Science Newsletter
September 2016
Get connected!
Other Facebook groups you may consider joining include #OKSci, OKSci Elementary, #okSTEAM, Science through Phenomena, OkSci Biology, #OKSci5th, OKSci Middle School, and PDGeek.
You can also connect with other EPS science teachers using the hash tag #EPSstem. I would encourage you to use this hashtag to show off all of the cool things that are going on in your class, as well! And don't forget to follow the official EPS science page @EPSscience while you're there.
New on the blog
Updated curriculum documents
Are you looking to try out new tech tools with your iPads or Chromebooks? Try this resource!
Check out the PD on Your Plan repository for ideas for studying with your PLC!
Galileo's World: Art, Music, and Astronomy
Saturday, September 24, 2016
12:00 PM to 1:30 PMBizzell Memorial Library, 5th floor, University of Oklahoma
401 West Brooks, Norman, OK (map)
5th floor BIzzell Memorial Library, OU in Norman.
The monthly OU Lynx Brown-Bag series is designed especially for educators and docents. Each brown-bag features participatory activities or Open Educational Resources (OERs) that are being prepared for the Galileo's World exhibit. While completing activities, participants will offer feedback for OER development and discuss the particular groups and classes for which any activity might be helpful.
Each brown-bag is held on a Saturday, from noon to 1:30 pm. These brown-bags are held on Saturdays in order to allow participation by community educators and volunteers as well as on-campus students and faculty.
Bring your own lunch, tea bags or k-cups: Amenities in Ptolemy's Tea House include a microwave, an electric water kettle, a keurig-cup coffee maker, and an ice-machine with filtered water.
The program may typically begin by eating lunch together during an introductory discussion the first 15 minutes, and then devoting the remainder of the time to trying out the hands-on activities.
Location: Ptolemy's Tea House, 5th floor, Bizzell Memorial Library, OU, Norman. Directions and hours.
Details and fall schedule: See oulynx.org.
This event is designed for educators and docents. Since space is limited, we encourage young children to come on different, dedicated occasions. This event is for adults and mature youth. To schedule a docent-led group visit to Galileo's World, including activities for kids from 3rd grade on up, see oulynx.org/tour.
Cost is free. OU Libraries, connecting people.
Lexus Eco Challenge
Have you heard of the Lexus Eco Challenge??? It's a great opportunity to get students (grades 6-12) engaged in some real life problems in the world around them. There are two competitions, your group can compete in one or both to win scholarships and grants. These competitions focus around having kids find solutions to real life community problems and implementing a plan to help. If you win either of these competitions, you are invited to a third competition and can win $30,000.
Here's a link to the teacher's guide: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3750159
Here's the main website to check out more info: http://lexus.scholastic.com/
GAFESummit Tulsa, 9/24-25
This two-day high-intensity event focuses on deploying, integrating, and using Google Apps for Education (and other Google tools) to promote student learning in K-12 and higher education.
Website: http://ok.gafesummit.com/2016
iFly Open House for Educators
DESCRIPTION
Are you ready to take STEM Education to the next level?
Experience how flying accelerates learning with iFLY's STEM Education Program during our Open House Event! We will explore the STEM principles behind our wind tunnel technology through exciting lectures, test flights, and lab activities. Participants will also review important details on our Oklahoma Academics Standards curriculum for grades 2-12.
The first 48 Educators to arrive fly FOR FREE!
What is the Agenda of the event?
Arrival and Check-in 5pm
Presentation Starts 5:30pm
Ball Demonstration in the Wind Tunnel
Flight Class starts at 6pm!
Instructor Flight Demonstrations Throughout the Evening (You won't want to miss this!)
End of Event 8:00pm
Not sure you want to fly during the event?
We'll have activities for those that aren't flying. Guests are sure to be entertained by the demonstrations and experts flying in our wind tunnel!
FAQs
Are there ID requirements or an age/physical limit to enter the event?
