DPS Secondary Science News
February, 2019
Science Olympiad help needed!
I invite you (again) to join us on March 2 at Riverside for our Durham Regional NC Science Olympiad! You can support our DPS participants (currently registered: Brogden, Carrington, Creative Studies, Githens, Little River, Lowe's Grove, Lucas, Neal, Shepard, DSA, Riverside, and Jordan) or lend a hand with an event. We can ALWAYS use more volunteers! To volunteer, please go to this site and register.
If you've never been to a Science Olympiad event, it's worth dropping by just to check out the energy. North Carolina will host the national Science Olympiad tournament in 2020 (which is a really big deal) and I'd LOVE to have some Durham students competing in it!
Join the fun!
Linda Tugurian, PhD, NBCT
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://bit.ly/dpssecscience
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events- Details coming soon to your inbox
February 13: District Early Release Day (look for details soon)
February 14: High School Teacher Academy, 4:30-6:30, @ SDC
February 14: Curriculum and Instruction Coach Academy, 8:30-4:30 @ SDC
February 21: High School Teacher Academy, 4:30-6:30, @ SDC
February 26: High School Science Department Chair meeting, 4:30-5:30 @ SDC
February 28: High School Teacher Academy, 4:30-6:30, @SDC
March 2: Durham Regional NC Science Olympiad Division B/C Tournament @ Riverside
Quick News
We make updates to the Curriculum Overviews and unit maps throughout the year. You will find these in the shared folders for each subject as we finish them. You can find yours here: 6th Grade Science, 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, Earth & Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science and Physics.
Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
Earthquakes in North Carolina
Do you know the magnitude of the largest earthquake that occurred in North Carolina? How about the largest earthquake that has affected our state? Learn more about earthquakes in NC through activities and demonstrations that can be used in your classroom. All activities are included in a workbook correlated to the N.C. Essential Standards for Science.
Location: Githens Middle School, Room A2
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitators: Sam Fuerst
From Carnivores to Classrooms: Protecting African Biodiversity and Securing Coexistence though Applied Conservation Science
Scientist Luke Dollar will share his experience as a National Geographic Explorer and a wildlife biologist. His research focuses on the conservation ecology of carnivores – ranging from big cats such as lions, leopards and the Florida Panther, to Madagascar’s largest carnivore, the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox). More than 50 percent of his overall efforts are concentrated on grassroots education and sustainable employment programs for local people sharing space with Africa’s predators. Luke’s efforts have led to the development of scholastic and sustainable business programs benefiting local subsistence farmers and their children.
Location: Rogers Herr Middle School Auditorium
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Luke Dollar, Catawba College & Linda Tugurian
Science Learning in the VR Environment
Come and check out how virtual reality can enhance what you are already doing in your classroom! Inspire and ignite your students to learn by experiencing the world and witnessing history! Learning Lab 360 is a MOBILE learning vehicle that can be brought to your school with a certified teacher to provide educational VR lessons for your students. This program will focus on Oceans & Ecosystems, but you will learn about other VR modules as well.
Location: Carrington Middle School, bus lot
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Rebecca Moody, Learning Lab 360
Literacy Skills in the Middle School Science Classroom
Students struggling to engage in text? Trouble with retaining vocabulary? Come explore proven techniques and strategies with your fellow middle school science teachers!
Location: Shepard Middle School, room 808
Time: 1:30-3:30 pm
Facilitator: Chris Campbell
Literacy Skills in the High School Science Classroom
Learn how to integrate literacy into science courses. We will focus on incorporating reading and writing practices into all levels of science, as well as developing personal and creative writing practices into science classes.
Location: Northern High School, room H12
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitators: Emily Ericson & Rachel Zulick
Anchor Charts in the Science Classroom
So, you’ve heard about anchor charts… but how do you use them? How do you get students to make them? Learn tips and tricks for using anchor charts as a strategy for science learning.
