TAMIU Summer Conference Focused on STEM July 7

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for secondary teachers will be the focus of a one-day Mathematics, Science, Technology Teacher Preparation Academy (MSTTPA) Summer STEM Conference at Texas A&M International University Wednesday, July 7, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Student Center Ballroom.

Dr. Aleta Belcher, TAMIU College of Education assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Conference Organizer, said she expects about 40 local school district participants. Cost is $25 and is payable at the door.

“We’ll have six top presenters providing information, activities and instruction in a variety of STEM applications. We look forward to our local math and science secondary teachers attending, and would encourage any STEM secondary educator or anyone else interested in the topic to attend. Laredo Independent School District or United ISD teachers can also contact our offices about receiving professional development credit,” Dr. Belcher said.

Conference Registration and continental breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. and continue through 10 a.m. Breakout Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and continue till 2 p.m. in various locations. A luncheon will be held at 12 noon in the Ballroom with a keynote address on STEM by Juan Arellano, masters’ student at TAMIU.

Workshop topics include: “Measurement and Evaluation of Percent Body Fat Using Three Different Methods, Dr. Sukho Lee; “Integrating GPS Technology to Teach and Reinforce Math Skills, Dr. Ron Anderson and Shawn Humphries; “Coca-Cola Chemistry and Making Perfume: A High School Chemistry Lab Experiment Using Household Materials,” Rene Montemayor;” “Using Screencasting as an Effective Instructional Tool,”Dr. Pat Abrego; “Cultural Mathematics Academic Activity,” Drs. Selina Mireles, Mario Moreno and Javier Garza, joined by Sonya Rahrovi, Terri Westbrook and Darla Michaelidis, and “Integrating Digital Documentary Processes for Science and Math,” Dr. Arturo Limón.

Funding for the Conference comes from a Grant Award provided by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Fund for $635,895, plus $60,000 in cost-sharing with local school districts, to support this and a range of STEM activities and initiatives at TAMIU from 2009-2011.

For additional information, contact Dr. Belcher at 326.2686, email abelcher@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 419 D.

University summer office hours are from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 8 a.m. – 12 noon on Fridays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu