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TEC WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS: D WEEK
July 20 – July 25, 2008

08D01 AP BIOLOGY CLASSROOM AND LAB (INTRODUCTORY) (Two Weeks)

Designed primarily for new and relatively inexperienced teachers of AP Biology, this two-week workshop will look at all aspects of the course. We will be paying special attention to concepts that span the curriculum and ways of organizing this vast curriculum into a coherent program. Participants will get hands-on experience with the twelve suggested laboratories of AP Biology. We will also discuss and run some alternate labs. We will review the AP exam, including its construction and grading, giving special attention to the recent trends in question type (questions that span the curriculum and have internal choice), and writing the free-response questions. In addition, we will look at the proposed changes for AP Biology and the role of the AP Course Audit. Other topics include the computer and the Internet in the biology classroom; and a review of texts, workbooks, and DVDs/videos appropriate for biology. Each participant will develop a syllabus appropriate to their school´s calendar (part of the audit process); therefore, participants will need to bring their 2008-2009 school calendar as well as one of their best biology activities (favorite lab, demonstration, etc.) to share with the others. (This workshop is also offered in A Week.)

Instructors: Erol Altug, Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, NY; Tom Carroll, St. Albans School, Washington, DC

08D02 AP BIOLOGY (ADVANCED)

This one-week workshop for AP Biology teachers will include an examination of selected topics including enzyme activity, classical and molecular genetics, photosynthesis, respiration, relationships through form and function, and others. Special emphasis will be placed on the topics that are most difficult for students to learn, and several of the AP Biology labs will be completed and examined. An alternate lab for the fruit fly lab that is less time consuming, yet fulfills all objectives, will be included. The nature of scientific discovery will be discussed with reference to specific historic examples. Additional topics will center on the AP Biology Examination, including classroom strategies for exam preparation, specifics of how the exam is graded, and hints for students taking the exam. An update on the pending College Board AP Biology curriculum revision and its impact on your present course will also be included. Participants will be encouraged to share classroom activities that they have found useful.

Instructor: Bruce Faitsch, Educational Consultant, Guilford, CT

08D03 AP CHEMISTRY: CLASSROOM AND LAB (INTRODUCTORY) (Two Weeks)

This two-week workshop, designed for new AP Chemistry teachers or those that have taught AP Chemistry for 1-3 years, will review the basic concepts in a general college chemistry course with the intent of exploring the proper manner to present and to evaluate them. Special emphasis will be placed on classroom management and laboratory planning to fill the needs of the AP curriculum. Participants will perform and evaluate labs of various styles such as micro-scale, calculator-based or direct interfacing, and standard macro scale, that can be used in their own teaching. Significant time will be spent on developing an understanding of the actual test and methods for ensuring students´ success. (This workshop is also offered in A week.)

Instructors: Mark Case, Emmaus High School, Emmaus, PA; John Hnatow, Emmaus High School, Emmaus, PA

08D04 AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Designed for both new and experienced teachers of AP Comparative Government and Politics, this workshop will cover the changes for the course that began in the 2005-06 school year. The required political systems are United Kingdom, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria and Iran. The curriculum requires that all of these countries be covered, with a strong emphasis on political themes. We will discuss important conceptual course material, scope and sequence, syllabi, evaluation instruments, teaching materials and strategies. The course will also include the supranational organizations that affect policy making within each country. The format will include some lecture, a good amount of discussion, analysis of sample textbooks, supplemental readings, use of the Internet and audio-visual materials, including independent application of the materials presented. The aim of this workshop is to give the participants hands-on material and ideas that can be taken back to the classroom. Participants will complete a variety of projects that can include a course outline, syllabus, evaluation instruments and sample units of study.

Instructor: Bonnie Herzog, Newsome High School, Lithia, Fl

08D05 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (USING JAVA)

This workshop will focus on object-oriented program design, implementation, and analysis using Java, with a focus on the APCS subset. Standard data structures and algorithms, contextual issues (hardware, software, ethics, and social implications) and creation of a course syllabus will also be considered. The new GridWorld Case Study will be thoroughly covered, and preparation for the AP Computer Science A exam will be an important component of the workshop. Optional evening sessions on special topics may also be offered. Pre-requisites: It is assumed that participants in this course are NOT new to programming and that they have either some acquaintance with Java or significant programming/teaching experience with C++.

