Professional Development

During the Dinosaur Expedition Seminar, teachers learned methods and materials used by paleontologists, toured the dinosaur lab at the University of Chicago and went on a dig at Starved Rock. Teachers both worked with the curriculum developed by Project Exploration and developed their own adaptations for their specific classroom situations. Some of these teachers went on to integrate technology into their projects during a week-long Inquiry-Based Technology Institute in June. Two teachers piloted arts and technology integrated curriculum based on the seminar in a Summer Academy for Gear Up students from the West Town and Transitions to Success Networks in July, 2000. In addition, a Gear Up teacher from Solomon School was a Co-Captain of Project Exploration's Junior Paleontologist Program this summer.