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E-Blast February 26, 2009
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- Building a Presence
- MDE Science
- K-12 Science
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Middle School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- February Contest Winners
- Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Deadlines
Here are your science education resources and announcements for February 26, 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
Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.
John F. Kennedy
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
Building a Presence
Upcoming BaP Events
Are you attending the MSTA Conference in Detroit? If so, there will a BaP meeting on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM in the Renoir Room at the Detroit Marriott. Hope to see you there!
Are you attending the NSTA Conference in New Orleans? If so, there will be a reception on Thursday, March 19 from 5:00 - 7:00 in La Galerie 2 at the Marriott. RSVP is not necessary.
Prize Winner from Listening to the e-Blast Podcast
The winner of the Podcast contest is:
Tammy Dionise
Dimondale, MI
She answered the question "What is the website for the Year of Science 2009?" correctly. Of course, the answer is http://www.yearofscience2009.org. She received an iTunes gift card for her efforts.
You can only win if you listen to the e-blast podcast. During the podcast, a contest question will be asked and a deadline given. If you answer the question correctly, you will be entered into a drawing and one lucky person will win an iTunes gift card. To listen to the Michigan e-blast podcasts, you can visit: http://k12science.net and click on the podcast button. You can also subscribe to the podcasts from there. If you listen to this e-blast as a podcast, you might be the next winner! Good luck!
MDE Science
No More Constructed Response Questions on the Science MEAP Starting Fall 2009
Beginning with the Fall 2009 MEAP, the Office of Educational Assessment and Accountability will not use constructed response items in Science. This does not mean that they will no longer be assessing the content expectations that were previously associated with constructed response, but that they will be assessing them with suitable multiple choice items designed to measure the underlying concepts. This change will result in a reduction of the time required for students to take the tests. They also expect the amount of information obtained will improve significantly.
K-7 Companion Documents Rollouts
The Michigan Mathematics and Science Centers Network are doing rollout sessions on the K-7 Companion Documents. Here is a partial list of upcoming rollout sessions:
- February 28: 11:00 - 2:00 at Ronan Hall Room 102 on the CMU campus. Please contact Kaye Hemerline at: Hemer1kl@cmich.edu for more information.
- March 4: 4:30 - 5:30 at the Monroe ISD. Register online at: http://www.solutionwhere.com/Monroeisd
- March 10: 4:00 - 6:00 at Harbor Beach Community Schools, Secondary Library, in Huron County. Please contact Scott Whipple at: swhipple@hisd.k12.mi.us for more information.
- March 11: 8:00 - 3:00 at the SVSU Regional Education Center. Registration and further details are found at http://www.svsu.edu/mathsci-center/ or by calling 989-964-4114.
- March 11: 4:00 - 6:00 at the Mason-Lake Oceana Math and Science Center. This workshop is for grade 5-7 educators only. Please contact Kathy Surd at: Ksurd@mlisd.k12.mi.us for more information.
- March 19: at the Grand Traverse Regional Math and Science Center. Please contact Tom Wessels at: twessels@tbaisd.k12.mi.us for more information.
- April 21: 3:35 - 4:45 at the Sanilac County Math and Science Center at the Sanilac Career Center in Peck. For more information, please call Nick Miu at 810-648-4700.
The K-7 Companion Documents can be downloaded at:
http://mi.gov/science
If you would like more explanation regarding the Companion Documents, you can visit:
http://science.resa.net
Then click on Curriculum.
Then click on K-7 Expectations (in the left hand column).
There you will find the companion documents for download, as well as podcasts describing each document. These podcasts include a general description of the expectations for each grade level and an explanation of the companion document for each grade level.
K-12 Science
Engineering Resources
If you are in need of resources dealing with engineering, you should visit:
http://nae.edu/nae/naehome.nsf
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) mission is to promote the technological welfare of the nation by marshaling the knowledge and insights of eminent members of the engineering profession. Check out this great resource today!
Contest to Name the Next Space Station Module
NASA is asking the public to help name the International Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space and the world's ultimate observation deck. Eight refrigerator-sized racks in the Node 3 module will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to the node is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around the sides and one on top. The cupola will offer astronauts a spectacular view of their home planet and their home in space. In addition to providing a perfect location to observe and photograph Earth, the cupola also will contain a robotics workstation from which astronauts will be able to control the station's 57-foot robotic arm.
