Modeling Workshop Series 2026
 

Biology 1 - Chemistry 1 - Chemistry II - Physics 1 - Math Modeling

Cal Poly’s Center for Engineering, Science, and Mathematics Education (CESAME), in partnership with the Western Regional Noyce Network, is pleased to offer one-week and two-week summer professional development workshop in science modeling and a three-day workshop in math modeling.

Science Modeling Workshops

The Biology, Chemistry 1 (semester 1), Chemistry 2 (semester 2), and Physics workshops use structured inquiry approaches, computer technology, and Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and current education research.

These workshops are structured around inquiry approaches to high school chemistry, physics and biology teaching that incorporate computer technology and insights from current content and education research. Teachers will develop skills in fostering scientific discourse and presentation and in assessment of student learning. By designing and carrying out a series of investigations that use the Modeling Method teachers will practice Socratic questioning techniques that will enable them to teach physics, biology, and/or chemistry using the Modeling Method.

Dates

Week A: June 22-26 (Bio 1A, Chem1A, Chem 2A, or Physics 1A)
Week B: June 29 - July 3 - Bio 1B, Chem1B, Chem 2B, or Physics 1B

Participants are encouraged to register for Weeks A & B in the same summer. However, it is possible to take them separately by registering for Week A in summer 2026 and Week B in summer 2027.

Cost

Week A and Week B
• $700 (before May 1)
• $750 (after May 1)

Week A or Week B
• $400 (before May 1)
• $450 (after May 1)

Click here for more information (e.g. housing information, instructor bios, ...) or to register.

Math Modeling Workshop

This 3-day workshop, we will work to explore math modeling problems that connect to various science topics. The problems will offer us a chance to explore the modeling process and build math models that connect to specific contexts involving applications of Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Participants will leave with Lesson Plans, Student Materials and possible assessments for each lesson. We will also discuss how each lesson connects to specific content standards in Algebra and Precalculus and pedagogical strategies that invite students to explore their own ideas through contextual problems. Examples of the applications include the motion of a ball bouncing, water flow, pooled testing for disease and temperature models.

Dates

June 24-26 2026
9am - 4pm

Cost

Registration - $150

Approved by Cal Poly Extended Education for purchase of 1, 3 or 6 CEUs.