Natural Inspirations: Biomimicry

  • June 15, 2021
  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Zoom

Registration is closed

PD WEBINAR SERIES, June 15, 2021, 6:00 pm CT

Natural Inspirations: Biomimicry

We will explore ways that nature has helped people solve problems in the world. Biomimicry is the practice of learning from nature and mimicking the form, behavior, and/or ecosystem to solve human design challenges.  Do you know how Fireflies have helped us?  Lessons, videos, and readings will be shared, as well as a real-world Biomimicry competition! Let us see how the natural world can help us.

 (photo credit https://www.flickr.com/photos/artfarmer/198487523 )


Dr. Shirley Farrell has been involved in gifted education for over 28 years and in environmental education for over 35 years.   She is a nature nut and uses technology in her environmental classes and teacher workshops. She is excited to share a not-so-new creative focus to solve problems by turning to what nature has developed to solve real-world problems for people.




Topic: PD Webinar Series-Biomimicry

Time: Jun 15, 2021 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81538342656?pwd=TDBINUk1TWlUSlJSNHIzaGloTzlRZz09


Meeting ID: 815 3834 2656

Passcode: 966907



PD Webinar Series

February 17, 2026

6:00pm 

Designing Math That Moves: Fluency, Acceleration, and the Courage to Explore

With Casey Warmbrand

High-ability learners don’t simply need “more”; they need mathematics that moves—fluidly, flexibly, and creatively. This session uses the Alabama Mathematics Course of Study and the Numeracy Act as anchors for designing instruction that supports acceleration, deep conceptual understanding, and mathematical risk-taking. Participants will explore how to design rich task sequences, investigations, and open problems that promote multiple strategies, multiple representations, and authentic mathematical reasoning. We will examine approaches to curriculum compacting, flexible grouping, and grading structures that reward exploration and align with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Teachers will leave with practical tools, classroom-ready examples, and a clear framework for cultivating fluency, creativity, and productive struggle in high-ability mathematics learners.


 

Casey Warmbrand is a mathematician, curriculum architect, and national leader in gifted mathematics education. With 25 years of experience spanning middle school through university instruction, he has contributed to state standards development, redesigned mathematics pathways, and led national professional learning for NAGC, NCTM, and international organizations focused on mathematical creativity. Casey’s work centers rich-task design, curriculum compacting, mathematical creativity, and equitable assessment practices aligned with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. He currently supports mathematics program innovation for gifted learners in Arizona, advances systemic change in mathematics education nationally, and directs an initiative focused on affordable housing reform. Outside of his professional work, Casey enjoys time with his wife, Erica, and son, Zeke, and is an avid pickleball player supporting the national governing body, USA Pickleball.


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