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E-Blast for September 24, 2009
In this E-Blast
- Leadership
- The Science Matters Network in Michigan
- Science Humor
- MEAP, MMC, and MDE Science
- Science Matters to Parents
- K-12 Science
- Digital Photography Contest for K-12 Students
- Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference
- NASA Mission to Mercury on September 29
- Keep Informed About H1N1
- Polar Origami
- Virtual Research Trek to Mount Kilimanjaro
- Project Learning Tree Training
- Seminars on Science From the American Museum of Natural History
- FREE 2010 Conference Stipend for New Attendees at MSTA
- World Space Week
- Toshiba/NSTA Exploravision Awards Program
- Design Squad-Engineering for K-12
- Free Online PD for Educators of All Grade Levels-Ocean Exploration
- PD Opportunities at the Detroit Zoo
- Earth Science Week Contests for All Grade Ages and Grade Levels
- High School Science
- Middle School and High School Science
- Middle School Science
- Elementary and Middle School Science
- Elementary School Science
- September Contest Winners
- Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Deadlines
Here are your science education resources and announcements for September 24, 2009 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
I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity; an undefeatable spirit; tenacity in pursuit; readiness for sensible self-denial; and above all, compassion.
Kurt Hahn, Experiential Educator
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this leadership quote.
2. The Science Matters Network In Michigan
What is Science Matters?
Science Matters is an initiative by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to bring content, news, and information that supports quality science education to parents and teachers nationwide.
Science Matters builds on the success of the Building a Presence for Science program, first launched in 1997 as an e-networking initiative to assist teachers of science with professional development opportunities. Building a Presence for Science-now Science Matters-reaches readers in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Why does Science Matter? Science is critical to understanding the world around us. Most Americans feel that they received a good education and that their children will as well. Unfortunately, not many are aware that international tests show that American students are simply not performing well in science when compared to students in other countries. Many students (and their parents!) believe that science is irrelevant to their lives.
Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy, and this innovation depends on a solid knowledge base in science, math, and engineering. All jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. The most recent ten year employment projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job.
This is why Science Matters. Quality learning experiences in the sciences-starting at an early age-are critical to science literacy and our future workforce. Feel free to publish this information in school newsletters and bulletins, and share it with other parents, teachers, and administrators.
Visit the Science Matters website at:
http://nsta.org/sciencematters
Science Humor
Funny Things That Happen in School
When I was in school, one of my science teachers was crazy about me. I once heard her tell another science teacher, "I wish he was my kid for one day!"
I just read about a science teacher who got hurt. She was grading papers on a curve!
"What is the plural of man, Willie?" asked the science teacher. "Men," answered Willie. "And, the plural of child?" "Twins," was the unexpected reply.
MEAP, MMC, and MDE Science
Instructional Videos of 4th and HS Science Produced by MDE
The Michigan Department of Education has posted lessons of effective instruction videos for professional development. To access these lessons and bookmark them for future use, use the following URL:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_30334_51042-219150--,00.html
These lessons feature Michigan teachers engaged with teaching and learning in their own elementary, middle and high school classrooms. They incorporate Fred Newmann's widely accepted Standards for Teaching and Learning (higher-order thinking, deep knowledge, substantive conversation, and connections to the world beyond the classroom) and meet Standards, Benchmarks, and Grade Level/Course Content Expectations and Guidelines.
The 4th grade lesson is about Owl Pellets and stars our very own Point of Contact in the Michigan Science Matters Network, Elizabeth Larwa from Spencer Road Elementary in Brighton, MI. The lesson includes the video, lesson outline and PD questions. The high school video features Tina Weller from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte (her husband Jeff is also a Point of Contact in the Michigan Science Matters Network). Her video, lesson outline and PD questions are about weather.
Check out these great new resources today!!
Science Matters to Parents
What is the National Science Teachers Association Positiion on Elementary School Science
The National Science Teachers Association supports the notion that inquiry science must be a basic in the daily curriculum of every elementary school student at every grade level. In the last decade, numerous reports have been published calling for reform in education. Each report has highlighted the importance of early experiences in science so that students develop problem-solving skills that empower them to participate in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
Please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/elementary.aspx
to view NSTA's Position Statement on Elementary School Science. Please share this with your student's parents to help them gain a better understanding of Elementary School Science.
K-12 Science
Digital Photography Contest for K-12 Students
The competition, open to all K-12 students, challenges you to capture-and share-your unique vision of the world. If you have an artistic side, you also have the option to digitally enhance your photos with your favorite imaging software. You may enter as many photos as you wish. Please fill out a separate entry form for each entry. Your photos may be submitted "as is" or you can manipulate it using photo editing software. If you do choose to manipulate your photo digitally, submit both the original and the manipulated photo so we can compare.
For additional information, please visit:
http://www.techlearning.com/section/PortraitsofLearning
For additional questions, please contact Jared Stearns at jstearns@nbmedia.com. Deadline: October 9, 2009.
Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference
The registration packet for the 2009 Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference is now posted at:
http://www.michiganenvironmentaled.org
Connecting Urban Students and Teachers to the Environment
Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education State Conference
Thursday- Saturday, October 8-10, 2009 ~ Dearborn, MI
NASA Mission to Mercury on September 29
On September 29, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft will fly by the planet Mercury at 5:55 pm EDT. It is a historic mission to the last of the eight planets in the solar system that has not been fully seen. MESSENGER is changing that. The event, and the 2 days of analysis of the science data following the event, will be covered LIVE from MISSION CONTROL and the Science Operation Center by 7 MESSENGER Fellows (some of the best science educators in the nation) on Twitter and Facebook. They will be working hand-in-hand with mission scientists. They will be tweeting and facebooking over the three days, starting Sept 29, answering questions from classes across America, and engaging them in live conversations about the excitement and the experiences of the researchers as the data streams back to Earth.
BE PART OF THE ADVENTURE!!!!
They have set up a special Blog on the Universe (BotU) post that provides a one-stop-shop to all the official web sites; and background info on the event for your CLASS, your SCHOOL, and your DISTRICT to ACTIVELY participate. It's an opportunity for your students to get a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at REAL science and engineering in this moment of history. The link to the Special Post at BotU: http://bit.ly/3kDn7b
Keep Informed About H1N1
This special Web page, created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides a variety of resources to keep you informed about the latest H1N1 developments and help you minimize the virus's effect on your students' learning. The Webpage offers a range of options for responding to H1N1 in schools. You can also access the federal government's communication toolkit for K-12 schools, which includes questions and answers, fact sheets and template letters to help you communicate with students and families about the flu. In addition, a link to a School Dismissal Monitoring form, created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Education, allows you to report on H1N1-related dismissals in your school or school district. You can visit the website at: http://flu.gov
Polar Origami
Please visit:
http://www.pem.org/sites/origami/
to polar origami folding videos with Michael LaFosse. Fold an iceberg, a penguin, a narwhal, an arctic tern, a polar bear or a wandering albatross!
Virtual Research Trek to Mount Kilimanjaro
There is a GLOBE student scientific research expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa beginning on September 24 and runs till October 2, 2009. Please help your students join this expedition by sending an email to expedition leader Mike O'Toole info@xpeditiononline.com
One of the goals of this amazing journey is to gather environmental data within the distinct biomes of Kilimanjaro. A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar climatic conditions such as communities of plants, animals and soil organisms and is often referred to as an ecosystem. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (of trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (in forests, woodlands, savanna), and the climate.
Write a brief description of your biome and they will post it on the expedition journal at:
http://xpeditiononline.com/09journal.html
The expedition team looks forward to your questions as they make their climb. They plan to reach the summit by October 1st and hope to email those who have joined this virtual journey, from the Roof of Africa! To learn more about the expedition, please go to:
http://www.xpeditiononline.com/
Project Learning Tree Training
On Saturday, October 3 there will be an Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree. This training is for teachers, youth group leaders, home school parents, and other non-formal educators who want to educate children about the environment. This Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop will be offered at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute:
http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/
an environmental education center in Hastings, MI.
