TEACHER WORKSHOP

Concrete as a Phenomena in NGSS

ABSTRACT

Project Cornerstone is offering a workshop for elementary, middle, and high school teachers on the science of the natural resources used in producing concrete. These materials are the second most consumed commodities in the world and we depend on them every day; however, the process of making concrete is something our communities do not understand. The activities and materials provided during the workshop will educate teachers about this widely used material and give them the tools to keep students engaged and excited about earth science, math, history and economics.

The workshop will be divided into two sections. We will discuss science of concrete and how it has played an integral role in economic development for ancient civilizations like the Romans and modern society. After lunch we will walk teachers through hands-on science and math (STEM) activities that can easily be duplicated in the classroom. The workshop is ideal for science teachers to collaborate and offer a fun and exciting learning opportunities for students that can be covered in their science classes.

Background materials and resources will be presented that will deliver real-world examples that discuss the history of concrete and how it played a role in economic development and trade within the Roman Empire. The science portion of the workshop will illustrate the Human Impacts on Earth Systems (MS-ESS3) from utilizing natural resources to make concrete. In addition, we will present NGSS and STEM hands-on activities. The first activity will include developing a hypothesis regarding two different types of natural resource materials. The two samples contain different sources of sand (i.e., beach, river). Students will utilize ratio concepts while they test their hypothesis to determine which type of sand is best used for concrete and why (MP.1, RP.A). The final activity will involve the production of small concrete projects. The project will provide a fun interactive way to apply the economic principals of scarcity, opportunity costs, trade, and demonstrate how prices reflect the relative scarcity of goods. This workshop will provide rock solid tools and activities to implement in the classroom that will keep students engaged in learning.

Escondido Workshop

When: Saturday, November 16, 2019

Time:
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Workshop

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Asphalt and Concrete Tour

Where: Escondido Chamber of Commerce
720 North Broadway Escondido, CA 92025

Workshop Flyer

Register

TEACHERS WILL RECEIVE:

• Light breakfast & lunch

• Access to online background materials

• Sample history and economic-related activities

Thanks to our sponsors: