RI Science Professional Development and Student

Opportunity Bulletin

August 29, 2014 This bulletin will be sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

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opportunity, please follow the directions for doing so at the

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copy of past issues

New In This

Bulletin

P.D. for

Teachers

Student

Opportunities

Job

Opportunities

Teacher

Resources

News NGSS News

New In This Bulletin:

Rhode Island Envirothon Information Session – September 24th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Teaching NGSS in Elementary

School Is Topic of Monthly Web

Seminars

Captain Planet Foundation Grants –

Apply By September 30th

James Bryant Conant Award in High

School Chemistry Teaching – Apply

by November 1st

N-Visioning a Brighter Future Grant

Program – Applications Due

November 14th

Enter Now for a Chance to Win the

2014–2015 Shell Science Lab

Challenge – Apply by December 19th

Nominate an Educator for the

National Teachers Hall of Fame –

Applications Due January 10, 2015

Vernier Engineering Contest –

Applications Due by January 15,

2015

Job Opportunities:

FT Chemistry (2 positions) – Woonsocket High School

Woonsocket Public Schools is seeking to fill two positions in chemistry for the 2014-15 school year. Candidates must

hold the appropriate science certificates, must hold or be willing to obtain RI Certification as a Teacher of ELL's,

experience working with students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds highly recommended.

Position Type: Full-time

Positions Available: 2

Job Category:

Classroom Teacher > Science: Chemistry

Job Requirements

· Bachelor degree preferred

· Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Contact:

William McGowan, HR Coordinator

108 High Street

Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895

Phone: 401-767-4611

Email: jwolfgang@woonsocketschools.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Woonsocket Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on

the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union

status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or

disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals

who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

New England Science & Sailing is pleased to announce its new AmeriCorps Program and

our many open positions for 2014-2015 year.

AmeriCorps Manager - New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) seeks an AmeriCorps Manager to

administer our new AmeriCorps program, in partnership with the New London STEM Academy at Bennie Dover

Jackson Middle School in New London, Connecticut. The AmeriCorps Manager will help build this inaugural program

to change young people’s lives by providing opportunities for transformational experiences and personal growth

through integration of NESS’s STEM-based adventure education program with their middle school curriculum.

Adventure STEM Classroom Educator - New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) seeks four AmeriCorps

Adventure STEM Classroom Educators to implement our new AmeriCorps program, in partnership with the New

London STEM Academy at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London, Connecticut. The Adventure STEM

Classroom Educators will help build this inaugural program to impact young people’s lives by providing opportunities

for transformational experiences and personal growth through integration of NESS’s STEM-based adventure

education program with their middle school curriculum. AmeriCorps Members will become an integral part of the

STEM Academy through a common vision of improved student performance and achievement.

Adventure STEM Field Educator - New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) seeks six AmeriCorps

Adventure STEM Field Educators to implement our new AmeriCorps program, in partnership with the New London

STEM Academy at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School in New London, Connecticut. The Adventure STEM Field

Educators will help build this inaugural program to impact young people’s lives by providing opportunities for

transformational experiences and personal growth through integration of NESS’s STEM-based adventure education

program with their middle school curriculum. AmeriCorps Members will become an integral part of the STEM

Academy through a common vision of improved student performance and achievement.

To apply and view the full position descriptions please visit our website here:

http://www.nessf.org/Employment/index.html

News:

College Students Create Nail Polish That Changes Colors When Exposed To Date Rape

Drugs (Elite Daily) Four male students at North Carolina State University are attempting to put an end to date rape with their own hands.

More accurately, they’re ending it with the hands of their friends, girlfriends and female supporters. The guys —

Ankesh Madan, Stephen Gray, Tyler Confrey-Maloney and Tasso Von Windheim — have invented a nail polish called

Undercover Colors that changes shades when touched by date rape drugs. They aim to protect their loved ones and

women who may not have anyone present to watch out for them. The varnish is an innovative step towards more

effective systems of rape prevention in bars and at parties. The company calls itself the “first fashion company

working to prevent sexual assault.”

