Computing

 

Computing MATTERS: Inquiry-Based Science and Mathematics Enhanced by Computational Thinking

 

August 11-12, 2014

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Registration deadline extended to Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

 

Location

  • UT Austin J.J. Pickle Research Center
  • Texas Advanced Computing Center
  • 10100 Burnet Road
  • Austin, TX 78758
  • Get Directions

 

Eligible Attendees

Texas teachers of Biology, Algebra and middle school math and science are eligible to attend.

 

Description

The workshop will focus on inquiry-based learning enhanced by computational thinking with content and practice to assist teachers and faculty to incorporate modeling at all levels from desktop to mobile. The workshop will expose teachers to the basics of computational thinking, including modeling and simulation, with special emphasis on exploring topics that complement each other in math and biology. Materials for the workshop are drawn from National Science Digital Library (NSDL), in particular Shodor’s extensive Interactivate collection of lessons, discussions, activities, and supporting materials, aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.

Why Use Computational Thinking to Enhance Inquiry-based Learning?  Computational science has proven itself as a new way of doing science, enabling observations to be made that are not possible in any other way. Further, as a model of modeling, computational models offer a higher level of independent variation and control unachievable by “wet” or laboratory experiments. There is a fundamental skill-set with respect to any computation, all centered around the simple question, “how do you know if it is right?” Mathematics from arithmetic to algebra can be brought in through dynamic, visual, and interactive models.

Agenda

A draft agenda for this event is available for download. (PDF)

 

Certificates of Participation

Certificates stating 14 Continuing Professional Education hours (CPE credits) earned will be sent electronically after the participant has completed the online course evaluation. Participants should receive the certificate two to three weeks after the event. Any questions about certificates should be directed toward the contact person listed on this page.

 

Contact

 

Accommodations

No hotel block arrangements have been made for this event but a list of nearby hotels has been provided below for your convenience. Please make reservations at an area hotel of your choice, asking for state rate.

Notice TRC will reimburse you for your travel to the training and hotel at state rate following the event.

 Please print and provide a copy of the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate (linked below) to the hotel staff when you check in. You will not be reimbursed for state tax. The

Accommodation Documents

 

Parking

PRC is a gated facility. Upon entering the campus, please stop at the guard post to tell the guard that you are a TACC visitor. (We will provide you with a parking pass so it is not necessary to purchase one.) To get to the Research Office Complex (ROC), Building 196, go through the chain link gate to Road A and turn right. ROC is at the last building on the right. When you arrive at ROC, you may park in the covered visitor parking area or any open space in front of ROC. Go up the brick pathway to the entrance of the building. TACC is on the right as you enter the double doors. Please check in at the receptionist desk to obtain a visitor parking pass and return it to your car.

 

Registration

  • Registration Fee: $90.00 per participant
  • Registration fees cover Breakfast and lunch each day
  • Payments are due before this event
  • Refunds will not be issued for cancellations or those not in attendance
  • Event limited to 30 participants
  • Registration closes on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

 

Registration Payment

  • Participants can pay by credit card or check. The registration confirmation email will contain all necessary information to provide to business offices for credit card payment records and check processing instructions.
  • Checks for registration need to be made out to “The University of Texas at Austin.” Please send to the attention of Jeff Early along with the printed registration confirmation email. 

Registration Instructions

Click the registration button below to register your attendance. You will be asked your name, email, and collaborative. If you are not the project director, you will need to enter your project director’s email as well. If you have multiple people attending, please fill out this form for each person that will be attending. You may need to quit and restart your browser to enter multiple people. If you need technical help with the registration page, send an email to the: TRC Web Team.

Click to Register