Professional Development

Teacher Workshop Descriptions
Professional development is the gateway to the JASON Project program year. Teacher workshops give educators a comprehensive walk through all five JASON multimedia components. From exciting hands-on activities and engaging guest speakers to gobs of helpful hints from experienced teachers, these day long workshops are designed to prepare new and returning educators for the year long expedition.

Here are some of the many things covered in JASON Project professional development:

1. JASON Project Overview
   • Familiarize yourself with each multimedia component
     
   • Find out how educators integrate this program into their classrooms
     
     
2. JASON XIV Themes
   • Discover the exciting research that JASON will visit this year
     
   • 'Meet' the host researchers and find out more about their studies
     
     
3. Team JASON Online
   • Register for Team JASON Online at the workshop
     
   • Learn how to use digital labs, student journals, message boards and much more
     
     
4. Curriculum Walk Through
   • Receive this year's JASON Project written curriculum
     
   • Engage in hands-on activities from each topical unit
     
     
5. Guest Speakers
   • Hear real scientists talk about their research as it relates to the JASON theme
     
   • Find out how you can bring local experts into your own classroom
     
     
6. Helpful Hints
   • Find out how to adapt and extend the curriculum for your students
     
   • Discover which materials work best and where you can buy them
     

Teacher Workshop Dates, Times and Locations:

• Thursday, August 14, 2003
  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen
  http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/visitor/index.htm
  
  
• Saturday, September 20, 2003
  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Underwater Adventures, Bloomington
  http://www.underwateradventures.cc/info.html
  
  
• Saturday, October 4, 2003
  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  TIES Training Center, St. Paul
  http://www.ties.k12.mn.us/main/about/findTIES.html
  
  
• Wednesday, October 22, 2003
  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  TIES Training Center, St. Paul
  http://www.ties.k12.mn.us/main/about/findTIES.html
  
  
• Saturday, November 15, 2003
  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis
  http://www.bellmuseum.org/hours.html

Teachers from greater Minnesota: Our staff would be more than happy to arrange a workshop in your area. Please Contact Us for details.

Mentor Teacher Program
Mentor teachers are an essential part of the JASON Project at the Bell Museum. This small but diverse council of talented and enthusiastic educators not only keeps the distance learning staff in touch with the current education community and climate, they also assist in developing and implementing new program initiatives and support teachers who are new to the program.

If you have been a JASON Project teacher for two or more years and you are interested in becoming more involved in this exciting program at a local level, consider the Mentor Teacher Program!

• Assist in teacher workshops
  
• Help judge the annual art contest
  
• Help select student argonauts
  
• Contribute to the bi-weekly electronic newsletter
  
• Provide ongoing feedback and support to Bell Museum JASON Project staff
  

If you would like more information about this exciting program, contact Carol Birtzer at (612) 626-9602 or birtz001@tc.umn.edu

If you are new to the JASON Project and you would like to ask one of our mentor teachers about the program, you can reach them by email.

Get Involved

Contact Us

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Last modified on April 23, 2003.