Summer Seminar Series

A NATURAL APPROACH TO CHEMISTRY

Chemistry is all around us. We eat it, we drink it, we breathe it. It is the complex choreography of atoms and molecules that make up the living and non-living world. It includes both the creation of the raw materials of human technology, and how the natural world builds – and renews – itself.

This seminar series, presented by author Dr. Tom Hsu is based on his new book A Natural Approach to Chemistry which integrates a modern approach to chemistry that stresses a molecular understanding of why chemistry happens.

The seminars will also showcase the new text, lab materials and the new lab probeware system Dr. Hsu developed for the program.

HELPS STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT CHEMISTRY IS
USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE - NOT JUST IN THE LAB

This workshop takes a fresh new look at how chemistry is used today, in and out of the laboratory. Emphasis is placed on teaching students why and how chemistry occurs, using the three over-arching themes of energy, atoms, and systems. More traditional topics, such as states of matter, reactions, pH, electrochemistry and stoichiometry, are also covered in the workshop. Frequent examples from the human body and the environment are used to help students make connections to everyday life.

"NAC comes about as close as you can get to being 'all things for all people': engaging activities and conceptually beneficial graphics for students; rigorous, relevant, quantitative problem-solving; environmentally-friendly labs; pedagogically-sound sequencing, and an equipment package that is virtually "all-inclusive."

Dave Ziegler, Chemistry Teacher
Rifle (CO) Public Schools

Workshop Topics include:

• Energy, Temperature, and Heat
• Matter and Atoms
• Chemical Reactions and Bonding
• Stoichiometry
• Solutions
• Acids and Bases
• Electrochemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemistry of Earth and Space Environments

This workshop will feature materials and equipment, including our innovative new , from A Natural Approach to Chemistry (Hsu, Chaniotakis, Damelin and Carlisle), published by LAB-AIDS®. It is appropriate for all high school chemistry teachers.

• Collects and stores data using Temperature, and Voltage Probes
• Built-in Spectrophotometer
• Powers the Unique and Safe Heat Source
• Rugged and Reliable
• Compatible With Most Other Educational Probes
• Water Tight and Impact-Resistant Enclosure

Backed by research on how students learn best!

Two Locations to Choose From...

CHICAGO, IL - June 29th - July 2nd
Join us in the Windy City for a week you won’t soon forget! The workshops will take place at the downtown campus of Loyola University of Chicago. The classroom is just a block from the Water Tower on Michigan Avenue, with world-class museums, shopping, night life, and more. Accommodations are in the Loyola University modern residence halls, with private rooms, bathrooms and shared access to a full kitchen. Breakfast and lunch are included in the package, along with one evening meal. Air travel access is via O’Hare or Midway Airports.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - July 20th - 23rd
San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas. Top sights include the Alamo and other historic missions, the River Walk, SeaWorld, and much, much, more.  We will use meeting space at Our Lady of the Lake University, and stay at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel.  Across the street from the Majestic Theater and the Riverwalk, this 1909 hotel once served cattle and oil barons; the Alamo is four blocks away.  The hotel combines old west hospitality along with modern amenities, such as a modern fitness center and other options you’d expect – even though Western Star Tom Mix once checked in on his horse!  Check in for the meeting is July 19, you can depart on the 23rd after the conference is finished at 4 pm, or stay over until the 24th.

Cost and Registration

San Antonio $1,895 / Chicago $2,095

Prices are based on Single Hotel Room Occupancy. If you don’t mind sharing a room the seminar cost will be $300 less. You can also save $100 if you register by May 1st. What prices include: all of your seminar materials, hotel, breakfasts, lunches and one dinner. What prices do not include: airfare, ground transportation, and three dinners. To register call us at 800 381-8003 or download the registration form.

About The Authors

Dr. Tom Hsu is nationally known as an innovator in science equipment and curriculum and a leader in teacher training. Dr. Hsu has trained more than 15,000 teachers of all levels, leading workshops since 1991. He is the published author of five middle and high school science programs in Physics and Physical Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Plasma Physics from MIT and a Bachelors of Science with honors in Physics, magna-cum laude from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Dr. Manos Chaniotakis has been teaching and doing research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for 18 years. For the last 6 years, he has been developing, and teaching an innovative, hands-on electronics course at MIT to non-engineering majors. Dr. Chaniotakis holds a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics and Fusion Engineering from MIT, a Master of Science in Mechanics, and a Bachelors in Physics from the University of Minnesota.

Daniel Damelin graduated from Tufts University with a triple major in Chemistry, Environmental Studies, and Computer Science. He then went on to get his Masters in Teaching and has taught high school chemistry since 1993. For the past 8 years, he has worked part-time teaching and developing innovative curriculum for numerous grants supported by the National Science Foundation and other private foundations. He is currently the Principal Investigator on an NSF funded grant aimed at teacher professional development related to molecular modeling and computer simulations used to teach concepts across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. He has also spent years leading outdoor trips, exploring nature, and gathering inspiration for the writing of this book.

Deborah Carlisle has a Masters Degree in Biological Science and Technology. She has taught Chemistry for 20 years, including 17 years spent at the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Deborah has significant experience and success working with all levels of student ability, ranging from introductory to advanced placement. During Deborah’s time at Andover, she researched and presented information that contributed to the success of young women and minorities in Chemistry. She enhanced important aspects of the laboratory program that made it exciting and accessible to the students. Deborah has also taught biochemistry and general biology at Phillips Academy.