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Science Matters e-blast - March 8, 2012

 

March 8 - 21, 2012 Science Matters Network in Michigan eBlast

http://msta-mich.org/smn

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In this E-Blast

  1. Leadership
  2. The Science Matters Network in Michigan
    1. Science Matters will Eventually be Located in the NSTA Learning Center
  3. Michigan Department of Education
    1. Michigan Science Teacher Named Regional Winner in the Shell Science Lab Challenge
    2. Public Review of the Next Generation Science Standards Delayed
  4. Information for Parents
    1. Parent Involvement in Science Learning, Part 3
    2. Upcoming Deadlines
  5. Information for Students (and Parents Too!)
    1. Young Scientist Challenge for Grades 5 - 8
    2. The ASHG 7th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest Deadline is March 12
    3. Time Warner Cable Announces New STEM Ideation Competition for Students
    4. Kavli Science Video Contest for Students in Grades 6 - 12
    5. Camp Bluestem an ECO Girls Summer Experience for 4th - 6th Graders
    6. SAE Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition
    7. Upcoming Deadlines
  6. Grants for K-12 Teachers
    1. Nomination Deadline is April 1 for Presidential STEM Teaching Award
    2. Biology Teacher Awards Deadline is March 15
    3. Pets in the Classroom Grants for Pre-K to 8th Grade Teachers
    4. Upcoming Deadlines
  7. Information for K-12 Science Teachers
    1. World Water Day is March 22
    2. Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Free Lecture at Cranbrook
    3. Explore NASA on a Mobile Device
    4. Share Your Observations of Nature
    5. Explain Science Visually
    6. Enter the World of Mad Science
    7. Solar Week
    8. NASA Astronaut Colonel Terry Virts to Lecture at Wayne State University
    9. Upcoming Deadlines
  8. Information for High School Science Teachers
    1. Exemplify Excellence in Life Sciences
    2. Upcoming Deadlines
  9. Information for Middle School and High School Science Teachers
    1. New Curriculum Supplements from the National Institutes of Health
    2. Upcoming Deadlines
  10. Information for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
    1. Learn the Science Behind the News
  11. Science Humor
    1. More Chemistry Cats: Science and Puns, Together at Last!
  12. March Contest - Starbuck Gift Cards

Here are your science education resources and announcements for March 8 - 21, 2012 provided by the Michigan 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.

http://bap.nsta.org

http://www.msta-mich.org/smn

or

Sue Campbell

MSTA Representative

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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/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.

1. Leadership

"Good enough never is."

Debbi Fields

Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.

The Science Matters Network In Michigan

2a. Science Matters will Eventually be Located in the NSTA Learning Center

Over the next year, the Science Matters Network eBlast will be moving from an email sent to you, to being located in the NSTA Learning Center. This does not mean that you will not get email reminders, but the attachment will not be included by the end of this year. Each week, I will provide more information about this transition. But you might like to participate in the Learning Center now. The best thing about it is that it is FREE for everyone and may be a great resource to your professional development. If you would like to learn more about the learning center, you can watch an archived webinar that will "Enhance and Extend Your PD with the NSTA Learning Center." It will explain how you can take advantage of over 2800 resources that are free in the Learning Center, NOW! If you would like to learn more, please visit: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NLC/webseminarXVII.aspx#.T1ASG1dPghk.email

Michigan Department of Education

3a. Michigan Science Teacher Named Regional Winner in the Shell Science Lab Challenge

Jennifer Bagardi, a science teacher at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, Mich., has been named a regional winner in the Shell Science Lab Challenge, a competition for middle and high school science teachers. Sponsored by the Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the competition encouraged teachers (grades 6-12), who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a school science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000.Bagardi is one of 17 regional winners named, from which five national finalists will be chosen, and from the national finalists a grand prize winner will be selected.

"Inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation are key elements for encouraging student interest in science," said Dr. Frazier Wilson, VP, Shell Oil Company Foundation, Manager, Social Investment. "The Shell Science Lab Challenge strives to support inquiry-based instructional practices of our science teachers and excite students about the wonders and possibilities of science through active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and critical thinking. Exemplary science teaching is more relevant when it occurs in a quality lab environment where science concepts can be explored by students."

