PublicationsEducator SupportScience MattersScience Matters ArchivesScience Matters e-blast - February 24, 2011Science Matters e-blast - February 24, 2011
- Details
- Category: Science Matters Archives
- Published Date
Here are your science education resources and announcements for February 24 - March 16, 2011 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
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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/pdf version by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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.
Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise,
Risking more than others think is safe,
Dreaming more than others think is practical, and
Expecting more than others think is possible.
Thomas A. Edison
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. Slight Change for the Science Matters Network eBlast for the Month of March
There will be a slight change in the schedule for the next two Michigan Science Matters Network eBlasts. The schedule is being modified since I will be attending the National Science Teachers Association National Conference in San Francisco. Our next eBlast will arrive by March 17, 2011 followed by another eBlast by March 31, 2011. We will return to our regular schedule on April 14, 2011. Remember that the Michigan Science Matters Network eBlast usually comes to you on the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
MEAP, OEAA and Michigan Department of Education
3a. Michigan Merit Curriculum High School Graduation Requirements
Often, there are questions that arise regarding High School Credit. For instance a question that often arises refers to receiving high school science credit in grade 8 (Question 9 on page 36). If you have questions regarding High School Graduation requirements, you should refer to the document, “Michigan Merit Curriculum High School Graduation Requirements.” You can download a copy at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/FAQ_-_Entire_Document_12.07_217841_7.pdf
or you can visit: http://www.michigan.gov/highschool
3b. The Science Conceptual Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards
By now most science teachers have heard of the new “Common Core State Standards” in mathematics and English. Many are wondering, “Is science next?”
Science is also building a similar common set of expectations that states may elect to adopt. Unlike the mathematics and English documents, this initiative is being developed in a slightly different manner.
The project is being funded by the Carnegie Foundation and will be completed in two steps. The first step is the development of a Science Conceptual Framework that will identify important scientific concepts that all students should know and be able to do. This part of the project started last year and is being conducted by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The National Academies were started in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln as a non-political group that addresses science from an unbiased point of view. Because of this philosophy, the organization usually works without external input or comments. Last year was the first time in its history that the National Academy solicited public comment when they sent out a draft copy of the Conceptual Framework. The group received many comments and took them into consideration as they prepare their final publication, scheduled to be released in April, 2011 in a hard copy book.
Once completed, the second phase will start with the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This group, coordinated by Achieve, will build the expectations for the concepts identified by the NAS. In preparation for the development, a team of 30 writers whom are mostly teachers, has been recruited, selected, and are already meeting. The document's structure may take on similarities to the NAEP 2009 Science Framework and the College Board's science standards. The group also looked at ten internationally recognized countries with English science versions to determine what parts of their standards can be used. These countries were Canada (Ontario), China-Taipei, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Many good ideas came from the international comparisons, but there were some areas for improvement. The NGSS will have the opportunity to add some elements not found in those countries. Some elements are:
- Incorporation of mathematics
- Evidence-based inquiry
- Model-building
- Use of engineering design
- Foundations for concepts in modern biology
- Interdisciplinary connections
Yet to be determined are some decisions that were also difficult in developing Michigan's new standards. They are:
- Organization of the standards
-
-
- Grade Level vs. Grade Span
- High School standards vs. Course/credit standards
- Middle School Content
- Inquiry and Design
-
- Grain Size
- Examples inclusion
- Connections to the Common Core State Standards
- Vocabulary
- Leaning Progressions
- Exemplary features as identified in the Internationally Benchmarked countries
The process should take approximately 12 to 18 months, bringing the final release of the standards/expectations sometime in mid to late 2012. Included in the planned development is two open public reviews and two or three internal state reviews. I will be recruiting a small group to assist me in these internal state reviews.
While nothing has yet been released and planning is still occurring, it is certain that the country will have a new set of common science standards shortly. States may or may not these standards, but if like the common core state standards for mathematics and ELA, most will. It is an exciting time and a great opportunity for you to stay informed and get involved with this national movement.
