ESS Passport Synopsis
ESS Passport is an amazing professional development program which has been funded for three years by the Math Science Partnership (MSP) Program allocated by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Science teachers participate in the program with a cohort for two years. Earth and Space Science (ESS) Passport participants are trained in ESS content, WV Next Generation Science Standards (WV NxGen & NGSS), engineering design, and best pedagogical practices. During the two years teachers are provided with classroom materials and activity guides to assist in the implementation of activities. Teachers attend two summer workshops (Green Bank Observatory with Earth and space science content specialists and Fairmont State University with NASA IV&V Educatory Resource Center). As a direct result of the first summer workshop, they are trained in West Virginia field geology, the Junior Skynet Scholars program, and become GLOBE certified teachers. The second summer workshop incorporates engineering design and certify teachers to check out NASA loaner kits on space weather and robotics. Through the school year teachers participate in monthly web meetings, present at WVSTA (West Virginia Science Teachers Association), attend a spring geology field trip, and conduct action research in their own classroom!
We work hard, but enjoy the challenges and camaraderie of working with great teachers!
2016 - Cohort 1 Participants
2017 - Cohort 2 Participants
2018 - Cohort 3 Participants
Check out the already statewide cohort of teachers who have begun the journey to great Earth and space science teaching!
Partners:
