We can provide individualized consulting services on program development for AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Environmental, AP US History, AP English Lit and many others.
PWISTA Consulting services is a subsidiary of Marsilio Langella Inc.
- Professional Development Programs
- Instrument Training Programs
PWISTA provides the following Professional Consulting Services for school districts:
- 3 Hour After School Programs
- 6 Hour Saturday Programs
- 3 Hour Programs for In-school Professional Development Programs
- 4 Day Institutes
The following are examples of themes we can provide:
- Professional Science Teacher Methodology Development
- Technology Application Courses
- Classroom Management Programs
- Specifically Designed District Development Programs
additional information, pricing, specialized proposal please contact
Mark Langella, 914-497-8531 or via email, langella@pwista.com
Below are Sample Programs:
Safety in the Chemistry Lab Presented by Mark Langella
This 3 hour program covers the fundamentals of Lab Safety in the Middle School and High School Labs.
Presentation Outline
o Introduction to Safety
o Overcrowding in the Science Laboratory
o Student Safety Contract and Exam
o Where and Why Science Accidents Occur
o Right to Know Laws* or Hazard Communication Standards
o The Teacher’s Duty of Care
o Foundation of Negligence
o Causes of Laboratory Accidents
o Hazard Communication
o Laboratory Ventilation and Use of Fume Hoods
o Material Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Label Requirements
o Principles of Toxicology
o Relative Toxicity—Understanding and Assessing Risks
o Reducing Exposure to Laboratory Chemicals
o The Use of Personal Protective Equipment
o Aprons, Gloves, and Other PPE
Laboratory Safety Equipment and Procedures
o Master Utility Controls It is important to know how the water, electric, and gas
shutoffs work in the laboratory.
o Fire Blankets
o Fire Extinguisher Basics and Training
o Eyewash Requirements
o Safety Showers
o Lack of Proper Safety Equipment
o The Duty to Supervise—Classroom Management Tips
o How to Conduct a Safe Lab Activity
o Safety Guidelines for Chemical Demonstrations
o Glassware Safety
Safe Chemical Management—Principles and Practice
o Chemical Purchasing Guidelines Always ask yourself fi ve simple questions before
o Purchasing a chemical!
o Classroom Chemical Storage and Security
o Dispensing Chemicals and Acid Safety
o Chemical Spill Control
o Storage and Disposal of Chemicals
o Safety and Design of the Chemical Storeroom
o Chemical Storage—Storing
o Chemical Treatment and Disposal Options
o Licensed Hazardous Waste Disposal
Methods of Teaching Physics
During this four day workshop participants will be actively involved in preparing lessons for the following school year. All topics from the new state syllabus will be covered. Each day will be divided into 4 distinct sessions.
The instructor will share his favorite demonstrations that are guaranteed to generate interest and enthusiasm in all students. At the end of the week, all experienced teachers will be asked to share one demonstration that they use and have found to be most successful. Interesting web sites will be explored and shared among the participants. The teachers will learn how to use the Internet to find and use Physics applets in the classroom. All teachers will compile a list of tested simulations and interactive labs, which can be used free on the Internet. Each afternoon will be devoted to lab activities. Participants will perform labs using Jell-O and two by fours on the low tech end of the spectrum and a full range of PASCO equipment at the nearly state of the art end. The labs are designed to have students use real life experiences and science inquiry skills to solve open-ended questions. Teachers will write up one lab activity and share it with the class by the end of the week. Teaching strategies and tips will be a daily ritual each day which will include but not be limited to videos, homework, projects, worksheets, tests, PowerPoint presentations, objectives, dry erase boards, ordering equipment and supplies, magic, and cartoons. Whether this is your first year teaching, or you are an experienced science teacher planning on getting certified in a second area, or you are an experienced physics teacher looking for a few new tricks to liven up your lessons, this is the workshop for you.
Methods of Teaching The Living Environment Curriculum Using Water Quality Studies, Hands-On Activities, and The Internet
Target Audience: Living Environment and Environmental Science Teachers
This program is designed to assist instructors in developing lessons that can be taught to their students that involves the use of scientific inquiry using local flora and fauna. Educators will be lead through a variety of activities that will help them to develop a better understanding of how they can use local ecosystems to enhance their curriculum. Data that is generated by the teachers will be organized in such a way that it will be able available for them to analyze and manage during the upcoming year.
Methods of Teaching Forensic Science Course
This Forensic workshop will offer teachers the opportunity to explore the following topics: Blood & Blood Spatter Analysis, Finger-printing, Hair & Fiber Analysis, Toxicology, Physical Evidence, Skeletal Remains, and Entomology. Participants may use the information, labs, crime scenes and resources provided to start their own half-year course or supplement current science curriculum to stimulate student interest by using the science of criminology.
Preventing Classroom Discipline Problems
Target Audience: All Classroom Teachers
The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for teachers of all grade levels and years of experience to explore the area of dealing with classroom discipline problems. This program is based on the premise that helping teachers prevent discipline problems requires more than offering theoretical explanations and “do this-solutions” to the problem. The course is designed to facilitate teachers through the process of evaluating their perceptions, behaviors, instructional methodologies, and classroom environment as they relate to preventing classroom discipline problems so they can be more effective. Upon completion participants will determine changes they can make to lower the probability of disruptive behavior in their classroom.
Using the Internet in a Curriculum Sequence
This class will focus on Web Site usage and Internet resources. Many animations and Simulations will be presented, along with related demonstrations, and Internet based lab activities.
New Chemistry Teacher Training
This program is designed for teachers who have less than six years of teaching experience. The goals of the program is to provide the following:
Curriculum Structure and Sequencing,Content Knowledge for the Specific DisciplineMethods of Teaching Specific topics within the Curriculum, Enhance your classroom presentations in many areas of the Chemistry Program, Encourage teachers to use methods in their classrooms that involve new demonstration ideas, Expand the scope of your laboratory activities , Provide a forum for discussion and sharing of their materials and ideas, Provide an opportunity for teachers training for multiple disciplines.
Methods of Teaching Biology using Zoology
The activities-based course provides information on teaching zoology with or without live animals in the classroom. The course will provide participants with various activites that enhance student understanding and knowledge of many different animals from around the world. The activities will reflect the following topics over a four Saturday period:
* Topic 1: Introduction Activities, Invertebrate Zoology, Animals that are inexpensive for lab/activity use (live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 2 : Animal Physiology , Evolutionary Relationships, Endangered Species Activities (includes live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 3: Animal Behavior, Pack Behavior, Mammals (includes live animal demonstrations)
* Topic 4: Using Reptiles and Amphibians in your curriculum (includes live animal demonstrations)
(each area will include experimental work to support the concepts)
Both experienced and novice Biology teachers can benefit from this program.
Methods of Teaching Science for Elementary School Teachers
This course is designed for elementary educators who teach grades 1 through 4. The focus of the program will be to revisit essential scientific principles and to develop new concepts to facilitate the implementation of the physical setting fraction of the New State Elementary School Core Curriculum. The course will be presented by using student centered hands-on activities, experiments and demonstrations preformed with household products and equipment.
Methods of Teaching Earth Science
While Earth Science encompasses Geology, Meteorology and Astronomy, the topics of Astronomy will be the focus of this week long workshop. New York State Curriculum requirements will be addressed.
Topics will include stellar evolution (the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram), stellar radiation output rates, the Universal Expansion Theory, parallax, creating and interpreting impact basins, as well as the Moon’s orbit, phases and eclipses.
Each topic will be presented through a variety of laboratory experiences and Interactive internet lessons. Teachers will have the opportunity to create and modify lessons for their own classrooms.
Throughout the week teaching methods and strategies will be shared through worksheets and laboratory activities. The identification of necessary equipment, materials, and internet websites / animations will be shared.
Using Organic Chemistry to Teach Concepts in General Chemistry
This program will provide an opportunity for high school Chemistry/ Biology teachers to observe significant teaching demonstrations using Organic Chemistry to teach general topics in basic and advanced chemistry.
Topics to be covered will include:
Hydrocarbon Chemistry (Structures, Isomers, Nomenclature) Functional Group Chemistry (Structures, Nomenclature, Reactivity) Thermo chemistry Bond Energies Stoichiometry Separation Science Intermolecular Attractions Polymers Molecular Geometry Bonding Theory Spectroscopy (each area will include experimental work to support the concepts).
Methods of Teaching Biology (Zoology, Behavior, Evolution, Embryology and Differentiated Presentation)
This one week summer institute will provide an opportunity for high school biology ” Living Environment ” teachers to observe significant teaching demonstrations and to review with presenters a variety of topics covered in Biology.