Located in a former Detroit elementary school, the Academy, a public charter high school, follows a project-based learning curriculum to inspire students to attend college and make a difference in their community. When the academy opened in September 2011, Bargardi had only $600 with which to supply the science department. She employs an "Everyday Science" approach, using familiar, low-cost items such as gelatin and rubbing alcohol to give her ninth grade students hands-on learning opportunities.

"It's truly inspiring to see teachers with such little resources coming up with innovative ways to provide high-quality lab experiences for their students," said Dr. Francis Eberle, Executive Director, NSTA. "We are tremendously proud of all of the regional winners. Their unique ideas and creative approaches to teaching science produce new awareness and ways for us all to bring about positive change in education."

To enter the Shell Science Lab Challenge, science teachers of grades 6-12 in the United States and Canada were asked to describe their school's current laboratory resources, explain why the school's laboratory facilities might be classified as "limited" resources, and describe their approach to science education instruction utilizing their school's current lab facilities. A panel of science educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.

As a regional winner, each teacher and their school will receive science lab equipment provided by the Shell Science Lab Challenge in addition to Shell cash grants, membership to the NSTA, and support to attend an NSTA conference. VWR is also supporting the Shell Science Lab Challenge by providing equipment to the winners. Viable strategies submitted to the Challenge will be published in an online NSTA repository of science lab activities that can be accessed by other teachers looking for new ways to create quality lab experiences using limited resources.

For more information about the Challenge, visit http://www.nsta.org/shellsciencelab/.

3b. Public Review of the Next Generation Science Standards Delayed

In the last Michigan Science Matters Network eBlast we announced that the first public review of the next generation science standards would open on March 30. This date has now been cancelled. A new date will be announced in the near future. To receive information on the release directly, please register to be on the email list, for updates at:

http://nextgenscience.org

Information for Parents

4a. Parent Involvement in Science Learning, Part 3

The following is taken from the National Science Teachers Association Position Statement on Parent Involvement in Science, adopted by the NSTA Board of Directors, April, 2009. In the last eBlast, we looked at the role of parents and caregivers in fostering curiosity, exploration, and discovery. In this eBlast, we look at the role of parents and their relationships with the school. If you would like to read the Position Statement in total, please visit:

http://nsta.org/about/positions/parents.aspx

Schools are essential resources for science learning. The more actively engaged parents and other caregivers are in their children's schooling, the more beneficial schools can be for building their child's appreciation and knowledge of and confidence and skills in science and technology (Cotton and Wikelund 2001). This holds true throughout the school-age years, from preschool through college.

  • Become a partner in your children's schooling. Communicate regularly with your children and their teachers, school administrators, and counselors to learn more about your children's science learning opportunities and performance.
  • Encourage your children to participate in extracurricular opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), such as clubs, field trips, after-school programs, and science research competitions.
  • Seek out opportunities to meet and get to know teachers of science. Volunteer in the classroom or on a field trip; serve on a science curriculum review or policy development committees; or attend a school's open house or family science night event.
  • Be informed about the science program at your children's school. Learn more about the school's curriculum and the amount of time devoted to science learning and hands-on laboratory experiences at each grade level, and find out whether teachers believe they have the necessary resources and experience to teach science effectively. Become involved with the local school board to ensure that science learning is a top priority in the school system and that adequate resources are available. If you are home schooling, be sure that you are meeting or exceeding the same science standards covered in the local school curriculum.
  • Establish high expectations for your children's science learning, as well as for the school system that fosters it.
  • Be an advocate for science learning by supporting local, state, and national science education policies and investments in science resources, including school curriculum materials, laboratory equipment, and teacher and administrator professional development. It is also important to advocate for organizations that support schools and home school families, including museums, libraries, and other science-rich nonprofit organizations.
  • Reach out to policy makers to impress upon them the value of science and technology learning and its importance to your children's future.

4b. Upcoming Deadlines

March 13 - 22, 2012: GLOBE at Night. Please visit: http://www.globeatnight.org/index.html

April 11 - 20, 2012: GLOBE at Night. Please visit: http://www.globeatnight.org/index.html

April 30, 2012: Deadline to apply for the Grandparents, Grandkids, and Grand Valley State University (G3) Summer Camp. Please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/g3

June 23, 2012: The Great American Backyard Campout. Please visit: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Great-American-Backyard-Campout.aspx

 

Information for Students (and Parents too!)

