There are few who debate the need for ongoing professional development for educators. Professional development is one of the national education goals and the demand has increased markedly because of the release of the National Science Education Standards. As we anticipate the arrival of the 21st century and the tools that our students will need to take us into that century, the effort to upgrade the skills and knowledge of our teachers is vital to the future. The Space Science Institute provides dynamic and innovative professional development for educators.

SSI's Workshops Benefit Teachers!

Teachers benefit by exploring and gaining hands-on experience in the earth, space, and environmental sciences. They also learn innovative strategies for using technology in classrooms, and enjoy improved access to a wide variety of technology-based education resources. This leads to a new role for teachers; rather than just being dispensers of information (as in the traditional classroom situation), they become guides and facilitators to the learning process.

What Do SSI's Workshops Cover?

SSI's workshops focus on earth, space, and environmental science. Emphasis will be on science content, new technologies, effective pedagogical techniques, appropriate assessments and connections to geography, mathematics, and other disciplines. SSI's workshops model and promote a constructivist approach to science education. Workshops are inquiry-based and student-centered. They utilize the best pedagogical and assessment practices and instructional modules.

SSI has developed a variety of partnerships with scientific and educational organizations. These collaborations provide a rich resource base for workshop participants to expand and improve their knowledge of the natural world as well as the teaching environment in the classroom. SSI's workshops also cover national standards for science education (e.g. Benchmarks for Science Literacy, AAAS, National Science Education Standards, National Research Council).

Want to Learn More?

• SpaceStorm Educator Workshop
• The Earth and Space Science Technological Education Project
• Stardust Educator Workshop