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E-Blast February 11, 2010
February 11 - February 24, 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
- MDE, MEAP, and MMC Science
- Science Humor
- Science Matters to Parents
- Student Activities and Opportunities
- Grants
- K-12 Science
- Winter Olympics Teaching Resources
- 2010 GreenServe Conference, Conservation Volunteerism
- MSTA Conference Early Registration Deadline is February 12
- Energy Workshop
- NASA: Your Future and Ours Poster
- Journey North Begins
- Draw on Imagination
- Enhance the Inquiry in Your Classroom Workshop
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Upcoming Deadlines
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- February Contest
Here are your science education resources and announcements for February 11 - February 24, 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
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
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.
The period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life.
Dalai Lama
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. Follow Science Matters on Twitter
Follow the eBlast on Twitter. Just go to: http://twitter.com/k12science. Join in and follow along today.
2b. Follow Science Matters as a Podcast
Don't forget that you can listen to the Michigan Science Matters eBlast, as a podcast. It is available a day or two before the printed/emailed version so it gives you a headstart on the science news. You can go directly to the podcast by visiting: http://msta-mich.org/smn or you can subscribe to it at: http://k12science.net/ and then click on Podcast.
Or you can subscribe through iTunes by going to: http://www.macul.org/milearning and click on the MI Learning link.
Remember, if you have a special comment about the podcast or twitter, you can qualify for a special prize. And this week the prize of an iTunes gift card goes to:
Sandra Erwin
Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek. She said about the January 28 podcast:
I love your science eBlasts!
If you have something nice to say, send it to: K12science@mac.com
March 20, 2010: Science Matters Leadership Meeting at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel, Room 308 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. It is for State Coordinators, Super Key Leaders and Key Leaders. More information will follow.
3a. Teachers Can Benefit From Visiting the MDE Science Website
The MDE has compiled a number of helpful links on its Science Education site. Included on this page are links to the HSCE's, the GLCE's and their Companion Documents; Science Builder interactive vocabulary resource; the "Writing Across the Curriculum - Science" Teacher's Manual; Federal Science Organizations Lesson Plans; and much more. Visit the site at: http://www.michigan.gov/science
3b. MEAP Reporting Change and Revised Fall Schedule
The Fall 2010 MEAP Assessment Schedule (revised 1-14-2010) is now posted on the MEAP website located at: http://www.michigan.gov/meap
The schedule has been adjusted to allow for the new operational writing test to take place over two days; however, the published beginning and ending dates for the fall 2010 testing window have not changed. The writing test will be administered in grades 4 and 7 only, as in fall 2009.
The new schedule also designates Fridays during the testing window as makeup dates. Schools will NOT need to submit a request to the OEAA to utilize Fridays as makeup test dates. Schools are permitted to administer a grade/subject area test on any makeup test date, provided the initial test date for that subject area has passed. Schools will use the originally assigned test form for makeup testing. No specific makeup test form will be used for fall 2010 MEAP tests.
To view or print the revised MEAP assessment schedule, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/meap then click on "MEAP Schedule (Fall 2010 - Fall 2014), Revised 1-14-2010" located in the "What's New" section of the MEAP website. If you have questions about MEAP item descriptors or the revised MEAP assessment schedule, please contact the OEAA at 877-560-8378 or email oeaa@michigan.gov.
4a. Crazy Things Kids Write on Tests
The blood circulates through the body by flowing down one leg and up the other.
Often when people are drown, you can revive them by pounding them in the belly, but not too hard. This is called resurrection.
A city purifies its water supply by filtering the water, then forcing it through an aviator.
We do not raise silkworms in the United States, because we get our silk from rayon. He is a larger worm and gives more silk.
That National Science Teachers Association, NSTA, strongly believes that parents can and should play an integral part in their child's science education. Listed below are websites taken from the NSTA e-newsletter Scientific Principals that parents can use to find out more about science education and engage their children in fun, simple science experiments and activities.
