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E-Blast April 29, 2010
April 29 - May 12 - Science Matters Network Michigan eBlast
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In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- The Science Matters Network in Michigan
- MDE, MEAP, MMC and GLCE
- Science Humor
- Science Matters to Parents
- Science Matters to Students
- Grants
- K-12 Science Teachers - Something for All Grades
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- April Contest Winners
Here are your science education resources and announcements for April 29 - May 12, 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 leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.
Elaine Agather, Director-Fossil, Inc.
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. Your Certificate of Appreciation for 2009-2010 is Ready for You to Download
Are you a Science Matters for Science Super Key Leader, Key Leader, or Point of Contact? You can now print your certificate of appreciation for the 2009 -- 2010 school year, signed by Michigan's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mike Flanagan. Just visit: http://msta-mich.org/index.php/bapawards
add your name, select your award, and print! Thanks for all the work you have done to promote Science Matters in Michigan.
2b. Michigan Science Matters Advisory Board
The Advisory Board for the Michigan Science Matters Network, recently had their final meeting for the 2009-2010 school year. The Board meets twice a year and advises the State Coordinator. Present at this month's meeting were: Sue Campbell, MSTA; Robbie Cramer, MSTA; Paul Drummond, MSTA; Jermaine Evans, Inkster Public Schools; Tom Green, Monroe ISD; LaMoine Motz, Oakland Schools; Jim Munson, Oakland Schools; Kevin Richard, MDE; and Mary Ann Sheline, GVSU Regional M/S Center. Thanks to them for their time, guidance, and leadership.
3a. The Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The members of the United States Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee have recently begun a bipartisan process to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The HELP Committee has also begun holding a series of hearings to explore important issues and develop a greater understanding on the improvements that need to be made to current law. You can download the U.S. Department of Educations Blueprint for Reform, by visiting: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint
You can share your opinions and suggestions with the committee by sending them to: ESEAcomments@help.senate.gov
The deadline to share your comments is May 7, 2010.
4a. Those Funny Meteorologists
What does a meteorologist cry before he tees off?
Fore-cast!
What does a meteorologist call a Harley Davidson showroom?
Chromosphere.
What do they call the main conference room at The Weather Channel?
The Topical Convergence Zone.
5a. Parent Involvement in Science Learning
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) believes the involvement of parents and other caregivers in their children's learning is crucial to their children's interest in and ability to learn science. Research shows that when parents play an active role, their children achieve greater success as learners, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents' own level of education (PTA 1999; Henderson and Mapp 2002; Pate and Andrews 2006). Furthermore, the more intensely parents are involved, the more confident and engaged their children are as learners and the more beneficial the effects on their achievement (Cotton and Wikelund 2001). To read the complete NSTA Position Statement on Parent Involvement in Science Learning, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/parents.aspx
6a. Give a Certificate of Excellence to Your Students
Are you looking for a way to recognize the achievement of outstanding science students within your school? The MSTA is offering a certificate to present to your outstanding science students within your individual elementary, middle or high school building. To request a certificate, please go to: http://www.msta-mich.org/index.php/requestacertificate and submit your request. Certificates are sent within 3 business days of your request. Best of all-this is free!!
6b. Recognize Environmental Activism for Students Ages 13 - 22
The Earth Island Institute Brower Youth Award recognizes young people for their outstanding activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and social justice advocacy. Youth between the ages of 13 and 22, in North America, are eligible for the $3,000 award; a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to attend the awards ceremony on October 19, 2010; participation in a week of speaking engagements, trainings and environmental conferences leading up to the ceremony. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.broweryouthawards.org/article.php?list=type&type=54
6c. Poetry and Environment Contest for High School Students and Win an iPad
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Shmoop has announced its first Poetry Essay Contest for high school students. Participants can submit an essay related to "Stopping by Woodson a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost for a chance to win an Apple iPad. Author and English teacher Jim Burke will judge the finalists of the Poetry Essay Contest. The deadline to enter is May 28, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.shmoop.com/news/2010/04/12/poetry-essay-contest-ipad/
6d. You Be the Chemist State Competition
The You Be the Chemist State Competition is taking place on May 1, 2010. It will be delayed broadcast on Public TV. Please watch for it on your Public TV station on May 27 at 12:00 PM and June 1 at 8:00 pm.