Individuals can vote for the module's name online, choosing one of four NASA suggestions -- Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity or Venture -- or writing in a name. Submissions will be accepted Feb. 19 through March 20. The name should reflect the spirit of exploration and cooperation embodied by the space station and follow in the tradition set by Node 1, named "Unity," and Node 2, named "Harmony." The winning name will be announced at the Node 3 unveiling April 28 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The node is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy April 20 and is targeted for launch in late 2009. For more information, to submit a name and to view pictures of the node and cupola, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/namenode3
For additional information about the International Space Station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellowship
K-12 teachers with successful strategies for increasing student achievement are encouraged to apply for Teaching Ambassador Fellowship positions with the U.S. Department of Education for the 2009-2010 school year. Teachers will be chosen based upon their record of leadership, impact on student achievement and potential for contribution to the Department and the field. The program offers two tracks: Classroom and Washington Fellows.
Classroom Fellows will serve their regular teaching contracts with their districts and will be paid to perform additional fellowship duties for the Department of Education. As practicing classroom teachers, these Fellows will share an important perspective for -- and will gain more knowledge about -- education policy and program development. They will share their experiences with other Fellows and with the Department of Education at designated times throughout the year.
Washington Fellows will serve as full-time federal employees in Washington, D.C., from the summer of 2009 through June 2010. They will be placed in appropriate positions within the Department of Education to work on education program development and implementation. They will focus on using their previous classroom experience to contribute knowledge and insight to various Department of Education projects. They will spend the majority of their time working in program offices, increasing their knowledge of and contributing to federal education policies and programs, and collaborating with other Fellows.
Applications for both tracks are due March 16, 2009. For more information about this fellowship opportunity and activities of the current group of Teaching Ambassador Fellows, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html
If you have questions about the fellowship, please e-mail your inquiries to TeacherFellowship@ed.gov or call 1-800-USA-Learn.
MSTA Conference
Don't forget to attend the Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference to be held in Detroit March 5-7, 2009. For more information, please visit:
http://msta-mich.org
State of Science Education Survey
You are cordially invited to participate in the first State of Science Education Survey. This survey, developed by Julie Luft, National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Director for Research in Science Education, will help NSTA to obtain some very valuable information from you and your colleagues on a host of issues important to science education and educators. As a token of their gratitude for participating in this important survey, you can enter to win a FREE airline ticket to travel anywhere in the continental U.S. (some travel restrictions apply)! After you complete the survey, feel free to forward this message (and the link) to members in your state, to science teachers at your school, or to science teachers in your address book. The survey will close on Monday, March 2 SO ACT NOW! You can access the survey by going to:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v0lCnq3m9CbxwZNuuhh4YA_3d_3d
New Online Podcast: Ocean Gazing
The Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence Networked Ocean World (COSEE-NOW) is pleased to announce the launch of a new biweekly podcast: Ocean Gazing. Over the next few months they will investigate some of the ocean's secrets. Find out how to detect underwater earthquakes, take photos of some of the smallest ocean creatures, measure the ocean's temperature, and much more.
The first episode of Ocean Gazing features University of Washington oceanography professor and visionary John Delaney. You can listen to the episode, view pictures, hear additional clips, and comment on the episode on the COSEE NOW site:
http://coseenow.net/category/ocean/
Each episode features a "Sonic Stumper," where they invite you to call in or email in your guesses. You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes by visiting the iTunes store and searching for "Ocean Gazing."
Become America's Greenest School
Win a hybrid school bus and $5,000! Did you know that each school bus takes approximately 36 cars off the road? Kids deserve a green environment - and riding the school bus is an easy way to help preserve it. To reward all kids who show a passion for a greener world, ID Bus is giving away major prizes! Tell them how your school has made efforts to go green. You could win a HYBRID SCHOOL BUS for your school - how cool does that make you? Deadline to submit your entry is April 30, 2009. For more information, please visit:
http://www.americasgreenestschool.com/
Forests Now
You can save the rainforest by shaping the new climate change agreement. The last, best chance to save the world's rapidly dwindling tropical forests is upon us. The nations of the world are negotiating a new climate change agreement this year that could include compensating developing countries for protecting their forests---which sequester up to 400 tons of carbon per hectare. If this happens, developing countries could receive between $600-$8000 from the international carbon trading market for every hectare of standing forest they preserve. Such an incentive would trigger strict protection of forests throughout the tropics. To find out how teachers and students can help shape the outcome of the climate change negotiations visit the Forests Now website at:
http://www.forestsnow.org
High School Science
Driving Environmental Progress: What Can Students Do?
Do you have high school students who care about the environment, like to write, and would appreciate a $400 prize? The international Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is sponsoring a high school essay contest titled "Driving Environmental Progress: What Can Students Do?" This contest gives students in grades 9-12 the chance to share their thoughts on environmental issues and should describe the role that students can play in driving environmental progress. Essays must be submitted on or before April 22, 2009.
