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E-Blast for November 12, 2009
November 12 - 25, 2009 - Science Matters Network Michigan eBlast
Sponsored by the National and Michigan Science Teachers Associations - NSTA/MSTA
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- The Science Matters Network in Michigan
- Science Humor
- MEAP, MME, and MDE Science
- Science Matters to Parents
- Student Activities and Opportunities
- Grades 4-6, Disney Planet Challenge
- Grades 7-12, Young Naturalists Award Program
- Grades 9-12, Great Lakes Bowl Competition
- Grades 9-12, USA Biology Olympiad
- Grades 5-8, Waste Limitation and Recycling Design Challenge
- Grades 5-12, Student Space Research on Our Next Space Shuttle Launch
- Grades 9-12, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
- Upcoming Deadlines
- Grants
- Global Learning Adventures, $5000 - $10,000
- Community Action Grants for Females, Up to $10,000
- Grants for Physics Teachers, $100 - $500
- Amazon Rainforest Scholarship Opportunity, $2500
- Einstein Fellowship Application Now Open
- Teaching Fellowships Available from Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
- Teacher Stipend for Developing Podcasts or Vodcasts, $1000
- Teacher Fellow Program at The Henry Ford
- Award for Outstanding High School EE Teachers, $5000
- Upcoming Deadlines
- K-12 Science
- November is Chemistry Month in the Year of Science 2009
- Environmental Education Expo
- Join the Happy Scientist
- Investigate a Science Mystery
- 2009 MVU Online Learning Symposium Connecting Youth in a Media-Rich World
- National Recycling Day
- Bilingual Science Glossaries for Grades 3-12 in Almost All Languages
- Upcoming Deadlines
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Middle School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- November Contest
Download this e-Blast as a podcast.
Here are your science education resources and announcements for November 12 - 25, 2009 provided by the Science Matters Network. 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—Science Matters Network
bydlowd@resa.net
http://bap.nsta.org
http://www.msta-mich.org/smn
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
sue@ucia2.com
http://www.msta-mich.org
Please Note: If you do not receive the full e-blast you can view it at: http://msta-mich.org/smn or request a Word version by emailing: bydlowd@resa.net You can also listen to the e-blast, as a podcast, by visiting: http://k12science.net and clicking on Podcasts or you can subscribe at iTunes by searching for k12science in the iTunes Store.
Humans are ambitious and rational and proud. And we don't fall in line with people who don't respect us and who we don't believe have our best interests at heart. We are willing to follow leaders, but only to the extent that we believe they call on our best, not our worst.
Rachel Maddow
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
The Science Matters Network In Michigan
2a. We are on Twitter so Join In
Do you like to twitter and tweet? The Michigan Science Matters Network has a daily tweet for you. All you have to do is to go to:
http://twitter.com Sign In. (If you don't have an account, set up an account.) Go to Find People. Then type in "k12science" or "david bydlowski"
The first-grader was talking about the recent fire in his school. "I knew it was going to happen," he said. "We had been practicing for it all year."
Alex Karras, former Detroit Lion and actor, once commented that he never graduated from the University of Iowa. He said he was only there for two terms—Truman's and Eisenhower's.
The human brain is special. It starts working as soon as you get up, and it doesn't stop until you get to school.
October 21, 2010: Initial Test Date for the 5th and 8th grade science MEAP assessments.
5a. More Tips for Busy Parents
A Sightseer's Guide to Engineering: Many sights around the country can help children and families learn about engineering. Places such as Hoover Dam, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Thomas Edison's Birthplace, Museums of Ceramics or Aeronautics, roller coasters and other sights can be both educational and fun. For sights in your area or to help you plan a road trip, visit: http://www.engineeringsights.org/
created by the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Green Hour Website for Getting Kids Outdoors: To give parents and caregivers the information, tools and inspiration to get their kids outside, the National Wildlife Federation has created www.greenhour.org, a website rich in family-friendly content and a supportive virtual community where families can learn, explore and share their outdoor experiences and backyard adventures. The site's blog also has a section for educators and a locator for local, state and national parks.
For more ideas, visit: http://www.nsta.org/sciencematters
Student Activities and Opportunities
6a. Grades 4-6, Disney Planet Challenge
A project-based environmental competition for grades 4-6, this cross-curricular program prompts students to think and act responsibly toward the environment and fosters teamwork, problem solving, and lifetime love for learning.
