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E-Blast July 15, 2010
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In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- The Science Matters Network in Michigan
- MDE, MEAP, and MMC Science
- Science Humor
- Science Matters to Parents
- Science Matters to Students
- Grants
- K-12 Science Teachers - Something for All Grades
- MDSTA-DACTM Fall Conference
- Earth Science Week
- Free Conference on Place-Based Education in Urban Settings
- Science Under Sail Scholarships Available for Fall Field Trips
- Celebrate World Space Week
- Save the Date for Zoolastic Achievement-Explosion 2010
- Resources on the Oil Spill
- Early Registration Discount for MAEOE Conference
- Upcoming Deadlines
- High School Science Teachers
- Middle School and High School Science Teachers
- Middle School Science Teachers
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Elementary School Science Teachers
- June Contest Winners and a New Contest for July
Here are your science education resources and announcements for July 15 - August 18, 2010 provided by the Science Matters Network. These science education highlights are emailed to Key Leaders, Points of Contact and State Partners. Please forward them on to other science educators in your school. If you have questions or comments, please forward them to:
David Bydlowski
Michigan Coordinator - ;Science Matters Network
bydlowd@resa.net http://bap.nsta.org http://www.msta-mich.org/smn or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
sue@ucia2.com http://www.msta-mich.org
Please Note: If you do not receive the full e-blast you can view it at: http://msta-mich.org/smn or request a Word version by emailing: bydlowd@resa.net You can also listen to the e-blast, as a podcast, by visiting: http://k12science.net and clicking on Podcasts or you can subscribe at iTunes by searching for k12science in the iTunes Store.
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
Vince Lombardi
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
Quote #2
Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.
Pete Seeger
Thanks to David Larwa, Science Consultant, for contributing this leadership quote.
The Science Matters Network In Michigan
2a. Michigan Point of Contact Awarded the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science
A science teacher from Rochester Hills, who is also a Point of Contact in the Michigan Science Matters Network, was among a group of instructors winning the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the White House announced. Nathaniel Childers, a science teacher in Rochester Hills, will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation plus, an all expenses paid trip to Washington to receive the award and meet with members of Congress and science leaders from around the country.
Renee Yake, a math teacher from Iron Mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, was the other winner from Michigan. In a statement, President Barack Obama said strong math and science education has helped create the U.S.'s engineering prowess. "The scientists and engineers who have led America on its remarkable path to success share something very precious: science and math teachers who brought these critical subjects to life," he said.
2b. New Format to the eMailing of the eBlasts
You have probably noticed that this email looks a little bit different from past emails. Even though I write the eBlasts and then email them out, they go out through an email system developed by the National Science Teachers Association. Over the past year, there have been issues that have come up that have affected the system. Every time I get a report for one of our Michigan Science Matters Network people, I report it to the NSTA. Well, the NSTA has listened and has rolled out a new emailing system. You probably received a practice email last week. From now on, all you have to do is click on the link to view the attachment. That will bring the attachment to you. This will make it easier to send the eBlast because so many school districts block attachments. Another advantage is that I can now send it as a Word document again, instead of just as a pdf. We are hoping that soon I can send it as both a Word document and as a pdf. I hope you like the new format. Thanks for your suggestions. Please let me know what you think of this new emailing system.
2c. A Note From Our Science Matters Network Friends in Louisiana Regarding the Oil Spill
My thanks to those of you who have sent messages asking about the well blowout and the gulf coast area. If you have not visited the following site it is helpful in giving the viewer an idea of the size of the oil contamination. This program will let you measure it against the landmass surrounding your hometown. Click on the link, then enter your town or province in the location box top of page, and 'move' the oil spill.
I was at a meeting yesterday in MS at the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies. They are caring for many of the sea turtles from several of the states. As the turtles move out of the spill area they are being caught on hooks, by those out fishing. People often then cut the line, which allows the animal to swallow the hook and short piece of line. One of the turtles there was found to have at least 12 hooks in its stomach. Unfortunately you know what the hooks do to the turtle's esophagus. Multiple turtles have developed problems that prevent them from staying under water...pushed down they quickly come back and stay on the surface. There are some brought in oily and cleaned quite successfully.
