DPS Secondary Science News
April 18-29, 2016
DPS Secondary Science Out of the Box
I'd like to highlight our Out of the Box science sessions this Wednesday. Please consider joining one of these! All sessions are listed in True North Logic.
- 4237: Citizen Science for the Science Classroom 2:30-4:30 (Prairie Ridge Ecostation)
- 3895: GIZMOS: Using Simulations in Secondary Math and Science 2:30-5:30 (Rogers Herr Room 210)
- 4136: Tour of North Durham’s Wastewater Reclamation Facility 3-4:30 (1900 Club Blvd) THIS SESSION IS FULL!
- 3867: Genetic Evidence for Evolution 1:30-3:30 (Riverside, Room 225)
- 3853: STEM in the Classroom: Hockey Scholar 2:30-4:30 (Holton, Room 1126)
- 4207: EOG Boot Camp: Gearing Up for Testing 1:30-4 (Shepard Media Center)
This week: I will be at Northern, Carrington, Riverside, Githens, and Southern. I will be planning with the Take 2 teachers in biology and in 8th grade science.
Jordan rockets the White House
Teacher: Jeff LaCosse
School: Jordan High School
Jordan students meet Bill Nye on the White House lawn.
Water Quality Exploration
Teachers: Shlisa Stackhouse, Branson Phillips, Jazmine Blake
School: Githens Middle School
Outdoor Learning on the Eno
Teacher: George Tilley
School: Northern High School
Linda Tugurian
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://central.dpsnc.net/science-secondary
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events
- April 26: 8th Grade Science EOG Teacher Institute, 3:15-5:15 p.m., Githens Middle School (selected participants only)
- April 27 Early Release Day Programs: Gizmos for the Secondary Math and Science Classroom, Hockey Scholar with the Carolina Hurricanes, Genetic Evidence for Evolution with Mika Tweitmeyer and Dr. John Willis (Duke), Tour of North Durham’s Wastewater Reclamation Facility (3-4:30 PM), Citizen Science with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and EOG Boot Camp. Look for these in True North Logic.
- April 28: Presentation of Science Fair winners at the School Board meeting, 6 p.m..
- April 29: Chemical and Biological Waste Disposal Requests due to Linda Tugurian.
- April 30: Elementary Science Olympiad, 7:30-3:30, Southern High School.
- May 10: Secondary Science Chair Meeting, 4-5:30 p.m. (location TBA)
Quick News
PLEASE MAKE SURE you send your chemical and biological waste disposal requests to linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net by the due date, Friday April 29!
Can you help with the Elementary Science Olympiad on April 30? If so, contact Dacia Jones dacia.jones@dpsnc.net.
Middle school chairs received preview copies of the iScience texts, proposed for adoption 2016-17. Please contact your chair to look at these books as you make plans for next year.
Looking for LEADERS! Are you interested in leading a Science Course PLC next year? I'm looking for those interested in leading a Course PLC in 6th grade science, 7th grade science, 8th grade science, biology, earth & environmental science, physical science, chemistry, and physics. Course PLC leaders would lead quarterly PLCs for teachers in same-subject areas. You will be compensated for your leadership. Let me know if you are interested!
- Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
DPS Science Teachers and Partners Share
NEW! Scott Ragan at The Science House shares:
The Science House is partnering with the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and the Golden Leaf Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) to bring you this unique summer program designed for high school teachers AND students. This three day program will feature hands-on activities and lessons focusing on synthetic biology, engineering concepts in biology, and career development for bioengineering. https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/programs/bioengineering-in-the-high-school-classroom/ Teachers and students are asked to apply in pairs, one teacher and one student from a school. The high school science teacher will learn new lessons and activities they can integrate into their biology, chemistry, or physics classroom or short engineering modules to supplement their instruction. The students will be exposed to cutting edge content and careers that will increase their interest in bioengineering studies.
Grade Level(s): High School
Date(s): July 27-29, 2016, 9 AM to 4 PM
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free (stipends offered to participating teachers and students)
Stipend: Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $300 ($100/day) and students will receive a stipend of $150 ($50/day).
Application Deadline: June 3, 2016. As noted above high school teachers and one of their students are encouraged to apply together. Individual teachers or students who apply will be considered if the allotted number of teacher/student pairs is not filled.
Jennifer Brooks at the Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District shares:
The Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW) is a weeklong camp for students who are interested in conservation, the environment &/or our state’s natural resources. The camp is sponsored by the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The RCW targets hopeful future environmental professionals by giving students a first-hand look at a wide array of conservation careers that they may not know about. Attendees are also eligible for a variety of scholarships only offered at the RCW. The Durham SWCD will pay all registration fees and provide a small stipend to a student for travel or meals. Priority will be given to rising seniors, but rising sophomores and juniors may apply. (HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND)
June 26th - July 1st at NC State University
Application Deadline: return official application to the Durham SWCD office by 5pm Monday, May 2, 2016.
For information contact:
Durham SWCD
721 Foster St.
Durham, NC 27701 jbrooks@dconc.gov
Summer Science for Teachers
Workshop Sponsored by The Herp Project
June 10-12, 2016
Haw River State Park, North Carolina
http://www.ncparks.gov/haw-river-state-park
If you are interested in running a field ecology program centered around reptiles and/or amphibians, come join our National Science Foundation funded Herp Project team of scientists, professors, and experienced student research assistants for a weekend in nature to learn how you can run formal or informal field ecology studies where you work. All participants will be provided with our new curriculum, a copy of The Box Turtle Connection, and other useful materials. We will share our curriculum and expertise, with presentations by local experts, as well as hands-on fieldwork, at the beautiful Haw River State Park. Includes food and lodging at Haw River State Park! Space is limited to 24 participants. Note: If you are accepted to participate in the program and cannot attend please let us know in time to fill your spot, otherwise there may be a $20 cancellation fee that applies. https://docs.google.com/a/uncg.edu/forms/d/1qMdxPbRDttGxIC5-E6UWbOrvaW54h6kKfvGV1H_T2Lw/viewform
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.
