Science Teaching with Embedded Primary Sources (STEPS) Project
Help your students step back in time and explore the history of science through the Library of Congress’ collection of primary sources. In the STEPS workshop, participants will learn how to find, evaluate, and use historical primary sources from the Library of Congress in their science instruction. Participants will develop and revise a science lesson plan or course module using the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources materials. Teacher stipends will be provided for participating in and completing the course.
Date/Time:
January 26-27, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day. Lunch will be provided.
Location:
The Toyota Experience Center
1160 Magnolia Way
Blue Springs, MS 38828
Hotel accommodations will be provided for those who reside more than 60 miles from Blue Springs, MS.
The STEPS workshop is 12 hours of professional development designed for both elementary and secondary science teachers. During the Science Teaching with Embedded Primary Sources (STEPS) workshop, teachers will:
- Learn how the History of Science and the Nature of Science support students’ acquisition of science content knowledge.
- Identify and find historical primary sources on the Library of Congress website.
- Evaluate primary sources using the Primary Source Analysis Tool.
- Engage in strategies to embed primary sources in science instruction.
- Create, share, and revise science lesson plans/modules.
The development of the STEPS workshop occurred as part of the STEPS Project, which was partially funded through a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program located at Illinois State University.
October 3-November 30, 2022 online
Canvas Course
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University, MS 38655
February 4-April 4, 2022 online
Canvas Course
January 13-14, 2022 In-person
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University, MS 38655
September 16-17, 2021 In-person
Infinity Science Center
Pearlington, MS 39572
June 22-23, 2021 In-person
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University, MS 38655
Each teacher participating in STEPS will receive:
- High-quality, research-based professional development
- Instructional resources
- Up to a $100 stipend*
- 1.2 CEUs (processed by North MS Educational Consortium within 3-4 weeks following the event)
- Travel assistance to attend the workshop †
- Overnight housing for participants residing more than 60 miles from the event location †
*Participants must attend the entire workshop and complete all requested tasks and surveys to be eligible to receive the stipend.
†Applicable only to in-person sessions.
Register by clicking the registration button below. A confirmation email will provide detailed instructions for submitting payment.
If registration reaches capacity, applicants will be notified that they are on a waiting list. Participants on this waiting list will be informed of any openings in a timely manner.
If you determine at any time that you are unable to attend a session for which you have a confirmed registration, please contact the CMSE at cmsepd@go.olemiss.edu as soon as possible so that we can notify those on the waiting list.
There is a $30 non-refundable seat deposit for this workshop.
Participant stipends, travel assistance, and reduced registration costs are made possible through funding from the Library of Congress.
Shelby Watson
sahilton@go.olemiss.edu
Secondary Science Education Doctoral Candidate
University of Mississippi
Dr. Alice Steimle
asteimle@olemiss.edu
Director
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University of Mississippi
Dr. Julie James
jjames1@olemiss.edu
Assistant Director of Professional Learning
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
University of Mississippi
Virtual Follow-Up
Previous STEPS workshop participants are invited to join a virtual follow-up in which they share how they have used primary sources in their classroom instruction. Focusing on a specific lesson, participants will respond to five prompts reflecting on and revising this lesson. The final version of this lesson will be submitted to the TPS Teacher Network. Participants will receive a stipend (up to $150) for successful completion of all lesson reflections and final lesson submission as well as completing project-related surveys.
Planning Institute (By Invitation Only)
Lessons submitted to the TPS Teacher Network from the virtual follow-up will be evaluated on content, implementation, and revisions. Up to twenty follow-up participants will be invited to attend a three-day Planning Institute at the Center for Mathematics and Science Education in Oxford, MS. The Planning Institute will focus on collaboration between participants to create engaging science lessons using primary sources. Travel assistance, stipends (up to $350), and CEUs (1.8) for attendance will be provided to participants who attend the Planning Institute in its entirety and complete project-related surveys.
Registration Deadline: January 13, 2023
The STEPS Project is sponsored in part by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program, located at Illinois State University. Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS Midwest Region does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress.
Resources for Teaching Science with Primary Sources
The TPS Teachers Network brings together teachers with a shared interest in improving instructional practice and impacting student learning through Library of Congress primary sources.
Everyday Mysteries will help you get the answers to many of life’s most interesting questions through scientific inquiry. In addition, we will introduce you to the Library of Congress’ rich collections in science and technology.
Presentations
Watson, S.A., Jackson, W., James, J., & Steimle, A. (2022, March 12). Using primary sources to build science content knowledge. [Conference session]. International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education, Virtual Conference.
Watson, S.A. & Jackson, W. (2022, January 5-8). Weaving history and content throughout science instruction. A poster presentation for the 2022 Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Conference, Greenville, SC, United States.
Watson, S.A. & Jackson, W. (2021, October 16). Science teaching with embedded primary sources: Using Library of Congress materials with in-service teachers. A poster presentation for the 2021 Southeastern Association for Science Teacher Education Annual Conference, Safety Harbor, FL.