Seminars on Science From the American Museum of Natural History
For those of you looking for graduate or professional development credits this year, registration is open for 2009 - 10 sessions of Seminars on Science from the American Museum of Natural History. The courses are fully online and can be taken for up to 4 graduate credits each. Courses are six weeks long and are co-taught by an experienced classroom teacher and a research scientist. You can sign up now at: http://learn.amnh.org
Courses include: Evolution; Earth: Inside and Out; The Ocean System; The Solar System, Genetics, Genomics, Genethics; The Link Between Dinosaurs and Birds, Space, Time and Motion, and others - including our newest course, Water: Environmental Science. Registration for fall session II closes October 5th, so sign up now!
FREE 2010 Conference Stipend for New Attendees at MSTA
Have you wanted to attend the Michigan Science Teachers Associations Annual conference but never could afford it? You now may be able to!! MEEMIC Insurance and MSTA have partnered together to offer 14 individuals a scholarship to attend the 57th Annual conference March 5-6, 2010, in Lansing Michigan. You will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to the Michigan Science Teachers Association and sub pay for Friday, March 5th (a package worth $250)!
Just go to the following link, fill out a short survey, and you are entered:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=TIWaVLeFOaL9rc1DtMvr8A_3d_3d
World Space Week
The World Space Week Association and NASA invite you to get involved in the world's largest annual public space event! This is the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations declared World Space Week, which is celebrated October 4-10 each year. The event is celebrated in over 60 countries and this year's theme is "Space for Education."
Looking to the stars has always inspired children to wonder and learn; it is a valuable tool in education. Teachers can successfully use the excitement of space to motivate students and can apply this focus not just in science, technology, engineering & math but also in history, language arts, and virtually every subject across the curriculum!
Visit the World Space Week website at:
http://worldspaceweek.org
for more information about how to become involved. The organizers of the event have translated the "Invitation to Participate" into many languages, from Arabic to Ukrainian.
Toshiba/NSTA Exploravision Awards Program
ExploraVision is a competition that makes science fun and exciting for students and gives educators an innovative way to present science topics in the classroom. This competition encourages K-12 students of any interest and ability levels to imagine a future technology using present day predicaments. Students can win up to $10,000 in savings bonds for college and cool gifts from Toshiba. Applications are now being accepted; the deadline is February 2, 2010. For more information about the program or to learn how to apply, visit:
http://www.exploravision.org
Design Squad - Engineering for K-12
NASA and DESIGN SQUAD® have developed an online workshop for educators and afterschool leaders to build their skills and confidence in guiding kids through engineering activities like those found in the On the Moon Educator Guide. Completing this self-guided online workshop will allow educators to gain insight and strategies for strengthening critical-thinking skills and exciting their students about using the design process to arrive at solutions.
In this self-guided workshop, participants will:
- Experience the design process in action. Learn and reflect on ways to use the design process to tap into students' problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Watch an engineering activity. See how easy it is to integrate the design process into hands-on activities in the classroom.
- Get resources. Discover a variety of engineering activities from NASA and DESIGN SQUAD® for students in grades K-12.
For more information about the online workshop, visit http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
Free Online PD for Educators of All Grade Levels-Ocean Exploration and Research
Join NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, from October 5 - 16, for the second workshop in a series of educator professional development opportunities focused around NOAA's new ship and America's Ship for Ocean Exploration, the Okeanos Explorer. This workshop will introduce the new Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection built around the themes: Why Do We Explore? How Do We Explore? and What Do We Expect to Find? Scientific presenters and education facilitators will work with participants to delve into the benefits of ocean exploration targeting climate change, energy, human health and ocean health. Interact with ocean explorers, converse and share classroom applications with other educators, and find a wealth of multimedia resources. They will introduce the first in a series of Leader's Guides for Classroom Explorers entitled Why Do We Explore?, with its companion Initial Inquiry Lesson, To Boldly Go..., as well as additional lesson plans and other resources.
