MCLA invites area teachers to STEM seminar series
NORTH ADAMS – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) invites area teachers to participate in a Berkshire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Pipeline Network seminar series this fall. The seminars will take place Saturdays, Sept. 13 through Nov. 8. Teachers can accrue in-service graduate credit or professional development hours for taking part in these seminars.Erika Zekos, the Western Massachusetts program coordinator for Learning By Design, will open the seminar series on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Intermodal Education Center in Pittsfield with “Learning by Design and Green Building.” This workshop will introduce teachers to the fundamentals of using architectural design in the classroom.
Teachers will discover ideas for integrating sustainable architecture with math and science investigations by exploring the relationships between the natural, built and community systems all around us. Target level: grades 5 – 7.
Immediately following this workshop will be a talk by architect Bruce Fowle, senior principal, FAIA, Leed, FXFowle Architects of New York City and Dubai, to discuss the state of the planet, the role of buildings in climate change, high-performance/low-energy building design, and designing the proposed Housatonic River Museum. Location: Colonial Theater, Pittsfield.
On Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Curtis Asch, program manager of education for the Berkshire Museum, will invite teachers to become innovators as they explore Berkshire Museum’s new interactive exhibition and take part in a hands-on experience with the “Use Your Noodle” curriculum. Teachers also will get an extensive tour of the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation and an opportunity to view the newly remodeled galleries. Complimentary copies of the “Use Your Noodle” curriculum kit and DVD will be available. Target level: K-12 teachers.
On Oct. 11, Michael Dalton, computer science professor at MCLA, will explain “Electricity and Magnets,” at MCLA. This seminar is designed to provide an elementary yet solid foundation in by using examples and activities that are simple, safe and inexpensive. Target level: 6-12 grades.
On Oct. 18, Robert Maloney, an engineer at General Dynamics AIS, will present a seminar on “Bridge Building,” at MCLA. This seminar will provide insight into engineering with the primary goal of ultimately improving problem-solving skills of the students. The focus will be on structural engineering, studying the design of buildings and bridges. Teachers will explore some of the basic math, engineering and design principals that are applied to building and developing a clear understanding of the engineering approach to problem solving. Target level: K-12 teachers.
The Nov. 8 seminar will be a full day biotechnology workshop at MCLA, presented by Shahira Badran, assistant professor and biotechnology program coordinator at Bunker Hill Community College; Paul King, instructor, Massasoit Community College; and Ann Billetz, MCLA professor. This will consist of a hands-on wet lab, featuring biotechnology techniques and a presentation explaining the underlying concepts and real life applications of these techniques.
In addition, the workshop will address the different applications and career opportunities of the biotech industry. Teachers will receive handouts and information on other related activities and biotech online resources. Target level: High School/Undergraduate. A weather cancellation date is set for Dec. 8. This workshop series is part of the Berkshire STEM Pipeline STEM Science Seminars. The STEM Pipeline Fund is a workforce development initiative designed to increase student interest and teacher preparation in STEM subjects. The goal of the STEM Pipeline is to build a pipeline between higher education, PreK-16, businesses, and non-profit agencies for the improvement of science, technology, engineering, and math education, and is aligned with the Berkshire Compact for Higher Education.
For information, go to http://www.mcla.mass.edu/pipeline/ Teachers will receive handouts and Massachusetts Frameworks-based project ideas, as well as resource lists. Light refreshments will be served. The cost per seminar is $35. Pre-registration is required, capacity is limited. Contact Lisa Provencher at 413-662-5525 or e-mail lisa.provencher@mcla.edu.
