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E-Blast November 13, 2008
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- Building a Presence
- MDE Science
- K-12 Science
- MSTA Teacher Award Nomination Deadline is Friday
- Podcasts on K12 Science in Michigan
- MSELA Fall Dinner Meeting
- 24th Annual Fall Science Update Seminar
- DTE Energy Foundation Mini Grants for Educators
- Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project
- Michigan Green School Website
- 2nd Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Building for the Classroom
- High School Science
- Middle and High School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- November Contest
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Here are your science education resources and announcements for November 13, 2008 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
As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.
Bill Gates
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
Building a Presence
The Structure of the BaP Network in Michigan
The Michigan BaP network is directed by State Coordinator David Bydlowski, who was selected with the support of the Michigan Science Teachers Association. This State Coordinator works with regional contacts known as Super Key Leaders (SKL) and Key Leaders (KL) to identify a Point of Contact (PoC) for science in every school. Presently, there are 30 Super Key Leaders, 251 Key Leaders and 3,101 Points of Contact.
To get others involved, have them visit:
http://bap.nsta.org
MDE Science
K-7 Companion Documents Completed
The final form of the K-7 companion documents have been completed. They are ready and pending approval from the Michigan Department of Education. Hopefully we will have more information in our next e-blast.
K-12 Science
MSTA Teacher Award Nomination Deadline is Friday
The deadline to submit a nomination for an individual for the MSTA 2009 Awards is this Friday, November 14! To nominate someone, go to:
http://www.msta-mich.org/downloads/awards/2009-awards.pdf
Categories include:
- Teacher of the Year (Elementary, Middle Level, High School, or College)
- Teacher of Promise
- Administrator of the Year
Podcasts on K12 Science in Michigan
Podcasts are now available on K12 Science in Michigan. Topics include:
- Michigan e-Blasts
- High School Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics (Each discipline is an individual podcast)
- Elementary Science for Grades K-7 (Each grade is an individual podcast)
- Companion Documents for Grades K-7 (Each companion document per grade is an individual podcast)
- Earth, Physical, and Life Science Across Grades K-7 (Each discipline is an individual podcast)
- How to use Science Builder
- Visit to the MDSTA Fall Conference
- TI User Groups in Science
- The difference between Standards, Statements, and Expectations
- Science Fairs and the Inquiry Expectations
- High School Science on Lake Erie
- How to Make a Science Podcast
- The difference between Essential and Core Expectations
These podcasts are produced by David Bydlowski, State Coordinator for Building a Presence, through an initial grant from Michigan Virtual University. The are available to view online or by subscription at:
http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast.html
MSELA Fall Dinner Meeting
The Michigan Science Education Leadership Association Fall Dinner Meeting and Inquiry Workshop will take place at the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center on Thursday, November 20, 2008. The meeting will run from 4:30 - 8:00. A visit of the Outdoor Education Center, Networking, Dinner, MDE Update, Linking Science with C TE and an Inquiry Presentation are all included. The fee is $30 for members and $45 for non-members (includes a MSELA membership). For more information, please contact Carol Jones at cjones@misd.net
24th Annual Fall Science Update Seminar
The Regional Math and Science Center cordially invites you to the 24th annual Fall Science Update Seminar on November 19, 2008 from 4:00 - 8:00 at the Kirkhof Center on the Grand Valley State University Allendale Campus. This year's theme is "Engaging Students in the Nature of Science." The format of the program has changed this year to feature two 60-minute breakout sessions followed by a dinner presentation.
The evening's sessions will provide content information and teaching strategies for K-12 teachers in biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, physics, and tec hnology. Some sessions will feature best practice teaching strategies as well as tools for the classroom. Opportunities for student learning adventures, both as field trips and/or classroom experiences, will be presented.
Whether you are a new or returning teacher, this evening mini-conference promises to be an informative and relaxing evening where you can enjoy collegiality with other teachers, as well as take time to explore new trends and ideas in education. As always, this will be a night of learning. They look forward to your participation. Call (616) 331-2267 for more information or if you would like to register, please visit:
http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/
The registration deadline is November 14, 2008.
