AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1 - amsek16.orgamsek16.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AMSE... · AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1 ... This gauge will begin to help you as a teacher

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AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1

March 2014

Inside this Issue

From the President…….Pages 2

AMSE Article……...Page 3

AMSE Events...Pages 4-7

AMSE Award…Pages 9-10

Voting Ballot…..11

Membership….Page 12

Boston, Massachusetts

April 3-6, 2014

Officers

President:

Robert Ferguson, PhD

Immediate Past President

Eddie Chevis

Past President:

Cherry Brewton, Ed. D.

Secretary:

Sharon Delesbore, PhD

Treasurer:

Joe Moore

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From the President

_______________________

Dear AMSE Members,

I hope your winter is going well. It was -17° C (2 °F) this morning as I drove into work. This

colder-than-normal winter has prompted questions about the idea of “global warming.” I used

quotes marks because global warming is a narrow term that refers to average global tempera-

ture increases. The more encompassing term, Global Climate Change on the other hand refers to

changes in temperature, precipitation, and/or wind patterns. Of course, you probably know

that The Next Generation Science Standards include Climate Change. See HS-ESS3, Earth and

Human Activity.

Speaking of the NGSS, have you had a chance to read through them? At a Town Hall meeting

during the NSTA Regional Conference on Science Education in Charlotte, AMSE was fortunate to

have Emily Miller present. Emily was involved with writing, “Appendix D - "All Standards, All

Students”: Making the Next Generation Science Standards Accessible to All Students.” The

vignette she described focused on teaching economically disadvantaged students. She provided

great insight into Appendix D, effective classroom strategies, and other resources.

AMSE is double fortunate as Emily has agreed to participate in the AMSE Town Hall Session at

the NSTA 2014 National Conference in Boston. We have 10 hours of scheduled presentations, we

are hosting the Alice Moses Breakfast, we are holding our annual membership meeting, and in

partnership with the Committee on Equity/Gender we are organizing the Share a thon. We hope

you can join us in Boston.

Voting for candidates will take place soon. We will have a traditional ballot at the membership

meeting in Boston. Look for an announcement on using electronic voting if you are unable to

attend. We greatly desire to hear from you. Cast your votes.

Robert Ferguson

AMSE President, 2013-2016

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On Your Mark, Get Ready, Set…NGSS!

As I travel across the country and hear the excitement about the new science standards, I also hear the panic

about implementation, “Where do we begin?” Well, just like the fastest sprinter will tell you, “You have to relax in order to

focus on your race,” we, as the professional science educators that we are, have to take a deep breath, exhale, and then recog-

nize that this wonderfully designed document gives us our starting point, the Science and Engineering Practices.

The eight Science and Engineering Practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards reflect one of

three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards that help bring science to life. This dimension allows you to create

mental images of we should see taking place in the classroom. The term “practice” insinuates action. Listed are the actions of

scientists:

Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

2. Developing and using models

3. Planning and carrying out investigations

4. Analyzing and interpreting data

5. Using mathematics and computational thinking

6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

7. Engaging in argument from evidence

8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

So where should you begin? Regardless if your state has officially adopted the NGSS, start with learning the

format of the NGSS. Once you relax, you will see that it is friendly, comprehensive, and strategically structured to enhance

science education for the next generation. When designing your lessons, use the Science and Engineering Practices as a guide to

ensure your students are “doing” science. This gauge will begin to help you as a teacher evaluate the rigor of your teaching and

your students’ learning. No longer will we sprint through lessons and not assess the knowledge of our students without seeing

the actions of scientists (i.e. Science and Engineering Practices). We must be committed to the practice of science, as any athlete

is committed to his training. The future of our next generation is at stake; therefore, stay strong, train hard, and endure the race

as we grow professionally in order to prepare our future scientists for the next generation.

Reference:

http://www.nextgenscience.org/

Author:

Sharon Delesbore, Ph.D.

Professional Development Associate – The Leadership and Learning Center

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Thursday

AMSE Session: Scientific Concepts Made "Ridiculously" Simple Using Case Studies

Thursday, April 3 8:00–9:00 AM

Seaport Hotel, Constitution

This session will assist you in understanding the relevance and implementation of the NGSS with the use of

case studies as a powerful tool to enhance scientific instruction with multicultural populations.

Presenter(s): Chelia McCoo Dogan (Elsik High School: Houston, TX)

AMSE Session: Creating Project Based Learning (PBL) Experiences

Thursday, April 3 9:30–10:30 AM


Learn more about Project Based Learning (PBL), a special case of inquiry used to invigorate any curriculum.

Join us as we discuss examples from urban high schools.

