Preparing for the Biology MCAS

Sponsored by

The Salem State Collaborative

Presenter: Scott Gordon, Science Department Chair, Lynnfield High School, Secondary Science Coordinator for the Salem State Collaborative

Location: Lynnfield High School, Science Wing Room 101, 275 Essex Street, Lynnfield MA 01940

Audience: Grades 7-12 Science Teachers (Biology Content)

Times: 3:15-5:30 PM

PDP’s: 10 for the session (lesson plan required)

Fee: $50 for Member Districts $195 for non-Member Districts

Description: This workshop is designed for new and veteran teachers who are interested in expanding their repertoire of lessons in order to help students prepare for the Biology MCAS exam. It consists of four sessions dedicated to the major strands in biology. The focus of each workshop will be on standards-based lessons addressing specific strands through a variety of methods. Lessons will include laboratory investigations, kinesthetic activities, writing exercises, graphing lessons, internet resources, and adaptations for special education classes and students with IEPs. Participants will leave each session with copies of all lessons and handout materials as well as copies of former MCAS questions for that strand to use in preparation for the coming exam. Sharing of lessons, ideas, and curriculum materials will be a major part of this series. Teachers needing content area PDPs for recertification will receive 10 for this workshop.

Session Date (Wednesdays) Topic

Session 1: 14 January 2009 Chemistry of Life

Session 2: 21 January 2009 Cell Biology

Session 3: 28 January 2009 Genetics/Evolution

Session 4: 4 February 2009 Ecology

Registration Information:

Please register at our website www.salemcollaborative.org, or email the following information to Jim Kearns at registration@salemcollaborative.org. If you have registration questions, please either email (preferred) or call Jim at 781-771-4860.

Make checks or Purchase Orders payable to CPMSIE and Bring to the First Session

DEADLINE to sign up is January7, 2009