Yes, Teachers interested in a FREE Flight must bring a School ID or form stating they are part of an educational institution. There is no age limit to attend, but there are physical requirements that must be met in order to fly. Please complete our waiver and review the terms if you plan to fly during the event.
www.iFLYworld.com/flight-waiver
What can/can't I bring to the event?
Please wear comfortable clothing and lace up shoes if you are planning to fly. Please note this event is for educators, and school administration. Children, family members, and other guests are welcome to attend, but will not be permitted to fly without purchasing a flight package.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Evan Comer
Sales Manager
405-300-4359
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes, you may transfer your ticket to another person or colleague in your organization.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Not required, but it will be helpful.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
Yes, as long as someone from your organization has referred you. Please be advised that only those individuals with a completed legal waiver and educational credentials will be permitted to fly.
50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners- Sept. 29 & 30
You are invited to attend 50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners! This one-day interactive training includes practical, hands-on strategies to reach English Language Learners. Participants will discover strategies from various content areas that are easy to implement and will reach many diverse learners.
Each participant will receive the book 50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners (5th Edition) !
Dates:
Elementary Teachers: September 29th from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, EPSAC Room C
Secondary Teachers: September 30th from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, EPSAC Room C
Register online at:
Elementary: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50-strategies-for-teaching-ells-for-elementary-teachers-tickets-27327946624
*The district will pay for substitutes for any CORE teachers who attend this professional development event.
Please use reason code 54 on your professional leave request form and submit to Robin Laasch on or before Monday, September 26.
Target Field Trip Grants- deadline Oct 1
As part of the program, Target stores award Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide. Each grant is valued up to $700. We accept grant applications between noon CST Aug. 1 and 11:59 p.m. CT Oct. 1.
Great for STEM integration!
Taught by nationally renowned artists, workshops are offered for all skill levels and are held at the beautiful Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center in the Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma. This year’s workshops include painting, drawing, writing, photography, printmaking, music, and more. Unlike other workshops, all meals and lodging are included in tuition.
https://oaiquartz.org/content/join-us-weekend-workshop-retreat-adults
Oklahoma Archaeology Conference
This full two-day conference aims to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of latest developments and cutting-edge research and/ or projects in the field of Oklahoma archaeology. Government agencies, private organizations, public institutions, and interested individuals in the state are invited to participate and engage in workshops, presentations, tours, and social events centered on a theme.
This year’s conference theme is Preservation in Action to commemorate the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 50 years ago. This theme centers on the preservation and interpretation of archaeological resources important to the larger historical narrative of all people within Oklahoma. Participants and attendees of this conference are encouraged to consider the impact of the NHPA on the archaeology of Oklahoma and archaeology as profession. We also urge participants to reflect on all aspects of our collective archaeological heritage, explore how it has been examined, interpreted, and preserved, and to make a call to action by envisioning the best practices that we hope to pursue in the future.
Conference Registration Fees
BEFORE 09/16/16 AFTER 09/16/16
- Professionals $20 $30
- Avocational $20 $30
- Student * $10 $15*must present valid photo ID at check-in
Register here for the conference!
Optional Activities
- $15 Photogrammetry Workshop (the afternoon of Oct. 21)
- $25 OKPAN Banquet (Oct. 22)
Conference per-registration is available until September 16, 2016. On September 17 registration fees will be increased by $10. There will be no refund after September 16.
Conference attendees may choose to bring a guest to the OKPAN Banquet. This requires a separate registration.
Professional Development/Training Workshop (Pre-registration required).
Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. This workshop will be a hands-on overview of how to create 3-D images for analysis and preservation of your objects. Come learn the step-by-step process and hear why photogrammetry is one of the most effective means of long term preservation. Learn how to create a photogrammetric image that can be used for analysis, education, or preservation purposes.
Registration will be limited to 20 people per workshop, so register early for your spot!.