5a. Young Scientist Challenge for Grades 5 - 8


The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is searching middle schools nationwide to find America's 2012 Top Young Scientist. Do your students have what it takes? Encourage your students in grades 5-8 to enter by submitting a 1 - 2 minute video describing a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem. The finalists will compete for the grand prize of $25,000, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica with Discovery Student Adventure. Encourage your classroom's science stars to submit a video by April 19, 2012. For more information, please visit:

http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com

5b. The ASHG 7th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest Deadline is March 12

The essay submission deadline is Monday, March 12, 2012 at 5:00 PM EST. To submit your students' essays, please visit:
http://www.ashg.org/education/dnadaycontest.shtml

Winners of the essay contest will be announced on April 20 at noon during the National DNA Day Chatroom (at the National Human Genome Research Institute) and on their Web site.

5c. Time Warner Cable Announces New STEM Ideation Competition for Students

As part of Connect a Million Minds (CAMM), Time Warner's five-year, $100 million commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, the company has launched Wouldn't It Be Cool If …, a new STEM ideation competition. The challenge is for students, ages 10-15, to use creativity and imagination to develop ideas that could make a difference in their lives, communities and even the world, and then show how STEM can make them a reality.

Students can learn more and/or submit their ideas online at www.wouldntitbecoolif.com by March 28. Four finalists will have the chance to travel to the FIRST Robotics Championship in St. Louis to pitch their ideas to will.i.am, Dean Kamen, and other guest judges. One grand prize winner will develop their idea with Fahrenheit 212.

5d. Kavli Science Video Contest for Students in Grades 6 - 12

 

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THE KAVLI SCIENCE VIDEO CONTEST Grades 6-12 students compete for the chance to win $2000 (first prize) and a travel stipend to Washington DC to attend the festival. The winners are also honored in an awards ceremony, hosted by Bill Nye, as part of the festival.

Our central theme, or driving question, is how to "Save the World through Science and Engineering". Students make a short video( :30-:90) that shows how scientific discoveries and inventions can improve our lives and change our world, either right now or in the future. Enter by Mar. 21, 2012. Please visit:

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/contests/kavli-video-contest

5e. Camp Bluestem An ECO Girls Summer Experience for 4th - 6th Graders

Get your girls outside this summer at ECO Girls' Camp Bluestem, a 5-day overnight camp at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan's Biological Station near Pellston, Michigan. Campers will explore our natural environment and the ecological diversity of urban and rural Michigan through a range of fun and educational experiences.

Camp Bluestem provides girls ages 10 to 13 with a full schedule of field trips and hands-on activities to foster environmental awareness and stewardship, cultural education, self-confidence, and leadership skills. Discover Douglas Lake, dig in to nature writing workshops, learn to grow and cook healthy food, and so much more. It's a great opportunity for your 4-6th grader to get active, make new friends, learn about the world around her, and enjoy the outdoors.

Camp Bluestem runs June 25-29. Lodging for all campers is on University of Michigan's campus in Ann Arbor and at University of Michigan's Biological Station. Transportation provided. Meals are vegetarian friendly.

For more information about Camp Bluestem: An ECO Girls Summer Experience, visit: http://www.environmentforgirls.org/camp-bluestem.php

or contact Beth James at (734) 764-5517. Cost is $350. Scholarships are available.

5f. SAE Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition

The 19th Annual Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition for high school students will take place Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Yazaki North America, Inc. in Canton. The first objective of the competition is to design and build a dry cell powered vehicle (battery supplied) to race up a fixed incline while pulling a six ounce weighted trailer (supplied). The second objective is to be the first to pass the finish line with the trailer in tow. In addition, a four-minute presentation and a one-page, typed written report about the vehicle is optional.

 

CASH PRIZE AWARDS

OVERALL (winning schools)

$1,000 - First Place

$750 - Second Place

$500 - Third Place

DESIGN (top three teams)

$100 - First Place

$75 - Second Place

$50 - Third Place

PERFORMANCE (each team member of top three teams)

$75 - First Place

$50 - Second Place

$25 - Third Place

For more information, contact Lynn Norwood at the SAE Detroit Section office at (248) 324-4445 ext. 5 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Student page at: http://www.sae-detroit.org

for rules and registration form.