Students must identify an environmental issue in their local community and come up with a solution that they manage and document from start to finish. Classrooms must develop a portfolio that will be evaluated on student learning; environmental relevance; changes in practices and attitudes; originality; community involvement; and lasting benefits to students, school and/or community. To ensure academic and environmental excellence, this program collaborates with he National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the K-12 Alliance. National, regional and state winners will receive an array of Disney prizes, including a class celebration at Disneyland® for the national grand-prize champion.
Deadline: December 18, 2009 for registration. For additional information and a very exciting Disney website for Planet Challenge, go to: http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/?THEBIGDEALBOOK=633922594183524065
6b. Young Naturalists Award Program
The Young Naturalist Awards is an inquiry-based research competition for students in grades 7 through 12. Students throughout the United States and Canada are invited to conduct their own scientific investigations that include trips into the field to gather data. The students are then asked to write about their investigations and findings in an essay. This year's deadline for entries is March 1, 2010. Visit the website, www.amnh.org/yna
6c. Great Lakes Bowl Competition
Students can show off what they know about the Great Lakes and ocean sciences by competing in the 12th annual Great Lakes Bowl on Feb. 6, 2010. The Great Lakes Bowl is a regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). Visit www.glerl.noaa.gov/pr/nosb/cur
The Great Lakes Bowl will be limited to 16 teams. Team entry in the event will be approved on a first-come first-served basis. Teams must complete and submit all required forms to be approved for entry into the event. Entry deadline is December 1, 2009.
The USA Biology Olympiad, jointly sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Education and Purdue University, is the premiere biology competition in the United States. Starting with almost 10,000 registered students from 41 states in 2009, the competition ultimately selects 4 students as "Team USA" who will represent our nation at the International Biology Olympiad. Last year, for the third year in a row, Team USA returned home from the International Biology Olympiad with 4 gold medals. The team hopes to capitalize on this success in 2010!
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/programs/usabo/teacher-info
You can also contact Marcy Reedy, Manager of the USA Biology Olympiad, at mreedy@cee.org or 703-448-9062. The registration deadline is February 3, 2010.
6e. Waste Limitation and Recycling Design Challenge
NASA is inviting students in grades 5-8 to participate in the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge. The challenge uses real-world scenarios that meet science and mathematics content standards. Students can participate in a formal, informal or home-school setting. Teams of up to six students will design a water recycling system for the unique environment of the moon. Teams will then test their system on a simulated wastewater stream. Proposals and results are due February 1, 2010, so start your work early.
The winning teams will be announced in May 2010. The top three teams will receive awards. The first place team will receive an expense-paid trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the winning team's visit to Kennedy, students will gain firsthand knowledge about NASA's missions, receive behind-the-scenes tours of NASA's launch facilities, and learn about future aerospace and engineering careers. For more information and contest rules, please visit http://wlmr.nasa.gov/
6f. Student Space Research on Our Next Space Shuttle Launch
Space Based Research Grade 5 - 8: Butterflies in Space -- Schools must be registered prior to the launch of STS - 129 (Scheduled for November 16, 2009)
Grade 7-12: Worms in Space (Virtual Mission) and Silicate Gardens in Space (Virtual Mission) -- Schools should register by November 30, 2009.
Michigan participation in these missions is limited to 12 schools. The fee is normally $150 to participate, but scholarships are available through the Convergence Education Foundation and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium.For more information, please visit: http://orionsquest.org or contact: Tom Drummond -- drummond@orionsquest.org
Pete Lawrie -- 734-812-7711
6g. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
You are invited to become involved in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which will take place March 25 and 26, 2010 at Wayne State University. The JSHS provides a forum through which high school students present their research to peers and researchers while having the opportunity to receive significant scholarships. The symposium is especially useful to students who plan to participate in this year's Science Olympiad and/or Science Fair. For more information on how to get involved please visit: http://www.coe.wayne.edu/ted/JSHS/
The deadline for student paper submissions is January 15, 2010.
