PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

ITE Middle School Science: 8th Grade - Online

The 2020 TCU Institute for Teaching Excellence: Middle School Science will acquaint teachers with middle school science practices and their correlation to national and local content standards via online meeting interface. Participants will take an in-depth look at national and local content standards and how they are organized. Additionally, correlation will be made between national and local standards to identify “crosswalks” for the teacher to move toward enhancing current curriculum. Each of the days will address a different topics found in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science while targeting critical areas with activities that focus reading, inquiry, and the math skills of science strategies. These strategy sessions are designed to enhance a Texas middle school learning environment by moving from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. Student-centered concept delivery will also be offered in a daily session to help teachers assist students toward skills needed in classes that follow, which require acquisition of these skills. Select inquiry labs that correlate to TEKS will be offered via synchronous demonstration followed by asynchronous individual investigation. Inquiry findings and conclusion will be debriefed in a final synchronous session to end each day where challenges and accomplishments will be shared in an online group setting. The main goal of inquiry investigation will be performed to support teachers moving from guided to more open-inquiry labs for their students. Exam strategies will also be included to help the teacher assist their students toward success by using various test taking practices for future Texas standardized testing and AP exams that will be experienced later by some of these students. Participants are asked to have a calculator and personal protective equipment for laboratory activities. A list a materials that can be obtained, from local markets and supply stores, will be provided so participants are able to obtain needed supplies to complete the asynchronous lab experiences. Through practice, sharing of ideas, discussions, and modeling, it is the intention that participants will become more skilled in instructing their students to become more successful in achieving the skills to be more successful in the Texas middle school classroom and future AP Science programs of study.

ITE Middle School Science: 8th Grade - Online
The 2020 TCU Institute for Teaching Excellence: Middle School Science will acquaint teachers with middle school science practices and their correlation to national and local content standards via online meeting interface. Participants will take an in-depth look at national and local content standards and how they are organized. Additionally, correlation will be made between national and local standards to identify “crosswalks” for the teacher to move toward enhancing current curriculum. Each of the days will address a different topics found in Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science while targeting critical areas with activities that focus reading, inquiry, and the math skills of science strategies. These strategy sessions are designed to enhance a Texas middle school learning environment by moving from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction. Student-centered concept delivery will also be offered in a daily session to help teachers assist students toward skills needed in classes that follow, which require acquisition of these skills. Select inquiry labs that correlate to TEKS will be offered via synchronous demonstration followed by asynchronous individual investigation. Inquiry findings and conclusion will be debriefed in a final synchronous session to end each day where challenges and accomplishments will be shared in an online group setting. The main goal of inquiry investigation will be performed to support teachers moving from guided to more open-inquiry labs for their students. Exam strategies will also be included to help the teacher assist their students toward success by using various test taking practices for future Texas standardized testing and AP exams that will be experienced later by some of these students. Participants are asked to have a calculator and personal protective equipment for laboratory activities. A list a materials that can be obtained, from local markets and supply stores, will be provided so participants are able to obtain needed supplies to complete the asynchronous lab experiences. Through practice, sharing of ideas, discussions, and modeling, it is the intention that participants will become more skilled in instructing their students to become more successful in achieving the skills to be more successful in the Texas middle school classroom and future AP Science programs of study.
Show Description
Section Code: 21MPEITE072A
Dates: 7/6/2021 - 7/9/2021 Times: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sessions: 4 Days: Tu W Th F
Instructor: Todd Abronowitz
Capacity Remaining: 27
Building: Room:
Fee: $400.00
The Institute for Excellence in Teaching was created to bring together the most intelligent minds, talented presenters, and eager learners to promote advanced academics in your classroom. We are thrilled you have chosen to join us and we look forward to serving your needs and inspiring greatness. Here’s what you can expect in our Middle School Science Summer Institute. You will have the opportunity to participate in multiple sessions each day with different presenters. Topics will range from content-focused, TEKS-based lessons, to learning new technology applications, to innovative pedagogical methods. You will also have the opportunity to learn and collaborate with other middle school science educators from across the state. We strive to cultivate the best, most diverse learning experience possible for our participants, and we can’t wait to partner with you in your pursuit of professional growth.

Bio: Todd Abronowitz currently teaches all levels of chemistry at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas. Previously, he was the lead AP Chemistry teacher for Dallas ISD. Prior to this, he taught at John Paul II High School in Plano (and served as science department chair) for five years. He has also taught at Creekview High School, in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD for 8 years, South Garland High School (Garland ISD) for six years. He has served as the lead chemistry teacher at Creekview High School. Since starting his teaching career in 1990, he has taught regulars chemistry, honors chemistry, Pre-AP Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry. He has started three AP chemistry programs, at South Garland HS, Creekview HS, and most recently at John Paul II HS. He is involved with several professional organizations: Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas (ACT2), and the American Chemical Society. He has presented workshops at several STAT Conferences for the Advancement of Science Teaching and Southwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society. He has presented at two-day conferences and one-day conferences for the College Board and been the presenter for APSI in Texas and Arkansas. He served as a State Chemistry Textbook Review member for Texas in 2001. He was co-founder of a Traveling Science Show that performed across the DFW Metroplex. He wrote his own laboratory manual and study materials for use in his AP chemistry class. Mr. Abronowitz has received numerous awards including NMSI All-American Teacher of the Year 2012, Schulz Award for outstanding high school chemistry teacher from the DFW section of the ACS, Radio Shack National Teacher Award, Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas Teacher of the Year in 2000, and Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year 1996.

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