The One-Inch Square Project http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/forkids/inchsquare/ from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute will nurture students' investigative skills at home. The project is simple, nearly cost-free, and can be repeated again and again in varied situations.
The David Suzuki Foundation provides a printer-friendly list of the top 10 things kids can do at home to help the environment (with adult supervision, of course). Visit: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/kids/challenges/printer_friendly.asp
The U.S. Department of Education provides age-appropriate activities for students to do at home (with adult supervision, of course). Many incorporate solids and liquids, and they are available in Spanish for bilingual households. Visit: http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/science/part_pg7.html
At the http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html website parents will find health-related activities designed specifically for children ages 6-11, including tips for healthy eating and physical fitness, links to a free mini-poster and coloring page, and an interactive computer game that helps children learn about healthy food choices.
At the "Why Is the Sky Blue?" web page http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html families learn about light and find fun, easy activities to do with students at home.
6. Student Activities and Opportunities
6a. Climate Change Art Contest for MS Students
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, would like to invite 6th-8th graders residing in Michigan to participate in the U.S. EPA Climate Change Art Challenge. The contest will ask students to create a drawing or a painting that responds to the question, "What is Climate Change?" on their own - without a teaching prompt from adults. The purpose of the contest is to see what 6th-8th graders think climate change is, based on what they already know. The artwork will be educational for the EPA, parents, and teachers, showing us what children are learning about climate change from the media, parents, and in schools.
Entries must be one-dimensional, must be no larger than 11" X 17" and must be mailed or shipped (via USPS or FedEx) with completed Entry Form. To apply, visit the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/airinfo.html
Winners will be chosen based on the most creative and representative depictions of climate change. All participants will receive a certificate of recognition. 1st and 2nd-place winners will receive award plaques and winning art will be posted on the U.S. EPA Region 5 website in April 2010. For more information, please contact Cynthia Meyer at meyer.cynthia@epa.gov or (312) 886-5868, or Elizabeth McWhorter at mcwhorter.elizabeth@epa.gov or (312) 353-5069. All entries must be received by the EPA, no later than Monday, March 22, 2010.
6b. Michigan High School Mathematics and Science Symposium
All Michigan High School students are invited to the eleventh annual Michigan High School Math & Science Symposium (MHSMSS), sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center. The event will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the GVSU Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids.
The Symposium begins with several student presentations in an auditorium and then breaks into smaller classroom size meeting rooms for the remaining presentations. 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. Abstracts will be published by MHSMSS and shared with selected Michigan colleges and universities.
Please visit the Regional Math and Science Center website for additional information such as registration information, guidelines, FAQ, and call for proposals. All applications are due by April 16, 2010. For additional information, contact the state coordinator, Paul Bigford at paulbigford@hotmail.com or call (231) 898-2633.
6c. STEPS Summer Camp Experience for 7th Grade Girls
For the ninth consecutive summer, the Regional Math and Science Center and the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing at Grand Valley State University will hold two sessions of a Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer camp (STEPS) for seventh grade girls. This year's camps will be held during the weeks of June 21-24 and June 28-July 1, 2010. The deadline to apply is March 15. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/steps/
6d. Inspire Environmental Preservation
Action For Nature's International Young Eco-Hero Awards recognize the individual accomplishments of young people (aged 8-16) whose personal actions have significantly improved the environment. Action For Nature will award cash prizes of up to $500 to young Eco-Heroes whose individual initiatives will inspire others to preserve and protect the environment. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2010. Please visit:
http://www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero/
Register for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, the nation's premier sustainability challenge where K-8 students create solutions to environmental problems in their own backyard. Simply visit: http://www.wecanchange.com to sign up.
