Elementary teachers are invited to register for a one-day workshop entitled Inquiry-based Chemistry Education for K-5 Teachers and Students to take place Friday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Virginia (UVa). Instructors will include chemistry faculty and graduate students associated with Chemistry LEAD, UVa’s student-based chemistry outreach group that has been sharing science with K-12 students through inquiry-based lessons and demonstrations since 2009.

Elementary school teachers will practice chemistry investigations that incorporate inquiry while also addressing grade-appropriate chemistry content. Teachers will leave the workshop with knowledge, curriculum, and $300 worth of equipment and materials to lead at least three chemistry investigations with their students. Participating teachers also will receive a $100 honorarium to offset their time and travel. Participants also receive a letter stating they have completed 6 hours of continuing education for professional development.

In addition, participating teachers also may request a visit from the Chemistry LEAD outreach group to assist them with a chemistry lesson. We expect participating teachers to commit to using at least three of the inquiry-based chemistry activities as part of their lesson plans in the upcoming school year. In addition, teachers will be asked to complete evaluations related to their experience during the professional development.

Interested K-5 teachers should apply by June 5. Our emphasis is on these geographic areas to facilitate the ability of Chemistry LEAD to visit the classrooms of participating teachers. We will review applications and notify teachers of their registration status by June 12 at the latest, but likely earlier. Participants from last year’s workshop are NOT eligible to apply again. (Instead, please tell a colleague about the workshop.)

This program is made possible by generous support from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc., the UVa Department of Chemistry, the UVa College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and UVa Chemistry LEAD.

For more information, you may contact Jill Venton at jventon@virginia.edu or 434-243-2132.