November 30, 2009: Deadline for 7th - 12th grade students to enter the Team America Rocketry Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.rocketcontest.org/#
December 1, 2009: Deadline for schools to apply to participate in the Great Lakes Bowl. For more information, please visit: http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/pr/nosb/cur/
December 15, 2009: Deadline for high school students to register for the Spirit of Innovation Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.conradawards.com
December 18, 2009: Deadline for 4th-6th grade students to apply to enter the Disney Planet Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/?THEBIGDEALBOOK=633922594183524065
January 15, 2010: Deadline for 9th - 12th grade students to enter the Real World Design Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.realworlddesignchallenge.org/
January 15, 2010: Last day for high school students to submit their research for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Wayne State University. For more information, please visit: http://www.coe.wayne.edu/ted/JSHS/
January 31, 2010: Last day for 7th - 12th grade students to enter the DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition. For more information, please visit: http://thechallenge.dupont.com/
January 31, 2010: Deadline for 5th grade students to enter the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/?gclid=CLCm54Prr5wCFQebnAod5B5Ckg
January 31, 2010: Deadline for elementary students to enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com
February 1, 2010: Projects due for the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge, for middle school students. For more information, please visit: http://wlmr.nasa.gov/
February 2, 2010: Deadline for K-12 students to apply for the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org
February 3, 2010: Deadline for high schools to apply for the USA Biology Olympiad. For more information, please visit: http://www.cee.org/programs/usabo/teacher-info
February 12, 2010: Deadline for high school teachers to apply to participate in the MI Envirothon. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvirothon.org
March 1, 2010: Deadline for the 2010 Citizen Science Paper Competition for High School Students. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainus.org/citizenscience
March 1, 2010: Deadline for 7th - 12th grade students to apply for the Young Naturalist Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/
March 15, 2010: Deadline for high school students to enter the DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
March 15, 2010: Deadline for middle school students to enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com
7a. Global Learning Adventures
Fund for Teachers invites educators to submit proposals for their own do‐it‐yourself learning odysseys next summer. Destinations and disciplines are limitless. An online application for these education grants is available at: http://www.fundforteachers.org
Individual grants of $5,000 and team grants of up to $10,000 for summer 2010 are available. Deadline: Friday, January 29, 2010.
7b. Community Action Grants for Females
The American Association of University Women's Educational Foundation is offering grants for innovative programs that promote education and equity for women and girls. Special consideration is given to science, technology, math, and engineering K-12 projects. Awards are up to $10,000. Deadline: January 15, 2010
For more information, please visit: http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/community_action.cfm
7c. Grants for Physics Teachers
To encourage high school physics teachers to improve their teaching practices, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) provides individual teachers with $100-$500 grants. Applicants must be members of AAPT and propose ways to improve teaching practices, student understanding and interest, or increase student enrollment in physics classes. Teacher proposals should contain some innovative ideas, such as a new teaching method or an adaptation of an existing idea.
Deadline: December 1, 2009
Further Information: http://www.aapt.org/programs/grants/hsgrant.cfm
7d. Amazon Rainforest Scholarship Opportunity
Join a group of volunteers and Detroit Zoo staff on an experience of a lifetime, traveling across the equator to the tropical rainforest of the Amazon River Basin in Peru. Over a period of 10 days, participants will deliver school supplies or participate in a conservation project benefitting the rural communities along the Amazon and Napo Rivers.
Scholarship: $2,500 Application deadline: December 15, 2009
The purpose of the Bette and Roger Gay Scholarship is to provide a need-based grant to one individual to participate in the Detroit Zoological Society's Peru Adopt-a-School expedition. This experience is to be a springboard to further the participant's education. For more information, please visit: http://www.detroitzoo.org/Saving_Wildlife/Saving_Wildlife/Adopt-A-School/
Qualifications:
- Limited to first-time program participants
- Michigan residents only
- 18 years of age or older
- Knowledge of Spanish language preferable
- Ability to perform moderate to intermediate physical labor
This trip requires travel to remote, rustic locations.
7e. Einstein Fellowship Application Now Open
The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship is a paid fellowship for K-12 math, science, and technology teachers. Einstein Fellows spend a school year in Washington, DC serving in a federal agency or on Capitol Hill. To be considered for an Einstein Fellowship for the 2010 - 2011 school year, apply and submit three letters of recommendation online by January 13, 2010. Apply online at http://www.einsteinfellows.org/application.html
7f. Teaching Fellowships Available from Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
Applications are now being accepted for one of the most generous and comprehensive teaching fellowships available for individuals committed to becoming professional high school science or mathematics teachers. KSTF Teaching Fellowships provide up to five years of financial and professional support to exceptional individuals as they begin their careers teaching in U.S. high schools. Visit: http://www.kstf.org/fellowships/teaching.html
7g. Teacher Stipend for Developing Podcasts or Vodcasts
A stipend of $1000.00 and a free registration to the 2010 MACUL Conference, March 10-12 will be awarded to 10 selected educators to produce 25 quality learning resources in a new subject area on MI Learning on iTunes U. Visit: http://macul.org/milearning/
for application details. Applications are due December 4, 2009.
Explore K12 on iTunes U to see the growing K12 educational resources ready for download and determine how you can help provide quality-learning tools for students and staff in your area of specialty! Check out these new topics that have been added to MI Learning in the past few weeks: Zangle Tutorials for Teachers
Physics (2 courses) Physical Science
7h. Teacher Fellow Program at The Henry Ford
Become an active partner in education with The Henry Ford to help inspire and shape the minds of tomorrow's innovators! Teacher Fellows work with their Education Team to create cutting-edge and innovative educational programs that can become national models and aid classroom instruction. The Henry Ford selects 12 to 16 K-12 social studies and science/technology teachers through a competitive application process.
Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2009, and the 2010 Teacher Fellows will be notified of their selection by December 5, 2009. Please view all of the application materials found at: http://www.thehenryford.org/education/development.aspx
Your application should be filled out and mailed or faxed to:
Paula Gangopadhyay
Director of Education
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48124
Fax number: 313-982-6244
7i. $5000 Award for Outstanding High School EE Teachers
The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is awarded annually to an outstanding educator who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. The award is given to an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others. A $5,000 cash award is provided for the recipient to continue their work in environmental education. Additionally, as part of the prize, the winner travels to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives from the environmental community to further his or her network. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward/
Rolling Deadline for the Michigan Renewable Schools Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.energyworksmichigan.org
November 30, 2009: Deadline for K-12 science teachers to apply for the Teacher Fellow Program at The Henry Ford. For more information, please visit: http://www.thehenryford.org/education/development.aspx
December 1, 2009: Deadline to write an essay for Samsung's "Four Seasons of Hope" program. For more information, please visit: http://pages.samsung.com/us/4seasons_hope/rules.html
December 1, 2009: Deadline for Physics Teachers to apply for grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.aapt.org/programs/grants/hsgrant.cfm
December 4, 2009: Deadline to apply for the teacher stipend from MACUL to produce 25 online learning resources. For more information, please visit:
http://macul.org/milearning/
December 15, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Bette and Roger Gay Scholarship at the Detroit Zoological Society to travel across the equator. For more information, please visit: http://www.detroitzoo.org/Saving_Wildlife/Saving_Wildlife/Adopt-A-School/
December 23, 2009: Deadline to apply for the National Pest Management Associations Grade 4 -8 national competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.pestworldforkids.org/psa-contest.html
January 13, 2010: Deadline for K-12 science teachers to apply to be an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. For more information, please visit: http://www.einsteinfellows.org/application.html
January 13, 2010: Deadline for potential high school science teachers to apply for the teaching fellowships from Knowles Science Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://www.kstf.org/fellowships/teaching.html
January 15, 2010: Community Action Grants for Females. For more information, please visit: http://www.aauw.org/education/fga/fellowships_grants/community_action.cfm
January 15, 2010: Deadline for HS Environmental Education Teachers to apply for the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward/
January 18, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Toyota Tapestry Grants for K-12 Teachers. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry
January 29, 2010: Deadline for teachers to apply for the Global Learning Adventure of grants of $5000 to $10,000. For more information, please visit: http://www.fundforteachers.org
8a. November is Chemistry Month in the Year of Science 2009
Chemistry is the scientific nexus that connects us all in every way! Ever wonder why food tastes so yummy, colors are so vibrant, or smells can be so enticing? The answer is chemistry! Chemistry is responsible for the look, feel, and smell of every object all around you - even YOU! All the technology we enjoy and can't live without require chemistry. Chemistry is simply everything and everywhere! So enjoy exploring the world of chemistry this month! To learn more, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org/home/
8b. Environmental Education Expo
An excellent opportunity for teachers to connect with leading West Michigan environmental organizations and learn strategies for incorporating local natural resources and hands-on stewardship activities into their curriculum.