As always, feel free to contact Kevin Richard, the author of this article, if you have questions at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
517-373-4223 (Work Landline)
517-755-8343 (Work Cell)
Police officer: Copper
Lone Ranger's horse: Silver
If they are not here, they: Argon
To press a blouse: Iron
Motto for an oil well-drilling company: Boron
What should you do with dead people's bodies? Barium
A fixture in your house with a faucet and a drain: Zinc
Wholenium x 0.5: Hafnium
A ridiculous prisoner: Silicon
A burial chamber that weighs 2 000 pounds: Krypton
5a. Exploring Science with Young Children
Adapted from the PBS Parents Page at: http://www.pbs.org/parents/exploringscience/
Helping children engage in the world of science can be daunting. Many parents feel they don't know enough about science to help their children at all. Those who do know the world of science may be confused about how to help young children learn about complex concepts. A common question from adults is, “How can I explain such a hard concept in a simple enough way for my child to understand?”
Explanations Do Not Always Help
Explanations, even simple ones, do not always help children (or adults, for that matter!) understand complex ideas. So what's a parent to do? The simple answer is to worry less about explaining to your child, and spend more time modeling the fun of science: going on walks, mixing things, testing to see what will happen, observing carefully and wondering along with your child.
Science Is About Trying to Make Sense of the World
Science is not simply about knowing information-it is equally a way of trying to make sense of the world. Scientists must ask questions, design investigations, try to make sense of the information they have gathered during the investigations, and communicate and defend their thinking to others. They don't always find the answers to their questions, and they don't always agree.
Help Children Think Like Scientists
It is much more important for parents to help children develop the skills they need to think like scientists than to help them understand complex scientific concepts. Even the youngest children are quite capable of beginning to build these skills.
For more information, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/parents/exploringscience/
6a. Promote Understanding of Conservation Issues
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Nature of Learning Grant Program seeks to use National Wildlife Refuges as outdoor classrooms to promote greater understanding of local conservation issues and utilize field experiences and student-led stewardship projects to connect classroom lessons to real-world issues as well as build partnership among local schools, community groups, natural resource professionals and local businesses. The amount of the grant is $5,000 and the deadline: April 1, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&CONTENTID=18432&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm
6b. Elmer's Teacher Toolkit Application
The purpose of these grants is to provide teachers with the means to replicate projects found in the Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit catalog in their own classrooms. These projects, previously funded by the Kids In Need Foundation, make creative use of common teaching aids, approach curriculum from an imaginative angle, or tie nontraditional concepts together for the purpose of illustrating commonalities.
Eligibility: K-12 certified teachers teaching in the subject of the project at public, private, charter, or parochial schools within the U.S. Special consideration will be given to first year teachers.
Grant Amounts: $100 to $500. In exceptional cases, a project from the catalog may be budgeted for more than $500. The teacher must prove that additional funds from another source are secured to do the project before funding will be granted from Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit. If you are receiving additional funds for the project, please indicate it in the budget section of the application. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://kinf.org/elmers/2011_application.php
6c. Toyota Tapestry Grant Deadline Extended
Good news! The deadline to submit proposals for the Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers has been extended to Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 11:59 EST. Science educators with innovative project ideas that enhance science education in their school and/or school district are encouraged to apply. The program is open to middle and high school science teachers and elementary teachers who teach some science in the classroom.
Fifty large grants totaling $500,000 will be awarded this academic year. Individual science teachers or a team of up to five can submit proposals in the category of environmental science education. Subcategories from which applicants may choose include: biotic (all living factors) and abiotic (all nonliving factors such as pollution, oil, energy, human interventions, water, soil, air, temperature, etc.).
Recipients of Toyota TAPESTRY grants will be notified in April 2011. Non-recipients will be notified in June 2011. If you have questions, please contact the program director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/
6d. Educator Scholarship Program
Are you looking to further your education? Let Horace Mann help! They are awarding 35 scholarships totaling $30,000 to Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, librarians or teacher's aides of any discipline.
(1) $5,000 scholarship payable over four years.
(16) $1,000 scholarships payable over two years.
(18) $500 one-time scholarships.
