DPS Secondary Science News
March 14-March 18, 2016
March Madness
For teachers, "March Madness" seems to take on a special meaning, as spring break appears on the horizon. Good news: most of us are nearly there (and some of us have made it!).
I can't say enough about the team at Jordan who ran one of the smoothest Regional Science Olympiads I've ever seen this weekend. A huge shout-out goes to Davida LaCosse and parent Kateri Hoekstra for leading this effort. And, congratulations to the many teams across the District who participated! It was a great day.
Thanks too to each of you who has participated in the Google Expeditions beta testing! It's been great to see the students so excited about "exploring" the world.
Look for secondary science Early Release Day programs this week: Biology Best Practices @ CMA at 1:30, Energy & Sustainability: Solar Energy in Curriculum @ Southern at 1:00, and What’s Up? | Exploring atmospheric chemistry and air pollution with scientist Will Vizuette @ DSA at 2:15. All sessions are in True North Logic. Any secondary science or CTE teacher is welcome to attend.
There are some GREAT workshop and resources listed below! Take just a minute and scan them-- can anyone say free drones?
This week: I will be at Hillside, Lowe's Grove, Neal, CMA, Northern, Riverside, Githens, Shepard, and Southern.
Stable Structures to Survive an Earthquake
Teacher: Alexandra Geiger
School: Northern High School
Exploring the Galapagos with Google Expeditions
School: Brogden Middle School
Science Olympiad at Jordan High School
Event: Bridge Building
School: Lucas Middle School
Linda Tugurian
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://central.dpsnc.net/science-secondary
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events
- March 14-April 1 Google Expeditions comes to DPS!
- March 15: 8th Grade Science EOG Teacher Institute, 3-5 p.m., Carrington Middle School (selected participants only)
- March 16, Early Release Day: Biology Best Practices @ CMA at 1:30, Energy & Sustainability: Solar Energy in Curriculum @ Southern at 1:00, and What’s Up? Exploring atmospheric chemistry and air pollution with scientist Will Vizuette @ DSA at 2:15. All sessions are in True North Logic. Any secondary science or CTE teacher is welcome to attend.
- March 22: 8th Grade Science EOG Teacher Institute, 3-5 p.m., Githens Middle School (selected participants only)
- April 12: Secondary Science Chair Meeting, 4-5:30, Carrington Middle School
Quick News
We are collecting classroom Science Safety Checklists for EVERY secondary science classroom. Please see your chair for details. The form is found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzaUx5SUhfVEdwZ0E
- 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
GRANTS
Burroughs Wellcome Fund Accepting Applications for
Student Science Enrichment Program
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has opened it’s application for the 2016 Student Science Enrichment Program (SSEP) grant awards. SSEP supports diverse programs with a common goal: to enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on scientific activities for K-12 students and pursue inquiry-based exploration in BWF's home state of North Carolina. These awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. The application deadline is April 15, 2016.
For more information or to access the application, visit http://www.bwfund.org/grant-programs/science-education/student-science-enrichment-program
DPS Science Teachers and Partners Share
NC Museum of Life and Science shares this opportunity:
FREE 3D PRINTING SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
TUESDAY MARCH 29–FRIDAY APRIL 1
The Museum of Life and Science, in partnership with Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is offering a free 3D printing and programming camp for middle school girls.
Program participants will spend the week playing with exciting new technologies and designing and creating 3D-printed models of planets.
When camp is over, the projects created during the week will be used by visually impaired learners in local museums, libraries and schools! Contact: Trish Lemm
Manager for Innovation and Learning, Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27707, (o) 919-220-5429
Jonathan Frederick of the NC Science Festival shares this opportunity:
GAINS Conference 2016
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
April 3-5, 2016
The GAINS Conference is a place where high school girls can:
· Explore STEM careers
· Meet STEM mentors and role models
· Connect with peers who are also interested in STEM
· Tour the amazing STEM facilities at Duke and UNC!
· Hear about cutting-edge research being conducted by women in STEM.
Greenwich Academy and its strategic partners are committed to making the GAINS Conference accessible to as many students as possible. Financial Assistance is available for students in need, and information about FA will be available upon registration. More information and the registration link for The GAINS Network Conference can be found here. Space is limited so register early! Lastly, registration for the GAINS Conference is SCHOOL BASED, and students must be registered by teachers / administrators.
Davida LaCosse at Jordan asks you to help us fund a speaker for Science Olympiad. For more information you can look at the link here: http://igg.me/at/EaZkS9wx2q0
Summer Science for Teachers
EVOLVING YOUR EVOLUTION TEACHING
Applications due Friday, April 29, 2016!
Application form is attached.
Workshop dates: June 15 – 16, 2016, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Fee: $95 (includes two lunches, due upon acceptance into the program)
Requirements: This workshop is designed primarily for high school teachers, addressing specific NC teaching standards. This 2-day workshop will explore topics related to the patterns and processes of biological evolution, with the goal of helping teachers to more effectively address evolution in their curricula. Information on available teaching resources will be provided, and ideas for effective classroom exercises will be presented in several hands-on activities.
