DPS Secondary Science News
February 22-26, 2016
It takes a village
I've been thinking a lot lately about how much I appreciate the hard work of the DPS secondary science team. Everyone has a lot on their plates and yet, as a team, you've pitched in to help with the secondary science resource review, the early release days, kit deployment, data dives, science fairs, science olympiad teams-- the list goes on and on. I just want you to know your effort is noted-- and very much appreciated. And, good news! Spring is just around the corner...
This week: I will be at Lucas, Northern, Riverside, Southern, Carrington, Rogers Herr, Lowe's Grove, and Southern. The Earth & Environmental Resource Review meeting is on Thursday from 3:45-4:45 at Riverside High School. Friday I will be helping with Middle School Battle of the Books.
Google Expeditions Announcement
When: March 4-April 1, Dates TBD
Schools: Brogden, Lakewood Montessori, City of Medicine Academy, Neal, Lucas, Carrington, Riverside, Jordan and DSA
Cell Models in Biology
School: Riverside
Central Region 3A Science and Engineering Fair
School: Lowe's Grove Middle School
Linda Tugurian
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://central.dpsnc.net/science-secondary
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events
- February 24, Early Release Day Secondary Science Workshops (sign up in True North Logic): Genetic Evidence for Evolution, Fossil Fuel Consumption in the Ecosystem, Plants in the Ecosystem, STEM in the Classroom (Carolina Hurricanes' Hockey Scholar), GIZMOS Pilot Project Kick-off.
- February 25, Earth and Environmental Science Resource Review, 3:45-4:45 @ Riverside High School, room 222. Thanks, Emma Revfem, for hosting! If you cannot join us in person, you can join us by Google hangout at:
https://plus.google.com/events/cofoplp23ei329kgeg3e3ilokkc?authkey=CMi1sqzmot7EQg
- March 4-April 1 Google Expeditions comes to DPS!
- March 8, Secondary Science Chair Meeting (Anyone want to host? Contact me!), 4-5:30. Classroom Safety Checklists DUE.
- March 12, Science Olympiad Tournament at Jordan High School.
Quick News
- DPS Out of the Box on the February 24 Early Release Day offers lots of options for Secondary Science Teachers! Look for these options: Genetic Evidence for Evolution @ Riverside, Fossil Fuel Consumption in the Ecosystem @ DSA, Plants in the Ecosystem @ The DPS Hub Farm, STEM in the Classroom (Carolina Hurricanes' Hockey Scholar) @ Githens, GIZMOS Pilot Project Kick-off @ SCS. Sign up in True-North Logic.
The Secondary Science Resource Review is winding down. Make sure you've conveyed your feedback to your school's representative on the Secondary Science Resource Committee. Electronic resources are available for your review at:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzMkdRR3cyclJXckE
- Looking for current science news articles your students can read? Check out: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RtCxUaEYbHZiMmLof8NDlx54QHdC1tInQgjOLbp_CBA
- Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
DPS Science Teachers and Partners Share
NC Museum of Life and Science shares this opportunity:
FREE 3D PRINTING SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
TUESDAY MARCH 29–FRIDAY APRIL 1
The Museum of Life and Science, in partnership with Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is offering a free 3D printing and programming camp for middle school girls.
Program participants will spend the week playing with exciting new technologies and designing and creating 3D-printed models of planets.
When camp is over, the projects created during the week will be used by visually impaired learners in local museums, libraries and schools! Contact: Trish Lemm
Manager for Innovation and Learning, Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27707, (o) 919-220-5429
Laura Clarke at CMA shares this opportunity:
Step Up to STEM is an innovative interdisciplinary academic program that uses exciting real-world subjects to challenge rising 9th graders from underrepresented populations across North Carolina and build their skills in science, math, and communications. During the program's residential summer institute, students live and learn on the historic campus of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, where they have the opportunity to take advantage of the many unique enrichment activities available throughout the Triangle area. The program is open by application to African American, Hispanic American, and Native American 8th graders who live in North Carolina. For more info, go to : http://www.ncssm.edu/stepup
Science partner US 2020 shares this special opportunity
“Spring into STEM - The Spirit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” March 12, 2016
The WIB-RTP Young Women In Bio presents our first annual “Spring into STEM: The Spirit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship” event. On Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., young women in 6th-12th grade will meet an amazing group of leaders in the biotech and bioscience industry. This event will begin with an informative speaker session where attendees can hear from female executives and entrepreneurs who are leaders in their field. These short talks will be followed by breaking up into smaller groups to complete hands-on STEM related activities. We will finish up with lunch and informal networking. Advanced registration is required for this event; walk-ins will not be accepted. We welcome parents to drop/pickup their children in the lobby, but the event will be open to young women only. Dress is casual.
Learn more and register for this event.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
Registration Deadline: March 11, 2016
Jonathan Frederick of the NC Science Festival shares this opportunity:
GAINS Conference 2016
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
April 3-5, 2016
The GAINS Conference is a place where high school girls can:
· Explore STEM careers
· Meet STEM mentors and role models
· Connect with peers who are also interested in STEM
· Tour the amazing STEM facilities at Duke and UNC!
