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E-Blast March 11, 2010
March 11 -- 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
- Onboard Workshop Gives Teachers Real Research Experience
- Apply Now for a Fully Funded Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands
- High School Science Teaching Prize
- NASA Mission Educator Fellowship Opportunity
- Field Testing of MS and HS Science Assessment Items and Get a $50 Gift Card
- Upcoming Deadlines
- K-12 Science
- Bring Earth Hour to Your Classroom
- Navigation and Great Lakes Maritime Teacher Institute in Toledo
- Plan on Presenting at the MAEOE Conference
- March 15 - March 21 is National Wildlife Week
- World Water Day is March 22
- Evaluate the US Department of Energy's Education Website
- First Day of Spring is March 20
- Earth Day Events in Michigan
- Upcoming Deadlines
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- March Contest
Here are your science education resources and announcements for March 11 -- 25, 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.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
The Science Matters Network In Michigan
2a. Science Matters Activities for Key Leaders at NSTA
If you are attending the NSTA conference in Philadelphia and you are a Michigan Super Key Leader or Key Leader, I encourage you to attend the following Science Matters Meetings:
Koffee Klatsch with PBS, NOVA and WGBH/Boston
'Inspiring Young Scientists with PBS Digital Media'
Date: Friday, March 19, 2010
Time: 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Location: 2010 NSTA National Conference on Science Education - Philadelphia Loews Philadelphia Hotel 1200 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
This is for state coordinators and key leaders only.
Science Matters Leadership Meeting
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: 2010 NSTA National Conference on Science Education - Philadelphia Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel, Grand Salon I 1201 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
This meeting is for state coordinators and key leaders only.
2b. Follow Science Matters on Twitter and Listen to the Podcast
To twitter go to: http://twitter.com/k12science
To view the eBlast and listen to the podcast, go to: http://msta-mich.org/smn
To listen to the podcast and subscribe to it, go to: http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Podcast.html
or
http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/k12.mi.us.1834937839.01834937844
Remember, if you have a special comment about the podcast or twitter, you can qualify for a special prize. If you have something nice to say about the twitter or podcasts send it to:
3a. MEAP Science News for Fall 2010
Beginning in the fall of 2010, the 5th and 8th grade MEAP science tests will be aligned to the K-7 Science Content Expectations. The 5th grade test will have 60 items on each of the seven regular test forms. There will be 32 common items, same for each of the seven test forms. There will be 16 matrix items, unique for each of the seven test forms. There will be 12 field test items, unique for each of the seven test forms and will not be scored. The 8th grade test will have 65 items on each of the seven regular test forms. There will be 33 common items, same for each of the seven test forms. There will be 20 matrix items, unique for each of the seven test forms. There will be 12 field test items, unique for each of the seven test forms and will not be scored. All items are multiple-choice with four answer options.
Using a matrix test design, the MEAP science tests will cover all science content expectations (SCE's), using the seven regular test forms. Each school will use only one of the seven regular forms. As stated by OEII and supported by OEAA, no single SCE is more important than any other SCE. As such, the 32 elementary and the 33 middle school common items reflect a stratified random sample of the 95 elementary and 113 middle school SCE's.
Come Fall, 2010, the SCE's for the common set will again be selected at random from the population of SEC's for each grade again. A SCE selected for the common set of items will not appear among the matrix from SCE's. There will be at least one item for each of the 16 content standards within the common set of items.
Both the elementary and middle school science tests will be divided into two parts, roughly half of the items will appear in each part. Each part will assess the full range of the content standards across the disciplines - science processes, life science, physical science, and earth science. Each part can be completed within a classroom session.
In addition to the seven regular forms, there will be one additional emergency test form. The emergency test form need not distinguish a common set and a matrix set of test items, since, to the extent possible, no item on a regular test will appear on the emergency test. The 5th grade science emergency form will have 48 operational items and 12 field test items divided into two parts. The 8th grade science emergency form will have 53 operational items and 12 field test items. The range of the content standards across the disciplines, as well as test format, will be the same as the regular test for each grade span.
OEAA science will begin selecting the test items used on the Fall, 2010 assessment this month. After selecting the operational and field test items, OEAA remains busy with final item editing, item formatting, item order placement and preparation of final test proofs for printing. The MEAP science booklet proofs will be ready by May. Any questions or concerns about the new MEAP design aligned to the K-7 content expectations can be directed to:
Rodger H. Epp, Science Assessment Consultant
517-373-1931
3b. Updates on Science Curriculum from Kevin Richard
Kevin Richard, Science Curriculum Consultant from the Michigan Department of Education, recently shared some comments about science curriculum at the Michigan Science Education Leadership Association meeting in Lansing. Here are some of the highlights of his presentation:
A bill that would strengthen engineering education in K-12 schools has been introduced in both the US House of Representatives (HR 4709) and the Senate (S 3043). The Engineering Education for Innovation Act (also called the E2 for Innovation Act of 2010) would authorize the Secretary of Education to competitively award planning and implementation grants for state educational agencies to integrate engineering education into K-12 curriculum and instruction. It also funds the research and evaluation of such efforts.
A bill to strengthen environmental education in K-12 schools, No Child Left Inside, was introduced last year and will be again this year. Part of the requirement is for MDE to develop an environmental literacy plan to coordinate and handle this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2054/show
or
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-866
There is legislation taking place that will affect science education in Michigan. The following are some that you may be interested in following:
SB 757 - Career and Technical Education Pathway for HS Diploma
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billengrossed/Senate/pdf/2009-SEBS-0757.pdf
PA 295 of 2008 (SB 213 Section 71(4)) - Energy Optimization Bill
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2007-2008/publicact/pdf/2008-PA-0295.pdf
PA 203 of 2009 (SB 926, Section 166c (1-4)) - RTTT Changes
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/publicact/pdf/2009-PA-0203.pdf
Check out the New - Michigan Online Resources for Educators, called MORE. Here you will find resources and a future depository for lessons, aligned to the content expectations. Just visit:
then click MORE on the right.
Josh: Dad, I can tell you how to save money.
Dad: That's fine, how?
Josh: Remember you promised me $5 if I got a passing grade in science?
Dad: Yes
Josh: Well, you don't have to pay me.
Teacher: Why is it said that lightening never strikes the same place twice?
Student: Because after it's struck once, the same place isn't there anymore.
For some reason, everyone but Lenore got the wrong answer on the science test. Tell me, the teacher asked her after returning the papers, how did you know that heat causes objects to expand and cold causes them to shrink. Because I'm no dope, she said. In the summer, when it is hot the days are longer. And in the winter, when it is cold, they are shorter.
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 recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. Parents can use to find out more about science education and engage their children in fun, simple science experiments and activities.
Turn art into a valuable science experience with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies Annual Art Contest for children in grades 2-4. Visit the IGES website for more information at: http://www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=student&sub3=2007
Children often take their bodies for granted, and their thumbs are no exception. But opposable thumbs are a part of the human body upon which we rely every day - to eat, write, and even greet each other with a handshake. Click on: http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_and_children.php?news_story_ID=49036
to read Thumbs Are Handy Digits.
Harness the power of the Sun and learn how to cook with solar power. Step-by-step directions and pictures are included, Just visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/index.html
Explore the water cycle at home with the miniature terrarium activity at "Water for Life." Just visit: http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_and_children.php?news_story_ID=47972
Children will soar to new levels with this flying activity titled "Flying Together." Just visit: http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_and_children.php?news_story_ID=47834
Sampling is the core idea with this activity on counting populations. Just visit: http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_and_children.php?news_story_ID=49386
Student Activities and Opportunities
6a. 2010 Thacher Environmental Research Contest for 9 - 12 Grade Students
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) is sponsoring the Thacher Environmental Research Contest. This contest is open to 9-12 students who demonstrate the best use of geospatial technologies or data to study Earth. Eligible geospatial tools and data include satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information systems (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS). The main focus of the project must be on the application of the geospatial tool(s) or data to study a problem related to Earth's environment. Three students will receive $500 - $2,000. The teachers of the winners will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=scholars&sub3=scholars2010#Awards
The deadline for entries is April 5, 2010.
