jrlewis's blog

Julia Lewis

11/7/08

Project Draft

Motor Imagery, Mental Health, and the Brain

I cam to Bryn Mawr College with the goal of obtaining an education that would enable me to be a successful high school chemistry teacher.  In my first three years, I completed a chemistry major.  So fascinated by the science I failed to take more than two education courses. 

The K-12 Summer Institutes are a great program with their achievement evidenced by the numerous returning participants.  Clearly, the participants’ expectations are either met of exceeded or they would not return.  Another significant success, was the continuing engagement of participants involved in multiple institutes this summer.  This indicates that each institute significantly different material. 

Despite the different topics they addressed, there were some themes common to all the institutes.  They all advocated an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approach to education.  Each of them discussed and incorporated the use of computers and technology in the classroom.  These themes are consistent with those stated for the institutes on Serendip. 

The Science as Interactive, Interdisciplinary Inquiry Institute went very well. There was a diverse group of presenters including a Bryn Mawr College English professor, a current institute participant, and three Bryn Mawr College Biology professors.  The topics discussed varied from obviously relevant to those requiring more reflection.  This permitted participants to connect the concepts of interactivity, interdisciplinarity, and inquiry.  All of the presentations were engaging, interesting, and relevant.  The participants made excellent use of this material and produced an impressive body of work.  (Much of which is available on Serendip.) 

I think the Inquiry Institute is off to a wonderful start.  The participants are excited and engaged everyday.  The teachers are easily connecting with one another. Already they have produced some amazing collaborative pieces, including lesson plans for use at multiple levels. 

The casual structure of the institute allows teachers to interact with the material presented according to their own interests.  Wil often wanders the room engaging individuals in debate about the morning’s topics.  There are ample opportunities for the participants to reflect on incorporating inquiry into their own pedagogical practices. 

I am a rising senior chemistry major at Bryn Mawr.  My interests include biology, chemistry, philosophy, and specific aspects of animal behavior.  Any suggestions about how to incorporate these concepts into education would be welcome.  I am still in the setting up my post graduation plans.  Also accepting suggestions for my future. 

For a detailed account of when, where, why, and how my love affair with science education began see the following link.  /exchange/node/2577#comment-65988  The abbreviated version is that I want to grow up and be just like my 10th grade chemistry teacher. 

Haverford College hosted the Computer Science Education Summer Institute for one week. There were six speakers who presented on how to incorporate computers and computer science in K-12 education. They provided hands on activities, sample material, and a context for the programs or topics discussed. The thoughts I present, reflect the times I was in attendance. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in the entire institute.