Instructor: Stephanie (Stevie) Lord, Bangor High School, Bangor, ME

08D06 AP ENGLISH LITERATURE (INTRODUCTORY)

Designed for teachers with little or no experience in teaching AP English Literature, this workshop will focus on course development and on the structure and philosophy of the AP English Literature and Composition Examination. Topics will include course organization, materials, and assignments; strategies for teaching poetry and prose; close reading techniques; development of analytical and creative writing skills; multiple-choice testing; and exercises in holistic scoring of recent AP examination essays. Participants will develop and share model exercises and course syllabi suitable for AP literature courses. The new AP Course Audit will also be discussed. Each participant should, if possible, bring a favorite poetry anthology or literature text. (This workshop is also offered in C week.)

Instructor: Robin Osborn, The Gunnery, Washington, CT

08D07 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ADVANCED)

This workshop is designed for those who have taught at least one year of AP Environmental Science or have taken at least one APES workshop. In addition to discussion of APES topics and exams, classroom activities may include but not be limited to the following: water quality testing, solar/fuel cell technology, marine fisheries use and depletion, and an introduction to GPS and GIS technology; a freshwater stream study and organism capturing net construction coupled with statistical analysis of data using a biodiversity index and student t-test. Also, participants will be asked to create and share a new laboratory devised during the week or a synopsis of a book or video they presently use in their class. Participants should bring clothes and equipment suitable for fieldwork, along with fresh ideas for discussion with their fellow participants. Field trips may include visits to a recycling center and trash-to-energy plant, a fuel cell manufacturer, a small bio-diesel manufacturing concern, a flood-control dam, a cogeneration facility and/or the University of Connecticut to investigate invasive species and agricultural techniques used as part of an Integrated Pest Management system. Questions or requests for specific activities can be directed to the instructor at lehnerj@taftschool.org.

Instructor: Jim Lehner, The Taft School, Watertown, CT

08D08 AP ITALIAN LANGUAGE

This workshop will propose an approach for meeting the challenge of the newly established AP Italian Language exam and in the process suggest models for an AP program in Italian. Within an immersion environment, participants will engage in the simulation of a high school fourth year accelerated course of study to develop pedagogical strategies and material, with the goal of preparing students to demonstrate their level of Italian proficiency across the three communicative modes: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. Through examples of methodology, assignments and assessments, we will create original material for the resources we presently use or may use in the future. The end result will be a compilation of collated material to begin the new school year. Participants are encouraged to bring currently used strategies, techniques and materials to share and for further development: primary source readings (literary, journalistic, scientific, artistic), films, T.V. shows, music, realia, projects.

Instructor: Emilio Mazzola, Newton North High School, Newtonville, MA

08D09 AP PHYSICS C

The content of a one-year AP C physics course will be reviewed, topic by topic. Numerous laboratory experiments and demonstrations will be performed and discussed. Textbook options, syllabi, homework and other logistical matters will be talked over. Previous AP questions will be examined and the grading of a few questions explained, but the focus will be on teaching the physics effectively and in a way that students will enjoy.

Instructor: Lawrence Stowe, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT

08D10 AP SPANISH LITERATURE

Designed for both new and experienced teachers of AP Spanish Literature, this workshop will disseminate information about the AP course, the exam and its correction and share successful teaching procedures. We will discuss and develop strategies for teaching certain works that represent different themes and genres. The reading list for AP Spanish Literature requires the close study of how form and theme work together to create literature. Since the majority of the works are poems, we will use poetry as the keystone of our work together. Participants should be familiar with the majority of the texts on the syllabus before coming to the workshop. Participants should bring the two volumes Abriendo puertas: Tomo 1 y 2 by McDougal Littell (at http://www.nextext.com ). Participants are also encouraged to bring their own texts or anthologies containing the majority of these works. We will spend time examining and discussing teaching approaches to the "obras". Each participant will design and present activities to prepare students to take the AP exam and write a paper based on the presentation by the end of the workshop. The workshop will be conducted in Spanish. (This workshop is also offered in B week.)