6b. InvenTeams High School Invention Opportunity
Created by Lemelson-MIT Program, the InvenTeam Initiative offers high school students an opportunity to experience inventing and cultivate their creativity. Interactive, self-directed learning, coupled with STEM curricula, are essential for experiencing invention. Each InvenTeam chooses its own problem to solve and works with teachers to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. InvenTeam students have to rely on inquiry and hands-on problem solving as they apply lessons they have learned from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to develop invention prototypes. InventTeams receive grants up to $10,000 to carry out their proposed invention.
Initial application deadline: April 23, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/
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 5, 2010: Deadline for 9th - 12th grade students to enter the 2010 Thacher Environmental Research Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/education/index.aspx?sub=education&sub2=scholars&sub3=scholars2010#Awards
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
April 23, 2010: Deadline for high school students to enter the InvenTeams Initiative. For more information, visit: http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/
7a. Onboard Workshop Gives Teachers Real Research Experience
Teachers in grades 4-10 and informal educators will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to Lake Michigan science on a week-long Shipboard and Shoreline Science workshop offered by COSEE Great Lakes (Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence). The workshop aboard the U.S. EPA's 180-foot research vessel, Lake Guardian coincides with the Lake Michigan Intensive Monitoring Field Year, which is a part of an agreement between EPA and Environment Canada to focus on and conduct intensive monitoring in one of the Great Lakes each year.
Participants will work alongside scientists to explore firsthand a variety of disciplines, including ecology, geology, geography, weather and biogeochemical processes. Throughout the week they will be collecting planktonic and benthic organisms, as well as performing water quality data collection and analysis. In addition, workshop attendees will have the opportunity to investigate and discuss curricula and other educational resources pertaining to Great Lakes and oceans.
Fifteen educators will be selected from around the Great Lakes basin to participate in the workshop, which will take place from July 6-12, 2010. For more information or to fill out an application, go to: http://coseegreatlakes.net/events/shipboard10
If you have more questions, contact Robin Goettel at 217-333-9448 or goettel@illinois.edu. Applications are due by April 2, 2010. There is a stipend of $250, travel reimbursement of $150 and all housing and meals are provided.
7b. Apply Now for a Fully Funded Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands
The application for the 2010 Toyota International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands is now available online. Fully funded by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and administered by the Institute of International Education, this professional development opportunity for educators aims to advance environmental stewardship and global connectedness in U.S. schools and communities. The program will take place November 20 - December 4, 2010 and the deadline to apply is May 26, 2010. Full-time classroom teachers and librarians of all subjects for grades 6 - 12 are eligible to apply. If you are interested in applying, please visit: http://www.toyota4education.com
for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and FAQs.
7c. High School Science Teaching Prize
High School Science Teachers who develop innovative teaching methods and who are nominated by a school administrator, have an opportunity to win $1,000 to support the development and continuation of their proposed strategy, activity, or program; and make a brief presentation at the annual Shanghai International Forum on Science Literacy of Pre-college Students. They will be the guests of the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology. The trip alone would be a wonderful experience. Deadline: May 21, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/hs_scied_leadership/
7d. NASA Mission Educator Fellowship Opportunity
Take part in the current golden era of Solar System exploration by becoming a MESSENGER Educator Fellow! As an integral part of NASA's MESSENGER mission to Mercury, the Fellows will help bring the excitement of this daring mission to classrooms across the nation.
Humankind is sending a spacecraft back to Mercury! NASA's MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space Environment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) is only the second spacecraft ever to visit, and will be the first to orbit, this enigmatic planet. Launched in 2004, the robotic spacecraft flew by Mercury three times in 2008 and 2009, sending back the first pictures of the previously unseen side of the planet. In March 2011 MESSENGER will go into orbit around Mercury and begin a year-long, comprehensive study of the planet. The mission will not only dramatically increase our understanding of Mercury, but also help reveal the story of the Solar System's formation. How would you like to help take the nation along for this thrilling ride as a MESSENGER Educator Fellow? Visit http://MESSENGER.jhuapl.edu:
For more information on the mission, and: http://messenger-education.org
for more information on the education and public outreach efforts of the mission.
They are recruiting 30 practicing teachers or teacher trainers to become the next cadre of MESSENGER Educator Fellows. These Fellows are volunteers who help bring the excitement of this challenging mission to classrooms nationwide by training teachers on the Solar System-focused education materials written in support of the mission. The Fellowship includes an all-expense paid five-day training workshop in Washington, DC, in July 2010.
The deadline to apply is April 10, 2010. You can apply at: http://messenger-education.org/teachers/ao.php
7e. Field Testing of MS and HS Science Assessment Items and Get a $50 Gift Card
AAAS Project 2061 is developing assessment items to measure middle and high school students' understanding of important science ideas from the National Science Education Standards and the AAAS Benchmarks for Science Literacy. They are recruiting middle and high school science teachers willing to field test their multiple-choice test items with your students in April, May or June of 2010. As an incentive, each participating teacher will receive a copy of Volume 2 of the Atlas of Science Literacy or a $50 gift card from either Borders or Barnes and Noble Bookstore. The assessment should take no longer than 45 minutes to complete, and will cover one of a variety of topics in science. It is not necessary that your students have had formal instruction on any of the topics being tested.
The guidelines for participation are as follows:
You must be a middle or high school science teacher in the United States.
Your students must be in 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
You must obtain permission to participate from the appropriate school or district personnel.
You must return all testing materials to AAAS Project 2061. Pre-paid shipping labels will be provided.
This study is not intended to evaluate teachers or students. Individual students will not be identifiable, and teacher information will remain strictly confidential. Their only interest is to learn how students respond to these test items so that they can design test items that are valid measures of what middle and high school students know about important science ideas. If you are able to participate, please click the link below and complete the registration form that follows. Participation in this study is limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If necessary, they will also adjust their selections to achieve representation from urban, rural, and suburban schools from different parts of the country. Teachers who are selected to participate will be notified by email.
2010 Project 2061 Field Testing registration: http://register.p2061.org/field
The deadline for registration is April 2nd, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact the coordinator of this assessment study by email at: 2061assessment@aaas.org or by phone at 1-202-326-6207.
March 12, 2010: Deadline to apply for the PBS K-12 Teachers Innovation Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/innovators
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 for Chemistry teachers to apply for the ACS-Hach Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.acs.org/hach
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 2, 2010: Deadline to apply to field test the 2010 Project 2061 MS and HS science assessment items and receive a $50 gift card. For more information, please visit: http://register.p2061.org/field
April 2, 2010: Deadline to apply for the COSEE Great Lakes Shipboard and Shoreline science workshop aboard the R/V Lake Guardian. For more information, please visit: http://coseegreatlakes.net/events/shipboard10
April 10, 2010: Deadline to apply for the NASA Mission Educator Fellowship Opportunity. For more information, please visit: http://messenger-education.org/teachers/ao.php
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
May 21, 2010: Deadline to apply for the High School Science Teaching Prize from AAAS. For more information, please visit: http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/hs_scied_leadership/
May 26, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Toyota International Teacher Program for 6th - 12th grade teachers. For more information on this fully funded opportunity, please visit: http://www.toyota4education.com
8a. Bring Earth Hour to Your Classroom
On Saturday, March 27, at 8:30 pm local time, the World Wildlife Fund is asking you and people around the world, to turn off your lights for one hour. By forgoing non-essential lighting for 60 minutes, you will join with millions of people worldwide in the commitment to fight climate change; you also will be sending a message that the time to act is now.
Earth Hour is a perfect time to engage students in a discussion on climate change and the steps we all can take to reduce our footprint on the environment. Sign up at: http://www.earthhour.org
to download free lesson plans for grades K-12 as well as fun ideas for classroom activities for the days and weeks leading up to Earth Hour.
8b. Navigation and Great Lakes Maritime Teacher Institute in Toledo
June 21-25 ~ Great Lakes Maritime Transportation Institute ~ at The Maritime Academy of Toledo
Cost: $240 registration includes 2 credits and 5 lunches (M-F) or $540 with 4 nights lodging (M-Th) & meals.