9 Incredible Science Projects by Brilliant Kids (Mashable) Science projects are no longer just about poster boards and papier-mâché volcanoes. With prestigious competitions

like the Google Science Fair and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, millions of entrepreneurial

students are showcasing their talents and gaining national recognition for their work. From bioplastics made from

banana peels to new treatments against influenza, today's science projects by children and teenagers have turned

into life-changing ideas. Below, we've compiled nine recent award-winning science projects from some of the

brightest and youngest minds out there.

ACT Report Says More Science and Math Courses Not Enough to Improve Student

Learning ACT, the organization that produces one of the two major college entrance exams in the U.S., released a report earlier

this month that found that taking more math and science courses has little or no effect on student achieve in those

subjects. In the report, "Missing the Mark: Students Gain Little from Mandating Extra Math and Science Courses," the

authors, Richard Buddin and Michelle Croft,studied the graduating classes of 2005 through 2013 in Illinois, not

including Chicago, affected by a state law mandating a minimum of three years of math and two years of science in

order to graduate.

Before the law took effect, about 23 percent of Illinois school districts required three years of math, and about 75

percent required two years of science. Researchers compared the districts to each other.

By 2013, Buddin and Croft found that the law narrowed the science course-taking gap by 50 percent. But it had little

effect on trends in math course-taking. And the requirements also had little impact across the board for student

achievement on ACT exams for both mathematics and science. While students in the bottom half of their classes took

more science instruction, it did not increase their college enrollment.

Read the full report here.

U.S. to Rejoin International Math and Science Test After 20-Year Break After 20-year hiatus, the U.S. Department of Education is planning for U.S. participation next year in the Trends in

International Mathematics and Science Study's (TIMSS) Advanced global exam on high-level math and physics,

according to a notice published in the Federal Register.

"Because of the current strong policy interest in preparedness for college and for careers in science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the U.S. plans to participate in TIMSS Advanced in 2015," the Education

Department stated on the move.

STEAM concept gains traction in some schools Lessons involving STEAM -- science, technology, engineering, arts and math -- are catching on nationwide, including

in schools in Florida, Ohio and Texas. The concept also has drawn support from businesses and government. Still,

some say the effects of STEAM on student achievement remains unclear. StateImpact/Ohio (8/25)

How to Get Girls Into Engineering? Let Them Build Toys (Wall Street Journal) When Alice Brooks and Bettina Chen met in 2010, both were in engineering master's programs at Stanford

University—mechanical and electrical, respectively. But there weren't many other women around. Chatting about why

there were so few female engineers, the pair realized that they had both grown up with toys that encouraged them to

build and make things, rather than traditional toys for girls. The friends agreed it would be great if there were toys

aimed at nudging girls toward tinkering and eventually into engineering. In May 2012 they launched a campaign on

Kickstarter to fund the development of their toys, which they dubbed Roominate. The idea: Girls get a set of pastel-

colored pieces that they can assemble into a building or any other type of structure.

NGSS News:

Next Generation Science Standards Parent Q and A From NSTA Because the Next Generation Science Standards mark a significant shift in how science is both taught and learned,

parents may be curious as to what their children's classrooms will look like. To help parents better understand the

importance of standards and the role they play in education, NSTA has developed a short Q&A for parents. This tool

explains what standards are in general and why the NGSS in particular are so critical for developing college and career

readiness in the sciences. The Q&A is a great resource for science teachers, principals, and other administrators to

distribute to and discuss with parents. Please visit: http://ngss.nsta.org/parent-q-and-a/ for a Q and A for parents on

the Next Generation Science Standards. The NGSS are meant to foster science learning to last a lifetime. For more

resources for parents, please visit: http://www.nsta.org/parents

Teacher Resources:

Lab Safety In The Classroom - http://www.nsta.org/docs/SafetyInTheScienceClassroomLabAndField.pdf

For professional safety practices and safety legal standards, check out the NSTA resource titled "Safety in the Science

Classroom, Laboratory or Field Sites"

Also check out the NSTA Safety Portal for many additional safety resources at both elementary and secondary school

levels: - http://www.nsta.org/safety/.