K-12 Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Northern Ottawa County Teachers Wednesday, December 2, 2009 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI 49437 FREE, light snacks provided
Review environmentally themed curricula like Project WET, Project WILD, Great Lakes in My World, and more! Talk with local environmental leaders about stewardship opportunities for students that meet a need in the community. Learn how to meet Michigan's required standards while engaging your students with place-based education projects. Door prizes! A raffle will be held a the end of the evening for some wonderful prizes, including at least one GLSI Professional Development coupon valued up to $60. Registration is appreciated, but not necessary, but please contact Melissa Maxson at (231) 767-7336.
Educator Robert Krampf, "the Happy Scientist," shows visitors to his Website that science can be fun and understandable. Part of that effort is his Free Experiment of the Week list. If you join the Experiment of the Week list, each week you will get a new experiment that you can try yourself. Also check out the free Science Photo of the Day and view the Latest Video (Fun at Technorama). For more information, please visit: http://thehappyscientist.com/
8d. Investigate a Science Mystery
The Sue Files is a Web-based curriculum designed by The Field Museum to put students in the shoes of a paleontologist studying Sue, the largest, most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex. Although the scenario presented on this site is fictitious and designed to be an engaging story, all the scientific information regarding Sue the T. rex and the science of paleontology is completely accurate. In addition, the questions that student's answer, as they investigate this mystery, are the same sorts of questions paleontologists struggle with on a regular basis. For more information, please visit: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/thesuefiles/
8e. 2009 MVU Online Learning Symposium Connecting with Youth in a Media Rich World
The 2009 MVU Online Learning Symposium will explore how young people are using new media and communication tools to build social networks, create content and learn from their peers. This new environment has significant implications for learning and teaching, and it creates new challenges for students, parents, educators and policy makers.
The conference agenda will provide perspectives on education in the digital age, who today's students are, what they are doing online, the growing disconnect between in-school and out-of-school activities, and the changing roles of young people and adults. The conference will take place at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. For more information, please visit: http://www.mivu.org/symposium
November 15, 2009 is National Recycling Day. Please visit: http://www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx
8g. Bilingual Science Glossaries for Grades 3-12 in Almost All Languages
The bilingual glossaries are intended to be used by teachers, LEP students, test translators, and material and curricula developers. Students may use these documents as supplements to their texts. Teachers can use the glossaries as reference in preparing lessons. They should be of special value in classrooms where the teachers do not speak the targeted languages. You can view the glossaries at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/biling/bilinged/bilingual_glossaries.htm
January 1 - December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
November 15, 2009: National Recycling Day. Please visit: http://www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx
November 18, 2009: Fall Science Update at Grand Valley State University from 8:00 - 3:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/index.cfm?action=home.events&eventId=1B30A6B0-A218-7C51-C0723A854DCAF30B
December 2, 2009: Environmental Education Expo at GVSU's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon, for 4:00 - 6:00. For more information, please contact Melissa Maxon, 231-767-7336.
December 2, 2009: MVU Online Learning Symposium Connecting with Youth in a Media Rich World at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.mivu.org/symposium
December 31, 2009: Deadline to apply for the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program. For more information, please visit: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/
March 4-6, 2010: MSTA Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.msta-mich.org/conference/
March 18-21, 2010: NSTA Conference in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2010phi/?lid=tnavhp
9a. Satellite Observations in Science Education
If you are a high-school science teacher and your students spend a lot of time online, then you may have wished that you had easier ways to merge teaching science with the World Wide Web. Luckily, the Satellite Observations in Science Education project (SOSE), provides free tools known as Reusable Content Objects, or RCOs. You can easily and quickly use RCOs to put an interactive web page together and get your lesson taught. The emphasis at the SOSE website is on satellite data, but its tools are multi-disciplinary and can be used in a wide variety of science contexts. To access this free toolkit, visit: http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/sose/
9b. New Director for the Michigan Envirothon
Michigan Envirothon is pleased to welcome Benjamin Wickerham as the new Michigan Envirothon Coordinator. Ben has a Bachelors of Science degree from MSU in general zoology. He has a wealth of experience working with youth through his position as Watershed Project Coordinator for the Branch County Conservation District from 2007-2009 and most recently with the Genesee Conservation District as Environmental Educator. Ben has also worked for both Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Natural Features Inventory on seasonal wildlife management and research projects and worked for the Flint River Watershed Coalition as Stream Profiling Coordinator. Benjamin currently resides in Flushing, MI with his wife Elizabeth.
