RI Science Professional Development and Student

Opportunity Bulletin March 7, 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 Peter.Mclaren@ride.ri.gov 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:

Webinar: Next Generation Science Standards and

Environmental Education Monday, March 17th

Harvard Medical School MEDscience Summer Science

Program for High School Students Program Begins

June 23rd

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

Richard_powell@nksd.net

News:

NECAP Science Test-Coordinator Workshops Scheduled The NECAP Science testing window is May 5 to May 22 this year, and all schools with grades 4, 8, or 11 are required

to participate. Test materials will be delivered to schools during the week of April 20 and will be picked up after

testing, on May 23. The assessment will include three sessions; the first two sessions are a written component similar

to that in other NECAP assessments, and the third session is a performance assessment (the Inquiry Task), which is a

hands-on task at grade 4 and a data-analysis task for grades 8 and 11.

Test-coordinator workshops have been scheduled to help prepare district and school test coordinators for the

assessment. The workshops are scheduled for the following dates and times:

April 15, at the Providence Marriott Downtown, 1 Orms St. (1 3:30 p.m.)

April 16, at the Radisson Hotel, 2081 Post Rd., Warwick (9 11:30 a.m.)

Please note that both workshops cover the same material, so there is no need to attend both workshops.

Registration for the workshops can be done online by going to http://iregister.measuredprogress.org, selecting New

England Common Assessment Program from the drop-down menu, clicking Enter and selecting a workshop, and

then following the online directions. On-site, in-person registration will also be available on the day of each workshop

30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Workshop attendance is strongly encouraged, as the latest information on NECAP testing policies and procedures as

well as information about test security will be provided.

If you have any questions about these workshops, please contact Dr. Kevon Tucker-Seeley (kevon.tucker-

seeley@ride.ri.gov, or 222-8494).

RIDE offers four webinars on the PARCC Field Test RIDE has scheduled four live webinars with RIDE staff to provide updates, review important information and

resources, and answer questions about on the PARCC Field Test administration next month. Registration information

for each webinar is below. Space is limited:

PARCC Field Test Accessibility and Accommodations:

Thursday, March 6, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/231050438

PARCC Field Test Test Administration for Principals:

Thursday, March 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/372256966

PARCC Field Test Test Administration for Teachers:

o Thursday, March 20, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/341168678

o Thursday , March 20, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/702569022

Note: Please register for only one of these two time slots for Test Administration for Teachers webinar; the

presentations will be exactly the same.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.

For webinar links, as well as resources on the PARCC field test, please go to:

www.ride.ri.gov/PARCC-field-test.

The PARCC training modules for test administrators (computer-based testing and paper-based testing) will be

available early next week, at:

https://parcc.tms.pearson.com/

Each training-module presentation is approximately 26 minutes long.

Why Revive 'Cosmos?' Neil DeGrasse Tyson Says Just About Everything We Know Has

Changed (Huffington Post) Things are looking up for Neil deGrasse Tyson--way up. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium and the author of

several popular books on space, Tyson is already one of the nation's best-known scientists. And now his already-high

profile is set for a big boost with the March 9 launch of "Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey," a new documentary

television series that he hosts. Tyson calls the 13-part series a continuation of "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage," a 1980

PBS series narrated by Carl Sagan that is acclaimed as one of the most significant science-themed programs in

television history.

NGSS News:

District Administrator Magazine Interviews NSTA Executive Director David Evans About

NGSS NSTA Executive Director David Evans spoke with DA Magazine recently to discuss the opportunities and implications

surrounding the Next Generation Science Standards. Read why he says, "Whether or not you are located in an

adopting state, we are all facing a dramatic change in the way we expect people to teach science."

Nevada Adopts Common Science Standards By Liana Heitin on February 26, 2014 5:28 PM Go ahead and add Nevada to the list of states that have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. Today's

unanimous vote by the state board of education makes it the ninth state to have officially adopted the common

science standards, which emphasize application, scientific inquiry, and engineering design. (The District of Columbia

has adopted as well.)

As I wrote in a recent story, the new science standards have been moving slowly in the states, but proponents say the

speed is on par with what they'd expected. Unlike with the Common Core State Standards, for which adoption earned

states points on their Race to the Top applications, states have no financial incentives to adopt the NGSS.

