York University: Astronomy Teachers Workshop - July 8-9, 2015

/ 20 June 2015
Submitted by rasc@johnginder.com on 20 June 2015

Certificate Program: Teaching Astronomy Through Fun Hands-on Activities Inspired by the Latest Discoveries

The goal of this blended certificate learning program with a focus on Astronomy is to support educators to further develop scientific thinking in students in grades 9-12. This module will introduce new inquiry-based activities that promote critical thinking and teach Astronomy as professional scientists practice it. Teachers will have the opportunity to experience these hands-on activities as the learner and discuss how to apply them in their classroom. The module includes three activities on extrasolar planets, cosmology, and black holes, and it is aligned with the Earth and Space component of the Curriculum of the Ontario Ministry of Education and current teaching pedagogies. Ultimately this program will assist educators inspire new generations of students to study science, by introducing them to the latest and most exciting discoveries in Astronomy enabled by innovative technologies and pedagogy.

Program Details
• Two-day hands-on experiential workshop for educators
• Facilitated online Community of Practice discussion activities
• Led by Faculty of Science at York U, University of Toronto teaching faculty and professional astronomers
• Includes free Classroom Resource Kit for teachers ($35 value)
• Optional free evening visit to York University Observatory
• Certificate of Completion provided at conclusion of the program

Instructors
Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, York U
Brian Cherinka, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto
Sara Mazrouei, Center for Planetary Sciences, University of Toronto
Matt Russo, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto

Dates/Times: July 8 and 9, 2015, (8:30am to 4:30pm)
Location: York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON. M3J 1P3
Course Fee: $175 + $22.72 HST= $197.75
Cancellation Policy: Withdrawals requests are refunded subject to $50 non-refundable amount. No withdrawals or refunds on or after the course start date.

For more information: http://edu.yorku.ca/profdev/professional-programs/teaching-astronomy/