Professional Development
Grades K - 12 • Fall, 2007

General Information

1.   Educators from consortium and institution members are eligible to participate. Other educators may participate on a space-available basis and for applicable fees including tuition, a $5.00 per contact hour fee for non-credit courses, and instructional materials.

2.   Complete the application form and return by September 7, 2007. You may register on-line or return the application by interoffice school mail, U.S. mail, or fax. Late applications will be enrolled on a space-available basis.

3.   Your registration will be confirmed prior to the opening date by e-mail (preferred), U.S. mail, or phone if the class begins very early. Teachers who are not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list. Tuition and textbook fees are payable on the first night of class. Certificates will be awarded to each participant successfully completing non-credit courses.

4.   For additional information, contact:
Ms. Tawana Gilyard, Phone: 804-343-6525, Ext 221;
E-mail: tgilyard@msinnovation.info

Virginia Earth Science Collaborative Courses

The following course will be offered in the fall of 2007. Go to http://virginiaearthscience.info/ to register.

Geo-Virginia: Creating Virtual Field Trips

Virginia geology is a major part of the Earth Science curriculum yet many students have not traveled outside their immediate area. Engage your students through virtual trips and have them create and post a virtual trip of the geology of their area, school, or other buildings. Participants will learn to access a Google-based map and to use a simple web-based system to build a virtual field trip page. You will receive a digital video camera and a variety of geologic resources including print and digital maps, books, pamphlets and CD-ROMS. After completing your own page, your school will receive two additional digital video cameras and sets of geologic materials. All participants must teach earth science at the middle or high school level and commit to having their students make web pages focused on their area. Participants will have opportunities for real-time discussions and dynamic interactions using two computer-based systems - Elluminate Live! and Moodle. System requirements are Windows 98/ME/2000/XP or Mac OS 9.2, Mac OS x 10.2.8/10.3.9/10.4 and an Internet connection. This course is part of the MSP Grant, Virginia Earth Science Collaborative, funded by the Virginia Department of Education. You must register for this course using the application available at www.VirginiaEarthScience.info. Enrollment is limited to 15 statewide, so act fast. Participants who commute more than about 90 minutes receive Friday night lodging and meal.

40 recertification points

Instructor: Joyce Watson, John Sylvester, Echol Marshall

Online instruction begins Sep 17 and ends Oct 27; Face-to-Face Meeting on Sat, Sep 29; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

MSiC; Room D-16

Meteorology

Concepts include the Earth's heat budget and global wind patterns, weather vs. climate, radiation, convection, cloud formation, the hydrologic cycle, vertical structure of the atmosphere, orographic effects on weather, severe weather, the influence of life (microbial, human) and geologic processes on atmospheric composition and temperature through geologic times, comparison of the atmospheres of Earth, Mars, and Venus. The majority of this course will be through the Internet, with participants meeting for several face-to-face sessions during the course. Participants will utilize real-time and near real-time data, engage in hands-on activities, and interact with weather professionals. The course will feature applications of experimental design to meteorology and an examination of current understandings of climate change and how these understandings reveal the nature of the scientific enterprise and scientific knowledge. Concepts are related to Virginia's Standards of Learning for Earth Science (ES 1, 3, 9, 11, 12, 13). Textbook and instructional materials provided. Overnight lodging and meal will be provided for those commuting more than about 90 minutes.

3 graduate credits

Instructor: JoAnn Mulvany, VCU

Course begins Sat, Sep 15 and ends Dec 15

Mandatory Face-to-Face meetings: Sep 15, Nov 3 and Dec 15; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

MSiC; Room D-16

MSiC Regular Courses

Print the Fall, 2007 Professional Development Brochure

Complete the registration form and mail or fax it to:
MathScience Innovation Center
2401 Hartman Street
Richmond, VA 23223
Fax: 804-343-6529

Register On-Line
Review the offerings and follow the directions for entering your profile and course selections. Your registration submission and acceptance will be confirmed prior to the opening date by e-mail.

In accordance with federal laws, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the policies of the School Board of the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, disabilities or national origin in the provision of employment and services. Richmond Public Schools operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for students and staff. Richmond Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Section 504 Coordinator is Mr. Harley Tomey III, (804) 780-7911. The Title IX Officer is Ms. Willi A. Williams, (804) 780-7716. The mailing address for both is Richmond Public Schools, 301 N. 9th St., Richmond, VA 23219-1927. Web site: http://www.teachrichmond.com