"We're looking to increase America's talent pool by vastly improving K-12 science and mathematics education..."

CAST: 2006-2007 Workshop(s)

Summer Workshop Schedule - Agenda

Monday

  • Program objectives and overview
  • What is Scientific Computing?
  • How does Scientific Computing fit in High School?
  • How do I introduce scientific computing into my classes?
  • The Learning Curve - from Simulations to Model Building

Tuesday

  • The Behavior over Time perspective in modeling
  • Using data in creating a model
  • Tools for modeling - Excel and Vensim PLE

Wednesday

  • The Agent-based perspective in modeling
  • Using NetLogo to create a model
  • How to match the topic and the tool?

Thursday

  • How to integrate models into your teaching?
  • Advanced Excel
  • Advanced Vensim
  • Advanced NetLogo

Friday

  • Teachers present a lesson they will use with their students in the 06-07 school year.
  • Planning for quarterly Saturday workshops

Lunchtime sessions through the week

  • Raise awareness of teachers' potential role in shaping and encouraging the next generation of scientists
  • Share strategies for encouraging the full participation of all students in science programs

Teachers should bring:

  • Course outlines and objectives
  • A selection of test or homework problems that ask the students to use math in any way - data analysis, graph interpretation, solving equations, etc.



Classroom Exercises

Modeling & Simulation tools were used to develop the workshops and classroom exercises during the CAST 2006 workshop. Some may require you to download.



ATOMIC STRUCTURE/SUBATOMIC PARTICLES
Matt Brandstetter, Teacher, Waynesburg Central High School

CALCULATING FORMULA MASSES
Kathleen M. Kenny, Teacher, McKeesport Area High School

NEWTON'S SECOND LAW CALCULATIONS
Susan Marino, Teacher, Chartiers Valley High School

UNIVERSAL GRAVITATION/PLANETARY MOTION
Tom Moul, Teacher, Fox Chapel Area High School

RELATIVITY/TIME DILATION
Mark Nemchick, Teacher, McKeesport Area High School

MOTION, SPECIFICALLY PROJECTILE MOTION
Todd Ollendyke, Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School

RATE OF REACTION
Dan Pellis, Teacher, Quaker Valley Middle School

SOUND INTENSITY VS. DISTANCE
M. Perry and D. Tsambis, Teachers, Pine Richland High School

DISCOVERING THE SCIENCE OF ALCOHOL
Brian Strelick, Teacher, Waynesburg Central High School

Financial support for the CAST program provided by: The Heinz Endowments, Frick Teachers Alumnae Fund of the Buhl Foundation, and The Grable Foundation.