5g. Upcoming Deadlines

March 12, 2012: Deadline for high school students to enter the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. Please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml

March 12, 2012: Deadline for girls between the ages of 11 - 13 to apply for the STEPS Summer Camp for Girls at Grand Valley State University. Please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/steps/

March 15, 2012: Deadline for K-12 Students to enter the Siemen's We Can Change the World Challenge. Please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com/

March 15, 2012: Deadline for students 13 and up to enter the Silent Spring Essay Contest. Please visit: http://www.carsoncenter.uni-muenchen.de/about_rcc/silentspring_essay/index.html

March 16, 2012: Deadline for 5th - 8th grade students to enter the National Spaced Out Sports Design Challenge. Please visit: http://education.ssc.nasa.gov/spacedoutsports.asp

March 19, 2012: Deadline for High School Students to enter the Aeronautics High School Research Paper Contest. Please visit: http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/competitions_high_era.htm

March 21, 2012: Deadline for 6th - 12th Grade Students to enter the Kavli Science Video Contest. Please visit:

http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/contests/kavli-video-contest

March 23, 2012: Deadline for 13 - 18 year old students to register for the Google Science Fair. Please visit: http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair

March 28, 2012: Deadline for students ages 10 - 15 to enter the "Wouldn't it be cool if…." Competition. Please visit: http://www.wouldntitbecoolif.com/

March 31, 2012: Deadline for students ages 8 - 18 to apply for the Craig Tufts Scholarship. Please visit: http://www.familysummits.org/craigtufts.php

April 1, 2012: Deadline for 13 -18 year olds to enter the Google Science Fair. Please visit: http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair/

April 19, 2012: Deadline for 5th - 8th Grade Students to enter the 2012 Young Scientist Challenge. Please visit: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com

April 20, 2012: DNA Day. Please visit: http://www.genome.gov/10506367

April 25, 2011: Michigan High School Math and Science Symposium at Grand Valley State University. Please visit: http://gvsu.edu/rmsc/michigan-high-school-math-and-science-symposium-94.htm

May 2, 2012: SAE Detroit Section Micro-Electric Vehicle Competition in Canton, MI. Please contact Lynn Norwood at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Grants For K-12 Teachers

6a. Nomination Deadline April 1 for Presidential STEM Teaching Award

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. Anyone-principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public-may nominate exceptional mathematics or science teachers who are currently teaching grades K-6 for the 2012 Award Year. Please visit:

https://www.paemst.org/

to nominate your exceptional teacher.

6b. Biology Teacher Awards Deadline March 15

Are you a Biology teacher or do you know one? Nominate yourself or a colleague for one or more of the following NABT awards:

Leadership Scholarship

Distinguished Service

Ecology Science Teaching Award

Evolution Teaching Award

Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award

Outstanding Biology Teacher Award

by filling out the online nomination form at: http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=631

The nominee will be sent all the information, application materials, and cover sheets he or she needs to complete to be considered for the award. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2012.

6c. Pets in the Classroom Grants for Pre-K to 8th Grade Teachers

Pets in the Classroom grants are offered to Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grade classes only in both public and private schools. These grants are intended to support pets or aquariums in the classroom for the purposes of teaching children to bond with and care for their pets responsibly. The welfare of the small animals involved is of paramount importance. These grants must not be used for the purposes of research or experiments of any kind.

There are four (4) grant types, including: 1- Rebate Grants in the amounts of $100 (for small animal or birds) or $150 (for reptiles or fish) for purchases at any pet store; 2- the Sustaining Grant in the amount of $50 to maintain an existing classroom pet; 3- Petco Grant, which provides coupons for the live animal, pet habitat and supplies purchased at Petco; and 4- a Petsmart Grant, which provides coupons for the live animal, pet habitat and supplies purchased at Petsmart.

Money may not be spent for overhead, administration or for any other purpose than to purchase new pets, pet environments or pet food and supplies for existing classroom pets. Only ONE Pets in the Classroom Grant per teacher, per school year is permitted. Teachers may re-apply for grant money each fall. Grant approval is at the sole discretion of the Pet Care Trust. Amounts awarded may vary according to monies and supplies available at the time of the request. Please visit: http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/programs/pets-in-the-classroom/

6d. Upcoming Deadlines

March 12, 2012: Deadline to apply for the Samsung: Solve for Tomorrow Grant. Please visit: https://pages.samsung.com/us/sft/home.htm

March 15, 2012: Deadline for assorted Biology Awards Please visit: http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=132

March 21, 2012: Deadline for Middle School teachers to apply for the Summer Institute for MS Science Teachers, in Maryland. Please visit: http://www.nist.gov/iaao/teachlearn/upload/2012-SI-FFO-FINAL.pdf

March 23, 2012: Deadline to apply for Nickelodeon's The Big Help Greens Your School Grant. Write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about submitting.