The winter schedule for the 2010 Saturday Morning Physics Lecture Series at the University of Michigan is now complete. The dates of the series are: February 13 and 20; March 13, 20, and 27; April 10 and 17. For more information, please visit: http://www.saturdaymorningphysics.org
February 15, 2010: Projects due for the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge, for middle school students. For more information, please visit:
February 28, 2010: Deadline for students in grades 3-6 to enter the Kids' Science Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com/
February 28, 2010: Deadline for students to be recognized for the Young Eco-Hero Awards. Please visit: http://www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero/
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 4, 2010: Deadline for grade 5-12 students to register for the West Michigan Science Challenge to take place on March 18. For more information, please visit: http://www.muskegonisd.org/departments/mathscience/studentpgms/science-challenge/
March 8, 2010: Deadline for high school teachers to apply to participate in the MI Envirothon. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvirothon.org
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
March 15, 2010: Deadline for 7th grade girls to apply for the STEPS Summer Camp Experience at Grand Valley State University. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/steps/
March 15, 2010: Deadline for elementary students to enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com
March 22, 2010: Deadline for 6th - 8th grade students to enter the US EPA Climate Change Art Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/airinfo.html
April 16, 2010: Deadline for HS students to apply for the Michigan High School Mathematics and Science Symposium at Grand Valley State University. For more information contact Paul Bigford at: paulbigford@hotmail.com or call (231) 898-2633
PepsiCo has partnered with Global Giving, Do Something and GOOD to fund the Pepsi Refresh Project, a nationwide effort to foster innovation in social good. Innovative ideas in health, arts and culture, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhoods and education will be funded. Grants will range from $5,000 to $250,000. Ideas should serve as catalysts for change in the communities of those submitting ideas.
Proposals are submitted by the 15th of each month until 1,000 applications are received. Each month, after public online voting, 32 entrants with the most votes will be funded. Projects don't have to be based on proven strategies. Innovation is what wins. Please visit: http://www.refresheverything.com/
7b. TechSmith Michigan K-12 Grant Program
TechSmith is donating $2 million worth of screen capture and recording software to Michigan K-12 schools in support of quality and continuity of learning. The first deadline to apply is February 28. To apply, please visit: http://www.techsmith.com/michigangrant/
7c. Michigan WaterWorks $1000 Teacher Grants
The Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is offering two $1,000 grants for the 2010-2011 school year for teachers interested in creating and implementing water related curriculum for their classroom. Coordinated by the Youth Education Committee, these grants are intended to assist teachers in developing fun, hands-on methods for teaching students about water resources that can be implemented year after year. If you have questions regarding this application, please feel free to call Holly at: 616-355-1263. The application deadline is May 3, 2010. For more information please visit: http://mi-water.org/wateryoudoing/Index.html
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
February 15, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Pepsi Refresh Project. Please visit: http://www.refresheverything.com/
February 15, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Celebrate Urban Birds Mini-Grants. Please visit: http://www.celebrateurbanbirds.org
February 17, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Intel Schools of Distinction Grant. For more information, please visit: http://www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction/index.htm
February 28, 2010: Deadline to apply for the TechSmith Michigan K-12 Grant Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.techsmith.com/michigangrant/
March 15, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Pepsi Refresh Project. Please visit: http://www.refresheverything.com/
March 31, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Captain Planet Foundation Funds Projects Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/grants.html
April 1, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.naturehills.com/green_america_awards.aspx
April 15, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Salmon in the Classroom Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/sic
May 3, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Michigan Section American Water Works Association $1000 Teacher Grants. For more information please contact Holly at 616-355-1263 or visit: http://mi-water.org/wateryoudoing/Index.html
8a. Winter Olympics Teaching Resources
NBC Learn, the educational arm of NBC News, has teamed up with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to produce Science of the Olympic Winter Games, a 16-part video series that explores the science behind individual Olympic events, including Downhill and Aerial Skiing, Speed Skating and Figure Skating, Curling and Hockey, and Ski Jumping, Bobsledding and Snowboarding.
