Environmental Risk-Management Training Available to Educators
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
Pennsylvania College of Technology, in conjunction with the state Department of Environmental Protection, will present a workshop for secondary-school science teachers June 17-21 focusing on the teaching of environmental-risk issues.
The weeklong session is designed for science teachers; however, additional topics will include mathematics, agriculture, and technology in science and health. The workshop will help educators meet academic standards in mathematics; environment and ecology; science and technology; and health, safety and physical education.
Math standards to be covered include mathematical problem-solving and communication, statistics and data analysis and probability and predictions. These math skills are integral to any discussion of risk. For agriculture instructors, the impact of biotechnology will be covered in examining risk.
The workshop will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Penn College's Earth Science Center campus near Allenwood. It will be taught by Debra A. Buckman, assistant professor of environmental technology. Buckman is a certified writing-enriched instructor.
The workshop will utilize Project Learning Tree's new module, "Exploring Environmental Issues: Focus on Risk." This module integrates mathematics and science to explore risk, risk analysis (benefit vs. risk) and risk management using everyday examples, both societal and personal.
Many hands-on activities, as well as several field trips, are planned. Evening activities also will be offered. Curriculum for the classroom will be developed through this process and will then be accessible on the Web.
Housing, for those requiring it, will be available in The Village at Penn College on the main campus in Williamsport. Transportation to and from the Earth Science Center (from the main campus) will be provided. Transportation also will be provided for field trips.
Lunch will be included daily. Breakfast will be provided Tuesday through Friday, and dinner will be provided Monday through Thursday. Breakfast and dinner will be served at Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the College's fine-dining establishment on the main campus.
Cost for the one-week workshop is $285 per person and includes housing, meals, educational supplies and transportation. Continuing-education credits will be available for the workshop.
For more information, call Buckman at (570) 320-2400, Ext. 3526. To register for the workshop, contact Susan K. Manzitti, training assistant at the Teacher Development Center at Penn College, at (570) 327-4775.