Each summer, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History offers opportunities for classroom teachers to explore the nature of science and strategies for incorporating inquiry-based science instruction into their classrooms.  Teachers will conduct scientific investigations with museum and university scientists to build a deeper understanding of content, inquiry and the nature of science, and then apply these experiences to develop strategies that promote inquiry learning in the classroom. Visit i2es2 for more details and videos from 2007 workshops.

2008 Summer Science Institutes

Science Institute for Elementary School Teachers
An ExplorOlogy program

When: June 23 - 28, 2008

Who Should Apply: This Science Institute is designed for elementary (grades K – 5) science teachers throughout the state of Oklahoma. Teachers are encouraged to apply in teams (i.e., more than one teacher from the same school) to create a support network after the Institute (note: each teacher needs to complete an individual application). The application process is competitive.

Stipend: All participating teachers will be provided with a stipend. All travel, lodging and materials will be provided at no cost to participants.

Applications: No additional applications will be accepted for the 2008 workshop at this time (the deadline was April 25, 2008).

 

Infusing Inquiry into Elementary School Science
(funded by the Oklahoma State Department of Education)

When: June 2 – 13, 2008

Who Should Apply: This workshop is targeted for elementary school teachers from Norman, Putnam City, Little Axe, Noble, Robin Hill, and Newcastle Public Schools. The application process is competitive.

Applications: No additional applications will be accepted for the 2008 workshop at this time.

 

Past Summer Science Institutes

Infusing Inquiry into Elementary School Science, "i2es2", (2005, 2007)
(Math-Science Partnership Grant funded by the Oklahoma State Department of Education)

These workshops were partnerships with Norman, Putnam City, Noble, and Little Axe public schools.  Elementary school teachers from each district participated in an intensive two-week summer institute where they were engaged in authentic science research with museum and university scientists and applied their science experiences to developing inquiry-based strategies for their classrooms.  Teachers returned for four follow-up sessions during the school year and completed an independent science project at their schools.

i2es2 PROJECT PICTURES, VIDEOS AND NEWS ITEMS

Building Scientific Literacy through Investigation (2004, 2005, 2007)
(Funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services)

These one-week, residential workshops brought middle level science teachers from across the state to the University of Oklahoma and the Museum for an in-depth science experience.  Teachers spent half of their time “doing science” with museum and university scientists and the rest of their time developing curricula to engage their students inquiry-based science in the classroom.