Get signed up!
Email to Jason Cryan by April 29.
STUDENTS DISCOVER: CITIZEN SCIENCE SUMMER TEACHER INSTITUTE
Date: June 23-24, 2016
Open to: Grades 6-8 Educators
Application Deadline: April 15, 2016
Join us to learn how to bring citizen science to your NC Middle School classroom! Citizen science provides students the opportunity to be engaged in real, authentic scientific research. Come learn about citizen science projects designed by NC Kenan Fellows as well as other citizen science projects to meet your curriculum goals. The Institute includes meals, lodging and a stipend of $120/day. Applications are available HERE.
For Middle School Science Educators Only
Registration is open for the latest workshop in the Rx for Science Literacy series, FoodMASTER Middle Science, a free professional development workshop for middle school science educators.
LOCATION
East Carolina University
Greenville, N.C.
DATE
Friday, June 17, 2016
TIME
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
COST
Completely free
The one-day workshop will feature FoodMASTER Middle Science — a 10-unit curriculum resource that uses food as a tool to teach hands-on, minds on science to 7th- and 8th-grade students.
At Water’s Edge | Current Watershed Science for the NC Classroom
July 26-29, 2016
Trinity Center – Salter Path, NC
A FREE Professional Development Experience for North Carolina Educators
During this four day teacher institute, 8th -12th grade science teachers will conduct place-based, inquiry-based activities to explore and compare several unique coastal ecosystems and evaluate human impacts on these systems alongside scientists and expert environmental educators. Teachers will receive updated content knowledge and instructional resources designed to foster student learning of watershed science and stimulate awareness of actions that promote watershed stewardship. Content and activities are aligned with the NC Essential Standards for 8th Grade Science, Earth/Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science. Hands-on, real world, and STEM-based experiences will be emphasized – be prepared to get wet, sandy and re-energized!
This institute will begin at 11AM on Tuesday July 26th, 2015 and end by 3PM on Friday July 29th. Lodging is provided Tues, Wed, and Thurs nights.
This Institute is open to 8th -12th grade science teachers in North Carolina.
To apply, please complete the Online Application by 11:59pm on Sunday April 10th.
EPA’s Air Quality Workshop is FREE!
Date: July 12 - 13, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: EPA/RTP Campus located in Durham
Website: www.airnow.gov/teachers
To Register: Contact Donna Rogers at rogers.donna@epa.gov
TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES:
• Learn how EPA manages air quality in the U.S. and a report on North Carolina’s air quality
• Identify environmental health effects and risks
• Learn about EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program for Schools
• Tour EPA’s Green Building
BENEFITS:
• Learn EPA’s role in environmental research and management
• Experience interactive hands-on activities designed for classroom use
• Receive curricula, pamphlets, brochures, and fact sheets
Interested in Modeling? The Science House is currently accepting applications for the 2016 Summer Modeling Institutes.
What: 2016 Summer Modeling Institutes
When: July 11-28, 2016 (excluding weekends)
Where: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Who: High School Biology Teachers and High School/Middle School Physical Science Teachers
What is Modeling?
Modeling Institutes are professional development programs using a structured inquiry approach to science teaching to equip teachers with the content knowledge and pedagogical tools needed to transform their instruction and their students. Emphasis is placed on the use of basic models and modeling to teach content. Participants develop skills in fostering scientific discourse and presentation and in assessment of student learning. If you wish to learn more about Modeling Instruction you are encouraged to visit the web site of the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA): http://modelinginstruction.org/
Who is eligible to participate?
The Modeling Institutes are open to public, charter, private, or homeschool teachers from North Carolina who will teach Biology or Physical Science during the 2016-17 academic year. The Biology Institute is limited to high school teachers only. The Physical Science Institute is open to high school teachers or middle school teachers if they teach a Physical Science course at the middle school level. Participating teachers will be paid a stipend for attendance. In addition teachers who are more than 35 miles from campus are eligible for campus housing and meal per diems. For more information and to apply please visit: 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
North Carolina 8th Annual
Envirothon School for Advisors/Teachers
July 11 through July 15, 2016
$85 Registration includes meals & overnight accommodations (if requested) for
all five workshops. Registration $20 per day for 1 to 4 days of workshops.
Registration information at: http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/educational/envirothon-envirothon_school.html
Online Registration opens March 1st thru June 15th
Workshop Curriculum
FORESTRY: Monday, July 11, 11am - 5pm
Instructors: . Explore tree identification, insects, diseases and forest management, among other forestry related topics.
WILDLIFE: Tuesday, July 12, 9am - 5pm
Instructors: Justin Mercer, Centennial Campus Wildlife Resource Center. Get a chance to do out-of-this world animal identification along with wildlife habitat and ecological principles.