Location: Rogers-Herr Middle School, room 210
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Molly Gilliam
Protein Synthesis & Central Dogma with HHMI Resources
How do genes provide instructions for building proteins? Join biology teacher Mika Twietmeyer for an exploration of HHMI resources available to teach the central dogma of biology.
Location: Riverside High School, room 225
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Mika Twietmeyer
Take Learning Outside-- THIS SESSION IS FULL! PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE MAY SESSION!
The Museum of Life and Science will host a 2 hour session to support outdoor learning. Teachers will leave the session with ideas for lessons that they can implement at their own schools.
Location: Museum of Life & Science
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Facilitator: Willow Alston- Socha, Linda Tugurian, MLS
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS!
Lowe's Grove at the Regional Science Fair
School: Lowe's Grove
Carrington at the Regional Science Fair
School: Carrington
Stem Cell Lab with Planaria
School: Creative Studies
CONGRATULATIONS
Region 3A Science and Engineering Fair
Congratulations to DPS students who were recognized at the Region 3A NC Science and Engineering Fair held on February 2 at Hillside High School.
Elementary Exemplary Awards
Kaitlyn Horn - George Watts Elementary
NC American Waterworks Association Award
Addison Hodge - Spring Valley Elementary
Junior
- Biological Science A 2nd Place: Jaaziel Santillan - Lowe's Grove Middle
- Engineering Honorable Mention: Samantha Parker-Ramirez - Lowe's Grove Middle
Senior
- Biological Science A Honorable Mention: Melissa Martin - C E Jordan High
- Chemistry 2nd Place: Thao Nguyen, Kelly Vann - C E Jordan High
- Chemistry 3rd Place: Alice Haystead - C E Jordan High
NC American Waterworks Association Award
Alice Haystead - C E Jordan High
NC Student Academy of Science
- Jaaziel Santillan, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Marvelous Muscles 2nd Place
- X'Andria Reed, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Plant Science/Plants and How Liquids Affect Their Growth 2nd Place
- Alysia Davis, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Fruits and pH 1st Place
- Malkiyah Williams, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Fruits and pH 1st Place
- Katie Valera-Simeon, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Wet or Dry? What will it be? Do Pill Bug Prefer Wet or Dry Environment 2nd Place
- Carlos Arevalo, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Building a battery out of everyday items
- Victor Orozco-Dominguez, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Building a battery out of everyday items
- Samantha Parker-Ramirez, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: The Elevator Project 1st Place
- Jamir Timmons, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Multiplication Quiz Board 3rd Place
- Yajaira Serrano, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Can hot water freeze faster 3rd Place
- Jabron Curry, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: How Low Can You Go Before You Hit The Floor 3rd Place
- Delta Lee, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Blood Spatter two 1st Place awards
- Angel Hernandez, Lowe’s Grove Middle School: Build an ArtBot 3rd Place
emPowering STEM Classroom to Career Conference
Been recognized for something? Let me know, so we can celebrate your professional achievements!
Burt’s Bees STEM Day
School: Little River
Evolution Lab
School: Neal Middle
Chemistry Nobel Laureate Robert Lefkowitz
School: Brogden Middle
AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS
The National Science Foundation is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Anyone--principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public--may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. To submit a nomination, you will need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. If you know more than one teacher deserving of this award, you may submit more than one nomination. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org.
Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.The nomination deadline is March 1, 2019 and the application deadline is May 1, 2019 for secondary school teachers (grades 7-12). Elementary school teachers (grades K-6) will be eligible to apply during a future cycle.
RESOURCES
You can also sign up for our Science Friday STEM Educators Lounge Facebook Group and Science Friday newsletter by clicking here and signing up at the bottom of the page. The STEM Educators Lounge is a club for educators like you to share what you're doing in the classroom with fellow science educators and be the first to learn about what we are working on at SciFri.
