DPS Secondary Science News
May, 2017
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” ― Neil deGrasse Tyson
And, the good thing about teaching science is we get to share the surprise and wonder of natural phenomena as we explore the world around us. As we move into this season of testing, I think it's helpful to remember the joy-- the really cool stuff--the fun-- the reason why we found ourselves drawn to this incredibly challenging and yet rewarding profession.
I also want to, in this week of teacher appreciation, let each of you know how much I value the work that you do everyday-- especially the way you pitch in and support each other through very stressful days and moments. I couldn't be prouder of our secondary science team. Thanks for all your hard work-- and for bringing science to life for our students.
Exploring Ellerbe Creek
Teachers: Kennese Bass and Jeff Pitts
School: Brogden Middle School
Shad Release at the Eno River
Teachers: Laine Staton and
Schools: Lakewood Montessori Middle School
Hallway Periodic Table
Teacher: Adam Bolch
School: Southern High School
Linda Tugurian, PhD, NBCT
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://central.dpsnc.net/science-secondary
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events
- May 3 EOG Prep Party for 8th grade science teachers, 1:30-3:30 p.m. @ the Ivy Center
- May 3 Biology Teachers will not be meeting (you can thank me later).
- May 9 L2N Session for Middle Schools @SDC
- May 15 High School Scheduling Workshop for teams at each school. Please talk to your Principal if you are interested in participating.
- May 16 Department Chair Meeting (details forthcoming)
- May 20 EOC Saturday All Scores Academy
- May 23 Last Day of Classes College-Schedule High Schools
- May 29 Memorial Day Holiday
- June 9 Last Day of Classes (TR/YR)
- June 12 Biology Teachers are planning to celebrate their EOC challenge achievement with a catered dinner at the Treyburn Country Club...
- June 12-23 Take 2 Biology and Take 2 8th Grade Science
Quick News
Biology Teachers will NOT meet on May 3. A teacher appreciation week bonus?
We have been given a trial access to Vocabulary.com for the remainder of the school year. You may want to give this site a try: https://vocab.com/try/2evxc9r
When a teacher clicks on the link, they will be asked to either create a new account or to log in with an existing account. The teacher will then have full access to class usage reports during that period. Use their Google accounts and identify themselves as an educator then select their school. Students will have access when a class is created, but the teacher will always have access to informational text articles and vocabulary across all content areas.
Biology teachers should have access to Study Island for student biology review and practice. Check with your IF or Principal for details.
- Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
Congratulation to our Science Teachers!
was selected to the STaRs Program through NCABR and NIEHS.
Kent Lewis (DSA)...
is a recipient of the Borchardt Award and will be traveling to Germany this summer as part of the NC Global Teachers Germany program. He will be seeing international best practices at work and learning new strategies for infusing global content in his classroom.
Been recognized for something? Let me know, so we can celebrate your professional achievements!
Grants and Goodies
2017 Climate Education Toolkit
Announcing the 2017 Climate Education Week Toolkit! This web-based, multi-disciplinary resource is designed to help educate and organize around this year’s theme: Environmental and Climate Literacy. Earth Day Network provides this toolkit with the goal of educating and engaging K-12 students on topics like climate change, air pollution, environmental justice, and a how-to guide for turning knowledge into action.
Free Women in STEM Posters
2017 Forest to Classroom program: FIRE
We are thrilled to announce that the 2017 Forest to Classroom program for classroom teachers will be focusing on FIRE. We will take an investigative look at fire science and learn about North Carolina’s fire-adapted ecological habitats. Discussions will center around prescribed versus wildfires, fire as management tool, and how different state and federal agencies address the use or suppression of fire. The chance of more large fire wildfire complexes will most likely increase in coming years, so we will also learn how we can protect our homes and communities. Program will include field days, as well as classroom instruction. Classroom activities from Project Learning Tree and other curriculum will be used to help teachers carry back what they have learned into the classroom.
For more information, including registration and cost, please see the attached flyer or visit http://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/f2c.
Conservation Education Teacher of the Year Award- Nominations Due on May 2
Teachers – Each year the Durham Soil & Water Conservation District recognizes outstanding conservation education efforts of Durham County's teachers by awarding a Conservation Education Teacher of the Year award to deserving teachers in Elementary, Middle and High School.
All teachers in public, parochial and private schools in Durham are eligible. Winners from each category will be awarded a plaque and a cash prize of $100 at our Annual Conservation Awards Banquet each year.