Be well.
Jean May-Brett, Louisiana Science Matters Network State Coordinator
She may be contacted at: jean.may-brett@la.gov
2d. Summer Schedule for the Science Matter eBlasts
During July and August there will only be one Michigan Science Matters Network eBlast per month. The next eBlast will be August 19. We will return to our regular twice a month schedule in September. Hope you are having a great summer!
Science Matters is an initiative by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to bring content, news, and information that supports quality science education to parents and teachers nationwide. Science Matters builds on the success of the Building a Presence for Science program, first launched in 1997 as an e-networking initiative to assist teachers of science with professional development opportunities. Building a Presence for Science - ;now Science Matters - ;reaches readers in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Why does Science Matter? Science is critical to understanding the world around us. Most Americans feel that they received a good education and that their children will as well. Unfortunately, not many are aware that international tests show that American students are simply not performing well in science when compared to students in other countries. Many students (and their parents!) believe that science is irrelevant to their lives.
Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy, and this innovation depends on a solid knowledge base in science, math, and engineering. All jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. The most recent ten-year employment projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job
This is why Science Matters. Quality learning experiences in the sciences - ;starting at an early age - ;are critical to science literacy and our future workforce. Feel free to publish all of the information, in these eBlasts, in school newsletters and bulletins, and share it with other parents, teachers, and administrators.
The fall MEAP assessment window is October 12 through October 29, 2010. To view or print the revised MEAP schedule, please visit the MEAP website at
http://www.michigan.gov/meap then click on "MEAP Assessment Schedule" (Fall 2010 - Fall 2014, Revised 1-14-2010) located near the bottom of the page. Fall 2010 MEAP Estimated Testing Times chart can be accessed using the following link: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/F10_Estimated_Length_of_Tests_325243_7.pdf
3b. NRC Releases Draft Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards
Science Educators Urged to Review and Comment on Draft by August 2!!
On Monday, July 12, 2010 the National Research Council (NRC) Board on Science Education released a draft conceptual framework for new science education standards. The 190-page document lays the foundation for what core science ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and scientific practices all students need to succeed in science, and is the first major step in the development of the next generation of science standards. Science educators and other stakeholders have until August 2 to review and comment on the framework.
With funding from the Carnegie Corporation, a committee of experts developed the draft framework and is currently gathering feedback from a broad range of stakeholders. The revised framework will be released publicly later this winter. The framework will then be used as the basis for writing new science education standards, a process that will be led by Achieve.
NSTA, in collaboration with partners Achieve and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), has been providing advice to the project and is engaging members and constituents in the feedback process. In the coming weeks, NSTA is hosting focused feedback sessions to gather input from science educators to submit to the NRC.
All teachers can have input on this draft framework. Please forward this message to your science teacher colleagues. Take a moment NOW to review the draft framework document and answer the online questionnaire.
Review and comment on the Draft Framework - ;open for public comments until August 2! Please visit: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_Homepage.html
Read background information from the NRC at: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_FAQs.html
Read more about NSTA's work with NRC at: http://www.nsta.org/about/standardsupdate.aspx?lid=express
Read the news release from the National Academies at: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=07122010
Read a statement from NSTA Executive Director Francis Eberle at: http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2010_07_12_eberle_statement.htm
3c. Secondary Credit Assessment System On Hold
At this time, OEAA has put on hold the development of any future Secondary Credit Assessments. Previously developed assessments are on the OEAA secure site and will continue to be available; however, no new assessments will be released until further notice. The available assessments are:
Algebra 1
Geometry
Biology
Chemistry
Grade 9 ELA
Grade 10 ELA
US History/Geography Parts 1 & 2
Additional information on SCAS can be obtained at: http://www.michigan.gov/scas
October 12 - 29, 2010:: MEAP Fall Assessment. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/meap
Q: What do you get when you mix iron, bromine, uranium, argon, and yttrium?
