"My knowledge of telescopes was minimal at the start of the workshop, and I left the workshop understanding how to build a telescope along with understanding how a telescope actually works. I now know the difference between refractor and reflector telescopes, and how the telescope conceptually works." - Emily Ardis (Middle School Teacher)
Working with the students...
"I was pleasantly surprised by the students. While some may have been from some tough neighborhoods, they were always excited and interested in what we were going to do next. These students were extremely respectful and thoroughly enjoyed the intimate setting that allowed a great deal of one to one time with the teachers of at most two to one ratio. " - Tim Messer (Middle School Teacher)
Recomendation
"Yes, I would absolutely recommend this workshop to others. Hands-down, this is the best workshop I have ever attended, and I’ve attended many! The best part was that it lasted two weeks, and I was first a learner, and then a teacher. In my other workshops, we usually crammed huge amounts of info and left with notebooks or other resources that just went on a shelf until we found time. Mostly, they still sit on that same shelf, untouched, not because they are unworthy, but because life is so busy. But since I came home with experience (I.e., 2nd week with students), the information is a part of my repertoire. It WILL be used; I’ve already shared plans and resources at a 6th grade science planning meeting"- Diane Williams (Middle School Teacher)
Hands-on experience....
"The program was beneficial by giving hands on experience in both the teaching and the learning aspects. I learned that students need to explore and struggle through some information on their own without being given the answers but also must be guided from a distance to insure misconceptions are addressed. This means students explore and make their best guess on what is happening before any explanation is given. This personalizes the information to the students and allows them to build their own understanding." - Kent Burns (Middle School Teacher)
Dr. Schleigh's instruction
"Dr. Schleigh was wonderful in how she interacted with us in her teaching. She made it a point to make sure she got to know everyone of us and make our learning meaningful to each of us individually. She clearly loves what she does and has a passion for teaching that is very contagious. She has also been so helpful beyond the workshop. She quickly responds to me when I contact her and is more than willing to help. "- Laura Mastrucci (Middle School Teacher)
Recharging the Batteries
"Looking back over this experience I cannot help but think of how much I learned and grew as a teacher. After 28 years in the classroom I have learned you either are getting better or your going backwards. Nothing stays the same. The students change, the curriculum changes and what we know changes. This workshop and follow activities not only increased my content knowledge but gave me a different perspective to look at how and what I teach in my class."- Gary Horton (Middle School Teacher)