Science Newsletter
August 2016
WELCOME TO A BRAND NEW YEAR!
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.
And for those of you Tweeters (Twitterers?), you can connect with other EPS science teachers using the hash tag #EPSstem. I would also encourage you to use this hashtag to show off all of the cool things that are going on in your class! And don't forget to follow the official EPS science page @EPSscience while you're there.
There might be random awesome gifts given to frequent social media users. (hint, hint)
Updated curriculum documents
Looking for tech resources? Try this resource!
Check out the PD on Your Plan repository for ideas for studying with your PLC!
Free BirdSleuth Kits and Curriculum
BirdSleuths is giving away 50 BirdSleuth curriculum kits (valued at $50-$100 each) to U.S. educators to use this school year. We want to help you use birds and citizen science as inspiration for observation, STEM learning, and getting kids outside. There are five kits to chose from, so you can select the one that best matches your needs. To enter, just fill out this quick survey by August 31st.
We also have many free resources at our website, many of which are great for the elementary level! I think you’ll find that they are a great way to kick off the school year.
FREE Zoo-Nique Science Conference for K–8 Educators
Register today for this FREE science event at the Kansas City Zoo! Registration also includes free Saturday admission to the Kansas City Zoo. and September 17: 8 AM – 4 PM All participants will receive a registration gift bag of goodies including one of Emily Morgan's books from The Next Time You See series.
September 16: 4 PM – 8 PM
Amazing experts in the field of science education will be presenting at the event including Steve Spangler who has appeared on the Ellen show, morning shows, and more. Here's your chance to hear from some of your favorite NSTA authors and get their autograph. Picture-Perfect Science - Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan
Argument-Driven Inquiry - Victor Sampson
The Power of Questioning - Lisa Nyberg and Julie McGough
Uncovering Student Ideas - Page Keeley
Everyday Science Mysteries - Richard Konicek-Morgan
Outdoor Science - Steve Rich
Teaching Science Through Trade books - Christine Royce
Inquiring Scientist, Inquiring Readers - Jessica Fries-Gaither and Terry Schiverdecker
Science the Write Way - Jodi Wheeler-Toppin
Designing Effective Science Instruction - Anne Tweed
Meet Emily Morgan and Karen Ansberry, authors of the Picture Perfect Science series!
Saturday, September 17, 2016, 9am-3pm, SWOSU Pioneer Cellular Event Center, 900 N. 7th Street, Weatherford, OK
Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Education is providing this incredible professional development FREE to all SWOSU faculty, students and all others interested in improving the education of this generation of students. This is a wonderful professional development opportunity for teachers, administrators, and entire schools.
REGISTER NOW!!!
The email you receive after completing the registration form will be your ticket and must be brought to the event on 9/17/16.
Join New York Times Best-Selling author Dave Burgess for a high-energy, entertaining, and inspirational program that will transform the way you look at your role as an educator. Learn how to dramatically increase student engagement, design wildly creative lessons, and build a course that is a life-changing experience for your students.
Using a unique combination of magic and humor, he will reignite your passion for the education profession and show you exactly how to make school an amazing place that has students wanting to knock down the walls to get in.
Teach Like a PIRATE has sparked a full-scale revolution in the educational world and has inspired teachers from all over the globe to achieve new levels of excellence in their schools and classrooms. This program is your chance to experience the one-of-a-kind presentational style of unbelievable intensity and outrageous energy that has transfixed audiences at packed venues across the nation.
Please complete the Registration Form by Friday, September 9, 2016. You will receive a confirmation email/ticket with further details which you should print and bring the day of the event.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Sherri Brogdon, Department of Education, at (580) 774-6825, sherri.brogdon@swosu.edu .
Siemens Competition
The 2016 Siemens Competition is now open! REGISTER TODAY!
NEW THIS YEAR!
Mentor Match resources now available! Learn more about finding a mentor for your 2016 Siemens Competition Research Project.
The Siemens Foundation established the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology in 1999. The Competition is the nation’s premier science research competition for high school students and seeks to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects. It fosters intensive research that improves students' understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines. Scholarships for winning projectsrange from $1,000 to $100,000.
You can compete as an individual or as a member of a two or three-person team.Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Meet the 2015 National winners of the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology and see the archive of the 2015 Winner’s Announcement and Innovation Summit, featuring thought leaders from NASA, Google and more.
Science Museum Oklahoma presents an Exclusive Teacher Open House for "Da Vinci — The Genius"
Register by Sept. 15
Science Museum Oklahoma is pleased to announce an exclusive opportunity for Oklahoma teachers to experience Da Vinci – The Genius from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20. Named one of the 12 must-see museum exhibits of summer 2016 by USA Today, Da Vinci – The Genius is at SMO for a limited engagement. The museum would like to share the exhibit with those who are educating Oklahoma’s future scientists, architects, engineers, teachers, artists and inventors.
What to expect:
Grande Exhibitions has created the world’s most comprehensive touring exhibit on Leonardo da Vinci. With the assistance of Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo of Italy and Pascal Cotte of Lumiere Technology of France, the exhibition brings to life the genius of da Vinci as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher.