Investigating Evidence Curriculum - http://www.birdsleuth.org/investigating-evidence-2/ Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Investigating Evidence curriculum helps turn students into scientists. Through this unit,

students learn by doing...from question to conclusion. This download includes lesson plans, journal pages, and online

resources that will encourage students to ask scientific questions, craft and test hypotheses, collect and organize data,

and draw meaningful conclusions.

iPhysics - http://www.physicslessons.com/iphysics.htm From measurement to fluids to modern and atomic physics, these interactive online experiments let you drop balls,

incline planes, chase a magnetic current, and do a world of other physical science activities to progress through a

carefully plotted journey toward mastery of physics concepts. The 69 experiments are presented sequentially to build

solid physics understandings; most simulations require the Shockwave plug-in or Java to run.

Stellarium - http://www.stellarium.org/ Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see

with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. This GPL software renders realistic skies in real time with OpenGL.

Stellarium is also used in real planetariums.

It's Elemental - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/periodic-table.html This interactive periodic table from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) science series NOVA explores in-depth

nature's building blocks, the elements. Most appropriate for the high school level, the site allows students to discover

which elements are the most abundant in the Earth, Sun, universe, and other environments, and which elements are

the most extreme (i.e., have the highest or lowest melting point, boiling point, or density). The site also has links to

games and quizzes that test students' element knowledge and to a television special, Hunting the Elements, which

highlights chemistry extremes.

Jet Stream - The National Weather Service Online Weather School -

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/ JetStream, the National Weather Service Online Weather School is designed to help educators, emergency managers,

or anyone interested in learning about weather and weather safety. The information contained in JetStream is

arranged by subject; beginning with global and large scale weather patterns followed by lessons on air masses, wind

patterns, cloud formations, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, damaging winds, tornados, tropical storms, cyclones and

flooding. Interspersed in JetStream are "Learning Lessons" which can be used to enhance the educational experience.

You are free to use the materials in any manner you wish. Click to see all topics in JetStream in the Topic Matrix.

New Searchable, Free Teaching Resources on Climate and Energy in the CLEAN Collection

– Grades K-16 - http://cleanet.org/index.html NOAA, USGCRP NCAnet Education Affinity Group, and members of the CLEAN Network have developed a series of

guides for educators that focus on the regional chapters of the National Climate Assessment (NCA) Report, helping to

unpack the key messages of each region and point to related, high-quality online resources.

The NCA also contains information that will help educators and students gain a deeper understanding of climate

science through the Our Changing Climate section and Climate Science Supplement. The content in the NCA is useful

and relevant for integration of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into science education. In the

Adaptation and Infrastructure sections, educators can find information on climate-related problems and solutions,

including those that draw on engineering design. Learn more about this and the other climate change resources

NSTA has available online or go to www.climate.gov/teaching/2014-national-climate-assessment-resources-

educators.

AP Chemistry Sites and Resources: National Math and Science Initiative AP Chemistry Class Lecture Notes AND instructional videos:

http://apchemistrynmsi.wikispaces.com/AP+Chemistry+Class+Lecture+Notes+AND+instructional+videos

Youtube Bozeman Science AP Chemistry Essentials:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLllVwaZQkS2op2kDuFifhStNsS49LAxkZ

Khan Academy Chemistry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL166048DD75B05C0D

Flipped Learning Reviewing for the AP Chemistry Exam:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP24P3yfORxBcpxDMcBor6Io84bh4R6as

Thinkwell AP Chemistry: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL939F008522BC0627

Understanding Science - http://undsci.berkeley.edu/index.php Are you looking for a new or different way to explain how science works or why science matters to your students? The

"Scientific Method" used to mean teaching a strict set of steps, today we no longer recognize this as the method

followed in scientific research. The Understanding Science website put together by the University of California

Museum of Paleontology provides a variety of teaching resources for all grade levels in one convenient location.

