Deadline for Creating Student Investigators (CSI) camp for teachers is March 15

Feb. 25, 2010 -- Arkansas State University will offer CSI: Creating Student Investigators June 7-11 and June 14-18, at the ASU-Jonesboro campus, where high school science teachers can participate and earn professional development hours.  Science teachers who currently teach 7-12 grade science classes can participate and also earn up to $1,000 for completing the course.  Teachers must commit to completing both weeks in order to participate. NB--Application deadlines have been extended until March 15.

The goal of the camp is to provide educators with a professional development opportunity to acquire knowledge in integrating science and technology concepts, skills and their application.  Using forensic science as the theme, teachers will acquire pedagogical strategies to promote student investigation and inquiry-based investigation.

This year’s theme will place the teachers, along with students and scientists, in the imaginary town of Proximity Parish, with their team name being “The Mad Scientists Club.”  Everyone will team up to investigate several events that have been disturbing the quiet town. The criminal activities to be investigated include the impoundment of animal furs and other products that may be smuggled (DNA fingerprinting, chromatography, international trade in endangered species), a recent gastro-intestinal epidemic in the town that leads to an investigation of potential contamination at a local restaurant, and the investigation of speed traps using GPS/GIS and other navigational tools.

During week one, teachers will learn to integrate basic science concepts and investigative techniques using a forensics perspective.  Week two will allow teachers to pilot the new ideas and concepts by working with students in the program.  They will be involved in career evenings where professionals (crime labs, research labs, biotech companies, etc.) will give talks on future careers in science, technology and forensics. 

The program is possible by a grant received by the university from the National Science Foundation (NSF 05-621 Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers – ITEST), so it will not cost anything for teachers to participate.  Free room and board is also offered. 

The deadline to apply is March 15, and applications can be downloaded at http://www.clt.astate.edu/csi_science.  You can also e-mail csi_science@yahoo.com or call 870-761-8661 for more information.

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