Summer program helps teachers engage in science in the classroom

Students may still be on vacation, but 290 teachers from the Houston Independent School District went back to the classroom this summer for an intensive training program organized by Baylor College of Medicine’s Center for Education Outreach.

The Baylor Summer Science Institute is geared toward teachers who may not have a strong science background. The program includes presentations by scientists and inquiry-based science lessons featuring content specific to teachers’ grade levels, with a focus on the nature of science and physical science content. Each teacher receives science teaching resources and professional development credit.

“The program enables elementary teachers to learn science content in a hands-on lab setting, and engage with scientists and other science professionals” said Barbara Tharp, assistant professor with the Center for Educational Outreach at Baylor.

This year, KPRC2’s Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley presented on hurricanes and other extreme weather phenomenon, including statistical information on hurricanes correlating with changes in global climate and environmental factors. He also spoke about the educational path for people who wish to become meteorologists.

Learn more about Baylor’s Center for Educational Outreach.