2010 PDI
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2010 PDI
2010 VAST Professional Development Institute A Vision for Innovation Hampton Roads Convention Center November 18 - 20, 2010
Check back monthly for updated PDI information. Read below or click on the links provided for more information on the following:
2010 PDI Strands 1. Making Science Relevant -- Applications in biotechnology, engineering, biomedical, nanotechnology, and geospatial technology.
2. Environmental Science Literary: Contemporary Issues -- Global warming, new solutions for environmental concerns, issues in the school yard and beyond (MWE), and the state of the Bay.
3. Science in 21st Century Schools -- Technological tools, innovative instructional techniques and organization, integration with mathematics, scenario teaching, and integrated STEM instruction. Applications sought from teachers to participate in a special panel discussion.
2010 VAST PDI Field Trips
~~~ Thursday, November 18, 2010 ~~~ A Day on the Bea Hayman Clark, Chesapeake Bay Foundation ~ $30; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Bring enthusiasm and an interest in learning as you investigate a river's ecology with Chesapeake Bay Foundation environmental educators. Join us on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation vessel and floating classroom, Bea Hayman Clark, for a day of discovery and fun. We'll perform water quality measurements including dissolved oxygen, PH, salinity, nitrate, turbidity and temperature and analyze the results. We'll collect and identify aquatic species using scientific tools and methodologies, as well as utilizing harvesting tools used by waterman. Finally, we'll observe and discuss some contrasting habitats including tidal wetlands, riparian buffers, underwater grasses and oyster reefs while examining land use and water quality issues. Wear warm outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather and closed-toed shoes with non - skid soles. Bring your lunch and something to drink and we will eat on the boat.
Hampton’s History with John Quarstein ~ $25; 12:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Explore Hampton’s rich history with award winning historian, preservationist, and author John Quarstein. This combination walking and riding tour will cover areas such as St. James Episcopal Church, the oldest English-speaking parish in continuous existence in the United States of America, and waterfront Chesapeake Avenue.
~~~ Friday, November 19, 2010 ~~~ Exploring Virginia’s Prehistoric Past at the Virginia Living Museum ~ $35; 9:40 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. Examine fossils, rocks, microscopic evidence and even living fossils to reveal the amazing story of 600 million years of Virginia’s geologic history. Discover how geologic events like mountain building and the Ice Ages created and shaped Virginia’s physiographic provinces. Use real fossil and mineral specimens as clues to solve the puzzle of how life and Virginia’s environment changed through time. Take away rock and fossil geology samples to use in your own classroom. This inquiry-based workshop utilizes the museum’s laboratory, scientific equipment, and specimen collections, and is packed with effective hands-on classroom activities.
Touring the Virginia Zoological Park ~ $25; 9:20 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. Enjoy several presentations including live animals, distribution of information about Zoo programs for schools and other educational institutions! Attendees will learn about the Zoo's resources and tour the zoological and botanical collections.
Behind the Scenes at the Virginia Aquarium ~ $30; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Come explore the Virginia Aquarium! See how Virginia’s waters course through the state from the mountains to the oceans in our interactive exhibits. Then, immerse yourself in four distinct world habitats to see how Virginia has changed over time. End your visit with a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek at our shark and sea turtle habitats.
Environmental Research at Ft. Monroe ~ $25; 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Construction of Fort Monroe began in the early 1800s. Now that it is closing almost 200 years later, extensive environmental research and sampling is underway to make sure the site is safe for the new owners, the Commonwealth of Virginia. Innovative technologies, such Marine Geophysics, Real-Time Kinematic Surveying, Ground Penetrating Radar and X-Ray Fluorescence of Metal are used to evaluate this historic site for potential Muntions and Chemicals contamination. A tour of the base will include Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Active Environmental Clean-Up Sites, Sites of Historical Significance and the Casemate Museum.
Geology Field Trip with Jerre Johnson ~ $20; 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Take a walking tour with Jerre Johnson as he explores some our region's fascinating geology. Sensible clothing and comfortable shoes are a must!
2010 VAST PDI Lodging Information
~~~ Embassy Suites ~~~ Embassy Suites Hampton Roads - Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center 1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666 757-827-8200
The Embassy Suites has 295 2-room suites and guests have a choice of either a single king or a 2 bed suite. When calling in to make your reservation, please reference either the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) block or the group code AST. This will guarantee you the discounted group rate. Along with the 2-room suite, guests will also receive a full, cooked-to-order complimentary breakfast and the Manager's Reception each evening. All of the suites have a refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. There is also a 24-hour business center along with an indoor heated pool and fitness center. The Embassy Suites is connected to the Hampton Roads Convention Center by a covered walkway. To make a reservation, please call the hotel directly at 757-827-8200 or click here - remember, the VAST Group Code is AST. The VAST Group Rate expires October 1 and is the Prevailing 2010 Government Per Diem Rate, which is currently $80 single occupancy and $10 for each additional guest per suite.
~~~ Best Western ~~~ Best Western Coliseum Inn & Suites 1809 West Mercury Boulevard, Hampton, VA 23666 757-838-5011
The Best Western Coliseum Inn & Suites has 189 spacious rooms and guests have a choice of Doubles, Kings, and Junior Suites. When calling in to make your reservation, please ask for the group rate under the VAST group name. Rooms will be held for VAST PDI attendees until October 11, 2010. Along with a comfortable room, guests will also receive a free deluxe continental breakfast which includes a waffle bar. All rooms come equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, as well as a coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. There is also an indoor heated pool and workout facility. In addition, there is free wifi and wired internet in each room and throughout the hotel. The Best Western Coliseum Inn & Suites is located within a block of the Hampton Roads Convention Center as well as across the street from the new Peninsula Town Center. To make a reservation, please call the hotel directly at 757-838-5011 and request the VAST Group Rate. The VAST Group Rate expires October 11 and is $50 plus taxes for a King room and $69.99 plus taxes for a King Executive Room. Double rooms are $40 per person plus taxes.
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