Contact: Ruth Cristo 505-425-3848 Teresa Kokoski 505-277-6505 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 505-277-5920

July 29, 2002 NM TEACHERS FOCUS ON GEOGRAPHIC POSITIONING, UV MEASUREMENTS College of Education academy puts technology in teachers' hands Ruth Cristo, an 11-year teacher at Robertson High School in Las Vegas, New Mexico, was among 27 teachers from around the state who participated in the Math and Science Teacher Academy at the University of New Mexico's College of Education. They took part in the science component of the academy. Those enrolled were in 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. Cristo's students in environmental and earth science classes used the GPS units. "The earth science students worked in the computer lab accessing various websites for information on maps and satellite technology to understand how the equipment works," she says. Her environmental science students used the UV units. "At 6,400 feet, we educate the students about the dangers of the sun and about altitude. The students were allowed to develop individual projects using the units," she 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 Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education. Wilder-O'Neil works with Teresa Kokoski, coordinator of the Mathematics, Science, Environment and Technology Program to develop and offer the academy. 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. Cristo, a New Mexico Highlands University graduate originally from Deming, says that freshmen who start high school this fall will be required to earn three science credits, up from two previously required for graduation. "I wouldn't have had access to this information without the academy. I am looking forward to giving in service training to teachers in Las Vegas to share what I learned," she says. 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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