Alpha Rho State 2014 Convention

Mt. Bachelor Village Resort
Bend, Oregon

May 2 - 4, 2014

2014 Workshop Sessions

All Workshops offer PDU Credit, with the exception of the Session IV Workshop for New Chapter Presidents

PDF Version of Workshops

Session I: 10:00-10:50 a.m.

Early Childhood Strand
Let's Play with Science: Ramps and Pathways in Early Childhood
Cindy Ryan, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood at Western
Oregon University, Alpha Epsilon Chapter

Come play with us! In this session we will interact with blocks, ramps, and other materials to experience how young children learn science through play in the classroom. We will talk about science, physics, math, and more!

Elementary Strand
Get Your Geographic Literacy On by Seeing First Hand How a
Giant Map will Enrich your Elementary and Middle School
Shirley Lomax (Alpha Epsilon Chapter), Judy Lowery, & Gwenda Rice,
Teacher Consultants from the Center for Geography Education in
Oregon and Instructors at Western Oregon University

Participants in this workshop will learn how to set up a free Student Atlas of Oregon workshop in their schools. They will preview workshop components illustrating how the atlas can be used to actively teach multiple subjects in order to promote geographic literacy.

Middle/High/University Strand
Real World Robots in STEM Curriculum (grades 7-12)
Valeria Menke, Community Involvement Coordinator for Eagle
Ridge High School, Alpha Chapter

Join in this fun session to gain an introduction to the FIRSTRobotics program and learn how teachers can use robotics to strengthen real world knowledge in STEM academics.  Participants will have an opportunity to explore a NASA Robotics Alliance Robot. 

Adult Learner Strand
Brain Games for Adults
Kelly McIntyre, School Counselor, Psi Chapter

What are the causes of our mental loss? Can we get it back? Can we keep it from happening? We’ll look at ways to stay mentally stimulated as we age. We’ll also practice some mental exercises. Be ready to exercise your brain!

Session II: 11:00-11:50 a.m.

Early Childhood Strand
Skillful Toys: Abacus Bracelets and Pattern Blocks
Bev Finkbeiner Mayhew, Integrated Education Specialist

Starting with the goal of "playing" our way to skill and knowledge, participants in this session will experience simple toys with limitless extensions across the curriculum.

Elementary Strand (Repeat of Session I)
Get Your Geographic Literacy On by Seeing First Hand How a
Giant Map will Enrich your Elementary and Middle School
Shirley Lomax-Alpha Epsilon Chapter, Judy Lowery, & Gwenda Rice,
Teacher Consultants from the Center for Geography Education in
Oregon and Instructors at Western Oregon University

Participants in this workshop will learn how to set up a free Student Atlas of Oregon workshop in their schools. They will preview workshop components illustrating how the atlas can be used to actively teach multiple subjects in order to promote geographic literacy.

Middle/High/University Strand (Repeat of Session I)
Real World Robots in STEM Curriculum
Valeria Menke, Community Involvement Coordinator for Eagle
Ridge High School, Alpha Chapter

Join in this fun session to gain an introduction to the FIRSTRobotics program and learn how teachers can use robotics to strengthen real world knowledge in STEM academics. Participants will have an opportunity to explore a NASA Robotics Alliance Robot.

Adult Learner Strand
Keep Your Bones Safe at Any Age: It's Never too Late!
Dr. Kara Witzke, Program Lead of Exercise & Sport Science,
OSU-Cascades

Osteoporosis runs in families but just because it runs in yours doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of brittle bones and an early hip replacement! The right diet and exercise routine are key but many people don’t know exactly what this should look like. Is walking enough? Can I just drink a glass of milk every day to keep my bone density high? Kara will present her research in this area and provide practical recommendations for improving bone health across the lifespan.

Session III: 2:30-3:20 p.m.

Early Childhood Strand
Curious Minds: Supporting STEM in Early Childhood Classroom
Dr. Cindy Ryan, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood at WOU,
Alpha Epsilon Chapter

In this workshop, you will learn about what's new in technology in early childhood. We'll have fun exploring how to support STEM in the classroom. You will learn strategies you can take back to put into practice in your classroom. For example, you'll have a chance to try out a microscope that can be attached to a camera or iPad for children to explore things up close. You will leave this session with a toolbox of resources, strategies, and ideas.

Elementary Strand
No More Robots: Why Go STEM in K-12?
Stefanie Garber, Culver School District Superintendent/Elementary Principal

In this high stakes testing environment the culture of public education and teaching has changed drastically. This workshop showcases one district's journey to go against the norm and transition into STEM/PBL (project-based learning) for K-12 education. Discussion of the district's transition plan, examples of projects already completed, grants and partners, and looking towards the future will be included.

Middle/High/University Strand
Developing STEM Projects at Your School
Ashwin Datta, National Teen Advisor and Glencoe High School Student

Attend this workshop and learn about fostering a myriad of various STEM ideas and converting them to reality through a relatively straightforward and clear framework.

Adult Learner Strand
Life in 140 Characters: A W5 (and a bit of how)
About Technology in Teaching & Other Life Moments
Lace Marie Brogden PhDAssociate Professor of French education in minority language contexts at the University of Regina, Canada, DKG International Representative

Whether you pin, tweet, or post (or would like to), this workshop looks at some educational possibilities and philosophical quirks related to e-tools for educators. It will examine questions related to using – or not using – various social media and other technologies in personal and professional contexts. Participants are encouraged to bring their smart phone or tablet (or pen and paper)

Session IV: 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Early Childhood Strand
The Importance of Positive Outcomes for Young Children on Early BrainDevelopment
Linda M. Craven, M.ED., Director of Early Childhood at Family Building Blocks, Salem, OR; Alpha Epsilon Chapter

School readiness and the child’s ability to learn complex thinking and reasoning skills assumes that the early brain development has been free of toxic stress and trauma caused by chaos, neglect and abuse. Understanding what optimal experiences are necessary and how toxic stress, chaos, abuse and neglect impacts brain development, prepares educators to redefine what school readiness looks like when early experiences have not been optimal.

Elementary Strand
Terse Verse: A Learning Loop in Language and Science for Reluctant Readers, Second-Language Learners and Everyone Else
Bev Finkbeiner Mayhew, Integrated Education Specialist

Participants will begin a "mobius strip" in science-filled language and loop back around to create their own terse verse showcasing a new set of scientific facts.

Middle/High/University Strand
Utilizing Local STEM Opportunities
Ashwin Datta, National Teen Advisor and Glencoe High School Student

In this workshop you will learn how to make the best use of STEM-related activity opportunities in your area, which are vital for students to forging and nurture robust career field interests as well as increasing the mental stimulation of students at a level beyond the average standard. Learn how to find viable STEM opportunities, gain the right tools, and grab the attention of students.

Adult Learner Strand
Chapter Member Toolbox
Kelly McIntyre, School Counselor, Psi Chapter

This workshop is required for all new Chapter Presidents. Do you know all you need to know about chapter membership? Do you understand all the forms? We will go through what State and International DKG require from Chapters. We will share ideas on increasing membership and maintaining those members we have.