May 15, 2010: Deadline for students between the ages of 13 and 22 to apply for the Earth Island Institute Brower Youth Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.broweryouthawards.org/article.php?list=type&type=54
May 27, 2010: Deadline for middle school students to enter America's Next Young Scientist Competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/
May 28, 2010: Deadline for high school students to enter the Poetry Essay Contest on the Environment. For more information, please visit: http://www.shmoop.com/news/2010/04/12/poetry-essay-contest-ipad/
June 1, 2010: Deadline for students under the age of 19 to enter the Show Green Student Film contest. For more information, just visit: http://www.showgreentv.org
September 5, 2010: Deadline for K12 students to enter the Trash to Treasure competition. For details, visit: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html
7a. MEEMIC Foundation Offers Mini-Grants
The MEEMIC Foundation distributes approximately $25,000 in mini-grants of up to $2,500 per award for
creative programs which enhance current curriculum. Any Michigan educational employee is eligible to apply once per round ~ whether they are a MEEMIC Insurance Company policyholder or not. The MEEMIC Foundation mini-grant application deadline is April 30, 2010 (by 5 pm). All applicants will be notified by the end of May 2010 if their application has been chosen to be funded; checks will be distributed during the early fall semester. To complete the online application, go to: http://www.meemic.com
and click on "Especially for Educators".
April 30, 2010: Deadline to apply for the MEEMIC Foundation Mini-Grants. For more information please visit: http://www.meemic.com
and click on "Especially for Educators."
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 15, 2010: Next deadline for the Pepsi Refresh Grant. Please visit: http://www.refresheverything.com/
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
K-12 Science Teachers-Something for All Grades
8a.Educators Sought to Review Energy Works Michigan Lesson Plans
Energy Works Michigan is looking for K-12 teachers to serve as reviewers for a series of lesson plans about energy efficiency and renewable energy. Acting as a Teacher Reviewer will require just a 2-hour commitment to attend a Lesson Plan Review Session, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in May. The dates are:
May 13 in Ann Arbor
May 18 in Detroit
May 20 in East Lansing
Participating teachers will be credited in the Energy Works curriculum support guidebook, and dinner will be provided free of charge at the review sessions. Best of all, teachers get to preview -- and help shape the development of -- the lesson plans about solar energy, wind energy, and energy efficiency being developed by Energy Works! Pre-registration for the sessions is required if you are interested in attending. For more information, visit: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dExraGdEMUFQamp4Y0dqR2hfZ0pkMUE6MA or contact Laura Holladay at laura@ecocenter.org.
8b. Become a New Horizons (Missions to Pluto) Educator Fellow
The New Horizons Educator Fellowship Program seeks 30 educators to become the next New Horizons Educator Fellows. The Fellows are volunteers who bring the excitement of the New Horizons mission to classrooms nationwide by conducting teacher-training workshops. These workshops introduce educators to materials related to the New Horizons mission to Pluto. Applications are due May 1, 2010.
For more information about the New Horizons Educator Fellowship Program and how to apply, visit: http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/fellows/
Questions about this opportunity and the application process should be directed to Heather Weir at heather.weir@ssaihq.com.
8c. Academy of Natural Resources Summer Workshop
Educators looking for credit, knowledge or new ideas for the classroom should sign up for a week of "Ram Camp," July 18-23 at the Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Conference Center on the north shore of Higgins Lake. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment offers three separate tracks:
Natural Resources Curricula Certification -- Projects WET, WILD, Learning Tree and Leopold
Field Camp -- Field studies with DNRE biologists
NatureQuest -- Nature interpretation 101.
All course materials, 15 meals, 5 nights lodging for $295.00. SB-CEU's and Education credits from CMU also available. For more information, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/anr
8d. Take a Spin Around the Universe
Students can dive into the latest space science discoveries at the Adler Planetarium's Exploring Space Web site. The Teencasts are a cool, new way for your students to get educated about our Universe. They'll find the most interesting facts about science, and if they want to learn more or download videos, they can visit Teencasts on Facebook, MySpace or YouTube. Students who visit the Explorers page can travel our Solar System, go beyond the interstellar boundary of the Solar System to explore deep space, visit past and present space missions and find out who were the key players in the history of astronomy. You can visit the site at: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/cyberspace/index.php?THEBIGDEALBOOK=634068508695245130
8e. 2nd Annual Michigan No Child Left Inside Summit
This Summit is presented by the Michigan NCLI Coalition, a group dedicated to connecting Michigan's children to nature for their emotional, physical, and educational well being. The group is collectively working to rekindle this connection by promoting activities and policies that will support outdoor play and exploration, recreational opportunities, and hands-on environmental education. The summit will take place on June 23, 2010 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Campus.
Updated summit information is available at: http://www.michigan.gov/dnreworkshops
and then click on "Upcoming DNRE Workshops."
