Creating a Dynamic Classroom Through Project-Based Learning Grades K-5

This online course for teachers is designed for K-5 educators who are looking to explore how PBL can fit into their current curriculum. In doing so, students become immersed in the guided inquiry process. As they work through a variety of projects, they become critical and creative thinkers and communicators who are able to work collaboratively while embracing what has become known as Gold Standard PBL. This course begins by discussing the role that PBL plays in 21st century learning. As teachers progress through the course, they will take a deep dive into each of PBL’s essential components. Teachers will learn how to effectively implement each of the components throughout several content areas, including reading, math, science, engineering, and social studies. Teachers will learn strategies for establishing a PBL mindset in their classrooms and they will learn how to “marry” some “out of the box” strategies within the PBL framework. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel more confident and successful in their quest to implement project-based learning into their own teaching practices.

For more information, visit the website.

Closing the Gap: Focusing on Critical Literacy and Math Skills Grades K-5

This online course for teachers is designed to equip K-5 educators with numerous strategies to help students master essential literacy and math skills by taking learning deeper, not wider, making it sustainable. The course begins by outlining the learning process and discussing several factors that promote deeper learning, or mastery, of content. Teachers will learn that a critical piece of teaching these essential skills is fostering collaborative learning. As the course progresses, teachers will take a deep dive into each essential learning skill as it relates to literacy and mathematics. Numerous strategies to assess and teach each of these critical skills will be provided. Finally, teachers will be introduced to the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework, and they will learn how to promote cross-curricular thinking. Using a strengths-based approach to learning, teachers will understand the relationship between literacy and math and how these seemingly different content areas can be used to leverage one another. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel more confident and successful in their quest to embed a variety of evidence-based strategies into their own teaching habits to help foster sustainable learning and promote future college and career success.

For more information, visit the website.

Middle School Math Problem Solving Grades 6-8

This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades 6-8 who want to help their students become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Information on the problem-solving process is shared together with distinct suggestions for incorporating specific problem-solving strategies into math instruction. The course begins by building problem-solving foundations such as how to break down a word problem, how to approach math vocabulary, and how to visualize and perform the problem. Then, specific strategies are shared such as thinking logically, predicting and estimating, using a model or diagram, creating a table to find a pattern, and using an algorithm or formula. Teachers will gain valuable classroom ideas including using manipulatives, developing real-world problems, and checking and explaining solutions. Teachers will gain strategies for differentiating their math instruction so that all students can find success in problem solving. Teachers will also learn how to appropriately assess students in the problem-solving process. Finally, ideas for connecting the math problem-solving process to other content areas will be shared.

For more information, visit the website or contact Lindsey Maranto at lindsey@webteaching.com .

Math Problem-Solving Strategies for Grades 3-6

This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades 3-6 who want to help their students become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Specific strategies are introduced that improve the way students approach math problems. Information on the problem-solving process is shared together with distinct suggestions for incorporating specific problem-solving strategies such as choosing an operation, finding a pattern, making a table, making an organized list, drawing a picture or diagram, guess and check, working backwards, and logical reasoning. Teachers will also learn effective grouping strategies for student-centered learning. The role of assessment in the problem-solving process, as well as assessment techniques specifically for problem-solving will also be provided.

For more information, visit the website or contact Lindsey Maranto at lindsey@webteaching.com .

Research Experience for Elementary Teachers: Culturally Responsive Energy Engineering Education in Rural/Reservation Elementary Schools

MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, in partnership with MSU’s Montana Engineering Education Research Center and the Science Math Resource Center, offers a six-week summer program through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Teachers program, or RET.

The 2023 program will take place in-person in Bozeman from Monday, June 26 through Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.

Participants receive a $6,000 stipend and classroom resources. Housing and meals are provided, and all program and research costs are covered. Travel funding is available, as well.

In the energy-themed program, teachers gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art engineering research labs and will visit multiple energy facilities such as hydroelectric dams and oil refineries. The field trips include visits to nearby American Indian cultural sites and discussions about Indigenous perspectives in engineering, with a focus on integrating STEM with Montana’s Indian Education For All curriculum.

Research and field trips touch on energy topics including building energy systems; biomass energy conversion; fluid flow processes in oil refineries and hydroelectric dams; materials for energy conversion systems like fuel cells, batteries, wind turbines and solar cells; and, sustainable infrastructure materials and transportation systems.

Applications are due Feb. 4, 2023. To apply visit http://www.montana.edu/ret [montana.edu]

IRIS Professional Development Modules

Self-guided and self-paced, IRIS PD Modules cover numerous relevant topics in a way that is in-depth but approachable. These online resources can be used to improve educator’s knowledge of:

-Evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices
-IEPs
-Accommodations
-Teaching English language learners
-Instructional supports for students with disabilities
-And more

OPI Renewal Unit Provider

N2X STEM Pathways

Through our interactive audio you can listen anywhere, at anytime to the content and conversations within STEM education which include “STEM Education”, “STEM Project Based Learning”, “STEM Applications”, and “STEM Pathways”. This technology was developed to fit into the margins of your busy life. Listen while you drive, talk a walk, or work in your garden. The interactive features will ask questions, record your reflections on our servers for verification of completion, and link you to additional resources. When you have completed your desired clock hours we update your Montana Renewal Units professional development account. Then you are done! All without ever having to attend a weekend conference or Zoom meeting, it really is that easy and will change how you think and interact in your educational practice!
In the N2X STEM Pathways course we explore where STEM can take a student. The sky’s the limit with STEM! Our interactive audio host, Dave Gamon, interviews some rock star women of STEM in diverse fields of practice, covering the many diverse options for STEM careers, how the future of STEM education might look, computer science in the classroom and how to assist students to be successful in STEM.

OPI Renewal Unit Provider

N2X STEM Applications

What are all of the ways that STEM is applied in a student’s world? Here our interactive audio host, Dave Gamon, covers the many areas that STEM can interact in a student’s world including the “M” in STEM, applications in the STEM and non STEM classroom, how to work with Higher Education and Industry, both to inspire students in elementary and secondary classrooms as well as to promote a pathway for students to follow in pursuit of career goals. He also addresses STEM in remote learning situations and how to continue to engage students who are not in a traditional classroom. Finally, how to build your own STEM program by working with leadership in your district, school, etc. to develop vision, opportunities and pathways for your students and families.

An exciting offer is being provided to Montana teachers to attend this module for free. When you go to the website to register [n2x.co] it will indicate that the cost is $50.00; however, when you register for this module specifically and choose your state as Montana from the dropdown list, it will come up as free.

OPI Renewal Unit Provider

N2X STEM Project-based Learning

How can Project Based Learning change your classroom? Your students? Our interactive audio host, Dave Gamon, talks about the practice of embracing and utilizing context to promote the natural process of inquiry to empower students to take charge of their own learning, including a self diagnosis that saved a student’s life. He discusses the power of “Why” and its importance in creating a foundation for learning. Finally he unpacks how PBL aligns with standards and the steps for teachers to take to implement this practice in their classrooms.

OPI Renewal Unit Provider

N2X STEM Empathy and Equity in Education

Explore with N2X what a STEM Education can look like. What are the 5 W’s of STEM, how can we have better empathy for our students that leads to an empowered student who is ready to investigate and engage in the scientific process. What are some of the ways educators can reach their minority students and have a more equitable approach to all student’s education? Lastly, what does STEM look like in the K5 classroom and how can teachers be training their students at the elementary level to approach their education utilizing the methods embraced in STEM education.

OPI Renewal Unit Provider