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E-Blast for December 24, 2009
December 24, 2009 - January 13, 2010 - 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
- Grants
- K-12 Science
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- December Contest Winners
Download this e-Blast as a podcast!
Here are your science education resources and announcements for December 24, 2009 - January 13, 2010 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.
1. Leadership
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
Steve Jobs
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
2. The Science Matters Network In Michigan
2a. Happy Holidays
On behalf of the National Science Teachers Association, the Michigan Science Teachers Association and myself, David Bydlowski, State Coordinator of the Michigan Science Matters Network, we wish you a very happy holiday season and hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest before school begins again on January 4. We look forward to providing more science information for you during 2010. Happy New Year!
2b. Use that New iPod to Follow the Michigan Science Matters Network
If you are getting a new iPod, iTouch, iPhone, or a similar device for the holidays, that will be a great time to get more involved in following the Michigan Science Matters Network. Get yourself a Twitter app and follow K12Science and get a daily dose of Michigan Science Matters. Just get yourself a Twitter account at: twitter.com, then go to: Find People, and then do a search for K12Science. Then just click on follow. Besides twitter, you can follow the Michigan Science Matters Network through a twice a month podcast. You can subscribe at k12science.net or go to the iTunes Store, click on iTunes U, click on K-12, click on Michigan's MI Learning, and then scroll down to K-12 Science in Michigan.
3. Science Humor
3a. Let's Have Some Fun
A ten-year-old was very appreciative of the powers-that-be who closed her school due to bad winter weather. She asked her mom who was in charge of closing the schools and her mom said the Superintendent of your school district made the decision. The ten-year-old said, "He is a good man!"
First Student: How old is Mrs. Greene?
Second Student: Pretty old, she used to teach Shakespeare.
Mom: Tell me how school went today. How do you like it?
Daughter: It's hard to like a place that's haunted, mom.
Mom: Haunted! What are you talking about?
Daughter: It's that new teacher of mine. She keeps talking about the school spirit.
4. MEAP, MME and MDE Science
4a. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiatives in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is preparing to apply for a share of the $4.35 billion federal "Race to the Top" competitive grant. The competitive priority for this grant is an emphasis on STEM. To be fully prepared, MDE needs an inventory of all STEM activities currently in Michigan. Even without the grant, there is much value in creating a database of all STEM organizations, affiliates, and initiatives throughout Michigan.
Please take the time to complete this short survey as soon as possible, no later than December 31, 2009. Feel free to forward this survey on to any STEM contacts you may have. We do not want to miss anyone from this statewide database. It is better to be redundant in our emails than to miss anyone. Thank you for building the best STEM community possible in Michigan. The survey can be found at:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229WZ5J7FNR
5. Science Matters to Parents
5a. Nature is Closer Than You Think
Parents should go online to visit Nature Rocks, the family fun nature planner. This site will help parents find all sorts of nature activities, plus tools to help guide and plan their adventures. Parents will also find useful tips and information to help them get into nature without getting over their head. It's fast and easy so they can shut their computers down quickly, open up that door and be on their way in as little as 5 minutes. Nature is closer than you think! Please visit:
http://www.naturerocks.org/
5b. Gifts for Young Engineers
Are you looking for gifts for young engineers? Here are some ideas: Kapla, Rokenbok, Straws and Connectors, Teifoc, Snap Circuits, Perplexus, Rubiks 360, Labyrinth, and Settlers of Catan. Want more ideas and see these ideas in action? Just visit: http://www.engineering.com/Blogs/tabid/3207/EntryID/409/Default.aspx
6. Student Activities and Opportunities
6a. Scholarship Opportunity for Minority High School Seniors
Do you know a minority high school senior, college freshman or sophomore who is interested in majoring in physics and could benefit from a scholarship with built-in mentoring?