Svenja Drebes and Ben will be working together for the next several weeks, to transfer program responsibilities to Ben before Svenja moves on to Berkeley, California. Please provide a warm welcome to Ben! Email: benjamin.wickerham@macd.org Phone: 517-324-4421
9c. Sustainable Energy Workshop for Science Teachers
Do you need to know more about Michigan's new energy economy? Kettering University will be conducting its final three-day Sustainable Energy Workshop for Science and Technology Teachers in November. This program will teach participants about fuel cells, wind, solar, biofuels and the energy economy. Participants will have the chance to team up and network with other teachers embarking upon energy education. Learn how to integrate energy content into the Michigan Science Curriculum Standards and Expectations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interface with experts in the sustainable energy field and participate in sustainable energy labs and activities. The workshop includes a tour of Kettering's sustainable energy facility and a field trip to a working Michigan Alternative Energy site. For attending, participants will receive an operational Model Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, sustainable energy content material and lab activities to use in your classroom. The three day workshop is scheduled for November 21st, December 4th, and December 5th at the University's Flint campus and runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshop participants will go on a field trip to an operating sustainable energy site on Friday Dec. 4th. The fee for this workshop is $150 and covers the cost of the materials and lunch. Payment (by check only) is due by the November 16th or through special arrangements at the time of registration. To register, call Virginia Hill at (810) 762-9873 at Kettering University. Participants, if they wish, may also be earn 2.4 Professional Development CEU's. For additional information or questions e-mail Fuelcellinfo@kettering.edu or call Dave Namenye at 810-394-3757.
January 8, 2010: Deadline to apply for the NSF funded Professional Development integrating nanoscience and technology. For more information, please visit: http://www.mcrel.org/NanoTeach/Recruiting
Middle School and High School Science
10a. Free Virtual Frog Demo Taking Frog Dissection to the next level. V-Frog is the world's first virtual reality-based frog dissection simulation designed for biology education that promises to deliver a learning experience comparable to conventional frog dissection, without the associated safety risks and moral concerns. Students can cut, probe, and explore the frog as well as activate various biological systems in order to see how they function in a live frog. Compared to multimedia-based frog dissection software, V-Frog allows for real-time interaction using intricate technical innovations based on the latest virtual surgery technology to perform such tasks as cutting, grasping, peeling and probing. For more information and a free demo, visit: http://www.vfrog.net
10b. Free Leopold Education Project Workshops Learn to put a new spin on the science you're already teaching. Discover new ways to engage your students in an outdoor setting. You'll have a GREAT time! Need more information? Please don't hesitate to contact: Wendy Cheek, Leopold Education Project State Coordinator 616-688-5172 or wcheek@allcom.net
November 20, 9am-4pm - Traverse City January 30, 9am-4pm at the Ebersole Center - Wayland, MI
This fast-paced, fun and fact-filled workshop will leave you laughing as you dive into the mating rituals of our native birds, fascinated as you study tracking and "reading the landscape," inspired as you read, reflect and contemplate the words of Leopold, and confident in activities designed to help you lead your classroom outdoors. These activities, correlated to Michigan Benchmarks (correlated to the new GLCE's), cover plant, bird, and track identification, habitat studies, ecological relationships, stewardship values, journaling and more; they will also change your way of teaching the natural sciences - understanding becomes real when students can see, touch and experience the natural world around them.