Instructor: Alesha Marcum-Heiman, Graduate Research Assistant, Oklahoma Archeological Survey
Opening Reception & Poster Mixer
Learn about projects and programs that are in the works at some of Oklahoma’s diverse in federal, tribal, state, and local governments; nonprofit/for-profit organizations, colleges and universities; or museums. Talk with presenters about successes and challenges they face and how they are working to create new opportunities or enrich old classics in research and fieldwork.
You will have the chance to meet all the conference sponsors while networking with fellow attendees.
OKPAN Banquet
Join us for the first annual OKPAN Banquet. This year Meghan Dudley, Director of the Oklahoma Public Archaeology Network will host the dinner. This event is open to those in the archaeological community. Attendees will have the opportunity network with each other and meet this year’s conference speaker Kary Stackelbeck.
Conference Schedule
Download the preliminary conference schedule here in September to start planning your conference experience. Here are just a few highlights:
- Professional Development Workshop on an archaeological technique known photogrammetry.
- 3 sessions of archaeological topics presented by your archaeology colleagues.
- Poster Session & Mixer.
- Networking opportunities at breakfast, reception mixer, and banquet.
- Banquet Keynote: Kary Stackelbeck, Oklahoma State Archaeologist.
Conference Location
University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus
Thurman J. White Forum Building
1704 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73072
Conference Hotels
There is a special conference rate for the following hotel. Reservations must be made before September 29, 2016. After this date the group rate will no longer be offered.
Embassy Suite by Hilton Norman
2501 Conference Drive
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
A discounted rate of $130 + tax/night is available for conference attendees. Reservations can be made by calling 1-866-577-1273 and asking for Oklahoma Archaeology Conference rate or online at: http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/O/OKCESES-ARC-20161020/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG using group code ‘ARC’.
PolarTREC
The PolarTREC application period is open!!
PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) is a program in which K-12 teachers spend 3-6 weeks participating in hands-on field research experiences in the polar regions. The goal of PolarTREC is to invigorate polar science education and understanding by bringing K-12 educators and polar researchers together.
We are happy to announce that the 2017-2018 Application Period is now open. The application deadline isMonday, 10 October 2016. For more information, visit www.polartrec.com
OERB Teacher Workshop: John Marshall High School-OKC
ign up for an OERB workshop and receive FREE TRAINING in one of our Energy Education Curricula.
Attendees who meet the eligibility requirements will receive a teacher's guide, supply kit, $50 stipend and professional development hours. Educators who do not teach the appropriate grade level or subject for the curriculum may not be eligible to receive all of the materials.
All of the OERB curriculum was revised in fall of 2013. Each program has new or revised lessons and supply kits. In order to receive the new materials that go along with the revised program, you will need to return to an OERB workshop. For more information on the revised materials and supply kit, please email teachers@oerb.com.
OERB CURRICULA - REGISTER FOR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Little Bits - Earth Science curriculum for grade levels K-2
- Fossils to Fuel - Earth Science curriculum for grade levels 3-6
- Fossils to Fuel 2 - Earth Science curriculum for grade levels 3-6
- Petro Active - Earth Science curriculum for grade levels 6-8
- Rockin' Ratios - Mathematics curriculum for 5th grade through Pre-Algebra
- CORE Energy Science - Curriculum for secondary science teachers teaching physical science and above
- CORE Energy Social Studies - Curriculum for secondary social studies teachers teaching Oklahoma history, Economics, and US History
- CORE Energy Math - Curriculum for secondary math teachers teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, and Geometry
- CORE Energy Language Arts - Curriculum for english/language arts teachers teaching grade levels 9-12 only
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
- Registration Deadline: October 27, 2016
- Late Cancellation/No Show Fee: OERB has enacted a late cancellation policy. You will be asked to submit your credit card information during this registration. You will be charged a $15 fee ONLY if you cancel after October 27, 2016. This fee also applies to participants who have not cancelled their registration and do not attend the workshop.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
7:45 AM - 4:00 PM
- John Marshall High School
12201 Portland Ave
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120
Digital Sharing Conference
11/4-5, The Digital Sharing Conference is a two day learning event coming to Oklahoma City November 4-5, 2016
Location: Casaday School, OKC
Registration: TBA, for more info, follow @digishare on Twitter
Sam Rhine Genetics Conference for Students
Mark your Fall Calendar.....Sam Rhine's Genetic Update Conferences:
'Human Embryology.....Basis of Stem Cell Biology'
Human iPS Stem Cell Therapy & Tissue Engineering
'CRISPR-Cas9 - Applications of Genome Editing'
Practical Applications & Ethical Implications
at: Southmoore High School - November 17
Tulsa Community College - November 18
Program begins at 9:00 am and end at 12:30 pm
Pre-register on line at www.samrhine.com
Generation Beyond Student Video Challenge
THE MISSION: Middle school students (Individual and Teams up to 4) will present their Mars Mission habitation module through a one- to two-minute video, which must include a visual representation of the habitation module.