Correcting student misconceptions about science is another topic that is also addressed by this website. To look at all

the materials available to you, go to: http://undsci.berkeley.edu/index.php

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

NEW!!! Rhode Island Envirothon Information Session – September 24th from 4:00 – 6:00

PM

Rhode Island Envirothon is holding an informational session/open house for potential coaches, advisors, teachers and

leaders who have an interest in helping to work with a team of middle or high school students. The information

session will be held at:

Gregg’s Restaurant 4120 Quaker Lane (Route 2) in North Kingston, RI

Wednesday September 24, 2014 from 4 to 6 pm.

Rhode Island Envirothon is a hands-on, team competition for RI middle and high school students, held in May.

The competition covers the following environmental topics:

Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatic Ecology, Soils and Land Use, and this year’s Environmental Issue – Urban and

Community Forestry.

The mission of Rhode Island Envirothon is to develop knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated citizens who are

willing and prepared to work towards achieving and maintaining a natural balance between the quality of life and

the quality of the environment.

Our motto is to teach students how to think, not what to think.

We provide a National Envirothon Curriculum, which is 87% aligned to the National Science Standards.

We offer hands-on workshops for your students and teachers, given by local professionals.

We offer partnerships with various RI Environmental Agencies.

We provide a soil start-up kit, video library and maintain on-line resources.

We sponsor the RI winning team at the North American Envirothon competition in July.

How can your school start an Envirothon Team?

Obtain administrative approval for the Program.

Recruit an advisor.

Register your school with RI Envirothon, Inc.

Visit our RI Envirothon website for resource information and calendar of meetings and workshops.

Incorporate the Envirothon program into classroom curriculum or after school club, and begin recruiting students

for your Envirothon team.

Please RSVP to President@rienvirothon.org. If you can’t make it but would like further information please contact RI

Envirothon at Tel. (401) 500-0399 or Fax: (401) 934-0843

NEW!!! Teaching NGSS in Elementary School Is Topic of Monthly Web Seminars

K–5 teachers will not want to miss NSTA's upcoming series of web seminars focused on teaching the Next Generation

Science Standards (NGSS) in elementary school. Each month from September through February, we will focus on a

particular grade level, kindergarten through 5th grade. Presenters will review the general architecture of the NGSS and

the specific expectations for each grade level then explore how to use the standards to plan curriculum and

instruction. Join presenters Carla Zembal-Saul, Mary Starr, and Kathy Renfrew in one or all of these great learning

experiences offered FREE for teachers. Find more information and/or register:

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—Kindergarten, Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—First Grade, Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—Second Grade, Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—Third Grade, Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—Fourth Grade, Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Teaching NGSS in Elementary School—Fifth Grade, Wednesday, February 18, 2015

WestEd Seeks Teachers to Field Test SimScientists Human Body Systems - (HS Biology)

As you start preparing for your return to the classroom this year, please consider this opportunity to participate in a

field test of SimScientists Human Body Systems.

WestEd, a not-for-profit educational research agency, has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to

conduct a research project during the 2014-15 school year that examines how to best use technology to help

students integrate and express their science knowledge through computer-based simulations. The interactive, online

modules are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with particular emphasis on developing and

using models of human body systems at scales ranging from molecules to the whole body. The modules are

described at the end of this posting.

Participating teachers will receive orientation and training, engaging simulation-based computer program lessons to

use with their students, and stipends up to $1,500 for their involvement in the study.

In order to participate, you must teach at least two classes of general biology at the high school level.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the online consent form at:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SimSciHBS

To learn more about this project, please email kjordan@wested.org.

NSTA Teacher Awards Programs

NSTA is offering 19 different award programs that are administered by the Association and funded by various

corporations and organizations. Many of the awards recognize teachers for their development and implementation of

unique science programs and curricula, while others honor individuals who show outstanding leadership and

dedication to the profession. Check them out at http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx, along with all other details!

Target Field Trip Grants – Apply by September 30th

Target will be awarding more than 5,000 grants of $700 each to schools for this school year. Teachers can use grants

to fund school field trips to connect their curricula to out-of-school experiences, including trips to museums, cultural

events, civic experiences and environmental sites. Please visit https://corporate.target.com/corporate-

responsibility/grants/field-trip-grants to apply by September 30, 2014.

