Mike Mckee

I have 22 years of teaching experience and curriculum development, having taught in high school for most of that time. I have extensive experience in teacher professional development primarily with middle and elementary school teachers. Most of the professional development is geared toward an inquiry approach to teaching and learning, with a great deal of emphasis of changing the beliefs of appropriate instruction that will maximize student achievement. I am the state director for the Florida Science Olympiad, which specializes in team based science competitions for elementary, middle, and high school students. Finally, I am the director for undergraduate programs at the University of Central Florida in the College of Optics and Photonics.

Scientific inquiry is the best way to teach and learn because it engages students in their own critical thinking and problem solving. Instead of teachers "telling" students what to do, the students construct their own meaning from the lessons. I utilize an ABC - CBV approach: Activity Before Concept, Concept Before Vocabulary. This is an approach that is opposite of what most teachers traditionally use in their classrooms. However, it is most effective for student learning.

*Radio Shack National Teacher Award, 2002 *Teacher of the Year, 1998 *Received multiple local grants and awards

Masters of Science in Physics Education, University of Central Florida, 2006 Bachelor of Science in Physics Education, Ohio State University, 1990

Can't find something? I also have videos and other items that I can make available upon request. I worked at a local television station and we produced about 15 shows that focused on many science concepts. Maybe one will work for you. Contact me and ask!