Guests marvel at life-size inventions crafted by Italian artisans using the codices of da Vinci, observe animations of the artist’s most notable Renaissance works and investigate an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” Interactive components allow guests to experience hands-on understanding of the scientific principles behind many of da Vinci’s designs.
In addition to a tour of the exhibition, we will demonstrate activities that can be integrated into classrooms in preparation for and following a field trip to experience the life and mind of Leonardo da Vinci. Light refreshments will be provided.
This special evening at Science Museum Oklahoma is exclusively for teachers. Advance registration no later than Sept. 15 is required.
Science Museum Oklahoma
2020 Remington Place
Oklahoma City, OK73111We want to fly you to one of our fall area conferences on science education for FREE with this Southwest Airlines sweepstakes.
This contest goes live TOMORROW so bookmark
THIS PAGE TO ENTER tomorrow morning, August 29, through September 17.
Good luck!
2016 Phillips66 Oklahoma Energy Education Workshop - Bartlesville, OK
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- 4th – 12th Grade Science Teachers
- CTE Teachers
- Math Teachers
FOR THE ATTENDEES:
- It’s FREE
- Breakfast & lunch provided
- Substitute reimbursement
- A NEED Science of Energy Kit
- Oklahoma State Standard aligned curriculum.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Wendi Moss at wmoss@need.org or call 1-800-875-5029.
DID YOU KNOW
Phillips 66 and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project have partnered since 2008 to provide teachers with curriculum and training opportunities. We will provide training to 18 cities across the country in 2016. We believe it is important to provide energy-focused professional development opportunities for classroom teachers and to bring engaging, exciting energy curriculum to students in today’s classrooms.
ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Phillips 66
Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,000 employees committed to safety and operating excellence.
For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.
ABOUT THE NEED PROJECT
The NEED Project designs and delivers teacher-tested educational materials, evaluation techniques and tools, recognition of student achievement, and professional development for educators. NEED materials and training programs provide comprehensive, objective information about the scientific concepts of energy and the sources of energy – their use and their impact on the environment, the economy and society.
2016 Agenda
8:00 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Welcome to the Workshop! Introduction to The NEED Project and Energy Bingo
9:00 a.m. The Science of Energy
Learn more about the forms of energy and energy transformations while experimenting with the Science of Energy kit. Take a quick pre-workshop assessment.
11:00 a.m. Energy Round Up & Electric Connections
Learn about the nation’s energy resources as they are used to generate electricity.
11:45 p.m. Lunch and Phillips 66 Speaker
Following the lessons on energy sources, a local Phillips 66 representative will speak about today’s and tomorrow’s energy challenges and the company’s activities in the local area.
12:30 p.m. Intro to Oil & Gas
1:00 p.m. Oil & Gas Activities
Learn about exploration, production, refining, chemical manufacturing, transportation, marketing, and uses of petroleum, natural gas, and their products in the industrial sector.
- Refining Maze
- Polymer Activity
- Pretzel Power
2:30 p.m. Understanding Energy Efficiency – The Energy Conservation Web
This quick lesson allows participants to understand their home and school as a system and to better conserve energy resources.
3:00 p.m. Paperwork and Other Stuff:
Complete Workshop Evaluations, Post-workshop assessment, receive substitute reimbursement forms, and complete Order Forms for Curriculum and Kits
3:30 p.m. Adjourn
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
Yes, It’s time to start the 2016-17 edition of the Oklahoma Science Olympiad.
1st – Start by enrolling your team(s) in the Science Olympiad. This year we are waiving the state fee for Science Olympiad membership. That will reduce the cost of annual membership to $60, which is the national Science Olympiad fee. Remember that only paid member teams can compete in Science Olympiad tournaments. Each team can consist of no more that 15 students. Please consult the Science Olympiad rules for additional details as to grade requirements for Division B and Division C teams as there are restrictions and limitations.
The 2016-17 Oklahoma Science Olympiad Enrollment form is found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R7WWDFV
Note that this year you will send your fee to a new address. The University of Central Oklahoma will collect all fees. The address to send all Purchase Orders and Checks is:
University of Central Oklahoma
Attn: V. Hatton/Campus Box 177
100 N. University Drive
Edmond OK 73034
memo: Science Olympiad
Please be sure to print a copy of the enrollment form to include with your Purchase Order/Check.
Any questions regarding your enrollment or fees, etc. should be directed to me at bmelton@putnamcityschools.org.
2nd – Register to attend the annual Oklahoma Science Olympiad training conference at the University of Central Oklahoma in Howell Hall. This is a FULL DAY (8 AM – 4 PM) training for coaches and event supervisors. We review each and every one of the 23 events in Division B and in Division C as well as have sessions specific to Science Olympiad Coaches and Olympiad Event Supervisors. The workshop is free and lunch is provided! Coaches of teams that have joined the Oklahoma Science Olympiad for this year prior to September 24th will be able to pick up their official rules manual at the conference.
Sign up for the Science Olympiad Training Conference here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S6QCDZC
September 22nd is the deadline to register for the conference.
50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners
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.
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’.
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
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.
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.
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."
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
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.