DPS Secondary Science News
April, 2019
Celebrate Science!
Governor Cooper has recognized April as STEM month in NC. Earth Day is on April 22. Sunday, April 28th is the Durham Earth Day Festival. The list goes on and on!
April is a good month to be a science nerd! Get out there and dig in!
Linda Tugurian, PhD, NBCT
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: http://bit.ly/dpssecscience
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @dps612science
Upcoming Events- Details coming soon to your inbox
April 9: HS Science Department Chair meeting 4:30-5:30 (virtual)
April 11: Middle School Teacher Academy, 3-5 @Brogden
April 11-17: Case21 EOY for yearlong courses on traditional calendar
April 17: Microscope & Balance Repair (by request)
April 18: TLC Coach Academy
April 29-May 3: Case21 EOY for 4x4 high schools on traditional calendar
May 1: Teacher Workday
May 7: HS Science Department Chair Meeting 4:30-5:30 @SDC
May 16: TLC Coach Academy
Quick News
We make updates to the Curriculum Overviews and unit maps throughout the year. You will find these in the shared folders for each subject as we finish them. You can find yours here: 6th Grade Science, 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Science, Earth & Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science and Physics.
Making purchases? Check out the discounts: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzMODhERQCTzX3pPTzZQTFNma3c
Durham Division A Science Olympiad
NCSLA Meets in Durham
DINE Nutrition Lessons
School: Neal Middle
NCDPI Testing Update
Shorter Administration Times! Estimated time for 8th Grade Science and Biology is now two hours (120 minutes), with an additional hour, if needed
Science End-of-Grade (5 and 8)
Previously: 75 items
2018-19: 65 items
Biology End-of-Course
Previously 75 items
2018-19: 65 items
New test specifications for 6th and 7th Grade NCFEs in Science
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS!
Week at the Creek
Dr. Dollar Presents
School: CMA
Science Fair SPARKS
CONGRATULATIONS
Citizen Schools Catalyst Leaders
Biogen Foundation Spark Video Contest Stipends
Lucas Middle School: Rebekah Petty
Githens Middle School: Antia Thomas
Carrington Middle School: Sharon Hall
Early College High School: Allison Tiangson
Little River K-8 School: Beth Lewis
Lowe's Grove Middle School: Karena Bond and John Ware
Middle College High School: Scott Michaels
Been recognized for something? Let me know, so we can celebrate your professional achievements!
AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS
2019 Conservation Education Teacher of the Year
The Durham Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting application for our 2019 Conservation Education Teacher of the Year award. Nominate yourself or an outstanding K-12th grade teacher you know that excels in conservation & environmental education in the classroom. All teachers in public, parochial and private schools in Durham, are eligible. Winners will be recognized in separate categories. One winner will be chosen for Elementary, Middle and High School Conservation Education Teacher of the Year (grades K-12). Winners from each category will be awarded a plaque and $100 at our Annual Conservation Awards Banquet. Winners may also advance on to the statewide Conservation Education Teacher of the Year award.
To apply: Please fill out our 1 page entry form and return by 5 pm on April 26, 2019. Completed entries can be returned to: Durham SWCD, 201 E Main St, floor 5, Durham, NC 27701 or lmarochak@dconc.gov
For questions, please call or email Lisa Marochak at 919-560-0558 or lmarochak@dconc.gov
RESOURCES
Science News for Your Students-- FREE
Deadline Extended: Apply by National DNA Day!
It's your lucky day! In honor of National DNA Day, the 2019 Genes in Space contest deadline has been extended. Applications are now due on National DNA Day, Thursday, April 25th, 2019.
Earth Science Lessons for Earth Day from California Academy of Sciences
Live from Broadway
Thursday, April 11, 2019 @ 1:00 pm (ET)
Target Audience: Grades 5-9
During this one-of-a-kind experience, students will get a rare look behind the scenes to learn how the team of the Broadway musical Wicked worked to lessen their environmental impact, creating a Green for Good initiative that has since been adopted by other theaters. Classrooms everywhere are invited to join this free, interactive live stream that will educate, motivate, and inspire students to explore impactful actions and make environmentally-friendly choices in their homes, classrooms, and communities.
Language Arts classes can do wonders for science classes, and vice versa. With Science Diction, you can show students the many ways what they say and how they communicate what they’ve learned matters. Check out a recent issue on the origins of the word “cobalt” and investigate the whole series here to get your fill on how the science words we all love today got their start.
Learn more here.
Hungry Hungry Hermetia
Trash cans in the lunchroom can fill up fast! If you’ve looked down into those dumpster-bound bags you’ve probably seen a wide array of food that is going to waste. Instead of banishing this food to the landfill, try creating an eco-friendly food waste disposal system utilizing some engineering, math, and a whole lot of black soldier fly larvae with this Hungry Hungry Hermetia resource.