Presenter(s): Robert L. Ferguson (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH)

AMSE Session: Developing Science and Engineering Skills Through Informal Science Programs

Thursday, April 3 11:00 AM–12:00 PM


Come discover how low-cost materials can be used to develop students' problem-solving skills. This workshop

will share activities that reinforce science and engineering practices.

Presenter(s): Pamela O. Gilchrist (North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC)

AMSE Session: Helping Students Make Sense of Climate Change

Thursday, April 3 12:30–1:30 PM


Climate is a particularly complex system controlled by the interactions of the atmosphere, ocean, and other

Earth systems. Earth's climate is governed by the very fundamental First Law of Thermodynamics. This session

presents teacher-developed unit plans that illustrate how K–8 teachers tackled the complexities of issues

around climate change.

Presenter(s): Bobby J. Jeanpierre (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL)

AMSE Session: Engineering Through Aquaculture Technology for Women



Recirculating aquaculture (fish farming) could be an indirect way to introduce engineering to women and

underserved populations, while addressing scientific concepts and engineering practices.

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Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Board Meeting


Seaport Hotel, Seaport Ballroom C

By Invitation Only

Friday

AMSE Alice J. Moses Breakfast

Friday, April 4 7:00–9:00 AM

Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse II

By Invitation Only

AMSE Session: Using Games and Challenges to Formatively Assess Students' Conceptual Understanding in

Science



Add excitement and pizzazz to your classroom by playing games and challenging your students to think on an

entirely new level! This session will keep your students coming back for more!

Presenter(s): Gale C. Stanford (Holub M.S./Alief ISD: Houston, TX); Karen D. Jacobs

(Alief ISD: Houston, TX)

AMSE Session: The Smarts Are There



Join this dialogue! Discover the learning fun in the NGSS while challenging ALL students in welcoming class-

room atmospheres drenched with the feeling of "Belonging." Handouts!

Presenter(s): Sue Ford (Retired Educator: Rocky Mount, NC)

AMSE Session: Leadership for the Next Generation in Science Education

Friday, April 4 11:00 AM–12:00 PM


A.I.M. to establish a successful science program with support of knowledgeable leadership willing to prepare all

students for the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will utilize the A.I.M. framework to establish a

successful science program.

Presenter(s): Sharon J. Delesbore (The Leadership and Learning Center: Houston, TX)

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AMSE Session: A Science Teacher's Power: Concrete Strategies for Improved Classroom Equity

Friday, April 4 12:30–1:30 PM


As classrooms become more linguistically, racially, and economically diverse, teachers need to develop a toolbox

of strategies to meet the needs of all students.

Presenter(s): Melissa Campanella (Noel Community Arts School: Denver, CO); Deb Morrison (University of Colorado:

Boulder, CO)

AMSE Session: Small Talk, Big Ideas!



Engage in conversational techniques promoting rich academic classroom exchanges designed to increase student

opportunities for effective communication in math and science.

Presenter(s): Paula Martin Johnson (Intercultural Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX); Veronica

D. Betancourt (Intercultural Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX)

AMSE Session: Science Instruction for All Students



Extend learning by allowing students to creatively demonstrate understanding of science content. These activi-

ties provide students with choices that appeal to their interests and learning profiles.

Presenter(s): Melissa Sleeper (Sebastian River Middle School: Sebastian, FL)

Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Membership Meeting


Seaport Hotel, Seaport Ballroom C

Saturday

AMSE/NSTA Minority Caucus George Washington Carver Breakfast

Saturday, April 5 7:00–9:00 AM


By Invitation Only

AMSE Session: Enhancing a STEM Culture Through Multidisciplinary Education and Research Teams

Saturday, April 5 9:30–10:30 AM


Come learn how to enhance an academic pipeline for training and mentoring K–12 and undergraduate students

for STEM careers.

Presenter(s): Preston D. Robinson III (Jackson Public Schools: Jackson, MS); Constance Martin (Jackson State

University: Jackson, MS)

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Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Town Hall Meeting

Saturday, April 5 11:00 AM–1:00 PM


Following the Lead of the Next Generation Science Standards: All Standards, All Students

With the increase of learner diversity in our classrooms, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) make it

clear that concerns about equity should be at the forefront of efforts to improve and support learning for all stu-

dents. What are the strategies and what are the promises? Join our discussion and share your ideas!

Facilitators: Cherry C. Brewton, AMSE Past President, and Robert Ferguson, AMSE President

Presenter(s): Emily Miller (Madison Metropolitan School District: Madison, WI); Veronica D. Betancourt (Intercultural

Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX); Pamela O. Gilchrist (North Carolina State University: Raleigh,

NC); Joe Moore (Wheeless Road Elementary School: Augusta, GA); Sharon J. Delesbore (The Leadership and Learning

Center: Houston, TX); Bobby J. Jeanpierre (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL); Kathy D. Thigpen-Wright

(Hughes STEM High School: Cincinnati, OH); Sue Ford (Retired Educator: Rocky Mount, NC); Deb Morrison (University

of Colorado: Boulder, CO); Lovelle Ruggiero, New York

AMSE Session: A Glimpse at the Science Education in India

Saturday, April 5 12:30–1:00 PM


Are you interested to learn about science education in India? This session will provide information about the science

curricula and standardized testing in India.

