2005 Summer Content Institutes

The following institutes were free to all Massachusetts teachers.

Energy and the Environment

This institute provided teachers, grades 6-9, with teaching skills, content knowledge and assessment strategies related to different energy sources and technologies. Instructors explored key renewable energy concepts though physical science, mathematics and technology. A field trip to the Brockton Brightfield Solar project and a wind power workshop by Cape and Islands Self Reliance highlighted the importance of renewable energy for the environment. Additionally, hands-on activities improved content knowledge and assisted teachers when applying concepts in their own classroom. The main instructors for the institute were Drs. Jeff Williams and Robert Hellstrom of Bridgewater State College's Physics and Earth Science departments.

Clean Energy Goes to School

This institute targeted teachers in grades 7-10, and will focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Teachers participated in hands-on activates using photovoltaic panels, infrared thermometers, and light meters to explore energy conservation and transformation. Teachers also took part in a field trip to "green" homes and learned directly from homeowners the benefit of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The institute was held at a "green" school, powered with 30kW of photovoltaic panels and energy efficiency technology. The institute was organized by the staff of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.

Great Falls Middle School/Turner Falls High School, Montague, MA

Renewable Energy

Middle and high school teachers learned the differences between various fuels and energy sources, including renewable energy and fossil fuels. Hands-on activities with solar and wind systems stressed the important relationship between science, society, economics and technology. Science and engineering teachers found useful tools for incorporating key concepts into their own classroom curriculum. In addition, participants visited the site of the Town of Princeton's wind turbines. The main instructors for the institute were Drs. Edward Martens and Sanjay Kaul from Fitchburg State's Industrial Technology Department.

Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA

Climate Change and Coastal Communities

The institute focused on climate change and its potential impact on coastal communities. Participants learned the key concepts of physical science related to climate change, the carbon cycle, indicators of climate change and the technological aspects of responding to climate change. Participants developed an understanding of the complex interactions associated with climate change and its impact. Participants familiarized themselves with materials to use in the classroom to engage students, as well as with web resources and scientific data.

Mass Audubon North Shore, Wenham, MA; Ipswich High School, Ipswich, MA

Climate Change: Global and Local

Middle and high school teachers had an opportunity to work with climate change scientists, learn about renewable energy, conduct field studies, and visit green buildings. Instructors familiarized participants with the mathematics associated with climate change and created a context by which participants learned about technology associated with climate change engineering.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve Falmouth, MA