Application deadline: March 1, 2011. Scholarships are awarded based on an educator's school and community involvement and essay responses. If you would like more information please visit:
http://www.horacemann.com/teacher-lounge/educator-scholarship-opportunities
February 28, 2011: Deadline to apply for the Global Youth Service Day Mini-Grants. To request an application, please contact Elyse V. Walter at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
March 1, 2011: Deadline for K-12 Teachers to apply for the Horace Mann Educator Scholarship Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.horacemann.com/teacher-lounge/educator-scholarship-opportunities
March 3, 2011: Deadline to apply for the Toyota Tapestry Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/
March 15, 2011: Deadline for K-12 teachers to apply for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com/
March 31, 2011: Deadline for teachers to apply for the Realize Science Technology Grant for Agriculture in the Classroom. For more information, please visit: http://schooltr.com/Teacher_Resources/realize_science_grant.html
April 1, 2011: Deadline for HS Chemistry teachers to apply for the ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Grant. Please visit: http://portal.acs.org:80/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_SUPERARTICLE&node_id=2245&use_sec=false&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=4770f249-4d59-42b8-9e4a-efe2e567ca4a
April 1, 2011: Deadline to apply for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Nature of Learning Grant. For more information, please visit: http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&CONTENTID=18432&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm
April 15, 2011: Deadline for K-12 teachers to apply for the MSELA Professional Development Grant. To apply, please contact Eileen Byrnes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
April 22, 2011: Deadline for HS Teachers and Students to apply for the InvenTeams Invention Grants. Please visit:
http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/formerinventeams.html#2009
April 30, 2011: Deadline for Physics teachers to apply for the FREE Residential Summer Program at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. For more information, please visit: http://www.nscl.msu.edu/teachersstudents/programs/pan
April 30, 2011: Deadline to apply for the 2011 Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit Grant. For more information, please visit: http://kinf.org/elmers/2011_application.php
May 27, 2011: Deadline to nominate an innovative high school teacher for the 2011 AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Teachers. For more information, please visit:
http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/hs_scied_leadership/
Student Contests, Challenges, and Opportunities
7a. Young Scientist Challenge for Middle School Students
The 2011 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is officially open for entries! Inspire your students in grades 5-8 to investigate the everyday world around them for the chance to win $25,000 and the title, "America's Top Young Scientist." New this year, 10 finalists will have an exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist during a summer mentorship program. Each pair will connect virtually to develop a prototype of an innovation. The finalists will receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in October to compete in the final event and present their innovation. All video entries must be submitted online no later than April 15, 2011.
visit: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com
today to find:
· Video entry topics - students can begin researching ideas for their submission
· Letter to parents - send home a letter in English or Spanish with all the details
· Tips from previous winners - share insider tips and advice from past winners
· Consent form and registration info - available in English or Spanish
7b. Find Innovative Ways to Increase Your Green
HP and DoSomething.org have launched the second annual Green Your School challenge, which engages teens nationwide to find new and innovative ways to conserve energy and reduce waste in their schools. This year's challenge, which launched on February 1, 2011, will run through April1, 2011. The five schools that submit the most innovative plans, with the best use of technology, will win an HP Notebook. The deadline is April 1, 2011. For more information, please visit: http://www.dosomething.org/green-your-school
7c. View Seasonal Changes from Space
From space, NASA satellites record the change of seasons. Satellite images show large parts of the landscape at one time, helping scientists study regional patterns on Earth. These images also help show bigger changes that may occur over many years. When seasons change, nature reacts differently, depending on where you live. Temperatures change, rain or snow falls, rivers may flood. What kinds of changes happen where you live? Share a photo you have taken that shows how seasons change in your part of the world. Please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/EducationSlideshow_122010/index.html?
7d. Experience 3-D Virtually with Robonaut
It's not science fiction-Robonaut is headed to space on the shuttle Discovery. Learn more, test your space IQ or interact using augmented reality in this section of NASA's Web site at: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/myexploration/index2.html?