Learn more here.
Legends of Learning
SCIENCE GAMES THAT GIVE YOU SUPERPOWERS
Thousands of curriculum aligned science games for elementary and middle school students along with epic quests and battles. Legends of Learning is free for teachers and students to use in school. https://www.legendsoflearning.com/
Task Annotation Project
These are interesting tasks related to the Framework!
https://www.achieve.org/our-initiatives/equip/tools-subject/science/task-annotation-project-science
SCHOOL YEAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Exploring Animal Waste-to-Energy in Eastern NC
A FREE workshop for NC middle and high school science and technology teachers & informal STEM educators*
Tuesday May 21st, 2019
9:00AM to 4:00PM
James Sprunt Community College, Kenansville, NC
Full Day Substitute Reimbursement is available!
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 30th, 2019
During this day-long workshop, participants will:
· Tour Optima KV, a swine waste to energy facility
· Tour Prestage AgEnergy, a poultry waste to energy facility
· Learn about the future of animal waste-to-energy in eastern NC from representatives of the utility and agricultural sectors
· Evaluate economic, environmental and social impacts of bioenergy facilities in Eastern NC
· Have the opportunity to receive 1 CEU credit (6 contact hours and 4 hours of homework to be completed by 12/15/2019) and up to 10 hours of Criteria III credit towards the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program
*This free professional development opportunity is open to middle and high school science and technology teachers /informal STEM educators. Preference given to teachers employed by schools/organizations in the following counties: Bladen, Duplin, Greene, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Sampson, and Wayne counties.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Educator Treks
PITCHER THIS: PLANTS THAT EAT BUGS
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 - SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Join the Museum and the NC Botanical Garden to discover and learn about our wonderful insect-eating plants and the habitats in which they thrive.
EDUCATOR TREK: SPRING IN THE MOUNTAINS
3:30pm Friday, May 03, 2019 - 6:00pm Sunday, May 05, 2019
Participate in ongoing research projects studying the impacts of air quality and climate change and bring home ideas to teach about our interdependence with the natural world.
Digital Learning Opportunities-- Get those CEUs!!
Creating, Scheduling & Delivering Manual Schoolnet Assessments
Participants will learn how to create an assessment in Schoolnet using self-created questions and how to deliver them online or paper pencil.
• 3:30 to 4:30 on Thursday, April 4th at the Staff Development Center (register)
• 4:30 to 5:30 on Thursday, April 4th at the Staff Development Center (register)
Email Automation with Google Form and Spreadsheet Data
Participants will learn how to automatically send emails when Google Form responses are submitted. This is has many utilities including sending observation data to teachers, performance data to students, and resources to parents. If you have to communicate lots of data, this workshop may help you communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders as addressed in the NC Digital Learning Competencies.
• 3:30 to 4:30 on Thursday, April 11th at the Staff Development Center (register)
• 4:30 to 5:30 on Thursday, April 11th at the Staff Development Center (register)
Digital Teaching & Learning Online Professional Development
Looking for Digital Learning Competencies credits? Several fantastic online courses are open for enrollment and/or participation right now! Search the DPS Professional Development Catalog anytime for a real-time list of options.
Session Title: Google Certified Educator (Level 1)
Contact: Ron Wahlen (Ronald.Wahlen@dpsnc.net)
Process: Study the EDUCATOR LEVEL 1 Fundamentals Training materials. Contact Mr. Wahlen a few days before you plan on taking the exam. He will provide you a voucher code. When you're comfortable with the material, take the certification exam. Your exam will be ready to take within 24 hours of registration.
- 180 minutes, no pauses
- $10 exam fee (waived with voucher code)
Start Date: 4/1/2019
End Date: 6/11/2019
CEUs: 1.2 Digital Learning Competencies
Session Title: Google Certified Educator (Level 2)
Contact: Ron Wahlen (Ronald.Wahlen@dpsnc.net)
Process: Study the EDUCATOR LEVEL 2 Advanced Training materials. Contact Mr. Wahlen a few days before you plan on taking the exam. He will provide you a voucher code. When you're comfortable with the material, take the certification exam. Your exam will be ready to take within 24 hours of registration.
- 180 minutes, no pauses
- $25 exam fee (waived with voucher code)
Start Date: 4/1/2019
End Date: 6/11/2019
CEUs: 1.2 Digital Learning Competencies
Session Title: Online Discussion Tools for the Classroom
Registration Closes: SOON!
Contact: NCCAT (information@nccat.org)
Start Date: 4/1/2019
End Date: 6/11/2019
CEUs: 1.0 Digital Learning Competencies
SUMMER PD OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS
At Water's Edge
A FREE Professional Development Experience for 8th -12th grade science teachers.