May 1, 2010: Deadline to apply to become a New Horizons (Missions to Pluto) Educator Fellow. For more information, please visit: http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/fellows
May 3 - 7, 2010: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7, 2010: National Space Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.spaceday.org
May 21, 2010: Endangered Species Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html
June 5, 2010: World Environment Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.pittsburghwed.com/
June 23, 2010: 2nd Annual Michigan No Child Left Inside Summit at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3308_3333---,00.html
June 26, 2010: Great American Backyard Campout. For more information, please visit: http://www.backyardcampout.org
July 18 - 23, 2010: Academy of Natural Resources at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center in Roscommon, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10369_46264_50044---,00.html
October 8-10, 2010: MAEOE Conference in Pellston, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
9a. IDEA Institute Summer 2010 Geoscience Camp for High School Students and Teachers
The University of Michigan is hosting a two-week camp where students will work in geoscience laboratories, learn from top Michigan professors in the geosciences, find out more about geoscience as a career choice, and then explore local geology sites of interest. The camp will be held July 25- August 6. The Geoscience Camp fee is $250, which includes transportation, food, room and all supplies. Financial support is available. For more information and an application, visit: http://www.ideainstitute.umich.edu
The application deadline is May 1, 2010. There are only two spots left for teachers who would like to attend the geoscience camp and think about issues related to teaching geoscience in Michigan. Educators can earn SB-CEUs by attending this camp along with the high school students. There is NO fee for this unique two-week experience.
9b. Opportunity for New Physical Science or Physics Teachers
Alicia Alonzo is a new assistant professor of science education at Michigan State University. She is currently recruiting beginning teachers for a research study. The project entails the development and piloting of a video-based, professional development program for beginning physics (or physical science) teachers. The program is aimed at improving pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching basic force & motion concepts, and entails a short summer program, coupled with individualized coaching during the unit. They would be collecting baseline data in the 2010-2011 school year and then studying the effects of the professional development during the 2011-2012 school year. If you or someone you know would be interested, please have them contact Alicia at: alonzo@msu.edu
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 1, 2010: Deadline for High School Students to apply for the IDEA Institute Summer 2010 Geoscience Camp. For more information, please visit: http://www.ideainstitute.umich.edu
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 23, 2010: Third Annual Joint Education Conference at Thurston High School in Redford, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.mijec.org/
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 Teachers
10a. Bring Local Earth Science Into Your Classroom
The Museum of the Earth and the Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center welcome your application to participate in a professional development program that is focused on Virtual Fieldwork Experiences and the Teacher-Friendly Guide to the Geology of the Midwestern Region. Spend time in the field with scientists and fellow educators to learn ways of incorporating local Earth system science into your classroom! The workshop will be held at the Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center in Monroe, MI on July 28-30, 2010. The deadline to apply is May 3, 2010.
For more information and to apply visit: http://www.virtualfieldwork.org/PD_Application,_Summer_2010.html
10b. New Science Teacher Academy
If you're a second or third year, secondary science teacher, don't miss the deadline, May 30, to apply to the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy, cofounded by the Amgen Foundation. If selected, this Academy supports Fellows through mentoring and other professional development resources during their initial, challenging years. Striving for quality science teaching, enhanced teacher confidence, classroom excellence and solid content knowledge, the Academy provides the following additional benefits.
Full membership to the National Science Teachers Association
Access to the web-based Learning Center's tools and professional development activities and resources including web seminars led by national experts
Use of vetted science websites, state and national standards sites, other professional organizations, safety tips, and more
E-mentoring with an experienced teacher in the same science discipline and grade band
Facilitated online curriculum devoted to science content and applicable classroom pedagogy
Access to a nationwide, online network of science educators and scientists for exchange of information, ideas, and resources
Participation in specialized conference pathway sessions, and a Research Dissemination Conference or a Professional Development Institute.
Paid accommodations, airfare, meals, and registration fees to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education.
Who is Eligible? Applicants must reside in the United States, be entering their second or third year of teaching, and be working a schedule with 51 percent of their classes in middle or high school science.
Download and complete an application from: http://www.nsta.org/academy
to become a Fellow in the New Science Teacher Academy. May 30, 2010 is the deadline for receipt of all applications.
10c. Lunar Institute for Educators LRO Workshop for MS and HS Educators -- Free
NASA invites educators of grades 6-12 to attend, for free, the Lunar Institute for Educators workshop focusing on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. This workshop will take place July 12-16, 2010, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The workshop will focus on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the moon has changed since the time of the Apollo missions. Information sent back by LRO and the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite missions has revised the basic understandings of our closest celestial neighbor. What was once thought of as a definitively dry world is now understood to have water -- and not only at its poles!
Workshop participants will learn more about this and other discoveries, explore real LRO data, participate in a number of lunar science activities, and learn how to incorporate these data and activities into the classroom. For more information and to register for this workshop, visit: http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/lunarinstitute
Please direct questions about this opportunity to Andrea Jones at Andrea.Jones@ssaihq.com
"Detroit Public Television and the Detroit Science Center are pleased to announce their "Think Squad" series on DVD. Their mission was to create a TV series about students who are focusing on real life applications of science and how learning about science can be fun and lead to a career. They created 10 episodes highlighting various science topics from space to the pH of soil. This series was filmed by and with students from the Detroit Metro area with a premise that the students are a group of young science investigators that help fellow students solve mysteries. Along the way, they learn about careers in many different scientific fields.
