START

State Spotlight  

Georgia

David Hawkins

Weather, Worms, and Musical Animals

Presenter:

David Hawkins, Prof.  Math/Technology, Piedmont College Demorest, Georgia

Abstract: 

Six ongoing science educational programs are funded by three local school districts as outcomes of a graduate field and on-line research format inspired by START. These programs include: "The Wormies" (a profitable worm farm); "The Safari Hunters" (online visits to zoos and buckets of plaster of paris); "The Lunch Bunch" (free lunch and extra teachers for lunch period enhanced science study); "The Math Marvels": (a before-school and summer school mathematics enhancement program in partnership with local water treatment facility); "The Music Makers" (pursuit of the science of instrument construction and sound waves); "The Weather Watchers" (weather study used as multidisciplinary focus). 

Michael Waugh

Presenters:

Julie Bartley, Assistant Professor, State University Of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia

Frank Orr, Assistant Professor, Secondary Science Education
University Of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia

Michael Waugh, Professor/Department Chair, University Of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia

Abstract: 

Inspired by the START OLE Online Research Expedition module, Project ROW is a statewide initiative to train in-service teachers and students to utilize instructional technology for conducting water quality research on Georgia's major rivers and tributaries. The project is a collaborative effort of the University System of Georgia, private institutions, professional organizations, state and government environmental agencies, and corporate sponsors. 

The project consists of three phases: 

(1) Training Phase, (2) Implementation Phase, (3)Assessment/Evaluation Phase. The training phase will prepare in-service teachers to use instructional technology and protocols for conducting water quality studies. The implementation phase will involve the conducting of action research using the protocols and technology for water quality at specific point sources for designated geographical regions. The assessment phase will consist of each group presenting the findings of their research at an Environmental Summit in Atlanta. This phase will culminate with recommendations for enacting legislative action and policy decision-making pertaining to environmental concerns for restoring the quality of our waters.

Julie Bartley

Frank Orr

Please visit the Georgia section of the START Calendar to learn about other ways START is being implemented by trainers throughout the state.