact Suzanne Mecouch, Director of Teacher and Student Development, DVSF, Inc. Contact Suzanne at suzannemecouch@gmail.com or by calling 610.909.5105 Most workshops run about 1 ½ hours but can be tailored to fit any time slot and/or your specific needs. Rooms with tables and internet access are best for most workshops. Workshops can be scheduled during or after school hours and/or evenings. DVSF is able to facilitate these FREE student &/or teacher workshops throughout the Delaware Valley Region due to the gracious funding sponsored in part by The Dow Chemical Company, GlaxoSmithKline, The Hamilton Family Foundation, The Huston Foundation and Janssen BioTech. |
