As the semester winds down and we get ready for Christmas break, I wanted to send some updates from the 2011 project and an advance notice of the 2012 adventure.
- Building on their success with the presentation of the coal project to the West Virginia Science Teachers' Association, Kellie and Danielle have submitted a proposal to present at the state professional development schools conference. If their proposal is accepted, they will share our course and trip (as well as this blog) with educators from around the state.
- Josh & Dan have been working hard to complete the video journal from the coal trip. They had so much video footage to use that it was very difficult for them to select segments that represents all we did on the trip and keep the total length to about 30 minutes. These two videographers have done great work that we can all be proud to share as a product of our study. They hope to have the videos ready for distribution soon.
- To help with planning for the 2012 project, we will soon be sending a survey to the 2011 coal project participants. The goal of the survey is to provide feedback on what worked well with the coal project and where we need to make changes. We sincerely want to give you the best experience we can possibly provide to transform your classrooms. Feedback from you is the best way we can continue to serve you better. The survey link will be announced soon on this blog.
- Plans for the 2012 project continue to take shape. The topic will be forest products and rail transport in West Virginia. These two industries are so closely tied that it would be counterproductive to attempt to separate them for our study. As with the coal project, we will study the history and science of these industries as well as the art, music, economics, literature, mathematics and culture. Right now it looks like the course will take place on Thursday evenings in March and April (4-6:30 pm). The trip is planned for July 15-20. Please keep in mind that all plans are tentative at this point but we wanted to give the 2011 coal participants an early "heads-up" regarding 2012 plans. Applications will be distributed by Karen after you return from Christmas break.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. I look forward to working with you soon for the 2012 Forest and Rail Transport project.