Illinois made the last move on the standardsthe state board approved them but official adoption is pending

legislative review. And as I mentioned in a previous post, Oregon is close as well ... though it turns out my prediction

that they were next in line was wrong.

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

RIDEs NGSS Page

Find easy access to the NGSS standards, information on RIs participation as a Lead State, the Framework, and other

resources

Recorded Link for RIDEs Webinar Next Generation Science Standards Rhode Islands 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.

Technology Resources and Reviews for Science Teachers -

www.techsavvyscience.blogspot.com A website of technology resources and reviews for science teachers.

Hilarious Fake Scientific Breakthroughs - http://www.livescience.com/13503-april-fools-5-

fake-scientific-breakthroughs.html Hilarious Fake Scientific Breakthroughs

International study provides more solid measure of shrinking in polar ice sheets -

http://www.washington.edu/news/2012/11/29/international-study-provides-more-solid-

measure-of-shrinking-in-polar-ice-sheets/ The planets two largest ice sheets have been losing ice faster during the past decade, causing widespread confusion

and concern. A new international study provides a firmer read on the state of continental ice sheets and how much

they are contributing to sea-level rise.

Water Cycle: Hands-On Experiments -

http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1440?locale=en These sites have hands-on experiments and projects about the water cycle and water purification. Learn how to make

it rain in your kitchen and how to build your own water cycle environment. There are many other activity ideas,

including a script for a play. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on water cycle explanations and illustrations.

Smithsonian Ocean Resources - http://ocean.si.edu/ Welcome to the Ocean Portal. We focus on everything ocean unusual and everyday organisms, ocean-inspired art,

and researchers devoting their lives to exploring the still mostly mysterious ecosystem. We here at the Ocean Portal

learn something new every day and we want to share it with you!

Sun or Moon Rise/Set Table for One Year -

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.php This page provides a way for you to obtain a table of the times of sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset, or the

beginning and end of twilight, for any year between 1700 and 2100.

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 LSIs 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 LSIs 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 LSIs 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: mthompson@labsafetyinstitute.org

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 Librarys 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.

rcairn@collaborative.org

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 rcairn@collaborative.org

(413) 586-4900 x166

(413) 586-2878 fax

http://emergingamerica.org

Professional Development Workshops - http://www.collaborative.org/resources/publications

Spring 2014 Science Writing Workshop at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

To register, contact Dr. Judith Sumner, jsumner@wpi.edu 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

jsumner@wpi.edu

508.831.5943

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 NOAAs 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/

NASAs 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 NASAs 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 kristen.l.weaver@nasa.gov 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 K12 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.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

10 am6:30 pm ET

NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT SATURDAY?

If you're not able to join the Virtual Conference on Saturday, you can still register for the conference and have access

to all the sessions' archives. Registered attendees will receive a message with instructions on how to access the

archives. Learn more about NGSS best practices in modeling, explanation and argumentation, and engineering and

specific grade level and discipline specific strategies you can incorporate into your classroom teaching.

BONUS! Educators who participate in the virtual conference can earn a printable certificate recognizing 8 hours of

effort. NSTA Virtual Conference: NGSS Practices in Action

NSTA members: $79

Nonmembers: $99

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

Registrations 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

NEW!!! Webinar: Next Generation Science Standards and Environmental Education

Monday, March 17th

We invite you to join us in an open conversation about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the

opportunity these standards present for advancing the field of environmental education.

The NGSS represent an unprecedented opportunity for the environmental and sustainability education community.

They promise to dramatically change the focus and process of k-12 science education in the United States. The good

news is that NGSS is strong on environmental content, much stronger than what is being taught now in the vast

majority of schools throughout the nation. However, it is not a given that the transition to the new standards will

occur widely and quickly. The extent to which the EE community can help those states seeking to implement the

NGSS to do so quickly and effectively will help determine the degree of penetration of both NGSS - and its associated

EE content - into the nation's classrooms.

As a service to the EE community, we have organized a webinar for Monday, March 17 from 2 to 4 pm EST which will

help to better inform us about the development of the standards, their relevance to environmental education, and the

challenges involved in implementation. The webinar will feature Dr. Juliana Texley, President-elect of National

Science Teachers Association and Dr. Stephen Pruitt of ACHIEVE, both organizations that were instrumental in the

development of NGSS, Gilda Wheeler of the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

who represents one of the first stages to adopt the NGSS, and Dr. Gerald Lieberman of SEER who has explored in

depth how NGSS and EE can support each other.

We hope that you can join us online on March 17. RSVP online and you will be sent login information in advance

of the webinar. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to anyone who might be interested.

....................................................................................................................................................

Webinar: Next Generation Science Standards and Environmental Education

When: Monday, March 17, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST

Featured Guests:

Dr. Stephen Pruitt, Senior Vice President, Content, Research and Development, ACHIEVE

Dr. Juliana Texley, President-elect of National Science Teachers Association

Gilda Wheeler, Program Supervisor for Environmental and Sustainability Education at the Washington State

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Dr. Gerald Lieberman, Director, State Education and Environment Roundtable

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

jdonatelli@ti.com

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 calculators 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 calculators 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

NSTA/NASA Free Online Course: Teaching Tomorrows 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 24April 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 21May 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 Bachelors 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 peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov. 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 1011, July 1011, and October 2021, 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 2061s expertise in standards-based teaching and learning, youll

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 2830 and October 810, 2014

This popular three-day workshop gives you access to Project 2061s science assessment experience and expertise

based on more than a decade of research and development. Designed for teachers, researchers, and assessment

specialists, youll take a hands-on approach to using Project 2061s criteria and procedures for developing effective

assessment items that are carefully aligned to science learning goals, including those in the Next Generation

Science Standards. Youll also explore the AAAS Science Assessment website and its online testing feature; data on

students misconceptions; and AAASs 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 weve 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 bgoldste@aaas.org.

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 - juliebg@geo.umass.edu

413-577-2270

Isla Castada - isla@geo.umass.edu

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

dmeggison@roadrunner.com.

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 valbu@bu.edu.

Dr. Valentin Voroshilov

Physics Department

Boston University

590 Commonwealth Ave., SCI 111

Boston, MA 02215

valbu@bu.edu

617-353-2634

http://mathhealth.com

Science Enrichment/Challenge Opportunities for

Students

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/

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

National Academies of Engineering Engineering For You (E4U) Video Contest 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 19642064. The main prize is

$25,000, and the contest runs through March 31, 2014.

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

phyllis@juniortech.org

www.juniortech.org

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 Americas 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 Universitys 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 rfriesne@gmu.edu 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 MSMRs 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

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 theyve 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/

NEW!!! Harvard Medical School MEDscience Summer Science Program for High School

Students Program Begins June 23rd

Harvard Medical School MEDscience Program is offering (3) one week sessions this summer.

If you have interested students please see our web site for course dates and application at www.hmsmedscience.com.

We do not offer room and board and the students need to get to Harvard Medical School each day.

We accept 12 students per course and the program incorporates a hands-on, experiential pedagogy using patient

simulators (a life-like mannequin that doctors and nurses train on) integrating basic science and clinical judgment

under the guidance of Harvard Medical School faculty mentors. During the one-week intensive course, students use

the simulator as their patient. The students are organized in small groups for interactive case-based sessions

including individual and group feedback. The curriculum is centered around three seminal medical cases (Asthma,

Heart attack and Diabetes) that serve to illustrate the role of basic and clinical biomedical science in modern

healthcare. Students are exposed to concepts from physics, biology, and chemistry, and they are taught - through

personal experience - the principles of teamwork, problem solving, and communication. During the programs,

students will receive a Basic Life Support certification, reflecting their acquisition of a crucial life skill.

OUR SPECIFIC AIMS:

To provide practical scientific knowledge.

To inspire interest in STEM.

To motivate for academic achievement.

To increase self-efficacy.

To make health professions attainable.

To introduce role models.

To practice real-life problem solving.

To bring science to life.

To train the next generation of scientifically literate citizens.

If you have questions or would like an application please contact Julie Joyal, Program Director at

medscience@hms.harvard.edu additional information on our web site www.hmsmedscience.com and FB page: HMS

MEDscience.

________________________________________

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.

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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 peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov 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

peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov

@PeterJMcLaren