A: FeBrUArY
Q: Where does bad light go?
A: To a prism.
Q: What did the rock say to the geologist?
A: Do not take me for granite.
5a. New Survey Finds Parents Need Help Encouraging Their Kids in Science
A new survey announced recently by NSTA and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. found that the vast majority (94%) of science teachers wish their students' parents had more opportunities to engage in science with their children. However, more than half (53%) of parents of school-aged children admit that they could use more help to support their child's interest in science. The survey was conducted among a sample of 500 science teachers and 506 parents, including 406 parents of school-aged children.
Read more about the findings of the survey at:
http://www.nsta.org/about/pressroom.aspx?id=57403
Boehringer Ingelheim launched a new YouTube channel called FamilyScienceQuest. Families nationwide can take advantage of the information presented on this dedicated YouTube channel, featuring simple, fun science experiments that parents can conduct at home with their children - ;such as making colors explode in a puddle of milk, creating sidewalk chalk, and making a cloud. To access the video tutorials, visit this YouTube page at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FamilyScienceQuest
August 9, 2010: Deadline for high school students to apply for NASA's DEVELOP Program. For more information, please visit: http://develop.larc.nasa.gov/
August 31, 2010: Deadline for K-12 students to enter the "Tell Us Why Science is Cool" Science Video Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2010festival/contests/kavli-science-video-contest
September 5, 2010: Deadline for K12 students to enter the Trash to Treasure competition. For details, visit: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html
September 30, 2010: Deadline for students aged 10 - 17 to enter the International Youth Art Competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.humansinspaceart.org
November 30, 2010: Deadline for 5th - 8th Grade female students to apply for the "Angela" Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=exp
The EcoPhones Recycling Program is a fundraising program that schools can use to secure additional funding for small classroom projects. This program pays up to $300 for cell phones, ink-jet printer cartridges, DVD movies, videogames, portable DVD players, laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras, Wii, Sony Playstations, and more. Participants should ask parents, neighbors, co-workers, and local businesses to donate and recycle their used consumer electronics. Participants can also receive money for damaged, non-working, and non-listed models. Please visit: http://www.green-recycling-fundraiser.org/
7b. $1000 Grants Available to Teachers to Go Green
NEA Green Across America Grant Award Program: The goal of NEA's Green Across America Grant Award Program is to create sustainable education programs to encourage K-12 students to increase earth-friendly behavior in their neighborhoods and communities. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to help educators implement innovative education programs, activities, lessons, or events to excite students about going green, caring for the earth, and creating a sustainable future. The program is open to educators employed by public or private K-12 schools throughout the country. The application deadline is July 30, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.neamb.com/green
The Stretch Island Fruit Co., invites parents to submit their children's school to receive a special schoolyard planting. Winning public schools must have enough green space to sustain an orchard. The winning family will receive a fruit tree and the winning school will receive an hour-long lesson about the importance of trees, culminating in a group tree planting exercise that activates students to take positive action for their environment. For more information, please visit: http://www.ftpf.org/fruittree101.htm There is no specific deadline, but you should apply as soon as possible.
