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"LEARNING
SCIENCE AS SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY IS CONDUCTED."
The Academy employs the following
philosophies of learning:
Combining mathematics and science content
with problem solving skills in an integrated, interwoven curriculum.
Students learn experientially in laboratories by conducting
scientific research with applied mathematics.
To provide students with significant
talent and interest in mathematics, science and technology
an opportunity to be challenged to their maximum potential.
Three Components for Enhancing
Math & Science Education:
Outreach Programs
Professional Development
Interdistrict Math & Science Magnet School
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Academy is
to provide, through state-of-the-art technology, educational
experiences that expand the teaching and learning of science,
mathematics and technology in the traditional classroom. The
Center will:
- Provide
a sound foundation in science, mathematics and technology
to a diverse population
- Integrate
and apply science, mathematics and technology in an enriched
educational environment
- Emphasize
problem solving and creative thinking approaches to teaching
and learning
- Provide
faculty development resources and opportunities for all
educational levels.
- Develop
collaborative partnerships and mentoring programs among
schools, communities, businesses and industries
Student Outreach Programs
- Explorations in Science
The Academy provides supplemental
outreach activities to students who do not attend the daily
program. Explorations runs after school and on some Saturdays.
Students in grades eight through ten
explore physics, earth/space science, biology, chemistry,
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability/statistics and
scientific discovery using real world and in-depth educational
experiences. Experiences include hands-on research, application
and independent study in various disciplines.
The Greater Hartford Academy of Math
and Science provides students with exciting supplementary
scientific experiences through unique teaching methods and
the use of "state of the art" technology. These exciting experiences
are designed to motivate students toward higher levels of
achievement in the natural sciences, connect students to "real
world" applications of science and technology and integrate
concepts of math into the basic principles of scientific exploration.
The ability to make connections between mathematics and science
empowers students with knowledge, confidence and motivation
that extend itself beyond the classroom.
Community Outreach Programs
- Student Services
The Academy provides:
- Visiting
Classes. Teachers may bring classes or other groups such
as science clubs for an afternoon, or a series of afternoons
to participate in unique learning activities using equipment
and media resources not available in their home schools.
These activities focus on middle school and high school
groups.
- Independent
Research. Upon recommendations of a local teacher, selected
students, may be provided assistance in the afternoon on
research projects.
- Regional
events where students come to learn about science in the
news directly from astronauts, undersea explorers, medical
researchers, etc.
- Regional
science fairs, science and mathematics Olympiads, and other
events. The Academy will work with and create partnerships
with other sponsors of such events.
Other Services to Participating School
Districts:
- Sharing
of Resources. The Academy facilities are available and faculty
provides in-service training in local schools and other
centers with training programs. Networks are available for
sharing materials electronically.
- Loan
of Equipment. A lending system, such as resource materials
and sample equipment units, for the sharing of equipment
and other curricular enhancement tools have been developed
for enhancing your school's academic programs.
Beginning September 2000, the Academy
hopes to provide for at least one visiting class per week.
In the second year, this program is expected to grow to an
average of three classes per week. These figures only include
classes visiting the Campus. Other outreach activities will
soon be available for both student and teacher training at
your school site.
Professional Development
Teachers from participating districts
will have access to:
- Summer
workshops to meet needs identified at all levels, elementary,
middle school and high school. The lengths and subject matter
will vary. There will be follow-up workshops during the
academic year.
- Short
term workshops during the academic year on teacher workdays,
after-school or weekends.
- Experimental
laboratory experiences using advanced instrumentation.
- Leadership
training so teachers can serve as trainers or facilitators
for science, mathematics and technology in their home schools.
- Attendance
at conferences and regional meetings sponsored by the Academy.
Curriculum Development
The Teacher Services Center will
provide:
- Teaching
modules and materials.
- A clearinghouse
and center for information on national standards, curriculum
frameworks, and other current developments in the fields
of science, mathematics and technology education.
- A laboratory
and materials workspace where teachers can come for a day,
a week or longer to create their own materials for use in
their classrooms.
- Sponsorship
of visiting lecturers and meetings devoted to cutting edge
developments in curriculum and methods.
- Instructional
materials using real life examples from local medical, engineering,
and research facilities.
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