- What: A free evening event to learn about the latest COOL Classroom Curriculum Units
- When: As new units are developed (To learn about upcoming events, click here)
- Where: Alampi Seminar Room, Institute of Marine & Coastal Sciences Building, Cook Campus, Rutgers University
The Coastal Ocean Observing Laboratory (COOL) Classroom is a web-based inquiry environment aimed at teaching core ocean and environmental science concepts and enhancing students’ understanding of the importance of coastal and ocean ecosystems. Grounded in the learning theory, this environment affords each student the opportunity to address a scientific problem, analyze scientific data surrounding the issue, and develop informed explanations and/or solutions for this problem.
We host an educators event whenever we release a new curriculum unit within COOL Classroom for New Jersey, and beyond NJ, teachers who interested in teaching about ocean and environmental science literacy. Each meeting will include a presentation by the Rutgers University scientist involved in developing the online interactive unit about their research and a chance to ask the researcher questions. The second part of the evening is spent orienting educators to the curriculum unit, the interactive tool, and support features for students and teachers available within the site. All of the curriculum units are based in learning sciences, include current ocean and environmental science, and are aligned with the New Jersey Core Science Standards.
If you are attending in person you will receive FREE materials, a light super, and a certificate of professional development hours. However, if you are unable to attend in person we will broadcast the event over the internet. We ask that you register as well if you plan on watching the broadcast so we may ensure that it works well for you.
Upcoming COOL Classroom Trainings-
NEW Spatial Literacy / Environmental Science Curriculum Unit: In the Spatial Literacy unit, students are exposed to a problem-based Human Impact adventure in which they practice spatial literacy skills and make informed decisions about development around the Barnegat Bay. While doing this, they also learn a great deal about the bay ecosystem, seagrass biology, satellite imagery, and the process of science and management.
When: Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 6-8:30 pm
Who: Teachers Grades 8-12
** The October program is currently at capacity (as of 2:15pm on 10/1/12). We are accepting teachers on the wait list and will host an additional training later in the year if there is significant interest. **
Registration: Register by Friday, October 12, 2012. Register Here
We ask that you register if you plan to attend in person AND if you plan on watching the broadcast.
New Jersey Science Standards Addressed in the Unit:
Earth System Science Standards:
5.4.8.G.2 – Investigations of environmental issues address underlying scientific causes and may inform possible solutions.
5.4.12.G.5 – Human activities have changed Earth’s land, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as its populations of plant and animal species.
5.4.12.G.6 – Scientific, economic, and other data can assist in assessing environmental risks and benefits associated with societal activity.
Life Science Standards:
5.3.12.C.2 – Stability in an ecosystem can be disrupted by natural or human interactions.
Science Practice Standards:
5.1.8.A.2 – Results of observation and measurement can be used to build conceptual-based models and to search for core explanations.
5.1.8.B.3 – Carefully collected evidence is used to construct and defend arguments.
5.1.8.C.2 – Predictions and explanations are revised to account more completely for available evidence.
5.1.8.D.1 – Science involves practicing productive social interactions with peers, such as partner talk, whole-group discussions, and small-group work.
5.1.8.D.2 – In order to determine which arguments and explanations are most persuasive. Communities of learners work collaboratively to pose, refine, and evaluate questions, investigations, models, and theories (e.g., argumentation, representation, visualization, etc.).
5.1.12.A.3 – Revisions of predictions and explanations are based on systematic observations, accurate measurements, and structure data/evidence.
5.1.12.B.3 – Empirical evidence is used to construct and defend arguments.
5.1.12.C.1 – Refinement of understandings, explanations, and models occurs as new evidence is incorporated.
5.1.12.D.1 – Science involves practicing productive social interactions with peers, such as partner talk, whole-group discussions, and small-group work.
5.1.12.D.2 – Science involves using language, both oral and written, as a tool for making thinking public.