2008 Faculty Development Workshops

An AgrowKnowledge highlight each summer is the opportunity for educators to upgrade their teaching methods and skills by attending one of our faculty development workshops. Plans are underway for the Summer of 2008. This year a prerequisite to your attendance at one or more of our summer faculty development workshops is to submit a lesson plan or learning activity that incorporates math, science, or technology - read more about it here.

Additional Workshops are being developed for the summer of 2008. Check back to see what exciting workshops AgrowKnowledge will be offering this year!

National Workshops

Biotechnology Level IIJune 11th - 2008, Redlands Community College, El Reno, OK

Workshop has been rescheduled for later this fall, watch the website for more information!

This workshop will focus on agricultural biotechnology. Participants learn about the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), protein fingerprinting, DNA extraction and bio-informatics. Participants become aware of sources for equipment and support.Alternative Energy in Agriculture - CANCELLEDAugust 6th - 8th, 2008, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore, WITHIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Workshop will focus on providing the participant with a targeted overview of renewable energy production, and the resulting impacts on production agriculture. Specific topics include: Ethanol, Bio-Diesel, Bio-Mass, Bio-Gas, Wind, and Solar.Biotechnology Level I and IISeptember 15th - 19th, 2008, Universidad del Este, Puerto RicoThis workshop will provide a blending of the two levels of biotechnology, including: PCR – polymerase chain reaction, bioinformatics, protein purification, protein quantification, protein electrophoresis, Western blotting, and real – time PCR. Tours will be arranged with local biotechnology firms.

Prerequisites: Five participant slots are open to instructors outside of Puerto Rico. To qualify for one of these slots you must be currently teaching a biotechnology course in a high school/ 2 year college or can show evidence that you plan to teach a biotechnology course within one year.Math and Science of Greenhouses and HydroponicsOctober 8th - 10th, 2008, Orlando, FLMore details will be posted soon.

Regional Workshops

Introductory Agricultural Data Collection - NDJune 24th - 25th, 2008, Bismark, NDParticipants learn introductory field data collection techniques by using a simple handheld GPS to collect points and attributes from the local area. These points and attributes are then used to create a viewable table in ArcView. An aerial photo and other data are employed to check for accuracy. To register or to obtain more information contact: Carmel Miller, 701-224-5557 or email: Carmel.Miller@bsc.nodak.edu Introductory Agricultural Data Collection - OK - (CANCELLED)July 14th - 15th, 2008, El Reno, OKTHIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Participants learn introductory field data collection techniques by using a simple handheld GPS to collect points and attributes from the local area. These points and attributes are then used to create a viewable table in ArcView. An aerial photo and other data are employed to check for accuracy.Data Collection and Manipulation for GIS (CANCELLED)July 17th - 18th, 2008, Wooster, OHTHIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

In-depth knowledge of field data collection methods used by precision farming specialists are learned through the use of hand held computers with GPS units and field software. Soil samples are taken and crop scouting is conducted. A yield monitor system is reviewed and raw yield data is processed to a yield map. Specific sampling techniques and joining data together in a GIS is covered.GIS Data ManagementJuly 29th - 31st, 2008, Rexburg, IDThe workshop is designed to provide college and high school instructors with basic skills in collecting and managing GPS data. The workshop will also provide teaching modules that instructors can use to teach high school and college students. The training will cover GIS and GPS basics using ESRI's ArcGIS software and Garmin's Etrex Legend GPS units. Attendees will collect data with GPS units and download the data to a computer to be displayed in ArcGIS software. The collected data will be used to make decision such as where to place a flower bed, restaurant, or irrigation equipment.