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Course Description: Astrobiology is truly an interdisciplinary science that defines itself at the intersection of physics, astronomy, biology, geology, and mathematics to discover where and under what conditions life can arise and exist in the universe. As such, it lends itself easily to incorporation to most science and
mathematics curricula. The three goals of this course are to (1) deepen students’ conceptual understanding of the science concepts that comprise astrobiology, (2) provide experiences with using "Voyages Through Time" (VTT), a high school integrated science curriculum tied directly to the National Science Education Standards, and (3) help students develop the pedagogical framework and understanding to integrate astrobiology into their classrooms. This course is part two of a two course sequence based on the "Voyages Through Time" curriculum. This course will cover three of the six VTT modules: Origin of Life, Evolution of Life, and Hominid Evolution.
A special word of thanks to the SETI Institute and the NASA Astrobiology Institute for providing some of the funding to make this course offering as inexpensive as possible for teachers!
Meeting Place and Times: This course is being taught online. Teachers login to the course at a time of day that best fits their schedule. It is necessary to connect at least 4-6 times per week spending approximately 9-12 hours each week, either online or offline while the course is in session, to stay current and successfully complete this graduate level course.
Instructor(s): Julia Olsen, PhD. Dr. Julia K. Olsen is the Program Director for the Southern Arizona Science and Math Internship Center at the University of Arizona. Dr. Olsen is also an adjunct faculty member at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona in the Education, Special Education and Geosciences Departments. Dr. Olsen holds a PhD in Teaching and Teaching Education from the University of Arizona. Donna Governor. is an award winning astronomy teacher and master teacher from Dahlonega, GA.
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree, upper level college biology and/or upper level college physics or astronomy,
and one year of experience teaching science. It is recommended that teacher-participants be currently teaching science at the middle or high school level. Teachers who are interested in taking this course do not need to have taken Advanced Astrobiology for Teachers 1 in order to take this course. This course is the second course in a two-part sequence based on the "Voyages Through Time" curriculum.
Target Audience: Middle and high school science teachers.
Time Commitment: 9-12 hours per week. If you are unfamiliar with this field of study and/or method of delivery, you may require more time.
Cost: $375.00
Required Books/Materials: - Three of the six modules of the "Voyages Through Time" Curriculum (CD-ROMs) will be used for this course: Origin of Life, Evolution of Life, and Hominid Evolution. These materials are covered by your course fee and teacher-participants will receive them by mail before the course begins.
Computer Requirements: - Computer running Windows 2000 or newer or Mac OS X
or higher
- CD-ROM drive
- Internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, free downloadable software
- Cmap, free concept map software
This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.
For More Information: For questions regarding registration, please contact Margaret Frola by phone at (800) 282-6062 or (406)994-7798, or by email at margaret.frola@montana.edu. For questions regarding course content, please contact Dr. Julia Olsen at jkolsen@u.arizona.edu.
How to Register: Register Online
Register Online
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