May 22

May 22, 2006

Dear Science and Math Teachers:

We have received a grant from the South Dakota No Child Left Behind Partnership grants to offer a one-week workshop on teaching Algebra using Astronomy during the week of July 17 – 21. Because this workshop will combine the topics of Algebra with Astronomy, teams of teachers from the same school, an algebra teacher and a teacher in one of the physical sciences, are encouraged to apply. Individual teachers should also apply but preference to teams will be given if more that 25 teachers apply. This workshop will be conducted by Dr. Christine Larson, Math Department; and by Dr. Larry Browning and Ms. Judy Vondruska, Physics Department, on the campus of South Dakota State University.

The week will be filled with activities, demonstrations, explorations, and some "make-and-take" equipment to help participants implement the topics of the workshop. This workshop is planned for both beginning teachers and experienced teachers looking for new ideas and materials. Also, many of the materials can be used at a variety of levels from middle school through high school. Topics and materials will focus on teaching Algebra using examples from Astronomy.

The grant supporting this workshop will provide meals, housing, and a stipend of about $400 for participating teachers. Also, two graduate credits are available from SDSU for those who enroll in the (optional) parallel course with a third credit (and stipend) available for those who participate in the two follow-up sessions which will be determined during the workshop. However, the grant does not pay tuition, but remember that enrollment is not required to participate in the workshop. Renewal credits may also be available from the South Dakota Department of Education (pending approval).

Please consider applying to this workshop if you teach algebra or one of the physical sciences such as: physics, earth science, astronomy, or physical science in middle or high school. Also, if you know of another teacher in your school who is teaching one of the courses listed above, encourage them to apply as well. If you both apply, that could be considered a team and the workshop should be more effective for you and the impact on your students should be greater as you work together both in the workshop and in school the next year. To apply to this workshop, please complete the enclosed application form. Successful applicants are expected to incorporate the methods into their teaching strategies as appropriate and participate in 12 hours of follow-up activities during the next school year.

Beginning May 29, application review will begin. After that date, qualified applicants will be accepted on a first come basis until the workshop is filled. Enrollment is limited to 25 in 2006. Completed applications should be sent to:

Dr. Larry Browning

Department of Physics

Box 22l9

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 57007

Additional information can be obtained by calling 688-5428 or e-mailing Larry_Browning@sdstate.edu or Judy.Vondruska@sdstate.edu. It is expected that successful applicants and alternates will be notified of their selection within five days of the receipt of their applications after the May 29 deadline.

Sincerely,

Christine Larson, Ph.D. Judy Vondruska, MS Larry Browning, Ph.D.

Math Department Physics Department Physics Department

Application Form

AstroMATH

SDSU/NCLB Workshop

July 17-21, 2006

Please complete this form and submit it to Larry.Browning@sdstate.edu or:

Dr. Larry Browning

Department of Physics - Box 22l9

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 57007

Be sure to complete both sides of this form. Review begins no later than May 29. Space is limited to 25.

Applicant Name __________________________________________________________

(Last) (First) (Middle)

Social Security # ____________________________________________

E-mail address________________________________________________________________________________

Present Position ___________________________________________ Is this: Science___; Math____; Both____

School: ___________________________________________; District: _________________________________

Please list a math or science teacher Partner: _______________________________________________________

Is this 6-12? Yes: _____, No:_____

If Yes, can your school be considered a "high need local education agency"(see below)? Yes:_____, No _____.

School Address ________________________________________ Phone __________________________________

_______________________________________________________________Zip:___________________________

Home Address ___________________________________________ Phone ________________________________

_______________________________________________________________Zip:____________________________

Educational Preparation: (College or University) Fill in the following table on the schools that you have attended.

School’s Name	Location	Dates Attended	Subject Area Major Hrs/Minor Hrs	Degree	Date of Degree

Professional Activity (workshops attended, inservice training, professional memberships, research, etc.):

____________________________________________________________________________________________

(3) HIGH-NEED LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY- The term high-need local educational agency' means a local educational agency —

(A)(ii) for which not less than 20 percent of the children served by the agency are from families with incomes below the poverty line; and

(B)(i) for which there is a high percentage of teachers not teaching in the academic subjects or grade levels that the teachers were trained to teach; or

(ii) for which there is a high percentage of teachers with emergency, provisional, or temporary certification or licensing.

List the courses that you taught during the past two years, and the courses you expect to teach next year (if known).

2004/5 Course	- 2004/5 Enrollment	2005/6 Course	- 2005/6 Enrollment	2006-2007 Course (planned)

Please estimate the number of students enrolled in Physics/Physical Science at your school in:

2004-05_____, in 2005-06____.

The type of Physics/Physical Science Curriculum is used at your school:

_______ Traditional ________ Inquiry Method ______ Other

Textbook used __________________________________________________________

The type of Algebra Curriculum is used at your school:

_______ Traditional ________ Inquiry Method ______ Other

Textbook used __________________________________________________________

Please rate you need for Algebra and math content training: ____ high ____ medium ____ low.

Which topics would you like to study most?

Please rate you need for Astronomy science content training: ____ high ____ medium ____ low.

Which topics would you like to study most?

Please rate you need for physics/physical science content training: ____ high ____ medium ____ low.

Which topics would you like to study most?

Please write a brief statement of why you would like to participate in this workshop.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________