Toshiba America Foundation Grant – Apply by October 1st (Grades K-5)

This grant contributes to science & math education by investing in teacher designed projects for students in Grades

K-5. Teachers are invited to apply for a $1,000 Toshiba America Foundation grant to help bring an innovative hands-

on project into their classrooms. Please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taf/k5.jsp and apply by October 1, 2014. Do you

have an innovative idea for improving math or science instruction in your classroom? Good luck!

Association of American Educators Classroom Grants – Apply by October 1st

These grants (average amount: $500) can be used for a variety of projects and materials, including but not limited to

books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audiovisual equipment, and lab materials. Classroom

grants are available to all educators who have not received a scholarship or grant from the association in the last 18

months. Application deadlines are October 1 and March 1. Click here for more information.

Raytheon – EiE Teacher Scholarships Applications to Open August 27 For K-5 Teachers –

Apply by October 10th

Want to bring Engineering is Elementary’s award-winning curriculum to YOUR classroom AND attend an outstanding

PD workshop that prepares you to teach your best? Applications for the next round of Raytheon - EiE Teacher

Scholarships open THIS MONTH on August 27th.

Bookmark this link:

http://www.eie.org/eie-curriculum/scholarships-elementary-teachers

and be ready to submit your application.

Scholarship recipients travel to Boston to attend an EiE professional development workshop and receive a complete

set of classroom materials. The value of the scholarship is approximately $2,500.

Farmers Insurance Thanks a Million Teachers Grants– Apply by October 31st

Farmers Insurance Thanks A Million Teachers Grants of $2,500 are available to any educator who has been thanked on

ThankAMillionTeachers.com . The winners must use the money to purchase school supplies through

AdoptAClassroom.org or have the funds applied toward a professional certification through the National Board for

Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Applications accepted through October 2014. For more information, click

https://www.thankamillionteachers.com/submit-a-proposal/ .

NEW!!! James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching – Apply by

November 1st

The award recognizes, encourages, and stimulates outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the United States,

its possessions or territories, at the national level. Any individual, except a member of the award selection committee

or currently enrolled student of the nominee, may submit one nomination or support form in any given year. The

nominee must be actively engaged in the teaching of chemistry in a high school (grades 9–12).

The award consists of $5,000, a certificate, and up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the meeting. A certificate will also

be provided to the recipient's institution for display. Click here for more information.

Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program– Apply by November 5th

Announcing the launch of the 2015-2016 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching (DA) Program Online

Application for K-12 teachers!

Are you a U.S.:

Primary and/or secondary classroom teacher?

Guidance counselor?

Curriculum specialist?

Curriculum head?

Talented and Gifted coordinator?

Special Education coordinator?

Media specialist/librarian?

You may be eligible to participate in a unique international professional development opportunity for 3-6 months

through the Fulbright Program!

By conducting educational research abroad, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instructional methods and

assessment methodologies and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have

the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich

their U.S. schools and local communities with global perspectives.

Teachers may travel to: Botswana, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Palestinian Territories, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan

and Vietnam.

*Additional countries are still pending and will be added to the website in the coming weeks.

START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY: https://dafulbrightteachers.org/

Application deadline: November 5, 2014.

Eligibility Requirements: www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org.

Application Info: http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/application-tp2.

This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is

administered by the Institute of International Education

NEW!!! N-Visioning a Brighter Future Grant Program – Applications Due November 14th

Sponsored by Westinghouse, the program awards grants to U.S. K–12 schools that want their students to learn more

about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) through a hands-on project. Three schools will be

awarded grants of $3,000—$1,000 to complete their projects and $2,000 for the schools' science department needs—

for any creative project dealing with STEM. Preference will go to projects that involve students directly, incorporate

community resources, or use interdisciplinary or team-teaching strategies. Click here for more information about the

program.

