Misconceptions in Physical Science

University of Massachusetts > STEM > 2008 Misconceptions in Physical Science

Assessing and Addressing Misconceptions in Physical Science

A Professional Development Institute

For Grades 3-8 Teachers

Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary& Secondary Education (MA DESE)

Hosted by the Chicopee Public Schools in partnership with the Regional Science Resource Center at UMASS Medical School

The course will focus on the following: 

• Deepening and strengthening teacher content knowledge on specific physical science concepts (energy and energy transfer, electricity, density and conservation of mass) underlying science misconceptions
• Raising awareness of the pervasiveness and strength of physical science misconceptions 
• Using and interpreting formative assessments for understanding students' reasoning for what they know and what they don't yet understand.
• Learning and practicing instructional strategies and activities to help students interpret and develop understanding of physical science concepts.

This course is funded by the MA DESE.  Participants will be eligible to receive 67.5 PDPs upon completion of the institute requirements. 3 graduate credits will be available from Worcester State College for $300 at the participants own expense.

Institute Presenters

• Joanne Jenal, Anna Marie College
• Duke Dawson, Anna Marie College
• Joyce Tugal. Maine Math and Science Alliance
• Kathy Berube, Worcester Public Schools
• Sandra Mayrand, University of Massachusetts Medical School

To register, email Bobbi Coletta, Chicopee Public Schools

For further information on the institute or graduate credit, contact Sandy Mayrand by email, or by telephone at 508 856-5097

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