Speakers include:
- Dr. Charles Fisher: Professor of Biology, Eberly College of Science at The Pennsylvania State University
- Dr. Shirley A. Pomponi: Executive Director, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Florida Atlantic University
- Dr. Edith Widder: Senior Scientist, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Florida Atlantic University Cofounder, Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA)
The workshop is free for all participants and will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Educators will have the option to receive graduate credit (fee for the credit) or obtain a certificate of completion. To register go to:
http://www.coexploration.org/oe/
Professional Development Opportunities at the Detroit Zoo
Attention Teachers and Educators! Please join in as the Detroit Zoological Society Presents their Fall PD program:
- September 26 - Growing Up Wild - National Early Childhood Initiative
- November 7 - Sowing Seeds - An Initiative from the Institute for Humane Education
- November 14 - Project WILD and Project Aquatic at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo
- November 21 - Project WILD and Project Aquatic at the Detroit Zoo Ford Education Center
For more information, please send an email to:
education@detroitzoo.org
Earth Science Week Contests for All Grade Ages and Grade Levels
The American Geological Society is sponsoring a photography contest to celebrate Earth Science Week 2009. Photographs should focus on the topic "How Climate Shapes My World." The contest is open to any resident of the United States. Participants should submit a picture that best represents the climate in their area. Entries may be submitted electronically or by mail. Only one entry will be accepted per person. The deadline for submitting photos is Oct. 16, 2009.For more information, please visit:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html
The American Geological Society is sponsoring a visual arts contest to celebrate Earth Science Week 2009. Artwork should focus on the topic "The Climate Where I Live." The contest is open to students in grades K-5 who are residents of the United States. Participants should submit an original two-dimensional visual arts project that best represents the climate in their area. Entries must be submitted by mail. The deadline for submitting entries is Oct. 16, 2009. For more information, please visit:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/visualarts/index.html
The American Geological Society is sponsoring an essay contest to celebrate Earth Science Week 2009. Essays should focus on the theme "Climate Connects." The contest is open to students in grades 6-9 who are residents of the United States. Participants should submit an original essay no more than 300 words in length, typed, and formatted to fit on one page. Entries may be submitted electronically or by mail. The deadline for submitting entries is Oct. 16, 2009. For more information, please visit:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/essay/index.html
To celebrate the International Year of Planet Earth and Earth Science Week 2009, the American Geological Institute is sponsoring a major international photography contest. Photographs should focus on the topic "Exploring Earth Science Around the World." The contest is open to anyone of any age from anywhere around the world. Entries must be submitted electronically. The deadline for submitting photos is Oct. 16, 2009. For more information, please visit:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/iypephotocontest/index.html
If you have any questions about any of these contests, please e-mail the Earth Science Week staff at info@earthsciweek.org.
High School Science
Dark Matter and Quantum Physics Workshop
The Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (MIAAPT) is offering a six-hour workshop on Friday, October 9, 2009 based on materials developed by the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics. The workshop will be at the Midland Center for the Arts Alden B. Dow Science Museum in Midland, MI. Leaders will be Laura Ritter of Troy High School, Nicole Murawski of Royal Oak High School and Alan Gibson, retired Rochester Adams High School. All have been trained by AAPT/PTRA as workshop leaders.
Using an inquiry-based approach, this workshop will emphasize activities that can be used in your classroom. You will do an experiment to review circular motion and apply the results of your experiment to observations of stars orbiting galaxies. The presenters will show how these materials will be used in your classroom to further your students understanding of the evidence for the existence of Dark Matter. In the Quantum portion of the workshop, you will use materials developed by the Perimeter Institute to help your students understand some aspects of Quantum Physics.
