NASA Electronic Professional Development Network Courses
NASA’s Learning Environments and Research Network and the Georgia Institute of Technology have teamed up to create the ePDN, an initiative dedicated to preparing K-12 teachers to engage their students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the use of NASA-developed learning materials and resources.
If you are looking for a way to enhance your instructional skills, meet your professional development goals, or find new and exciting resources to use in your learning environments, apply to one of our free courses today!
Applications are now open for the following courses starting in February:
Using Robotics to Enhance STEM Learning — Feb. 2 – March 15, 2011 Learn how to build and program LEGO Mindstorm robots and use them to promote student engagement and conceptual understanding of mathematics, science and engineering. Explore robotic manipulators and end effectors like the ones NASA uses on the International Space Station, and integrate multiple sensors into your robot to allow for systematic control. Join your colleagues in the Grand Challenge to design, build and program a robot to explore an environment and return with a sample for investigation.
Project-Based Inquiry Learning: Science Teaching and Learning for the 21st Century — Feb. 23 – March 15, 2011 Develop your skills in designing and using project-based inquiry learning, or PBIL, to enhance conceptual understanding, critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving in standards-based classrooms. Experience and analyze two NASA-oriented PBIL projects firsthand; learn PBIL curriculum design strategies and methods; and design a PBIL unit for use in your classroom. Use e-PDN’s suite of online tools to collaborate, connect and create with other course participants.
To learn more about these free courses and to apply online, visit http://www.nasaepdn.gatech.edu/nasaepdn_application.php.
For more information on the e-PDN and the resources it offers to K-12 teachers, visit www.nasaepdn.gatech.edu.
Questions about these courses should be directed to Fran Ruskin at fran.ruskin@dlpe.gatech.edu.