This project between the NSF and NBC Learn uses the global spotlight of the Olympics to make science more accessible and more interesting to students by showing how science helps athletes fulfill the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius-Swifter, Higher, Stronger. Please visit: http://www.nbclearn.com/portal/site/learn
8b. 2010 GreeenServe Conference, Building Michigan's Future Through Conservation Volunteerism
This conference is designed for MSUE conservation-related volunteers to share their expertise and gain advanced, hands-on training in a variety of topics. Concurrent sessions and "tracks" will allow volunteers to choose from a variety of topics related to the outdoors, stewardship, nature, conservation, and environmental sustainability. This day-long event is specially designed for Michigan Conservation Stewards, Master Composters (and other "Master" volunteers), Project FISH and 4-H Environmental and Outdoor Education volunteers, K-12 teachers, participants in MSUE's many leadership programs, Citizen Planners, and participants from other Citizen Science programs such as MDNR's Frog and Toad Survey, MDEQ's MICorps, nature center volunteers, parks "Friends" organization members, and many others. Local field trips are offered, as well as hands-on, "make-and-take" sessions (some of which will have a small materials fee or field trip fee). During the conference, a noted keynote presenter will challenge and inspire volunteers to help others to take greater pride in Michigan's amazing outdoors. In addition, they will also celebrate and recognize volunteers who have contributed significant time and talent to MSUE's programs that help us to "Green Michigan!"
To register, or for more information, contact:
Mark Stephens at steph143@msu.edu; 517-432-2700.
The conference fee is $65 and will be held on March 6 from 8:30 - 5:00 in the Natural Resources Building at Michigan State University.
8c. MSTA Conference Early Registration Deadline is February 12
This is just a reminder for those planning on attending the Michigan Science Teachers Associations, 57th Annual Conference, Science on a Shoestring, in Lansing, March 4-6, 2010, that if you have not already registered, the early registration DEADLINE is - Friday, February 12, 2010! Visit: http://www.msta-mich.org for full details, to register on-line, or print the registration form to mail!
The SVSU Regional Mathematics and Science Center, Michigan Oil and Gas Producers Education Foundation, the Dart Foundation and NEED have partnered to provide teachers in Eastern Michigan with curriculum and a training opportunity, and are pleased to announce the upcoming one-day energy classroom workshops to be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Regional Education Center on the SVSU Campus. Thanks to Michigan Oil and Gas Producers Education Foundation (MOGPEF) and the Dart Foundation, workshop participants will receive:
Substitute Reimbursement
Free use of the NEED Science of Energy Kit that teaches the concepts of force, motion, light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and energy transformations through hands-on activities. If three teachers from your building or district attend the workshop, your school will receive the kit to keep ($400 value).
Free memberships to the NEED Project and free sets of energy resources and energy conservation curriculum materials.
Continental breakfast and lunch.
Space and substitute reimbursement is limited so register online today at: https://www.regonline.com/needeasternmichigansaginaw
8e. NASA: Your Future and Ours Poster
Several members of NASA's family have shared their stories on this poster. Read about Al Condes, Pedro Rodríguez, José Matienzo, Jaqueline Cortez, Alma Stephanie Tapia, Monsi Cerezo Román, Ellen Ochoa, Michael López-Alegria and Franklin Chang Díaz. Then insert your pictures and your own story onto the poster.