April 1, 2012: Deadline to nominate grade K-6 teachers for the Presidential Awards in Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Please visit: https://www.paemst.org/

May 1, 2012: Deadline for K-6 teachers to apply for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Please visit: http://www.paemst.org/controllers/home.cfc?method=view

June 1, 2012: Deadline to apply for the NEA Foundation - Nickelodeon Big Help Grants. Please visit: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/educators/grant-programs/nea-foundation-green-grants

Information for K-12 Science Teachers

7a. World Water Day is March 22

World Water Day is only a few weeks away and participating is simple and fun. Every year, GLOBE students join in the worldwide celebration while focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and supporting the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It takes place on March 22. For more information, please visit: http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/

7b. Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Free Lecture at the Cranbrook Institute of Science

The Cranbrook Freshwater Forum presents -- Life Will Never Be the Same: Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes with Jim Robinett, Senior Vice President, Conservation and Regulations, John G. Shedd Aquarium.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

7:00-9:00 pm

Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, MI

Free Lecture

The arrival of over 180 aquatic non-native species in the Great Lakes has been largely facilitated by the actions of humans. It has been suggested, for instance that as many as 80% of invasives have come into the Great Lakes through ocean-going vessels alone. Jim Robinett of the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL will discuss the breadth of invasive species diversity and the impact of some of those that have already become established. Robinett will also examine why the reality of invasive species is sobering, and the efforts to prevent further destruction by other species such as the Asian Carp.

No registration required. Seating is available in the auditorium on a first-come, first-served basis.

7c. Explore NASA on a Mobile Device

The NASA App HD provides a wealth of NASA information right on your iPad. The application collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated mission information, images, videos and Twitter feeds from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package. In addition, the NASA App for Android showcases a huge collection of NASA content, including images, videos on demand, NASA Television, mission information, news & feature stories, latest tweets, ISS sighting opportunities, satellite tracking, Third Rock Radio and much more. And the NASA App for iPhone collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated information, images and videos from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package. Please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/iphone/index.html

7d. Share Your Observations of Nature

iNaturalist is where you can record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers and learn about the natural world. To enable easy sharing of observations, iNaturalist offers a free Android app and a free iOS app. Using the apps, you can take a picture, geo-locate it, write your observations and upload to the iNaturalist community. If your observation is incomplete-for example, if you're not sure of a scientific name-you can ask the community to add comments to improve the observation you've recorded. If you don't want to join the iNaturalist community, you can simply explore members' observations through the iNaturalist Google Map. Please visit: http://www.inaturalist.org/

7e. Explain Science Visually

Chalk Talk is an animated series of short videos that acts as a video glossary to define specific scientific terms or concepts in a fun, easy-to-understand way. In each episode, students learn what the science concept is, why researchers study it and how it might be applied. The content of each episode is appropriate for all age groups, although some concepts may be high school-level science. Please visit: http://science360.gov/series/Chalk+Talk/5c0481f2-b758-4bc0-ab05-b79b6f34cb3f

7f. Enter the World of Mad Science

The Yuckiest Site on the Internet, hosted by Discovery Kids, is ... well ... just plain yucky! With Wendell, a worm reporter, as their guide, students learn about "gross" body parts, explore the "dirty" world of worms and take a "slimy" quiz. If they want to get "messy," the Yucky site will give them the opportunity!

http://yucky.discovery.com/flash/

7g. Solar Week

Solar week will be March 19-23 this year (for the equinox). Your students can ask scientists questions about the Sun, eclipses, transit of Venus and more...!
Invite your classroom to join us for Solar Week Spring 2012, March 19-23
www.solarweek.org

Please join us for Solar Week Spring 2012, March 19-23, a lively week of online activities and curriculum for students about the Sun, including games and lesson plans for the whole week. In addition, there's a message board where your classroom can submit a question to leading solar scientists.

Every fall and spring since 2000, Solar Week has provided a week-long series of Web-based educational classroom activities and games geared for upper elementary, middle and early high school students with a focus on our dynamic Sun and its effects on Earth. Students learn about solar eclipses, sunspots, solar flares and solar storms through a series of activities, games, and lessons.

