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E-Blast October 25, 2007
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- Building a Presence - Free Pin
- MDE Science
- K-12 Science
- Professional Development Institute
- Apply to Become an Astronaut
- Curriculum Integration Conference
- Get Your Basil Seeds from Space Today!
- Pi Across America
- Enhancing Ecological Thought by Linking Research and Education
- Teacher at Sea Opportunity
- Journey Through the Universe Program
- Michigan Science Teacher of the Year Award
- The Best Science Internet Sites for Michigan Science
- High School Science
- 6th-12th Grade Science
- Elementary School Science
- October Contest Winners
- Tools and Resources
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Here are your science education resources and announcements for October 25, 2007 provided by Building a Presence for Science. These science education highlights are emailed to Key Leaders, Points of Contact and State Partners. Please forward them on to other science educators in your school. If you have questions or comments, please forward them to:
David Bydlowski
Michigan Coordinator - Building a Presence
bydlowd@resa.net
http://nsta.org/bap
http://www.msta-mich.org/bap
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
sue@ucia2.com
http://www.msta-mich.org
1. Leadership
A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.
Henrik Ibsen-Norwegian Playwright
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science Consultant and Adjunct Professor of Biology at University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
Building a Presence - Free Pin
Would you like to wear a very attractive gold-plated BaP pin? Are you a Key Leader who would like to give a very attractive gold-plated BaP pin to your Points of Contacts? If so, just send your request to David Bydowski at:
bydlowd@resa.net
MDE Science
High School Science Companion Documents Now Available
Kevin Richard, MDE Science Consultant, is pleased to announce that the High School Content Expectations Companion Documents are now available to assist educators with expectation clarification.
When the high school science content expectations (HSSCE) were adopted in October 2006, they were organized by an "indexing" method to facilitate easy location and coding for individual expectations. The organization in the HSSCE was not meant to be used a teaching guide. Content expectations from different standards may have a natural fit when grouped together for a lesson. Additionally, some expectations needed further clarification to assist classroom instruction and limit the breadth of the expectation.
Companion documents for each of the four science disciplines were developed to assist teachers in expectation grouping and for extra clarification. The documents were grouped into twelve teachable units of instruction by the four professional teaching organizations. These units of instruction, each taking approximately three weeks, contain all the high school expectations in each discipline and are organized around the big ideas and conceptual themes. They are grouped to be taught as lessons. Twelve units make it usable for those districts on semesters, trimesters, six-week units, and quarter units of instruction.
Included in each unit are sections similar to the 2009 NAEP Science Framework and Specifications document. These sections are:
1--Real Word Contexts - These are examples to assist teachers place applications to the expectations.
2--Instruments, measurements, and representations - These represent the tools, units, and formulae that students need to know for mastery of the expectations.
3--Vocabulary - These words found in the national standards are good benchmarks for expectation understanding. Once a student masters a lesson, they can check their comprehension by revisiting the technical vocabulary needed for the expectations. Technical vocabulary is NOT meant for memorization of the definitions.
4--Clarification - For those expectations where further clarification is needed, an additional explanation is given.
5--Instructional Examples - The instructional examples are exemplars of five different modes of classroom activities in the context of the unit. These examples include inquiry, reflection, general instruction, enrichment, and intervention strategies.
These documents can be found at:
http://www.michigan.gov/science
They the first link under the "What's New" category. The actual URL is:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-28753_38684_28760-171474--,00.html
The documents can be downloaded in either an 8.5 x 11" format (normal teacher printers) or in a 11 x 17" format (booklet format). They are in a .pdf format on the MDE web site. If you wish to have a word document version, you can find those on the wikispaces listed at the bottom of the MDE webpage.
K-12 Science
Professional Development Institute
The 2008 NSELA Professional Development Institute (PDI) on "Leading Professional Development in Science Education" will be held in Boston on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. The PDI will consist of six broad strands that all support different aspects of leading professional development in science education. Each strand will involve either one six-hour session (divided into two segments) or two separate three-hour sessions. The identified strands include:
- Using Data as Professional Development
- Content-Focused Professional Development
- Designing and Evaluating Professional Development Programs
- Assessment and Professional Development
- On-line Professional Development
- Partnerships that Support Professional Development
For more details and the RPF, please review the Request for Proposals that will be listed shortly on the web at: http://www.nsela.org.
If you would like the RFP emailed to you, please send a request to:
susansprague@yahoo.com
Consider how your organization or institution might share your expertise with an audience of dedicated NSELA practitioner-leaders in science education. If you have questions about the strands or the RFP, please contact Jim Short, Chair of the NSELA Professional Development Committee at 212-769-5139 or jshort@amnh.org. If you have questions about submitting a proposal, please contact the Susan Sprague, NSELA Executive Director at (928) 771-1030 or susansprague@yahoo.com.
Apply to Become an Astronaut
America needs YOU at the frontiers of space and technology!
NASA is now accepting applications for its 2009 astronaut class. The agency is looking for a few men and women who want to fulfill their dreams and be a part of the next generation of explorers. The open positions are for astronaut candidates to train for tours of duty on the International Space Station, the largest human spacecraft ever built. It is also the site for research that will prepare NASA for future long-duration human missions to the moon and other destinations. The Constellation Program is responsible for building and operating the next-generation vehicles that will carry astronauts to the space station and the moon.
Applicants must meet physical standards and educational requirements, which include a bachelor's degree in engineering, math or science and at least three years of experience in one of these fields. Teaching experience, including experience at the K-12 level, is considered to be qualifying experience; therefore, educators are encouraged to apply. The open positions require extensive travel on Earth and in space. Possible destinations may include, but are not limited to, Texas, Florida, California, Russia, Kazakhstan, the International Space Station and the moon.
All U.S. citizens, both civilian and military, who are qualified and super-motivated, can apply for these positions. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The deadline is July 1, 2008. For more information please visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/recruit.html
Curriculum Integration Conference
There will be a Curriculum Integration Conference on June 25, 2008 for Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers. It will be held at Holt High School. This conference for educators will integrate at least two core academic subjects in each learning session. The cost will be $49 if you are a member of MSTA or MCTM or MCSS. It will include breakfast and lunch. There will be more information to come.
Get Your Basil Seeds from Space Today!
The 10 million basil seeds that flew in space on the STS-118 space shuttle mission have moved one step closer to the classroom. The seeds were returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 4, 2007, and were then packaged and sent to Park Seed Company, located in Greenwood, S.C. At Park Seed Company, the seeds will be sorted and placed in small packets, each packet containing approximately 50 seeds. The packets of space-flown seeds and control packets of seeds that have not flown will then be distributed to educators who have registered to take part in the Engineering Design Challenge. The seeds will be packaged in a commemorative envelope with an insert that provides additional information about the seeds.
The seeds are available to the first 100,000 registrants, who must be residents of the United States or U.S. Territories and Outlying Areas. For more information on the challenge and to register to participate, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education/plantchallenge
Pi Across America
Pi is one of mathematics most intriguing numbers and teachers, students, parents and others are encouraged to take time out to celebrate the wonders of pi on and near November 10th, 2007, the 314th day of the year which corresponds to the first three digits of pi (3.14). This November's event marks the Fall Semester launch of "Pi Across America," an ongoing celebration of math and science literacy presented by the University of Phoenix. Information about pi, including its storied past, suggested classroom activities for K-12, reference referrals, formulas and word problems can be found at:
www.piacrossamerica.org
All information is free to the public.
Enhancing Ecological Thought by Linking Research and Education
At its 93rd Annual Meeting, the Ecological Society of America (ESA) planned to organize a special day of events and sessions with K12 educators in mind. To be held in Milwaukee, WI, the special day for educators will augment the theme: Enhancing Ecological Thought by Linking Research and Education. ESA is offering limited free registrations to attend this event. The day's events will include special speakers, hands-on workshops, ecological field trips and presentations showcasing effective ecology education for K12 audiences that meet science education content standards taking place in schools, research field stations, and nature centers. Teachers of both classroom and informal settings are welcome to interact with eminent ecologists and thinkers in ecology education. This is a golden opportunity to meet more than 3,000 scientists and learn about the latest findings in the ecological sciences. Tentatively, the event will be held either on Monday Aug 4 or Wed Aug 6. ESA is seeking support for the event as well as to provide each participating teacher with resources for teaching ecology. To facilitate planning, they need to hear from you by November 15 indicating that you are interested in learning more.