Eligibility:
· Educators must be teaching full time in the classroom and be personally responsible for utilizing a conservation education program.
· Shown concern, scope, and originality by integrating environmental education into his/her curriculum
· Provide a positive environmental role model
· Team teachers are eligible, but awards will be made to the designated team leader.
To apply:
The application has never been easier! The 1 page entry forms can be downloaded from http://dconc.gov/home/showdocument?id=20755 and filled out at your computer. Then just save and return to the below address/email by 5pm on May 2, 2017:
Durham SWCD (or) jbrooks@dconc.gov
721 Foster St
Durham, NC 27701
For questions, please call or email: 919-560-0558 ; jbrooks@dconc.gov
Student Opportunities in Science
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRL UNIVERSITY FUTURES´ HS CAMP Biotechnology for High School
One-week session: July 10 – July 13, 2017
BRITE Futures’ FREE Biotechnology Summer Camps are designed to inspire students and give them a head start on identifying careers in science and biotechnology.
FREE 2017 Environmental Science Summer Program (ESSP) at Duke
What is ESSP? ESSP is a free-of-charge, intensive 2-week environmental science summer program at Duke, which has operated since 2012. High school students selected for the program have the opportunity to:
- Work with outstanding interdisciplinary faculty
- Explore local environmental issues
- Collect data in the field (think: in the creek with waders!)
- Receiving training with the Nicholas School's own first-rate Career Service professionals
- Learn to give a presentation, ace an interview, and create a resume
- Receive one-on-one college counseling
Catalyst: Creating Opportunities in STEM for Students with Disabilities
Grade Level(s): This program is for rising 10th graders; however, students from other grade-levels will be considered if we do not have enough rising 10th graders.
Date(s): June 26-30th, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR July 9th-July 14, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: NC State University, Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC
Cost: $50 (includes 8 Saturday Sessions during the following school year)
Description: This program is for High School Students with disabilities who are in the Regular Education Setting or Occupational Course Study Program in High School, but prefer small group individualized instruction with hands on science experiences to learn about STEM.
Participants will learn about STEM content, skills, and careers. They will also find out about STEM programs at Wake Tech and NCSU. Areas of focus include: Biotechnology, Coding, Wearable Devices, Energy, Engineering, Art, Natural Sciences, Forestry, Space and many other topics. Students will daily go on a Field Trips including to; research labs, North Carolina Natural Science Museum and field sites.
Wake County Energy Camp for Rising 6th Grade Girls ONLY
July 10-14, 2017
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Campers are encouraged to grow their understanding of traditional energy sources, green technologies, sustainable energy and the impact of consumption. Energy camp offers opportunities to participate in inspiring and challenging hands-on projects to make real-world connections to energy generation.
Awesome activities include:
· Building & racing solar-powered cars
· Exploring Historic Yates Mill & Harris Lake County Park
· “Hair-raising” physics demonstrations & harnessing wind energy at NCSU
· Harnessing the energy of the sun for delicious S’mores
· Designing “Cars of the Future”
· Visiting the ABB Smart Grid Center on Centennial Campus
· Exploring interactive exhibits at Shearon Harris Visitor Center
Visit: wakegov.com/energy/camp to register for camp and to view camp activity schedule
For additional information: 919-856-5777 or ggraham@wakegov.comSchool Year PD for Teachers
2017-18 Project Based Learning Fellowship
Join a cohort of dynamic and innovative teachers of grades K-8 to implement Project Based Learning (PBL) in your classroom. During a year-long fellowship that includes a weekend field experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and training and mentorship in PBL by experienced educators, PBL Fellows will develop an issues-based case study (integrated thematic unit) that applies best practices of PBL to the standards that you teach. This year, preference will be given to teams of 2 or more teachers at the same grade level from the same school.
Schedule:
Saturday, August 26 – PBL workshop at the Museum
Friday-Sunday, October 27-29 – Got Elk Field Experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sept 21, Jan 11, & Mar 8 – Mentoring Meetings at local schools
May 3 – Culminating Event at the Museum
Cost:
$500 (Due upon acceptance into the program. Includes transportation, lodging and some meals for Got Elk field experience, and materials and meals during other workshops and meetings.)
Qualifications:
Applications from teams of two or more teachers from one school will be given preference (each individual should submit a separate application). Applicants should plan to teach in grades K-8 during the 2017-18 school year.