The American Physical Society is once again pleased to offer the APS Scholarship Program for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors. This excellent, highly competitive scholarship program not only provides funding to students, but also a great deal of student support. They encourage all eligible students to apply right away using the online application, found at:
http://www.aps.org/programs/minorities/honors/scholarship
The deadline to apply is February 5, 2010. If you have questions, please send an email to:
minorityscholarship@aps.org
6b. DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition
The 24th annual DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition is underway and is accepting entries now through January 31, 2010. Designed to inspire young people to excel in scientific writing, the competition invites students in 7th through 12th grade to research and write a 700- to 1,000-word essay about a scientific discovery, theory, event or technological application that has captured their interest. Essays are judged on mechanics and conventions; ideas and content; organization; style and creativity; and voice. Winners receive savings bonds up to $5,000 and an all expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center. The program also rewards the unique contributions of the teachers of the winning students with trips with winners, $500 education grants, and sponsorship to attend the 2011 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in San Francisco. Created to honor the Challenger astronauts, this competition is a great way to get students to push the limits of imagination and discovery. For more information on classroom use and the competition, visit:
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/
6c. Upcoming Deadlines
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 5, 2010: Deadline for high school minority seniors to apply for the American Physical Society's Physics Scholarship. For more information, please visit: http://www.aps.org/programs/minorities/honors/scholarship
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 high school students to enter the DASH+ Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.fuelourfuturenow.com/contest/
March 1, 2010: Deadline for students in grades 3-12 to enter the Engineer Girl! Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.engineergirl.org/?id=3821
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
7. Grants
7a. Toyata TAPESTRY Grants (Up to $10,000)
Eligibility: Elementary teachers who teach science in the classroom or a middle or high school science teachers.
Purpose: Grants of up to $10,000 to K-12 teachers for innovative science projects that enhance science education.
Deadline: January 18, 2010
Maximum Award: Up to $10,000
Number Of Awards: 70 Period: One year. More Information:
Krystle Meyer at (213) 438-8753 or email her at kmeyer@golinharris.com or visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry
7b. Fund for Teachers Grants (Up to $10,000)
Who is eligible? Teacher of grades K-12 employed by a district, with a minimum of three years experience, as well as being a full-time teacher with at least 50% of the time in the classroom. You must have the intention of returning to teaching in their district in the consecutive school year.
Purpose: Educational grants for teachers. Teachers have the freedom to design an experience that will most impact their lives, their profession, and their community.
Deadline: January 29, 2010
Maximum Award: $5000-$10,000
Number Of Awards: Multiple
For more information, please call or email:
1-800-681-2667 or info@fundforteachers.org
Or visit:
http://fundforteachers.org
This is an opportunity to continue your education as a teacher.
7c. Salmon in the Classroom
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will soon be talking applications from Michigan educators who wish to raise salmon in the classroom during the next school year. The application period begins January 1, 2010 and is open for several months. Salmon in the Classroom is an excellent way for schools to teach students about the Great Lakes, life cycles of salmon, food chains, fisheries management, invasive aquatic species and much more. Of course the highlight is raising live fish all year long.
Teachers who are accepted must also undergo one day of mandatory training but in return receive plenty of resources including a Teachers Resource Kit and curriculum. Some educators receive eggs at a fish hatchery while others travel to a DNR weir to observe the salmon egg take in October. For more information about Salmon in the Classroom, go to:
http://www.michigan.gov/sic
7d. Upcoming Deadlines
Rolling Deadline for the Michigan Renewable Schools Program. For more information, please visit:
http://www.energyworksmichigan.org
January 1, 2010: Application process opens for Salmon in the Classroom. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/sic
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.michigan.gov/sic
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_ac tion.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
January 29, 2010: Deadline for K-12 Teachers to apply for the Fund for Teachers Professional Growth grants. For more information, please visit: http://fundforteachers.org
February 12, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/
February 15, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Seed for Education Grant. For more information, please visit: http://www.for-wild.org/sfecvr.html
8. K-12 Science
8a. Free Web Portal for Educators
As a web portal, TeAch-nology.com offers a wide variety of free resources intended to bring educators into the world of teaching with technology. It provides links to valuable and useful information relative to current and best practices in the field of education. A large variety of free classroom materials and support tools are also available.
