Macopin teachers become the students at Rutgers science program

West Milford — Jeanne Rennalls and Jeff Bishop, teachers at Macopin Middle School, participated in “Electronic Data Collection in the Middle School Lab,” a unique professional development opportunity this July at Rutgers University Math and Science Learning Center. Twenty-four teachers, who were selected from a broad pool of teachers of science in New Jersey, received 40 hours of intensive instruction in how to integrate stand-alone, handheld data-collection technology into the school science program. The team received a set of six Vernier LabQuests and selected sensors to take back and use in their classrooms. They also received an invitation to a follow-up session at the new Jersey Science Convention in October, where they will be recognized at “Simmons Scholars” at the annual recognition dinner. “I am very proud of my teachers’ accomplishments,” said Mary E. Reinhold, acting principal at Macopin, of Rennalls and Bishop. The summer institute included hands-on laboratories, demonstrations and appropriate background subject matter in the areas of life, physical, earth, and environmental sciences. The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Science were the foundation for the activities, and the program followed current state guidelines for the introduction and use of technology in the science classroom.