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E-Blast January 8, 2009
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- Building a Presence
- MDE Science
- K-12 Science
- High School Science
- Elementary School Science
- December Contest Winners
- January Contest
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Here are your science education resources and announcements for January 8, 2008 provided by Building a Presence for Science. 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 - Building a Presence
bydlowd@resa.net
http://nsta.org/bap
http://www.msta-mich.org/bap
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
sue@ucia2.com
http://www.msta-mich.org
1. Leadership
Leadership Quote Number 1
The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions.
Anthony Jay
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
Leadership Quote Number 2
Normally we just have one leadership quote per e-blast, but one of our Points of Contact was nice enough to share a leadership quote. It is:
The task of a leader is to add value to the work of the worker for the benefit of the recipient.
Pastor and People, Augsberg Fortress, Minneapolis 2003
Thanks to Rich Cochrill, from the Croswell-Lexington Community Schools for sharing this quote. If you would like to share a quote on leadership, please send it to David Bydlowski at bydlowd@resa.net.
Building a Presence
What is a Point of Contact?
The Point of Contact (PoC) is a classroom teacher or building-level person who is an advocate for science education. The PoC is the front line of the BaP network. The role of a PoC is to receive and disseminate information to their colleagues. The goal of BaP is to have a PoC in every school building in the country.
New Contest Begins But Only on the e-Blast Podcast
There is a monthly contest for Building a Presence in Michigan. As a matter of fact, if you scroll down to near the bottom of this e-blast, you will see a description of the contest and how you can be a winner. This month, as we begin 2009, a new contest is beginning. But you can only win if you listen to the e-blast podcast. During the podcast, a contest question will be asked and a deadline given. If you answer the question correctly, you will be entered into a drawing and one lucky person will win an iTunes gift card. To listen to the Michigan e-blast podcasts, you can visit:
http://k12science.net
and click on the podcast button.
Or you can click on the podcast button found at:
http://msta-mich.org/bap
Or you can go your iTunes application, click on the iTunes Store, click on iTunes U (iTunes Store), then click on K-12 (find education podcasts), click on Michigan's MI Learning, and then click on K12 Science in MI.
Or to make it easier in iTunes, type in K12Science in the iTunes search button and click on the K-12 Science in MI podcast found in iTunes U. Good luck!!
MDE Science
K-7 Companion Documents Now Available
The K-7 Companion Documents are now available. They can be downloaded at:
http://www.bcmsc.k12.mi.us/mde_files.htm
It should be noted that they are still "officially" in "draft" form and are not the MDE Approved version. This is because they still need to go through the official MDE process. Once they are MDE Approved, they will be found on the MDE website. There are only two files available at this time, one for grades K-4 (414 pages) and one for grades 5-7 (293 pages). Eventually, they will be available as separate grade level documents.
If you would like more explanation regarding the Companion Documents, you can visit:
http://science.resa.net
Then click on Curriculum.
Then click on K-7 Expectations (in the left hand column).
There you will find the companion documents for download, as well as podcasts describing each document. These podcasts include a general description of the expectations for each grade level and an explanation of the companion document for each grade level.
The Michigan Mathematics and Science Centers Network will soon be doing rollout sessions on the K-7 Companion Documents. As soon as those dates become available, they will be listed in the e-blast.
K-12 Science
Global Cloud Observation Day
Join NASA for Global Cloud Observation Day on January 13, 2009, to mark the 12th anniversary of the first student cloud observation report for the Students' Cloud Observations On-Line, or S'COOL, Project. Everyone is invited to make and report cloud observations on this day at the time that the CERES satellite instruments pass over the participants' location. Visit the S'COOL Rover Web site at:
http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/SCOOL/Rover/
to find out when and what to observe. Use the Report Form to record your observations and send the information to NASA. About a week later, return to the Web site and explore the database to compare what the satellite reported to what you and others saw.
donorschoose.org for Teachers
One of our Key Leaders, Rachel Badanowski of the Southfield Public Schools, recently shared a website that lets citizens donate to worthy educational projects. If you think this might be of interest to you, please visit:
http://donorschoose.org
DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, whom they call Citizen Philanthropists, choose projects to fund.
New NIH K-12 Curriculum with a Focus on Diabetes Available for Free
Schools across the country now have free access to an innovative set of teaching tools designed to increase the understanding of science, health and diabetes among American Indian and Alaska Native students from kindergarten through the 12th grade. The comprehensive new curriculum, called "Health is Life in Balance," was launched Nov. 12 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
The curriculum integrates science and Native American traditions to educate students about science, diabetes and its risk factors, and the importance of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining health and balance in life. Applying an inquiry-based approach to learning, the curriculum builds research skills in observation, measurement, prediction, experimentation, and communication. Furthermore, the curriculum has healthy lifestyle messages and innovative science activities for all students, not just Native Americans.
To view the curriculum, please visit:
http://www3.niddk.nih.gov/fund/other/dets/
MEECS Trainings Announced at a Reduced Cost
The Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) unit trainings, are being scheduled to be held prior to the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) annual conference. Trainings will be held on each of the five MEECS units: Air Quality, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, Energy Resources, Land Use, and Water Quality. The trainings will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan. Teachers and non-formal educators are welcome to enroll.
Visit the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Website to register for this event at:
http://www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops
and then click on Upcoming Workshops. The registration cost is $35 and SB-CEU's will be available. Thanks go out to the United States Postal Service for financial co-sponsorship of this event.
First Time Attendees Can Save at MSTA
The Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) and the Michigan Educational Employees Mutual Insurance Company (MEEMIC) have joined forces in an effort to extend an invitation to first time attendees to participate in the 2009 MSTA Annual Conference to be held in Detroit, Michigan, on March 6-7, 2009. One $250 stipend will be awarded in each of the fourteen MSTA regions. The money will be used to cover one year of MSTA membership, two-day registration to the conference, and sub reimbursement while you are gone.
First time attendees are encouraged to visit
http://www.msta-mich.org
and to click on the link which will allow them to complete the brief survey in order to register. One name shall be selected from all eligible entries submitted by the January 26, 2009 deadline. The winning educator will be notified of their selection shortly thereafter. This stipend is available to any teacher attending for the first time at any grade level.
Science Students to Compete in NASA Naming Contest
K-12 students can enter the "Name NASA's Next Mars Rover" contest by submitting an essay that suggests a name for the Mars Science Laboratory rover. It's a great chance to review Earth and Space Science content or bring science into a language arts activity for your students. Students 13 years old and younger must submit a mail in form with a parent/guardian signature. Students 14-18 years old may submit by mail or online. Feel free to send your class submissions in a single envelope, but remember that the contest ends January 25, 2009. One of your students could be named the winner this spring! For more information, please visit:
http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov/ReadContestRules/
High School Science
High School Math and Science Symposium
The 10th Anniversary MHSMSS will be hosted by the Regional Math and Science Center at the GVSU Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids on April, 24, 2009. The Symposium is open to all Michigan high school students. Students can participate by presenting a project or as an observer. Teachers are invited to bring students who may be interested in research or contemplating a project. The symposium will give them the opportunity to gain some understanding of the research process and to meet students who have successfully completed scientific research.
The Michigan High School Math & Science Symposium (MHSMSS) is a capstone activity to celebrate the conclusion of an individual or team effort. It is also a chance to establish credentials, which may lead to a scholarship, apprenticeship, or university acceptance. Perhaps most of all, the MHSMSS offers a chance to meet peers and share knowledge with others in a collegial setting. Presentations will be critiqued by peers and adults, but not judged. The MHSMSS earned a 2006 Education Excellence Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards.
Please visit the Regional Math and Science Center website at:
http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
for additional information such as Registration Information, Guidelines, FAQ, and Call for Proposals. All applications are due by April 13, 2009. For additional information, contact the state coordinator, Paul Bigford at paulbigford@hotmail.com or call (231) 898-2633.
High School InvenTeams
Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams is a national grants initiative to foster inventiveness among high school students. InvenTeams, composed of high school students, teachers and mentors, collaboratively identify a problem to be solved (i.e., a research the problem) and then develop a prototype invention as an in-class or extracurricular project. InvenTeams are encouraged to work with community partners, specifically the potential beneficiaries of their invention.
