Teach to Learn brings CCSD science teachers to UGA science labs

Thirteen Clarke County School District middle and high school science teachers, along with five UGA College of Education master's students, will visit UGA science labs and meet with 10 science faculty from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering on Dec. 4. The professional learning day on campus is a component of the Teach to Learn partnership between the College of Education and CCSD.

The goal is to connect local science teachers with UGA faculty and their research. Charles Kutal, professor and associate dean in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and a Teach to Learn Advisory Board member, organized the event, along with Julie Luft, Athletics Association Professor of Science and Mathematics Education, and Amy Peacock, CCSD K-12 science coach.

The daylong event will kick off with a welcome and orientation at 8:30 a.m. in the department of chemistry. Throughout the day, each teacher will have the opportunity to visit three UGA faculty scientists in their labs. Teachers will go in small groups based on their interest areas to labs such as cellular biology, chemistry, astronomy and physics.

"This day not only provides teachers the opportunity to learn about exciting scientific research, but they also will hear practicing scientists explain why a particular problem was chosen and the potential impact of the research on society," Kutal said. "The fact that every UGA faculty member contacted immediately agreed to participate demonstrates their recognition of the importance of interacting with their K-12 counterparts."