SCIENCE/STEM NEWSLETTER
November, 2019
Happy Belated Mole Day
If you are not familiar with Mole Day, take a look at the link below:
And thanks to the Science Department at Elisabeth Ann Johnson High School for inviting me to Mole Day Breakfast!
High School Subject Area Workshops
It does not matter if you are the lone wolf or if you have someone else in your building that teaches the same subject as you-New ideas have value and they build on one and other.
A day out of your classroom participating in something like this pays dividends down the road.
So far, each of the high school subject areas has had a chance to meet. There is a second cohort in each of the subject areas that will meet during first semester.
If you have not been a participant yet, I highly encourage you to join the second cohort. We are planning on each cohort meeting twice a year.
Chemistry Cohort 2: (includes physical science/introduction to chemistry classes)
https://catalog.geneseeisd.org/catalog/eventdetails/697
Biological Sciences Cohort 2: (includes anatomy & physiology)
https://catalog.geneseeisd.org/catalog/eventdetails/698
Physics Cohort 2, Middle School Science Leaders, and Elementary Science Leaders dates to be announced.
Visit the top ranked graduate Nuclear Physics School in the country
Dr. Constran does a great job of explaining how they make new isotopes at FRIB and explaining the applications in their daily lives that has come from this type of research.
This is just an amazing place.
You can sign up here:
https://www.nscl.msu.edu/public/tour/index.html
If you would like to learn more about nuclear physics or if you have students who want to, take a look at the Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) conference. It runs over the summer, but applications for teachers and students should go in as soon as the application process is opened.
I was a teacher participant in 2002. Learning from some of the foremost minds in the field was an unexpected and wonderful experience.
https://spartanyouth.msu.edu/Resource.aspx?ResourceID=129
https://www.jinaweb.org/educational-outreach/physics-atomic-nuclei-pan
Bridge Building Competitions through the Michigan Department of Transportation
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is putting up a bridge building competition for high school and middle school students.
It is split into:
7th and 8th grades
9th and 10th grades
11th and 12th grades.
MDOT provides kits for each of the groups.
This will be an enjoyable and learning opportunity for your students!
https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9623_38029_38059_41397---,00.html
Health in our Hands-Middle School Science Curriculum
It is a very well though Middle School application designed with NGSS in focus.
https://hioh.education/info/middle-school
If you look at the pdf at the bottom of the linked website, you will find a more detailed explanation of their program.
They are also currently working on a high school curriculum.
If you would like more information, you can contact:
Renee Bayer
517-353-6660
or
Consuelo Juliette Morales
517-432-0816
Free science reading passages for all grade levels
There is certain to be science articles that can be used in your classes.
If you are looking for reading materials to supplement your instruction, it is worth your time to look through this site.
Integrating computation into your science classrooms
Students are able to solve problems on paper or in a lab and then modify existing code to match the criteria of the problem or test their hypothesis. The term "model" comes up in NGSS terminology. This is something that has real value to that end.
There is a summer workshop. Tentative dates are from July 13th through 17th, 2020 at MSU.
https://www.gvsu.edu/mistem/2019-icsam-summer-teacher-development-workshop-at-msu-32.htm
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvwl7f7g-e-P0M2e9KkQV6FaybIqPayZzvMTsizTRRAhuLrg/viewform
Just so you are clear on this, you do not need to know anything about coding. They start you at the basics and work from there.
You will not need to write your own applications although by the end you probably will be able to do so. There are also activities in place for physics and chemistry.
Save the Date: Michigan Science Teacher Association Annual Conference
I know it is a ways away but it worth adding to your calendar.
Free physics stuff......
Physics, physical science, middle school science teachers-take a look!
Physics Central is offering a free kit along with resources from previous years.
(courtesy of NSTA)
LifeChanger of the Year 2019-2020
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country. This includes teachers, para educators, custodians, secretaries, principals, lunch personnel, school nurses, guidance counselors, anyone who is employed by a K-12 school district. Anyone can nominate up to 3 employees. Our program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019-2020 Program at https://www.lifechangeroftheyear.com/how-it-works. Nomination deadline is December 31, 2019.
LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the goal of the National Life Group Foundation is to do good in the communities in which we live and work by supporting nonprofit and educational organizations.
(via Michigan Department of Education)
Michigan Nature Association Field Trip Grants
https://www.michigannature.org/menus/home.html
This grant is open to K-12 teachers, this grant is for $500. It has been created to encourage the development of hands on educational experiences in the outdoors. Details can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM9Q5pLOdJzZ__LNNpIyubKc4C12-f2Y0s7-_zGNC8lmlHgQ/viewform
Michael Pillay
Science/STEM Coordinator
Genesee Intermediate School District
Education and Learning
Email: mpillay@geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI 48507, USA
Phone: 810-591-4470