Description: Participants will spend 4 nights at The Toledo Maritime Academy, experiencing navigation simulators, boat-building lab, radar simulator, touring the historic S.S. Boyer and Toledo port facilities, investigating invasive species, monitoring water quality, and excursions on the Maumee River.
(Michigan Tech course ED5680 - 2 credits)
You can download brochures and application forms at: http://wupcenter.mtu.edu
Application deadline: May 14, 2010.
8c. Plan on Presenting at the MAEOE Conference
You are invited to submit a presentation proposal to the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Conference this fall, October 8-10, 2010, at the University of Michigan Biological Station near Pellston, just 20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge. They are very excited about the opportunities this venue has to offer: plenty of room and a variety of settings for presentations and field trips. This year's conference theme is 'Science & Stewardship.'
MAEOE is seeking presenters, field trip leaders, and Share-A-Thon participants for the 2010 conference. See the presenter proposal form at: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
The deadline for presentation proposals is June 15, but you are strongly encouraged to submit as soon as possible. They hope to have many of the presenters identified by May 1st to use in conference promotion and publicity, so don't delay!
8d. March 15 - March 21 is National Wildlife Week
Celebrate National Wildlife Week by doing what comes naturally. Whatever you do--at home, school or play--do it outdoors and have fun! Climb trees, chase butterflies, dig in the dirt and celebrate nature. You'll become healthier, happier and more connected to the world around you. Receive a custom Educator Activity Guide featuring a week's worth of local animals and plants to watch for, tree planting ideas, and ideas to make your school environmentally friendly. Learn how outdoor time enhances student readiness and performance, download nature-themed activities and lessons, and green your school (including its curriculum) with Eco-Schools USA. Just visit:
http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Events/National-Wildlife-Week/At-School.aspx
8e. World Water Day is March 22
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. UN-Water has chosen ''Clean Water for a Healthy World' as theme for World Water Day 2010. The overall goal of the World Water Day on March 22, 2010 campaign is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity. It is still a reality that an estimated 1.1 billion people rely on unsafe drinking-water sources. Therefore the theme of World Water Day 2010 is focusing on raising awareness of water quality under the theme 'Clean Water for a Healthy World'. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldwaterday.org/
8f. Evaluate the US Department of Energy's Education Website
The U.S. Department of Energy would like you to visit the newly formed:
http://www.scienceeducation.gov
website. Check out the features there (especially the resources page when you click on the quick finds list) and the 'search' federal agencies option. Once you have done so, please click the 'feedback' link in the top menu and take a few minutes to respond to the few questions there (this shouldn't take more than 5 minutes). Your feedback and honesty will help to develop the new website and is greatly appreciated. go to: http://scienceeducation.gov
8g. First Day of Spring is March 20, 2010
March 20, 2010, is a date that most of us recognize as symbolic of changing seasons. As we welcome spring, people south of the equator are actually gearing up for the cooler temperatures of autumn.
What Happens at the Equinox?
Far from being an arbitrary indicator of the changing seasons, March 20 (March 21 in some years) is significant for astronomical reasons. On March 20, 2010, at precisely 1:32 P.M. EDT (March 20, about 09:00 Universal Time), the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. For the Southern Hemisphere, this is the moment of the autumnal equinox.
Equinox Means 'Equal Night'
Translated literally, equinox means 'equal night.' Because the sun is positioned above the equator, day and night are about equal in length all over the world during the equinoxes. A second equinox occurs each year on September 22 or 23; in 2009, it will be on September 22 at 17:18 P.M. EDT (21:18 UT). This date will mark the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Southern (vernal denotes 'spring').
8h. Earth Day Events in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is collecting information on events for Earth Day Michigan 2010. If your organization or group will be hosting an Earth Day or Arbor Day event in the coming months and you wish to have it publicized, please send your information to Craig Welton, WeltonC@michigan.gov. They will include your event in the posting. This is a great opportunity to advertise and spread awareness of your event to Michigan residents. Please include all relevant information, including the location, date and time, contact info, and a short description. A region-specific listing of Earth Day events and activities will soon be available via the Earth Day Michigan section of the DNRE website.