MISSION SUPPORT: To prepare for the mission, students can find Challenge Checkpoints at www.generationbeyondinschool.com/challenge. The Challenge Checkpoints share information and points to consider about the design of a Mars Mission habitation module. Launch the Challenge Checkpoints to understand key considerations before beginning the design process.
RULES FOR ENTRY: It’s important to review all the rules, but here are a couple to be aware of:
Your entry video must be longer than 60 seconds, but no longer than 120 seconds.
YouTube links with the video’s privacy settings set to “Unlisted” must be added to entry by 8PM on December 15, 2016 to be considered.
Entry videos must not contain any music of any kind.
Entries are accepted from individual students and from team of 4 or less students. Only one entry per person (Team Leader or Individual) are allowed.
JUDGING: A panel of qualified judges from Discovery Education, Lockheed Martin and its partner organizations, educators and science professionals will then score qualifying videos using the following judging criteria:
Scientific knowledge (30%)
Creativity of habitation module (ingenuity and innovative thinking) (30%)
Effective communication (20%)
Overall presentation (20%)
PRIZES: The Generation Beyond Student Video Challenge has some exciting prizes for winning “space case” video entries.
Individual and Team Grand Prizes will be awarded $10,000 and travel to a unique space experience (cash prize split between team members)
Individual and Team Second Place will be awarded $5,000 (cash prize split between team members)
Individual and Team Third Place will be awarded $2,500 (cash prize split between team members)
Four Individual and Team Regional Prizes (one from each Region): a certificate of achievement and letter from Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson.
Honeywell Space Academy
Honeywell Hometown Solutions and the financial contributions of Honeywell employees have made possible the scholarships for educators attending Honeywell Educators at Space Academy (HESA). Each scholarship covers the following: tuition for the 5-day program at U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama; round trip airfare; meals and double occupancy accommodations; program materials; flight suit.
The 2017 HESA program dates:
Wednesday – Tuesday, June 14 – 20, 2017
Wednesday – Tuesday, June 21 – 27, 2017
To be eligible for the 2017 HESA program, educators must meet the following profile requirements:
You are currently teaching science or math to students 10-14 years old and will continue to teach these subject areas through 2017
You are a certified educator in a public or private school system
You are not a spouse/family member of a U.S. Space & Rocket Center employee
You have not previously attended HESA and/or a Space Camp educator program
Apply to the 2017 HESA program no later than November 11, 2016 here
Applicants accepted into the 2017 HESA program will be notified by the week of January 9, 2017.
Please contact honeywell@spacecamp.com with any questions.
Student Video Contest
Create a short video – up to 60 seconds – about human population growth that highlights one of the following global challenges: Climate Change, Ocean Health, or Rapid Urbanization. All videos must include:
a) how population growth impacts the issue and
b) at least one idea for a sustainable solution.
