California Assn of Independent Schools Science Development Day

CAIS Professional Development Day

March 12, 2010 to be held at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

• 8:30 am – 9:00 am: Welcome, coffee, bagels and ice breaker,
• 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Two floor tours happening simultaneously; a bio and a physics tour, both led by Exploratorium Teacher Institute staff (Paul Doherty and TBD),
• 10:00 am – 11:30 am: Two hands on workshops happening simultaneously:

Fruits of the Genome Project – Personalized Medicine

given by Karen Kalumuck

In this hands-on interactive workshop, we’ll model laboratory techniques such as DNA microarray analysis that are set to revolutionize the practice of medicine.  By using real-life examples, we’ll discover how personal genomic analysis can be used to effectively tailor treatments to the individual patient, ranging from the best chemotherapy to the most effective antidepressant. The activities can be easily incorporated into your lessons on DNA and molecular biology.

Gravity Wells

given by Paul Doherty

We will use a Gravity Well to explore the orbits of planets, why there are two tides per day, black holes and curved spacetime, as well as the energy levels of atoms.

• 11:30 am – 12:30 am: Lunch
• 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Exploratorium Internet Resources, led by Exploratorium Teacher Institute staff Eric Muller,
• 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Keynote Presentation by Paul Doherty:

Learn Science by Doing Science with Simple Materials

At the Exploratorium we create exhibits which inspire visitors to interact with the real phenomena of science. The teacher programs at the Exploratorium translate these science explorations into “Snacks”— easy to build explorations using inexpensive materials which motivate students to think and learn. We publish these snacks in books and on web pages. I will present examples of these explorations focusing on electricity, light, and sound.

• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Free time in the Exploratorium,
• 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Closing with Paul Doherty.

Cost: $160, breakfast and lunch included

To register contact Nancy Swamy:  nswamy@caisca.org

Questions: Tom Woosnam: twoos@csus.org or 650 375 5402

Deadline to register: March 8

More information about CAIS and this science development day can be found here: http://caisca.org/events_conferencedetails.asp?event=199