English Version: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Your_Future_and_Ours_Poster.html
Spanish Version: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Tu_Futuro_y_el_Nuestro_Poster.html
Though it's February, you and your students should be on the lookout for any signs of spring. These signs can be observed through monitoring the northern migration of monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, whooping cranes, and other animals. Journey North, a free web-based program, allows students to explore wildlife migration, the blooming of plants, and seasonal changes in temperature and sunlight. K-12 teachers and students worldwide are invited to participate and take advantage of lessons, photos, video clips, interactive maps, and migration "stories," among other resources. For more information, visit: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/
Hear specialists in art history, art conservation and the sciences discuss the connections between art, science and technology in video clips. You'll also find lesson plans and student projects on this site created by The Art Institute of Chicago. The overarching goal of the site is to show science teachers that an art museum may be used as a visual library to augment and enrich established high school science curricula in chemistry, earth science or physics. With primary emphasis on the theme of light and color, the site reveals how the scientific method is applied to the making, conserving and exhibiting of art. Please visit: http://www.artic.edu/aic/education/sciarttech/
8h. Enhance the Inquiry in Your Classroom Workshop
Looking for ways to increase your focus on the Inquiry Process and Analysis Content Expectations? Join two lively science educators as they illuminate new ways to practice and define the Inquiry in your classroom. Engaging activities will demonstrate ways to lead off with inquiry. This workshop will take place on Thursday, March 4 from 9:00 - 12:00 at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing, during the MSTA Conference. The fee is $35. To register, please contact Janet Kahan at: janet.kahan@pccsmail.net
Imagine an electronic page for each species of organism on Earth, Edward O. Wilson. Have you ever visited the Encyclopedia of Life website? If not, you should check it out today. Just visit: http://www.eol.org/
February 12, 2010: Deadline to register for the Winter Ecology Institute at the Ford Forestry Center in Alberta, MI. For more information, please contact Loret Roberts at: loret@copperisd.org
February 12, 2010: Early registration deadline for the Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference to be held in Lansing, MI on March 4-6. To register, please visit: http://www.msta-mich.org
February 12-14, 2010: Teacher's Environmental School Conference at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.teacherweb.com/MI/TES/conference/gallery1.stm
February 25, 2010: Deadline to register for the March 4, MSELA March Meeting at the MSTA Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.mselanow.webs.com/
March 4, 2010: Enhance the Inquiry in Your Classroom Workshop at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing, MI. For more information, please contact Janet Kahan at: janet.kahan@pccsmail.net
March 4-6, 2010: MSTA Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.msta-mich.org/conference/
March 6, 2010: 2010 GreenServe Conference-Building Michigan's Future Through Conservation Volunteerism, in the Natural Resources Building at Michigan State University. For more information, please contact Mark Stephens at 517-432-2700 or steph143@msu.edu
March 10 - 12, 2010: MACUL Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, please visit: http://macul.org
March 11, 2010: Eastern Michigan Energy Workshop at the Saginaw Valley State University Regional Education Center in Saginaw, MI. For registration information, please visit: https://www.regonline.com/needeasternmichigansaginaw
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 or 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
March 19, 2010: Project WILD K12 and Growing Up WILD Workshop at the Kettunen Center, close to Cadillac, MI. For more information, please contact Andrea Grix at: 231-829-3421 or agrix@kettunencenter.org
March 27, 2010: Creating a Schoolyard Habitat Workshop at O.W. Holmes Elementary in Detroit, MI. To register contact Joan Chadde at 906-487-1620 or jchadde@mtu.edu or print a flyer at:http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org
April 11 -17, 2010: National Environmental Education Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.eeweek.org/
April 17, 2010: Taking Students Outdoors Workshop at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo in Detroit, MI. To register contact Joan Chadde at 906-487-1620 or jchadde@mtu.edu or print a flyer at: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.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/
9a. Statewide STEM Program Looking to Expand, Your Input Needed
High School Enterprise (HSE) is designed to recruit and retain students in STEM beyond high school. The program is currently in year three of a five-year pilot. Initial success in rural, urban, and suburban schools has led to the exploration of an expansion plan.
HSE is a program where teams of high school students are led by a specially trained STEM teacher-coach. Participating teams engage in long-term (school year or multi-year) STEM projects chosen by the team and its coach. HSE coaches are paid just like their counterparts in athletics. HSE personnel, who are based at a university or community college, also support teams. This link to college is very important in making a seamless connection between the student participants and their pathway to post-secondary education. To strengthen this link, the HSE program holds a year-end culminating Expo where teams showcase their project work at a college campus. To learn about the program and see current HSE projects at several Michigan schools please visit website: http://www.highschoolenterprise.org
To plan for expansion, they need to gauge the interest in HSE from YOU, Michigan's STEM educators. By participating in an on-line survey, you will help them understand the market for this innovative educational program. You can find the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PGWGBDP
9b. Michigan Green Chemistry Conference Looking for Presenters
The Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable invites proposals for presentations to be delivered during the 2nd Annual Green Chemistry Conference, scheduled for October 20, 2010 at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Business leaders, engineers, chemists, researchers, teachers, policymakers, and anyone else interesting in moving green chemistry forward in Michigan are invited to participate in this conference. Focus areas include:
Green Chemistry for Educators (what's happening in K-12 and University level)
Manufacturing (auto, furniture, etc.)