Weather Resources
Ken Waight is a meteorologist in Cary, NC. As a side project for the last several years, he has been developing a FREE online weather forecasting contest (called Forecast Central) aimed at K-12 science classes. The contest is intended as a supplemental activity to generate interest and fun in learning about the weather. Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning, he posts a "forecast of the day" prompt, with an assignment for a chosen site (somewhere in the U.S.) and weather variable (maximum or minimum temperature, daily precipitation or snow amount), along with a brief explanation of what is happening at that location. All contest forecasters on that day would enter a forecast for the selected site and variable; scores will be calculated and posted based on the observed data after the day is over.
Ken also posts a question related to the forecast and provides some guidance for teachers, so that a teacher could take a few minutes to talk about that day's forecast and a related weather topic. Currently, he is looking for teachers who would be interested in trying the contest as an activity in their classes and who would offer him feedback so he can iron out any problems. The site URL is http://www.forecastcentral.com
Contact Ken with any questions – or check out the site, try out the contest, and share feedback with him at ktwaight@gmail.com
Geology Resources
Animated map: All earthquakes from 2000-2015 in under 4 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed0tGlfJHiY
This is very eye catching video that really brings home the plate boundaries and is quite spectacular to watch the speed (and size) of the earthquakes. “This animated map created from the NOAA, NWS, and PTWC shows every recorded earthquake in chronological order from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2015. The size of the circle shows the magnitude of the earthquakes in relation to each other. The color represents the earthquake depth.”
Interactive map plots your address over 750 million years of Earth's history
https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/blogs/interactive-map-plots-your-address-over-750-million-years-earths-history and http://dinosaurpictures.org/ancient-earth#0
- The interactive map overall is great, especially for the exploring earth history related to your address (Earth Science 8.E.2). The interactivity allows you to explore the positions of the continents relative to your current location throughout geologic time.
- In the lower left corner is a brief description of the time Period or Epoch. In the upper right you can also jump to specific times in Earth history e.g. first coral reefs, first vertebrates, first dinosaurs, first flowers etc. There are also minimal display options that automatically manipulate the globe. You can also drag the globe to specific areas. IN the upper left there is also a link to a dinosaur database.
Special Live Events are free live streaming programs open to schools and other organizations that serve K-8 students.These interactive, online sessions are broadcast live from the Academy on specific dates and times. Programs do book up in advance, so we recommend grabbing a spot while you can!
Weather & Climate
Target Audience: 4th-8th grade
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019
Times: 9:10 or 10:10am Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes
Earth Day Every Day
Target Audience: 4th-8th grade
Dates: April 19 & April 22, 2019
Times: 9:10, 10:10, or 11:10am Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes
Asteroids, Comets, & Meteors - Oh My!
Target Audience: 3rd-8th grade
Date: Friday, May 10, 2019
Times: 9:10 or 10:10am Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes
SCHOOL YEAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Educator Treks
EDUCATOR TREK: TWIGS, EGGS, AND FROGS' LEGS
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 9AM-5PM
Prepare to observe the explosion of life as spring arrives in North Carolina! Discover ways to bring the coming of spring into your classroom.
NCCAT: EXPLORING LITERACY THROUGH SCIENCE AND HISTORY
3:00pm Monday, March 25, 2019 - 10:00am Friday, March 29, 2019
Join educators from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the North Carolina Museum of History to explore the rich natural and cultural resources of the Outer Banks. Immerse yourself in coastal ecology and follow the paths of influential historical figures to spark your interest and imagination. This program will focus on the use of non-fiction texts, legends and historical fiction, and inquiry-based learning to make cross-curricular connections that enrich classroom instruction.
Registration information: This workshop is being offered in collaboration with the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. Please visit NCCAT’s website for registration information.
PITCHER THIS: PLANTS THAT EAT BUGS
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 - SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Join the Museum and the NC Botanical Garden to discover and learn about our wonderful insect-eating plants and the habitats in which they thrive.
