Contact: Glyn Starr 505-894-2281 Teresa Kokoski 505-277- 6505 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 505-277-5920

July 17, 2002 T OR C TEACHER PARTICIPATES IN UNM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SCIENCE ACADEMY New Mexico teachers focus on geographic positioning, UV measurements Truth or Consequences middle school science teacher Glyn Starr was among the participants in the science component of the Math and Science Teacher Academy at the University of New Mexico's College of Education. Recently completing the final summer of their two-year commitment, the middle and high school teachers from communities statewide were provided with laptop computers to collect and store data, as well as UV (ultraviolet) meters and GPS (global positioning system) units. They learned to use the equipment and have developed projects in their classrooms using it. The UV meter, Sun Safe, is a handheld device that gives an instant read. The students record the data at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Not only are they learning about peak times for UV radiation exposure, but they also learn about the scientific method and create spreadsheets to demonstrate findings. Starr's students found a good site for the readings, taking into account shadows and reflectivity. "It seemed like every Wednesday, a cloud would appear overhead," she says. Starr had to dispel a common misconception about the danger of sun exposure on those with darker complexions. "We had a student who got so badly sunburned he had to be hospitalized, and then they understood the relevance," Starr says. "New Mexico has high melanoma rates and we recognize the need to educate children about the long term affects of early sun damage. Cancer may not show up for 20 or 30 years after exposure. Many adults may use sunscreens, but may not be encouraging use among children," says Anna Wilder-O'Neil, a doctoral candidate in UNM Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education. Wilder-O'Neil works with Teresa Kokoski, coordinator of the UNM Mathematics, Science, Environment and Technology Program to develop and offer the academy. Using the GPS unit, the students discovered that if Elephant Butte Dam were to burst, water would get to town in just 20 minutes, Starr says. "T or C is in a valley. We discovered which buildings would be above the waterline. The students, who live throughout Sierra County, took the GPS unit home to take measurements. They discovered, too, that there is a 100 foot difference in altitude between the middle and high schools," Starr says. The students also used the GPS unit in the fall to locate young plants in the desert they wanted to transplant to the school grounds. "In the spring, we went out and dug them up before they bloomed and relocated them to campus. It made for nice xeriscaping," she says. The teachers spent two days becoming comfortable with the GPS units, understanding satellite imagery and remote sensing. This year, they're learning how to use GIS (global information system) software. The schools will each have site licenses for use of the software and the teachers will return to their schools to provide in-service training to interested colleagues. "The teachers can use the tool to bring out information from the data they have. They can conduct site analyses and understand the correlation between the geography of their region and UV exposure," says Kokoski. She says that the 27 teachers enrolled in the program represent a range of experience, from those with no computer experience to those teaching computer science. "It's their interest and motivation in bringing this technology into the classroom that makes the program work," Kokoski says. The training also counts toward the teachers' professional development. "Using the equipment made gathering data more relevant to the students. They were able to manipulate and analyze better afterwards. Taking the data and presenting it offered the students a sense of accomplishment," says Starr. Some of the teachers will present their work at the National Science Teachers Association conference, to be held in Albuquerque in December. ###

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