February 28, 2011: Deadline for 5th - 8th Grade students to enter the 2nd Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://wlmr.nasa.gov
March 1, 2011: Deadline for MS and HS students to enter the Young Naturalist Award Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.amnh.org/yna
March 1, 2011: Deadline for boys and girls aged 8-18 to enter the EngineerGirl! Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.engineergirl.org/?id=13161
March 7, 2011: Deadline to apply to participate in the American Society of Human Genetics 6th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
March 15, 2010: Deadline for 6th - 12th Grade students to enter the NASA Space Settlement Design Contest. For more information, please visit: http://settlement.arc.nasa.gov/Contest
March 18, 2011: Deadline for students to enter the My Favorite Teacher Contest. For more information, please visit;
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/my-favorite-teacher/379002376/?
April 1, 2011: Deadline for MS and HS students to enter the No Boundaries Project and Student Competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com
April 1, 2011: Deadline for K-12 Students to enter the Go Green Youth Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.miarbordayalliance.com
April 1, 2011: Deadline for teens to enter the Green Your School Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.dosomething.org/green-your-school
April 4, 2011: Deadline for students between the ages of 13-18 to enter the Google Science Fair. For more information, please visit: http://google.com/events/sciencefair
April 11, 2011: Deadline for 9-12 Grade Students to enter the 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/ThacherContest
April 15, 2011: Deadline for High School Students to enter the NASA Future of Flight Art Contest. For more information, please visit: http://artcontest.larc.nasa.gov
April 15, 2011: Deadline for MS Students to enter the Young Scientist Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com
April 30, 2011: Deadline for HS Students to apply for the Samsung Scholarship Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.samsungscholarship.com
8a. Do You Want to Save Money on Computer Software?
TechSoup Global is one of the most comprehensive technology resources for non-governmental organization's (NGO)) in the world. Working with corporate donors, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, and Symantec, TechSoup provides nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, libraries, and community-based organizations with the latest professional hardware, software, and services they need. These information and communication technology (ICT) donations are available alongside educational content, such as articles, webinars, and nptech community forums. As of June 2010, TechSoup Global has served more than 127,000 organizations, distributed more than 6.3 million technology donations, and enabled nonprofit recipients to save more than $1.8 billion in IT expenses in 33 countries around the world. For full details, please visit: http://home.techsoup.org/pages/default.aspx
8b. Great Videos on Engineering from the STEM is Cool Video Contest
Would you like to watch some videos that show that STEM education is cool? If so, you need to visit: http://www.changetheequation.org/mediacenter/s.t.e.m.-is-cool-video-contest/
Change the Equation challenged its member companies to produce brief videos featuring an employee or group of employees who use math or science in exciting or unexpected ways. Many companies answered the call. Enjoy!
8c. Wildflower Association of Michigan Educator's Workshop
Looking for ways to incorporate native plants in your school curriculum? Want to know more about the nuts and bolts of establishing a school garden? The Wildflower Association of Michigan is once again hosting an "Educators' Workshop" on Sunday, March 6. The morning will be two sessions - including native plants in the curriculum (an overview) and a roundtable discussion of school gardening with a panel of experienced school garden educators. The afternoon will be a MEECS Ecosystems and Biodiversity session, complete with curriculum guide and kits. Please note that this session runs until 5:00 pm.
Details for the conference and registration information can be found at: http://www.wildflowersmich.org/index.php?menu=5
The conference runs March 6th - 7th at the Kellogg Center on Michigan State's campus in East Lansing.
8d. Backyard Maple Syrup Making Class
All this warm weather has gotten people thinking about maple syrup! If you've tossed around the idea of collecting your own maple sap to process into maple syrup, but didn't know how to get started, you'll want to join in on:
Backyard Maple Syrup Making
Sunday, March 6th 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center, Lowell, MI.
