This site will work and look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

SEARCH CNS SITE
   
More Information

 Overview
 Minigrants
 Museum Shows
 Summer Camps
 For Teachers
 Workshops
 Fellowships
 Demonstrations
 For Undergrads
IPSE

Education

Teacher Resources

Previous Teacher Workshops
Click here to find out about this summer's Workshop.


The Mechanics of Materials Series: Biological and Smart Sensors
(offered in 2003)
Syllabus
Workshop Schedule

The teachers engage in hands-on activities involving biological and smart sensors as they develop resources and ideas to enhance their science programs. Biosensors are currently used to measure biological indicators such as cholesterol levels, HIV exposure, pregnancy, and pathogens that cause strep throat, tuberculosis, and other diseases. Smart sensors go beyond the ability to sense and report; they can respond to stimuli and change something about their environment. Informal presentations and lectures by world-class researchers cover the fundamentals and application of sensors, along with materials about sensors. Opportunities are given for scientific discussion and debate. Each educator received resource manuals and a CD containing electronic copies of most of the information presented during the workshop.

Workshop activities follow at least these National Science Education Standards:
Physical Science (Content Standard B)
5-8 grades: Properties and changes of properties in matter
9-12 grades: Structure and properties of matter; Chemical reactions; Interactions of energy and matter

Science and Technology (Content Standard E)
5-12 grades: Abilities of technological design; Understandings about science and technology
The Mechanics of Materials Series: Chemistry of Materials
(offered in 2002)
Syllabus
Workshop Schedule

The materials of modern life can exhibit spectacular properties, such as the high-strength of carbon composite sports equipment or the extremely small-scale circuitry within a cell phone or personal computer. We often take these ever-improving materials for granted, yet they result from the continuing application of fundamental science and advanced technologies, much of it developed at Penn State.

This highly interactive and hands-on workshop explores the chemistry of materials, with discussions and qualitative explanations appropriate for middle and high school level curriculum. An overview of various materials (composites, polymers, ceramics, smart materials, superconductors, sports materials, etc.) is presented with laboratory activities on the chemistry of materials. Informal and research (by world-class researchers) lectures are presented which will discuss the chemistry of materials. Possible topics include natural polymers (sugar, rubber, and proteins), liquid crystals (which form the basis of all laptop computer displays), glasses, semiconductors, and superconductors. Exact topics covered are determined by availability of speakers and time constraints.

During the workshop, teachers and instructors work together to develop ideas and resources for introducing some of the topics into their classroom to invoke excitement and stimulate learning in the classroom.

The Mechanics of Materials Series: Advanced Technologies and Fundamental Science
(offered in 2001)
Syllabus
Workshop Schedule

The Mechanics of Materials workshop is a content-rich summer program for middle- and high-school science teachers. The purpose is to promote stimulating new activities and instruction involving materials of modern life at the middle and high school level that will increase and sustain student enthusiasm for physical science. The materials of modern life can exhibit spectacular properties, such as the high strength of carbon composite sports equipment or the extremely small-scale circuitry within a cell phone or personal computer. We often take these ever-improving materials for granted, yet they result from the continuing application of fundamental science and advanced technologies, much of it developed at Penn State. The workshop includes informative presentations, hands-on laboratory and computer activities, multimedia curricular materials, guest research lectures, and pedagogical discussions. Participants in this course will also receive instruction and practice in the use of presentation graphics and other teaching technology which may be adapted for classroom use.