The author(s) of the best paper(s) will receive $400 and a first place certificate. Awards will be announced during the Student Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at A&WMA&'s 102nd Annual Conference and Exhibition in Detroit, MI. An excerpt from the winning essay will be published in A&WMA's monthly magazine, EM. Additional information and contest rules can be found at: http://www.awma.org/go/essaycontest09
Middle School and High School Science
Spring NanoCamp at U of M for MS and HS Students
The Lurie Nanofabrication Facility is announcing the Spring 2009 edition of the LNF NanoCamp, a free, one-day camp on nanoscience for middle and high school students, on Saturday April 4th 2009. The NanoCamp will include a variety of activities demonstrating concepts in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Attendees will have the opportunity to do hands-on lab activities in the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility, the University of Michigan's research cleanroom laboratory, and learn about the micro/nano- electronics fabrication techniques that are used to make computers and other electronic devices. For more information, go to:
http://www.lnf.umich.edu/Events.aspx?id=104
The NanoCamp will be held in the EECS Building on the North Campus of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from 8:30am to 5pm. Space is limited. If you would like to attend, please apply by Monday March 23rd 2009. For more information, please contact:
Sandrine Martin, Ph.D.
LNF User Services Manager / NNIN Education Coordinator
734-763-6719
Students, Astronauts, Questions, and Channel One
In a unique event, NASA and Channel One News will offer students the opportunity to ask questions of the next space shuttle crew. The crew includes two former science teachers, Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold, who are now fully-trained NASA astronauts. They will make their first journey into orbit on shuttle Discovery's upcoming mission to the International Space Station, currently targeted to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than Feb. 27. On the mission's fourth day, Channel One News Anchor Steven Fabian will interview Acaba, Arnold, shuttle Commander Lee Archambault and International Space Station Commander Mike Fincke. The questions will be selected from written and videotaped submissions made on the Web at:
http://www.channelone.com/news/space-station-q-a
NASA Television and the agency's Web site will broadcast the interview live. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
MOLECULES, the Musical
Give yourself and your students a 90-minute science-stimulus by going to see MOLECULES, an original science musical being launched in Ann Arbor to inspire, motivate, and entertain students and their teachers through song, dance, comedy, and very cool multimedia. MOLECULES, is a "Cirque Du Science," an exciting science show that's guaranteed to be one of your most memorable field trips.
Find out how you can also get an award-winning film production crew to film you and your students, right in your school, for two of the MOLECULES multimedia segments. And, find out how your students can win a science scholarship that will be awarded, on stage, at the MOLECULES performance. For all of the details, please visit:
http://www.moleculesthemusical.com
Middle School School Science
Young Scientist Challenge
Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier national science competition for students in grades 5 through 8. The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to encourage the exploration of science and innovation among America's youth and to promote the importance of science communication. In 1999, Discovery Communications launched the competition to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. In 2008 3M joined forces with Discovery Education in a quest to nurture the next generation of American scientists with an innovative and interactive science program open to every middle school student in America. Over the last ten years, more than 600,000 middle school students have been nominated to participate in the competition, and winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, work with the nation's top scientists, and pursue academic careers in the sciences.
So do you have what it takes to be America's Top Young Scientist? Discovery Education and 3M are looking for a few great students to inspire them with their enthusiasm for science, so show them what you've got! Create a short (1-2 min.) video about one of this year's scientific topics and YOU could win a trip to New York City to compete in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals. In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8, and must submit a video entry online at between January 15, 2009 and May 20, 2009. For full details, please visit:
http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/
Elementary and Middle School Science
Great Science Fair Resource Just Released
Introducing Scotch™ Brand Science Fair Central--Discovery Education's definitive new resource for teachers, parents and young scientists...Scotch Science Fair Central. With an emphasis on hands-on investigations, field work, and doing science like a "real scientist," ScotchScienceFair.com is the most relevant, creative (and fun!) science fair tool on the web.
At ScotchScienceFair.com:
- Teachers: Follow a clear pathway to help students develop and present successful projects.
- Science Fair Coordinators: Save time with a customizable timeline, letter to parents, judging criteria and a detailed checklist to organize experts and novices alike.
- Parents and students: Get tips & tricks for creating a winning display, printable shopping lists complete with where-to-buy information and coupons for Scotch® Brand display products.
At the end of the day, the student's science fair display matters most. It tells the story behind the hard work and is something for students to be proud of. Using innovative products like Scotch® Clear Removable Mounting Squares lessens frustration and makes a big difference in the finished display. To learn more about creating a winning display, visit ScotchScienceFair.com and get started!
