UMASS STEM DIGITAL SUMMER INSTITUTE
STEM Digital Images in Geoscience Investigations: Teaching Analysis with
Light (STEM DIGITAL)
" Monday to Friday, June 27 - July 1, 2011 at UMass Amherst
" Funded by the National Science Foundation
" Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute
" Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers
" Teams of science and computer teachers encouraged
" Participants MUST bring a digital camera, and are encouraged to
bring a laptop computer (see note at bottom of page)
" Stipends ($375 summer, $300 school year follow-up), materials,
parking, lunches
" Housing and meals for those outside the commuting radius
" 3 to 6 graduate credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's
(Professional Development Points)
STEM DIGITAL will show how digital image analysis can be applied to
environmental quality issues in ways that can readily be introduced into
STEM courses, engaging students and encouraging them to think about
related careers. The project will develop research agendas that will
employ a variety of image analysis tools. The air quality theme will
focus on the three components of the atmosphere that primarily
affect visible, infrared and ultraviolet light, respectively:
particulates and aerosols, carbon dioxide, and ozone. The water quality
theme will look at the role of plant biomass on drinking water quality
and on global carbon cycling. Arsenic is listed as number one in the US
in terms of environmental contaminants that pose a potential threat to
human health; research topics will include the identification and
mapping of local arsenic contaminated sites and bioremediation
possibilities. STEM DIGITAL will use the AnalyzingDigitalImages
software which provides free, easy-to-use tools for spatial,
temporal, spectral, and intensity measurements.
During the school year, we will continue working with the teachers on
approximately six projects spread over the fall and spring semesters.
These will be a combination of new projects, extensions from summer
projects, and data sharing projects. The timing and content of these
projects will be largely decided by the teachers during the summer
workshop to match their curriculum needs.
Three optional graduate credits will be available for the institute; the
cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee. Another 3 credits will be
available at $345 for the academic year component. PDP's will be
provided at no cost.
Application process: An application form and additional information are
available at www.umassk12.net/digital. Teachers should prepare a
narrative statement of how they intend to use the institute
materials in their classroom, and include in their application package
a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal
or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email,
fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1. Late applications
will be accepted on a space available basis.
More information: www.umassk12.net/digital, msilver@umassk12.net. Voice:
413-545-0734, fax: 413-545-3697
*Note on cameras and computers: You may bring any digital camera, but
if you are shopping for one at moderate cost, we suggest the Pentax
Optio W90, recently $215 on amazon.com. It is ruggedly built and has
many useful features. You don't need to be an expert photographer or
computer user, but you should be comfortable with both.
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