The institute will provide information and materials to participating teachers that will:
enhance your classroom presentations in many areas of the Biology program. encourage teachers to use methods in their classrooms that involve new demonstration ideas expand the scope of your laboratory activities provide a forum for discussion and sharing of their materials and ideas. refine your skills in examination preparation. Topics to be covered will include:
· Zoology
· Animal Behavior
· Evolution
· Embryology
· Methods of Differentiated Presentation
(each area will include experimental work to support the concepts)
Both experienced and novice Biology teachers can benefit from this program.
Methods of Teaching Biology Series ( Botany and Genetics)
Presented By Alan Gardner,
AP Biology Instructor,
Topics in Botany, Mendelian Genetics, and Molecular Genetics will be the foci of discussion. Teaching techniques, laboratory investigations, and content information appropriate for Advanced Placement and Honors Biology courses will be presented. Handouts for use in classrooms will be provided.
Exam essays and testing objectives will be overviewed as part of discussion. Botany will include a discussion of plant evolution, alternation of generation life cycles, and plant physiology.
Plants will serve as model organisms for Mendelian genetics problems and breeding experiments.
An in-depth study of DNA synthesis, transcription, translation, restriction enzyme analysis, and electrophoresis.
Included will be a one day program of newly developed molecular biology experiments presented by the Fisher Biological Supply Company.
Methods of Teaching Inter- Molecular Attractions
- This session will focus on ways of demonstrating Intermolecular attractions and its effects on Physical and Chemical change. Topics include surface chemistry, vapor pressure, boiling points, viscosity, colligative properties, hydrogen bonding, London dispersion forces, and much more.
Methods of Using Micro scale Technology for Titrations and Thermo chemistry Labs
Presented by Mark Langella
New Chemistry Teacher Training Program
The program consists of a Four day Workshop totaling 30 hours of training. Each day will be focused to specific areas of the chemistry curriculum.
Curriculum Sequence, Nuclear Chemistry and Atomic Structure, Presented by Walter Rohr
- Gases and Stoichiometry, Presented by Dr. Robert Gamper
- Solution Chemistry and Acid/Base Chemistry, Presented by Stuart Close
- Organic Chemistry, Presented by Dr. Robert Gamper
Teaching Methodology Classes
We can provide methods of teaching courses in varied Math and science programs.
Elementary Science Programs
Using science notebooks can have a dramatic effect on student science process skills and literacy. Just as “Writers Workshop” has students developing their writing as an author does, a science notebook replicates how scientists really record their work. This workshop will cover how to set a notebook up, how to encourage student observation, technical drawing, data recording, and conclusion writing. Teachers will create great writing prompts and learn how to assess student progress. This topic was one of the threads at the 2008 NSTA conference in Boston. Find out why so many Districts are now adopting notebooks in science K-12 by creating your own.
Using Digital Cameras and Computer Based Technology to Create Books
In this workshop participants will learn to use digital cameras effectively to capture images, use photo editing software and publish books for their own classroom use. Examples of how I created my own books will be demonstrated. The bulk of the session will be allocated for teachers to write and share their own books.
Prerequisite: Participants should have a working knowledge of basic computer skills
Developing Science Centers for Science 21 lessons
Many teachers have traditionally used center activities in the elementary classroom. This workshop will explore creating science centers to extend your current curriculum.
Teachers will identify suitable self-contained activities, materials, layout, and develop student response sheets.
Teaching elementary energy concepts with toys
Teaching energy to elementary students is daunting, however using toys to demonstrate the key ideas can make this topic fun and less intimidating. This workshop will cover how to introduce types of energy, energy changes and work to your students.
Inquiry Science
Science thinking is a way of approaching the world around you. It is what is essential for professional scientists. Genuine inquiry gives you the skills to investigate that world. Many current curricula are scripted, and do not allow students to develop the scientific thinking necessary for original investigations. This workshop will cover how to infuse inquiry into your science lessons, questioning techniques to facilitate inquiry, developing a strong investigational component to lessons and promoting original thinking.
Teacher Conference Day Programs
We can provide programs for Science and Math Departments for Conference days Specialized for your school district.
- Chromatography Training
We can provide lessons on the use of Chromatography Equipment for use in your classroom labs and demonstrations. These lessons include HPLC and GC lessons - Spectroscopy Training
We can provide training in the use of IR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy for applications in your science curriculum. - Technology Training
We can provide individualized training services for implementing the use of Vernier Technology applications for use in your Science Curriculum.
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