July 8-11, 2019, Trinity Center, Salter Path, NC
During this four day teacher institute, 8th -12th grade science teachers will explore and compare several unique coastal ecosystems through inquiry-based, hands-on activities, evaluating human impacts on these systems alongside scientists and expert environmental educators. Teachers will gain 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.
The institute will begin at 11AM on Monday, July 8, 2019 and end by 2PM on Thursday, July 11th. Lodging provided Mon, Tue, and Wed nights. Meals provided from Monday lunch through Thursday lunch.
To Apply: Complete the Online Application by Tuesday April 30th: http://bit.ly/WatersEdgeInstitute Please note: There are a limited number of seats available for this Institute. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status on or before May 15, 2019. If you are accepted, a $100 refundable deposit will be required to reserve your spot. Your spot will be forfeited if your deposit is not received in a timely manner. Your check will not be deposited and will be returned to you upon check-in at the institute on July 8. Cancellations made after June 21, 2019 will result in the forfeiture of the deposit; your check will be cashed and considered a tax-deductible donation to the UNC Institute for the Environment.
2019 Beginning Teacher Summit Registration is Now Open!!
"Building Resilience: Leaders for a Lifetime"
The Regional Education Facilitator Team is excited to share more information about our Beginning Teacher Summits that are scheduled for June 2019. Our theme, “Building Resilience: Leaders for a Lifetime” will guide the BT Summits in each region of the state. We hope your BTs will be a part of it!
Ground Level Ozone: Advanced Air Quality
Monday, August 5 and Thursday August 6, 2019
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the NC Division of Air Quality are partnering on the 2019 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).
While the curriculum works best with middle and high school students, all educators will benefit and are welcome. The workshop is free, lunch will be provided, and camping is available at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center.
On site camping is available to workshop participants. Contact Susan Sachs for more information: susan_sachs@nps.gov.
To register please visit:
BioNetwork Summer Teacher PD-- These fill quickly!
Middle School STEM: A Hands-On Approach - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/middle-school-stem-a-hands-on-approach-registration-50779405569
June 18-20, 2019
Explore exciting and budget-friendly ways to integrate active learning opportunities into your curriculum! This workshop is specifically designed to help middle school teachers engage their students through hands-on activities that correlate the essential standards with real-world applications. Our relevant and fun approach will help you convert your students into more effective and efficient learners, a secret sauce that helps them retain the information they learn.
Wicked Problems: Novel Approaches to Critical Issues https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wicked-problems-novel-approaches-to-critical-issues-registration-50780069555
July 16-18, 2019
A wicked problem is a social and scientific problem that is difficult to resolve because of incomplete or contradictory knowledge, constantly changing variables, and interconnectedness with other problems. Join us as we dive into some of the wicked problems plaguing modern society, hear from local experts working to combat these problems, and leave with the confidence to address these issues with your students. Topics that may be discussed include: climate change, gene editing technology, crop production, and synthetic biology.
Industry Immersion: Made in NC
Industry Immersion: Made in NC - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/industry-immersion-made-in-nc-registration-50780263134
July 30 - August 1, 2019
How many of your favorite products have roots here in NC? This workshop provides a behind the scenes look at the manufacturing processes of several companies and provides multiple hands-on, standards-based, and career-focused activities to take back into your classroom! Prepare to be wowed and leave excited to talk to your students about advanced manufacturing and the types of careers available to them in their own backyards!
The NC Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience
Discover the forests in our state, and learn about the wood products industry!
- Participants will receive resources and teaching materials to be used in the classroom/organization
- All meals, lodging, and transportation at the conference will be provided for
- Educators can earn continuing education credits (CEU) and EE certification (6 hours-Criteria I and 10 hours-Criteria III)
- Educators will apply online to the program. Accepted participants will have two weeks to pay a onetime registration fee of $50.
- Workshop is geared towards formal and non-formal STEM professionals with emphasis on 3rd-12th grade science educators.
- Registration for the program is first-come-first serve basis
SIGN UP FOR AN EXPERIENCE!
Piedmont: Southern Pines, North Carolina June 17-20, 2019
Coastal Plains: New Bern, North Carolina June 24-27, 2019
Mountain: Asheville, North Carolina July 22-25, 2019
For more information, and to apply online, visit https://www.ncforestry.org/teachers/sfi-sustainable-forestry-cee-experience-for-teachers/
Forest to Classroom: STEM Education
July 22-25, 2019
Haw River State Park
Browns Summit, NC
The Forest to Classroom (F2C) professional development program housed within Extension Forestry at NC State University. The program was created to connect educators to forest resources in North Carolina and assist with implementing forestry education in the classroom. Forestry remains one of North Carolina’s top industries, with over 18.6 million acres of forestland in the state. The program format will vary depending on the topic, but may include tours of a variety of natural areas, chances to interact and learn from professionals within the natural resources and forestry community, tours of production facilities, and training in environmental education curriculum to promote classroom implementation. In F2C, teachers also lead their own professional development though participation in an implementation forum. This arrangement provides every F2C teacher an opportunity to share their expertise as well as gain knowledge to meet their individual needs.
