DPS Secondary Science News
February 29-March 4, 2016
Resource Review Help!
We're getting down to time to submit quotes for the secondary science resources, but I still need to hear from schools. Your school must respond in order to have input in our selection and to confirm your counts.
We need counts from: DSA (middle), Brogden, Rogers Herr, Shepard, SCS (high), Jordan, Hillside, Hillside NT, Riverside, Hospital School
CHAIRS RESPOND with High school counts: http://goo.gl/forms/NCRsLflxdS
CHAIRS RESPOND with Middle school counts: http://goo.gl/forms/rOcaJh9Awu
We need selections from: DSA Middle, Lakeview (middle and high), Brogden, Carrington, Lakewood Montessori, Little River, Neal, Rogers Herr, Shepard, SCS (middle and high), Jordan, Hillside, Northern, PLC, Riverside, Hospital School.
CHAIRS RESPOND with High school selection: http://goo.gl/forms/9SEOw9atGF
CHAIRS RESPOND with Middle school selection: http://goo.gl/forms/W4G7GYOVFe
Questions? Let me know!
This week: I will be at Neal, Northern, Riverside, Githens, Shepard, and Southern.
8th Grade Science Anchor Charts
Teacher: Jennifer Lezette
School: Carrington Middle School
Biology Ceiling Tile
School: Northern
Modeling Folds and Faults
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 4-April 1 Google Expeditions comes to DPS!
- March 8, Secondary Science Chair Meeting (Anyone want to host? Contact me!), 4-5:30. Classroom Safety Checklists DUE.
- March 12, Science Olympiad Tournament at Jordan High School.
- We are currently working to reschedule several of the workshops from the weather-doomed February early release day. I will let you know details as soon as I have them!
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
Can you help us with Science Olympiad? Volunteers are needed! Sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044aacae2fa64-science. For more information, please email ncsodurhamregional@gmail.com.
The Secondary Science Resource Review is winding down. Make sure you've conveyed your feedback to your school's representative on the Secondary Science Resource Committee. Electronic resources are available for your review at:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzMkdRR3cyclJXckE
- Looking for current science news articles your students can read? Check out: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RtCxUaEYbHZiMmLof8NDlx54QHdC1tInQgjOLbp_CBA
- Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
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
FREE TWO-WEEK BEGINNER ALICE WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS - JUNE 20-30 2016 at Duke University
Middle school and high school teachers, apply now for a two-week summer workshop to learn how to create Alice Virtual Worlds and to integrate them into many disciplines. This is a free workshop with funds for lodging and a small stipend. Continuing education credits are also provided. The two-week workshop will be held June 20-30 (everyday but Sunday) at Duke University.
The deadline to apply is March 7, 2016.
The google form online application and information is available here:
http://www.cs.duke.edu/csed/web/alice/aliceInSchools
Sample materials including tutorials on Alice, sample worlds and videos of Alice worlds for different disciplines are available at the web site address above.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PLEASE CONTACT Susan Rodger rodger@cs.duke.edu
Educators of Excellence Institutes
Educators of Excellence Application Form 2016
Applications are due Monday, March 7, 2016
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK INSTITUTE
Dates: June 15-23, 2016 with an orientation at the Museum on Saturday, April 16, and an evaluation meeting on Saturday, November 5.
Location: Yellowstone National Park, WY and MT
Participating educators will study and experience the wonders of the world’s first national park. Join us from sunrise to sunset as we observe the incredible wildlife including bears, bison, wolves and elk. Learn about the area’s unique geothermal features and enjoy the magnificent scenery as we hike trails throughout the park. The daily program will include field experiences, opportunities to meet with park staff and local experts to discuss resource management issues, and activities to help bring these experiences into the classroom. Discover strategies for exploring the connections between Yellowstone and North Carolina (wolf and elk reintroduction, fire ecology, resource management issues in the parks, and much more).
TROPICAL ECOLOGY INSTITUTE
Dates: July 19-27, 2016, an orientation at the Museum on Saturday, April 30 and an evaluation meeting on Saturday, November 5.
Location: Belize, Central America and Raleigh, NC
Participants will experience several tropical habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and rain forests. The daily program will include practical field experiences, basic biological information, and easily duplicated techniques for teaching natural sciences. This program is designed to give educators a direct experience with environments and concepts that are part of the classroom curriculum. Participants will spend time at a Belizean school interacting with teachers and students.
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
APPLICATIONS FOR NC DNA DAY 2016 ARE NOW OPEN!
Would you like a scientist from one of NC’s leading research institutions to visit your high school science classroom?
Please visit ncdnaday.org to have a scientist visit your high school classroom and present an engaging, hands-on module covering a topic related to genetics and genomics! In addition, the scientist will discuss his or her own research interests and info about exciting careers in research and biotechnology! Or sign up directly here:
https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bPhSF9FXVloYD8p
This year's topics include four exciting, hand-on lessons: DNA Repair (based on the 2015 Nobel Prize winning work of two NC scientists), Personalized Medicine (Pharmacogenomics), Forensics, and Immunology.
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
Teacher Make & Take: Gel Eletrophoresis
March 3, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Using your school grounds: Spring - and paddling!
March 12, 9:00am - 5:00pm
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
What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/magazine/what-google-learned-from-its-quest-to-build-the-perfect-team.html?smid=nytcore-ipad-share&smprod=nytcore-ipad
New research reveals surprising truths about why some work groups thrive and others falter.
Tracking a Parasite That Turns Bees Into Zombies
Parasitic flies are infesting honeybees across the country. If you see any, you can add them to the Zombee Watch database.
Decline of Pollinators Poses Threat to World Food Supply, Report Says
Many pollinator species are facing extinction, including some 16 percent of vertebrates like birds and bats, according to the document.
In DNA, Clues to the Cheetah’s Speed and Hurdles
A big cat named Chewbaaka has enabled scientists to sequence and decrypt the cheetah’s complete genome.
On Tuesday, Scott J. Kelly is scheduled to return from the International Space Station, completing the longest stay in space for a NASA astronaut. Here are some ways to measure his mission.
It’s Possible to Grow a 3-D Printed Ear on a Mouse’s Back
With the success of growing the body parts in a lab, bioengineers are taking a step toward creating replacement organs that can be transplanted into people.