MADSCI NEWS
Science and Technology's Semi-Regular Department Newsletter
February 19, 2016
YOUR FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED!
Jason and I talked about little tweaks to make it even better and we both thought we should consult the smartest and most creative people we know - YOU!
Give it a look over and send back some feedback. We clearly have the best department. We need to keep promoting our brand, and this is another step in that direction. Go Madison STE!
Add your feedback here: http://padlet.com/patersont/7nmtlojsfzry
FLINN CHEMVENTORY
Two years ago we underwent both a major chemical cleanup and chemical cleanout in Madison. It is important that we continue these efforts to maintain a safe environment for us and our students, as well as maintain compliance with the NJDEP.
One area where we need to improve is maintaining an accurate inventory of chemicals. To help us do this we have purchased Flinn's Chemical Inventory Management System Chemventory.
Over the coming months and year we will use this tool to populate our working inventory list. Each science teacher has received access to the system and can start to familiarize themselves with it. I put together a short video with the basics of adding items - you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Y544MY2AU
SCIENCE KEEPS REMINDING US HOW AWESOME IT IS
By now everyone has heard about the "gravity waves" and that even when Einstein thought he was wrong he was still right.
Even if the study of the Universe and theoretical physics isn't your thing, you have to appreciate the absolute beauty of a discovery like this. Forget that this will provide us with a whole new lens to examine the universe. Forget that it will lead to discoveries that will cause us to reexamine everything we know. And forget about the cynics that will say this is a foolish pursuit of things that have no real application to the ordinary person.
At the end of the day endeavors such as this - going to the moon or creating a humongous particle accelerator - show what we are capable of in terms of imagination, drive, ingenuity, and the thirst for knowledge. It is pure - it's about asking big questions and working as hard as you possibly can to discover truth. This is why I love science, and it's why I hope our students will develop this love too.
But that's just my opinion.
-Tom
NY Times Opinion piece by Lawrence Krauss, theoretical physicist
K-5 NGSS PRESENTATION
SUPPORTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAIRS
In district fairs - come out and show your support!
- Torey J Sabatini Elementary School - March 22 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
- Kings Road Elementary School - March 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
MONDAY'S DEPARTMENT MEETING
- Science Program Evaluation Committee Members - I need to meet with you. Details to follow.
- MHS and MJS Science Teachers - we need to begin planning work on the Department Inventory and Safety objectives.
- Technology - March showcase work - your idea sounds awesome!