DTE Energy Foundation Mini Grants For Educators
The DTE Energy Foundation is accepting applications for its "Energy & Our World" Mini Grants for Educators program. Teachers of grades K-12 in public, non-public, and charter schools within DTE Energy's service territory may apply for the grants for interdisciplinary projects that incorporate problem-solving, decision making, and critical thinking skills. Grants typically range from $50 to $250. This year's funding will target projects that teach students about power generation, energy distribution, renewable energy technologies, environmental issues, and energy conservation. The deadline to apply is November 28, 2008. For information and an application form, visit:
http://www.dteenergy.com/minigrants
Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project
As part of NASA's commitment to the effective preparation of K-12 science teachers, formal educators are invited to apply to become a NASA Endeavor Fe llow. Each Fellow will be fully funded to complete a unique Online Certificate in Applied Science Education with Teachers College, Columbia University. Online courses begin January 2009 or September 2009 for the first two cohorts.
Applications for the January 2009 cohort are due Nov. 30, 2008.
Applications for the September 2009 cohort are due March 6, 2009.
Formal educators who work with a high percentage of underrepresented student populations are encouraged to apply. Eligible educators include in-service, alternative-route and pre-service teachers. Endeavor Fellows will be selected by a diverse group of science education professionals and represent 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories. Fellows will come together via the Internet, building an unprecedented online community of practice. Endeavor Fellows will complete a series of online courses and Action Research based on NASA content and educational materials. The End eavor online courses include a wealth of NASA assets and data, and teachers will learn to access and implement data from educational materials developed by NASA.
The goal of the Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project is to give teachers the cutting-edge tools necessary to contribute to the development of a STEM workforce. Fellows may earn a special "Leadership Distinction" by demonstrating their ability to "scale up" what they have learned beyond the walls of their classrooms to the district or regional level. U.S. Satellite Laboratory, Inc. of New York is designing and delivering the Endeavor Fellowship Project with NASA and Teachers College, Columbia University. Over time, the project will award over 200 Endeavor Fellows with one- to two-year fellowships. Graduate credit for the courses is included.
For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endea vor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html
Michigan Green School Website
If you have not had a chance to visit the Michigan Green School Website, you are missing a great resource. Please visit:
http://www.michigangreenschools.us/
and you will see how your school can become a GREEN School. You will also find lots of resources to make this happen.
2nd Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Building for the Classroom
The Traverse City Central Senior High SCI-MA-TECH Program and the Convergence Education Foundation in conjunction with The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary proudly present a unique teacher workshop oppor tunity: 2nd Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Building for the Classroom - December 5-6, 2008
- You will learn how to build your own underwater ROV.
- You will learn how to incorporate ROV's into your classroom curriculum.
- You will leave the workshop with one fully functioning ROV and support materials.
This workshop will provide a truly unique educational outreach opportunity that includes the resources, instruction and support, for the designing, engineering, and building of a fully functional underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Within the confines of the workshop participants will be exposed to the different engineering challenges faced in the submarine environment. In addition participants will be presented with concepts in science, mathematics and technology that will facilitate building a ROV with students. It is expected that participants will then use the acquired resource and replicate thi s activity with students within their own school or classroom. The pedagogy is "constructive" and based on the best practices in science as outlined in the National Resource Council's Guide, How People Learn and 12 Brain/Mind Principles in Action (Corwin Press 2004). In addition skills and activities presented in this workshop support the Michigan Merit Curriculum in science, mathematics and technology.
The target participants are K-12 Educators in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics or any other discipline that has interest in aquatic environments (i.e. aquatic biology, marine archeology, etc.) A maximum number of 8 teams, with each team made up of 3 educators from the same K-12 institution or ISD (24 total participants) and will be selected to participate in the workshop. For complete details, please contact Keith Forton at 231-933-8536 or fortonke@csh.tcaps.net (please put ROV in the subject line). The application deadline is Monday, November 17.