A team of highly professional educators maintains TeAchnology.com. The team includes a cadre of PreK-12 grade teachers, professors of higher education, leading educational consultants, small business constituencies, and experienced web designers. There is no cost associated with accessing the resources found on TeAch-nology.com. We are able to offer this site as a free service due to our advertising campaign and sponsorship. Visiting sponsorship sites provides support that enables us to continue to offer and maintain this site. Please visit: http://www.teach-nology.com/
8b. Ecological Footprint Education
The Ecological Footprint is a powerful tool for introducing the concept of sustainability to students. Redefining Progress has applied the Footprint to a number of resources for educators to help students understand environmental impacts of their lifestyles. You can learn more by visiting:
http://www.rprogress.org/education/footprint_education.htm
You will find an online quiz, lesson plans, training manual, online course and resources for sustainability education.
8c. MSELA at MSTA
The Michigan Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA) hopes that you will join them on March 4th for an afternoon of energy related hands-on activities. They will also have some great presentations from GEMS, various venders, and colleagues. You will be able to enjoy a delicious meal and the opportunity to network with other science education professionals. You will learn more about the MSELA professional development grant, hear from updates from MDE state officials…and of course, they will have some great door prizes. For your convenience, be sure to check out our website at:
http://www.mselanow.webs.com/
and register securely online via PayPal. Please note that the deadline for registration is February 25, 2010.
8d. 110th Christmas Bird Count
From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission - often before dawn. For over one hundred years, the desire to both make a difference and to experience the beauty of nature has driven dedicated people to leave the comfort of a warm house during the Holiday season.
Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.
From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the excitement of friendly competition -- and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation. For more information, please visit:
http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc
8e. Great Lakes Food Web Diagrams
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) has recently developed food web diagrams for all of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair. The major species in each lake are briefly described, along with a diagram summarizing the ecosystem energy flow (who eats or is eaten by whom!). These diagrams are based on a model from a paper published in 2003 supported by both NOAA and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. To access these, please visit:
http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/projects/food_web/food_web.html
8f. A Chance to Learn From an Astronaut
Educator and NASA Mission Specialist Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger is preparing for her Spring 2010 spaceflight aboard space shuttle Discovery, destined for the International Space Station. Educational themes for her live, in-flight education downlinks during mission STS-131 will include robotics and attracting and retaining girls in STEM disciplines. During the downlink, to be broadcast live on NASA TV, educators and students will be able to ask questions and receive answers from her and selected crew members about what it is like to live and work in space. (Read more about the mission and related education activities at www.nasa.gov/education/robotics.)
U.S. formal and informal education institutions and organizations - individually or as a group - can apply to host downlinks. NASA will give preference to organizations capable of attracting large numbers of participants. To learn more, e-mail JSC-TFS-STS-131@mail.nasa.gov. The deadline for submitting a proposal is January 6, 2010.
8g. NSTA Issues New Position Statement on Science for English Language Learners
In a new position statement adopted recently by the NSTA Board of Directors, NSTA asserts, that "all students, including those identified as English language learners (ELL), can and should have every opportunity to learn and succeed in science." To support this position, the statement sets forth a number of declarations focusing on teacher preparation and professional development, science instruction, curriculum materials, educational policies, and research. To view the new statement, please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/ell.aspx
8h. Upcoming WILD Workshops
The Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center will be hosting two great workshops on Friday January 29th.
MORNING Session - Flying WILD
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Flying WILD professional development workshops are designed with urban educators in mind. Each training session (minimum of 3 hours) provides formal and non-formal teachers of K-12 students with a comprehensive overview of Flying WILD: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds, as well as practical hands-on training in its implementation. Workshop facilitators also share information about migratory birds and their conservation needs and help participants become networked into the bird conservation community in their city.
AFTEROON Session - Growing Up WILD
12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up WILD provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills. The activity guide, Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children, is written especially for early childhood educators of children ages 3-7 and features 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature based activities along with crafts, art projects, music, conservation activities, reading and math connections and much more.
Register for one or both sessions! Cost is $35 for Growing Up WILD and $15 for Flying WILD or $50 to attend both (curriculum guides are included in the cost of the workshop). Space is limited so register today to secure your spot! For more information, please contact Meggan Johnson at 616.987.1002 or MJohnson@lowell.k12.mi.us.