More details at:
TEacher Summer Opportunities
The NC Science Fair Training
Plan to attend a 1-day Student Research & Fair Workshop for the 2017- 2018 Academic Year. There is a $15 registration fee, but all attendees receive a $65 stipend for participation. Participants will be asked to implement a science and engineering fair for a class, grade-level or school during the 2017-2018 academic year.
All participants will be asked to complete a survey spring 2017.
Register Here: http://ncsciencefair.org/index.php/teachers/workshops
July 27 - Biogen Research Triangle Park
July 28 - Triad Math and Science Academy Greensboro
The following topics will be discussed during the workshop:
Learn how to foster and guide scientific and engineering research in the classroom.
Learn how to initiate, manage, and evaluate student science and engineering research projects.
You will be guided through the steps in planning a school or district science & engineering fair.
All materials and 0.6 CEUs for completion of the workshop.
For questions contact: Manley Midgett, Outreach Coordinator Phone: 919-218-7917
Teachers on the Estuary
Where: 101 Pivers Island Rd, Beaufort, NC
Who: K-12 Classroom Teachers
Cost: Free-- and lunch is provided on both days. Participants are reponsible for their own lodging.
Contact: Lori Davis, lori.c.davis@ncdenr.gov or 252-838-0883
INTEGRATING MICROBES AND MATH INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC
Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, June 25, 2017
9 am – 5 pm each day
Fee: $20 (includes lunch for both days; classroom materials)
CEUs: 16 contact hours
Recommended for high school teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers.
Based on her research on salt-adapted microbes (halophiles) and in collaboration with the NC School of Science and Math, Dr. Amy Schmid and her colleagues from Duke University have developed a five-part learning module that engages teachers in current scientific content and models how to integrate scientific inquiry into the classroom. During this two-day workshop, participants will perform the module’s five steps: (1) reading primary literature on transcriptional regulation of stress response, (2) formulating hypotheses and designing experiments, (3) measuring microbial growth, (4) calculating microbial growth rates using MatLab code and/or user-friendly Excel spreadsheets and (5) analyzing data. So that participants can implement the learning module in their classrooms, they will receive activity kits which will include background materials, booklet, interactive modeling Excel spreadsheets, a coupon for purchasing a Halobacterium growth kit from Carolina Biological, and assessment forms for students and teachers.
Get signed up!
Envirothon School for Advisors and Teachers - June 12-16
This is to remind you about a summer workshop that is to help advisors prepare teams to compete in the Envirothon.
The Workshop runs the week of June 12-16 and is held on Falls Lake in Wake County. You can selected the day or days that you would like to attend or spend the entire week. You will have the opportunity to interact directly with professionals in each subject area of the Envirothon (aquatics, soils, wildlife, forestry) and have time to share ideas with other advisors.
Information from the Workshop also fits into the NC Standard Course of Study for most grade levels. You can also earn hours toward the NC Environmental Education Certification or continuing education hours by attending.
For more information about the Workshop visit: http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/educational/envirothon-envirothon_school.html. You can register to attend at the web link.
Smokies Science Investigations, July 17-22
We are excited to announce to you a brand new summer youth program for students aged 13-17: Smokies Science Investigations, July 17-22.
This one week program is the perfect introduction to scientific investigation and deep discovery of the natural world. Participants will spend the week immersed in authentic field research and will engage the scientific process by designing and conducting their own experiments and presenting the results to local professionals. They will hold birds, catch salamanders, climb mountains, swim in rivers, and discuss their findings, all while forming tight bonds with each other and the national park.
Sound like fun?
1. Please tell your students! Post this flyer around school and send it to other schools in your area. This is a summer program they won't want to miss!
2. But this program isn't just for the students!
Wouldn’t you like to be able to do a project like the one pictured below with your students during the school year? This program is designed as a training to help science teachers transition to the demands of new standards that encourage more project-based learning. We are looking for a few teachers to be a part of this first cohort to facilitate this program alongside Tremont faculty.
We invite YOU to apply to partner with us as we pilot this new program. Come experience firsthand the impact of student-driven learning and investigation. Learn techniques to take back to your classroom through this 40+ hour practicum. Best of all, consider bringing YOUR students to Tremont Institute for a similar experience during the school year!
Prices:
Teacher participants- $250
Teachers that bring 2 or more students - $200
Students brought by teachers - $400
Apply now! Contact Tiffany Beachy (tiffany@gsmit.org, 865-448-6708) if you have any questions.
See you this summer!