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program Now Accepting Applications

for 2015-16 Fellowship Year – Apply by November 20th

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished

K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve in the national

education arena. Fellows spend 11 months working in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office, bringing their

extensive classroom knowledge and experience to STEM education program and/or education policy efforts. Program

applications are due November 20, 2014, and must be submitted through an online application system.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be a current employed full-time in a U.S. public or private elementary

or secondary school or school district, and must have taught full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary

school for at least five of the last seven years in a STEM discipline.

Federal sponsors have included the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The DOE sponsors up to four placements in U.S. Congressional offices.

The AEF Program is managed by the DOE Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and

Scientists, in collaboration with the Triangle Coalition for STEM Education and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and

Education.

Information about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, including eligibility requirements,

program benefits, application requirements, and access to the online application system can be found at

http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/.

For any questions, please contact the AEF Program at sc.einstein@science.doe.gov.

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science

PASCO STEM Educator Awards – Apply by November 30th

The PASCO STEM Educator awards, sponsored by PASCO scientific, in partnership with the National Science Teachers

Association, recognize excellence and innovation in the field of STEM education at middle school and high school

levels.

Eligibility: The applicant must be a 6–12 STEM educator. Individuals must have a minimum of 3 years teaching

experience in the STEM fields, who implement innovative inquiry-based, technology infused STEM programs. One

middle level and two high school level recipients will be awarded annually.

Award: A total of 3 awardees will be selected annually. Each awardee will receive up to $1000 to cover travel expenses

to attend the NSTA national conference and be part of a STEM share-a-thon workshop, a $500 monetary gift, and a

$5000 certificate for PASCO scientific products. The recipient of the award will be honored during the Awards Banquet

at the NSTA national conference.

To apply click on the link below:

http://www.nsta.org/docs/awards/STEMEducator.pdf

The deadline to apply is November 30, 2014.

NEW!!! Enter Now for a Chance to Win the 2014–2015 Shell Science Lab Challenge – Apply

by December 19th

Are you a science teacher succeeding in providing exemplary lab instruction with minimal equipment and resources?

The Shell Science Lab Challenge offers you a chance to compete to win a school science lab makeover, valued at

$20,000, by sharing your creative approach.

Middle and high school science teachers (grades 6–12) in the United States and Canada who have found innovative

ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources are encouraged to apply! The

deadline for submissions is December 19, 2014.

All winners will receive science lab equipment, Shell cash grants, NSTA membership, and support to attend NSTA

Conferences on Science Education. The grand-prize winner and four national finalists will be honored at a special

banquet and ceremony at NSTA's National Conference on Science Education in Chicago in March 2015. For more

information about the Challenge or to download an application, click here.

NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center History of Winter Workshop – Apply by December 31st

Climbing an ice fall, drilling an ice core from a frozen lake or standing inside a pit to study layers of snow are not

usually part of the normal work week of a science teacher. But the annual History of Winter program, an initiative of

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, provides these and many other first-hand experiences for elementary and

secondary science teachers to familiarize themselves with the world of cryospheric science research. Guided by

professional glaciologists, the participants spend a week in February in Lake Placid, New York learning about common

field research techniques that are often used as ground validation for NASA satellite missions.

Registration for 2015 HOW Workshop Now Open.

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Office of Education and Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory invite you to

participate in the upcoming 2015 History of Winter professional development “teacher-as-scientist” workshop. This

week of training, to be held February 15-21, 2015 in Lake Placid, NY, places teachers in the role of scientists, working

side-by-side with professional scientists and technologists from NASA, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering

Laboratory, and partner universities.

Click here to learn more about the workshop and download the registration form. Interested

applicants should apply no later than December 31, 2014

NEW!!! Nominate an Educator for the National Teachers Hall of Fame – Applications Due

January 10, 2015

Located in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) has brought attention to the profession

through an annual recognition program that honors five of the nation's most outstanding teachers. Nominees must

have a minimum of 20 years of full-time preK–12 teaching experience.

Ceremonies take place in June of each year. All expenses are paid by the NTHF. Following the induction, members

continue in their current endeavors and serve students and the field of education by becoming lifelong ambassadors.