High School Science
USA Biology Olympiad
The USA Biology Olympiad is the premiere biology competition in the United States. Starting with almost 10,000 registered students from 40 states in 2008, the competition ultimately selects 4 students as "Team USA" who will represent our nation at the International Biology Olympiad. Last year, for the second 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 2009! 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, textbo ok 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 like-minded students. Take advantage of this opportunity to challenge your outstanding students. For additional information, the program schedule and online registration visit:
http://cee.org/usabo/index.shtml
The deadline registration is January 23, 2009. You can also contact Marcy Reedy, Manager of the USA Biology Olympiad, at mreedy@cee.org or 703-448-9062.
MichBio Career Day for Science Students
Space is still available for you to bring your science upperclassmen to the 4th Annual MichBio Career Day, November 20, 2008 at Oakland University. Teachers are welcome to bring more than the usual three students until they fill their maximum of 300 students, so be sure to register as soon as possible. The purpose this free event is to introduce a few of your students to educational and career opportunities in the biosciences through a series of fun and informative sessions and demonstrations.
The day will kick off with a keynote address entitled, Remodeling the Brain: Novel Restorative Treatments for Neurological Disease, by Michael Chopp, Distinguished Professor of Physics, at Oakland University and Scientific Director of Neuroscience Research at Henry Ford Hospital. That will be followed by a series of physics demonstrations and concurrent sessions in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Apiary Science and Environmental Sustainability, How to be a Successful Science Undergraduate, and Science Careers. In addition students will tour and view simulated patient, imaging/biology, physical therapy and chemistry demonstrations in Oakland's state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Complex. Lunch will also be provided.
Capacity is limited to 300 students plus teachers/chaperones. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Online registration is now available at:
http://michbio.switchbackcms.com/expo-home/students
For more information, call Jennifer Dickie at 734-677-0503.
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium in Southeastern Michigan
The Academy of Applied Sciences supports research projects for high school students through regional symposia known as the "Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)." Symposium finalists in each region receive significant scholarships and the opportunity to participate in the National JSHS.
In Michigan the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium takes place every March at Wayne State University. The deadline for submission of student research papers is December 10, 2008. If your students plan to participate in this year's science fair, encourage them to submit their project to the JSHS.
For more information on the symposium and on how to involve your students visit: http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/jshs/
10th Anniversary for the Michigan High School Math and Science Symposium at GVSU
Do you have students who are performing research? Do they want to share their findings outside of the classroom? Do they realize the benefits of sharing their work with others? The Michigan High School Math & Science Symposium (MHSMSS), now in its tenth year, is a capstone activity to celebrate the conclusion of an ind ividual or team effort. It is also a chance to establish credentials which may lead to a scholarship, apprenticeship, or university acceptance. Perhaps most of all, the MHSMSS offers a chance to meet peers and share knowledge with others in a collegial setting. Presentations will be critiqued by peers and adults, but not judged. The MHSMSS earned a 2006 Education Excellence Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards.
The Symposium has grown to host between 35 - 50 student presenters plus student, parent, and teacher observers each year. The Symposium begins with several student presentations in an auditorium and then breaks into smaller classroom size meeting rooms for the remaining presentations. The 10th Anniversary MHSMSS will be hosted by the Regional Math and Science Center at the GVSU Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids on April, 24, 2009. The Symposium is open to all Michigan high school students. Students can participate by presenting a project or as an observer. Teachers are invited to bring students who may be interested in research or contemplating a project. The symposium will give them the opportunity to gain some understanding of the research process and to meet students who have successfully completed scientific research.
Please visit the Regional Math and Science Center website at:
http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
for additional information such as Registration Information, Guidelines, FAQ, and Call for Proposals. All applications are due by April 13, 2009. For additional information, contact the state coordinator, Paul Bigford at paulbigford@hotmail.com or call 231-898-2633
Middle and High School Science
Michigan Society for Medical Research Essay Contest
Students in middle school and high school are invited to enter the Michigan Society for Medical Research (MISMR) essay contest to promote awareness of the benefits and the process of biomedical research, and increase awareness and interest in science. This year's topic is: Why Animals Are Important in Biomedical Research. The deadline for submitting an essay is December 18, 2008.
