2006 Faculty Development Workshops

Math & Science: Investigating Plants and Soils

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 to Friday, June 30, 2006
Ohio State University ATI -Wooster, OH

Registration is Closed - Workshop Full

Instructor : Ross Spackman

Description
The status of soil and the process of photosynthesis can be evaluated using the TI 84 calculators and sensors/probes connected to a computer-based laboratory (CBL2).

Photosynthesis is a process studied by all biology and agriculture students. This workshop will reinforce the principles with hands-on activities that can be used to help students to further internalize the concepts. Workshop participants will learn how to guide their students through experiments using carbon dioxide and oxygen sensors to measure oxygen production/usage rates then statistically evaluate the results. Participants will also do experiments to teach students about the function of chloroplasts under different light conditions.

Soil is the foundation upon which all the other agricultural and biological sciences are based. Without quality soil, our existence would be dismal. You will learn how to use the pH, temperature, and colorimeter to answer questions about soil biology, erosion, and physics. Appropriate statistical and graphing applications will be discussed as well.

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this workshop participants will be able to –

  • Connect probes/sensors to the CBL and TI84 to collect data
  • Analyze data using the statistical and graphing functions of the TI84
  • Conduct soil and plant science experiments using sensors, CBL and TI84
  • Develop classroom projects using the CBL2, TI84 and various sensors/probes
  • Evaluate the use of real data and statistical analysis for teaching math and science concepts
  • Consider other probes/sensors for classroom use
  • Discover other resources for the incorporation of math and science concepts in the agricultural classroom

 

Registration
The registration fee for this workshop is $200. This fee is paid online at the time of registration. After June 1, 2006 the fee is non-refundable. Workshop registration includes:
• $300 travel stipend
• Lodging for 3 nights
• Most meals
• Copies of the educational materials used
• A TI-84 calculator and a CBL2 with three probes/sensors (a $300 value)

The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

University of Idaho Credit
Workshop participants can receive one credit for AGED 405 for $65 per credit or AGED 505 for $77 per credit from the University of Idaho by paying the credit fee and completing a short registration form and transcript request form at the time of the workshop.

Daily Schedule

Day 1, Wednesday, June 28

8:30

Introductions and mechanics of workshop

9:00-9:30

Intro to the calculators and getting acquainted with the keypad.

9:30-10:30

Using the CBL2 with temperature and light probes for gathering data.

10:30-10:45

Break

10:45-12:00

Set up experiment Exploring How We Get Oxygen

12:00-1:00

Lunch

1:00-3:00

Set up experiment Photosynthesis

3:00-3:20

Break

3:20-5:00

Set up experiment Photosynthesis and Respiration

6:00

Dinner

Day 2, Thursday, June 29

8:30-9:30

What did we learn yesterday? Statistics on the calculator.

9:30-10:10

What else does Vernier have?

10:10-10:30

Break

10:30-12:00

Finish and evaluate Exploring How We Get Oxygen.

12:00-1:00

Lunch

1:00-3:00

Soil Forensics Activity

3:00-3:20

Break

3:20-5:00

Soil Forensics Continued

6:00

Dinner on your own

Day 3, Friday, June 30

8:00-9:30

Soil Erosion JASON:Mixing Soil and Water-Let’s Settle This

9:30-10:00

TI website exploration

10:00-10:20

Break

10:20-11:30

Sediment Deposition - Let the River Run

11:30-12:00

Evaluations and Wrap-up

12:00

Lunch and conclude

 

Lodging
Lodging during the workshop will be provided in one and two bedroom townhouses in Applewood Village from June 27 - June 31, 2006. You must make your own reservation by contacting Carol Piper at the Ohio State ATI Applewood Village by e-mail or phone (piper.2@osu.edu, 330-287-7506). Lodging will be paid by and direct billed to AgrowKnowledge for all educators attending the workshop.

Workshop participants may check in at the Office of Housing anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you will arrive after these designated times, you must make necessary arrangements for your late arrival by contacting the Office of Housing (piper.2@osu.edu, 330-287-7506) before your arrival date.

All of your linens, towels, and basic toiletries will be provided. Each unit is equipped with a fully-furnished kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom(s). If you select to prepare your meals during your stay, you will need to provide your own kitchen utensils and preparatory supplies. Note typical housekeeping services are not available during your stay.

Travel: Directions to Ohio State ATI

From the East (Akron/Canton Airport) : Follow Interstate 77 South to U.S. Route 30 West to Wooster. Exit at Madison Avenue. Turn left at the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp. Go up the hill, past the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, around the curve to the left, and the campus and Applewood Village will be immediately on your left on U.S. Route 250. Enter West Garrison Circle on your left and park either in the lot West of the Ohio State ATI buildings or in front of the Applewood Village Office.

From the West : Follow U.S. Route 30 East to Wooster. Exit at Madison Avenue. (From here, the directions are the same as coming from the East.)

From the South (Columbus Airport ): Follow State Route 3 North, Interstate 71 North, or Interstate 77 North to U.S. Route 30. Exit at Madison Avenue. (From here, the directions are the same as coming from the East.)

From the North (Cleveland Airport) : Follow Interstate 71 South, to U.S. Route 21 South, to State Route 585 South, or State Route 3 South to State Route 83 South. Follow State Route 83 South until the freeway ends. At the stop sign at the end of the ramp, turn left. The campus will be just past the highway patrol post on your right, on U.S. Route 250/State Route 83. Enter West Garrison Circle on your right and park either in the lot West of the Ohio State ATI buildings or in front of the Applewood Village Office.

Contact Information

For logistics:
Dr. Shah Rahnema
330-287-1262
rahnema.1@osu.edu

For content and curriculum
Ross Spackman
208-732-6405
rspackman@csi.edu

 



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