Presenter(s): Kitchka Petrova (Florida State University: Tallahassee, FL)

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“The AMSE Awards” In an effort to honor AMSE members for their efforts in promoting science teaching and learning to students of culturally diverse backgrounds, the

Awards Committee invites you to apply for one of the following recognitions:

1. Legends in Science Education Award

2. Excellence in Science Teaching Award

3. Leadership in Science Education Award

This award will recognize educators (AMSE members) including K – 12 classroom teachers, K – 12 administrators, collegiate level professors and

retirees with a minimum of 15 years experience who have paved the way for science education. These legends focus on providing opportunities for

students of culturally diverse backgrounds.

This award will recognize K – 12* classroom teachers (AMSE members) who exemplify the following objectives of AMSE:

1. Stimulate and promote science teaching to students of culturally diverse backgrounds.

2. Motivate such students to consider science-related careers.

Explore and promote the improvement of science curricula, educational systems and teaching methods in school to assist such stimulations.

*No limitation based on years of teaching experience

This award will recognize individuals (AMSE members) in leadership positions who exemplify the following objectives of AMSE:

1. Recruit and involve teachers of students of culturally diverse backgrounds in science education.

Encourage teachers to initiate and engage in activities and programs that improve the science education of culturally diverse students.

Winners of an AMSE Awards will:

Recognition at the annual Alice Moses breakfast.

Receive a “Certificate of Recognition”

Spotlight on the AMSE website

Commit to one of the following:

1. Submit an article for publication in the AMSE newsletter.

2. Prepare a lesson focusing on multiculturalism for the Share-A-Thon presented by the

Multicultural/Equity Committee

3. Present at a national/regional conference as an AMSE designee

4. Please note:

Number of winners per award based upon applications received and committee selection (rubric)

Self – nominations will be accepted.

Application deadline: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 5:00 pm (central); submit to Sharon Delesbore at [email protected]

Legends in Science Education Award

Excellence in Science Teaching Award

Leadership in Science Education Award

mailto:[email protected]

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The AMSE Awards Application

Personal Information Title: Mr. Ms. Mrs. Dr.

Last Name: _________________________ First Name: _________________________

Home Address: _______________________________________________________

Home Phone: _______________________ Mobile: ______________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________________

AMSE Membership since: ______________ (initial membership year)

Complete one (1) section for the appropriate recognition:

Legends in Science Education Award

Years of experience in science education: _________

Essay: Describe, in detail, your contribution to science education including opportunities you have created for students of

culturally diverse backgrounds. (500 words maximum)

Years of teaching science: ________

Essay: As a teacher, how do you stimulate, motivate, and promote science education to students of culturally diverse

backgrounds? In what ways have you explored and promoted the improvement of science curricula, educational

systems and teaching methods in school to assist such stimulations?

(500 words maximum)

Years in educational leadership: __________

Essay: As an educational leader, discuss your involvement in recruiting teachers of students of culturally diverse back-

grounds in science education as well as your role in encouraging teachers to initiate and engage in activities and

programs that improve the science education of culturally diverse students.

(500 words maximum)

Application deadline: Thursday , March 20, 2014, 5:00 pm (central)

Submit to Sharon Delesbore, AMSE Secretary, at [email protected]

Excellence in Science Teaching Award

Leadership in Science Education Award

mailto:[email protected]

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AMSE Ballot: 2014

President-Elect (Term is 2014-2016). Vote for one

_____1. Sharon Delesbore

_____2. Rajeev Kumar Swami

Secretary (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one

_____1. Pamela Olivia Gilchrist

Treasurer (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one

No Nominations

Board of Director #1 (Term is 2014-2015). Vote for one

_____1. Lovelle Ruggiero


_____1. Bobby Jeanpierre


_____1. Deb Morrison


_____1. Chelia McCoo Dogan


_____1. Rajeev Kumar Swami

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AMSE Website and Member-

ship Application

http://www.amsek16.org/

www.amsek16.org/

Welcome.html

AMSE Newsletter Committee

Cherry Brewton, Ed. D.

Chelia McCoo Dogan

Robert Ferguson, PhD

Pamela Gilchrist

Sharon Delesbore, PhD

http://www.amsek16.org/www.amsek16.org/Membership.html

http://www.amsek16.org/www.amsek16.org/Membership.html

Documents

AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1 - amsek16.orgamsek16.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/AMSE... · AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1 ... This gauge will begin to help you as a teacher