Consider narrowing your focus by concentrating on a subtheme within your topic. Possible subthemes include:
- Climate Change – weather events and patterns, impact on
agriculture, impact on coastal cities, human health, ecosystem disruption - Ocean Health – overfishing, coral bleaching, climate regulation, habitat loss, pollution, dead zones
- Rapid Urbanization – sprawl, sanitation, air and water quality, megacities, migration, slums and informal settlements
Deadline for submissions is February 23, 2017.
Pets in the Classroom Teacher Grant Application Details
Our program is now accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Please click on one of the links below to apply. If you have received a store or rebate grant in any previous school year, you are ONLY eligible for the sustaining grant this year.
Please remember to apply for the SUSTAINING Grant through the SUSTAINING grant tab at the bottom of this page and not through the store directly. The store grant application does not offer a sustaining grant option.
You Must Review and Agree to All Terms Before Applying for a Grant.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
When filling out grant application, please use FULL School name. School districts and abbreviations will not be accepted and the application will be cancelled.
Only one Pets in the Classroom grant per teacher, per school year is permitted. Teachers who apply for more than one grant in a school year may be disqualified from the program.
Teachers who have previously received a Pets in the Classroom grant are only eligible to apply for the Sustaining Grant.
Pets in the Classroom grants are offered to Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade classes only in both public and private schools. High Schools , Homeschools, Home Daycare Centers and Home-based preschools do not qualify for grants at this time.
These grants are intended to support pets or aquariums in the classroom for the purposes of teaching children to bond with and care for their pets responsibly. The welfare of the small animals involved is of paramount importance. These grants must not be used for the purposes of research or experiments of any kind.
Only small animals that reside in the classroom are eligible for this program. Dogs, cats and other larger house pets do not qualify. Science projects such as caterpillars/butterflies, worms/composting and chicken egg hatching projects are not considered pets in the classroom and do not qualify for this program. No animals classified as livestock will qualify.
Grant approval is at the sole discretion of the Pet Care Trust.
We cannot accept expired certificates or coupons.
Grants are not transferable.
HOW TO APPLY
The Pet Care Trust, in partnership with our industry retailers and pet product suppliers, offers seven different Pets in the Classroom grant opportunities.
Before deciding which grant to choose from, review our ”Is Your Class Ready for a Pet in the Classroom?” article. Then, carefully consider
- What TYPE of classroom pet you are seeking,
- WHERE do you like to shop for your pet supplies.
The grants offered by our retail partners are limited to the animal types listed in the grant description. If you are seeking a classroom pet not listed on one of the retailer grants, or if you choose to shop at a different pet store other than one listed, you can choose the Pets in the Classroom Rebate grant. This is a rebate program that allows the teacher to make purchases then submit receipts for reimbursement.
Noble Academy's Science Exploration Trunk Program
NEWS RELEASE
Issued - June 07, 2016
ARDMORE, Okla. — The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's Noble Academy has been taking hands-on science and agriculture demonstrations into classrooms across southern Oklahoma for the past three years.
Now, the Noble Academy's Science Exploration Trunk program will provide some of these demonstrations to classrooms across the state.
"Educators are tasked with teaching the next generation within the confines of limited budgets and time," said Frank Hardin, Noble Academy educational outreach manager. "The Noble Foundation is going to provide science teachers and agricultural educators with a new tool that will give students a chance to experience agricultural science while also directly correlating to the national STEM requirements."
The trunk program consists of a shippable container that comes complete with all the resources and materials to lead two hands-on activities: the Carbon Cycle and CSI in a Wheat Field. The activities integrate into and support existing science curriculum and are aligned with Oklahoma education standards. The Carbon Cycle lesson introduces students to the importance of carbon to life. The CSI in a Wheat Field lesson teaches students about the importance of soil health and soil testing. The activities are for middle school and high school students.
The trunk program is free for educators to use in their classrooms once they have attended a training workshop hosted by Noble Academy. The workshop provides teachers an opportunity to become familiar with and guidance for easy use and presentation of the activities. Educators can check a trunk out for one week then return the trunk when they are done. Trunk training workshops will be scheduled in three Oklahoma cities: Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Information on these workshops will be available by the end of June.