8i. Upcoming Deadlines
January 1 - December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
December 14, 2009 - January 5, 2010: 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count. For more information, please visit: http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc
December 31, 2009: Deadline to apply for the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program. For more information, please visit: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/
December 31, 2009: Deadline to complete the STEM survey for Michigan. To complete the survey, please visit: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229WZ5J7FNR
January 6, 2010: Deadline for formal and informal education institutions and organizations to apply to host the NASA downlink featuring Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger and STS-131. Please send an email to: JSC-TFS-STS-131@mail.nasa.gov
January 16, 2009: Deadline for K-12 Teachers to apply for the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.amfcse.org/Alan%20Shepard%20Award/alan_shepard_award.htm
January 29, 2010: Flying WILD and Growing Up WILD at the Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center in Lowell, MI. For more information, please contact Meggan Johnson at 616.987.1002 or MJohnson@lowell.k12.mi.us
February 25, 2010: Deadline to register for MSELA at MSTA, in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.mselanow.webs.com/
March 4-6, 2010: MSTA Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.msta-mich.org/conference/
March 15, 2010: Deadline for K-12 Teachers to apply for the Research Experiences for Teachers, along with a $3600 stipend. For more information please visit: http://www.ret.magnet.fsu.edu
http://bio.fsu.edu/osta/ret
March 18-21, 2010: NSTA Conference in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2010phi/?lid=tnavhp
April 11 -17, 2010: National Environmental Education Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.eeweek.org/
April 29, 2010: Detroit Tigers Weather Day at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. The weather presentation begins at 10:00 and then the Tigers play the Twins at 1:05 PM. For more information, please contact Sara Gendernalik at 313-471-2233 or Sara.Gendernalik@detroittigers.com
October 8-10, 2010: MAEOE Conference in Pellston, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
9. High School Science
9a. Nuclear Science Forensic Workshop
Sign up for this free workshop designed to help high school teachers enhance their background in nuclear physics and chemistry by using a variety of classroom activities, lab resources and hypothetical case studies. Participants will get free materials and lab activities along with the opportunity to use a traveling kit of lab equipment to run these activities in their own classroom. Participants must commit to attending two all-day workshops (February 26 and April 23) at Hope College in Holland, MI. The classroom materials are designed to correlate with MI HSCE's in Physics, Chemistry and Algebra. There is only room for 20 teachers so sign up soon! For more info and registration go to : http://www.hope.edu/academic/physics/faculty/mader/NuclearFor ensics/index.htm
9b. Eyes in the Sky II for Grade 9-12 Teachers
Eyes in the Sky II, is a long-term professional development program that prepares high school science teachers to use NASA data and visualizations along with other geospatial information technologies. Throughout the program, teachers and students investigate both global and local environmental issues. The program includes four parts: 1) a 12-week online Web course, consisting of three 4-week modules; 2) a 7-day face-to-face summer workshop held onsite at a NASA research center; 3) one year of classroom implementation, ending with a virtual student showcase; and 4) an ambassador program for providing professional development for other teachers in participants' schools or districts.
Grade 9 to 12 science teachers will benefit from this program. Through participating, teachers will: 1) become proficient using NASA data and geospatial analysis tools; 2) receive a $1000 stipend for completing the online course and the 7-day summer workshop; 3) receive an additional $1000 stipend as compensation for delivering professional development as an Eyes in the Sky II Ambassador; 4) equip their students with geospatial technology skills that are in increasing demand in the workplace; and 5) obtain optional graduate credit through Northern Arizona University.
For more information about the Eyes in the Sky II program, including the online application visit:
http://serc.carleton.edu/eyesinthesky2/index.html
Applications are due by January 15, 2010. First consideration will be given to early applicants. If you have further questions, please contact Carla McAuliffe (Carla_McAuliffe@terc.edu) or Erin Bardar (Erin_Bardar@terc.edu).
9c. Free Inquiry Activities for High School Chemistry Teachers
Michigan teachers are among the over 350 worldwide users of activities developed by high school chemistry teachers in the Target Inquiry (TI) program at GVSU. First published in Fall 2007, the comprehensive student and teacher guides have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users who have downloaded and used these free activities over the past two years. This fall they doubled the number of activities, thanks to their second teacher cohort's work this past summer. Additionally, they enhanced the catalog with topic keywords and a search function to make finding the right activity faster and easier. To access these activities go to:
http://www.gvsu.edu/targetinquiry
roll over High School Teachers, and click on TI Teaching Materials. If you are not yet a registered user, click on Register and complete the information. You will be emailed a password that will remain current as long as you participate in a brief annual online survey. Remember, it's free and these activities are teacher developed and piloted under the supervision of chemistry education faculty. For more information about TI, visit the web site or contact the TI Program Directors, Ellen Yezierski (yezierse@gvsu.edu) and Deborah Herrington (herringd@gvsu.edu).