Being an ambassador of the NTHF includes participating in webinars, workshops, and in a speaker's bureau, as well as

representing and marketing the NTHF through public appearances and educational endeavors. For more information,

click here.

NEW!!! Vernier Engineering Contest – Applications Due by January 15, 2015

Vernier Software & Technology is accepting applications for its Engineering Contest, which recognizes STEM

educators for introducing students to engineering concepts and practices through innovative uses of Vernier sensors.

Each award will consist of $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier technology, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend either

the 2015 NSTA STEM conference or the 2015 ASEE conference. Three awards will be given: one for middle school, one

for high school, and one for college.

Educators who apply must submit a video showcasing the use of Vernier sensors in a project or experiment. The

sensors may be used in conjunction with Vernier's Logger Pro software, NI LabVIEW software, LEGO NXT or EV3, VEX,

or any other system incorporating Vernier sensors. Applications will be judged on innovation, engineering objectives,

and the ease by which others can replicate the project. Middle school and high school applicants are asked to

specifically explain how the project addresses the engineering practices called for in the Next Generation Science

Standards. More information about the competition can be found here.

Student Competitions and Grant Opportunities

Zero Robotics High School Tournament – Enter by September 5th

The Zero Robotics High School Tournament 2014 will take place this fall in which U.S. high school students have the

opportunity to design experiments that will be tested in space. The competition starts online. After several phases of

virtual competition, finalists will be selected to compete in a live championship aboard the International Space

Station. Registration closes on Sept. 5, 2014. For more information and to register your team, visit

http://www.zerorobotics.mit.edu . Please email any questions about this opportunity to zerorobotics@mit.edu

You Be The Chemist Challenge – Grades 5-8

Get your students excited about chemistry with the You Be The Chemist Challenge—a free, national academic

competition for grade 5-8 students. The Challenge tests students’ knowledge of chemistry concepts, scientific

theories, and laboratory safety in an engaging, interactive format. Local and state competitions occur in the spring

and the top student from each state (together with one educator!) receives an expenses-paid trip to the national

competition in June. To find out how your school can get involved, go to http://www.chemed.org/ybtc/challenge/

please complete the Educator Inquiry form in the “I’m an educator…” section and e-mail it to challenge@chemed.org,

or call 703/ 527-6223

NEW!!! Captain Planet Foundation Grants – Apply By September 30th

The Captain Planet Foundation funds and supports hands-on environmental projects for students. Its objective is to

encourage innovative programs that empower students around the world to work individually and collectively to

solve environmental problems in their local communities. Grant amounts range from $250 to $2,500. Deadlines for

submitting grant applications are September 30 and January 31. For more information, click here.

Earth Science Contests for Grades K-5 and Grade 6-9 – Enter by October 17th

The American Geosciences Institute is sponsoring a series of contests to celebrate Earth Science Week 2014. This

year's celebration takes place Oct. 12-18, 2014.

Photography Contest: Open to All Ages: http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html.

Visual Arts Contest: Open to Students in Grades K-5:

http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/visualarts/index.html

Essay Contest: Open to Students in Grades 6-9: http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/essay/index.html

The entry deadline for all three contests is Oct. 17, 2014. Visit the contest websites for full details

eCYBERMISSION for Grades 6-9 – Enter by December 17th

Science teachers and the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) are on a mission to increase student

interest in STEM education through the eCYBERMISSION program. Students in grades 6 - 9 are challenged to think

about real-world applications of STEM by working in teams to identify a problem in their community and using

scientific practices or the engineering design process to find a solution. Students can win on a state, regional, and

national level, with national winning teams receiving up to $9,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds, valued at maturity.

Students registered by November 5 will receive a FREE STEM Research Kit, which includes a notebook, flash drive, and

pencil. For more information, visit http://www.ecybermission.com/

Registration is now open for the 2014–2015 program year.

For more information, visit the competition website or contact eCYBERMISSION Mission Control at 1-866-GO-CYBER

(462-9237) or via email at missioncontrol@ecybermission.com. The deadline for registration is December 17, 2014.

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 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