What is the DataTools program?
DataTools is a professional development program that prepares you to use scientific data and data analysis software with your middle and high school students (grades 6-12). It also helps you develop strategies that promote student inquiry, analysis, and dialogue, processes that are key to working with data.
The DataTools program is a joint project of TERC (Cambridge, MA) and CUSP at UMass Dartmouth and Fairhaven. The program accommodates approximately 33 teachers. The community of participants and program staff will work closely together in occasional face-to-face meetings, a two-week summer workshop, and in distance learning sessions throughout the 12-month program.
All face-to-face meetings will be held on the UMass Dartmouth campus or in Fairhaven, MA
The program starts in April, 2008 and ends March 21, 2009. The next orientation meeting will be held on Saturday afternoon April 5, 2008
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Who should apply?
Massachusetts classroom teachers (grades 6-12) who expect to be teaching science, math, or technology during the 2008-2009 school year, who are motivated to
participate in this extended 120 hour program, and who have access to computers
with Internet connectivity for both students and personal use.
What will I do in the program?
- Participate in an extensive (120 hours) professional development program with a team of experienced leaders and approximately 32 peers.
- Learn to use analysis tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, image processing software, spreadsheet software, and additional Web-based data analysis tools
- Practice and refine your data analysis teaching skills with volunteer students who attend portions of the summer workshop
- Implement two data-rich investigations with your students during the 2008-2009 school year
- Collaborate electronically and in person with your program peers and staff during the 2008-2009 school year implementation
What are the program components?
Opening Reception:* afternoon of Saturday April 5, 2008
A Distance Learning Component Between April 2008 and March 2009
A Two-Week Summer Workshop Weeks of July 7 and July 14, 2008
Continued support / asynchronous online events during 2009 School Year
Two School-Year Saturday Meetings Oct. 25, 2008 and March 21, 2009
* All face-to-face meetings will be held either in Fairhaven or on the UMass Dartmouth campus
What are the benefits of participating?
- Become proficient with Geographic Information Systems software, image processing software, spreadsheet software, and other data analysis tools
- Collaborate with visiting scientists during the two-week summer workshop
- Work closely with program staff and peers throughout the 12-month program, which includes an extended period during classroom implementation
- Help prepare your students for a workplace that is becoming increasingly technology-intensive, and help them connect their new skills with careers that use them
- Earn 3 graduate credits from UMass Dartmouth (tuition $466), a $1700 stipend for completing the program and documenting classroom implementation, and $100 to help offset transportation expenses
To apply
- Read the Agreement
- Review the Calendar
- Complete and submit the web-based Application Form
Questions?
Contact Sarah at 617-873-9651 or send e-mail to Sarah_Hill-at-terc.edu (replace -at- with @)
DataTools is supported by the National Science Foundation and offered by TERC, a nonprofit education research and development organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in partnership with CUSP, part of UMass Dartmouth's Division of Professional and Continuing Education.