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TAM8 Teacher Workshop

MattusMaximus

Intellectual Gladiator
MattusMaximus
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
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Check it out from the latest issue of JREF Swift...
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php...ion-skills-at-the-tam8-teachers-workshop.html
Among the many highlights to be found in the jam-packed TAM8 schedule, is the robust lineup of expertly-led workshops offering practical, and often hands-on reviews of important topics relating to science, critical thinking, and skepticism. Many will be pleased to hear that among them is a teacher’s workshop focusing on some of the specialized skills needed to bring the tools of scientific skepticism into the classroom and beyond. I am very excited that the workshop is being presented by Barbara Drescher and a number of experts with many accumulated years spent learning the "ins and outs" of this sometimes tricky endeavor. Below is a sneak peak at the workshop from Barbara.

The "E" in JREF at TAM8

You do not need to be a teacher to educate. Each of us takes on the role of educator when we promote critical thinking, science, and skepticism through private debate and public talks. So, you do not need to be a teacher to take home something of value from a workshop to be hosted by Michael Blanford, Director of Educational Programs for the James Randi Educational Foundation, at The Amazing Meeting 8.

Join us on Thursday, July 8, 2010 for tips, tricks, and practical advice for teaching critical thinking through classroom demonstrations, lessons and exercises, and mind opening mini lessons. Michael will give us an update on JREF's educational efforts. Junior Skeptic editor and author of Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be, Daniel Loxton, will discuss using concepts in evolution through natural selection to cultivate critical thinking in elementary school chilren. Matt Lowry, The Skeptical Teacher, will cover the secondary set with instructions on how to make a skeptical kid. Finally, I will demonstrate some easy, quick, and fun ways to jimmy open minds by showing that what we perceive does not always match reality. There may even be a surprise guest by proxy. *shhhh!*

So, sign up today, or treat yourself to an all-workshop pass. There will be plenty to take home from what we are confident will be an inspiring start to your TAM8 experience.
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I have a friend who teaches elementary school in Vegas who desperately wants to attend this class but unfortunately can't afford it.
 
CaptainManacles said:
I have a friend who teaches elementary school in Vegas who desperately wants to attend this class but unfortunately can't afford it.
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Perhaps we can put your friend in touch with Paul A. about a TAM scholarship? Have you contacted him about this?
 
How far into metaphysics do you guys go? Are the kids taught to be skeptical of their own senses and the conclusions they draw from them? My 5th graders usually stare at me blankly when I bring it up, but HS students can probably think that abstractly.
 
MattusMaximus said:
Perhaps we can put your friend in touch with Paul A. about a TAM scholarship? Have you contacted him about this?
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She mentioned trying to get a TAM scholarship, but that she got no response. I see that they closed out very quickly this year, but I don't know if she talked to Paul A. specifically or what.
 
Malerin said:
How far into metaphysics do you guys go?
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We have no plans to go into metaphysics, as far as I know. It'll be more of a practical workshop.

Are the kids taught to be skeptical of their own senses and the conclusions they draw from them?
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This will be addressed, to some degree or another. If I have time, one thing I'll discuss is some of the lessons I do with my students on pareidolia, for example.

My 5th graders usually stare at me blankly when I bring it up, but HS students can probably think that abstractly.
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Let me get this straight... you try discussing metaphysics with 5th graders? Wow, I've dabbled into that before with some of my high school students in the past - I couldn't imagine doing it with elementary school kids.
 
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CaptainManacles said:
She mentioned trying to get a TAM scholarship, but that she got no response. I see that they closed out very quickly this year, but I don't know if she talked to Paul A. specifically or what.
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I believe LostAngeles stated earlier that she's coming to the workshop but not all of TAM. Try contacting someone at JREF about that option, as it should be less expensive.

ETA: Btw, PM me.
 
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