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Course Description: Is there ice on Mercury? Why isn't Pluto a planet? As viewed by the modern astronomer, the Solar System includes more than 100 diverse worlds interacting as a dynamic system. This online course for K-12 in-service teachers focuses on fundamental questions driving NASA's exploration of the Solar System: How did it form? What's in it? How is it arranged? What does the study of other worlds (planets, moons, asteroids, and comets) teach us about our own? How do we learn about other worlds? How are these worlds similar and different? How do they interact, forming mini-systems within the Solar System? What are their surfaces, atmospheres, and interiors like, and how do we know? By taking advantage of NASA's virtual presence in the Solar System, course participants will learn about the "new" Solar System and how to engage their students in the wonder of exploration.
Meeting Place and Times: This course is taught online. Course participants login and participate at a time of day that is convenient for them. It is recommended that participants login at least 4 to 5 times per week and plan on spending 15 to 18 hours per week for 8 weeks to successfully complete this course. The time estimate above includes both the time teachers will spend on-line participating in group discussions and such, and the time spent off-line working on assignments, projects, and other activities.
Instructor(s): Eric Brunsell, EdD. Intercollege Programs for Science Education, Montana State University Jason Marcks. Executive Director, Space Education Initiatives. Jason is a former high school Earth and space science teacher, He has a MS in Geoscience and is currently working on a Masters of Aeronautical Science in space launch management. He has served as the professional development director and lead instructor for the Wisconsin Initiative for Math, Science and Technology Education program, the Nevada Science of Aerospace Project, and the Oklahoma Science, Technology, and Education Program. Mr. Marcks is also a Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree, professional teaching certificate, and at least one year of K-12 teaching experience. Because the use of technology is integral to the course, some familiarity with using technology in the classroom is required.
Target Audience: K-12 science teachers with at least one year of teaching experience and some familiarity with using technology in the classroom.
Time Commitment: 15-18 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.
| Cost: | | | Tuition | $750 | | | MSU Fees | $9.75 | | | Total | $759.75 |
Participants are on your own to purchase the required text. See information below.
The cost of the course assumes that you are taking only online courses from Montana State University (MSU) and/or specially designated courses through MSU Extended University during the semester that the course is offered. If you are also taking regular face-to-face courses from Montana State University, other costs may apply. Montana State University charges a $3.25 per credit hour computer fee for this course. (The fee is $3.15 per credit hour during summer session 2009.) MSU also charges a $30 registration fee per student per semester. If you have not yet paid this fee, you may do so when you register for this course. To learn more, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page.
Required Books/Materials: - The Solar System
6th Edition, by Michael A. Seeds.
ISBN-10: 0-495-38787-8
Teacher/participants are responsible for purchasing the required text for the course on their own before the course begins. The text will be available through MBS Direct approximately one month before the course begins, or sooner.
You can order the text from MBS Direct or 1-800-325-3252.
Computer Requirements: - Computer running Windows 2000 or newer or Mac OS X
or higher
- CD-ROM drive
- Internet access
- Microsoft Powerpoint software
This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.
For More Information: For specific questions about the course content, contact Dr. Eric Brunsell at ebrunsell@gmail.com, or for questions about registration and other administrative details, call NTEN at (800) 282-6062.
How to Register: Register Online
Register Online
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