The trunk-based lessons provide a basis for students and educators to better understand the development of scientific research. These activities are designed to pique student's interest in science and share the positive role of science and agriculture in society.
The Science Exploration Trunk program was developed and is managed by the Noble Foundation's Noble Academy youth outreach education program. Financial support for the program is provided by Devon Energy Corporation, Oklahoma FFA Foundation and the Noble Foundation. The program and its activities further support the development of student-led, science-based FFA agriscience fair projects.
"These trunks help provide another resource for our educators who are looking to engage their students in hands-on lessons, which is an essential part of learning," Hardin said. "Additionally, these lessons spark students' imaginations. Science isn't scary. It's all around us. These activities help students see the critical involvement of science in our everyday life."
Science News Magazine in Your Schools
Society for Science & the Public's Science News in High Schools program brings Science News magazine to high schools across the U.S. and worldwide. The program offers teachers and students access to the latest in-depth reporting on science topics — transforming how students and educators interact with science in the classroom by providing them with real-world examples, information, and inspiration.
Click here to bring Science News in High Schools to your school
The Science News in High Schools program launched in September 2015, as part of a larger commitment to create a more scientifically literate society. Science News, published since 1922, provides an approachable overview from all fields and applications of STEM. The magazine is written by a staff of experienced science journalists, many with Ph.D.s in scientific disciplines.
With generous new funding from Regeneron, the Society is able to offer Science News in High Schools to 4,000 additional public high schools and public charter schools for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Participating high schools receive:
- 10 print copies of each issue of Science News magazine published during the academic year
- Digital access to sciencenews.org — including the full archive — for the entire school, including teachers
- An online Educator Guide with discussion questions for each issue, to help teachers incorporate the content into their lesson plans and curriculum
- Access to an online community for sharing ideas and best practices for using Science News in High Schools
Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources
The Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources is an innovative initiative to provide Oklahoma educators with high-quality, interactive teaching resources. It will launch in August 2016 with a collection of resources for 10 high school courses so teachers can incorporate digital learning opportunities into their lessons. All resources will be free to teachers via iTunes U.
Oklahoma teachers will curate digital resources, ensuring the materials are aligned to the state’s new academic standards.
Can’t get iTunes on your device? Use these links! (If accessing from a mobile device, you may be required to download the free Trello app).
Algebra 1
Algebra 2
Geometry
Biology
Chemistry
English 1
English 2
OK History
US History
Personal Finance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are digital resources?
The resources with the Oklahoma Library of Digital resources are high quality, vetted by Oklahoma teachers and support Oklahoma academic standards. Examples include eBooks, short videos, documents, audio files, interactive online activities.
Who can use the Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources?
Anyone! While the library was created as a resource for Oklahoma educators, it is also accessible to parents and anyone who wants easy access to high-quality learning resources for children.
How much does it cost?
Most of the resources are free, although some —including some apps or eBooks — have a nominal charge.
When will more resources be added?
Elementary and middle school resources will be added in January. Additional high school resources will be added in fall 2017.
Who is maintaining the Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources?
The Oklahoma State School Boards Association is collaborating with Apple to offer the library. Express Employment Professionals is serving as a corporate sponsor in support of the library, and we expect other corporate sponsors to support the project as well.
Teachers from across Oklahoma have been involved in vetting resources in their areas of expertise, and many of those teachers will participate in helping keep the resources fresh and up-to-date!
How will OSSBA ensure the resources are up-to-date?
OSSBA is committed to providing up-to-date resources for Oklahoma educators to use in classrooms and is developing a process to receive recommendations for new resources to be added to the existing courses. All resources are vetted by Oklahoma teachers.
Keep Updated
Want to keep updated on what’s new with the Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources? Sign up for our email list!
For more information, contact Ann Caine, OSSBA Director of Education Leadership.