Using a collection of building bricks, educators can teach crosscutting concepts about matter in biology, chemistry, and earth science. Join Dr. Amanda Mayer, a native Tucsonan who now works at the MIT Edgerton Center, as she walks you through the LEGO molecule modules. Starting with chemical reactions, introduce students to molecules, atoms, chemical notation, and chemical compounds starting with a hands-on wet lab and moving into models of the reactions. Allow students to concretely experience the photosynthesis reaction by building models of the reactants and products. Do your students know what air is made of? What percentage is oxygen? What happens chemically when things burn? Build a model of air and then combust fuel models to produce additional carbon dioxide and pollutants. Finally, understand oceans by modeling important chemical reactions happening in the ocean to emphasize ocean acidification and toxic mercury pollution. Each participating teacher will receive a classroom set of building bricks and lesson mats worth more than $350.
Audience: 4th-12th Grade Teachers
(In order to maximize the impact of this workshop, only educators who work directly with students will be allowed to register and receive a kit. Please contact DaNel Hogan if you would like to attend but are in an administrative role.)
Facilitators: Dr. Amanda Mayer from the MIT Edgerton Center with assistance from Margaret Wilch
Cost: $75 includes materials, continental breakfast, and lunch.
This workshop is part of the STEMAZing Institute. The STEMAZing Project’s philosophy on teacher professional development is simple: It must be hands-on and engaging – putting the educators in the seat of the students to experience STEM lessons firsthand. It must provide the educators with the equipment and supplies they need to implement the lessons and activities in their classrooms the next day if they choose. It must be facilitated by master educators who have themselves been in the classroom.
Media Policy:
The Pima County School Superintendent's Office and its partners often take photographs and videos during events and workshops as they occur. By registering for this event and/or workshop you are granting permission to use these images to promote our programs in print, on the web, and on social media.
Payment Policy
Payments must be received five (5) business days prior to the start of the class. Payments can be in the form of a check, credit card, P-Card, or a school purchase order. Registrations within the five (5) day window must be paid immediately upon registering for the course.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing five (5) business days prior to the start of the class to receive a refund. Cancellations can be emailed to both: danel.hogan@schools.pima.gov AND AR@pima.gov. No refunds will be given for “no shows.” If courses are cancelled due to low enrollment, refunds will be issued to the individual or the school.