Information for High School Students can be found at:
http://www.mismr.org/services/essay/2009hsessaycontest.pdf
Information for Middle School Students can be found at:
http://www.mismr.org/services/essay/2009msessaycontest.pdf
Habitat Naming Contest
NASA and the Challenger Center for Space Education have partnered to engage students in ongoing activities for one of NASA's concepts for astronaut housi ng on the moon through a contest to name a habitat in Antarctica. NASA currently is conducting a test of a lightweight, durable, inflatable habitat on the cold, harsh landscape of the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station. The Challenger Center is organizing and conducting the "Name That Habitat" competition for students in grades 6-10. The Challenger Center will recruit subject matter experts to serve as judges for the contest and will provide prizes and other items for the winner and participants. The winning name will be selected later this year and announced by scientists in Antarctica in January 2009. Student, teachers and the public will be able to follow the progress of the inflatable habitat activities throughout the project.
The structure looks somewhat like an inflatable backyard "bounce house" for children, but it is far more sophisticated. It is insulated, heated and pressurized, and has power. It offers 384 square feet of liv ing space and has, at its highest point, an 8-foot ceiling. During the test period, sensors will allow engineers to monitor the habitat's performance. The contest helps NASA fulfill its mission to promote an interest in NASA missions. The contest, for example, asks students to nominate a name that has not been used in previous NASA missions, spacecraft, ships, or robotics, which they can only do successfully by conducting some research. The deadline for entries for the contest is Nov. 20, 2008.
For more information about entering the Name That Habitat contest, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/oct/HQ_08267_Habitat_Naming_Contest.html
Questions about this contest should be directed to Sonja Alexander at Sonja.R.Alexander@nasa.gov.
2009 Team America Rocketry Challenge
Registration is open for the Team America Rocketry Challenge 2009, a national model rocket competition for U.S. students in grades 7 through 12. Thousands of students compete each year in the Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world's largest model rocket contest. Cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers.
Teams of three to ten students design, build and fly a model rocket to carry one raw egg for a precise flight duration of 45 seconds and to an exact altitude of 750 feet. The team whose rocket comes the closest to both, and brings the egg back unbroken, wins.
To be eligible for the national fly-off, teams must fly a qualifying flight observed by an adult member of the National Association of Rocketry. The top-scoring 100 teams in the country will be invited to participate in the final fly-off to be held in May 2009. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by Dec. 1, 2008. For more information, visit:
http://www.rocketcontest.org/
Questions about this contest should be sent to rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org
Elementary and Middle School Science
Climate Change Campaign 2009
The Environment Online (ENO) Program invites schools and children and youth associations to take part in the Climate Change Campaign that will take place from November 2008 to January 2009. Introductory weeks and activity packages are available in many languages. They are both for basic and advanced levels, varying from arts and drama to scientific articles and radio stories. There is a survey available for public at large. The mascot for the campaign is Frank The Frog, a frog who brings awareness on Climate Change. The Majestic March Of Frogs will take place on 21st of January 2009, around the world!
Schools must register by the 28th of November 2008 to participate in the activities. Registration information is available on the website in Czech, English, Finnish, French, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://enocc.blogspot.com/
Elementary School Science
Early Childhood Science from Grades PreK-2
Early childhood science teachers, in grades PreK-2, need their own place to find resources and get support. It is now available at:
http://blogs.nsta.org/EarlyYearsBlog/default.aspx
This online site allows PreK-2 teachers to interact with colleagues and share the joys and challenges of your classroom.
November Contest
This month we have 10 wonderful gifts to give away. The prizes were donated by Science Explosion. The prizes are Sing the Science Standards CDs. Each double CD is valued at $30. For more information about these science CDs, please visit:
http://scienceexplosion.com/cds.htm
To win one of these prizes, send an email to:
David Bydlowski
bydlowd@resa.net
State Coordinator for Building a Presence
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 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 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 Building a Presence Network.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- November 14, 2008: Deadline to nominate educators for the MSTA Teachers and Administrator of the Year. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org
- November 14, 2008: Deadline to register for the Fall Science Update Seminar - Engaging Students in the Nature of Science at Grand Valley State University, Allendale Campus on November 19 from 4:00 - 8:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/
- November 15, 2008: High School Bioethics Workshop at Michigan State University. For more information, please visit: http://hsneuroethics.org/?q=node/81
- November 17, 2008: Deadline to apply for the 2nd Remote Operated Vehicles Workshop in Traverse City, MI. For registration information, please contact Keith Forton at 231-933-8536 or fortonke@csh.tcaps.net (please put ROV in the subject line).
