Diversity in Mathematics Education (DiME)
DiME is one of a network of Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT) funded by the National Science Foundation. DiME is building an integrated program to develop and enhance the mathematics instructional workforce from kindergarten through graduate school. The program consists of three interrelated components: a doctoral/postdoctoral component; a teacher education component for teachers and instructional leaders; and a comprehensive research agenda. These components are integrated by a strong focus on the ideas of algebra and issues related to learners with diverse cultural, language, and cognitive backgrounds. The program is housed in the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. Course syllabi are available on the DiME Web site.
EDiPHY: Education in the Physical
Developed by faculty, staff and students of the Kinesiology Department in the School of Education, this Web site contains a wide array of physical education activities and resources. More than just a list, the site offers resources that can help users become better teachers, students, or supporters of physical education in their schools. The site also features a means for submissions so that its resources continue to grow as the site is used.
Educating Young People About Water
Educating Young People About Water (EYPAW) provides guidelines and materials to develop a community-based, water education program that targets youth and links key community members in partnerships – all working toward common water education goals. EYPAW program guides will help users choose water curricula appropriate for learners; plan and evaluate a water education program in relation to a local water issue; work in partnership with local experts; and improve the ability of youth to manage and protect water. The Web site's database provides links to more than 200 water-related curricula and water education resources. EYPAW is sponsored by the Environmental Resources Center.
Educational and Psychological Training Center
The Educational and Psychological Training Center (EPTC) is a student training facility in the School of Education. The primary mission of EPTC is to train students to work with people experiencing learning, behavioral, psychosocial or vocational difficulties. EPTC promotes the research of new and better clinical practices and serves individuals, couples, families, schools, and other community organizations. EPTC’s programs in counseling psychology, school psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and special education are especially designed to serve K–12 communities. Among the services offered by the school psychology program, for example, are educational assessment of children ages 3–21 years, individual interventions for children and adolescents with social-emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety and depression), and parent-education workshops for parents desiring improved child-management skills.
Educational Policy Studies Spring Semester Conference
The Department of Educational Policy Studies (EPS) in the School of Education hosts an annual spring semester conference related to current political, economic, and social issues in education. Past conferences have focused on race and equal educational opportunity in light of the 50th anniversary of "Brown v. Board of Education"; the No Child Left Behind Act; and affordability and access to higher education. Papers and presentations from previous conferences are available on the EPS Web site.
Engineering Community Outreach
The UW–Madison College of Engineering provides a variety of engineering opportunities for K–12 teachers and for students and their families. Its outreach Web site provides links to special programs (such as the Engineering Expo), Web cams, information on engineering campus tours, engineering news, and much more.
Engineering Expo
The Engineering Expo is an opportunity for people of all ages to explore the exciting world of math and science. During this three-day event, visitors will have the chance to see the latest and greatest technology that industry leaders around the world and UW researchers are working on at the UW–Madison engineering campus. Throughout the event there will be competitions, prizes to be won, amazing shows to watch, interactive exhibits, and much more. The Expo is an inexpensive event that everyone can attend.
Engineering Summer Program (ESP)
ESP is a seven-week residential summer program that gives high school girls and students of color an opportunity to explore engineering careers while preparing for college-level study. Sponsored by the College of Engineering, ESP presents college-preparatory courses in math, science, and engineering. Courses are taught in UW–Madison classrooms and laboratories. Students participating get a real taste of college life by going to classes, living in a residence hall, and enjoying weekend and evening recreational events. Program counselors also live in the dormitories, supervising and advising students on academic and career options. Requirements: high school students of color or female; must be interested in engineering. Application form and biographical essay are required.
Engineering Tomorrow's Careers
Engineering Tomorrow's Careers (ETC) Camp is a week-long event that works to stimulate interest in engineering and the sciences. The camp brings high school girls who have just completed their junior year to the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. While at ETC, in addition to their exposure to engineering, the girls have the opportunity to experience dorm/college life and Madison. The week is structured to include a multitude of activities, such as lectures, labs, and social activities. The wide variety of activities is aimed at peaking the interest of all of the girls regardless of what their interests may be.
Expanding Your Horizons
Girls can learn where science, math or engineering might lead them with Expanding Your Horizons (EYH). EYH is a one-day conference held annually at UW–Madison for approximately 400 middle school (6–8th grades) girls from south-central Wisconsin. Middle school-aged girls come to Expanding Your Horizons conferences to learn about the wide range of career options for women in science, engineering, and math. Through hands-on workshops and visits to work places, they find out what it's like to work in different careers. Student participants have a chance to interact with professional women who work in a variety of fields. For the day, they are led by two undergraduate female students in a small group of 12–14 girls. Participants find out what it is like to come to school in Madison, live away from home, and study after high school. They also have a chance to meet other girls who share their interests. Requirements: Girls in grades 6–8 from South Central Wisconsin.
Exploring South Asia Online
At this Web site users can explore the diversity, history, and culture of South Asia, which includes the countries of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Information about physical geography, languages and scripts, and a map of the area are provided. Visitors to the site will find more than 20 lesson plans for K–12 teaching, complete with resources and background information. They can also preview more than 10 PowerPoint presentations that can be used in the classroom when teaching about India. In addition, the site contains information on a lending library that teachers may use to borrow books, videos, and artifacts.
Exploring the Nanoworld: Resources for Students, Teachers, and Everyone Else!
This Web site invites the viewer to enter the nanoworld – the world of atoms. It introduces users to the tools that let scientists "see" atoms, manipulate them, and create nano-architectural wonders. There are resources here for students grades 9 and up, teachers, and the general public. A special feature is the video, "The Next Big Thing (only smaller)."
Exploring the Nanoworld: Research Experience for Teachers
The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is funded by the National Science Foundation and is hosted by the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) on nanostructured interfaces. The MRSEC RET program provides an intensive, five-week, full-time professional development opportunity for K–12 science teachers during the summer. RET teachers work with MRSEC faculty members and postdoctorals on a curriculum development project related to nanotechnology, technology at the scale of atoms. The program is a combination of research and curriculum development, and the resulting teaching modules are made available online. Applications to the program are available on its Web site.
Family Science Night
The Center for Biology Education connects UW–Madison researchers with Madison-area schools during Family Science Night Programs when UW–Madison faculty and staff share their expertise and research interests with the K–12 education community. Eight to ten UW researchers, students in the sciences, or scientists from local businesses gather at a local school to present workshops. These hands-on activities engage students, families, and teachers in the process of scientific inquiry and give students the opportunity to ask scientists questions about their careers. CBE staff can provide a template and contacts for schools or parent organizations to organize these events.
Family Village: A Global Community of Disability-Related Resources
The Family Village is a Web site for children and adults with disabilities, and for their families, friends, and allies. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in an organized, easy-to-use directory. The centerpiece of Family Village is the library, where visitors can find information on more than 300 diagnoses. Visitors can also learn about assistive technology, legal rights and legislation, special education, leisure activities, and much more. The Web site was developed by the Waisman Center.