Science

Technology 
Engineering

Mathematics
Mathematics and Science
Partnership (MSP)
Colleton County Middle School
and
Clemson University Department of Mathematical Sciences
PDI2 Professional Development for Integrated Inquiry
Institute Overview
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me
and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
Formative Assessment Strategy
Quickwrite
In 3 minutes, write a statement describing STEM
education.
When given the signal, share your ideas with your
team.
Plan which ideas your team will share with the
whole group. Be prepared to introduce your team
members.
Science-Technology-Engineering-Math
THE MSP grant is designed to:
Increase teacher content knowledge
in math and science.
Improve student learning in math and
science while decreasing subgroup
score differentials.
Improve teacher knowledge of
interconnectedness among STEM
disciplines.
Colleton County Middle School Engineering Design Cycle
Engage: Designing a
Propulsion System
Think-Pair-Share
What are some examples
of propulsion systems?
Why are there different
kinds of propulsion
systems?
What is propulsion?
Explore: Designing a
Propulsion System
Write a list of questions in your notebook that
can be used to investigate propulsion systems
using the materials in the bag.
Note: Do not take the materials out of the bag!
Include data collection in your question.
Driving Science
Formative
Assessment
Probe
From Forty-five New Force and Motion Assessment Probes by Page Keeley
Physical Science
Vocabulary Review
Each pair at your team gets one car. The team shares the vocabulary
card.
Give each person an opportunity to make the
car run. What makes your car go?
Practice making the car run.
Race the two cars on the table top or floor.
You may use technology resources to research your concept.
Plan a way to explain your concept to the whole group using the cars to
illustrate the concept. Connect your explanation to race cars or passenger
cars.
Building the Prototype
Build a mousetrap car.
1. Tape together the two bases and side rails to
make a chassis.
2. Secure mousetrap to chassis with tape.
3. Add level and string hook to mouse trap.
4. Install axles and wheels.
5. Tie string to hook and axle.
6. Practice operating the car. Make sure each
team member takes a turn.
Parts List
2 wood bases
2 wood side rails
1 mousetrap
String
1 lever
1 string hook
Masking tape
2 axles
1 straw bushing
4 wheels
Collecting Data
Collect data about your mousetrap car.
Mass (g)
Length (cm)
Trial
Distance (cm)
1
2
3
Trial
1
2
3
Distance (cm)
100
100
100
Time (s)
Average
Discuss with your group:
How is the mousetrap car powered?
What can be said about energy and the mousetrap car?
Speed (cm/s)
Energy at the Racetrack
Watch the NASCAR video Car Safety.
What can be said about energy and racecars?
What can be said about energy and the mousetrap car?
House Discussion
Think, Pair, Share
Why was CCMS organized into HOUSES?
What is the history of your HOUSE?
In what way does your HOUSE represent you
and your colleagues?
What does it mean to a teacher to be part of a
HOUSE?
What does it mean to a student to be part of a
HOUSE?
House Branding
Branding Elements
Branding Resources
 Color palette
 PowerPoint design
 Logo
palettes
 https://openclipart.
org/
 Microsoft Word
Templates
 Flyer
 Website
 Mission statement
Clemson University Branding
Pre-Assessments
Science: MOSART
Developed at Harvard University with funding from
the National Science Foundation primarily to
provide no-cost assessment support to NSFfunded Mathematics and Science Partnership
(MSP) Institutes.
Math: LMT
Developed at the University of Michigan to
measure the effectiveness of professional
development intended to improve teachers'
mathematical knowledge.
Revising STEM Units
Today’s Goal: Review your grade level’s STEM Units.
Review each unit, making a list of the strengths and weaknesses
of the units.
Discuss:
How are we using the CCMS Engineering Design in each unit?
In what ways are Habits of Mind (21st century skills) addressed in
each unit?
Reflecting on STEM Units
What are some strengths
and weaknesses of your
grade level units?
Are you noticing any
patterns in the strengths
and weaknesses of
STEM Units?
Habits of Mind for 21st Century Learners
Discuss:
What STEM experiences did you have today?
Write:
Explain how one or more of today’s experiences helped
to develop a Habit of Mind.