This program will teach participants how to collect and process sugar maple sap to make your own maple syrup. Included in the registration fee are handouts, 3 spiles and 3 sap jugs - everything you need to begin tapping that day! Cost is $25 per family and registration is required. The registration deadline is Friday, March 4th. Don't delay - sign up today! To register, please contact:
Meggan Johnson, Director
Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
616.987.1002
8e. Free Lecture Given by NASA Scientist
The public is invited to hear NASA scientist Les Johnson's presentation on "How Space Development May Help Solve our Energy and Environmental Problems on Earth." Les Johnson is the Deputy Manager for NASA's Advanced Concepts Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the NASA co-investigator on a JAXA electro-dynamic tether propulsion mission launched in August 2010. This presentation on how research in space science can help tackle environmental problems by promoting energy efficiency, recycling, and renewable resources is most appropriate for middle and high school students and adults. The presentation will be held on Monday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Loosemore Auditorium in DeVos Hall on the downtown Grand Rapids GVSU Pew campus. There is no charge for attending the presentation or parking, which is available in the Fulton Lot at the Pew campus. For further information, check out the GVSU Physics website's "Upcoming Events" at: http://www.gvsu.edu/physics
8f. International Year of Chemistry
Are you visiting the International Year of Chemistry website regularly at: http://www.chemistry2011.org
Imagine a day without cars, electric lights, TV, telephones, safe food, water, medicine, clothing, your house, and other things that make up modern life. Do it, and you are imagining a day without chemistry. To find out what a day without chemistry might be like, check out latest HD video at: http://bytesizescience.com/index.cfm/2011/1/20/A-Day-Without-Chemistry
January 1 - December 31, 2011: International Year of Chemistry. Please visit: http://www.chemistry2011.org
February 21 - March 6, 2011: GLOBE at Night-Orion Campaign. For more information, please visit: http://www.globeatnight.org
February 25, 2011: Deadline to apply for the Executive Director Position for the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network. For more information, please email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
February 25-26, 2011: MSTA 58th Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org
February 28, 2011: Free Lecture Given by NASA Scientist at the Loosemore Auditorium in De Vos Hall on the downtown Grand Rapids GVSU Pew Campus. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/physics/
March 6 - 7. 2011: Michigan Wildflower Conference in East Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.wildflowersmich.org/index.php?menu=5
March 10-13, 2011: NSTA National Conference in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2011san/?lid=tnav
March 14, 2011: Deadline for K-12 teachers to participate in the NASA Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. For more information, please visit: http://microgravityuniversity.jsc.nasa.gov/tfs/
March 14 - 20, 2011: National Wildlife Week. For more information, please visit
http://nwf.org
March 15, 2011: Deadline for K-12 teachers to apply for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com/
March 16-18, 2011: MACUL Conference at the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. For more information, please visit: http://macul.org
March 22 - April 4, 2011: GLOBE at Night-LEO Campaign. For more information, please visit: http://www.globeatnight.org
April 10 - 16, 2011: National Environmental Education Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.eeweek.org
May 12, 2011: National Lab Day. For more information, please visit: http://nationallabnetwork.org
May 12, 2011: MSELA Spring Meeting at the Gerald R. Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo, MI. For more information, please contact Sue Bentley at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
October 7 - 9, 2011: Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference in Bay City, MI. Please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/
The University of Michigan will once again host the annual Physics Olympiad. Competition day is Saturday, May 7, 2011! You and your science team(s) are invited to join in a fun-filled day of testing your skills against other local High Schools in Laser Maze, Catapult Challenge, Pasta Engineers, ROG Ramble, Light Wheels, Electro-Launcher and the Physics Bowl.
Please visit the web site at: http://olympiad.physics.lsa.umich.edu
Movie of last year's Olympiad can be viewed at: http://olympiad.physics.lsa.umich.edu/images2/olympiad2010.wmv
Register your team(s) today! Each participant will receive an event accessory [T-shirt or similar]. Experience how much fun science can be! The registration deadline is April 22, 2011. If you have questions, please contact:
Professor Georg Raithel
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or
Tina Wells, FOCUS Administrator
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Check out some great scientific videos at: http://dnatube.com
9c. Michigan Outstanding Biology Teacher Award
Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award do not have to be NABT members, but they must have at least three years public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee's career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student/teacher relationships. OBTA recipients are honored at a special event during the NABT Professional Development Conference sponsored by Pearson Prentice Hall; microscopes from Leica Microsystems, Inc.; and certificates and a complimentary one-year membership from NABT.
To nominate an outstanding Michigan biology teacher, please contact the Michigan OBTA Director, Rebecca Brewer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a nomination packet. Nominations due by March 31.
9d. 2011 Evolution Education Award
When you think of the challenge of teaching evolution, can you think of an outstanding teacher who exemplifies what it means to effectively teach and promote the accurate understanding of biological evolution?