At the conclusion of the workshop, you will receive the teaching kits for both topics. Each kit contains a DVD and teacher notes. Your $60 fee covers only the materials used in the workshop. Questions can be addressed to Al Gibson:
fziksman@yahoo.com, 248-651-1726
or Nicole Murawski:
murawskin@royaloakschools.com
or Laura Ritter:
lritter2@troy.k12.mi.us
Building an Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle for Your Classroom Workshop
This workshop is open to all K-12 educators who have interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and/or related aquatic studies. It will provide a truly unique educational outreach opportunity that includes the resources, instruction and support, for the designing, engineering, and building of a fully functional underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Within this workshop the NASA Aerospace Education Service will provide an overview of NASA Missions from under the ocean research to the robotic spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond. Participants will be prepared to utilize NASA Educational resources to enhance their existing curriculum while incorporating the Underwater ROV into the STEM and related aquatic disciplines. The workshop will take place November 6-7 on the Great Lakes Campus of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI. For additional information please contact Keith Forton, Traverse City Central Senior High at 231-933-8536 or fortonke@tcaps.net. Please put ROV workshop in the subject line as to avoid accidental deletion. The deadline to register is October 12.
DNA Day Essay Contest
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) invites you to participate in the 5th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest! It is only open to 9th - 12th grade students this year. The submission deadline is March 15, 2010 at 5:00 PM EST. Please visit:
http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
for details.
Michigan Envirothon - Competitive by Nature
High school students with an interest in the environment and who enjoy the outdoors are encouraged to participate in the Michigan Envirothon. Envirothon is an outdoor competition in which teams of high school students are challenged on their environmental knowledge and understanding. The goal of the program is to improve students' science skills and understanding of conservation issues.
Teams work throughout the year to prepare for regional competitions held in March and the annual state competition in May. The winner of the Michigan Envirothon will represent the state at the Canon Envirothon competition, which includes teams from across the United States and Canada.
During the Envirothon competition teams are tested in an outdoors, hands-on setting, on seven conservation topics including, agriculture, aquatic ecology, energy, forestry, soils/geology, wildlife and an environmental topic selected each year. Each team also completes a community outreach project addressing a natural resources concern in their community. At the state competition, teams will submit a written report on their outreach project as well as a presentation to a panel of judges.
For more information about the Michigan Envirothon including registration materials call the Michigan Envirothon coordinator at (517) 324-4421, email at mienvirothon@macd.org or visit: http://www.michiganenvirothon.org
Spirit of Innovation Awards
Sponsored by the Conrad Foundation, the Spirit of Innovation Awards is an annual competition that challenges teams of high school students to create innovative products for use in one of four categories: aerospace exploration, space nutrition, renewable energy and green schools. Teams and their coaches will compete for more than $100,000 in cash prizes; the opportunity to be designated as Pete Conrad Scholars and have the opportunity to commercialize their products for general market use; and annual memberships to the Conrad Foundation, Sigma Xi, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Science Teachers Association-the Foundation's official education advisor. For more information about the program, visit:
http://www.conradawards.com
Applications must be submitted no later than December 15, 2009 to be considered.
Genetics Lecture
For those of you close enough to make the trip for an evening lecture, the GVSU Regional Math and Science Center is sponsoring a lecture by Dr. Sam Rhine. Dr. Rhine, a leading expert in Human Genetics education. The lecture is Monday evening, September 28, 2009. For more information, please visit: http://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc
Middle School and High School Science
Upcoming Vernier Workshops in Michigan
Join the instructors from Vernier for four hours and learn how to integrate their data-collection technology into your chemistry, biology, physics, math, middle school science, physical science, and Earth science curriculum. You will have the opportunity to explore their award-winning sensor interface, the Vernier LabQuest. These free, 4-hour, hands-on workshops include a meal and lab handouts. The dates and locations are:
Grand Rapids, MI
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
Detroit, MI
Thursday, October 15, 2009
4:00-8:00 PM
Doubletree Hotel Dearborn
For more information and online registration, visit:
register@vernier.com
Cassini Scientist for a Day Contest
The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three target images taken by the Cassini spacecraft and choose the one they think will yield the best scientific results. This choice must then be supported in a 500-word essay. Teaming up is encouraged. Winners will participate in a teleconference with Cassini scientists.
The contest is open to all students in the United States from grades 5-12, working alone or in groups of up to four students. The essays will be divided into three groups: grades 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. All submissions must be students' original work. Each student can submit only one entry.