EDUCATOR TREK: SPRING IN THE MOUNTAINS
3:30pm Friday, May 03, 2019 - 6:00pm Sunday, May 05, 2019
Participate in ongoing research projects studying the impacts of air quality and climate change and bring home ideas to teach about our interdependence with the natural world.
Your Environment, Your Health: The NIEHS Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Rx for Science Literacy is partnering with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) to present Your Environment, Your Health, a one-day workshop on Wednesday, April 24, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at NIEHS in Research Triangle Park, N.C. The workshop will explore findings from the NIEHS Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study (GuLF STUDY), which examined the health of workers and volunteers who responded to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The GuLF STUDY, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and led by NIEHS, was designed to find answers to the questions that matter to oil spill response and clean-up workers and affected communities. The study examined how different aspects of oil-spill response and clean-up affect current and future health. The study also examined how stress and job loss because of an oil spill can affect health, including mental health. By comparing workers doing specific clean-up jobs to others who did not do those jobs, researchers learned if health problems are occurring at a higher rate than expected among some groups of workers. The findings from this study may influence long-term public health responses in Gulf communities or responses to other oil spills in the future. This engaging and informative workshop will feature hands-on activities, toolkits and resources developed by NIEHS and NEEF, plus a tour of NIEHS. Workshop attendees also will have an opportunity to meet a NEEF representative and to receive information about the NEEF “Hands on the Land” program, which is a national network of field classrooms.
Register Now
Project Learning Tree
March 26, 2019
Environmental Education for the K-8 Educator
Guilford College Greensboro, NC
To Register: http://go.ncsu.edu/ncplt_guilford
Cost: $20
Questions, Renee Strnad renee_strnad@ncsu.edu
April 17, 2019
Southeastern Forests and Climate Change
Walnut Creek Wetland Park Raleigh, NC
To Register: http://go.ncsu.edu/ncplt_wcwp
Cost: $20
Questions? Stacie Hagwood Stacie.Hagwood@raleighnc.gov
Digital Learning Opportunities-- Get those CEUs!!
Animated Learning (Creating Animated GIFs with Google Slides)
Participants will learn how to create animated GIFs so to use in their instruction or as student assignments.
• 3:30 to 4:30 on Thursday, February 14th at the Staff Development Center (register)
• 4:30 to 5:30 on Thursday, February 14th at the Staff Development Center (register)
Digital Teaching & Learning Online Professional Development
Looking for Digital Learning Competencies credits? Several fantastic online courses are open for enrollment and/or participation right now! Search the DPS Professional Development Catalog anytime for a real-time list of options.
Session Title: Coaching Digital Learning: Cultivating a Culture of Change
Start Date: 2/3/2019
End Date: 3/8/2019
Registration Closes: 02/22/2019
Facilitators: Friday Institute- Brittany Miller, Jaclyn Stevens, Christina Simmons
CEUs: 2.0 Digital Learning Competencies
Session Title: Teaching Mathematics with Technology
Registration Closes: 04/01/2019
Facilitators: Friday Institute- Karen Hollebrands, Ph.D.; Hollylynne Lee, Ph.D.; Gemma Mojica, Ph.D.
Start Date: 2/5/2019
End Date: 5/12/2019
CEUs: 2.5 Digital Learning Competencies, Content (6-12 Mathematics)
Session Title: Not Your Average Test Prep (Using Schoolnet to Prepare Students for EOY Testing)
Dates and Times:
Facilitators: NC Department of Public Instruction
CEUs: .1 (1 hour) Digital Learning Competencies
Session Title: Schoolnet for Littles (Utilizing Schoolnet With Our Youngest Students)
Dates and Times:
Facilitators: NC Department of Public Instruction
CEUs: .1 (1 hour) Digital Learning CompetenciesScience PD at the NC Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art will offer educators a series of minicourses this spring on the connections between art and science. Participants explore topics through inquiry-based learning in an online community while gaining valuable classroom connections. Take all five or pick and choose!