· Hear about cutting-edge research being conducted by women in STEM.
Greenwich Academy and its strategic partners are committed to making the GAINS Conference accessible to as many students as possible. Financial Assistance is available for students in need, and information about FA will be available upon registration. More information and the registration link for The GAINS Network Conference can be found here. Space is limited so register early! Lastly, registration for the GAINS Conference is SCHOOL BASED, and students must be registered by teachers / administrators.
Davida LaCosse at Jordan asks you to help us fund a speaker for Science Olympiad. For more information you can look at the link here: http://igg.me/at/EaZkS9wx2q0
Summer Science for Teachers
Educators of Excellence Institutes
Educators of Excellence Application Form 2016
Applications are due Monday, March 7, 2016
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK INSTITUTE
Dates: June 15-23, 2016 with an orientation at the Museum on Saturday, April 16, and an evaluation meeting on Saturday, November 5.
Location: Yellowstone National Park, WY and MT
Participating educators will study and experience the wonders of the world’s first national park. Join us from sunrise to sunset as we observe the incredible wildlife including bears, bison, wolves and elk. Learn about the area’s unique geothermal features and enjoy the magnificent scenery as we hike trails throughout the park. The daily program will include field experiences, opportunities to meet with park staff and local experts to discuss resource management issues, and activities to help bring these experiences into the classroom. Discover strategies for exploring the connections between Yellowstone and North Carolina (wolf and elk reintroduction, fire ecology, resource management issues in the parks, and much more).
TROPICAL ECOLOGY INSTITUTE
Dates: July 19-27, 2016, an orientation at the Museum on Saturday, April 30 and an evaluation meeting on Saturday, November 5.
Location: Belize, Central America and Raleigh, NC
Participants will experience several tropical habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and rain forests. The daily program will include practical field experiences, basic biological information, and easily duplicated techniques for teaching natural sciences. This program is designed to give educators a direct experience with environments and concepts that are part of the classroom curriculum. Participants will spend time at a Belizean school interacting with teachers and students.
EPA’s Air Quality Workshop is FREE!
Date: July 12 - 13, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: EPA/RTP Campus located in Durham
Website: www.airnow.gov/teachers
To Register: Contact Donna Rogers at rogers.donna@epa.gov
TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES:
• Learn how EPA manages air quality in the U.S. and a report on North Carolina’s air quality
• Identify environmental health effects and risks
• Learn about EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program for Schools
• Tour EPA’s Green Building
BENEFITS:
• Learn EPA’s role in environmental research and management
• Experience interactive hands-on activities designed for classroom use
• Receive curricula, pamphlets, brochures, and fact sheets
Interested in Modeling? The Science House is currently accepting applications for the 2016 Summer Modeling Institutes.
What: 2016 Summer Modeling Institutes
When: July 11-28, 2016 (excluding weekends)
Where: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Who: High School Biology Teachers and High School/Middle School Physical Science Teachers
What is Modeling?
Modeling Institutes are professional development programs using a structured inquiry approach to science teaching to equip teachers with the content knowledge and pedagogical tools needed to transform their instruction and their students. Emphasis is placed on the use of basic models and modeling to teach content. Participants develop skills in fostering scientific discourse and presentation and in assessment of student learning. If you wish to learn more about Modeling Instruction you are encouraged to visit the web site of the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA): http://modelinginstruction.org/
Who is eligible to participate?
The Modeling Institutes are open to public, charter, private, or homeschool teachers from North Carolina who will teach Biology or Physical Science during the 2016-17 academic year. The Biology Institute is limited to high school teachers only. The Physical Science Institute is open to high school teachers or middle school teachers if they teach a Physical Science course at the middle school level. Participating teachers will be paid a stipend for attendance. In addition teachers who are more than 35 miles from campus are eligible for campus housing and meal per diems. For more information and to apply please visit: https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/programs/modeling/
Interested in the Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Experience? Find details at: https://www.ncforestry.org/sfi-sustainable-forestry-cee-experience-for-teachers/ The cost is only $50. The NCFA and its partners pay for all food, lodging, and transportation once at the workshop. We also pay for a fun activities at each workshop for the teachers. Educators receive 18 CEU credits for attending and take back a wealth of knowledge to share with their students. Our application period closes on April 15th, 2016. Questions? Contact: Eddie Reese, 919-834-3943, 1-800-231-7723, ereese@ncforestry.org
Summer Science for Students
Horticultural Science Summer Institute, July 10-15, 2016
The Horticultural Science Summer Institute will be July 10-15, 2016 and is sponsored by North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Program with the Department of Horticultural Science. High school-aged youth (rising sophomores, juniors and seniors) are invited to apply to a weeklong, residential horticultural experience on the campus of NC State University. The cost of the institute will be $550 with a $150 deposit due upon application acceptance. All lodging, workshop materials and field trips and most meals are provided. Scholarships may be available. Applications are due Friday, April 15th and notification of acceptance will follow shortly thereafter. Please contact Liz Driscoll at liz_driscoll@ncsu.edu or 919.513.7346/ 919.886.3424 with any questions or comments.