November 20, 2009: Free Leopold Education Project Workshop in Traverse City. For more information, please contact: Wendy Cheek, Leopold Education Project State Coordinator 616-688-5172 or wcheek@allcom.net
November 30, 2009: Deadline for Grade 6-9 Teachers to apply for the DCAT Making a Difference Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnav#dcat
November 30, 2009: Deadline for Middle School and High School Teachers to apply for the CIBA Foundation Science Teaching Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/CibaTeaching.pdf
November 30, 2009: Deadline for MS and HS teachers to register for the 2010 Team America Rocketry Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.rocketcontest.org
January 30, 2010: Free Leopold Education Project Workshop at the Ebersole Center in Wayland, MI. For more information, please contact: Wendy Cheek, Leopold Education Project State Coordinator 616-688-5172 or wcheek@allcom.net
11a. Design Squad Engineering Competition on PBS
Design Squad, PBS' engineering reality competition series, has a new Teacher's Guide. Order your free copy today! Developed for middle school science and technology teachers, Design Squad's latest guide blends hands-on engineering challenges with 3 core science concepts: Force - students build their own blimps Electricity - students design electronic games Sound - students make and play instruments
The challenges use low cost, readily available materials and are linked to national science and technology standards. For more information or to order the teachers guide, please visit: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/
Elementary and Middle School Science
The National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in White Lake will once again operate a program called the WeatherBox. This program will aid in the study of weather and the atmosphere. The WeatherBox was conceived to provide a week's worth of weather materials for you to use in your class and also designed to meet some science standards. There are lesson plans, experiments and many other materials to use.
The WeatherBox is only available for schools in the responsibility area of the NWS WFO White Lake. This area includes Southeast Michigan in the following counties: Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee, and Monroe. Requests will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. The NWS will deliver and pick up the WeatherBox, prior to and just after the scheduled two weeks. If you would like to request the WeatherBox, or if you have additional questions, you can contact:
Richard.Pollman@noaa.gov or by calling (248) 625-3309 Ext. 726.
Zula USA, LLC is a leading provider of educational products designed to provide and promote science and math education as well as reading literacy for children in PreK through 3rd grade - a group for whom early exposure and intervention has proven most effective. Zula's comprehensive program addresses the national call for science, math and reading literacy education among PreK and early elementary students, provides a critical foundation in understanding core concepts and content and promotes the development of critical thinking skills. The Zula Patrol television series, Zula.com website, classroom curriculum and other supporting materials provide science, math and reading literacy education and character-building lessons in an entertaining format that encourages whole family participation while also offering a diverse approach to learning styles. During the summer of 2009, the company launched: http://www.ZulaWorld.com a virtual world of fun, science and discovery. In this virtual world, kids play educational games and go on science exploration missions. Each child also has an online "Journal" for recording observations with notes and drawings. Teachers have access to each child's Journal, which can be downloaded and used as an assessment tool. Teachers can also make assignment to students through their Journals. Parents get regular email updates on their child's activities and learning experiences in ZulaWorld.com. The expert team of educators, writers, scientists, and media specialists works to ensure that Zula delivers a dynamic, focused, fun learning experience for children to learn about the world around them.
For more information, please email Zula at infor@zula.com, visit: http://www.zulaworld.com and www.zula.com or call 818-840-1695 Ext 27. Don't forget to apply for the Zula International Early Science Educator Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnavhp#zula
November 30, 2009: Deadline for K-2 Science Teachers to apply for the Zula International Early Science Educator Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnavhp#zula
December 18, 2009: Deadline for 4th - 6th grade students and teachers to enter the Disney Planet Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge
This month we have four wonderful prizes to give away. The prizes are pencil pouches, but they are very special pencil pouches. They are made by the K.I.L.U.S. Foundation, which is a Fair Trade women's cooperative in the Philippines that recycles and handcrafts non-biodegradable items, like juice boxes, into fun and fashionable accessories. Please visit: http://forestsoftheworld.com/Products/BagsAndHats/kilus/ to learn more about these products. It is a great model of recycling for your students.
To win one of these prizes, send an email to: David Bydlowski
bydlowd@resa.net State Coordinator for the Michigan Science Matters Network You MUST INCLUDE your name AND mailing address AND your school name/district.
You may only enter once and only one entry per email address. Respondents 15, 30, 45 and 60 will receive a prize. We will post all of the winners in our next E-Blast. Good luck to you and thank you for being part of the Michigan Science Matters Network.
To subscribe to the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please visit: http://nsta.org/sciencematters Click on Teachers, then click on Become a Point of Contact.
To unsubscribe from the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please contact your Key Leader or email David Bydlowski, Michigan Coordinator for the Science Matters Network, at bydlowd@resa.net.