Please take a minute to nominate that special teacher for the 2011 Evolution Education Award, sponsored by BSCS and AIBS (American Institute of Biological Sciences). This award includes a combined $1,000 cash prize, a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is March 15, 2011. The online application form can be found at: http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=631
March 15, 2011: Deadline for HS Biology Teachers to apply for the 2011 Evolution Education Award. Please visit: http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=631
March 31, 2011: Deadline for High School Biology Teachers to be nominated for the Michigan Outstanding Biology Award. To nominate, please contact Rebecca Brewer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
April 15, 2011: National DNA Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
May 12-13, 2011: Michigan Envirothon at the Ft. Custer Environmental Training Center near Battle Creek, MI. For more information, please visit: http://macd.org/about-envirothon.html
May 27, 2011: Deadline for HS Teachers to apply for the AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize. For more information, please visit: http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/hs_scied_leadership/hs_scied_leadership.shtml
Middle School and High School Science Teachers
March 7, 2011: Deadline for MS and HS teachers to apply to participate in the Simulation-Based Aerospace Engineering Teacher PD Program. For more information, please visit: https://simaero.rti.org
March 15, 2011: Deadline for MS and HS classes to apply for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. For more information, please visit: http://ssep.ncesse.org/
March 15, 2011: Deadline for 6th - 12th Grade students to enter the NASA Space Settlement Design Contest. For more information, please visit: http://settlement.arc.nasa.gov/Contest
March 24, 2011: National Teach Ag Day. For more information, please visit: http://www.naae.org/teachag/
April 9, 2011: Galileoscope Workshop at the GEMS Center at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. For more information, please visit: http://telescopes4teachers.wikispaces.com/
April 22, 2011: Deadline for High Schools to register for the 2011 Physics Olympiad at U of M in Ann Arbor. For more information, please visit: http://olympiad.physics.lsa.umich.edu/
May 2, 2011: Deadline to nominate a MS or HS teacher for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. For more information, please visit: http://www.paemst.org
11a. Announcing the Launch of the New TIMSS Video Public Use Website
UCLA is pleased to announce that the 53 public use lessons collected as part of the TIMSS video studies are now available for everyone on a new website: http://timssvideo.com
Users must register on the site to access the videos, but registration is free. In addition to the 53 full-length videos of eighth-grade mathematics and science lessons from seven countries, the site also provides full English-translation subtitles for each lesson, a searchable transcript, and a set of resources collected with each lesson such as scanned text materials and teacher commentaries. The site also includes a discussion forum where users can share ideas for how they are using the site, and suggest new features that might be added in the future. The site is a project of UCLA and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Funding was provided by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Please explore the site, and feedback is always welcome!
February 25, 2011: MEECS Training Workshops at the MSTA Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnreworkshops
March 25, 2011: Deadline for Middle School students to enter the What Makes a School Green Art Challenge. For more information call 312-353-5282 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Elementary School Science Teachers
In Kids to Space Club: Are We There Yet, five young friends, in their quest for an outer space adventure, come face to face with experts' answers to their wonderment about planning to go to space, visiting and living in space, and exploring space. Via a story accompanied by children's illustrations, students make a plan to talk with experts, do research at the library and on the Internet, keep journals, give reports, share opinions, learn concepts and get together to collaborate when the challenges are tough. In the process they learn to listen, follow directions, cooperate, take turns being in charge, accept responsibility and not give up. The drawings in the book depict children's imaginations and dreams about our space future. The book, written by Lonnie Jones Schorer, includes a foreword by Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. The cover was designed by NASA American artist Greg Mort. Please visit: http://cgpublishing.com/Books/For%20Kids/KidstoSpaceClub.html?
June 13 - 16, 2011: Nature Preschool Institute at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI. To register, call Chippewa Nature Center at 989-631-0830.
In February, we gave away four $10 Border's gift cards. Here is a list of the winners:
Lisa Wininger, Starr Elementary School-Plainwell, MI
David Erdmans, Allendale MS-Allendale Public Schools
Julie Parks, Adams MS-Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Shawn McNamara, Grosse Pointe South HS-Grosse Pointe Public Schools
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .