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RI Science Professional Development and Student
Opportunity Bulletin
February 21, 2014 This bulletin will be sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
If you would like to share an event, quality resource, or other opportunity, please follow the directions for doing so at
the bottom of the newsletter. To SUBSCRIBE send an email to [email protected] with SUBSCRIBE RISCI-MSHS in the Subject Line
Go To RIScienceTeachers - https://riscienceteachers.wikispaces.com/ for PDF copy of past
issues
New In This
Bulletin
NGSS News News Web Sites
Job
Opportunities
Prof.
Development
Student
Opportunities
New In This Bulletin:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s AweSTEM! 2014 STEM
Educator Conference – Registration Limited Register by
February 24th (K-12)
Texas Instruments™ Science/Math Professional
Development for Middle School/High School Providence,
Rhode Island “Super Saturday” Mini-PD Event Sponsored
by the Rhode Island Science Teachers Association, RI
Mathematics Teachers Association and TI – March 22
NSTA/NASA Free Online Course: Teaching Tomorrow’s
Engineers – Course Begins March 24th
(Middle School)
Concept Mapping As A Tool For Meaningful Learning And
Helping Students Learn How To Learn (Middle and High
School)
Job Opportunities:
Long-Term Substitute Position in North Kingstown North Kingstown High School is seeking candidates for a long-term substitute position from mid March through the
end of the 2013-14 school year. Candidate needs to have current certification in General Science and Biology
For More Information contact:
Richard Powell
Science Department Chair
North Kingstown High School
News:
NGSS News:
NGSS One Pagers NSTA offers a tremendous collection of resources designed to help provide more information for the NGSS.
Three Dimensions of NGSS (Color | B&W) This three page pdf document provides general information of each of the three dimensions of the NGSS specifically
the science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and the crosscutting concepts.
A Look at the Next Generation Science Standards (Color | B&W)
This two page pdf document provides a detailed look at the architecture of the NGSS standards.
Venn Diagram of the Practices in Science, Math, and ELA (Color | B&W)
This pdf shows how the practices of the NGSS, CCSS-Math, and CCSS ELA intersect and support each other.
Matrix of Disciplinary Core Ideas in the NGSS
Here you will find a complete matrix of the disciplinary core ideas of the NGSS by domain
RIDE’s NGSS Page
Find easy access to the NGSS standards, information on RI’s participation as a Lead State, the Framework, and other
resources
Recorded Link for RIDE’s Webinar – Next Generation Science Standards – Rhode Island’s Implementation
Plan originally webcast on September 17th
can be found under the Resources section of the RIDE NGSS page
along with a PDF of the PPT.
Science Web Sites Worth Exploring:
Common Core Resources for Literacy in Science
Grades 6-12 Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects Standards can be accessed by clicking on the pull down menu on
the
left hand side of the screen
Curriculum and Instruction Resources for Literacy in Science on the RIDE
web Site
http://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/Science/CurriculumInstructionResou
rces.aspx Here you will find CCSS aligned tasks and resources to go deeper into the understanding of the CCSS
Standards for Literacy in Science. Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to PARCC -
http://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/TransitiontotheCCSSandPARCC.aspx This page contains recent updates, key information, and quality resources for educators and the public to
support our state's education system in its transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the
PARCC Assessment for ELA/literacy and mathematics.
UCAR Climate System Teachers Guide - http://eo.ucar.edu/educators/ClimateDiscovery/ This teacher's guide was produced by the National Center for Atmospheric Research as a companion to the Climate
Discovery exhibit at our Boulder, Colorado laboratory. Each unit contains lessons appropriate for grades 5-9 on a variety
of Earth system science topics that facilitate student learning about our planet's climate system.
Introduction to Climate Models -
https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=913 This module explains how climate models work. Because the modeling of both weather and climate share many
similarities, the content throughout this module draws frequent comparisons and highlights the differences. We
explain not only how, but why climate models differ from weather models. To do so, we explore the difference
between weather and climate, then show how models are built to simulate climate and generate the statistics that
describe it. We conclude with a discussion of models are tuned and tested.
Complete E Books for Astronomy and Natural Hazards for Middle School -
http://jhodge.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us/Class+Workbooks Classroom workbooks online files available for catastrophic events and earth in space.
Using NASA Data - https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/
MY NASA DATA (MND) is a tool that allows anyone to make use of satellite data that was previously
unavailable. Through the use of MND’s Live Access Server (LAS) a multitude of charts, plots and graphs can be
generated using a wide variety of constraints. This site provides a large number of lesson plans with a wide variety of
topics, all with the students in mind. Not only can you use our lesson plans, you can use the LAS to improve the ones
that you are currently implementing in your classroom.
Science Daily – Today’s Top Science News - http://www.sciencedaily.com/ No other web site offers readers the depth and breadth of breaking news about the latest scientific discoveries that
ScienceDaily does in such a user-friendly format – all freely accessible with no subscription fees. With over 65,000
research articles, 15,000 images, 2,500 encyclopedia entries, 1,500 book reviews, and hundreds of educational videos,
there is something for everyone on ScienceDaily.
Science Resources for Early Childhood -
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/educators/resources/mess-early-childhood/ Marvelous Explorations Through Science and Stories: MESS is a science-centered early childhood curriculum
enhancement. The goal of MESS is to foster children's language development, literacy development, problem solving,
curiosity and motivation, and general knowledge through science experiences. MESS includes 10 month-long units
that are appropriate for 3- through 5-year-old children. Each unit includes field-tested science experiences,
suggestions for ways to integrate each topic across the curriculum, lists of recommended books and science
materials, and ideas for involving families in children's learning at home and in other settings.
Environmental Protection Agency – My Green Apps - http://www.epa.gov/mygreenapps/ Welcome to My Green Apps, your destination for over 230 apps to help you understand and protect the environment.
In addition to finding apps, you can also tell us what apps you’d like someone to make and suggest an existing app
we could add to this site.
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
FREE Model Chemical Hygiene Plans To Be Provided to K-12 Schools by Lab Safety
Institute (LSI)
LSI has completed the arrangements to provide all K-12 schools and community colleges with a free copy of our
Model Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Procedure for Requesting a Free Copy of LSI’s Model Chemical Hygiene Plan, School/Community College
Edition
Restrictions
The free Model Chemical Hygiene Plan (MCHP) is intended only for schools (K-12) and community colleges (two-year
post-secondary academic institutions). As a copyrighted document, it is subject to several important restrictions.
The MCHP may not be duplicated or reproduced in any print or electronic format. Permission is granted to each K-12
school and community college to customize the plan and distribute printed or electronic (intranet) copies within that
school or community college. Other schools or community college should request their own free copy from LSI.
Finally, the electronic posting of this MCHP or the revised ones on a website visible on the internet is specifically
prohibited.
How to Request the MCHP
1. Clicking on this link will take you to the MCHP/SE in LSI’s webstore.
2. Click on the “add to shopping cart” button.
3. Enter CHPSEF in the coupon code box.
4. Click “Proceed to Check-out”.
5. If you are an existing customer, please log in. Otherwise, please register to place your order. Make a note of
your email address and password. Both will be needed to download the MCHP. Then, click on “continue
checkout”.
6. Click on Purchase Order and “Continue Checkout”.
7. Accept the general terms and conditions
8. Click on “Complete the order”.
You will receive an email indicating that your order has been received. Within 48 hours of order receipt you will
receive a second email indicating how to retrieve your free copy of LSI’s Model Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Assistance
LSI can help you with the development, revision, and implementation of your chemical hygiene plan. Contact Mary
Thompson for more information: [email protected]
Understanding the Cosmos: A New Science-Related Teacher Resource from the Library of
Congress - http://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2014/02/understanding-the-cosmos-a-new-
science-related-teacher-resource-from-the-library-of-congress/
The Library of Congress announces the launch of the Library’s newest primary source set, Understanding the Cosmos:
Changing Models of the Solar System and the Universe,
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/understanding-the-cosmos/?loclr=blogtea
Teachers and students can explore these models and the astronomers who created them. More than a dozen
drawings, illustrations, and heavenly atlases from across the centuries invite students to zoom in on and examine
details. Historical background and teaching ideas support teachers as they guide students in speculating about these
documents creators, the ideas they developed, and methods and principles that even today are common to scientists
across disciplines.
Contact Rich Cairn, Director, Collaborative for Educational Services Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources
program if you are interested in setting up free professional development on this resource.
Rich Cairn, Collaborative for Educational Services (CES)
Program Director, Emerging America
Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources
Teaching American History
Editor, CES Publications
97 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060 [email protected]
(413) 586-4900 x166
(413) 586-2878 fax
http://emergingamerica.org
Professional Development Workshops - http://www.collaborative.org/resources/publications
Preparing for Climate Change: Engaging Students in the Discussion: Professional
Development Workshop at Waquoit Bay Reserve (Middle and HS Teachers)
Professional Development Workshop at Waquoit Bay Reserve - Preparing for Climate Change: Engaging Students in
the Discussion
February 18, 9-4:30 pm, PDPs available Workshop is free but registration required
Hello teachers! We’re excited to offer a one day workshop and plus an optional field trip during the February vacation
break. Get a head start on Common Core and Science and Technology standards. Sign up soon as space is limited.
Sign up on line at http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/event-registration/?ee=76
For middle and high school science, civics, social studies teachers featuring a climate change preparation role play
simulation presented by MIT
Try hands-on and NOAA web-based classroom activities Meet scientists
Take home resources for your classroom
Optional field trip to Falmouth’s South Coast and the Sandwich coastline
Feb. 17, 1-5 pm limited to 10 teachers (must attend the workshop on Feb. 18)
Greg Berman, Coastal Processes Specialist for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant and Cape Cod
Cooperative Extension will lead a van tour to view examples of coastal flooding and erosion and what homeowners
are doing to try to deal with it.
Workshop will be held at Waquoit Bay Reserve Headquarters, 131 Waquoit Hwy (Rt. 28) in Waquoit, East Falmouth.
Advance registration is required.
For more information, contact Joan Muller, Education Coordinator, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve,
[email protected] , 508-457-0495 x107 www.waquoitbayreserve.org
WEBINAR: NGSS Core Ideas: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits – February 25th ,
6:30 PM EST
NSTA continues to explore the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by presenting a web seminar series focusing
on the disciplinary core ideas. On Tuesday, February 11th the web seminars on the disciplinary core ideas continue
with a presentation on Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits which will address questions such as "How are
the characteristics of one generation related to the previous generation?" and "Why do individuals of the same
species vary in how they look, function, and behave?" "Specifically this web seminar will provide guidance on:
which concepts are central to understanding heredity
how students' understanding of heredity might progress over their K-12 education
how students can engage in the scientific and engineering practices to gain an understanding of these ideas
what instruction might look like in the classroom
Click here to Register today! Upon registering you will receive an e-mail confirmation including information about
the program and suggested links to visit in preparation of the event. Additional information about the web seminar
will be e-mailed to you days before the program.
Details
Title: NGSS Core Ideas: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Target audience: K–12 science teachers
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT / 4:30 p.m. MT / 3:30 p.m. PT
Duration: 90 minutes
Note: New users should log in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for an introduction to NSTA web seminars
Note: New users should log in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for an introduction to NSTA web
seminars.
Presenter: Ravit Golan Duncan
Each web seminar is a unique, stand-alone, program. Archives of the web seminars and the presenters’ PowerPoint
presentations will be available through the links on this web page. Learn more about the features of the web seminar
and read answers to frequently asked questions from participants.
The popular NGSS@NSTA web seminar series will feature future presentations focused on the life science disciplinary
core ideas from the Next Generation Science Standards. For more information—or to register for a free web seminar—
click on the links below.
March 11, NGSS Core Ideas: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Presenter: Cindy Passmore
EPA's Environmental Education Teacher Awards Application Period Now Open - Deadline:
February 28, 2014 (K-12)
The Environmental Protection Agency is welcoming applications from public school teachers (K-12) for the third
annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education. The award recognizes outstanding K-12
teachers and their local education agencies nationwide for excellence in integrating environmental education into
their lessons and connecting students with their communities and the natural world. Winners will receive $2,000 to
support their professional development in environmental education and each winner's school will also receive a
$2,000 award to help fund environmental education activities and programs that support the teacher.
For more information, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-
educators[www2.epa.gov]
For questions, please contact: [email protected]
Register for the 2014 Annual RI Science Teachers Association (RISTA) Conference:
Exploring the Dimensions of Science – March 1st, LaSalle Academy
2014 Spring Conference:Exploring the Dimensions of Science
March 1st at LaSalle Academy from 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Amy Leidtke, Keynote Speaker - “Investigating Minds: Empowering Children and Teachers through Design”
RISD Faculty member and Principal of Leidtke Design Amy Leidtke is an accomplished industrial designer, artist and
educator with a standing record of success combining the disciplines of research, strategic and master planning,
ideation and design development, participatory design workshops, in an inclusive professional design practice. Ms.
Leidtke has been directly responsible for the planning, management and coordination of projects reaching millions of
people. From studio to shop, she is experienced in all facets of the design process, including brainstorming,
programming, design and production.
For twenty-plus years, Leidtke has worked on projects such as immersive play and learning environments, traveling
exhibits and products for mass production, including children’s educational kits/activities, medical equipment, retail
displays and corporate identity systems. Leidtke is a master teaching artist, having served as a Designer-In-Residence
with public and private schools, working with children, youth and educators to create fun, interactive products and
experiences within the context of academically integrated curriculum. Programs focus on themes including but not
limited to brainstorming, collaboration, empathy, communication, drawing and design thinking.
Leidtke is author of RISD Design Connections: Curriculum Tools for Design Education, which includes a set of design
skill-building projects for middle and high school students. Leidtke is a faculty member of SmART Schools, which
provides K-12 educators with professional development opportunities, “… dedicated to creating arts-infused schools
and classrooms where students of all backgrounds are inspired to meet high academic standards.” Amy is also a
member of the RI Strategic Leadership Team for the Implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards
Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Breakout sessions for all levels and disciplines
Select Retail Vendors and Local Organizations will be available
Registration Cost - $55 (includes 2014-15 membership)
Register for Conference Only - $35
Register online at www.rista.us
NEW!!! Spring 2014 Science Writing Workshops at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
To register, contact Dr. Judith Sumner, [email protected]
Workshop 1: Common Core: Argumentative Science Writing Saturday 3/1, 10 am-4 pm, Mass Academy of Math
and Science, WPI, Worcester, MA
Styrofoam cups? Personal genetic testing? Cognitive-enhancing drugs? Kinetic bombardment? The Common Core
and PARCC assessments call for evidence-based argumentative writing in which students make claims, organize
textual evidence, build logical arguments, and summarize their conclusionsall while writing in an objective, formal
style.
This one-day workshop will focus on controversies in science, technology, and medicine that provide excellent
platforms for student investigation and argument. We will begin with effective research strategies using school
databases and Google strategies to identify unbiased, authentic sources. Then we will use graphic organizers and
writing templates to organize arguments with logical claims and supporting evidence. From formal essays to oral
presentations, debates, and science conversations, STEM controversies provide exciting classroom springboards for
objective writing and evidence-based discussion.
Workshop 2: Common Core: Science Writing Boot Camp Friday 3/7, 10 am-4 pm, Tower Hill Botanic Garden,
Boylston, MA
Common Core writing calls for good grammar, precise punctuation, correct usage, and accurate citations. In this one-
day workshop designed specifically for science teachers, we will examine the most frequent writing problems, from
comma splices and run-on sentences to weak organization and choppy sentences. We will also investigate scientific
writing styles and the academic language required by the Common Core. Participants will gain confidence as teachers
and editors of analytical writing -- in preparation for coaching their students with argumentative, narrative, and
informational Common Core science writing assignments.
Workshop 3: Got Doldrums? Alternatives to Traditional Lab Reports Saturday 3/15, 10 am-4 pm, Mass Academy
of Math and Science, WPI, Worcester, MA
Have you fallen into the humdrum trap of the required weekly lab report? In this one-day workshop, we will examine
alternatives to the traditional lab report template, including literature reviews that fulfill the informational writing
expectations of the Common Core.
From abstracts and narrative methodologies to logbooks and symposia, participants will investigate a wide range of
options to document hands-on investigations and demonstrations. We will brainstorm many options, with the goal of
crafting the writing prompts so that they are ready to implement in your classroom. We will also discuss when
students should write a complete laboratory report, from introduction to conclusion, and how to use collaboration
and peer-editing to achieve publishable results.
Dr. Judith Sumner
508.831.5943
2014 Southern Division meeting of NEACT – Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Dean College in
Franklin, MA
We are pleased to announce the 2014 Southern Division meeting of NEACT, the New England Association of
Chemistry Teachers. The meeting will take place Saturday morning, March 1, 2014 at Dean College in Franklin, MA.
Please find details below.
Program:
We are delighted to have local high school teachers and a local college professor as our speakers for the March
meeting. We’ll hear proven ways to engage students in primary research even at the high school level--and even
though we teachers are busier than ever. Then we’ll lighten things up with a look at the poetry-driven chemistry
classroom.
Ann Lambert, winner of the 2013 Theodore W. Richards Award for Excellence in Teaching Secondary School
Chemistry and a 2013 finalist for MA Teacher of the Year, will speak to us about how she runs a successful research
class and incorporates research opportunities into her other classes. Students performing original research? Sounds
overwhelming, right? Ann, will make this accessible to you. You’ll leave knowing how to get started. And how to
keep it going.
Martin Berryman, winner of a 2013 Mass Insight Partners in Excellence Award and Mala Radhakrishnan, author of
the acclaimed book of humorous, educational chemistry poetry, .Atomic Romances, Molecular Dances., will discuss
their collaboration, which incorporates poetry and guided inquiry learning into the high school chemistry curriculum.
The speakers will share how they.ve been able to blend these ideas into activities and lessons that make learning fun
and durable. Beware! This talk will be interrupted periodically for poetry readings.
Logistics:
The program begins at 9AM in Campus Center, Room 204, on the Dean College campus with registration at 8:30.
Your best parking is in the lot directly outside the Campus Center on West Central Street in Franklin. The program will
conclude at 11:45, and be followed by a brief NEACT board meeting.
For purposes of planning refreshments, we are asking that you RSVP to [email protected] by February 22.
On-Line PD - Deep-sea Discoveries in the Atlantic Onboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos
Explorer: An Online Workshop to Advance Transatlantic Ocean Science Literacy
March 3 – April 4, 2014
Hosted by
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
In partnership with The College of Exploration
This offering is free for all participants and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
During the 2013 field season, the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer explored a variety of seafloor features and biological
communities among largely unexplored canyons in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, providing new information about
how these canyons change over time and revealing hot spots for biodiversity. From July to August, an interdisciplinary
team of scientists together with ocean educators and the public were able to observe in real time imagery from the
deep Atlantic using NOAA’s new remotely-operated vehicle Deep Discoverer. This workshop will focus on mission
discoveries, including the importance of deepwater canyons, their associated deep-sea corals, newly-discovered cold
methane seeps, and Mytilus Seamount. Join keynote speakers, ocean explorers, scientists, ocean science educators
and others interested in learning more about the deep Atlantic as you gain access to online teaching resources, ROV
highlight videos, multimedia resources and join in conversations with colleagues from around the world.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Tim Shank, Deep-sea Biologist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and NOAA OER Chief Scientist
Dr. Martha Nizinski, Zoologist, National Systematics Laboratory, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Andrea Quattrini, Marine Biology PhD student, Temple University
Dr. Carolyn Ruppel, Geophysicist, U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Field Center
The last two weeks of this online workshop (March 24-April 4) extend the conversation to a broader discussion of
transatlantic ocean science research and education, building a foundation on which to continue the dialogue on
transatlantic ocean literacy. We hope to foster exchanges within a community-based learning environment among
educators, scientists, and others representing many countries who are interested in further defining/describing the
priority areas of focus for transatlantic ocean literacy. The presentations and discussions will be threefold:
Transatlantic Ocean Literacy, Then, Now and In the Future.
Participants will have the option to earn one graduate credit from Ashland University during the first 3 weeks of the
workshop.
To register, please visit: http://www.coexploration.org/oe2014/
Connect and Collect Using Google Forms – March 5th (Seats limited)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
4:00 – 6:00 PM
New England Institute of Technology – 1 New England Blvd, East Greenwich, RI
Looking for a way to track SLO and SOO data? Need a strategy to help connect with students and parents? Learn how
to use free Google Forms as a tool to collect and track student data. Create online forms that automatically collect
responses and generate simple charts based upon the data. Look like a data genius using this simple (and free) tool!
Important Note: You will need to have a personal or school Google account to participate and the password for that
account.
Prerequisite: Strongly recommended that you attend the "Work, Share and Collaborate in the Cloud Using Google
Docs and Google Drive" session prior to attending this session
Presenters: Paul Barrette and John Bilotta
RISTE Member fee $30
Non-member fee $40
To register go to www.ri-iste.org
NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission – (K-5 - MS)
Are you looking for ready-made materials for a STEM-related event with your school or other organization? Celebrate
the launch of NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission by hosting a GPM Rain EnGAUGE Event – a
family science night for your school, outdoor education center, library, or museum, or with your scout troop, summer
camp or extracurricular club. Visit the website below for a full electronic toolkit, including an activities menu, planning
schedules, sample advertising flier, and more. The activities menu has a variety of choices to teach about precipitation
and its importance to our lives, from hands-on labs to computer interactives, and for all age levels – select the ones
that best fit your needs. For the most up-to-date information and new materials as they are developed, check the
website or contact us for more details. The satellite launches in February 2014, so the celebrations can start as early as
March, but get a GPM Rain EnGAUGE Event on the calendar for your organization today! Make sure you contact us if
you plan to host an event so that we can send you a supply kit with GPM stickers, water droplet handouts,
lithographs, and other materials to help you run your activities. Go to http://gpm.nasa.gov/education/rain-engauge or
email [email protected] for more information.
NSTA's First-Ever Virtual Conference: NGSS Practices in Action – Saturday, March 8th
Join NSTA for an intensive one-day virtual conference on Saturday, March 8 to learn how to integrate the Next
Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into your K–12 classroom. This web-based professional learning opportunity will
feature interactive sessions on modeling, explanation and argumentation, and engineering, plus breakouts by grade
level and discipline. You'll have the chance to ask questions of NGSS experts, engage in dialogue with science
educators from across the country, and discover instructional strategies to use in your classroom right away! Click
here for more information and to register for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.
NEW!!! Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s AweSTEM! 2014 STEM Educator Conference –
Registration Limited Register by February 24th (K-12)
AweSTEM! 2014 - March 10, 2014, 4-6 pm
Science, technology, engineering, and math educators and administrators from preschool to high school are invited
to attend our FREE third annual conference for STEM educators at WPI. Enjoy networking and dialogue with your
peers, learn about opportunities at WPI designed specifically for you, hear from educator presenters on model
integrated STEM activities, and take a moment to relax and be celebrated by the STEM Education Center at WPI.
Register by February 24th at http://www.wpi.edu/academics/stem/regist02.html.
Administrators - Join Our Pre-Event - March 10, 2014, 2-3:30 pm
Administrators, do you want to learn about the type of opportunities WPI offers for your STEM educators? Attend our
free pre-event to get a hands-on experience of what it means to come to WPI as a K-12 educator for professional
development. We hope you're then able to stay for our annual event. Register by filling out the AweSTEM!
registration form and clicking Yes for the first question. Space is limited so register at
http://www.wpi.edu/academics/stem/regist02.html.
Contact Katie Elmes at [email protected] for more information.
Project-Based Learning Conference 4.1 Providence College- March 11th (Registration
Limited)
Following the highly successful Project Based Learning Conferences in the Boston area, Project-Based Learning
Conference 4.1 will be held in Rhode Island, at Providence College on March 11th, 2014.
This one day, hands-on conference will feature experienced educators and their students. They will present their P-BL
experiences, and then work with participants to create P-BL ideas in elementary, middle and high school focus groups.
The intent of this conference is to more fully familiarize educators with P-BL through hands-on collaboration that will
raise their understanding of it in daily practice. We hope to make it easier for educators to boost P-BL into the
mainstream of classroom delivery in New England. Participants will work collaboratively, and with our experts, to
develop P-BL concepts that align with their curriculum goals. Following the conference, a web-based
communications network will foster sharing and support as conference participants launch P-BL in their schools.
Keynote Speaker Steven Levy The Power of Audience in Project -Based Learning. Steven will share his passion for Project Based
Learning through a keynote presentation and by bringing his archive of hundreds of completed student projects for
display and sampling by conference participants. Steven has been honored as a Disney National Teacher of the Year
and Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. He received the Joe Oakey Award for his national impact on project-based
learning and wrote the book Starting from Scratch: One Classroom Builds Its Own Curriculum. He currently leads
project based learning professional development across the country as consultant for the Expeditionary Learning
Schools.
We are keeping the conference cost low (only $125, inclusive of lunch and conference materials). We will limit
attendance to 100 to assure dynamic discussions among participants and with our experts.
Follow these links for complete information and registration information/procedure: http://franklocker.com/pbl4.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference%204.1.pdf
http://franklocker.com/pbl4.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference%204.1-REG.pdf
http://franklocker.com/.
Please share this email with your faculty and students. We hope you will send a strong delegation to learn the
promise and the practical aspects of this important classroom delivery.
Thanks,
Frank Locker: PBL ConferenceOrganizer
Frank Locker PhD
Frank Locker Educational Planning
617.412.7444
www.franklocker.com
Spring Meeting of the New England Section of AAPT – March 14th and 15th
Registration now open for the spring meeting of the New England Section of AAPT.
You can view the meeting website here:
http://aapt-nes.org/spring-2014-section-meeting/
The agenda can be viewed here:
http://aapt-nes.org/spring-2014-section-meeting/spring-2014-aapt-nes-meeting-agenda/
Registration is now open. Please print and mail in your registration form. The meeting fee is $40, and the banquet is
an additional $40.
http://aapt-nes.org/spring-2014-section-meeting/spring-2014-salem-state-registration-page-to-print/
Please consider submitting a poster or oral presentation for the meeting. If you have never presented on the exciting
things you are doing in the classroom or outside of the classroom with your students, this is a great opportunity to
share. Please submit by March 1st.
http://aapt-nes.org/2012/01/10/submit-a-paper-to-the-spring-meeting/
We could also use another workshop for the event. Workshops can be 2-3 hours in length.
Information on hotels is here
http://aapt-nes.org/spring-2014-section-meeting/hotels-for-spring-2014-meeting/
The special rate at the Hawthorne is good until February 12th.
We have a great banquet meal planned for Friday night, with Richard Larson from MIT as our speaker. Richard has
been active with developing educational technology at MIT. He has served as Principal Investigator of several of
MIT's most ambitious technology-enabled learning programs, including PIVoT -- the web-based the Physics
Interactive Video Tutor, Masters' Voices (sponsored by the Ford Motor Company), MIT World, "Inventing the Global
Classroom," "Good Clinical Practices" and "Fungal Infections" (the last two sponsored by the Pfizer Corporation). He is
Founding Director of LINC, Learning International Networks Consortium, an MIT-based international project that has
just held its third international symposium. Dr. Larson also served as founding co-director of the Forum the Internet
and the University, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Forum for the Future of Higher Education. Richard
is the man behind the scenes in the production of the Walter Lewin physics videos which we all know and love.
--
Gary Garber
Instructor of Physics
Boston University Academy
www.burobotics.org
blogs.bu.edu/ggarber
aapt-nes.org/
National Association Biology Teacher: Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement
Award – Apply by March 15th
The National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement Award recognizes
outstanding by a "new" biology/life science instructor within his/her first three years of teaching (when nominated)
who has developed an original and outstanding program or technique and made a contribution to the profession at
the start of his/her career. Maximum award: a travel fellowship, microscope, recognition plaque to be presented at the
NABT Professional Development Conference, and one year of complimentary membership to NABT. Eligibility:
teachers grades 7-12. Deadline: March 15, 2014. Go To Online Nomination Form
National Association Biology Teacher: The Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Teaching Award
– Apply by March 15th
The National Association of Biology Teachers Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Teaching Award recognizes a teacher
who demonstrates outstanding and creative teaching of biotechnology in the classroom. The award may be given for
either a short-term series of activities or a long-term integration of biotechnology into the curriculum. The lessons
must include active laboratory work and encompass major principles as well as processes of biotechnology. Criteria
for selection include creativity, scientific accuracy and currency, quality of laboratory practice and safety, ease of
replication, benefit to students and potential significance beyond the classroom. Maximum award: a recognition
plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, one year of complimentary membership
to NABT, and $1500 (up to $500 toward travel to the NABT Professional Development Conference and $1000 in Bio-
Rad materials). Eligibility: secondary school teachers Deadline: March 15, 2014. Go To Online Nomination Form
Science Education for Students with Disabilities (SESD) Annual Conference at NSTA! –
Register by Friday, March 21
The annual Science Education for Students with Disabilities (SESD) Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 from
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in Boston. This conference, which is held in conjunction with the NSTA national
convention, focuses on inclusive science education practices that promote quality science opportunities for all students. Come join
us for this interactive and informative day!
The conference is FREE, but pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Please click on the link below to learn more about the conference and to register.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uTdQDa1N51FNmkt0UkWVDZdNXHGvN7SYZ3AmJBsZaw/viewform
Hope to see you there!
Sami Kahn
SESD Conference Co-Coordinator
Feel free to forward this message to science teachers, special education teachers,
or others with interest in inclusive science practices!
Sami Kahn
Presidential Doctoral Fellow in Science Education
University of South Florida, College of Education
4202 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33620
Phone: (646) 732-5389
Texas Instruments™ Science/Math Professional Development for Middle School/High
School Providence, Rhode Island “Super Saturday” Mini-PD Event Sponsored by the
Rhode Island Science Teachers Association, RI Mathematics Teachers Association and TI –
March 22
Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core for Math plus Using TI-Nspire and TI-84 Plus (COLOR)
Technology Effectively in Science/Math Instruction
Saturday, March 22, 2014 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Only $25.00
La Salle Academy
612 Academy Ave
Providence, RI 02908
Registration (see procedure below) and questions:
Jim Donatelli 508-529-6787
Event hosts are Jim Donatelli, TI Educational Technology Consultant, La Salle Academy and the Rhode Island Science
Teachers Association
Overview
You are invited to attend the Texas Instruments Science and Math Professional Development Mini-PD Event on
Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 8:30 – 1:00 at La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. The purpose of this
Workshop is to offer a high quality, low-cost ($25.00) Professional Development opportunity for middle/high
school science and math educators along with their administrators using the latest TI-Nspire and TI-84 Plus Color
technology. There are (8) sessions to choose from. Each session will be taught by an Instructor experienced in the
technology and content described for each session.
TI Gift for Everyone - All attendees will receive one of the following based upon availability and the date that
your registration was received
TI travel tumbler, TI desk mug , TI Post-it-Notes desk set, TI mini pad and pen
Certificate of Attendance for everyone
Door Prize Drawing at 12:45 PM –you must be present to win – Prizes include TI-Nspire CX Handhelds, TI-84
Plus Graphing Calculators, TI-Nspire Teacher Software, TI-84 SmartView Software and Vernier probes/sensors
– your chance of winning is one-out-of two as the number of prizes awarded will be equal to one-half of the
number of attendees
A Door Prize Drawing will be held at 12:45 PM. You must be present to win!
What to Bring to the Workshop
If you have a TI-Nspire handheld or a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator, you may bring it along to the Workshop. .If you
do, please insure that it is updated with the latest Operating System. Visit
http://education.ti.com/calculators/downloads/US/#Software We will have TI Workshop Loan equipment for you to
borrow during the Workshop so there is no need to bring your own unless you choose to do so. You will have
Internet access.
Registration is required – A session may be closed once maximum enrollment (20) is reached – REGISTER
NOW. Sessions with very low enrollment may be cancelled.
Reply to this email with the following information:
your name,
school name,
e-mail address,
which session number(s) you will be attending
PAYMENT - Pay when you arrive for the event. Purchase orders, personal checks, and cash are accepted. Make checks
payable to “RISTA” Payment can also be made with PayPal by visiting http://www.rista.us/
Driving Directions to La Salle Academy – visit http://www.lasalle-academy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=2198
for details
PROGRAM
7:30 – 8:30 Check-in and Light Continental Breakfast
Session 1 (8:30 – 10:30) What Does NGSS Look Like in the Middle School Science Classroom - Using
several content-neutral examples incorporating Vernier and TI Technology, this hands-on workshop will attempt to
paint a picture of what the NGSS science practices and cross-cutting concepts look like in the middle school science
classroom. Amplifying literacy across the disciplines will be discussed with examples provided. Helpful handouts will
be available.
Session 2 (8:30-10:30) What Does NGSS Look Like in the High School Science Classroom - Using
several content-neutral examples incorporating Vernier and TI Technology, this hands-on workshop will attempt to
paint a picture of what the NGSS science practices and cross-cutting concepts look like in the high school science
classroom. Amplifying literacy across the disciplines will be discussed with examples provided. Helpful handouts will
be available
Session 3 (8:30-10:30) PARCC High School Math Assessments and TI-84 Plus Technology We now
know that students taking the online PARCC high school mathematics assessments will use one and only one online
calculator – the TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition. This session will review the basics of this calculator as well as review
released sample questions from PARCC that use the online TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition online calculator
Session 4 (8:30-10:30) Getting Started with TI-Nspire Navigator – focus on Algebra - TI-Nspire
Navigator Technology is a wonderful tool for increasing student engagement, informing instruction, wirelessly
delivering, collecting and correcting student work, monitoring student work privately in real time and providing an
electronic means for students to be the “Live Presenter” in class. This hands on session will permit participants to
experience Navigator in the context of an Algebra classroom
Session 5 (8:30 – 10:30) Tech Lounge – join Jim during this flexible meeting time to address your
individual questions about the TI technology you use. We can update your calculator’s Operating System and look at
helpful fully prepared lessons for the TI-84 Plus and TI-that can be helpful in your science and mathematics classes.
Session 6 (10:45-12:45) FREE TI resources for the NGSS Middle School Science Classroom - What
resources are available from Texas Instruments to help me implement the NGSS science practices in my middle school
science classroom? Learn how you can borrow TI and Vernier equipment for FREE to conduct your own NGSS
Professional Development experience in your middle school science classroom. Procedural details will be provided
along with some neat sample lessons that you can do when the equipment arrives. Handouts will be available.
Session 7 (10:45-12:45) FREE TI resources for the NGSS High School Science Classroom - What
resources are available from Texas Instruments to help me implement the NGSS science practices in my high school
science classroom? Learn how you can borrow TI and Vernier equipment for FREE to conduct your own NGSS
Professional Development experience in your high school science classroom. Procedural details will be provided along
with some neat sample lessons that you can do when the equipment arrives. Helpful handouts will be available.
Session 8 (10:45-12:45) Getting Started with TI-Nspire Technology in Algebra II - This hands on
session is for high school math educators who teach Algebra II. Focus will be on using TI-Nspire handheld technology
in the Algebra II classroom – particularly the second half of an Algebra II course. We will work through several lessons
and provide tips on accessing and using free TI Algebra II activities.
Session 9 (10:45-12:45) TI-Nspire Technology for Intermediate and Advanced Users (assumes prior
knowledge of the basics of using a TI-Nspire Handheld. Focus of this hands on session will effective use of the TI-
Nspire handheld for those math educators already familiar with the basics of the TI-Nspire handheld – Content
examples will come from Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.
Session 10 (10:45-12:45) Tech Lounge – join Jim during this flexible meeting time to address your
individual questions about the TI technology you use. We can update your calculator’s Operating System and look at
helpful fully prepared lessons for the TI-84 Plus and TI-that can be helpful in your science and mathematics classes.
12:45 – 1:00 Door prizes and closing
NEW!!! NSTA/NASA Free Online Course: Teaching Tomorrow’s Engineers – Course Begins
March 24th (Middle School)
Are you a middle school teacher interested in engineering and looking for ways to incorporate the engineering
design process into your classroom? NSTA and NASA have joined up to offer you a FREE online course this spring
where you'll discover how to use NASA resources to engage students and guide them in engineering design
challenges.
The course will provide practical strategies for implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and
discuss ideas for teaching the disciplinary core idea of Engineering, Technology and the Application of Science.
The course is offered in two modules.
Module 1 will provide an introduction to the engineering design process and share examples of engineering
design challenges to use with students.
Module 2 is optional and will give participants a guided opportunity to implement engineering design in the
classroom.
Best of all - this entire course is FREE of charge.
Module 1:
Introduction to the Engineering Design Process
Duration: March 24–April 18
Live web seminar dates: March 26, March 31, April 7, and April 17
Module 2 (optional):
Implementing the Engineering Design Process in Your Classroom
Duration: April 21–May 9
Live web seminar dates: April 21 and 28
Course participants will use the PD Plan & Portfolio Tool in the NSTA Learning Center to create a report of their
learning, including reflective essays and a professional development plan geared toward engineering design.
Participants who complete the required components for each module can earn a certificate acknowledging 15
hours of effort. Graduate credit is available for a fee. Register today for your free spot in this course by clicking
HERE!
Create Powerful Classroom Websites Using Google Sites – March 26th (Seats limited)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
4:00 – 6:00 PM
New England Institute of Technology – 1 New England Blvd, East Greenwich, RI
Move beyond "SchoolNotes" or a simple classroom blog! Learn how to use the tools within Google Sites to create a
powerful and flexible website for your classroom, media center, or school. Easily add information pages, a calendar,
share files and even post announcements.
Important Note: You will need to have a personal or school Google account to participate and the password for that
account. Prerequisite: working knowledge and competence with Google Docs/Drive
Presenters: Paul Barrette and John Bilotta
RISTE Member fee $30
Non-member fee $40
To register go to www.ri-iste.org
Presidential Award For Excellence In Mathematics And Science Teaching (PAEMST)
Nominations Now Open – Nominations Due April 1, 2014 (Grades K-6 Teachers)
Are you or do you know an outstanding elementary (grades K-6th
) mathematics and science teacher (including
computer science) that you should be recognized for their talents? The Presidential Award for Excellence in
Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor that a kindergarten through 12th-
grade
mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. What better way to
acknowledge excellence of our colleagues than to nominate the teachers who exemplify their profession.
The process to nominate teachers is a simple one. Simply go to the PAEMST website at www.paemst.org and fill in
the on-line form. Once the nomination is submitted the nominated teacher will then be notified and provided
information about the application process.
The following are eligibility criteria for nominees. Candidates must:
Teach mathematics or science at the K -6th
grade level in a public or private school.
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and
teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time.
Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to the 2013-14
academic school year.
Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto
Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa,
Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.
Rhode Island has many wonderful teachers, and those you nominate could be state or national Presidential Awardees
for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science for 2014.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 222-8454 or by email at [email protected]. Thank
you for your continued support for mathematics and science education.
2014 AAAS Science Education Workshops on NGSS – Various Dates
Two different professional development experiences and several dates to choose from make 2014 the year to attend
an AAAS Science Education workshop!
NEW for 2014!
Understanding and Using Next Generation Science Learning Goals
February 10–11, July 10–11, and October 20–21, 2014
Are you responsible for implementing Next Generation Science Standards in your classroom, school, or district?
Then join us for a professional development workshop that will give you the tools, strategies, and support you
need to put NGSS into action. Drawing on Project 2061’s expertise in standards-based teaching and learning, you’ll
gain new insights into the science practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts that make up the
NGSS performance expectations and how they can be used to improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Developing and Using Assessments Aligned to Science Learning Goals
May 28–30 and October 8–10, 2014
This popular three-day workshop gives you access to Project 2061’s science assessment experience and expertise
based on more than a decade of research and development. Designed for teachers, researchers, and assessment
specialists, you’ll take a hands-on approach to using Project 2061’s criteria and procedures for developing effective
assessment items that are carefully aligned to science learning goals, including those in the Next Generation
Science Standards. You’ll also explore the AAAS Science Assessment website and its online testing feature; data on
students’ misconceptions; and AAAS’s bank of some 700 high-quality test items for middle and high school
physical, life, and earth sciences. Here are just a few of the many positive comments we’ve received from past
workshop participants:
“I liked the critiquing process. While I realize there are no perfect items, I hope that we can improve the items we
have, and that we will write better items. The workshop helped me gain understanding and skills that will help me in
my work. I would definitely recommend this workshop to my colleagues.”
“The people were the best part of the workshop, and focusing on learning goals, misconceptions, analyzing good
items and answers!”
“The workshop leader did an excellent job. The experience of trying to work through the process of learning goals,
misconceptions, boundaries, necessity, comprehensibility was invaluable.”
“I think the free question repository is awesome!”
* * *
All workshops are held at AAAS Headquarters in Washington, DC.
To find out more about the workshops, our discounted Early-Bird rates, and scholarships or to register, go to
Project2061.org/workshops and click on one of the workshops.
Attendance is limited, so please return your registration form as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Goldstein at [email protected].
UMASS NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014 SUMMER INSTITUTE – Apply by April 1st, 2014 (MS &
HS)
Monday to Friday, July 7 - July 11, 2014 at UMass Amherst
Funded by the National Science Foundation
Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing
Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers
$75/day stipends ($375 total), materials, parking, some meals
Housing (new air conditioned dorms) for those outside the commuting radius
3 graduate physics credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's (Professional Development Points)
Ongoing partnerships with UMass Faculty
Nanotechnology deals with materials on the scale of nanometers. A nanometer is one-millionth of a millimeter, or
about 10 atomic diameters. Such materials can have surprising and useful behaviors and properties. Applications of
this rapidly growing field include regenerative medicine, fabrics and construction materials of unprecedented
strength, ultra-high performance computers and data storage, more efficient solar photovoltaic cells, and much more.
Activity in this field cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and involves chemistry, physics, biology, and
engineering.
The UMass Nanotechnology Summer Institute will explore the basic science and engineering concepts of this exciting
new field, and will illustrate how they may be integrated into the usual math, science and technology courses in
middle schools and high schools. The content and pedagogy will be aligned with the Massachusetts Science and
Technology/Engineering Framework.
During the institute, participants will begin to develop curriculum units for their own classes. They will implement
these in the fall and report on their progress and results online. Three graduate credits will be available for the
institute and curriculum unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee. PDP's will be available at no cost.
Application process: An application form and additional information are available at www.umassk12.net/nano.
Teachers should also prepare a narrative statement of how they intend to use the institute materials in their
classroom, and include in their application package a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal
or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1,
2014. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.
NSTA Professional Development Institutes at the Boston NSTA Conference – April 2nd
To register online for the Boston conference, click here. You may also download a registration form(PDF).
Registration is now open.
PDI-1: NGSS Practices of Science: Student Reasoning at the Core of Science Instruction
PDI-2: Increasing Language Skills and Access to Rigorous Science Education: Examining the Opportunities that
the Next Generation Science Standards Provide to English Learners
PDI-3: Building STEM Capacity with NGSS: Addressing Engineering and Technology in the Next Generation
Science Standards
PDI-4: Integrating Science Practices with Common Core Literacy Strategies Using Teaching Cases and Online Data
Tools
PDI-5: Deepening Thinking and Reasoning through Discussion and Writing in K-5 Inquiry-based Science
PDI Work Sessions
PDI Work Sessions are one-day standalone events that are in-depth professional development that do not have
linked pathway sessions.
PDI-6 Work Session: Designing Effective Science Lessons Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards
PDI-7 Work Session: Developing Formative and Summative Assessments of NGSS Performance Expectations
PDI-8 Work Session: NGSS 101: An Introduction to the Next Generation Science Standards
Geoscience Teacher Training Workshop at UMass Amherst – June 23 – 27th, 2014
We are writing to announce openings for a 5-day teacher training we are offering here at UMass-Amherst
Geosciences. This program is an outreach effort we developed as part of our Lake El'gygytgyn paleoclimate Project
funded by the National Science Foundation. Here is the vital information. Please also see attachment and this video
Video of 2013 teacher workshop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCUBEbWX-HU
Dates are: Monday through Friday June 23-27, 2014. Participants could arrive June 22 or early June 23. 9 AM.
Location: Department of Geosciences, UMass-Amherst
All teacher Participants each receive (thanks to National Science Foundation):
Stipend of $75 per day
Stainless steel Hand corer with case (worth $469)
Fiberglass measuring tape ($20)
Munsell Color chart book ($175)
Grain size charts ($14)
New ideas for teaching climate and environmental systems via lakes
We can assist with partial travel costs to be used for hotel or gas. We are also arranging for the one week class to be
taken for continuing education credits if you need them. The cost of the credits are at your own expense but we can
create the course number etc.
The general plan for the week is as follows:
June 23: introductory materials, presentations and review of goals for teachers
June 24: All day coring in a few locations around the valley
June 25: Core splitting and initial core descriptions, all sampling and processing, smear slides
June 26: Curriculum work using the materials
June 27: testing and revision of materials so they are classroom ready.
For more information contact:
Department web site: www.geo.umass.edu
Julie Brigham-Grette - [email protected]
413-577-2270
Isla Castada - [email protected]
413-577-1124
Research Experience In Bioengineering Program For Middle-School Teachers at WPI –
June 23 – July 31, 2014 (Middle School)
This summer, WPI will be offering a Research Experience in Bioengineering program for middle-school teachers. The
program takes place full time over the summer. Teachers engage in cutting-edge research, and work on developing a
curriculum unit to take back to their classrooms. Excellent professional development program and generous
compensation provided!
For more information, please go to https://www.wpi.edu/academics/bme/ret.html
Summer Workshops on Modeling Instruction for Chemistry and Physics – Kennebunk, ME
- July 28 – August 8
Want to get out of the classroom and still learn a new approach to chemistry or physics and gain some recertification
hours? Please consider joining us this summer at the historic First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Kennebunk,
Maine for a week or two of training in Modeling instruction. For over ten years we have introduced teachers to what
has been endorsed as one of the most promising approaches to science education.
From July 28 through August 8 we run two sequential sets of training (one in chemistry and one in physics). Each
week costs $650 and includes training, workshop materials, breakfast and lunch (as well as free housing) on a first
come first served basis. For experienced modelers, we can offer guided experiences in advanced topics as add - ons.
Evenings are free to explore the beaches, restaurants, nature resources or to take a group trip to an amusement park
or a ball game.
Chemistry two week Workshop Description Week one
1. Physical properties of Matter
2. Energy and States of Matter I: Particles in Motion
3. Energy and States of Matter II: Sticky Particles
4. Describing Substances
Week two
5. Counting Particles Too Small to See
6. Particles With Internal Structure
7. Chemical Equations
8. Stoichiometry
Physics two week Workshop Description - Week one
Electricity unit available as an add on
1. Measurement and Graphing with an emphasis on linearization.
2. Constant velocity particle
3. Constant acceleration particle
4. Vectors and tip-to-tail vector addition
5. Free particle (?F=0)
Week two
6. Constant force particle (?F=ma)
7. Energy and restoring force particle
8. Central force particle
9. Impulsive force particle
For more information and registration forms contact our Executive Director Dean Meggison at
NEW!!! Concept Mapping As A Tool For Meaningful Learning And Helping Students Learn
How To Learn (Middle and High School)
A one-day Summer Workshop for Middle and High School Teachers - August 23, 2014
A unique opportunity to speak to Professor Joseph Novak of Cornell University- the creator of Concept Maps - and
his followers who are using Concept Maps in every day classroom environment (as well as gain some recertification
hours). Please consider joining us this summer at Boston University on August 23rd
.
Research proves that using Concept Maps facilitates critical thinking, deepens understanding and assists learners in
developing a self appraisal of their own thinking process.
The workshop lead by James Gorman, who is an experienced teacher and one of many followers of Professor Novak,
will employ participants with a hand on experience of using Concept Maps and Concept Mapping Tool.
During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to talk to Professor Novak, who is also the author of The
Theory of Meaningful Learning.
Please, use the links below if you want to learn more about concept maps and meaningful learning:
http://cmc.ihmc.us
http://cmc.ihmc.us/cmc/CMCProceedings.html
http://learn.cmappers.net
http://cmap.ihmc.us
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please, contact Dr. Valentin Voroshilov at [email protected].
Dr. Valentin Voroshilov
Physics Department
Boston University
590 Commonwealth Ave., SCI 111
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2634
http://mathhealth.com
Science Enrichment/Challenge Opportunities for
Students
eCYBERMISSION – Submit by March 1, 2014 (Grades 6 - 9)
eCYBERMISSION is one of several science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives offered by the
Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). The U.S. Army is committed to answering the nation's need for increased
national STEM literacy and expanding STEM education opportunities across the country to open doors to new career
paths for America’s students that lead to a brighter tomorrow.
For more information go to: http://www.ecybermission.com/
NASA’s REEL Science Video Communication Contest For Students – Apply by February 21,
2014 (High School Students)
About the Contest
NASA Earth Science missions are kicking off a new video contest engaging high school age students to produce a
video communicating NASA Earth Science to younger students. Students are consuming over 10 hours of media a
day and video is increasingly important to communicate and inform about science. NASA is looking for talented High
School students to create videos that engage students in Earth Science. Winners will have their videos posted on
NASA's website. They will also get the opportunity to be a NASA Producer working with NASA scientists and
communication experts in July 2014 to produce an Earth Science feature video.
Who can enter?
The contest is open to residents of the United States ages 13 to 18 on or before October 14, 2013. Submissions can
be by individuals or teams.
What is the subject of the video?
Produce a two-minute video for a middle school audience that communicates one of the following science concepts:
1. How Ice Impacts Climate and Climate Impacts Ice
2. Forest Fire Effects on Air Quality
3. Water of the Water Planet
How do I submit?
1. Create a video explaining one of the science topics. Be sure to use NASA components including audio clips,
animations, visualizations, or satellite images.
2. Upload your video to YouTube and tag with "NASAREELscience2014"by 11:59pm EST on February 21, 2014.
3. Within 72 hours you will receive a comment on your video that your video has been submitted.
4. Finalists will be selected by March 31, 2014. Finalists will be required to send their video file to NASA along with
a supplied contest Submission Release Form by 11:59pm EST on April 15, 2014.
5. Winners will be announced April 30, 2014 on our website.
When is the deadline?
Videos must be uploaded and tagged with "NASAREELscience2014" on YouTube by 11:59pm EST February 21, 2014.
How will the videos be judged?
NASA producers, communications experts, and scientists will be judging the videos for science accuracy, creativity,
use of NASA data, and video quality. Videos that are inaudible, blurry, or contain resources (other than NASA
imagery) that are not original will be immediately disqualified. (See contest guidelines for more details.)
How will finalists be notified?
Finalists will receive a comment on their YouTube video by March 31, 2014. Check YouTube after March 31st to see if
you have been selected. Finalists will have 15 days to submit their video file and waiver via email to NASA. Videos
with waivers not received by 11:59pm EST April 15th will be disqualified.
What are the prizes?
Winning videos will be announced on April 30, 2014 and posted on the NASA website. Winners will get the
opportunity to work remotely with NASA producers and communications experts on a current NASA Earth Science
Story in July 2014. Participation will include access to NASA personnel through webinars and online communication
tools (e.g., Skype). Final produced stories will be posted on a NASA website and have the chance of being highlighted
on www.nasa.gov. See contest guidelines for required release forms.
For more information go to: http://reelscience.gsfc.nasa.gov/
* Check out the Winning Videos from 2012!
High School Seniors Sought For National Youth Science Camp® Honors – Apply by March
1, 2014
As part of the 2014 National Youth Science Foundation®
(NYSC) two Rhode Island high school seniors will receive a
full scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds.
The nearly month-long experience includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from
across the nation; overnight camping trips into the Monogahela National Forest; and a visit to Washington D.C. The
selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for
thoughtful scientific leadership.
The NYSC experience is offered at no cost to its participants, so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their
financial status. Contributions to the NYSC allow delegates to participate in this “once in a lifetime” experience.
Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage on scheduled
airlines are provided free of charge.
Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Friday, June 27, and depart on Sunday, July 20, 2014. The NYSC is
held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. Application
forms are available on the NYSC website at www.nysc.org and must be submitted directly to Rhode Island selection
coordinator at the following address:
Peter McLaren
Rhode Island Department of Education
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
(work) 401-222-8454
(fax) 401-222-3605
Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 1, 2013.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Peter McLaren at 401-222-8454 or [email protected] nnifer
2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest – Deadline March 15th, 2014 (K-12)
This year is the 9th year of Endangered Species Day (May 16, 2014) and the 40th anniversary of the Endangered
Species Act (signed on Dec. 28, 1973). The 2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest provides students
with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork.
The contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums, and the International Child Art Foundation.
Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest – March 15, 2014 submission deadline
Art Contest guidelines, entry form and teacher instructions here
Young people in grades K-12, as well as those in homeschools and youth programs, can submit their artwork of
threatened and endangered species. Their submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2014.
The grand prize and grade category winners of the 2013 contest were chosen by a panel of artists, photographers and
wildlife experts. View the 2013 winning entries here.
DETAILS about Contest Background, Teacher/School Registration, Eligibility, Subject Matter, Resources, Judging and
Prizes found here:
http://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/saving-endangered-species-youth-art-contest/
NEW!!! Underwater Exploration Camp For Children/Teens Ages 11-15 at URI/GSO: April
21- 25, 2014 - Apply by March 21, 2014
The Inner Space Center (ISC) at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography (URI/GSO) is
excited to announce its Underwater Exploration Camp for children/teens ages 11-15. During this week-long,
hands-on camp, participants will become ocean-explorers, building and testing a variety of oceanographic
technologies, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Campers will bring their ROVs home with them at the end
of the week to continue their exploration quest! During camp, participants will also be surrounded by video, audio,
and other oceanographic data in real time, and learn about the amazing ocean discoveries that unfold at the ISC.
Campers will engage with scientists that are involved in active missions to explore the otherwise “unknown ocean.”
The ISC Underwater Exploration Camp will be offered April 21-25, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the URI/GSO
campus in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The week-long camp will cost $495.
The ISC is a national, state of the art facility, supporting ocean exploration, research, and education. The ISC is home
to Mission Control for ocean exploration, where teams of scientists and students work remotely and interact with live
feeds from ships at sea.
Please visit the ISC website here for more information and a camp application. Spaces are limited.
Applications and deposits must be received by March 21, 2014.
Next Generation Learning with the Kavli “Science in Fiction” Video Contest – Apply by
March 21 (Grades 6-12)
Interplanetary travel, time travel, telepathy, teleportation, brain powered computers, recombinant DNA, bionic limbs,
cyborgs, cryonics. Just some of the far-fetched technologies that have been dreamed up over time, while today's
scientists might just be discovering ways to make them become real!
Investigate how science is portrayed in TV, films, and games. Find an example using a film, TV show, or video game,
then compare to what we can do today with current or emerging technologies. Or tell us what science needs to
discover to make it really happen.
The more you research, the more you will discover, and you might end up being surprised by what you find out.
Make a video (: 30 -: 90) that shares your discoveries and states your case.
ENTRY PERIOD: NOV. 1, 2013 - MARCH 21, 2014
Go to Contest Entry Form
Contest open to Grades 6-12, International Students and US
PRIZES:
1st- $2000
2nd- $750
3rd- $500
People's Choice $250
Additional Prizes include:
Software from Wolfram Mathematica
Free training at Steve Wolfe's Stunt Ranch in Austin, TX
Girls STEM Summit-East – April 26th (Grades 8 – 12)
A one-day summit for girls in grades 8 - 12 who love STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math.
Girls will:
- listen to an inspirational keynote female leader
- meet successful women working as experts in STEM fields during hands-on mini career tracks
- expand knowledge of STEM industries and emerging career paths
- be inspired to continue STEM high school courses in preparation for college
- learn about institutions offering STEM degrees in featured career tracks
- receive giveaway, enjoy lunch, and meet other girls with similar interests
When: Saturday, April 26, 2014
Where: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Times: 8am - 4pm
Fee: $45
Enroll at http://www.juniortech.org
For more information contact:
Phyllis Russell
774-994-2097
www.juniortech.org
National Academies of Engineering Engineering For You (E4U) Video Contest Opens
November 1 – Enter by March 31, 2014 (MS and HS Students)
In celebration of its upcoming 50th anniversary, the National Academy of Engineering launched Engineering for You
(E4U), a video contest to highlight the impact that engineering has or will have on society. In the last 50 years,
engineering achievements include helping to land astronauts on the moon, creating the Internet, and decoding the
human genome. What will engineering create in the next 50 years? Rev up your creativity, pull out your camera or
phone, and produce a one to two minute video showing the world how you see engineering enhancing quality of life
and serving the needs of society. The video must highlight a period during the years 1964–2064. The main prize is
$25,000, and the contest runs through March 31, 2014.
2014 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment Seeks Nominations Of Your Students
– Sophomores and Juniors (Class of 2015 & 16)
Please consider nominating your top students for the 2014 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment.
http://wsp.gmu.edu/nominations/
George Mason University, along with its partners, National Geographic and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
(the National Zoo), are excited to welcome students attending the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment
(WYSE) to Washington, D.C. The Summit is a hands-on, interactive program that provides America’s highest
achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation and sustainability, and with the
desire to explore careers in the fields of environmental science, conservation, policy, law and engineering, with a
remarkable opportunity. Students take an active role in the curriculum through exclusive behind-the-scenes
explorations of facilities and laboratories of the Smithsonian and National Zoo, and through exclusive field visits,
special access to, and activities with, researches, scientists, directors and staff. Students are led in small groups by
faculty advisors who are local experts in these fields and have extensive experience in conservation and the
environment.
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is held on George Mason University’s state-of-the-art campus,
enabling attending students to experience life as a typical college student and reside in comfortable, modern, fully
air-conditioned dorm rooms with wireless internet connections. Students will receive one college credit for their
successful completion of the Summit, with transcripts from George Mason University that can be sent to any college
or university where the Delegate seeks admission.
Learn more about the program at http://www.wyse.gmu.edu or contact Richard Friesner at 703-993-5417 or by email
at [email protected] with any questions.
Mass. Society for Medical Research 23rd Annual Student Competition: Student Essay,
Poster, or Webpage Competition – Enter by May 2 (Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12)
A Biology Competition For All Middle and High School Students in New England Essay, Poster or Webpage
Level 1 Competition Level 2 Competition
Grades 7 – 8 Grades 9 - 12
Awards in Each Level
1st Place - $500
2nd Place - $250
3rd Place - $100
Honorable Mention - Certificate of Merit
Classroom Education Grants for the Teachers or Mentors/Advisors of the winning students
1st Place - $100
2nd Place - $50
3rd Place - $25
All winning and honorable mention students and their parents and teacher are invited to the MSMR Annual Meeting
in late June, where the winning entries will be highlighted.
This Year's Competition Challenge - "What's New?"
The competition reflects MSMR’s popular What A Year! science discovery website (www. whatayear.org), that turns
research advances into educational opportunities.
You will create and submit a Poster, Essay or Webpage exploring a recent research advance at a New England
research institution as if you were the What A Year!
Go to the What A Year! website (www.whatayear.org) and read some of the stories in order to understand the goal of
What A Year! to introduce breakthrough science to students.
To Enter
1. Find a research discovery/breakthrough from scientists at a New England research institution during 2012 or
2013.
2. Then tell the story of the discovery via an Essay, Poster or Webpage, using a balance of text and graphics,
being sure to include all the required elements (see details in the Student Packet, below). Your specific
audience is teenage science students, so your presentation should be appropriate to them.
There are ideas in the Student Packet on how to find a good story.
Topics should not be ones that are already reported the WHAT A YEAR! website: you should uncover a topic of
special interest to you-- an area of biology, a disease or condition, a specific researcher or research institution, for
example.
The Student Packet and Entry Form below will help you find discoveries, plan, create and submit your entry. Please
read them and follow their guidance carefully.
We accept entries only in electronic format. Essays and Posters are submitted as e-mail attachments in standalone (not
web-based) PDF format; Webpages will be submitted as links in your submission e-mail. Please read through the
entire Student Packet for detailed information. Essays and Posters must be individual work; Websites may be created
by individuals or teams of two.
Note: your entry itself must be completely anonymous ... all identifying information must be contained only in the
associated e-mail and Entry Form
2014 Student Packet
2014 Entry Form - MS Word version or 2014 Entry Form - PDF version
NEW!!! Google Science Fair 2014 Registration Open For Students aged 13-18. - Submit
Projects by 11:58 PDT May 12, 2014
Students can enter on their own, or in a team of two or three. If entering as a team, team members can all sign up
individually, but they will need to link their dashboards together so they can all work on the same project. One team
member sends the unique Team Code, which everyone has on their dashboard, to the other team members. The
other team members can enter this code either when they register, or on their project dashboard if they’ve already
registered.
Students can sign up starting on 12 February 2014 visiting googlesciencefair.com, and clicking the Register button.
For more info, just visit the Before Your Start page.
For More information go to https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/
Please note: attachments will not be sent. Most information will be posted online or included
here to reduce the size of this message.
Thank you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
If you know of something that you feel is a quality resource, event, or opportunity (e.g., grant),
please send a newsletter-ready “blurb” to [email protected] containing the following
information by 3:00pm on Thursday to be included in the Friday newsletter (subject to RIDE
review and approval):
1. Type (e.g., grant, event, resource)
2. Name / Title of Event / Opportunity
3. Source or Event Sponsor
4. Web site, and/or contact name(s) and email address(es)
5. Description
6. Grade level(s) and/or intended audience
7. Deadline (if applicable) for time-sensitive submissions or event RSVPs
THIS NOTICE IS DISTRIBUTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. R.I Department of
Education does not have any affiliation or responsibility to promote this information.
Peter J. McLaren
Science-Technology Specialist
Office of Instruction
Rhode Island Department of Education
255 Westminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
401-222-8454
@PeterJMcLaren
