Teacher Professional Development Programs
Purdue Science K-12 Outreach offers professional development programs for districts, schools, and teachers. If you don't see what you need, we can develop a science or mathematics program for you. Click on underlined titles to learn more about each program.
Integrating STEM in the Environment (July 23-26) -- This Professional Development will take place at Ross Reserve in West Lafayette, IN and is appropriate for both middle and high school teachers. We are requesting that a minimum of two teachers from your school plan to attend this workshop together. The focus of this 4-day intensive PD will be on helping educators learn how to facilitate student research projects, integrate science data collection in your curriculum, and effectively use a 5E Inquiry Model in science project planning. Additionally, educators will learn how to collect pedosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere data through the NASA sponsored GLOBE program and become certified GLOBE teachers. The cost for this PD will be $200 per participant. In addition to becoming certified in a NASA sponsored citizen science program, your school will receive ‘kits’ that will have materials needed to instruct the lessons that we cover in the PD. Continental breakfast and lunches will be provided each day.
Science Express - The Purdue University Instrument Van Project -- Science Express is a teacher professional development and science equipment delivery system where modern laboratory equipment is placed in secondary classrooms for instructional use. Teachers are trained in the use and care of the equipment. They also learn about the scientific theories behind the equipment and develop labs for teaching.
The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. Visit the Purdue University Partner page.
Inquiry-Based Science Instruction -- This workshop introduces teachers to inquiry-based teaching and learning, provides sample inquiry-based activities, and offers an opportunity for teachers to work on their current curriculum.
Implementing Scientific Probes in Your Science or Mathematics Class -- Scientific probes offer an inexpensive way to include a variety of technology in your classroom. Teachers will be trained to use probes with hands-on laboratory activities.
Less is More, Unburdening Your Curriculum -- Science and mathematics curricula seem to grow every year. Teachers struggle to fit more and more concepts into an already full curriculum. This workshop discusses the consequences and challenges of an overfull curriculum and presents strategies for trimming nonessentials.
Teaching Science and Mathematics Using the Standards -- Many schools and teachers have questions about Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards. This workshop will help teachers understand what the standards are and how to use them, as well as supply a number of hands-on science activities that you can use with your students.
Science Content Workshops -- These subject specific workshops provide background information and inquiry activities designed to help Elementary teachers feel more comfortable teaching science. Each workshop examines a specific science topic.
Introduction to Grant Writing -- Do you have a great idea, but need financial support to add the opportunity to your school or classroom? This session will provide some basic information on grant writing.
Long Term Partnerships -- Purdue Science K-12 Outreach develops long-term partnerships with schools and/or school corporations to improve science and mathematics education by identifying needs, providing professional development, obtaining resources, and conducting evaluations. Improvement begins with strategic planning and the use of data to clarify goals.