Courses include:
• Art and the Science of Looking
• Art and Systems
• Art and Physics
• Art and Ecology
• Art and Nature (Developed in partnership with the Hickory Museum of Art)
Each course can provide a certificate of participation for 3 hours, and up to 15 hours if all five courses are completed. (0.3–1.5 CEU, with approval from your local school system).
Visit https://learn.ncartmuseum.org/events/online-mini-courses-on-art-and-science/ to learn more and register.
SUMMER PD OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS
2019 NIEHS Science, Teachers and Research Summer (STaRS) Experience
High school science teachers are encouraged to apply for the 2019 NIEHS Science, Teachers and Research Summer (STaRS) Experience. STaRS is a two-week professional development (PD) program, designed and conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
The program will run from Monday, July 8, to Friday, July 19 (excluding Saturday and Sunday), from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day. STaRS participants are expected to attend the full two-week program. Participants will conduct biomedical research investigations in laboratories and will learn from NIEHS scientists and guest speakers from local universities about various issues in biomedical and environmental sciences, such as environmental triggers of diseases, translation of basic research to clinical application, gene editing, genetically modified organisms and bioethics. Participants receive a $2000 stipend.
Requirements:
- Applicants must currently teach science in a North Carolina high school;
- Applicants must be available for the full two-week program (July 8-19, excluding Saturday and Sunday); and
- Applicants must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to Research Triangle Park (which may include overnight stays at a hotel in Research Triangle Park on Sunday through Thursday each week).
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019.
The NC Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience
Discover the forests in our state, and learn about the wood products industry!
- Participants will receive resources and teaching materials to be used in the classroom/organization
- All meals, lodging, and transportation at the conference will be provided for
- Educators can earn continuing education credits (CEU) and EE certification (6 hours-Criteria I and 10 hours-Criteria III)
- Educators will apply online to the program. Accepted participants will have two weeks to pay a onetime registration fee of $50.
- Workshop is geared towards formal and non-formal STEM professionals with emphasis on 3rd-12th grade science educators.
- Registration for the program is first-come-first serve basis
SIGN UP FOR AN EXPERIENCE!
Piedmont: Southern Pines, North Carolina June 17-20, 2019
Coastal Plains: New Bern, North Carolina June 24-27, 2019
Mountain: Asheville, North Carolina July 22-25, 2019
For more information, and to apply online, visit www.ncforestry.org/teachers.
Forest to Classroom: STEM Education
July 22-25, 2019
Haw River State Park
Browns Summit, NC
The Forest to Classroom (F2C) professional development program housed within Extension Forestry at NC State University. The program was created to connect educators to forest resources in North Carolina and assist with implementing forestry education in the classroom. Forestry remains one of North Carolina’s top industries, with over 18.6 million acres of forestland in the state. The program format will vary depending on the topic, but may include tours of a variety of natural areas, chances to interact and learn from professionals within the natural resources and forestry community, tours of production facilities, and training in environmental education curriculum to promote classroom implementation. In F2C, teachers also lead their own professional development though participation in an implementation forum. This arrangement provides every F2C teacher an opportunity to share their expertise as well as gain knowledge to meet their individual needs.
Online Application – NOW OPEN We are now accepting applications for the 2019 program until May 31, 2019. The 2019F2C is geared towards formal and nonformal educators working with elementary and middle school students (1st – 8th grade). STEM area teachers are preferred, but any subject area will be considered. Note: Teachers from outside of North Carolina are eligible to apply. Space is limited to 30 educators, with final selection is based on application quality. Nonformal educators are encouraged to apply with the understanding that priority is given to formal classroom educators.
Read more at: https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/f2c/
2019 EDUCATORS OF EXCELLENCE INSTITUTES
YELLOWSTONE INSTITUTE
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 of Yellowstone, including bears, bison, wolves, and elk. Learn about the area’s unique geology while exploring the amazing world of geysers, hot springs, and mudpots.