Deadline for Fall 2009 submissions is 3 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2009. For more information, visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/scientistforaday/
2010 Team America Rocketry Challenge Accepting Applications
Registration is open for the Team America Rocketry Challenge 2010, a national model rocket competition for U.S. students in grades 7 through 12. Thousands of students compete each year in the Team America Rocketry Challenge, the world's largest model rocket contest. Teams of three to 10 students are challenged to design, build and fly a model rocket that will climb to 825 feet with a raw egg payload and stay aloft for 40 to 45 seconds. The payload must then return to earth unbroken. Cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers. NASA invites top teams to participate in their Student Launch Initiative, an advanced rocketry program.
Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by November 30, 2009. For more information, visit:
http://www.rocketcontest.org/
Questions about this contest should be sent to rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org.
Blog on the Universe - A Powerful Resource for Teachers of Science and Math
The recently launched Blog on the Universe is dedicated to helping teachers make science an adventure. Every week use Dr. Jeff's new conceptual nuggets and challenges to foster thought-provoking and inspiring discussions in the classroom. It's a blog committed to conceptual understanding at an emotional level, helping to make the nature of the world understandable to all, and teachable by teachers. Join Dr. Jeff and take a ride to the frontiers of human exploration - together.
The compelling posts include a Weekly Challenge, Teachable Moments in the News, and the endearing Driving with Jordi. Content areas include: Global Warming and Earth's Environment; Solar System science and exploration; and the universe as a whole. Each post is designed to be used as a lesson. A new Teachers Lesson Planner summarizes for each post, the essential question, concepts employed, objectives, math skills, and special features, e.g., interdisciplinary connections. The blog also contains Resource Pages with essays on the nature of our existence in a greater universe, the art of teaching, and the power of models in learning environments, powerful quotes on human exploration, and resource lists for teachers, parents, and community leaders.
Get emotional about science, please visit:
http://blogontheuniverse.org/about
DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competiton
DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition gets students writing about science! Students in seventh through 12th grade research and write a 700 to 1,000-word essay about a scientific discovery, theory, event or technological application that has captured their interest. Created to honor the Challenger astronauts, students can win savings bonds up to $5,000, and a trip to Walt Disney World and to the Kennedy Space Center. Teachers win too! Along with the trips with their students, teachers can also win $500 grants. Students have the opportunity to be inspired, to be creative, and to tell a story in this essay about any scientific topic. Teachers can use this competition to motivate students to reach beyond themselves and push the limits! To learn more about the competition, check out the website at:
http://thechallenge.dupont.com
Entries will be accepted from December 1, 2009 until January 31, 2010.
Middle School Science
Conference for Middle Level Science Administrators
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in cooperation with the Minneapolis/St. Paul science education community invites middle level science administrators to participate in a workshop geared towards the Urban Science Education Leaders (USEL). It is titled:
USEL Conference: Call to Action for Urban Middle Level Science Administrators
It will take place at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, from 7:30 AM-5:00 PM.
If you have questions about the workshop program, please contact Cindy Moss at cindy.moss@ccms.k12.nc.us or Vanessa Westbrook at vwestbrook@mail.utexas.edu
Elementary and Middle School Science
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
K-8 students have the opportunity to become "Agents of Change" as they team up with their classmates to create replicable solutions to environmental issues in their classroom, school and community. Student and teacher/mentor prizes, which vary according to grade level, include savings bonds, school grants, exciting trips, TV appearances and much more. Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for elementary level entries is January 31, 2010 (finalists and winners to be announced March 10, 2010); and the deadline for middle school entries is March 15, 2010 (state winners to be announced April 26, 2010, and national winners to be announced May 10, 2010). For more information about the Challenge or to register for the competition, visit:
http://www.wecanchange.com
Elementary School Science
PBS Series, Sid the Science Kid
Produced by The Jim Henson Company in partnership with KCET, this PBS Kids series encourages preschoolers to explore the foundations of science in everyday occurrences, such as melting popsicles and sneezing. In the series' sketch-comedy format, Sid, an inquisitive youngster, tackles the everyday ideas that preschoolers find fascinating (Why do bananas go "bad"? Why do my shoes seem to shrink? How does a bird fly without a plane?) Check out the series website at:
http://pbskids.org/sid
for video clips, printables, information for parents and teachers, and science activities, along with a new online game, focusing on weather and learning.
Disney's Planet Challenge
Fourth through sixth grade students have the opportunity to make a difference in their surroundings while using science, math, composition and problem-solving skills. Disney's Planet Challenge has gone nationwide and now students across the country can participate! Registration is now open and students can win prizes, classroom grants, a trip to Disneyland® with their classmates, a chance to be on a TV show and much more! Teachers can use the Challenge with their lesson plans. Sample plans can be found on the website. Disney's Planet Challenge is a great way to get students involved with their environment in a fun and creative way. Go to:
http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/
to get started. Registration closes December 18, 2009.
September Contest Winners
In September, we gave away science puzzles and magic science tricks. Here is a list of the winners:
- Mindy Horn-Onaway Area Community Schools
- Jill Teegardin-Holy Trinity School, Grand Rapids Diocese
- Terry Cran-Holy Spirit School, Grand Rapids
- Marilyn Ellison-Fountain Elementary School, Roseville Community Schools
- Lynnea Roon-Kelloggsville Schools
- Julie Luehmann-Westwood HS, Ishpeming
- Karen Beaubien-St. Raphael School, Archdiocese of Detroit
Congratulations to all of the winners. If you did not win, keep trying. Next month may be your lucky month.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- January 1-December 31, 2009: The Year of Science. For more information, please visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org
- September 25, 2009: Michigan Green Chemistry Conference "Green Up." For more at the Downtown DoubleTree Hotel in Detroit, MI. For more information, please visit: http://www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops
- September 25, 2009: GEMS Beyond the Solar System Workshop at Central Michigan University. For more information, please visit: http://gems.cmich.edu
- September 26, 2009: Project Learning Tree Workshop at Hawk Woods Nature Center in Commerce Township. For more information, please contact Mike Mansour at 248-672-0682
- September 26, 2009: Project Wild/Wild Aquatic Workshop at Central Michigan University. For more information, please visit: http://gems.cmich.edu
- September 28, 2009: Genetics Lecture by Dr. Sam Rhine at Grand Valley State University. For more information, please visit: ttp://www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/index.cfm?action=home.events&eventId=E0D6FF0E-D83E-E23A-19CA39A52AE1DE68
- September 29, 2009: 2nd Annual Aquatic Academy for Teachers hosted by the Muskegon Watershed Assembly. For more information, please download: http://www.mrwa.org/repository/pdf/brochure.pdf
- September 30, 2009: Deadline for K-12 teachers to apply for the NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate. For more information, please visit: http://www.us-satellite.net/endeavor/index.cfm
- September 30, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Leader of the Year in Technology and Learning. For more information, please visit: http://www.techlearning.com/section/LeaderoftheYear
- September 30, 2009: Deadline for students in grades 5-12 to enter the Cassini Scientist for a Day Contest. For more information, please visit: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/scientistforaday
- October 2, 2009: Deadline to apply for the State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grants for Environmental Responsibility, for High School Students. For more information, please visit: http://www.statefarmyab.com/apply.php
- October 3, 2009: Project Learning Tree Workshop at the Pierce Creek Institute. For more information, please contact Doug Wright at: 269-721-4434 or visit http://www.cedarcreekinstitute.org
- October 4 - 10, 2009: World Space Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.worldspaceweek.org/
- October 5, 2009: Deadline to apply to present at the MSTA Conference in Lansing. To obtain a speaker form, please visit:
http://www.msta-mich.org/conference/vendor_speaker.php - October 5-16, 2009: Free Online PD for Teachers of All Grades on Ocean Exploration and Research. To register, please visit: http://www.coexploration.org/oe
- October 6-7, 2009: Project Learning Tree Facilitators Training at the River Hawk Conference Center at the Proud Lake Recreation Area. For more information, please contact Ada Takacs at: takacsa@michigan.gov
- October 8-10, 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
- October 9, 2009: Dark Matter and Quantum Physics Workshop at the Midland Center for the Arts Alden B. Dow Science Museum. For more information, please contact Alan Gibson at: fziksman@yahoo.com or 248-651-1726