They would like to offer this to you to enhance your school curriculum and possibly motivate your students in a unique way. Here is a link to the DPTV video on demand for you to view some of the episodes. http://www.dptv.org/ondemand/think/thinkvodlg.shtml
If you are interested in obtaining free DVD's of these episodes, please contact Julie Johnson at: jjohnson@sciencedetroit.org
10e. Upcoming Workshop on the MEECS Water Quality Unit
Cranbrook Institute of Science invites you to a workshop to learn how to use the MEECS Water Quality Unit in the classroom. The workshop will take place on June 22, 2010 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. The MEECS Water Quality Unit helps students discover the essential role that water plays in Michigan's economy and in everyone's lives. Students calculate how much water they use, investigate the link between land uses and water quality, and discover how water is monitored and standards are set. Curriculum activities feature engaging, hands-on lessons that encourage student participation and inquiry. The MEECS Water Quality Unit contains nine core lessons and five extension lessons. All lessons are correlated to Grades 6-8 and High School Science and Social Studies Michigan Content Expectations.
The cost is $45 for the workshop, and includes the MEECS Water Quality Unit curriculum binder, activity supplies, snacks and lunch. Please visit the website for more information or to register: http://science.cranbrook.edu/educational/teacher
If you have questions, please email: water@cranbrook.edu
10f. Post a Project and Enter the National Lab Day Video Contest
Attention all science educators, for a limited time you can win money for your school by posting a hands-on learning project on: http://NationalLabDay.org
What is National Lab Day? To begin, it is more than just a day. It is a nationwide movement to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in our schools. It is teachers working with community volunteers and communities rallying around teachers and scientists and other STEM professionals donating their time and expertise to our schools. National Lab Day seeks to foster partnerships between teachers, schools, STEM professionals, volunteers, federal agencies, and professional organizations that will continue long after the first National Lab Day.
Visit NLD and browse projects posted by other teachers that are already live on the site. The Resources section has posts from dozens of partner organizations with cool lesson plans, games, and interactive websites. Then post your own project today!
The first place winner for the NLD online video contest will receive a $1,500 "shopping spree" on DonorsChoose.org and a Flip Video Camcorder. The second prize winner will receive a $500 "shopping spree" on DonorsChoose.org and a Flip Video Camcorder. All submissions are due by June 1, 2010. For more information go to the NLD contest web page at: http://www.nationallabday.org/contest
May 3, 2010: Deadline to apply for the ReaL Earth Inquiry PD to be held at the Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center in Monroe, MI. For more information, please visit:
http://www.virtualfieldwork.org/PD_Application,_Summer_2010.html
May 12, 2010: National Lab Day for 6th - 12th grade students. For more information, please visit: http://www.nationallabday.org
May 30, 2010: Deadline for 2nd and 3rd year science teachers to apply for the New Science Teacher Academy. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/academy
June 1, 2010: Deadline to post a project for the National Lab Day Video Contest. For more information, visit: http://www.nationallabday.org/contest
June 22, 2010: MEECS Water Quality Unit Workshop at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills. For more information, please visit: http://science.cranbrook.edu/educational/teacher/
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
Middle School Science Teachers
11a. NASA Heliophysics Ambassador Program Application Deadline Draws Near
The 2010 NASA Heliophysics Educator Ambassador Program is currently accepting applications. The program kicks off with a weeklong teacher professional development workshop July 6-10, 2010, at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Ill. The workshop will focus on in-depth learning experiences in Earth, space and physical science topics for educators teaching in middle school grades. The goal of this program is for participants to gain a better understanding of these content areas and develop the capacity to train other teachers on NASA Heliophysics science and educational resources.
Lodging support for out-of-town participants and stipends for all participants are available. Applications are due April 30, 2010. For more information about the Heliophysics Educator Ambassador Program and how to apply, visit: http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/education/pd/index.shtml#workshops
Questions about this opportunity should be directed to learn@adlerplanetarium.org.
Elementary School Science Teachers
NASA's new Climate Kids website de-mystifies global climate change science for kids in grades 4-6. Visit the site to find games, animated features, the "Climate Time Machine," green career role models and a variety of resources for educators. Please visit: http://climate.nasa.gov/kids/
In April, we gave away six SubWay gift cards. Here is a list of the winners:
Gary Cieniuch -- Livonia Public Schools
Steve Poniewierski, Edmonson Elementary - Lamphere Schools
Ann Vinson, Colon Jr/Sr High School - Colon Schools
Rick Suckow, Lincoln Park MS - Lincoln Park Schools
Betty Jo Winters - Addison Community Schools
Kevin Richards - Michigan Department of Education
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.
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