7d. Classroom Herb Garden Grant
Four classrooms will be selected by The Herb Society of America to receive $200 to establish an outdoor herb garden. The funds may be used for soil, plant trays, containers, youth-sized tools, and more. Eligible recipients include teachers of grades 3-6 who have at least 15 students in their class. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://herbsociety.org/resources/samull-grant.html
7e. Pollinator Garden Grants Up to $500
In 2010, Project Learning Tree and the USDA Forest Service are offering grants to teachers and students participating in Pollinator LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure. Participating teachers can apply for GreenWorks! funding to create pollinator gardens in their schoolyard or community. The maximum grant amount is $500, and the deadline to apply is December 1st, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_274.html
7f. Healthy Sprouts Award Grant
The National Gardening Association and Subaru, present the 2010 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award. The 2010 Subaru Healthy Sprouts Award is aimed at supporting schools or organizations who plan to garden in 2011 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and education related to environmental, nutrition and hunger issues in the United States. A total of 30 awards will be made. Prizes include a $500 gift certificate to the Gardening with Kids catalog and online store for basic youth gardening supplies and supporting educational materials; National Gardening Association's Eat a Rainbow Kit which includes nutrition lessons and education; and a literature package from the National Gardening Association. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2010. For more information, please visit: http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/healthysprouts.asp
7g. Grants from the Captain Planet Foundation
The Captain Planet Foundation, funds and supports hands-on environmental projects for children and youths ages 6-18. Its objective is to encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Grant amounts range from $250 to $2,500. Deadlines for submitting grant applications are September 30, and December 31. For more information, visit the Captain Planet Foundation website at: http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/grants.html
July 30, 2010: Deadline to apply for the NEA Green Across America Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.neamb.com/green
August 2, 2010: Deadline for Grade 6-12 Teachers to apply for the Toshiba Science Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.toshiba.com/taf/612.jsp
September 1, 2010: Deadline for 3rd - 6th grade teachers to apply for the Classroom Herb Garden Grant. For more information, please visit: http://herbsociety.org/resources/samull-grant.html
September 30, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Captain Planet Foundation Grants on Hands-On Environmental Projects. For more information, please visit: http://www.captainplanetfdn.org/grants.html
October 1, 2010: Deadline for Grade K-5 Teachers to apply for the Toshiba Science Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.toshiba.com/taf/k5.jsp
October 1, 2010: Deadline to apply for the National Gardening Association and Subaru's Healthy Sprouts Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/healthysprouts.asp
December 1, 2010: Deadline for teachers to apply for the GreenWorks! Grant to fund pollinator gardens. For more information, please visit: http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_274.html
K-12 Science Teachers - ;Something for All Grades
8a. MDSTA - DACTM Fall Conference
The Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Metropolitan Detroit Science Teachers Association are pleased to announce a joint math/science fall conference to take place at Lamphere High School in Madison Heights, MI, on Saturday November 13th. For the first time since 1998, math and science educators preK-12 will be able to network, attend sessions and browse vendors together at one conference! Schedule of sessions and registration information will be available in August. For more information, please visit: http://www.dactm.org/mc/page.do?orgId=dactm&sitePageId=90324
The American Geological institute (AGI) is sponsoring three national contests in conjunction with Earth Science Week 2010, celebrating the theme of "Exploring Energy," October 10-16. For more information, please visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/pressreleases/index.html To order an Earth Science Week Toolkit, please visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/index.html
8c. Free Conference on Place-Based Education in Urban Settings
The Conference, "Our Cities, Our Classroom" will be held on August 19, 2010 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at The University of Michigan, Flint Campus. To register, please visit: http://surveymonkey.com/s/our_cities_conference For more information, please visit: http://www.umflint.edu/outreach/ococ.htm Topics will include: place-based education; urban agriculture; green building; land use; water quality; environmental health, and more.
8d. Science Under Sail Scholarships Available for Fall Field Trips
BaySail, operator of the Appledore schooners in Bay City, Michigan, has just received notice that a grant written in collaboration with three other Michigan onboard education and outreach programs has been approved for funding. The grant through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, funded through the EPA, will support a number of Science under Sail trips this summer and fall.
BaySail is asking any interested teachers to submit a scholarship application for summer and fall 2010 Science under Sail voyages. Applications will be processed as they are received. This is a great opportunity for BaySail and local teachers. For more information, please visit: http://www.baysailbaycity.org
You may also contact Carri McGuire at: 989-895-5193
8e. Celebrate World Space Week October 4 - 10
Join educators and space enthusiasts around the world to celebrate World Space Week, Oct. 4-10, 2010. This international event commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957. During World Space Week, teachers are encouraged to use space-themed activities. World Space Week is the largest public space event in the world, with celebrations in more than 50 nations. Last year, President Obama joined the celebration by hosting a Star Party at the White House. To find NASA educational resources that can be used during World Space Week, visit the Educational Materials Finder: http://search.nasa.gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true
To learn more about World Space Week, search for events in your area and find educational materials related to the event, visit: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/index.html.
