K-12 Special Events & Workshops
For more information
To host a special event or workshop with PTEI, please contact: LaShon Jacksonljackson@ptei.org
412-624-5594
In any given school year, high school student may participate in a number of PTEI-affiliated special events and programs — many sponsored by other organizations — all with a goal of enhancing science education for high school students.
PTEI Events
PTEI hosts a series of programmed events and workshops geared towards middle school and high school. Browse our online calendar continually updated with new programs and events.
PTEI Offers High School Tours
Twenty students from McKeesport High School visited PTEI on March 29, 2012. The students toured Dr. William Wagner’s Cardiovascular Engineering Laboratory, Dr. Stephen Badylak’s Laboratory, and PTEI Executive Director Dr. Alan Russell’s Laboratory at the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, the students were led by Ms. Juel Smith, PTEI Master Outreach Teacher, and Zegbeh Jallah, University of Pittsburgh graduate student, in two activities: “What is your DNA Alias” and the “Bone Strength Competition.” Read more… 
McKeesport High School Tour, 03/29/12 For information on how your school can participate in laboratory tours, please call LaShon Jackson at PTEI at 412-624-5594, or email ljackson@ptei.org.
STEM in Action Mini-Workshop Series 2012 for Teachers K – 12
Selected teachers must attend four mini-workshops
$100 Stipend • 12 Act 48 Hours
Super STEMs will lead the way to STEM Careers for Boys & Girls There is increased emphasis and a widely acknowledged, urgent need for improving and increasing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills among our citizenry and students to navigate the modern world and access the opportunities it affords. The need for a more STEM literate workforce has been discussed in respected reports such as “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” from the National Academies. Data on the workforce show clear benefits of a STEM-related post secondary education in the current job market.
A wide number of programs targeting student populations have been introduced, and some with documented success. One obvious gap in efforts to increase the number of students entering STEM course tracks is help for the teachers, as the agents of change in student education, who are often left out of the process. The Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science Teachers (PRCST) has long integrated the value of STEM careers In the inter-disciplinary professional development opportunities provided K-12 teachers.
S-T-S (Science-Technology-Society) by Green Design was an early program that brought the engineering design process into program activities. Working with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), engineering in science, along with early integration of “Green” environmental issues and solutions was built into all PRCST programs. And currently STS by Green Design is utilized as an instructional strategy for all programs.
The 2012 STEM Series provides sound basic information and continuing opportunities for teachers to visit sites where STEM careers are prominent. So often both teachers and students are given lists of STEM career possibilities. Yet there is little understanding of exactly how following a STEM track in school can lead to any specific career. The PRCST STEM program clarifies the range of opportunities and application of STEM skills in the workplace. Read more…
STEM in Action Mini-Workshop Series 2012 Flyer SUMMER 2012 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Regenerative Medicine: GROWING FUTURES IN STEM
EDUCATION AND THE K-12 CLASSROOM
2-Day MSC Teacher Summer PD Course (Act 48)
August 2 and 3, 2012
PTEI is partnering with the Math Science Collaborative (MSC) to engage teachers and students to the wonders of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) – and spark interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers in their own backyard. Description: A starfish can grow a new arm, but YOU can’t. A salamander can regenerate a severed leg, but humans have to rely on man-made prosthetic limbs. Can Pittsburgh’s researchers and clinicians fabricate new tissues and organs or induce damaged tissues to regenerate? Can K-12 STEM educators translate the promise of TERM to diverse student populations to reinforce learning and excite interest? Read more...
Teacher Summer 2012 Professional Development Course ACT 48, 1-Day Teacher Professional Development Workshops
for Middle and High School Science Teachers
Classroom Tissue Engineering and Biotechnology
Sign up for this Workshop!
2012 dates pending!
Presented by, Mark Krotec, BS, MS, Joseph Krajcovis, BS, MS and Nadine Suhan, BS, MS
Can biomedical researchers fabricate new tissues or induce compromised tissues to regenerate? Can 7-12 grade educators translate the techniques, strategies, and promise of tissue engineering/regenerative medicine to students of all abilities? Revolutionize your course by using the Tissue Engineering Outreach Education Manual to enhance student interest and to reinforce the relatedness of life science disciplines.
Summer Academy for Mathematics and Science
Sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, PTEI participates in this 6-week resident summer experience by contributing instruction, tours of research labs, and creative “hands-on” tissue engineering projects. Participating students also work on a research project, which they formally present at the completion of the program. Visit web site SciTech Spectacular 
Middle School Days
March 6-7, 2012
"SciTech Middle School Days feature the growth areas of Pittsburgh: Biotechnology, IT, Robotics, Advanced Materials Processes, Environmental Technology, and Nanotechnology — and connect students with leading scientists and technologists in a fun, dynamic atmosphere."
Visit the official site for registration and details
High School Days
March 8-9, 2012
"Programs are designed by a teacher advisory council and partnerships with local industry and universities. The intent is to: (1) prepare students for the workforce as scientists, engineers, and technicians, and (2) raise awareness of the importance of understanding the science and technology fundamentals in our society. "
Visit the official site for registration and details
National Engineer Week
National Engineer Week will happen February 17 and 18, 2012.
"Engineer the Future is Carnegie Science Center’s premier National Engineers Week celebration. Hundreds of volunteers from regional corporations, organizations and universities will introduce your students to the creative science and technology of engineering through more than 50 fun, exciting and cutting-edge hands-on activities and demonstrations. Meet working engineers in our community, try your hand at solving real-world problems and explore creative career opportunities."
National Lab Day
National Lab Day movement began May 12, 2010!
On November 23, 2009, a coalition of educators, science, and engineering associations, philanthropies, and other organizations announced the launch of National Lab Day , a new grassroots initiative designed to reinvigorate science and math education in the nation’s schools and after-school programs and lead to increased U.S. competitiveness. National Lab Day aims to inspire a wave of future innovators and foster U.S. competitiveness by improving the quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in America. A collaboration between government and more than 200 public- and private-sector organizations, National Lab Day will connect students in grades 6- 12 to hands-on learning experiences and promote tinkering in laboratory settings.
National Lab Day is more than just a day. It's a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students, and educators.
National Lab Day is everyday at PTEI. Learn more about our ongoing resources here!
