Patterns Around Us

UMass Amherst Summer Institute

July 1-2, 2013 plus 1 Autumn Saturday Recall

• Small group of ~8 teachers

• General science, biology, physics, technology/engineering

• Housing for those outside the commuter area

• $250 summer stipend; $75 Saturday recall

Benjamin Davidovitch, UMass Physics; Narayanan Menon, UMass Physics; Jennifer Welborn, Amherst Regional Middle School; Wayne Kermenski, Mohawk Regional School

“Science may be described as the attempt to give good accounts of the patterns in nature. The result of scientific investigation is an understanding of natural processes.... Overall, the key criterion of science is that it provides a clear, rational, and succinct account of a pattern in nature....” Massachusetts State Frameworks for Science and Technology.

We will explore the process of pattern recognition, analysis, and prediction  (RAP) through a variety of activities which align with the Frameworks. 

Application form

• Materials from a Patterns Saturday Seminar
• Summer Institute 2013 Materials
• Photo Gallery Summer 2013 Institute

Patterns in Nature Saturday Recall

The purpose of this meeting is for participants is to report on their experience in and/or plans for implementing to use patterns institute materials as a topic in the classroom. This could be large or small in extent, such as an entire lab or a bell-ringer.

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2013, 9:00-12:00    Coffee: 8:30    Location TBA