Xplorer GLX -Class Outline

Day One

Morning Activities (8:30 – 12:00)

• Getting Started-
  Walk through a basic Xplorer GLX data collection exercise with facilitators and then immediately test and extend your new skills by proposing your own hypothesis and testing it through measurement.

• Essential Skill Builder Activities-
  Walk through a series of hands-on activities with facilitators to develop essential skills for using your Xplorer GLX. You’ll have the opportunity to practice and test your skills with a lab activity challenge after each walkthrough.

Lunch – provided by PASCO (12:00 – 1:00)

Afternoon Activities (1:00 – 4:30)

• Lab Resources Overview-
  Learn where to find probeware labs and see examples of various lab delivery formats.

• Lab Activities-
  Apply skills you have developed and explore science through popular probeware labs in biology, chemistry, earth/environmental science, and physics.

• Long Term Experiment Setup-
  Learn about some of the GLX features best used in long-term data collection as facilitators set up an overnight experiment.

• Technology Integration-
  Enjoy an opportunity discuss with your colleagues how best to get started in your classroom. They will get to learn from the experiences of teachers who have used the Xplorer GLX, and share some ideas of your own.

Day Two

Morning Activities (8:30 – 12:00)

·        Overnight Experiment Results-
View, analyze and discuss the results of the data collected in the overnight experiment.

·        Rocket Engine Demonstration-

Facilitators will review some of the skills learned on Day-1 as well as show additional GLX features while they compare the manufacturer’s specification of a model rocket engine with experimentally determined values.

·        Self-customized training-

Choose one of the following tracks that best suits their needs. Each track consists of a number of hands-on, self-paced, exercises which are followed by challenges that allow you to apply and check your skill development.

o       Track 1 – Advanced GLX features

Practice using some of GLX features especially suited for physics investigations, including photogates and timers, the graph in scope mode, sound output, GLX power amplifier, and calculator functions that allow for sense and control.

o       Track 2 – Field study skills

Teachers, especially of biology, earth/environmental, and/or middle school, will have the opportunity to take advantage of the portability of the GLX and collect data in the field. You will learn to explore using different sampling modes and techniques, and work with their peers to compile field data to learn more about your environment.

o       Track 3 – Sensor information and exploration

Optimize the use of popular sensors used in your subject area. Learn how each works and how to use it. Also pick up troubleshooting tips and ideas for application.

o       Track 4 – GLX with the computer

Teachers who have classroom computers may discover the new possibilities that open up when they connect the GLX to a computer. Activities include transferring files and analyzing data in DataStudio, exporting GLX data as text files for manipulating in programs such as MS Excel, and using the GLX Simulator to project your screen for class instruction or demonstration.

o       Track 5 – Lab exploration

Enjoy the time to continue lab investigations with the GLX and add more skills and activities to their arsenal.

Lunch – provided by PASCO (12:00 – 1:00)

Afternoon Activities (1:00 – 4:30)

• Lab Development-
  Work cooperatively or independently to develop or modify a lab for your students. You must complete a test case of a lab activity candidate and outline how your students will complete the lab to meet their desired learning outcomes.

• Participant Lab Presentation, Discussion, and Evaluation -
  Present your lab activity to their peers for feedback.

• Workshop Wrap-up -
  Take time to reflect on what they have learned and how effective the workshop was while you complete an evaluation. Also review the tools for post-workshop communication so that you can continue to collaborate with fellow workshop attendees and share classroom experiences.