DPS Secondary Science News
February 8-12, 2016
Science Fair, Science Resources Review, and Science Fun
The NC Science and Engineering Fair takes place on Saturday at Hillside. Even if you don't have students participating, we welcome your participation. Stop by and take a look at the fabulous work of our DPS students as they compete against other budding scientists in our region.
This week: I will be at Northern, Riverside, Lowe's Grove, Southern, and Neal. I will be in CFIP Training on Wednesday and with the IFs on Friday.
8th Grade Hydrosphere Kit Unpacking
Teachers: Nathan Feibelman and Derek Hampson
School: Lowe's Grove and Carrington, respectively
Testing for Starches and Sugars
School: Riverside
Science Teacher Humor
Linda Tugurian
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://central.dpsnc.net/science-secondary
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events
- February 9, 4-5:30: Secondary Science Chair Meeting @ Riverside High School, room 124. POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 16, 4-5:30.
- February 11, 4-5: Webinar for Physical Science teachers to preview Active Physical Science from IAT. Look for information in an email sent 2/8/16.
- February 12, 3:30-4:40: Presentation of SEPUP Biology program for Biology teachers and administrators @ CMA, room 207. Refreshments AND door prizes!
- February 13, Region 3A Science and Engineering Fair @ Hillside High School
- February 15, Project INSPIRES, It's Your Water workshop (sign up in True North Logic)
- 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
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
- Want to help with Science Fair? The Region 3 Science and Engineering Fair is looking for a few good judges! We need YOUR help to judge elementary, junior and senior projects from Durham, Granville, Wake, Vance, Warren, Johnston, Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Northampton, and Franklin counties. The Region 3A Science & Engineering Fair will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Hillside High School in Durham and judges are needed from 8 am to 1 pm. If you are available to help out with this exciting event please visit sign up today!
GIZMOS Pilot Project begins with a workshop on the upcoming early release day (Feb. 24)! Confirmations to participate were due on Friday, February 5.
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 Share
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
Megan Riggs, Area Facilitator shares:
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hiring North Carolina high school students as summer student assistants for the GSK Science in the Summer Program. Application information including required documents and dates are provided at the following link (http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/90728) OR (http://sis.moreheadplanetarium.org/sis/employment).
The deadline is February 29, 2016. High school student applicants MUST be at least 16 years of age by the first day of work assignment in June. For questions, please contact Crystal Harden, Director of Diversity, Engagement, and Outreach
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Phone: 919-843-8496 Mobile: 919-800-7999 Fax: 919-962-1284 Email: charden@unc.edu
Summer Science for Teachers
Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives at Arizona State University is pleased to announce its second annual National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy in Tempe, Arizona this summer. This professional development opportunity is available to pairs of middle school teachers (interdisciplinary pairs are a plus) from the same school or district. Our goal is to help middle school teachers learn how they and their students can become agents of change in their schools and communities, though problem- and solution-based activities in sustainability science.
Interested in Modeling? NC State offers workshops for secondary science teachers that several DPS teachers have taken and thought were great. Check them out at: 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
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is hiring North Carolina certified teachers as summer science educators for the GSK Science in the Summer Program.
Application information including required documents and dates are provided at the following link (http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/90733) OR (http://sis.moreheadplanetarium.org/sis/employment). The deadline is February 29, 2016. Applicants should not wait to the last minute due to our online application process. Principals or assistant principals also MUST complete an online recommendation form. The link for this form can be found within the above links.
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
As part of our science resource review, we have a FREE Trial of Discovery Education Science Techbook! Check it out and let me know what you think!
User name: ncstbteacher
Password: discovery
Nominate an Outstanding Earth Science Teacher and Educator (OEST and OESE)! Deadline is March 31, 2016!!
· The Nomination Form is at the bottom of this link http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/lr/512
· Two separate awards OEST AND OESE ? What’s the difference? Who’s eligible? See Awards Program Description at the bottom of the page http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/lr/512
· The Nomination Form and any supporting material need to be received by Randy Bechtel by March 31, 2015 – see Nomination Form at the bottom of the page http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/lr/512
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.
The NC Science Festival is now recruiting school, after school and club teams to represent the Triangle at the Games! If you would like more information, including details on our race sponsorship program, which includes a travel stipend and engineering professional mentorship, please contact Marissa Hartzler, Statewide Programs Coordinator at hartzler@unc.edu or 919-962-3274.
FREE classroom presentations! BioNetwork (from the NC Community Colleges) brings all supplies, equipment, and lessons to you! Did I mention free? And, they can stay all day, working with all your classes. Learn more and schedule at: http://www.ncbionetwork.org/educator-resources.
School Year PD for Science Teachers
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 or holly.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. To register, visithttp://www.naturalsciences.org/education/for-educators/educator-workshops/spring-treks. Cost: $75* (includes lodging at Lake Junaluska, some meals and transportation from Raleigh).
Science in the News
Short Answers to Hard Questions About Zika Virus
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr., CATHERINE SAINT LOUIS and NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR
Why scientists are worried about the growing epidemic and its effects on pregnant women, and advice on how to avoid the infection.
German Forest Ranger Finds That Trees Have Social Networks, Too
By SALLY McGRANE
Peter Wohlleben, a career ranger, has topped best-seller lists with “The Hidden Life of Trees,” describing trees as social beings that communicate on the “Wood Wide Web.”
By NICHOLAS ST. FLEUR
A team of scientists argue Earth has now entered a distinct age from the Holocene epoch, due to the colossal changes humans have made since the mid-20th century.
Cover Crops, a Farming Revolution With Deep Roots in the Past
By STEPHANIE STROM
The practice of seeding fields between harvests with noncash crops, which had fallen out of favor at modern farms, is making a steady comeback as farmers who have embraced it report higher yields.