9d. Apply Now for the 2010 Fellows Program at Society for Science and the Public ($8500)
The Society for Science & the Public (SSP), with generous support from Intel, is pleased to announce the 2nd year of its Fellows Program. The SSP Fellows Program provides funds and training to selected U.S. science and math teachers who serve under-resourced students, to enable interested and motivated students to perform high-quality independent scientific research.
The SSP Fellows Program has attracted the most creative and motivated high school science and math teachers in the country. Through a competitive selection process, the Program will provide teachers the financial and training resources necessary to support and inspire the success of their most enthusiastic science students. Fellows may serve for up to four years. The goal is to enable Fellows to guide students to produce project-based research of the highest quality, such as is selected for SSP's premiere science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search.
ELIGIBILITY:
Demonstrated interest in research but actual research experience not required.
Active engagement in 9-12 grade science or if not actively teaching at this time, must demonstrate access to students to mentor. Teaching credential.
Must be from a school that has enrollment that is at least 40% underrepresented minority and/or with at least 30% of students qualified for free or reduced rate lunches.
Demonstrated evidence of engagement with students (e.g. participation in field trips, science clubs, science fair, mentorship activities; support of independent research).
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to attend Fellows Institute in Washington DC - July 26 through July 30, 2010. SSP pays for the whole trip!
STIPEND:
Fellows receive a stipend of up to $8500/year depending on proposed budget, demonstrated need, support of the school and needs of the student population.
Deadline for application to the 2010 Fellows Program will be January 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST. For information about the Fellows Program please visit: http://outreach.societyforscience.org/
For questions please contact Jennifer A. Carter at 202.872.5140 or jcarter@societyforscience.org
9e. Upcoming Deadlines
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
January 15, 2010: Deadline for teachers of grades 9-12 to apply for the Eyes in the Sky II Professional Development Program. For more information, please visit: http://serc.carleton.edu/eyesinthesky2/index.html
January 15, 2010: Deadline for teachers of grades 9-12 to apply for the 2010 Fellows Program at Society for Science and the Public. For more information, please visit: http://outreach.societyforscience.org/
Middle School and High School Science
10a. National Lab Day Update
National Lab Day is more than just a day. It's a nationwide initiative to build local communities of support (hubs) that will foster ongoing collaborations among volunteers, students and educators. Volunteers - university students, scientists, engineers, other STEM professionals and, more broadly, members of the community - will work together with educators and students to improve labs and discovery-based science experiences for students in grades 6-12. In the first week of May, 2010 we will celebrate this collaboration with National Lab Day activities across the country.
What is a lab? It's a place where you can explore, experiment, test, and maybe even get your hands dirty. This is not just talking about test tubes and beakers. A lab could be a laptop to a software designer, a mountaintop to a geologist, a computer link to a distant particle accelerator to a physicist, or a factory floor to an industrial engineer. It's a place where hands-on lessons in science and engineering and technology can be designed to happen, or where math can come alive, and it could be anywhere in the physical or virtual world.
For more information, please visit:
http://nationallabday.org
10b. Course on Teaching Science in a Virtual World
With the increased interest in virtual worlds, Northern Michigan University School of Education science education program has created a 3-credit special topics graduate course this semester; EDSI 595 Special Topics: Teaching Science in a Virtual World. This online course will: 1) provide a solid background of what is possible in virtual worlds complete with virtual field trips and guest speakers; 2) provide extensive training in how to do the basic skills needed for navigating and exploring virtual worlds as well as how to teach these to others; 3) assist participants as they receive the necessary documentation so that they can create an approved adult account in Teen Second Life; 4) provide training on some basic building skills; 5) Introduce the participants to Teen Second Life on the area created by NOAA and NASA and finally 6) create an educational experience for grade 7-12 students. If the participant has students who can participate that would be great. If not, kids will be provided for you.
