Science made fun on a shoestring budget

K-12 science teachers can learn simple techniques to engage students without buying lots of expensive supplies, in a two-day professional development workshop at Western Nevada College Carson City.Teachers-Special Topics in Educational Professional Development (EPD 295-1001, class # 92432, one unit), meets 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on two Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 20, at WNC Carson City campus.Classroom teachers as well as students preparing for the teaching profession can benefit. The course includes hands-on activities that demonstrate how to facilitate active experiments and apply science standards in the classroom, using common classroom items.“For example,” said WNC Physics Professor Thomas Herring, “you can examine the effects of gravity on Earth through observations made with a simple pendulum. You can explore the effects of interacting electric charges using static electricity made with scotch tape and common classroom items.”Participants also will receive a few “take-home” aids they can use in the classroom.The class is co-taught by Herring and WNC education professor Michelle Rousselle.“Our goal is to provide an experience that will inspire creativity and build a community that can share ideas with each other,” Herring said. For information or to register call 775-445-3000 or visit my.wnc.edu.