Who can apply? Mathematics, science and technology teachers
Length of project? Academic year: October to June
Funds can be used for: Research, materials, learning experiences related to the development of the invention and stipends (a maximum of $2,000/grant) for teachers who facilitate extracurricular projects.
Funds cannot be used for: Computers, capital equipment or professional services.
Competition: Up to 15 grants of $10,000 will be awarded.
Guidelines and further information found at: http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html
Deadline to apply: March 20, 2009
Case Studies in Science
Megan Fenech, a Point of Contact at Plymouth High School, recently shared information about Case Studies in Science. If you do case-based projects with your students, you may want to visit:
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/projects/cases/ubcase.htm
The Case Studies are provided by State University of New York at Buffalo. They are a national center for Case Study Teaching in Science. Their latest case studies include:
Driving Can be Dangerous to Your Health
Colon Cancer: A Case of Genetic Bad Luck?
Osmosis is Serious Business!
Elementary School Science
Explore Ice Worlds Resources and Online Training
Explore! Ice Worlds is a suite of hands-on inquiry activities designed to be used with children ages 8 to 13 in celebration of the International Polar Year. Developed by the Lunar and Planetary Institute and funded by NASA, the activities are intended for the informal learning environment, including libraries, after-school programs and museums. All activities are tied to National Science Education Standards, and all use inexpensive materials that are easy to find. The activities are available online at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities/
Free online training is available for informal educators interested in using the Explore! Ice Worlds activities. Training occurs in either one four-hour session or over three separate one-and-a-half-hour sessions, spaced a week apart. A complete training session includes discussion with a NASA polar scientist and demonstrations of the Explore! Ice Worlds activities.
Only four more training sessions are scheduled -- sign up today!
Jan. 13, 2009: A four-hour session will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Feb. 10, 17 and 24, 2009: A series of sessions lasting 90 minutes each will begin at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Feb. 12, 2009: A four-hour session will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST.
March 4, 2009: A four-hour session will begin at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Participants are eligible for drawings for Earth and space resources. Those who complete the training will receive a certificate for four professional development hours. Registration is required. Please contact Katy Buckaloo at buckaloo@lpi.usra.edu or 281-486-2106 to register.
Free Water Program for 5th, 6th and 7th Graders
Cranbrook Institute of Science and DTE Energy Foundation are pleased to have the opportunity to offer your 5th, 6th and 7th grade students, free of charge, an exciting new program on Great Lakes Watershed Education. These programs, developed around the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectation Benchmarks for Science and Social Studies, are a part of the Institute's Water on the Go! educational outreach program. Water on the Go! Programs come to your school to engage students in a fun presentation and hands-on learning.
Water on the Go! Programs use the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) curriculum developed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Program topics include: Water Conservation, Water Quality and Groundwater Pollution. Check the website at:
http://science.cranbrook.edu/educational/watershed/
for more details.
Water on the Go! Programs are available to communities across the lower peninsula of Michigan, including Metro Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Saginaw, Midland and more! For more information or to book a program, please call (248) 645-3008 or Email: water@cranbrook.edu.
December Contest Winners
In December, we gave away 10 - 2 GB flashdrives. Here is a list of the winners:
- Deb Emelander-East Kelloggsville Elementary
- Nancy Lefere-Lumen Christi High School, Jackson
- Cynthia Kundrat-Cumberland Elementary, Lansing School District
- Sheri Dudzinski-Marie C. Graham Elementary School, L'anse Creuse Public Schools
- Lynn James-Miller Elementary, Huron Public Schools
- Dianne Cole-Lapeer East High School, Lapeer Schools
- Fran Gibbs-Greenville Public Schools
- Nicole Curry-Forest Elementary, Riverview Community Schools
- Lynn Blanks-Wyandotte Public Schools
- Dave Grimes-Benzie County Public Schools
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. This month may be your lucky month.
January Contest
This month we have 10 wonderful gifts to give away. Each prize is a CD of ScienceBuilder. This science vocabulary tool gives examples of science vocabulary words found in grades 2-6 and is aligned to the Michigan K-7 Science Content Expectations. Definitions are provided in both written and oral formats. A visual "clue" for each word is also provided.
To win one of these prizes, send an email to:
David Bydlowski
bydlowd@resa.net
State Coordinator for Building a Presence
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, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 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 Building a Presence Network.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- January 1 - December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
- January 13, 2009: Global Cloud Observation Day. For more information, please visit: http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/SCOOL/Rover/
- January 13, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm
- January 15, 2009: Deadline to enter the International Children's Painting Competition on the Environment. For more information, please visit: http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/inner.asp?ct=competitions&comp=int_comp&int_comp=18th
- January 20, 2009: Deadline for high school students to apply for the Planet Connect Grant Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.planet-connect.org/
- January 21, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Toyota TAPESTY Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/
- January 23, 2009: Deadline to register for the USA Biology Olympiad. For more information, please visit: http://cee.org/usabo/index.shtml
- January 25, 2009: Deadline for K-12 Students to Enter the Name NASA's Next Mars Rover Contest. For more information, please visit: http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov/ReadContestRules/
- January 28, 2009: Deadline to apply for the ExploraVision Awards Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org
- January 31, 2009: Deadline for 3-6 grade students to enter the Kid's Science Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.kidsciencechallenge.com
- February 1, 2009: Deadline for High School Students to enter the 16th annual Moonbuggy Race. For more information, please visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov/index.html
- February 4, 2009: Deadline for the Christopher Columbus Awards for Middle School Projects. For more information, please visit: http://www.christophercolumbusawards.com
- February 9, 2009: Deadline for teachers to apply for the ARMADA Marine Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.armadaproject.org
- February 12, 2009: Charles Darwin Bicentennial Day. For more information, please visit: http://darwinday.org/englishL/assistevent/index.html
- February 13, 2009: Deadline to register for the Michigan Environthon for High School Students. For more information, please visit: http://www.macd.org:80/envirothon.html
- February 15-21, 2009: National Engineers Week, 2009. For more information, please visit: http://www.eweek.org/Home.aspx
- March 5-6, 2009: Southeastern Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Wayne State University. For more information, please visit: http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/jshs/
- March 5-7, 2009: Michigan Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in Detroit. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org/conference
- March 6, 2009: Deadline to apply for Cohort 2 of the Endeavor Science Teacher Certificate Project. For more information, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/programs/Endeavor_Science_Teaching_Certificate_Project.html
- March 13, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Research Experiences for K-12 Teachers (RET). For more information, please visit: http://www.magnet.fsu.edu/education/ret/
- March 15, 2009: Deadline for middle school students to apply for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://wecanchange.com
- March 16, 2009: Deadline for students to enter the 4th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education
- March 19-22, 2009: National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in New Orleans. For more information please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009new/
- March 20, 2009: Deadline to apply for the 2009 High School InvenTeam Competition. For more information, please visit: http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html
- March 22, 2009: World Water Day. More information will follow.
- April 6, 2009: Deadline to apply for the 2009 Thacher Scholars Awards for students in grades 9-12. For more information, please visit: http://www.strategies.org/ThacherScholars
- April 12-18, 2009: National Environmental Education Week 2009: Be Water Wise! For more information, please visit: http://www.eeweek.org
- April 24, 2009: Michigan High School Math and Science Symposium at Grand Valley State University. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
- May 1, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Grades 7-12. For more information, please visit: http://www.paemst.org/
- July 11-16, 2009: The 2009 Michigan Youth Policy Summit on Greenhouse Gas Reduction, to be held at Western Michigan University for 11th and 12th Grade Students. For more information, please contact: Annemarie Fussell at Keystone (afussell@keystone.org; 970-455-4231) or Susan Grammer at WMU (susan.grammer@wmich.edu; 269-387-8642).
- August 2-6, 2009: ChemEd Conference in Radford, Virginia. For more information, please visit: http://www.radford.edu/chemed2009/
- August 16-22, 2009: World Water Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldwaterweek.org/
- October 9-11, 2009: The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education will be held at the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org/index.html
To subscribe to the Building a Presence Science e-blast, please visit: http://nsta.org/bap
To unsubscribe from the Building a Presence Science e-blast, please contact your Key Leader or email David Bydlowski, Michigan Coordinator for the Building a Presence Science Network, at bydlowd@resa.net.