Sign up today at:
http://www.esa.org/meetings/teachers-registration.php
to receive special notices of:
--updated details of the 2008 educator event in Milwaukee
--available grant sources for teachers to implement ecology-related projects
--scholarships to travel to ESA meetings (as they are available)
--teaching resources related to ecology education
--future ESA research-based projects for teachers
For more information, please contact education@esa.org
Teacher at Sea Opportunity
NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program is a free teacher research experience. If you or your colleagues are interested in gaining first-hand research experience on a government ocean research vessel then you are encouraged to explore the opportunities offered by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Teacher at Sea program, now accepting applications until December 31, 2007. The mission of NOAA's Teacher at Sea program is to give teachers a clearer insight into our ocean planet and a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and to foster an interdisciplinary educational experience that provides a unique environment for learning and teaching.
Since 1990, NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program has enabled more than 500 teachers to gain first-hand experience of science and life at sea. Teachers have enriched their classroom curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world's body of scientific knowledge. No matter which type of cruise you embark on, you are bound to learn an array of new things!
Eligibility: NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program accepts applications from currently employed K-16 teachers, both American and International. We regret that we cannot accept applications from student or pre-service teachers.
Types of Cruises: Teachers may select a cruise aboard one of NOAA's 19 ships, of which there are three main types. Fisheries research vessels perform biological and physical science studies in support of fisheries research. Oceanographic and coastal research vessels perform physical science studies in support of physical oceanography, atmospheric studies, and bathymetric mapping. And hydrographic survey vessels scan the coastal sea floor with side-scan sonar and sophisticated bottom sounding systems to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation or update of the nation's nautical charts.
Time Commitment: Teachers can expect to be at sea anywhere from one week to a month. Most teachers take advantage of cruises offered during the summer, but cruises take place throughout year.
Costs: All necessary travel costs, are paid for by the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program. While airfare is paid for upfront by the government, all other necessary travel costs are reimbursed.
For more information please visit:
http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov
Journey Through the Universe Program
Take your entire community - thousands of students, their teachers, their families, and the public -- on a Journey through the Universe. Journey through the Universe is a national science education initiative that engages entire communities using grade K-12 education programs in the Earth and space sciences and space exploration to inspire and educate. The initiative embraces the notion that - it takes a community to educate a child.
What the human race knows about our world and the greater Universe is used to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through interactions with the current generation; give teachers the tools and training to conduct powerful lessons in the classroom that are deeply relevant to the science curriculum; and provide venues for family learning where parents and their children learn together.
Journey programming is for grade K-12 students, their teachers, and their families. Programming can focus on a specific grade level, or be implemented K-12; and can be implemented across an entire school district, within one region of a district, or in rural areas across several school districts. The program provides an authentic window on science as a human endeavor -- as a journey of discovery that requires a marriage of knowledge and process - and elevates scientists and engineers to the status of heroes and role models.
For more information please visit:
http://journeythroughtheuniverse.org/
Michigan Science Teacher of the Year Award
Do you know someone who you consider an excellent science educator? If so, nominate them for the Michigan Science Teachers 2008 Teacher of the Year award. Applications and information can be found at:
http://www.msta-mich.org/awardee/index.php
The Best Science Internet Sites for Michigan Science
The Saginaw Valley State University Regional Math and Science Center has developed the best listing of science Internet sites in Michigan. The Internet sites are the result of work completed by teachers who attended the Generation II: MASER project during the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Summer Workshops. Workshop participants researched science Internet sites using a set of developed evaluation criteria. A set of Internet learning activities were found which correlated directly with the Michigan Science Content Statements and Expectations. The result is that teachers and students will be able to use the provided Internet resources as a learning tool to supplement currently available materials.
Listed in the Elementary (Grades K-4), and Middle School (Grades (5-7) are links to Internet sites organized under the four Science Content Disciplines of Science Processes; Physical Science; Life Science and Earth Science. The High School (Grades 8-12) sites are listed under the Disciplines: Earth Science; Biology; Physics; and Chemistry. Each Internet site is listed under the Science Standard and Content Statement that it meets.
The "Science Internet Sites" (runs on both Windows or Mac format) is available on CD-ROM at the cost of materials and shipping (currently $1.00/disk). For more information please email the center at:
Mathsci-center@svsu.edu
Or call the Center at:
989-964-4114
High School Science
Global Warming Solutions YouTube Video Contest
The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), the Midwest's leading non-profit public interest environmental law and advocacy organization, is inviting high school students throughout the Midwest to participate in our Global Warming Solutions YouTube Video Contest. The contest is simple. Students will create a short film depicting their solutions to global warming and upload the film to the contest page. Students must submit their videos by December 1, 2007 with the submissions judged by our expert panel of film, documentary, and environmental professionals.