Dates: June 15–24, 2019. (Mandatory pre- and post-trip sessions will be held in Raleigh on April 6 and November 2, 2019.)
Cost: $950 (Includes supplies; round-trip airfare from Raleigh to Bozeman, MT; all ground transportation; instruction and lodging.)
Scholarship: The Clyde Wayne Quick Memorial Scholarship provides $500 in financial support for one participant in the Yellowstone Institute each year. Donated by his loving wife, who attended the Yellowstone Institute in 2007, this scholarship honors Clyde’s love of nature and concern for preservation of our public lands. Priority is given to public high school and middle school science teachers with demonstrated need, but any public school teacher is eligible for the scholarship. To be considered for this scholarship, please submit a written request to Melissa Dowland along with your program application.
AMAZON INSTITUTE
Participants will experience first-hand the unique ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest in northeastern Peru. Educators will spend nine days learning about the native flora, fauna and cultural history as they explore on foot and by boat along the Amazon and Napo rivers near Iquitos, Peru.
Dates: July 9–19, 2019. (Mandatory pre- and post-trip sessions will be held in Raleigh on April 13 and November 2, 2019.)
Cost: $1,400 (Includes supplies, round-trip airfare from Raleigh to Peru, ground transportation, instruction, lodging, and most meals.)
Application Deadline: Monday, March 4, 2019. The application consists of the Educator Application and a Supervisor Recommendation. Both must be received by March 4 to be considered.
NCCAT Professional Development Programs: Designed for the Needs of North Carolina Teachers
Topics include Digital Learning, Math, Literacy, STEM, Beginning Teacher Support, Teacher Leadership, and more.
Click Here for August Schedule
SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Protecting Human Health in a Changing Environment, Free Workshop for Rising 11th & 12th Graders, June 10-13/14, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, NC is offering a FREE 1-week Summer Enrichment Program to educate high school students about how the Agency protects human health and the environment. Hands-on experiences, tours of campus facilities, case studies in air quality and sustainability are emphasized. Participants will be exposed to the many EPA careers available in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields as well as other careers and cutting edge research that serve to support EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. Rising 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply, and participation is limited to 25 students. There is no cost to attend, but participants must provide their own transportation and meals. The Program is Monday-Thursday, June 10-13, 2019, from 9 am to 4 pm with an optional leadership session on Friday, June 14. It will be held at the U.S. EPA Campus at 109 TW Alexander Drive in Research Triangle Park, NC. Students must commit to attending the entire 4-day Program, and visitors must show a valid photo ID daily when entering the EPA campus. Applications accepted on a space-available basis. Email bamford.lauren@epa.gov and berg.chelsea@epa.gov to receive a copy of the application and teacher recommendation form.
2019 STEMville Science Symposium
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center would like to share an exciting science enrichment opportunity for your 4th-7th grade students: the 2019 STEMville Science Symposium! The Symposium is a half-day science conference for 4th-7th graders that is designed to be just like a professional conference for career scientists. The conference will feature a light breakfast reception, a keynote address in the GSK Fulldome Theatre, and breakout sessions facilitated by researchers from local universities. The breakout sessions cover a wide range of topics—from neuroscience to agricultural engineering—and all involve fun, hand-on science activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore different STEM careers and meet a diverse group of scientists! This event has a target focus on underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM education—specifically female, Latinx, and African-American students as well as those of lower socioeconomic status, but registration is open to all students across the state of North Carolina.
Date of event: Saturday, April 6, 2019
Time: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: $25 per student participant (non-refundable)*
Location: Morehead Planetarium & Science Center on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus
*Registered participants will each receive a conference backpack, name badge, notebook, and t-shirt as well as have access to a light breakfast and snack stations during the conference. Limited scholarship assistance will be available on a first come, first served basis for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Registration: Online registration will open to the general public on February 18th, but we invite you to register now during our priority registration period. Parents/guardians can register their children by following the links below. The conference fills quickly, so be sure to register as soon as possible!