Nature Mapping
In a nutshell, NatureMapping is recording and reporting the plants and animals you see - in your backyard, schoolyard, on your way to work, or enjoying a walk. In short, anytime you can pinpoint your location and take good field notes.
NatureMapping is a program that provides workshops and resources to help students collect and analyze scientific field data, inspiring young scientists through class projects and field trips.
The material includes:
- Lessons: ttp://www.edutopia.org/naturemapping-lesson-overviews
- Videos and Tips: http://www.edutopia.org/toad-tracking
- Articles: http://www.edutopia.org/naturemapping
- Contacts: http://www.edutopia.org/naturemapping-contact-staff-karen-dvornich
- Teachers' Corner: http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/education/
There are seven lessons; each takes about three-to-five one-hour class sessions, and each follows the same pattern: The lesson starts with steps for teaching the material and concludes with a practical activity and assessment. Links to other lesson plans and downloadable materials are available throughout the lessons.
Started in 1992, NatureMapping grew from the big idea of developing an international biodiversity database for use by scientists and the public. And who better to add to it than students? Across the world, students, teachers, and communities are working together to identify and record species in their areas to contribute to the database, which in turn gives scientists a tool for research and conservation efforts. NatureMapping teaches students about science while making a real contribution to the field.
February Contest Winners
In February, we gave away ten science DVD's. Here is a list of the winners:
- Ron Ferenczi, Covenant High School, Redford
- Stacey Johnson, Cole Academy, Lansing
- Aileen Kushner, Bridgeport Alternative BASE, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools
- Brian Derowski, St. Clair Science and Math Center
- Nate Beelen, Whitefish Township Community Schools
- Peter Youngblood, Trenton High School, Trenton
- Ashley Noel Goodman, Randels Elementary, Carman-Ainsworth District
- Theresa Bills, Pierce MS, Waterford
- Monica Single, Washtenaw Christian Academy
- Connie Atkisson, Detroit Public Schools
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- January 1-December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
- February 27, 2009: Deadline to apply to be a INSPIRE Program Summer Counselor/Chaperone. For more information, please visit: https://opportunities.nasa.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=applications.PositionDetails&JobPostingID=21
- March 2, 2009: Deadline for 7th - 12th grade students to apply for the Young Naturalist Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/index.html
- March 2, 2009: Last day to take the State of Science Education Survey. To take the survey, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v0lCnq3m9CbxwZNuuhh4YA_3d_3d
- March 5-6, 2009: Southeastern Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Wayne State University. For more information, please visit: http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/jshs/
- 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 13, 2009: Deadline for students to enter the Igniting Creative Energy Competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org
- March 13, 2009: Deadline for students to enter the Earth Day T-Shirt Contest. For more information, please visit: http://nesecenter.com
- March 15, 2009: Deadline for middle school students to apply for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://wecanchange.com
- March 16, 2009: Deadline for K-12 Teachers to apply for the U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellowship. For more information, please visit: http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html
- 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/
- March 20, 2009: Deadline to apply for the 2009 High School InvenTeam Competition. For more information, please visit: http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html
- March 22, 2009: World Water Day. More information will follow.
- March 23, 2009: Deadline for middle school and high school students to register to attend the Spring NanoCamp at the University of Michigan. For more information, please visit: http://www.lnf.umich.edu/Events.aspx?id=104
- March 24, 2009: Picture Perfect: Persuasion, Politics, and Prejudice Surrounding the Scientific Image, 1800-2009 by Professor Eric J. Heller of Harvard University, free lecture at the Lear Auditorium on the campus of Lawrence Technological University.
- March 27-28, 2009: Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Spring 2009 Meeting in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.miaapt.org/index.shtml
- 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 12-18, 2009: National Environmental Education Week 2009: Be Water Wise! For more information, please visit: http://www.eeweek.org
- April 22, 2009: Earth Day. For resources, please visit: http://www.earthday.net/
- April 22, 2009: Deadline for High School Students to enter the Air and Waste Management Association's Essay Contest on Driving Environmental Progress. For more information, please visit: http://www.awma.org/go/essaycontest09
- 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/
- June 16-17, 2009: Workshop for Middle School Teachers on GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6-8 to be held at Central Michigan University. For more information, please send an email to gems@cmich.edu or visit: http://gems.cmich.edu
- 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).
- August 2-6, 2009: ChemEd Conference in Radford, Virginia. For more information, please visit: http://www.radford.edu/chemed2009/
- August 16-22, 2009: World Water Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldwaterweek.org/
- October 8-10, 2009: The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education will be held at the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/index.html
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