Teachers from other subject areas will also be allowed to participate. To register you may apply for the full program or apply for professional development status (you are not required to apply for the program in order to take courses) at the following URL: http://webb.nmu.edu/Colleges/Graduat eStudies/SiteSections/Students/GraduateAdmissionApplications.shtml
For more information please contact Carolyn Lowe at clowe@nmu.edu
10c. Earth Science Teachers Needed for Inquiry Advisory Panel
The Paleontological Research Institute in Ithaca, NY has a five year NSF funded project to develop Teacher-Friendly Guides that will promote the merging of standard geologic concepts with their local geologic history, opening the door to inquiry by allowing teachers and their students to apply basic science concepts to situations outside the classroom's walls but within the reach of student experience.
Topics covered in each guide are: Geologic History of the Region; Rocks; Fossils; Topography; Mineral Resources; Non-Mineral Resources; Environmental Issues; and How to Do Fieldwork. Once completed, all guides will be posted online for free download to teachers across the nation. The Teacher-Friendly Guides and associated online components seek to provide educators with the pedagogic background, content, and support that will enable them to engage students in asking real questions about their own communities. It is hoped that students will learn to apply understanding of Earth systems to their personal lives, to think to ask questions about the origin of the world around them, and to make educated attempts to answer them.
In addition, the Teacher Advisory Panel members will meet once at a site within the region. Beyond that physical meeting, they will meet periodically through teleconferencing while staying connected with email. They welcome your application to participate in a professional development program that is focused on the Teacher-Friendly Guides to regional Earth Sciences and Virtual Fieldwork Experiences. The two regions of present interest are those of the Midwestern (OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN, IA) and Western (WA, OR, CA, NV, AK, HI) regions in the country.
They are seeking enthusiastic educators from these two regions to meet with them before the actual development of the guides, serving as advisors during these initial stages. The Advisory Panels will be held at The Field Museum, Chicago on March 6, 2010 for the Midwestern Region; and Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego on April 10, 2010 for the Western Region. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2010. For more information and to apply, please visit: http://virtualfieldwork.org/Advisory_Application.html
If you have questions, please contact Christine Besemer 607.273.6623 x27
10d. Upcoming Deadlines
December 31, 2009: Deadline for middle school and high school teachers to apply for the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy. For more information, please visit: http://www51.honeywell.com/hhs/ourprograms-sub/scimath edu-sub/honeywelledu.html?c=31
January 6, 2009: Deadline to for teachers to apply for the fully funded Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica. For more information, please visit: http://www.toyota4education.com
January 8, 2010: Deadline for Middle School and High School teachers to apply to attend the Nanotechnology Workshop at Michigan Technological University. For details, please visit: http://nano.mtu.edu/ni/index.htm
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
February 1, 2010: Deadline for Earth Science teachers to apply to be on the Teacher Advisory Panel for the ReaL Earth Inquiry PD Program. For more information, please visit: http://virtualfieldwork.org/Advisory_Application.html
First week of May, 2010: National Lab Day for 6th - 12th grade students. For more information, please visit: http://www.nationallabday.org
Elementary and Middle School Science
11a. Upcoming Deadlines
April 15, 2010: Deadline for 6 - 14 year olds to enter the United Nations Painting Competition. For more information, please contact Andrea DiPaola at andrea.dipaola@unep.org
Elementary School Science
12a. Upcoming Deadlines
February 12, 2010: Deadline for K-5 students to enter the DEQ Earth Day Poster Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/deqenved/
May 1, 2010: Deadline for K-6 teachers to apply for the Presidential Award in Mathematics and Science Teaching. For more information, please visit: http://www.paemst.org
13. December Contest Winners
In December, we gave away two pencil pouches, two iTunes cards and three NASA DVD's. Here is a list of the winners:
Rebecca Briggs - Waterford School District
Peter Youngblood - Trenton High School, Trenton Public Schools
Kerri deBest - FC Reed Middle School, Bridgman Public Schools
Connie Atkisson - Detroit Public Schools
Amy Rilley - Harbor Lights Middle School, West Ottawa Public Schools
Sheri Dudzinski - Marie C. Graham Elementary, L'Anse Creuse Public Schools
Brandi Norton-McKale - LaMora Park Elementary
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.