Conversations on Learning

Link: http://www.sae.org/foundation/awim/

The Design Experience
Fun and challenge. These are the two main ingredients in our innovative, hands-on physical science curriculum, A World In Motion (AWIM).

A World In Motion, now in its 16th academic year of distribution, makes the challenges of math and science exciting by bringing authentic engineering design experiences into the classroom. The AWIM program is comprised of a series of four curricula referred to as Challenges for students in grades 4 -10.

SAE will provide 1 free set of Challenge 3 classroom materials to any middle school that commits to a partnership with an engineering company that will provide volunteer support for the classroom. Each set can accommodate 27 - 36 students.

http://www.sae.org/foundation/awim/two/

Schools that are interested in subscribing to World Book Online may purchase their subscription using their decentralized budgets. Please email Marlis Duff if your school is planning on re-subscribing. Currently the school division subscription is not cost effective.

As we are beginning to think about and plan for new report cards, it occurs to me that perhaps we need to ask the question: who is our target audience? In other words, who are the primary users of report card information? Students or parents? The answer to this question will determine much of the framework of the report card. What are your thoughts?

We've been planning for a bit and with everything else that's been going on, it's taken us a while to post our workshops. We hope there's something for everyone but realize there my be things we've left out. We value teacher feedback on this.

You'll notice that they are all after school times. We realize that for many this is difficult to due extra-curricular and family duties. I think we'll have to provide a balance of in school and after school offerings but as an initial starting point, it was felt best to go this route.

Another thing we've tried to incorporate is followup sessions. As you can see many are listed as introductory workshops. This is to allow teachers a chance to see if they are interested in a topic and then have a chance to develop skills and understanding as they incorporate things in their classroom. In addition, they'll be able to share their work and findings with others in the sessions. Research has proven the PD over time is really much more effective.

So I encourage you to see if there is something you and your students might benefit from and sign up. Registration is online. Also give us any feedback you think will help us to a better job.

Friday provided an opportunity to meet with many of the schools Tech reps. During the meeting we looked at the future of technology in schools and the possibilities that exist for students and teachers.

Barry Stewart and his team shared a number of initiatives. We realized that like so many things, there's a lot of "stuff" going on and it's a challenge to work together when everyone is so busy. We started a wiki where will hash out a number of issues and provide direction for technology.

We are certainly fortunate to have so many dedicated, knowledgeable people in schools as well as those supporting technology for our division.