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==== The University of Alabama (Physics Department and the Department of Curriculum and Instruction) introduces a newly funded professional development project to you, //Physical Science in the 21// // st //// Century //, and extends an invitation to participate in the activities during the school year 2011 to 2012. Topics covered will address content in 8th and 10th grade physical science, physics, and chemistry. ====

** What: ** PS-21 major activities will include four one-day Institutes during the school year and an interactive PS-21 website with multiple teacher resources, teacher mentors, and expert ask a physicist connection. In addition to physics and chemistry content and effective methods of teaching specific physical science content,teachers will gain experience with and use of interactive 21st century technology, collecting and analyzing data, examples of lessons and units utilizing interactive science to deepen students’ understanding, and assessing students’ understanding of physical science content.

Science content topics that will be the focus of each Institute Day (other broader concerns in general physical science will also be covered) are listed below.

**Friday, September 23, 2011 Institute Day 1: Modern physics and chemistry**
 * Friday, October 21, 2011 Institute Day 2: Relationship between energy and forces **
 * Friday, February 3, 2012 Institute Day 3: Electricity and magnetism **
 * Friday, March 23, 2012 Institute Day 4: Forces **
 * Continuous Professional Development Online, Group Activities, Communication, Mentors **

** Other Benefits: ** In addition for the institute days (dates are tentative) full day substitutes will be provided during the school year. Teachers will be able to train on Pasco technology equipment that would be useful implementing in their classrooms and their school system. Three CEU’s will be available at the end of the program. Physics (PHY) or general science (CSE) course credit will be available for A or AA certification at the end of the program in May 2012 (tuition is not covered).

** PS-21 Project Objectives are to Enable Teachers to: ** (1) acquire and demonstrate deeper 21 st century content knowledge on key focus concept themes in the physical sciences found in national and state standards, (2) acquire, demonstrate, and implement effective instructional pedagogy aimed at facilitating students’ meaningful understanding of physics and physical science, (3) use laboratories and interactive physics approaches in computer-based graphing, sensors, and related 21 st century technology, (4) continue professional development of both content and pedagogy during the school year via two one-day, face-to-face workshops accompanied by online training and resources to acquire and maintain their practice as highly qualified professionals.

** Other: **  · If funded for additional years the content will focus on other key physical science concepts.  · Content and teaching information will be provided by University of Alabama physics department faculty, physical science education faculty, and expert and experienced physical science teachers.  · This project will provide in depth physical science content knowledge matched with extensive and continuing work with effective and appropriate instructional pedagogy using technology.

** PS–21 Institute Topics/Objectives include: ** Experiencing, using, and investigating concepts in physical science through five questions: 1. What misconceptions do your students bring to physical science and what should you do about them? 2. What is the content that all students need to understand? 3, What engaging explanations and activities can be used in teaching the concepts? 4. What applications can be used with the concepts to assist transfer to the real world? 5. How can technology facilitate student learning of physical science concepts?

If you are interested in participation in this project, you are encouraged to contact: Dr. Dennis Sunal at dwsunal@bama.ua.edu (best) or at 205-348-7010 (w), or 205-758-8405 (h). OR Mrs. Donna Turner, ABD, at dpturner@crimson.ua.edu

 **// Funded through a grant awarded by Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE): //** <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> **// Improving Teacher Quality: Master of Content //**** Award Category 1: Science and Mathematics ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> ** Physical Science in the 21 **** st **** Century: Improving Teacher Quality and Mastery of Content Project Personnel from the University of Alabama involve: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Dr. Stanley Jones, Co-PI, physics <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Dr. James W. Harrell, Co-PI, physics <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Dr. Dennis Sunal, PI, science education <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Dr. Cynthia Sunal, Co-PI, research coordinatorMs. Donna Turner (ABD) – science teacher <span style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Dr. Michael Odell – outside evaluator