SOILS: Wednesday, July 13, 9am - 5pm
Instructors: Richard Hayes, Professional Soil Scientists. Gain a better understanding of basic soil properties with this popular workshop.
AQUATICS: Thursday, July 14, 9am - 5pm
Instructors: Dr. Janet McFall, Elon University. Explore the world of water quality, water quantity and invasive species.
AQUATICS 2: Friday, July 15, 10am - 3pm
Instructors: Jennifer Fenwick, Eno River State Park; Catherine Deininger - Get in the stream and explore hands’on macro invertebrates.
Summer Science for Students
2016 Exploring the Earth Summer Camp. NC State University, through the Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences and The Science House, is offering this FREE weeklong summer day camp. Students will learn about various geoscience topics and participate in laboratory research techniques.
When: June 20-24, 2016
Where: NC State University, Jordan Hall, Raleigh, NC
Who is Eligible: Rising high school juniors and seniors only
For more information please visit the program web site: https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/programs/exploring-the-earth/
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
FREE program for Middle Schools!
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, with grant funding provided by the Biogen Idec Foundation, is providing a LIMITED number of FREE programs for schools. The grant is designed to share activities from the museum’s Micro World Investigate Lab with schools across our state. Two programs are available to choose from and are entitled Tools of the (Scientific) Trade and DNA Exploration. For more information and registration contact Martha Fisk, curator of community outreach, at 919.707.9883 / martha.fisk@naturalsciences.org
The MarineQuest team at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, in partnership with NOAA through their Marine Debris Prevention through Education and Outreach Program, has developed a new app for tracking trash called iRefuz. The iRefuz app was developed to help users – students, teachers, and parents alike – become mindful of the choices they make before generating trash. The goal is that users refuse to create refuse (trash). In the app, each item of potential marine debris corresponds to a counter that records the choice not to generate this type of trash. The data collected via the app will allow developers to identify which items are most often refused. This information will be used to develop additional campaigns and interventions to reduce the production of potential marine debris.At this time, the app is available from the Google Play store.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mymobed.threeT Regardless of your mobile phone platform, you can still access the app’s web-based activity grid, from any device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.), here: http://www.uncw.edu/marinequest/TravelingThroughTrash.html
Each image on the activity grid corresponds to an item within the app. This is the same grid that users are directed to from within the app. Once on the site, users can interact with marine debris items by clicking on an item to reveal a PDF file with information about campaigns, educational videos, scientific articles, and upcycling activities.
Drones in STEM Education
The Federation of Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) is looking for science and technology teachers from middle, high school, and community colleges interested in using recreational drones for education (FAA registration not required).
Webinars: March 22 and April 26, 4pm EST
Teachers who attend both webinars will be prioritized for the July 19th workshop.
Workshop: Tuesday July 19th, UNC Chapel Hill
Workshop attendees will receive a drone of their own to use with students in the fall 2016 and will be eligible to receive a $200.00 time & travel stipend. Teachers who attend both webinars will be prioritized for the July 19th workshop.
March 22 Webinar: UAV’s 4 STEM | Find out how you and your students can use recreational drones for STEM learning.
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smart phone.
https://www.gotomeeting.com/join/459595645
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 459-595-645
April 26 Webinar: Plan, Fly, Review: Documenting Drone Data | Best practices documenting flights and data.
Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smart phone.
https://www.gotomeeting.com/join/211089989
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 211-089-989
Now recruiting for Fall, 2016! Student Engineers Network, Strengthening Opportunities in Research (SENSOR) Saturday Academy at Duke University
What? Hands-on education program to encourage careers in science and engineering by engaging 8th grade underrepresented minority students in materials science and water quality testing. Who? Students entering 8th grade Fall 2016. When? 12 Saturday sessions (Sep 2016- May 2017), plus field trip to Eno River State Park. Where? Duke University Campus. Interested? Visit – http://stiffrobertslab.pratt.duke.edu/sensor-saturday-academy Call – 919-660-5560 OR Email – adrienne.stiffroberts@duke.edu
School Year PD for Science Teachers
NC Museum of Natural Sciences EDUCATOR TREKS
NCCAT: Exploring Literacy Through Sciences and History
April 5-8, 9:00am - 5:00pm
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 orholly.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. http://naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/spring-in-the-mountains/
Science in the News
Scientists at Harvard concluded that stone tools that broke down food could have helped early human relatives conserve energy, aiding in their evolution.
Called Teyujagua paradoxa, or “fierce lizard,” the species was recently discovered in Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil.
Glow-in-the dark dinoflagellates illuminate why Daylight Saving Time causes you to spill coffee and fumble through conversations.
The ExoMars spacecraft consists of an orbiter that will measure methane and other gases in the Martian atmosphere and a lander that will study dust storms.
A growing number of scientists argue that not all non-native species are bad, and some may actually be beneficial.