BioNetwork’s teacher professional development workshops
Are you looking for low cost, high return summer professional development? Your registration fee will cover lodging (for those who have significant travel), hands-on instruction, lesson plans, a box of take home supplies, a CEU certificate, the opportunity to engage with industry representatives, as well as lunch. Our workshops are interdisciplinary and feature differentiated instruction to make them the perfect complement for any curriculum from middle school to college!
Industry Immersion: The Big IDEA
This is the perfect opportunity to see first-hand the types of jobs that are the future of NC manufacturing. Participants will tour an advanced manufacturing site, learn a related and standards based activity for their classroom, and develop new industry based lessons/activities in a collaborative environment.
The life science industry in NC is rapidly growing, with 31% more jobs today then there were just ten years ago. To be competitive for these jobs, North Carolina students will need a solid foundation in STEM and biotechnology. In order to provide your students with this foundation, you must first feel comfortable with the concepts. Shore up your skills with this workshop, which provides a foundation in basic biotechnology as well as innovative methods for incorporating it into existing curriculum and leave with the confidence and resources necessary to integrate these interdisciplinary concepts into your class!
Do you have a foundation in biotechnology, and are you in the market for some fresh, new ideas for how to apply the concepts in your own classroom? Have you ever watched a crime show performing laboratory analyses and thought “I wonder how I could bring that into my classroom?” Don’t worry – BioNetwork has got you covered! Regardless of your biotechnology background, you can take your biotech skills to the next level at this exciting interdisciplinary workshop!
Biotechnology, marine science, and environmental science are often intertwined. In this workshop, you will discover ways to teach students all three topics at once, while sparking their interest in important societal issues. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the effects of microplastics on marine mammals, waste management in marine aquaculture systems, living shorelines, algal growth, and human health risks from non-point and point-source water pollution.
Explore the Faces of Ag Biotech
Looking for new activities to share with your students? Wondering what technologies are key in agriculture today? Come explore the faces of ag biotech in this three-day professional development workshop for middle school science, ag, and family & consumer science teachers. Learn about ag biotech on the farm, in the classroom, and in industry. This hands-on workshop will include a farm tour, lesson plans, a tour of a multi-national ag biotech company, and discussions around biotechnology's role in agriculture. This workshop is being offered in collaboration with NC Farm Bureau and the NC Biotechnology Center.
Ag Biotech Industry in the Classroom 2017
July 31 - August 4 | Meredith College | Raleigh, N.C.
Looking for new activities to share with your students? Wondering what technologies are key in agriculture today? Come explore this ag biotech focused professional development workshop, for high school science and ag teachers across North Carolina. Registration opens in March. LEARN MORE
NCCAT Programs 14423 • USING COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS TO ENHANCE THE STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY-OCRACOKE
July 24, 2017 to July 28, 2017
Located at Ocracoke, NC 27960
North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems can provide rich lessons to enhance the high school biology curriculum, including how the living organisms within these environments demonstrate interdependence, adaptations, and stability. Close focus of these ecosystems will reveal the complex workings of carbon and nitrogen cycles, energy pyramids, and biochemical processes and energy use in the cell. Understand how humans impact these coastal ecosystems through population growth, technology, consumption of resources, and production of waste. Partner with biologists and other science experts to create lessons that will engage high school students and advance their learning of North Carolina biology standards.
Science in the News
The New Threat to Wolves in and Around Yellowstone
By JIM ROBBINS
Packs of the animals, once endangered, have flourished, but biologists worry about the effects of renewed hunting outside the national park.
Hunting Mushrooms, and What Makes Some Glow in the Dark
By JOANNA KLEIN
Scientists may have had more luck tracking down how some fungi glow than you may have hunting bioluminescent mushrooms, a reporter discovered.
6 Bots That Deliver Science and Serendipity on Twitter
By STEPH YIN
Not all bots on Twitter are out to spam, hack or misinform you. These science-themed bots dole out humor, factual information and galactic perspective.
What Moves Gravel-Size Gypsum Crystals Around the Desert?
By JOANNA KLEIN
The large crystals, and perhaps life forms within, may be scattered around by a whirlwind that a geologist calls a gravel devil.
Mass Die-Off of Whales in Atlantic Is Being Investigated
By TATIANA SCHLOSSBERG
Officials are seeking the reason for an “unusual mortality event” that has left 41 humpback whales dead since early 2016 from North Carolina to Maine.
No Bones About It: Scientists Recover Ancient DNA From Cave Dirt
By GINA KOLATA
With a new technique, German researchers isolated Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA from sediment alone, opening new possibilities in archaeology.