County Teacher Inservice

Science projects can be a powerful tool in an effective classroom. Leon
County teachers will soon have an unique opportunity to expand their
abilities to teach science through improved activities. “We can teach
science as a way of thinking and solving problems, rather than a just
mountain of facts to memorize. We can help students see the ways that
science fits into daily life, and how science will impact their futures.
This is an opportunity to see how to incorporate more realistic science
into local curriculums” says presenter Novalene Thurston.
Ms. Thurston’s own experiences in the area include many years
teaching at a nationally-recognized magnet program for science and
technology. She sponsored students at eight International Science Fairs
and was recognized as one of America’s top 100 science and math
teachers by the Tandy Corporation. She has presented workshops at
several national science conferences.
“At this workshop, we’re going to focus on ways to bring more
active learning into local classrooms. We’ll look at how to conduct
and evaluate activities, and we’ll see how to plan them so that they
address required curriculum topics. Good projects also benefit other
subjects, especially language arts and math. Everyone is concerned with
raising test scores and producing successful learners. Projects can help
with these goals.”
As an example of how local resources and national programs can assist
teachers, participants will be looking at materials from the Junior
Master Gardener program, a nationally recognized program with its own
roots here in Leon County.
The program is scheduled for Tuesday, July 17, at Centerville High
School. While aimed at science teachers, it will be useful to any
teacher, administrator, or homeschool parent. For more information,
contact the Agrilife Extension Office at 903-539-2531.


Tommy Neyland, CEA-Ag
Texas Agrilife Extension Service