8f. Save the Date for Zoolastic Achievement - Explosion 2010
Mark your calendars and be sure not to miss this valuable event! The Detroit Zoological Society Presents:
ZOOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT - EXPLOSION 2010
DATE: Thursday, September 30, 2010
TIME: 5 to 8 p.m.
LOCATION: Ford Education Center, Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak MI
Come enjoy food, fun, fellowship and live entertainment as you learn about the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo! You will discover dynamic, age level-appropriate programs for all grades that teach important concepts about animals, habitats and ecosystems in alignment with the Michigan Merit Curriculum and Grade Level Content Expectations. You will also learn how to plan and optimize your school group tour with learning activities: guided tours, self-led tours, scavenger hunts, interactive education presentations, backpack programs, and much, much more!
For more information, please visit: http://www.detroitzoo.org/Zoolastic/
8g. Resources on the Oil Spill
If you need some resources to help teach about the Oil Spill, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/2cq6bpg
Another very good source of information comes from the National Wildlife Federation. Please visit: http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/School-Solutions/Eco-Schools-USA/Become-an-Eco-School/Special-Report.aspx
8h. Early Registration Discount for MAEOE Conference
Attention All Educators! Earlybird Registration ($10 off!) ends July 25! Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education's 2010 Conference ~ Oct. 8 - 10, 2010. For more information and registration materials visit the MAEOE website:
http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org
Earlybird registration $10 discount---deadline: July 25
Conference Theme: Engaging Students in Science & Stewardship
Environmental and outdoor educators, classroom teachers, natural resource professionals, university and others will share their tips and techniques for connecting students and communities to their environment at the 22nd annual Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) conference set for Friday - Sunday, October 8 - 10, 2010, at the University of Michigan Biological Station, 20 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge . This year's conference theme is "Engaging Students in Science and Stewardship," with topics ranging from schoolyard - enhanced learning, stream monitoring, amphibian surveys, and ethnobotany, to Great Lakes stewardship programs, and much more will be presented. A wide variety of educator workshops will be held Friday, October 8. The thirteen workshops offered include new early learner (pre - K) curricula by Project WILD and Project Learning Tree, Schoolyard Enhanced Learning, Michigan Forests , Fungus Amongus, Limnology & Fish Ecology, Flying Wild, Beaver Island Exploration, Farm - to - Table, Nature, Art, and Writing, Your Great Lakes National Forest , Team -
Building Games, and Great Lakes Stewardship & Adopt-a-Beach Program.
August 9 - 13, 2010: Forensic Science PD for K-12 Teachers at Portage Northern HS in Portage, MI. For more information, please contact Kathy Mirakovits at kjmirakovits@chartermi.net
August 19, 2010: Free "Our Cities, Our Classroom" conference at UM-Flint. For more information, please visit: http://www.umflint.edu/outreach/ococ.htm
September 30, 2010: Zoolastic Achievement - Explosion 2010 at the Detroit Zoo for all Teachers from 5:00 - 8:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.detroitzoo.org/Zoolastic/
October 4 - 10, 2010: World Space Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/
October 8-10, 2010: MAEOE Conference in Pellston, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
October 10, 16, 2010: Earth Science Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/
November 13, 2010: MDSTA-DACTM Fall Conference at Lamphere HS in Madison Heights, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.dactm.org/mc/page.do?orgId=dactm&sitePageId=90324
9a. Michigan Green Chemistry Conference
The 2nd Annual Michigan Green Chemistry Conference: A Catalyst for the Economy continues the momentum of the green chemistry movement in Michigan. Now more than ever, organizations are transforming the way they do business with a focus on sustainability and the use of less-toxic materials and processes. The goal of this powerful event, initiated by Governor Jennifer Granholm, is to promote green chemistry and protect Michigan's environment and public health while catalyzing the economy. Business leaders, engineers, chemists, researchers, teachers, policymakers, and anyone else interesting in moving green chemistry forward in Michigan should attend this event on October 20, 2010 at the Kellogg Center, Michigan State University, in East Lansing.