ELPC's Global Warming Video Contest can be a great way to engage students on a current hot topic as well as open a dialogue around science, policy, and personal responsibility for the environment. You can learn more about the contest by visiting:
http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.org
USA Biology Olympiad
The USA Biology Olympiad is the premiere biology competition in the United States. Starting with almost 9,000 registered students from 38 states in 2007, the competition ultimately selects 4 students as "Team USA" who will represent our nation at the International Biology Olympiad. Last year was a banner year for the USA Biology Olympiad as the 4-member team not only returned from the international competition with 4 gold medals; the team also garnered the highest composite score of any nation. The team hopes to capitalize on this success in 2008!
Additionally, the USA Biology Olympiad also offers a "Teacher Resource Center" to registered schools to assist teachers. The Teacher Resource Center includes practice exams with answer keys, links to International Biology Olympiad exams, textbook recommendations, links to outside professional development opportunities and study guides, as well as a breakdown of the grading rubric and testing protocol.
The USA Biology Olympiad provides an outstanding forum for aspiring biologists to learn and grow in the discipline through interaction with other likeminded students. Take advantage of this opportunity to challenge your outstanding students. For additional information, the program schedule and online registration visit:
http://www.cee.org
You can also contact Marcy Reedy, Manager of the USA Biology Olympiad, at: mreedy@cee.org or 703-448-9062.
Saturday Morning Physics at the University of Michigan
Physics is a fundamental science and provides the foundations for solving both cosmic mysteries and practical problems. In 1995, the University of Michigan Department of Physics began sharing some of the latest ideas in the field with the public in the Saturday Morning Physics lecture series. Designed for general audiences, the lectures are an opportunity to hear physicists discuss their work in easy-to-understand, non-technical terms. The multimedia presentations include hands-on demonstrations of the principles discussed, along with slides, video, and computer simulations. For more information and to view the schedule, please visit:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/physics/seminars/smp/
Scholarships and Fellowships
The American Meteorological Society administers an array of graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships with the support of its members, corporations, and government agencies nationwide. The fellowships and scholarships help further the education of outstanding graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a career in the atmospheric and related oceanic or hydrologic sciences. For a full listing of the scholarships and fellowships, please visit:
http://www.ametsoc.org/amsstudentinfo/scholfeldocs/index.html
Deadline to apply is February 8, 2008.
6th - 12th Grade Science
3rd Annual DNA Day Essay Contest
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 3rd annual DNA Day Essay Contest questions are now posted and they are ready to accept submissions. Please check out the site for more information and this year's questions, at:
http://www.genednet.org/pages/k12_dnaday08.shtml
Please consider having your students submit an essay. The deadline isn't until March 17th so you should have enough time to add this to your schedules whether you are covering genetics now or during the late winter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
Kenna R Mills Shaw
301.634.7342
genednet@ashg.org
Online Genetics Seminar for Teachers of Grades 7-12
Free NSDL/AMNH Online Genetics Seminar for Teachers with Dr. Rob DeSalle Studying Genomes: From the Lab to the Classroom
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Stay current with genetic research and the new science of genomics in this compelling FREE ONLINE seminar for teachers of grades 7-12, offered through the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) Web Seminar series in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association. Join AMNH's Dr. Robert DeSalle, author, curator in the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics (and co-author of the Genetics, Genomics, Genethics Seminars on Science course) as your guide to genomic research and online resources related to the study of genomics and evolution. Gain insight into current thinking about the Tree of Life, enrich your curricula and incorporate the study of this emerging field of research in your classroom. To register, please visit:
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/SeminarRegistration.aspx
Elementary School Science
Calling All Elementary School Principals
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is pleased to announce a new electronic publication dedicated to helping elementary school principals, help teachers in science. The electronic publication, Scientific Principals, offers principals a science toolbox full of new ideas and practical applications. To sign up for this complimentary, monthly e-newsletter written especially for elementary school principals, please visit:
http://science.nsta.org/scientific_principals
October Contest Winners
Congratulations to our BaP October Contest Winners. The following people won a flashdrive. They are:
Monica Single-Washtenaw Christian Academy
Adriann Hulst-Dutton Christian Middle School
Gary Dewey-North Shore Christian Middle School
Mike Clemente-Gibraltar Carlson High School
Karla Browning-Mosaica Education, Inc.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Hopefully you may be a winner in the next contest.
Tools and Resources
Archived Michigan BaP e-Blasts:
http://msta-mich.org/bap
Early Childhood Science Blog:
http://science.nsta.org/earlyyearsblog
Free NSTA Newsletters (Elem - HS):
http://www.nsta.org/newsletters
Free ACT Prep:
http://www.mivhs.org/content.cfm?id=667
Grants:
http://sciguides.nsta.org/internet/grants.aspx
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html
http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/grants/index.html
http://www.legoeducation.com/about/item.aspx?art=314
High School Companion Documents:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-28753_38684_28760-171474--,00.html
High School Science Expectations:
http://mi.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-42814---,00.html
K-6 Inquiry PD Resources:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI
K-12 Online Science Assessment Tool:
http://www.macombschools.org/scienceassessment
Michigan Merit High School Graduation Requirements FAQ for Science:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/faq15_178607_7.pdf
Science Music 24/7 on the Internet:
http://live365.com/stations/trappedinlab
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- October 26, 2007: Deadline to enter the 12th Annual Art Contest for Children in Grades 2-4. For contest rules and entry information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/ArtContest
- November 2, 2007: Southwest Michigan Science Educators Symposium-Portage Northern HS in Portage, MI. For symposium information and registration, please visit: http://www.swmses.org/
- November 8, 2007: YES! Expo 2007 at Ford Field, Detroit. For more information, please visit: http://www.yes.mtu.edu/
- November 10, 2007: Pi Day-314th Day of the Year. For more information, please visit:
http://www.piacrossamerica.org/ - November 12, 2007: Deadline to nominate science educators for Michigan Science Teacher of the Year Awards. For more information, please visit:
http://www.msta-mich.org/awardee/index.php - November 14-18, 2007: Walking with Dinosaurs Theatrical Presentation at Cobo Arena in Detroit. For more information, please visit: http://www.dinosaurlive.com
- November 26, 2007: 2nd Panorama of Promising Practices at the School Improvement Conference to be held in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.gomiem.org/
- December 1, 2007: Deadline to enter the Global Warming Solutions YouTube Contest. For entry information, please visit:
http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.org/ - December 30, 2007: Deadline to apply for the Tool Factory Podcasting Grants. For full details, please visit: http://www.toolfactory.com/olympus_contest/olympus_podcasting.htm
- December 30, 2007: Deadline to apply for the Tool Factory Podcasting Grants. For full details, please visit: http://www.toolfactory.com/olympus_contest/olympus_podcasting.htm
- December 31, 2007: Deadline to apply for the Teacher at Sea Program. For details, please visit: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/
- January 29, 2008: Deadline to apply for the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org/
- January 31, 2008: Deadline to apply to become a NASA Explorer School. For more information, please visit: http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes/menuitem.d601ef1f9fdc2c2d7010ea1051008a0c/
- February 8, 2008: Deadline to apply for the American Meteorological Society's Scholarships and Fellowships. For more information, please visit: http://www.ametsoc.org/amsstudentinfo/scholfeldocs/index.html
- February 12-16, 2008: Fundamentals of Inquiry Workshop for Professional Developers at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/workshops/attend
- March 6-8, 2008: MSTA Annual Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org
- March 14, 2008: National Pi Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.piacrossamerica.org/
- March 14, 2008: Deadline to become an EARTH HERO (ages 12-17). For more information, please visit: http://www.earth-heroes.org
- March 17, 2008: Deadline to enter the National DNA Day Contest for Middle and High School Students. For more information, please visit: http://www.genednet.org/pages/k12_dnaday08.shtml
- March 27-30, 2008: NSTA National Convention in Boston, MA. For more information, please visit: http://nsta.org/conferences
- April 25, 2008: National DNA Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.genome.gov/dnaday
- June 25, 2008: Curriculum Integration Conference to be held at Holt High School. Registration information will be available soon.
- July 1, 2008: Deadline to apply to become an astronaut. For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/recruit.html
- July 14-18, 2008: CSI Lawrence Tech Forensics Workshop. For more information, please visit: http://www.ltu.edu/arts_sciences/master_science_ed/forensic.asp
To subscribe to the Building a Presence Science e-blast, please visit: http://nsta.org/bap
To unsubscribe from the Building a Presence Science e-blast, please contact your Key Leader or email David Bydlowski, Michigan Coordinator for the Building a Presence Science Network, at bydlowd@resa.net.