Chemical/pharmaceutical
Policy
Economic Development
Visit: http://www.michigan.gov/greenup to review the Call for Presentations and get updated conference information.
9c. MSU Scholarships for Top Envirothon Finishers
All high school students in Michigan are eligible to compete in the Michigan Envirothon in which teams of five students compete to test their knowledge in selected environmental topics. Students participate in a regional and state competition with the top finishing team advancing to the Canon North American Envirothon. This year's state competition will be held at the Leelanau Outdoor Center in Maple City on May 13 and 14. MSU will provide one-year scholarships to each member of the top three finishing teams at the state competition. Members of the first-place team will receive $2,500 scholarships, the second-place team members will receive $1,500 scholarships and $500 scholarships will be awarded to members of the third-place team.
Prior to competing in regional competitions, teams will receive training from conservation professionals from government, private and educational organizations. They will then compete in outdoor competitions that feature hands-on learning activities. To participate in the Michigan Envirothon, students form teams of up to five members and have a teacher or another adult agree to serve as a team advisor. Team registrations will be accepted until March 8, 2010.
The Michigan Envirothon was established in 1994. In 2009, 31 teams, including 180 students, participated in the competition. For more information about the Michigan Envirothon including registration materials call the Michigan Envirothon coordinator by phone at (517) 324-4421, by e-mail at mienvirothon@macd.org or visit: http://www.macd.org/envirothon.html
March 8, 2010: Deadline for high school teachers to apply to participate in the MI Envirothon. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvirothon.org
March 15, 2010: Deadline to enter the DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
April 30, 2010: Michigan High School Math and Science Symposium to be held at the Grand Valley State University Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
10. Middle School and High School Science
10a. NASA/USA Today No Boundaries Competition
NASA and USA Today partnered to bring the No Boundaries science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career curriculum and competition to middle and high school classrooms. No Boundaries is a free, eight-week, cross-curricular project that introduces 7th to 12th grade students to NASA careers in STEM through a cooperative learning experience. Students collaborate to gather web-based research on the variety of career options available with NASA. Students then develop a fun and creative way to present the opportunities to other students. Cash prizes will be awarded (up to $2,000) in addition to a "VIP NASA experience." More information and all project resources are available at the No Boundaries website at: http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/
10b. Engineering Design Challenges Brochure for Grades 5-12
This brochure describes educator guides with challenges for the classroom. Students can experience challenges similar to those faced by NASA engineers. Teams work with their teachers on challenges that help students achieve national goals in science and mathematics, as well as develop thinking skills. The brochure also lists NASA design projects that go beyond the classroom. These projects include the HUNCH project (High Schools United With NASA to Create Hardware), NASA's Great Moonbuggy Race, Student Launch Initiative and the Team America Rocketry Challenge. Go to: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Engineering_Design_Challenges_Brochure.html
10c. Instill Interest in Biotechnology
The WGBH Educational Foundation recently launched the new Biotechnology collection on Teachers' Domain. These digital media resources are designed to deepen the teaching and learning of biotechnology in middle and high schools throughout the United States. Digital video and interactives explore laboratory techniques used in biotechnology for treating disease and improving diagnosis. Video profiles of biotechnology scientists and technicians offer students compelling examples of available career pathways into the field. Please visit: http://www.teachersdomain.org/special/biot/
First week of May, 2010: National Lab Day for 6th - 12th grade students. For more information, please visit: http://www.nationallabday.org
October 16, 2010: Vernier Workshop in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.vernier.com/workshop/directions/directions.html?id=2428
October 18, 2010: Vernier Workshop in Detroit, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.vernier.com/workshop/directions/directions.html?id=2429
11. Elementary and Middle School Science
The Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) unit trainings are scheduled prior to the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) annual conference. Trainings will be held on each of the five MEECS units: Air Quality, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, Energy Resources, Land Use, and Water Quality. Please visit http://www.michigan.gov/deq-meecs
for detailed information about MEECS.