Paul Anastas, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD), known widely as the "Father of Green Chemistry," has been invited to give the keynote presentation at the conference. At the time he was nominated by President Obama to lead ORD, Dr. Anastas was the Director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, and the inaugural Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment at Yale University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Prior to joining the Yale faculty, Dr. Anastas was the founding Director of the Green Chemistry Institute, headquartered at the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C. From 1999 to 2004 he worked at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, concluding his service there as the assistant director for the environment. Dr. Anastas began his career as a staff chemist at EPA, where he rose to the positions of chief of the Industrial Chemistry Branch, and director of the U.S. Green Chemistry Program. It was during his work at EPA that Dr. Anastas coined the term "green chemistry."
visit: http://www.michigan.gov/greenup for updated conference information.
9b. Evolution of Evolution: 150 Years of Darwin's On the Origin of Species
This interactive, multimedia report from NSF presents resources on evolution and Darwin himself, including interviews and essays by a team of international evolutionary experts and a clickable timeline summarizing major intellectual and technological achievements that advanced our understanding of evolution. The report shows how Origin drew attention to anthropology, biology, the geosciences, polar sciences, and even astronomy and why it likely will continue to serve as the organizing framework for the sciences. The report also details the criticisms, longstanding hoaxes, and dedicated scholarship Origin has inspired. The report is appropriate for teachers and students at a range of grade levels. Please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/darwin/
October 10, 2010: Green Up: Michigan Green Chemistry Conference at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing at Michigan State University. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/greenup
Middle School and High School Science Teachers
10a. A New Tool for Visualizing Distance-Rate-Time Problems
NASA has released an interactive online tool that enables students to simultaneously visualize and manipulate three linked representations of a distance-rate-time problem. The side-by-side tool format features two airplanes (each flying at a constant speed) on merging jet routes, the corresponding distance-vs.-time graphs, and the corresponding linear equations. Students can manipulate an airplane's speed and starting position on its route, rotate or shift the associated line on the graph, and change the parameters of the associated equation. As students change one representation, the other representations update accordingly.
The free classroom materials include the tool, student workbooks, assessments, teacher guides, and alignments to grades 5-9 mathematics standards for all 50 states. The new tool is an addition to FlyBy Math from NASA Smart Skies -- distance-rate-time investigations that engage students in the challenges faced by air traffic controllers. To access the new tool, visit: http://www.smartskies.nasa.gov/flyby
10b. Climate Change Summit at Wayne RESA for 8th - 12th Grade Teachers
August 24, 2010
Wayne RESA Arthurs Auditorium
33500 Van Born, Wayne MI 48184
Spend the day learning about global climate change, its application to the Michigan Merit Curriculum, and how YOU can participate in Wayne RESA's new NASA Climate Change Grant (Wayne County Teachers given preference). Topics will include the most current information about climate change and its global/regional/local impact along with tools you can use to study climate change in the classroom.
Supporting Organizations:
Eastern Michigan University/IGRE
GLOBE
NASA Aerospace Education Service Project
NASA Glenn Research Center
Wayne RESA
To register, visit: http://www.resa.net/curriculum/curriculum/science/professionaldevelopment/climatechange/
10c. Climate Status Investigations at Western Michigan University
The Keystone Science School is bringing its national Youth Policy Summit program and its CSI: Climate Status Investigations teacher training workshop back to Michigan in 2010! Keystone and Western Michigan University's Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education (MGRRE) partnered to present the 2009 Youth Policy Summit on Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Michigan and are now preparing for the 2010 Summit on Energy Innovation In Michigan which will take place on the WMU campus from July 24-29,2010.
