Institutes & Event 2008 Summer Content Institutes Two institutes were offered in Summer, 2008: "EARTH SCIENCE" with ties to concepts in Geology & Meteorology and "IMMUNOLOGY" with ties to concepts in Cell Biology, Genetics, & Evolution. The science content was college-level, and the pedagogy was for MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS. The institutes was held at Point Loma Nazarene University from August 4-15, weekdays, 2 pm – 8 pm. Learning was through lecture, inquiry, hands-on experiences, teacher sharing, and personal research. In addition, a choice of breakout sessions was offered in the areas of Teaching Science to English Learners (EL), Technology in the Science Classroom, & Lesson Study. The teaching teams for the institutes consisted of scientists, high school teachers, middle school teachers, and EL specialists. Participants receive a stipend of $750: $500 at the end of the institute and $250 after completion of the required evaluation. Participants also receive resources and materials for classroom use, practice in effective strategies for science instruction, an understanding of the relevant CA State Science Standards, and university credit (for a fee). 2008-09 Perspectives on Science Seminar Series The first seminar of the year is on October 7. Each POS meeting begins with refreshments at 4:30 p.m., followed by the scientist’s formal seminar presentation beginning at 5:00 p.m. The seminar typically focuses on recent developments in the scientist’s area of expertise, with particular emphasis on those aspects that are of greatest interest and significance to science teachers. The seminar is followed by a sit-down dinner, during which time teachers are able to dialog with each other informally in smaller groups about how the concepts of the seminar can be effectively incorporated into their classrooms. The last half hour of each session (7:00 to 7:30 p.m.) is set aside as a time for the teachers and the guest scientist to clarify and exchange ideas that might help facilitate more effective, enthusiastic student learning. Event Location: The POS program takes place in the Fermanian Center and the Nicholson Commons Building on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University. Driving directions and a map of the PLNU campus will be sent to all those who register for the program. Registration Details: The program subscription fee of $75 covers ~40% of the annual cost of the POS program per teacher. Other support totaling ~60% of the program expenses comes from outside funding organizations and from the Administration of Point Loma Nazarene University. Academic Credit: Point Loma Nazarene University offers one unit of graduate level, academic credit per year (at the highly subsidized rate of $50 per unit) to teachers who attend at least seven of the eight POS lecture/dinner events (this arrangement may be repeated up to a total of 6 units). Alternatively, teachers enrolled in PLNU graduate course BIO692 receive 2 units of credit for POS, but are required to fulfill other assignments relating to the POS presentations. Need More Information? Contact Michael McConnell, either at: mmcconne@pointloma.edu , or at (619) 849-2304 http://www.pointloma.edu/Biology/PerspectivesOnScience.htm