Online Application – NOW OPEN We are now accepting applications for the 2019 program until May 31, 2019. The 2019F2C is geared towards formal and nonformal educators working with elementary and middle school students (1st – 8th grade). STEM area teachers are preferred, but any subject area will be considered. Note: Teachers from outside of North Carolina are eligible to apply. Space is limited to 30 educators, with final selection is based on application quality. Nonformal educators are encouraged to apply with the understanding that priority is given to formal classroom educators.
Read more at: https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/f2c/
EPA’s Air Quality Workshop for Educators
You are invited to attend EPA’s interactive, hands on Air Quality Workshop. Teachers, pre-
service teachers, environmental educators and education specialists are invited to attend.
The workshop is FREE.
DATE: July 9 - 10, 2019
TIME: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: EPA/RTP Campus located in Durham; 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, RTP, NC
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
• Explore Carbon Footprints and Sustainability
• Learn about EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program for Schools
• Tour EPA’s Green Building
REGISTER AT: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-data-and-tools/forms/air-quality-workshop-educators
SCIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Protecting Human Health in a Changing Environment, Free Workshop for Rising 11th & 12th Graders, June 10-13/14, 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, NC is offering a FREE 1-week Summer Enrichment Program to educate high school students about how the Agency protects human health and the environment. Hands-on experiences, tours of campus facilities, case studies in air quality and sustainability are emphasized. Participants will be exposed to the many EPA careers available in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields as well as other careers and cutting edge research that serve to support EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. Rising 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply, and participation is limited to 25 students. There is no cost to attend, but participants must provide their own transportation and meals. The Program is Monday-Thursday, June 10-13, 2019, from 9 am to 4 pm with an optional leadership session on Friday, June 14. It will be held at the U.S. EPA Campus at 109 TW Alexander Drive in Research Triangle Park, NC. Students must commit to attending the entire 4-day Program, and visitors must show a valid photo ID daily when entering the EPA campus. Applications accepted on a space-available basis. Email bamford.lauren@epa.gov and berg.chelsea@epa.gov to receive a copy of the application and teacher recommendation form.
Creating Opportunities in STEM for Students with Disabilities
WHY: This program exposes high school students with disabilities to high expectations and real STEM careers in NC and helps them to chart pathways for acquiring the skills and experience they need to work in the field. This is truly a unique opportunity! WHAT: 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, App Design, Wearable Devices, Energy, Engineering, Art, Natural Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry, Space, Soft Skills, and many other topics. Students will daily go on a Field Trips including to: research labs, North Carolina Natural Science Museum, industry and field sites. WHO: Rising 9th – Rising 12th Graders; students with disabilities who are either on the OCS or Future Ready Core pathways; student may be dually exceptional (i.e., academically gifted and requiring specialized instruction) but this is not required. WHERE: NC State University’s Centennial Campus, Raleigh (Program is not limited to Wake County residents, however travel and lodging for out-of-town participants is NOT currently provided by the program.) WHEN: Either June 17th-21st OR June 24th-28th and eight (8) Saturdays throughout the school year HOW: Students should apply at https://sciencehouse.ncsu.edu/programs/catalyst/ by May 18, 2019. Prospective applicants and VR staff may also contact Joann Blumenfeld at jblumenfeld@wcpss.net or at 919-231-2812 between 5 and 8 PM.
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
Fossil Site Reveals Day That Meteor Hit Earth and, Maybe, Wiped Out Dinosaurs
By WILLIAM J. BROAD AND KENNETH CHANG
A jumble of entombed plants and creatures offers a vivid glimpse of the apocalypse that all but ended life 66 million years ago.
The Plague Killing Frogs Everywhere Is Far Worse Than Scientists Thought
By CARL ZIMMER
As a threat to wildlife, an amphibian fungus has become “the most deadly pathogen known to science.”
Volcanoes! Lightning! And Radioactive Gas, Too
By ROBIN GEORGE ANDREWS
Studying radon’s role in the electrification of plumes above volcanoes could help people anticipate the damage resulting from eruptions, scientists say.
Injecting Marshmallow Peeps With Fungi, for Science
By JOANNA KLEIN
A mycologist hopes to show how a simple, silly experiment can illuminate fungal biology.
An Iceberg Twice the Size of New York City Is About to Split From Antarctica
By JUGAL K. PATEL
Scientists say the break could trigger further retreat of the Brunt ice shelf.