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
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 20, 2010: First Day of Spring.
March 22, 2010: World Water Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldwaterday.org
March 27, 2010: Participate in Earth Hour at 8:30 pm, local time. For more information, please visit: http://www.earthhour.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 Dwain at 313.471.2241 or by email at dwain.lewis@detroittigers.com.
October 8-10, 2010: MAEOE Conference in Pellston, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
9a. Modeling Workshop for High School Physics Teachers
Modeling Workshops in high school physics - Mechanics, will be held in summer 2010 in
Michigan during June 24 - July 15. For details, please visit
http://modeling.asu.edu/MW_nation.html
Modeling Workshops are peer-led. Modeling Instruction is one of two K-12 science programs designated by the U.S. Department of Education as EXEMPLARY. Stipends are available at most sites, usually for in-state teachers. Graduate credit will be available at some sites. Teachers nationwide greatly value Modeling Instruction. They wrote:
In thirty years of teaching, nothing has impacted my teaching like the ideas I've learned in modeling. It is the best idea to enter the teaching methods I have ever seen. (Jane Nelson, retired national leader in physics education)
After the first year of teaching using the modeling method, I wished I had learned about modeling years ago. (David Braunschweig, Vernier consultant)
Most useful course I have taken since becoming a teacher.
9b. Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers
The Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers has just announced its 2010 Spring Meeting
Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at Hope College, Holland, MI, VanderWerf Hall.
Call for Papers:
The theme for the Spring 2010 Meeting is Teaching Physics Using Virtual Resources. Anyone who would like to share ideas on using the Internet, simulations, social networking, video or other technological resources to teach physics concepts, or promote student interest in physics, is welcome to participate by sending their idea(s) to Drew Isola at disola@alleganps.org. Presentations are limited to 15 minutes including questions and discussions.
Participants with other ideas, not necessarily related to the above theme, are encouraged to submit those as well. They will make every effort to include all submissions in the program. Ideas that do not fit into a standard time slot or that are more appropriate for a poster or demonstration setup, are also welcome. The DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS APRIL 1, 2010. Please include a title and an abstract of your idea for inclusion in the program.
9c. 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
March 15, 2010: Deadline to enter the DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
April 24, 2010: Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Spring Meeting at Hope College in Holland, MI. For more information, please visit: http://web.miaapt.org/home
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
May 8, 2010: Physics Olympiad at the University of Michigan. For more information, please visit: http://olympiad.physics.lsa.umich.edu
June 18, 2010: Deadline for teachers to apply to attend the AP Summer Institute through the Lapeer Public Schools. For more information, please visit: http://www.lapeerschools.org/LEHS/SummerInstitute/
June 24 - July 15: Modeling workshop on Mechanics for High School Teachers in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area. For more information, please visit: http://modeling.asu.edu/MW_nation.html
July 12 - 16, 2010: Teachers Forensic Science Workshop at Lawrence Technological University. For more information, please contact:
248-204-3617 or msedir@ltu.edu
Middle School and High School Science
10a. When Will We Find the Extraterrestrials?
The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Physics Department has arranged to have Dr. Seth Shostak (senior astronomer at SETI and host of two nationally broadcast radio shows) visit GVSU on Monday, March 15. He will deliver a free public talk at Loosemore Auditorium on the downtown GVSU Pew campus at 7:00 pm that evening. The title of his talk is 'When Will We Find the Extraterrestrials?' For more information visit the GVSU Physics website at: http://www.gvsu.edu/physics
March 15, 2010: Free lecture on "When Will We Find the Extraterrestrials?" at GVSU at 7:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/physics
March 19, 2010: Deadline for middle and high school students to take the Michigan Student Energy Survey. Register your class at: http://thegreatamericanenergydebate.org/register.asp
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
Elementary and Middle School Science
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
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 Subway gift cards.
To win one of these prizes, send an email to:
David Bydlowski
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 3, 13, 23, 33 and 43 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.