- November 20, 2008: Michigan Science Education Leadership Association Fall Dinner Meeting at the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center. For more information, please contact Carol Jones at: cjones@misd.net
- November 20, 2008: MichBio Expo Career Day at the Lansing Center in Lansing, MI. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dickie at: 737-677-0503 or Jennifer@michbio.org
- November 20, 2008: Deadline for Middle and High School Students to enter the Name That Habitat contest, sponsored by NASA. For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/oct/HQ_08267_Habitat_Naming_Contest.html
- November 28, 2008: Deadline to apply for the DTE Energy Foundation -Energy and Our World Mini-Grants for Educators. For more information, please visit: http://www.dteenergy.com/minigrants
- November 30, 2008: Deadline to apply for Cohort 1 of the Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endeavor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html
- December 1, 2008: Deadline for students in grades 7-12 to apply for the 2009 Team America Rocketry Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.rocketcontest.org/
- December 10, 2008: Deadline for students to apply to present student research at the Southeastern Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Wayne State University. For more information, please visit: http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/jshs/deadlines.htm
- December 15, 2008: Deadline to apply for the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association's Outstanding Middle School Teacher Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nmlsta.org/
- December 18, 2008: Deadline for middle school and high school students to enter the Michigan Society for Medical Research Essay Contest. Full information can be found at: http://www.mismr.org/services/essay/2009msessaycontest.pdf or http://www.mismr.org/services/essay/2009hsessaycontest.pdf
- December 20, 2008: Deadline to enter the Chemistry Lesson Plan Competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.chemed.org/Lesson_Plan.html
- January 1 - December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
- January 13, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm
- January 15, 2009: Deadline to enter the International Children's Painting Competition on the Environment. For more information, please visit: http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/inner.asp?ct=competitions&comp=int_comp&int_comp=18th
- January 21, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Toyota TAPESTY Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/
- January 23, 2009: Deadline to register for the USA Biology Olympiad. For more information, please visit: http://cee.org/usabo/index.shtml
- January 28, 2009: Deadline to apply for the ExploraVision Awards Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org
- January 31, 2009: Deadline for 3-6 grade students to enter the Kid's Science Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com
- February 9, 2009: Deadline for teachers to apply for the ARMADA Marine Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.armadaproject.org
- February 12, 2009: Charles Darwin Bicentennial Day. For more information, please visit: http://darwinday.org/englishL/assistevent/index.html
- February 13, 2009: Deadline to register for the Michigan Environthon for High School Students. For more information, please visit: http://www.macd.org:80/envirothon.html
- March 5-7, 2009: Michigan Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in Detroit. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org/conference
- March 6, 2009: Deadline to apply for Cohort 2 of the Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endeavor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html
- March 13, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Research Experiences for K-12 Teachers (RET). For more information, please visit: http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/education/ret/
- March 16, 2009: Deadline for students to enter the 4th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education
- March 19-22, 2009: National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in New Orleans. For more information please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009new/
- April 6, 2009: Deadline to apply for the 2009 Thacher Scholars Awards for students in grades 9-12. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/ThacherScholars
- April 24, 2009: Michigan High School Math and Science Symposium at Grand Valley State University. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
- May 1, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Grades 7-12. For more information, please visit: http://www.paemst.org/
- July 11-16, 2009: The 2009 Michigan Youth Policy Summit on Greenhouse Gas Reduction, to be held at Western Michigan University for 11th and 12th Grade Students. For more information, please contact: Annemarie Fussell at Keystone (afussell@keystone.org; 970-455-4231) or Susan Grammer at WMU (susan.grammer@wmich.edu; 269-387-8642).
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.