Treasure Forest Elementary hosts Model Science Training Lab for teachers

Fifteen elementary science teachers from Spring Branch ISD campuses have joined dozens of science

Sherwood Elementary science teachers Assael Guzman, Shelly Jackson and Pam Brennan train at the Treasure Forest Elementary-based lab.

instructors from across the region this fall in the new ConocoPhillips Rice (CPR) Elementary Model Science Training Lab, which opened recently at Treasure Forest Elementary School, 7635 Amelia Road.

The innovative ConocoPhillips Rice Lab, the second such professional development project of its kind sponsored by the Rice University Center for Education, will provide meaningful learning experiences to 80 elementary school teachers each week to help them return to their classrooms and provide the very best science instruction possible.

The ConocoPhillips Rice Lab at Treasure Forest Elementary is funded at no cost to teachers this year from grants and a generous donation from ConocoPhillips. Each participating teacher, or intern, attends the lab a full day each week for the entire academic year learning science content and instructional styles and strategies.

The Lab program emphasizes hands-on learning and inquiry-based methods, teaching for understanding, and a focus on knowledge of science content, science teaching methods and teacher leadership.

Participating interns are third through fifth-grade teachers. For their commitment, the interns will earn three hours of Rice University graduate credit, a $5,184 value; six hours of Gifted & Talented Differentiated Instruction; $1,000 in classroom supplies and materials; and a $500 stipend.

Each participating campus will receive free access to the Rice University Center for Education’s online elementary science curriculum resource, called TAKScopes.com, a $2,950 value, and additional student materials. Schools pay for the cost of covering teachers’ classes once a week.

After a recent Lab orientation, several SBISD elementary science teachers said that they were looking forward to attending the Model Science Lab at Treasure Forest Elementary.

“I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful program. I signed up because I always want be ‘on the cutting edge’ of new science procedures and ideas,” said veteran classroom teacher and science improvement specialist Holly Kundrock at Spring Shadows Elementary School.

For Edgewood Elementary School’s Alma Villarreal, the Model Science Lab is a rare opportunity to expand her “teaching toolbox.” She teaches science to students at all grade levels at her elementary school.

“I hope to learn a new approach to thinking about my teaching that will make my lessons stronger from start to finish, always with the learning of students in mind,” she said. “I also hope to learn new methods of differentiation so I can reach all learners. The students will reap the benefits by receiving exciting lessons and staying engaged in science learning.”

The first Rice Elementary Model Science Lab program was established in 2006 in response to the high need for improved science content and enhanced instructional strategies for elementary science teachers. For many lab graduates, the Rice Lab program has been a “life changing” experience.

“The goal of the Model Science Labs is to teach teachers how to ‘teach for understanding’ and empower students to learn and love science. The inquiry methods employed in teaching the teachers in the Lab are the same methods we ask the teachers to use in the classroom,” said Lab Associate Director C.J. Thompson.

The new ConocoPhillips Rice Lab at Treasure Forest Elementary School began operation Sept. 9. Interns from a dozen school districts ranging from Galveston to Tomball will meet there weekly through May 2009.

Rice University staff involved in the ConocoPhillips Rice Lab at Treasure Forest Elementary this year include Dr. Wallace Dominey, associate directors C.J. Thompson and Lisa Webber, assistant director Andrew Kapral, and staff assistant Charles Hill. For more information, please contact the Elementary Model Science Lab at 713-613-1719.

ConocoPhillips Rice Elementary Model Science Lab:
SBISD teachers who are program interns this year at the Treasure Forest Elementary Lab

	Edgewood Elementary	Alma Villarea	5th grade
	Hollibrook Elementary	Headiyah Farahmand	4th grade
	Housman Elementary	Rosa Beck	4th grade
	Pine Shadows Elementary	Minerva Macedo	4th grade
	Ridgecrest Elementary	Maria Dimareli	3rd grade
		Amelia Leballo	5th grade
	Sherwood Elementary	Pamela Brennan	3rd grade
		Assael Guzman	4th grade
		Shelly Jackson	5th grade
	Spring Branch Elementary	Candase Charles	5th grade
	Spring Shadows Elementary	Holly Kundrock	Lab K-5th grade
	Thornwood Elementary	Lori Jones	5th grade
	Treasure Forest Elementary	Clarise Franke	5th grade
		Hector Gonzalez	3rd grade
		Renee Riner	4th grade