Instructor: John McMullan, The Millbrook School, Millbrook, NY

08D11 AP STATISTICS (INTRODUCTORY)

The goal of this workshop will be to provide inexperienced AP Statistics teachers with an overview of the AP Statistics course content and with a collection of activities and materials that are useful in teaching the course in a way that helps students develop understanding. We will examine the major topics found in the Advanced Placement syllabus: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability, and statistical inference. We will explore these topics using a variety of classroom-ready activities. These include web-based simulations and resources as well as activities for the TI-84 (or TI-83) calculator. We will also look at the statistics functionality of the new TI-Nspire Handheld. Some time each day will be devoted to looking at solutions and scoring rubrics for questions from previous AP exams.

Instructor: Gloria Barrett, Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA

08D12 AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

This workshop will address the scope and sequence of the AP US Government and Politics course, including a basic outline, important concepts, and suggested time lines for instruction. Participants will also learn about the format of the AP Examination and the skills necessary for success. The workshop format will include lecture, analysis, and discussion of concepts, exam materials, and textbook and supplementary materials. Participants will receive hands-on materials and ideas for instruction from the instructor, and will develop and share their own course outlines, syllabi, evaluation items, teaching techniques, and units of study. (This workshop is also offered in A week.)

Instructor: Ethel Wood, Princeton High School, Princeton, NJ

08D13 CALCULUS WITH THE GRAPHING CALCULATOR

We will gain familiarity with the Computer Algebra System (CAS) of advanced calculators and develop derivation rules through an inductive approach using scripts, lessons you develop and save for classroom use. Solutions of complex calculus problems will be presented contrasting paper-and-pencil and calculator techniques. Syntax problems including stored variables, parameters and other common stumbling blocks will be addressed. Mathematical content will include limits, derivatives and integrals as well as some algebraic foundation work such as factoring and polynomial division on the TI-89. Even if you are just a beginner with the TI-89, you will become adept at implementing this amazing device.

Instructor: Tom Tutor, Islesboro Central School, Islesboro, ME

08D14 PHOTOSHOP "SHOW ME HOW" TECHNIQUES

Digital photo imaging skills have become a necessity in preparing educational material, school newsletters, web page publishing and school club promotion. This workshop answers the demand for instruction in photo editing techniques, use of digital cameras, and image prep for the World Wide Web, publications and printing considerations. Techniques and hints for lighting, framing and tricks and tips for using PhotoShop will be explored. Intermediate computing experience is required. Participants are encouraged to bring digital still cameras and cables.

Instructor: John Mobilio, Waterbury Arts Magnet School, Waterbury, CT

08D15 POETRY IN EVERY ENGLISH CLASS

This workshop will focus on making English teachers in grades 9-12 more comfortable with teaching poetry. Rather than supplying lists of poems that "go with" novels which are widely taught, presentation of poems that are appealing to each grade level will meet the goal of introducing strategies for approaching poetry, including numerous models of close reading techniques. These techniques include demonstration of the usefulness of literary terminology to help students get inside of poems and catch the appeal of poetry.

Instructor: Barbara Bloy, PhD, Educational Consultant, Indialantic, FL

08D16 THE TEACHING LIBRARY IN THE AGE OF GOOGLE

This workshop is designed for middle and upper school librarians who wish to explore how the library can be a more effective force in information skills instruction when students are convinced that they can get everything they need from Google. The class will identify information skills students need to be successful and which strategies are best to insure that students acquire these skills. We will explore ways that technology might support instructional efforts - web bibliographies by Del.icio.us, orientation via YouTube, reference support by email, and more. We will also consider topics such as how the library web page can become a teaching tool; whether the traditional pathfinders can become an effective electronic guide; how to increase cooperation with faculty; how to evaluate the instructional program and more. We may visit one or two independent school libraries.

Instructor: Dianne C. Langlois, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT

08D17 WORLD WAR II

A number of historians argue that World War II was the most significant event of the twentieth century. Participants in this workshop will carefully analyze various aspects of World War II: the European war (with an emphasis on both the western and eastern fronts), the war in the Pacific, the impact of World War II on the home fronts of participating countries (not just the United States), and the ramifications of the decisions made by the victorious leaders at the end of the war. During the week we will be analyzing much of the most recent scholarship concerning the war and viewing and discussing a number of feature films and documentaries that grapple with the World War II experience.

Instructor: Stephen Armstrong, Hall High School, West Hartford, CT