Patrice Marby, who teaches biology and anatomy at Vincent Middle High School,  has been selected to participate in the NASA Institutes training at the Marshall Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville to learn more about the implementation of the newly adopted state course standards in Science.  Marby was one of two participants selected from each region based on evidence of teacher leadership and interest.

The primary goals of the NASA Institutes, are to strengthen understanding of the new science course of study, to provide resources for teaching the science standards, and to develop a Learning Community network of educators throughout the state with the potential to maximize student success in science learning.

During the three-day NASA Institutes, participants will be trained by education staff in the use of NASA education products specific to their grade bands and aligned to the new Alabama Course of Study: Science, tour the Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Museum, and develop model lessons and units. Participants will also hear about real-world applications of the standards through discussion-style presentations by NASA subject-matter experts in science and engineering. Each day will include time for processing of the given information and for collaboration with grade-band colleagues from around the state to prepare model lessons and units incorporating the NASA resources.

The NASA Institutes are a first step in the development of Learning Communities throughout the state facilitated by the Alabama State Department of Education’s Regional Support Coordinators, NASA staff, and the trained participants. Participants will serve as Learning Community experts as they co-present workshops within their respective regions that are focused on the model lessons and units developed during the Institutes. They will act as first-level supports for the implementation of those lessons over the next two academic years. NASA staff and Regional Support Coordinators will provide material support and, where feasible, face-to-face or virtual co-presentation of lessons.