Girls in Science Camp
Girls in Science is a camp for ages 12-15, held from June 24-29, 2019 at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Partial scholarships are available for a week’s tuition of just $100. This includes lodging, meals, equipment, and transportation during the camp. Transportation to and from camp is not included.
Join us in an adventure to explore the Great Smoky Mountains, from the valleys of Cades Cove to the tallest mountains of the National Park. Build friendships with other girls as you swim in mountain streams, share stories around the campfire, and watch the fireflies emerge from the grass. Search for salamanders and catch songbirds alongside scientists conducting research in the Park. After exploring the forests and streams of the Smokies, you’ll get to design your own field investigation to take a closer look at the critters you’re most excited about!
The Girls in Science Camp application can be downloaded on the Tremont website:
NC State University's College of Natural Resources is hosting an Environmental Career Day on March 23, 2019.
This will be a fantastic, hands-on event for students to explore a wide variety of unique environmental majors at NC State and the exciting careers to which they can lead.
Who can attend?
High school students who are considering majors related to the environment are encouraged to attend. Space allowing, middle school students may also attend. All parents and chaperones are welcome, but not required. More information online or for questions about this event, contact Alex Loflin at 919-515-8659 or cnrrecruitment@ncsu.edu
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics is a no-cost, state-funded program for academically talented North Carolina students who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Open to students in their second or third year of high school, you live on a college campus for four weeks in the summer and conduct research around topics of your interest — while enjoying the company of like-minded peers. You will have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty and get hands-on experience at a university.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hiring North Carolina high school students and certified teachers for the GSK Science in the Summer Program
The program serves 10 surrounding counties (Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Orange, Vance, and Wake). The link for the educator position is http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/154259 and the link for the assistant position is http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/154254.
The hourly rate for certified teachers is $27 and the hourly rate for high school students is $8.25. Applicants can choose the specific weeks and locations where they want to work!
The deadline to apply is February 15, 2019.
WIDA Workshops from NCDPI
ESL/Title III at NCDPI offers self-paced online workshops. WIDA has designed four (4) learning opportunities that educators can complete at their own pace, anywhere and at anytime. These workshops offer content that can be implemented right away to support English learners! Complete this registration form.
Global Educator Digital Badge
The Global Educator Digital Badge provides an opportunity for educators to focus their professional development on developing their own global context and understanding of how to integrate global education throughout curricula. It also provides the opportunity to build global competency in students.
The State Board of Education approved North Carolina Global Educator Digital Badge (GEDB) is available for the following educator categories: Teacher, Teacher Leadership Specialist, Library Media Coordinator, Instructional Technology Facilitator, School Counselor, Career Development Coordinator, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, Speech Language Pathologist, Instructional Central Office Staff, Principal/Assistant Principal, Superintendent.
For more information on the Badge (SBE Policy, FAQs, Process Flyer, Implementation Guide, MOA), please visit our website or contact NCGlobaEducation@dpi.nc.gov.
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
Germs in Your Gut Are Talking to Your Brain. Scientists Want to Know What They’re Saying.
By CARL ZIMMER
The body’s microbial community may influence the brain and behavior, perhaps even playing a role in dementia, autism and other disorders.
And You Thought the Platypus Was Odd
By NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR
“When I first saw it, I just said ‘What?!’ and didn’t speak for a while,” said one of the researchers who studied the fossils of a prehistoric marine reptile.
As Climate Warms, Plants Will Absorb Less CO₂, Study Finds
By KENDRA PIERRE-LOUIS
Plants and soil absorb carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change. But global warming will degrade that ability, scientists say.
These Patients Had Sickle-Cell Disease. Experimental Therapies Might Have Cured Them.
By GINA KOLATA
Success against sickle-cell would be “the first genetic cure of a common genetic disease” and could free tens of thousands of Americans from agonizing pain.
By NADIA DRAKE
The answer was hiding in the planet’s rings.