- October 9, 2009: GEMS Hide a Butterfly Workshop at Central Michigan University. For more information, please visit: http://gems.cmich.edu
- October 9, 2009: Deadline for high schools to apply for the Green Your School Contest, sponsored by the Student Conservation Association. For more information, please visit: http://www.thesca.org/green-your-school
- October 9, 2009: Deadline for K-12 Students to enter the Tech and Learning's 7th Annual Digital Photography Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.techlearning.com/section/PortraitsofLearning
- October 10, 2009: Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Fall Meeting at the Midland Center for the Arts. For more information, please visit: http://www.miaapt.org/meeting_next.html
- October 11-17, 2009: Earth Science Week. For more information, please visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org
- October 12, 2009: Deadline to register for the 2009 Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle Workshop on the Great Lakes campus of Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI. For more information please contact Keith Forton at: fortonke@tcaps.net (include ROV application in the subject line)
- October 14, 2009: Free Hands-On Vernier Workshop at the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport from 4:00 - 8:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.vernier.com/workshop/
- October 15, 2009: Free Hands-On Vernier Workshop at the Doubletree Hotel in Dearborn from 4:00 - 8:00. For more information, please visit: http://www.vernier.com/workshop/
- October 22, 2009: Initial Test Date for the 5th and 8th grade science MEAP assessments.
- October 24, 2009: MDSTA Fall Conference at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. For more information please contact Kelvin Wise at: wisepill@aol.com
- October 28, 2009: Urban Middle Level Science Educators Conference in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please contact Cindy Moss at: cindy.moss@ccms.k12.nc.us
- October 31, 2009: Deadline for Project Learning Tree Greenworks Grants. For more information, please contact Ada Takacs at: takacsa@michigan.gov
- November 15, 2009: Deadline to apply for the Seeds of Education Grants. For more information, please visit: http://www.for-wild.org/seedmony.html
- November 18, 2009: Fall Science Update at Grand Valley State University from 8:00 - 3:00. For more information, please contact Margo Dill at: dillm@gvsu.edu
- November 30, 2009: Deadline for K-2 Science Teachers to apply for the Zula International Early Science Educator Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnavhp#zula
- November 30, 2009: Deadline for Grade 6-9 Teachers to apply for the DCAT Making a Difference Award. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnav#dcat
- November 30, 2009: Deadline for MS and HS teachers to register for the 2010 Team America Rocketry Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.rocketcontest.org
- December 15, 2009: Deadline for high school students to register for the Spirit of Innovation Awards. For more information, please visit: http://www.conradawards.com
- December 18, 2009: Deadline for 4th - 6th grade students and teachers to enter the Disney Planet Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge
- January 18, 2010: Deadline to apply for the Toyota Tapestry Grants for K-12 Teachers. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry
- January 31, 2010: Last day for 7th - 12th grade students to enter the DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition. For more information, please visit: http://thechallenge.dupont.com/
- January 31, 2010: Deadline for 5th grade students to enter the 2010 Arbor Day National Poster Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/?gclid=CLCm54Prr5wCFQebnAod5B5Ckg
- January 31, 2010: Deadline for elementary students to enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com
- February 2, 2010: Deadline for K-12 students to apply for the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program. For more information, please visit: http://www.exploravision.org
- March 4-6, 2010: MSTA Conference in Lansing, MI. For more information, please visit: http://msta-mich.org
- March 15, 2010: Deadline for high school students to enter the DNA Day Essay Contest. For more information, please visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml
- March 15, 2010: Deadline for middle school students to enter the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. For more information, please visit: http://www.wecanchange.com
- March 18-21, 2010: NSTA Conference in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2010phi/?lid=tnavhp
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