Courses

I teach Elementary / Middle Level Science Methods, Secondary Science Methods, and Middle School Science Leadership in the Department of Educational Studies. FALL 2007 SCHEDULE

STEM Saturdays

STEM Saturdays is a collaborative project between UWL and Space Education Initiatives. Students in grades 5-8 are invited to campus one Saturday per month for a hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering or math. Spring 2008 Pilot Program.

STEM PDS @ Irving Pertzsch

The STEM Professional Development School at Irving Pertzsch Elementary in Onalaska is a partnership to provide UWL pre-service teachers with an immersive clinical experience focused on science and math. Beginning in the Spring of 2008, UWL students can take Elementary / Middle level Science Methods and Clinical III in this PDS. This partnership was highlighted by the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education as a model STEM Teacher Education Program (pg 92). I am collaborating with Tim Gerber (Biology) and Jen Kosiak (Mathematics) on this project.

Early Childhood Science Day

Last spring, students in my elementary / middle level methods class developed and conducted a "Science Day" at First Lutheran Pre-School in Onalaska. It was a fantastic success. I hope to provide this opportunity to UWL Early Childhood Education students every semester. (5 Senses Science Stations, ECE Science Recommendations ECE fall 2007 pics)

National Science Teachers Association - UWL Student Chapter

I am the faculty advisor for the UWL Student Chapter of NSTA. Mary Nesberg and Andrea Spielbauer are the current Co-Presidents. Contact snsta@uwlax.edu for more information.

PRAXIS Wisconsin Project

Over the past year, Dr. Tim Gerber and I have advised 12 undergraduate students as they developed science learning objects for the PRAXIS Wisconsin Project. Learn more about the project here. Contact me if you are interested in participating.

STEM Alliance

I have been working with engineers from Trane, local engineering societies, and CESA 4 to support STEM education in the Coulee Region. This group also mentors robotics teams in the area.

Robotics Competitions

I am a WI state partner and planning committee member for the FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competitions. This year, more than 1200 students on nearly 200 teams will compete in these events. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Institute for Robotics in Education. 

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium - Western Wisconsin

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposia (JSHS) Program invites high school students to conduct an original research investigation in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics, and to participate in a regional symposium sponsored by universities or other academic institutions. Soterios "Ak" Lallas (Westby HS) and I co-direct the Western Wisconsin Region. Our symposium is held at Pigeon Lake Field Station in Northern Wisconsin every September.

Physical Science Course Revisions in Onalaska

Jamie Schneider (Chemistry) and I are working with 9th grade science teachers in the Onalaska School District to revise the high school physical science course.

My Research

U.S. Pilot Study of the International Relevance of Science Education Survey

Guided Inquiry Approaches in First Semester General Chemistry Lab

Student Perceptions of Engineering Survey Project

Student Perceptions of Climate Change Survey Project