How to host a Modeling Workshop
AMTA gets many inquiries from individuals and institutions who would like to host Modeling Workshops. Below is a basic checklist outlining the host institution’s responsibilities. Notice that the first step is to contact us for unique answers depending on the circumstances of your organization. We are happy to discuss these with you personally!
STEP 1: Contact Us
Kaylene Love, the Director of Member Services for AMTA, can be reached via email at klove@modelinginstruction.org.
Kaylene will give you detailed information and advice, and ensure that your workshop will successfully address the needs of your teachers.
STEP 2: Arrange for a Site Coordinator
A site coordinator is vital to the success of the workshop. Site coordinators are responsible for securing a workshop location, recruiting participants, and helping with the day-to-day logistics.
STEP 3: Choose the Content
Content can be chosen from middle school science, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, or physical science. Once the content is determined, you will need to decide the duration of your workshop – introduction to Modeling Workshops (less than 2 weeks) provide initial experiences, while full Modeling Workshops (2 weeks or more) immerse participants in the Modeling pedagogy.
STEP 4: Logistics
Contact Kaylene Love to secure qualified Modeling Workshop leaders.
Purchase a package deal and decide how much your workshop will cost for outside participants (which will result in money back to you and reduce your total cost).
Identify the venue where you will hold the workshop (typically a classroom with lab tables).
Acquire appropriate materials necessary for the workshop. This includes printed workshop manuals.
Work with onsite Information Technology (IT) for internet access/passwords/printing needs.
Decide if you’d like to offer graduate credits. You may have a connection with a local university or use AMTA’s partnership with University of the Pacific (only $79/hour).
STEP 5: Promote and Manage
Send us registration information and begin advertising the workshop to local teachers. AMTA’s Director of Communications and Director of Marketing will help advertise the workshop nationally through our website and communications.
AMTA will act as the fiscal manager of the workshop and we will collect registrations for the workshop.
STEP 6: Curriculum Materials and Licensing Fees
Modeling Workshop hosts will be allowed to print an entire set of curriculum materials for attendees. A $75 per-person licensing fee is charged for the use of AMTA instructional resources and our brand.
As part of an introduction and welcome to Modeling Instruction, AMTA will offer a $25 membership for teachers attending their first workshop and $50 for returning workshop attendees, on day 1 of the workshop. Or, we can roll the minimal cost of membership into the workshop fee so all teachers will have needed access.
