Local HS teachers take part in Keuka Institute

Nine teachers from seven area middle and high schools will enhance their knowledge of science, mathematics and technology and garner hands-on research skills that they can use in their classrooms July 27-31 at Keuka College.Keuka was one of seven colleges and organizations selected to host a Rochester Area Colleges—Center for Excellence in Math and Science (RAC-CEMS) summer institute.The goals of the Rochester Science Technology Engineering (STEM) Teaching Institutes are to provide high quality professional development and to establish a regional professional learning community committed to continuous improvement in STEM education.“Using Zebra Mussels for Good, not Evil: Hands-on Experiments and Modeling Activities” is the title of the Keuka institute.“We will provide teachers with a tool to transform a real world, local problem into an opportunity to engage in active, on-going, hands-on research with their students while increasing their understanding and use of science, mathematics and technology,” said Michael Keck, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Education and associate professor of chemistry.Keck and Tim Sellers, associate professor of biology and environmental science, authored the proposal submitted to RAC-CEMS. Joining them as institute faculty is Joyce Monje, instructor of mathematics.Teachers taking part in the institute include: * Teresa Gable, Seneca Falls Middle School. * James Hahn, Penfield High School. * Linda Knewstub, Ithaca High School. * Kyla Lester, Corning West High School. * Barbara Densmore, Wilson Magnet High School. * Kerry Mette, Geneva High School. * Maureen Jarvis, Skaneateles High School. * Maureen Russell, Naples Jr.-Sr. High School. * Joan Barnard, Geneva High School.The institute will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. It is free and high school teachers taking part will receive a $100 stipend. For more information, stories, and photos, go to: http://blogs.keuka.edu/aquatic-research/