Youth should apply here by Friday, April 15th. For more information visit the HSSI webpage.
The 2016 Environmental Science Summer Program at Duke is now accepting applications. Please share this opportunity with rising Sophomores and Juniors in the Triangle Area. Please share this link with students: sites.nicholas.duke.edu/essp
The Duke BOOST program is accepting applications from middle school students (as participants) and high school students (as leaders). MANY, many DPS students have benefitted from participation in this amazing program. Check it out at: https://sites.duke.edu/boost/apply/
Science Resources
APPLICATIONS FOR NC DNA DAY 2016 ARE NOW OPEN!
Would you like a scientist from one of NC’s leading research institutions to visit your high school science classroom?
Please visit ncdnaday.org to have a scientist visit your high school classroom and present an engaging, hands-on module covering a topic related to genetics and genomics! In addition, the scientist will discuss his or her own research interests and info about exciting careers in research and biotechnology! Or sign up directly here:
https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bPhSF9FXVloYD8p
This year's topics include four exciting, hand-on lessons: DNA Repair (based on the 2015 Nobel Prize winning work of two NC scientists), Personalized Medicine (Pharmacogenomics), Forensics, and Immunology.
Now recruiting for Fall, 2016! Student Engineers Network, Strengthening Opportunities in Research (SENSOR) Saturday Academy at Duke University
What? Hands-on education program to encourage careers in science and engineering by engaging 8th grade underrepresented minority students in materials science and water quality testing. Who? Students entering 8th grade Fall 2016. When? 12 Saturday sessions (Sep 2016- May 2017), plus field trip to Eno River State Park. Where? Duke University Campus. Interested? Visit – http://stiffrobertslab.pratt.duke.edu/sensor-saturday-academy Call – 919-660-5560 OR Email – adrienne.stiffroberts@duke.edu
Eco-Comedy Video Competition Call for Entries
The Nature Conservancy and the American University Center for Environmental Filmmaking are partnering for the 2016 Eco-Comedy Video Competition. The theme for this year is "Clean Water."
Contestants must produce a short, humorous video tackling this year's theme. “Connect the drops” between clean water and life. The contest is open to anyone worldwide who has a flair for producing videos and something to say about conservation.
Submissions must be submitted by 11:59pm Eastern Time Zone on Tuesday, March 1st, 2016. Visit the competition website for more information.
School Year PD for Science Teachers
NC Museum of Natural Sciences EDUCATOR TREKS
Teacher Make & Take: Gel Eletrophoresis
March 3, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Using your school grounds: Spring - and paddling!
March 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
NCCAT: Exploring Literacy Through Sciences and History
April 5-8, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Water Quality Workshop, Eno River State Park, April 16, 2016, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join veteran educators Holly Denham, Laura Webb Smith, and Liz Stabenow for a hands-on, feet-wet, workshop. Who should come? Educators, volunteers, and anyone who wants to take others into the creek for education and/or citizen science. You’ll learn about chemical, physical, and biological water quality parameters, including benthic macroinvertebrates. Workshop is free; however, deposit is required. To register, send a $10 check made out to Eno River Association to Holly Denham, Division of Water Resources, NC Department of Environmental Quality, 1611 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1611. For more information, contact Holly at 919-707-9009 orholly.denham@ncdenr.gov
Science in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spring in the Smoky Mountains
April 29 -May 1, 2016 at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world-renowned for its diversity of wildflowers and salamanders. Explore cove forests and stream-side habitats for salamanders as well as the blooms of spring. http://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/spring-in-the-mountains/
Science in the News
Unusual Molecules Shine Light on New Applications
BY XIAOZHI LIM
The discovery of molecules that light up only when close together has led to advances in areas like TVs and fluorescent technology for the human body.
Study Investigates Proliferation of Plastic in Waterways Around New York
BY LISA W. FODERARO
At any given time, an estimated 165 million plastic particles are floating in the estuaries that stretch from the Tappan Zee Bridge to Sandy Hook Bay, in New Jersey, a study finds.
Zika Virus Rumors and Theories That You Should Doubt
BY DONALD G. MCNEIL JR.
Here is a look at the most prominent rumors and theories about Zika virus, along with responses from scientists.
40 Trillion Bacteria on and in Us? Fewer Than We Thought.
BY NICHOLAS BAKALAR
The oft-repeated 10-to-1 ratio of microbes to human cells was unrealistic, researchers say. The numbers of microbes and human cells are about the same.
BY KAREN WEINTRAUB
Researchers have discovered a second bacterium that may cause the condition.
The Times’s Classic Weather Chart: Now Online with 3,000 Cities
Highlights from an interactive weather graphic, and a look at how the chart has evolved in the past years.