There will also be a FREE teacher workshop, Keystone's CSI: Climate Status Investigations Institute on July 27-28. There are still spaces open for Michigan teachers - contact Wendi Liles at Keystone for registration information at: wliles@keystone.org
July 27 - 28, 2010: Free Teacher Workshop on Climate Status Investigations. For more information, please contact Wendy Liles at: wliles@keystone.org
August 24, 2010: Climate Change Summit at Wayne RESA. To register, please visit: http://www.resa.net/curriculum/curriculum/science/professionaldevelopment/climatechange/
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. Training Opportunity for Middle School Science Teachers with Student Teachers
Middle school science teachers who will have a student teacher in their class in each of the next two years are encouraged to apply for the NASA-sponsored AMANTISS (Advancing Mentor and Novice Teachers in Space Science) project. The project's goal is to help future teachers learn how to effectively include space science topics in their future classes. To achieve this goal, the project supports supervising teachers by providing training and classroom-ready materials.
This year, NASA is sponsoring 32 teachers to attend AMANTISS training. The training will take place Aug. 10-12, 2010, at Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, Calif. The training will feature the new GEMS Space Science Sequence for grades 6-8. Through a grant, selected mentor teachers will receive the following:
Workshop fees and travel expenses paid to attend the August 2010 workshop in Berkeley.
One complete GEMS materials kit and teachers guide for the GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6-8 participants to keep.
A second complete GEMS materials kit and teachers guide for the GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6-8 for their pre-service teachers to take with them to their future classrooms.
Travel expenses to attend the 2012 NSTA National Conference and join other AMANTISS teachers.
A $300 stipend for their final year of participation.
A supportive network of other supervising teachers.
For more information and to apply online, visit: http://lhsgems.org/AMANTISS.html Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Karen Milligan, at karmil@berkeley.edu or call 510-642-1981. Very few spaces are available. Please apply ASAP.
Elementary and Middle School Science Teachers
12a. Free Day at the Dome, a Digital Mobile Theater
On Saturday, August 21, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum is hosting The Dome, a mobile digital theater. The Dome is a highly innovative, immersive, educational, state-of-the art, theater system. The mobile planetarium offers the latest audio and visual learning technologies with a broad range of subject areas that will bring the excitement of science to children. Themes include astronomy, space science, earth science and geology. During the one-day visit, The Dome theater will provide a minimum of twelve, 30 minutes shows. Each show can accommodate 35 to 45 students. The Mid-Michigan Children's Museum is focusing on the solar system during the month of August so they will select shows like Stellaruim, Cosmic Collisions, Passport to the Universe, Saturn, the Ring World and Earth's Wild Ride. The SJ Johnson Bay City Site Contribution committee is providing a $500 grant for this one-day performance. The balance of the cost will be covered by a $750 grant from the Hemlock Semiconductor Saginaw Celebrates Summer initiative. For more information, please visit: http://www.midmicm.org/
Kids will have a BLAST when they visit NASA's Kids Club. Activities include:
Buzz Lightyear Returns from Space
Astro-Matic 3000
STS-132 Memory Game
Let's Fly Away
To join in the fun, just visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
14. June Contest Winners and a New Contest for July
In June, we gave away six iTunes gift cards, free passes to the Detroit Science Center and a book on Teachers Jokes. Here is a list of the winners:
Walt Rathkamp, Saginaw Valley State University
Monica Single, Washtenaw Christian Academy in Saline
Jason Holstege, Heritage Christian School in Hudsonville
Agnes Carter, Glen Lake Elementary School in Maple City
Heather Luoto, U.P. Global Schools in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District
Tom Green, Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center, Monroe Public Schools and Monroe ISD
Mike Clemente, Carlson High School in the Gibraltar School District
Edwina Bednarz, Lutes Elementary in the Waterford School District
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.
This month we have six wonderful prizes to give away. Six of 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 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, and 26 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.