Solar Week is ideal for students studying the solar system, the stars, or astronomy in general, and now we feature a day on solar energy. It's also for kids wondering what it's like being a scientist, and pondering possible career choices. Participation makes for a fun computer lab activity as well. After doing the activities, students can interact on the bulletin board with leading scientists at the forefront of Sun-Earth research. It's a great place for any student interested in our nearest star, the Sun!

Solar Week is a collaboration between University of California, Berkeley and Rice University.

7h. NASA Astronaut Colonel Terry Virts to Lecture at Wayne State University

2012 Vaden W. Miles Memorial Lecture

Guest Presenter: NASA Astronaut Colonel Terry Virts

Title of Lecture: Space Shuttle Mission STS-130 and Scientific Exploration on the International Space Station

When: Thursday, March 29, 2012

Time: Refreshments served at 3:30 pm; Lecture from 4:00-5:00 pm

Where: Wayne State University, General Lectures Building - Room 100, 5045 Anthony Wayne, Detroit, Michigan 48202

Colonel Terry Virts, NASA Astronaut, presents a compelling lecture about his role as STS-130 pilot of Space Shuttle Endeavour, and as the mission's lead robotic operator. Space Shuttle Mission STS-130 was the final assembly mission of the International Space Station (ISS) program. Two important modules were carried aloft and assembled on the ISS.

As riveting as science fiction, Virts describes the mission in terms of complex spacewalks and robotics. He discusses scientific research on board the ISS: The AMS-2 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2), a particle physics instrument, and the basic fields of research being conducted.

Event information, NASA photos, Astronaut bio, and link to register: http://physics.clas.wayne.edu/current/vadenmiles.php Or, to register directly: http://events.wayne.edu/2012/03/29/vaden-w-miles-memorial-lecture-nasa-astronaut-colonel-terry-virts-space-shu-38609/

7i. Upcoming Deadlines

March 9 - 10, 2012: Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference in Lansing, MI. Please visit: http://msta-mich.org

March 11 - 17, 2012: National Groundwater Week. Please visit: http://www.ngwa.org/Events-Education/awareness/Pages/default.aspx

March 12, 2012: Deadline for K12 students and teachers to enter the National STEM mar Game Challenge. Please visit: http://www.stemchallenge.org

March 15, 2012: Free lecture on Invasive Species at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills. No registration is required. The lecture begins at 7:00 PM.

March 15, 2012: Deadline to nominate an educator for the Space Camp Hall of Fame. Please visit: http://www.spacecamp.com/halloffame

March 19 - 23, 2012: National Solar Week. Please visit:

http://www.solarweek.org

March 19 - 25, 2012: National Wildlife Week. Please visit: http://nwf.org

March 22, 2012: World Water Day. Please visit: http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/

March 29, 2012: NASA Astronaut Colonel Terry Virts to Present Vaden W. Miles Memorial Lecture at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Please visit: http://events.wayne.edu/2012/03/29/vaden-w-miles-memorial-lecture-nasa-astronaut-colonel-terry-virts-space-shu-38609/

March 29 - April 1, 2012: National Science Teachers Association Conference in Indianapolis, IN. Please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2012ind/?lid=tnavhp

April 1, 2012: Deadline to apply to present at the Michigan Joint Education Conference at EMU in Ypsilanti, MI. Please visit: http://www.mijec.org/speakers/

April 15 - 21, 2012: Severe Weather Awareness Week. Please visit: http://mcswa.com/default.aspx

April 19, 2012: Earth Day at Constitution Hall in Lansing. For more information, please send an email to:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

April 28 - 29, 2012: USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington D.C. Please visit: http://www.usasciencefestival.org

June 20, 2012: Michigan Joint Education Conference at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. Please visit: http://www.mijec.org

August 26 - 31, 2012: World Water Week. Please visit: http://www.worldwaterweek.org/

June 9 - 10, 2012: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend. Please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Information for High School Science Teachers

8a. Exemplify Excellence in Life Sciences

The United States Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation in recognizing, through four monetary awards, one scientist, one current high school educator and two current high school students who are judged to exemplify excellence in life sciences. The $10,000 Distinguished Life Sciences Scientist Award will be presented to a scientist who is making or has recently made a significant and positive contribution toward the development of a "cutting edge" innovation in the field of life sciences; the $5,000 Life Sciences Educator Award will be presented to a current high school educator, with at least five years of teaching experience, who demonstrates an ongoing teaching strategy that evidences proficiency in instructing students in the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, Chemistry or other life sciences courses; and two $1,000 Life Sciences Student Awards will be presented to current high school students who are making or have recently made significant and positive contributions related to the study of life science. Nominations are accepted online only. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2012. Please visit: http://www.ccolumbusfoundationawards.org/lifeSciencesAwards/index.cfm?

