"Teach The Teacher" Programs A Hit

Space Florida tells ANN it has partnered with Florida District Schools and the Florida Department of Education to fund a series of innovative, "hands-on" workshops whose emphasis is in innovative “Inquiry instruction” for teachers throughout the state of Florida. The inaugural summer session of the "Inquiry Program" will complete its 15th and final workshop on August 6 at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, FL.

Throughout the first summer session, more than 365 teachers representing 15 counties across the state of Florida were instructed in the Inquiry Method of teaching, a system that promotes non-traditional, interactive learning through innovative math and science curriculum. It is estimated that more than 8,000 Florida students will benefit from the program during the 2008-2009 school year.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for Florida teachers," said Mary Jane Tappan, Florida Department of Educations K-12 Deputy Chancellor for Student Achievement. "Florida is serious about improving performance in math and science. Support programs like this provide teachers the tools they need to better prepare our students for the opportunity to be part of Florida’s future in space exploration and support industries."

"One of Space Florida's goals is to increase student interest in math and science through experiential learning" noted Percy Luney, vice president of education, research and development, and workforce at Space Florida. "We are pleased to play a part in promoting the Inquiry Method of teaching in Florida schools, as it has been proven to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning for primary and secondary students, who are the future of our state aerospace workforce."

Space Florida and Dr. Chew combined resources to train eight "Master Teachers" in Spring 2008 who, in turn, led instruction for this year's workshops. The curriculum is based on the Inquiry Method of teaching, which fully coincides with Florida Sunshine State Standards for education.

At the conclusion of each workshop, participating teachers receive a Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Kit to help reproduce activities learned in the workshop. The program is fully funded by Space Florida, with participating Florida School Districts providing a stipend for the Teachers. Additionally, participating teachers receive 18 in-service credits for participating in a three-day program and 30 credits for a five-day program.

Further Inquiry Training workshops will be conducted across the state throughout the 2008-2009 school year.

FMI: www.spaceflorida.gov/itet.php, www.spaceflorida.gov