NEW! Ground Level Ozone: Advanced Air Quality
Monday, August 1 and Tuesday August 2, 2016
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the NC Division of Air Quality are partnering on the 2016 Ground Level Ozone workshop. The first day will be held at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The second day will be at Clingmans Dome (weather permitting). Instructors include air quality experts from NC Division of Air Quality and National Park Service.
The workshop is free, lunch will be provided, and camping is available at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center.
The workshop will include:
- classroom activities to cover the properties of air and air pollution;
- learning to detect the effects of ground level ozone in an Ozone Bio-monitoring garden;
- studying the effects of acid deposition and air pollution on snails and salamanders, and,
- several activities focused on the study and reduction of air pollution.
Visit the workshop North Carolina Environmental Education web page for more information: http://web.eenorthcarolina.org/net/calendar/details.aspx?c=5971299&s=120189.0.0.37430 To register for the workshop, contact Keith Bamberger at NC Division of Air Quality, keith.bamberger@ncdenr.gov or (828) 296-4500.
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
Summer Science for Students
NEW! The Science of Climate Change, Free Workshop for Rising 11th & 12th Graders in NC, June 13-17, 2016. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering a FREE Summer Enrichment Program to educate NC high school students about the science of climate change. Students will learn what climate change is, how is can affect their health and lifestyle, how EPA scientists are researching climate change and adaptation, and what students can do to reduce the impacts of climate change. Rising 11th and 12th graders in NC are eligible to apply, and participation is limited to 25 students. The Program is June 13-16, 2016 (Monday-Thursday) from 9 am to 4 pm with an optional session on climate leadership on Friday, June 17. The Program will be held at the U.S. EPA Campus,109 TW Alexander Dr. in RTP, NC. Applications are available on our Speakers Bureau Website at https://www.epa.gov/rtp-speakers-bureau/now-accepting-applications-high-school-students-epas-6th-annual-science-climate. Applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Questions: Contact Kelly Witter at witter.kelly@epa.gov.
MYLES of Science, an outreach program of Montreat College, will be offering week-long expeditionary science trips to raising 9th through 12th grade high schools students again this summer. Do you know any students who:
1. Are interested in NATURE and SCIENCE?
2. Would benefit from a HANDS-ON, EXPERIENTIAL science experience?
3. Would enjoy Hiking, Backpacking, or Exploring?
If so, please let them know about the MYLES of Science program. For more information and to register, please visit our website http://myles.montreat.edu/
Project PLANTS (Planting Leaders in Agriculture and Nature Through Science) is a two part program that immerses students in an intensive one week summer program broadening their knowledge of horticultural sciences and an after-school program that extends their exploration through the school year. Activities during the summer will build upon the rising seventh grade students’ knowledge from their sixth grade studies and strengthen their critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and scientific research abilities. The summer experience will generate a research project for each student to develop and conduct during the school year with guidance from mentors and participation in an after school 4-H club (transportation can be provided).
The cost of the program is $20 with financial assistance available.
Apply now: Here! For more information call or email the program coordinator, Sarah Dinger (914) 815-5226 / scdinge2@ncsu.edu
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/
Catalyst- LAST DAY TO APPLY APRIL 25!
Creating Opportunities in STEM for Students with Disabilities
Wanted: High School Students who are interested in STEM and STEM Careers who have any disability but are in the Regular Education Setting or OCS. This program is for students with disabilities who want to learn more about STEM in a small group individualized setting. Includes daily field trips and lunch and snacks. Program includes one week session in the summer and monthly Saturday Sessions during the school year.
Location: Science House, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Who is welcome: High School Students from any county in NC who can travel daily to the Science House for a week in the summer and monthly during the school year. No Housing is available or travel funds.
Value of the Program: $700, student cost: $50, funded by Biogen Foundation
For more details and application please go to: https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/programs/catalyst/ For any questions please contact: jbumenfeld@wcpss.net
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
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
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
This Week’s Night Sky: See Jupiter’s ‘Water World’ Moon
National Geographic
Peek at Jupiter through binoculars and you should also see its icy moon Europa, thought to host a global ocean that may support life. Read the full story
Remnants of a Supernova Are Pummeling Earth
Discover
Sometime in the last few million years, a not-so-far-off supernova sent charged particles known as cosmic rays out in all directions. The scattered, stripped nuclei of radioactive iron isotopes eventually made their way to Earth as part of a larger stream of material. Now, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found traces of this stream bombarding our planet, bringing interstellar atomic debris crashing into Earth. In a paper published Thursday in Science, the researchers re Read the full story
Surprising, Vibrant Reef Discovered in the Muddy Amazon
National Geographic
Colorful sea fans, fish, and gigantic sponges found in murky waters. One scientist says the reef has the most amazing animals she’s ever seen on an expedition. Read the full story
How Wild Animals Are Hacking Life in the City
National Geographic
Mountain lions and ants are among the many species great and small figuring out clever ways to live among people. Read the full story
Animals Rule Chernobyl 30 Years After Nuclear Disaster
National Geographic
Three decades later, it’s not certain how radiation is affecting wildlife—but it’s clear that animals abound. Read the full story