Professional Development

A World in Motion: Science Skills & Engineering Energy for Teachers

Summer 2005

Funding provided by the Society of Automotive Engineers

Energize your science classroom by learning what engineers do and how they apply science and mathematics in their work. Learn how engineering and science are different but work as partners. “A World in Motion” answers many of your questions about physical science, engineering design, and the engineering profession.

Workshop projects emphasize a hands-on, inquiry-based approach at grade appropriate levels. Teacher participants gain new skills to energize their classrooms and improve the science skills of their students. Each teacher who completes the workshop receives a free curriculum package, valued between $200 and $500, from the Society of Automotive Engineers. Participants earn 6 hours of staff-development credit from SMU for each day attended. These contact hours also apply to the "Creativity and Instructional Strategies" and "Differentiated Curriculum" components of the TAGT Awareness Certificate.

Workshop activities and learning include the following:

  • Hands-on experience in engineering through completing “A World in Motion” (AWIM) design project

  • Time to review and master physics, mathematics, and technology concepts needed to guide students in engineering design

  • Many opportunities to discuss classroom issues, including the effects of gender, ethnicity, and personality on science learning

  • New knowledge and understanding about engineering professions and career guidance

Instructors

Charles M. Lovas, P.E., Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor of Mechanical Enginering, Southern Methodist University since 1977

  • Program Manager, Institute for Diversity in Engineering and Society

  • Faculty member, the Talented and Gifted Institute at SMU since 1990

  • Member of national K-12 Education Committee, Society of Automotive Engineers

  • Taught K-12 teacher workshops for Society of Automotive Engineers in Dallas, Tulsa, Jacksonville (FL), and Houston

Lorton E. Trent, P. E.

  • Founder & Chief Engineer of Innovative Engineering

  • Thirty years experience in industry at IBM and Texas Instruments

  • Vice Chair of Math and Science Education Committee, Texas Section of Society of Automotive Engineers

  • Presenter at Texas Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) convention for the past 5 years

  • Presenter at mini-CAST meetings for regions 10 and 11

Workshop Schedule: Dates, Times, & Costs

Section Target Audience AWIM Challenges Dates & Times Cost
1 Teachers of grades 4-6 Challenge 1:
Skimmer, Jet Toy, Steel Can Rover		 June 6
9 am - 3:30 pm		 $75
2 Teachers of grades 7-8 Challenge 2:
Electric Toy Car		 June 7
9 am - 3:30 pm		 $75
3 Teachers of grades 7-8 Challenge 3:
Glider		 June 8
9 am - 3:30 pm		 $75
4 Teachers of grades 4-10 Challenge 4:
Electricity and Electronics		 June 9-10
9 am - 3:30 pm		 $150
Special Note: A casual lunch is provided daily in each workshop.

Registration

The workshops are limited in size, and spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be sent a registration confirmation, campus meeting location, map, and parking pass once your registration has been processed. Classes are subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment. The registration and payment due date for all workshops is May 23.

Refund requests must be made no later than 7 business days before the start of a workshop--otherwise, no refund will be issued. Cancellations made prior to this 7-day period will result in a full refund less a $15 processing fee.

You may register by mail or fax; click here for the registration form.

Contact Information

For additional information on the World in Motion workshop, please call 214-768-2346 or e-mail teacher@smu.edu.