When: Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lansing Center, Lansing, Michigan
For Whom: Teachers and nonformal educators are welcome to enroll.
How to Register: Register online at the following site. http://www.deq.state.mi.us/eforms/meecsregistration.html
Registration Cost: $35.00
SB-CEU Credits: SB-CEU credits will be available for those interested.
Session Information: Visit the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Website for additional information about this event at: http://www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops
Click on Upcoming DEQ Workshops
March 4, 2010: MEECS Training at the MSTA Pre-Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/eforms/meecsregistration.html
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
12a. Early Learner Teacher Workshop, All About Nature
The DeVries Nature Conservancy, in Owosso, MI will be holding an Early Learner's Teacher Workshop on March 6, from 8:45am until 4:00pm. This workshop is perfect for preschool and kindergarten teachers, daycare staff, stay at home moms, grandparents or anyone who plays with 2-6 year olds! This great workshop will certify you as an instructor in TWO great environmental education curriculums - Growing WILD from the DNR's Project WILD; and Project Learning Tree's "Early Learner Curriculum." Both sets of lessons are appropriate for ages 2-6, and will help you get comfortable getting kids outdoors, or bringing nature in! The day includes:
Your morning coffee
Instruction in the two curriculums, with hands on activities and planning time
The Growing WILD curriculum guide which includes countless activities, crafts, songs, poems and snacks all coordinated to a central nature theme.
The Early Childhood guide from Project Learning Tree, with activities themed around trees, our forests and the natural world.
A chili and cornbread lunch
Freebies and prizes!
This workshop is offered to teachers for 0.6 continuing education credits (CEUs). The workshop is located at DeVries Nature Conservancy, 2635 N. M52 in Owosso. DNC's Environmental Education Coordinator, Tracy McMullen, will be the instructor. Cost of the workshop is $60, and includes all materials and lunch. Please register by February 24. Email info@devriesnc.org or call 989.723.3365 to register. For more information visit the website at: http://sites.google.com/a/devriesnature.org/home/teacher-resources
12b. Let's Fly Away Airplane Dodecahedrom for Grades K-4
A regular dodecahedron is made of 12 pentagons. Students learn about NASA aircraft as they build a geometric form to hang from the ceiling or place on a shelf.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Lets_Fly_Away.html
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/
February 18, 2010: Deadline to register for the February 20 Early Childhood Project Learning Tree workshop at the City of Auburn Hills Community Center in Auburn Hills, MI. To register, please contact Mike Mansour at: mmansour001@comcast.net
February 24, 2010: Deadline for K-2 teachers to register for the Early Learner Teacher Workshop, All About Nature to be held March 6, at the DeVries Nature Conservancy in Owosso, MI. For more information, please visit: http://sites.google.com/a/devriesnature.org/home/teacher-resources
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
This month we have five wonderful prizes to give away. The prizes are $10 iTunes gift cards.
To win one of these prizes, send an email to: David Bydlowski, bydlowd@resa.net
State Coordinator for the Michigan Science Matters Network
You MUST INCLUDE your name AND mailing address AND your school name/district.
You may only enter once and only one entry per email address. Respondents 2, 12, 22, 32 and 42 will receive a prize. We will post all of the winners in our next E-Blast. Good luck to you and thank you for being part of the Michigan Science Matters Network.
To subscribe to the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please visit: http://nsta.org/sciencematters
Click on Teachers, then click on Become a Point of Contact.
To unsubscribe from the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please contact your Key Leader or email David Bydlowski, Michigan Coordinator for the Science Matters Network, at bydlowd@resa.net.