8b. Upcoming Deadlines

March 27, 2012: Deadline for scientists, teachers and high school students to apply for the Christopher Columbus Life Sciences Award. Please visit: http://www.ccolumbusfoundationawards.org/lifeSciencesAwards/index.cfm?

April 1, 2012: Deadline for HS Teachers to apply to participate in the BSCS Field Test on Energy. Please visit: http://www.bscs.org/professionaldevelopment/ematftapp.html

May 9 - 11, 2012: Michigan Envirothon competition at Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Please visit: http://www.michiganenvirothon.org

Information for Middle School and High School Science Teachers

9a. New Curriculum Supplements from the National Institutes of Health


Teachers now have an innovative way to help students approach challenging biology questions with two new free curriculum supplements from the National Institutes of Health, or NIH,: "Evolution and Medicine" and "Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry." Both supplements combine cutting-edge medical research discoveries with state-of-the-art instructional materials that help students build their critical thinking skills.

"Evolution and Medicine," for grades 9-12, helps students use scientific inquiry in the context of medicine to understand evolutionary principles. Students will learn how evolution is part of our knowledge of human health, biomedical processes and disease treatment. To request "Evolution and Medicine," visit http://science.education.nih.gov/q9.

"Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry," for grades 6-8, helps students explore how scientists research rare diseases and treatments and learn more about the workings of the human body. To request "Rare Diseases and Scientific Inquiry," visit http://science.education.nih.gov/r9.

The supplements were developed by leading scientists, educators and curriculum experts. Each contains five lessons that are comprehensive, interactive, easily incorporated into the curriculum and aligned to common core state standards as well as national and state education standards. These free supplements are part of an ongoing acclaimed series for grades 1-12 available from the NIH -- the federal focal point for medical research.

Questions about the educational materials provided by the National Institutes of Health should be directed to Cindy Allen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Lisa Strauss at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

9b. Upcoming Deadlines

March 12, 2012: Deadline for Washtenaw County Science teachers to apply to be Teacher of the Year. Please visit:

http://www.umich.edu/~sigmaxi/teachernom.doc

March 30, 2012: Deadline for MS and HS teachers to apply for the Centers for Disease Control Science Ambassador Workshop. Please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/excite/ScienceAmbassador/ScienceAmbassador.htm

October 13, 2012: Vernier Data Collection Workshop in Grand Rapids, MI. Please visit: http://www.vernier.com/training/workshops/?utm_campaign=120201-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs-customers&utm_content=html

October 15, 2012: Vernier Data Collection Workshop in Detroit, MI. Please visit: http://www.vernier.com/training/workshops/?utm_campaign=120201-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hs-customers&utm_content=html

Information for Elementary and Middle School Teachers

10a. Learn the Science Behind the News

The Why Files is a resource designed for students to learn about the science of stories in the news. The Why Files doesn't cover every news story; its focus is only the stories that have clear connections to science concepts. For example, one of the stories on the front page of The Why Files at the end of February was about wastewater. The story explains, in text and images, how, after being treated at a sewage plant, wastewater is increasingly used for irrigation, industrial purposes, restoring groundwater-and after further purification, for drinking! Most of the material on The Why Files is geared toward an elementary and middle school audience. The Teachers/Classroom section includes a collection of free classroom activities based on popular Why Files articles. Please visit: http://whyfiles.org/

Science Humor

11. More Chemistry Cats: Science and Puns, Together at Last!

Tell a Potassium Joke? K

What did the element say to the police? I CU Copper

Do you know any jokes about sodium? Na

How much do I make? Iron enough

12. March Contest - Starbuck Gift Cards

This month we have three great prizes to give away. The prizes are 3 - $10 Starbuck Gift Cards.

To win one of these prizes, send an email to:

David Bydlowski

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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, 13, and 23 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.

 

If you didn't win, try again next month. Thanks to everyone 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, and 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. .