2020 Summer Camps
Space is limited! If you are registering more than one child, please fill out a separate registration form for each child. The registration fee for each camp is per student, payable by credit card or check. Credit card payments can be made using the Registration button below. If paying by check, make your check payable to “University at Albany” and submit a completed copy of this form to “University at Albany,” Penny Ng, Dean’s Office, Catskill 291, School of Education, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222

Summer 2020 Camps for K-12 Students
RemoteED and the Capital District Writing Project (CDWP) will offer online camps and workshops this summer. AATLAS in partnership with the New York State Master Teacher Program beginning in June will have virtual STEM camps for children in grades 1-8. The innovative curriculum is designed and delivered by experienced and respected educators who are New York State Master Teachers. The purpose of the summer camps is to enhance and inspire student learning while promoting creative thinking and hands-on experiences in science, math, and technology.
CDWP will have a series of workshops this summer designed for young people who LOVE to write and enjoy collaborating with other writers. Workshop facilitators are experienced K-12 educators from the Capital Region. Our facilitators challenge young people to grow as writers in fun and interactive ways and within a supportive community.
STEM Camps
Coding Boot Camp | Grades 4 - 7 | $50
Date: Tuesday, July 28
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Are you experienced at coding or looking to get more into it? This one hour session will offer several tools that you can use on any device to practice and develop your coding skills.
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Geoffrey Bizan
NYS Master Teacher
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Supplies List
No Additional Supplies Required
Kitchen Chemistry 1 | Grades 3-6 | $25
Date: Tuesday, July 7
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
In this one-day camp, we will create Oobleck (a strange substance that acts like both a liquid and a solid!), learn about acids and bases, and create giant bubbles!
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Annette Sebuyira
NYS Master Teacher
Annette Sebuyira earned her BS in Biochemistry from Elmira College, MS in Education from SUNY at Albany, and National Board Certification in Adolescent Science. Ms. Sebuyira teaches Advanced Placement, Regents, and Honors Lab Chemistry at Guilderland High School. Ms. Sebuyira is an adjunct of the Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) and has taught SUPA Chemistry and SUPA Forensics. Ms. Sebuyira is dedicated to dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children and as such serves as the Club advisor to NYS District Key Club, Science Olympiad, and STAR (Students and Teachers against Racism). Outside of school, Ms. Sebuyira expands her STEM connection by being a Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Lead Teacher, has been a Camp invention instructor, and implemented the STEM in our Schools Day, Fifth- grade Program. She volunteers as a Trustee for the Local City Library, has been a two-time recipient of the YMCA Outstanding Educator Award and recognized by Channel 13 as Educator of the Week. Ms. Sebuyira is passionate about motivating her students and sharing the love of learning through STEM. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Sebuyira looks forward to participating in the upcoming Green Chemistry Workshops, and joining the Common Science/Technology and Math Language Professional Learning Team.
Supplies List
- Day 1: 2 Cups of Cornstarch, Water and a Bowl for Mixing
- Day 2: 2-3 Cups of Chopped Red Cabbage, Small Plastic Bottle (water – 12 oz. – 16 oz.), 6-8 plastic cups (clear =best), 6-8 fl. oz. each of; vinegar, ammonia, sprite, tap water, and shampoo
- Day 3: 16 oz. of Dish Detergent (Dawn, Palmolive or similar), Gycerol/Glycerin 3 oz. – 4 oz. Water (Sugar and water can be used – need 1 cup of sugar), a Large Plastic Surface
Kitchen Chemistry 2 | Grades 3 - 6 | $25
Date: Wednesday, July 8
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
You may remember that “pH” is a scale scientists use to determine if something is “acidic” or “basic”. In the camp, you’ll create your own pH indicator at home and test your favorite food and household fluids… Is your favorite food basic or acidic… We’ll find out.
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Annette Sebuyira
NYS Master Teacher
Annette Sebuyira earned her BS in Biochemistry from Elmira College, MS in Education from SUNY at Albany, and National Board Certification in Adolescent Science. Ms. Sebuyira teaches Advanced Placement, Regents, and Honors Lab Chemistry at Guilderland High School. Ms. Sebuyira is an adjunct of the Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) and has taught SUPA Chemistry and SUPA Forensics. Ms. Sebuyira is dedicated to dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children and as such serves as the Club advisor to NYS District Key Club, Science Olympiad, and STAR (Students and Teachers against Racism). Outside of school, Ms. Sebuyira expands her STEM connection by being a Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Lead Teacher, has been a Camp invention instructor, and implemented the STEM in our Schools Day, Fifth- grade Program. She volunteers as a Trustee for the Local City Library, has been a two-time recipient of the YMCA Outstanding Educator Award and recognized by Channel 13 as Educator of the Week. Ms. Sebuyira is passionate about motivating her students and sharing the love of learning through STEM. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Sebuyira looks forward to participating in the upcoming Green Chemistry Workshops, and joining the Common Science/Technology and Math Language Professional Learning Team.
Supplies List
Day 2: 2-3 Cups of Chopped Red Cabbage, Small Plastic Bottle (water – 12 oz. – 16 oz.), 6-8 plastic cups (clear =best), 6-8 fl. oz. each of; vinegar, ammonia, sprite, tap water, and shampoo
Kitchen Chemistry 3 | Grades 3-6 | $25
Date: Thursday, July 9
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Everybody loves a good bubble! In this camp we’ll share a great recipe for making some of the biggest bubbles you’ve ever seen… You’ll be the envy of your neighborhood!
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Annette Sebuyira
NYS Master Teacher
Annette Sebuyira earned her BS in Biochemistry from Elmira College, MS in Education from SUNY at Albany, and National Board Certification in Adolescent Science. Ms. Sebuyira teaches Advanced Placement, Regents, and Honors Lab Chemistry at Guilderland High School. Ms. Sebuyira is an adjunct of the Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) and has taught SUPA Chemistry and SUPA Forensics. Ms. Sebuyira is dedicated to dynamic teaching as a means of creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children and as such serves as the Club advisor to NYS District Key Club, Science Olympiad, and STAR (Students and Teachers against Racism). Outside of school, Ms. Sebuyira expands her STEM connection by being a Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Lead Teacher, has been a Camp invention instructor, and implemented the STEM in our Schools Day, Fifth- grade Program. She volunteers as a Trustee for the Local City Library, has been a two-time recipient of the YMCA Outstanding Educator Award and recognized by Channel 13 as Educator of the Week. Ms. Sebuyira is passionate about motivating her students and sharing the love of learning through STEM. As a NYS Master Teacher, Ms. Sebuyira looks forward to participating in the upcoming Green Chemistry Workshops, and joining the Common Science/Technology and Math Language Professional Learning Team.
Supplies List
- Day 1: 2 Cups of Cornstarch, Water and a Bowl for Mixing
- Day 2: 2-3 Cups of Chopped Red Cabbage, Small Plastic Bottle (water – 12 oz. – 16 oz.), 6-8 plastic cups (clear =best), 6-8 fl. oz. each of; vinegar, ammonia, sprite, tap water, and shampoo
- Day 3: 16 oz. of Dish Detergent (Dawn, Palmolive or similar), Gycerol/Glycerin 3 oz. – 4 oz. Water (Sugar and water can be used – need 1 cup of sugar), a Large Plastic Surface
Using and Helping Our Environment | Grades 4-7 | $150
Date: Monday, July 20, Wednesday, July 22, and Friday, July 24
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
This three-day camp will provide students with the opportunity to learn about oil spills and the challenge of cleaning them up, how water is cleaned, both in nature and through human intervention, and more!
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Susan Pienta
NYS Master Teacher
Susan Pienta earned her B.A. in Environmental Science from Boston University and M.A.T in Adolescent Education from Cornell University. She currently teaches Living Environment but has also taught Earth Science. Ms. Pienta has been teaching students in both indoor and outdoor classrooms for over ten years. Ms. Pienta was a Knowles Teaching fellow from 2014-2019 and hopes to continue to work towards increasing student equity and status in her classroom through well-designed group tasks. Before pursuing her Masters, Ms. Pienta was involved in watershed management and went back to school after realizing she missed working with kids. Outside of the classroom, she started an Astronomy Club at her previous school and was a co-advisor for the Post Prom Party. Outside of school, she loves cycling, hiking, and finding Adirondack swimming holes. She also accepts credit for helping to re-popularize fanny packs as both a fashion accessory and utilitarian necessity. As a NYS Master Teacher, Susan is looking forward to working with others to develop NGSS-aligned lessons and assessments in the classroom.
Supplies List
Day 1: 1- 9” X 13” Baking Pan or Pie Plate, Tap Water, 2 oz. – 4 oz. Vegetable Oil, 2-3
drops of Food Coloring (any color), access to; Pepper and other food seasonings (few
shakes each), for “clean up – Cotton Balls or Swabs (6-8), a sponge (any type), Dish soap
(drops), Spoons, Straws: plus optional rags (material made), napkins, paper towels, other
clean-up tools(?)
Day 2: 1- 2 Liter Soda Bottle w/ the Bottom Cut Off, 1-2 Coffee Filters (or Paper
Towels), Cotton Balls (15-20), Sand and Gravel (1-2 handfuls), small stones (1-2
handfuls)
Day 3: Not additional Materials Needed
Mini-STEM Camp 1: Solar Oven S'mores | Grades 4-7 | $50
Date: Thursday, July 9
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
What a better way to start your summer than with some tasty s’mores made in an oven that you built! Learn about properties of matter, thermal conductivity and energy conversion by creating some tasty treats.
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Jeanine Flinton
NYS Master Teacher
Jeanine Flinton earned her BA in Geography/Urban Planning and her MS in Childhood Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Prior to her 12-year teaching career, she worked in the private sector as a Site Planner for a Civil Engineering firm. Mrs. Flinton teaches Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM curriculum to Grades K-6 at Joseph Henry Elementary School. She also serves as a Project Lead the Way Master Teacher, providing training for PLTW teachers throughout the United States. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women Educators and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Within her school district, she serves as the coordinator for Odyssey of the Mind, STEM Club, Robotics Club, and the Science Fair. Mrs. Flinton is a member of the Technology Committee, Professional Development Committee, Academic Stakeholders, Galway PTSA, and has served on the Elementary Building Team. She also coaches the Junior/Senior High School Robotics Team. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking and kayaking. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering students, especially girls, to explore STEM careers and help prepare them for a global economy. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Flinton is looking forward to collaborating with her peers, participating in professional development, and sharing best practices.
Supplies List
Aluminum Foil (very small amount 5-6 sq. ft.), 1 small piece of “Clear” Plastic Cling-
wrap (or equivalent), 1 – Shallow Box (Pizza Boxes are ideal) with a lid that can open
and close, 1-2 chocolate bars, 4 graham crackers, 4 marshmallows, Tape of Glue (any
will do) – note: bring more foodstuffs for more treat, of other toasted favorites!
o Additional Activity: 1- Handwarmer (ie. Hothands – any will do), Small
Thermometer (any – ideal = cooks), Small piece of Cardboard (1-2 sq. ft.), Small
piece of Styrofoam (maybe from packages[?] – ideal = take-out container),
Aluminum foil – 1-2 sq. ft.
Mini-STEM Camp 2: Super Storybook Structures | Grades 1-3 | $10
Date: Tuesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 16
Time: 3-4 pm
“Yertle the Turtle” needs a taller throne so that he can see his kingdom better. Can you use the Engineering Design Process to help lift Yertle high in the sky? Peter Rabbit has gotten into Mr. McGregor’s garden and is eating all of his vegetables! Can you help Mr. McGregor build a fence that Peter Rabbit can’t get through? Learn about structure and function and have some fun helping our storybook friends.
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Jeanine Flinton
NYS Master Teacher
Jeanine Flinton earned her BA in Geography/Urban Planning and her MS in Childhood Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Prior to her 12-year teaching career, she worked in the private sector as a Site Planner for a Civil Engineering firm. Mrs. Flinton teaches Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM curriculum to Grades K-6 at Joseph Henry Elementary School. She also serves as a Project Lead the Way Master Teacher, providing training for PLTW teachers throughout the United States. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women Educators and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Within her school district, she serves as the coordinator for Odyssey of the Mind, STEM Club, Robotics Club, and the Science Fair. Mrs. Flinton is a member of the Technology Committee, Professional Development Committee, Academic Stakeholders, Galway PTSA, and has served on the Elementary Building Team. She also coaches the Junior/Senior High School Robotics Team. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking and kayaking. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering students, especially girls, to explore STEM careers and help prepare them for a global economy. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Flinton is looking forward to collaborating with her peers, participating in professional development, and sharing best practices.
Supplies List
30 Popsicle sticks (craft sticks), approximately 50 toothpicks, 12 pipe-cleaners any color,
1-small container or Play-doh (or equivalent) and 1 small bag of mini-marshmallows
Mini-STEM Camp 3: Cool Contraptions | Grades 4-7 | $10
Date: Wednesday, July 15 and Friday, July 17
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Do you like to tinker and build things? Investigate potential and kinetic energy and see if you can build a contraption that uses a series of chain reactions to perform a simple task. We will be building our contraptions out of things you can find around your house such as paper towel rolls, string, pipe cleaners, paper cups, popsicle sticks, dominoes, toy cars, small balls, and blocks so start brainstorming and collecting!
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Jeanine Flinton
NYS Master Teacher
Jeanine Flinton earned her BA in Geography/Urban Planning and her MS in Childhood Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Prior to her 12-year teaching career, she worked in the private sector as a Site Planner for a Civil Engineering firm. Mrs. Flinton teaches Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM curriculum to Grades K-6 at Joseph Henry Elementary School. She also serves as a Project Lead the Way Master Teacher, providing training for PLTW teachers throughout the United States. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Women Educators and the Science Teachers Association of NYS. Within her school district, she serves as the coordinator for Odyssey of the Mind, STEM Club, Robotics Club, and the Science Fair. Mrs. Flinton is a member of the Technology Committee, Professional Development Committee, Academic Stakeholders, Galway PTSA, and has served on the Elementary Building Team. She also coaches the Junior/Senior High School Robotics Team. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking and kayaking. She is passionate about inspiring and empowering students, especially girls, to explore STEM careers and help prepare them for a global economy. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Flinton is looking forward to collaborating with her peers, participating in professional development, and sharing best practices.
Supplies List
Bring all you can find clean out those junk drawers – the more stuff the better
contraptions… Should include stuff like Paper cups, string, marbles, small balls (ping-
pong, golf, bouncy, etc…), balloons, matchbox cars, small pulleys (or eye-hooks),
dominoes, Jenga blocks, heavy-duty paper (construction or cardstock [better]), paper
clips, etc…
Home Sweet Mesocosm | Grades 4-8 | $100
Date: Thursdays, July 16 and 23, August 13 and 27
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Scientists have observed that organisms have the ability to sustain themselves in sealed environments with no additional components added with the exception of sunlight. The oldest known self sustaining mesocosm is over 55 years old! How is this possible?
Geoff Bizan
Geoffrey Bizan earned his BS in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta, holds an MS as a Literacy Specialist from SUNY Albany and will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership in December 2018 from SUNY Plattsburgh. In 2013, Mr. Bizan became an Apple Distinguished Educator and achieved National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2015. Mr. Bizan has been teaching for 13 years and currently holds the position of High Potential/STEM teacher at Lake George Elementary School. Within the district, he is the Elementary Science Curriculum Leader and the coordinator of many enrichment opportunities for students such as Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League. Outside of Lake George, Mr. Bizan works with educators from all over the region in his role as a Teacher Leadership Coach for Technology Integration at the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Bizan is looking forward to collaborating and sharing best practices of STEM education with others.
Instructor Details
Jessica Donnelly
NYS Master Teacher
Jessica Donnelly earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, and an M.S.Ed. from The College of Saint Rose. Mrs. Donnelly has been teaching biology joyfully for 14 years and is a faculty member within Queensbury Union Free School District at the high school. Currently, she teaches HL and SL IB Biology courses along with Living Environment. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Donnelly worked as a research technician at Albany Medical College within the Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology department focusing on research involving Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Donnelly currently holds the position of CAS Coordinator, she is a three-time co-class advisor and serves on various committees within the school district. You will often see her at school dances, class activities, sporting events, or selling concessions at fundraising events for her students. Connecting students to science in an authentic way is an important aspect to Mrs. Donnelly’s teaching philosophy, to support this she led a group of 12 Queensbury High School students to Yellowstone National Park in conjunction with Ecology Project International. During this experience, her students conducted National Park Service research on bison grazing with park scientists, amphibian surveys, and invasive species removal service projects for the park. Mrs. Donnelly is looking forward to developing authentic student research more deeply within her classroom and communicating with other master teachers on improving her methodologies. Mrs. Donnelly believes new knowledge can be gained from every aspect of life through daily interactions with our surrounding environment and one another. She identifies herself as a naturalist, a free spirit and a true lifelong learner and gains inspiration from the following quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you will live forever.” If Mrs. Donnelly is not busy with her students at school you will most likely see her with her family and dog enjoying her favorite activities of camping, hiking, and kayaking across the Adirondack Park, or possibly elbow-deep working in her perennial garden, most likely watching birds.
Supplies List
3 – 4 Clear Plastic Soda (water) Bottles (2-liter best), an Egg yolk for each bottle, Pond
Mud (really! – from local pond, stream, lake or river – the more “life” in the water the
better) – enough to fill the bottle ¼ of the way), several pieces of Newspaper
Capital District Writing Project Summer Workshops
For more information regarding registration and payment, please Click Here!
Young Writers Workshops | Grades 1-12 | $200
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Capital District Writing Project’s Summer 2020 Young Writers Workshops are facilitated by experienced educators who challenge young people to grow as writers in a supportive community. Click on the image on the left to register. Learn more about the different workshops below. If paying by check, see details here. Limited scholarships available – scholarship application.





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Contact Us
ED 350
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
AATLAS@albany.edu
http://aatlased.org
Phone: 518.442.5028