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Course Description:
This course will focus on the role of models and Modeling in learning as it relates to teaching Biology in both formal and informal contexts. Fundamental theories of thinking and learning will be reviewed, and the latest theoretical trends will be examined. A firm understanding of characteristics of life, classification, populations, and evolution will be our vehicle to experiencing the Modeling methodology. We will examine and define conceptual models, modeling, and Modeling Instruction, as well as experience what it is like from the perspective of both the teacher and student.  We will also discuss and evaluate how Modeling courses are aligned with NGSS and help create a coherent story for biology in high school science.

Dates: July 5-23, 2021
Meeting times: Monday through Thursday 10am-12pm and 1-3pm EDT Optional office hours on Friday (by appointment)
Leaders: Gloria Gajewicz (OH) and Clarissa Furlong (OH)
Costs: $775 includes one-year AMTA membership
Graduate level credits: $79 per credit through the University of Pacific 
Location: Zoom

Meet the leaders:

Gloria Gajewicz has been a science educator for more than 23 years and has spent the last 18 years teaching various science courses at Bowling Green High School. Gloria was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2017 and is a National Geographic Certified teacher. 

Gloria's dedication to science reaches beyond the classroom through her service as a teacher leader for the American Modeling Teachers Association. She has presented sessions on Modeling Instruction at several conferences and has led workshops for teachers in Ohio, Texas, and virtually. Gloria has used Modeling Instruction in her biology, chemistry, and physics classrooms since 2011.

Gloria earned her B.S. in science education from Bowling Green State University; a M.S. in environmental biology from Antioch New England; and a doctorate, also from Bowling Green State University. She is certified in 7-12 science education.

Clarissa Furlong has a BS in molecular biology and is certified to teach all sciences 7-12. Her first foray into modeling began in 2007 after attending a physics modeling course. In 2016, Clarissa participated in the Ohio State Moblise Program that piloted the Biology materials. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn how the paradigm labs and worksheets are created to build the conceptual models. In 2017, she participated in the leadership program in New York City and has led workshops in Arizona, Boston, Indiana and on-line. AP Biology, Accelerated Biology, Key Club Advisor Science Club