IUPUC faculty members Kate A. Baird, Ph.D., and Aija S. Pocock, Ph.D., co-presented a session at the Association of Science Teacher Educators 2010 International Conference in Sacramento, Calif. 

Debbie Winikates, Ed.D., and Chris Walcott, Ph.D., also contributed to the presentation.

The experiential session, titled “Using inflatable portable dome technology to provide pre-service K-6 teachers a chance to design, implement, and assess student learning,” highlighted ways in which 360-degree digital experiences can be used for creating integrated, grade-specific, standards-based thematic units of instruction. 

Three years of work in the Division of Education have focused on inquiry and change in the areas of pre-service teacher reflection, use of technology, and connections with K-6 learner experiences.  The use of the portable dome technology as a touchstone for field experiences supports thematic instruction in authentic contexts while also promoting language acquisition for English Language Learners.

With a grant from the Reeves Foundation, the IU School of Education at IUPUC purchased an inflatable planetarium in 2009 to provide a tool for students to use with children to facilitate science learning. Education students take the dome on visits to elementary schools in the region. They use the dome to teach students about everything from astronomy to weather.

The Association for Science Teacher Education promotes leadership and support for professionals involved in the education and development of teachers of science at all levels.  ASTE advances practice and policy through scholarship, collaboration, and innovation in science teacher education across the world.

Walcott is an assistant professor of mathematics education, Baird is a clinical assistant professor of science education, Pocock is a clinical assistant professor of ESL education, and Winikates is head of the IU School of Education at IUPUC.