DPS Secondary Science News
June, 2019
Outdoor Science takes Root
My wish for your summer is that you get outside yourself-- explore something in nature that interests you-- or simply find a quiet, beautiful place to settle your nerves and feed your soul. You don't have to get to a national park to enjoy spending a little quality time in nature (although national parks are pretty amazing).
As you reflect on the year, please let me know if you get any inspired ideas for next year. I can be reached throughout the summer by email or phone-- and I would love to hear from you!
Best wishes for a great summer!
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
June 11: Last day of classes (traditional calendar)
June 20: TLC Coach Academy
July 17: Back to School Kickoff (year-round calendar)
July 18: Study Island as a Support for Science, 10-12 a.m. (virtual)
July 22: Start of School (year-round calendar)
July 24-25 NCDPI Using the NRC's Framework to Improve the Development of Local Curriculum
August 2: Start of School (specialty high schools)
August 21: Back to School Kickoff (traditional calendar)
August 26: Start of School (traditional calendar)
Quick News
The Curriculum Overviews and unit maps have been updated through first semester 2019-20. You will find these in the shared folders for each subject. Please note the revision dates in the bottom right-hand corner of each document. 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
It’s that time of year again—the time where we are gathering your feedback on the resources and support you’ve received this year in secondary science. I’ve created a survey that solicits your honest feedback about the resources and support we’ve provided, including science kits (middle school), Study Island (8th and Biology), curriculum maps and overviews, textbooks, and the work of the science specialist and science coaches (middle school only). The purpose of this survey is to improve resources and continue to provide support that contribute positively to secondary science instruction in Durham Public Schools. Your role is collected as part of this form, but emails and school names are not collected, unless you choose to provide them.
The survey can be found here.
I really appreciate your honest feedback and the time you give to provide responses. It helps me TREMENDOUSLY to improve services and set goals and budget priorities as we move into the next school year.
Thanks so much for your help in advocating for science instruction in our District.
Spring Hub Farm Festival
Spring Hub Farm Festival
Spring Hub Farm Festival
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS!
8th Grade Hub Farm Lab
Soil & Water Teacher of the Year
Lowe's Grove Middle School
Pollinator Garden
BOLD Grantee
CONGRATULATIONS
Been recognized for something? Let me know, so we can celebrate your professional achievements!
- Fellows who successfully complete all program requirements will earn a stipend of $5000.
- Fellows will receive personalized mentorship from a designated mentor in the field of education equity or professional leadership.
- Fellows will receive opportunities for professional networking and other opportunities for advancement of their projects and careers.
- Travel costs, such as costs associated with attendance of cohort gatherings and convenings, will be covered.
Sensory Garden
BOLD Grantee
Sensory Garden
BOLD Grantee
Chicken Coop
BOLD Grantee
RESOURCES
Genes in Space Lab in a Box FREE
Lab in a Box - a free Genes in Space resource
We are now taking requests for miniPCR™ Lab in a Box loans for the 2019-20 school year. Lab in a Box is a loaner program that allows educators to conduct a hands-on Genes in Space lesson and bring DNA science into their classrooms. The lesson depicts real-world biotechnology applications and uses essential molecular biology techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), restriction digest, and gel electrophoresis. Requests must be received by June 30th, 2019 to be considered. The loans will be available between September 3rd, 2019 and May 22nd, 2020. Each loan will be two weeks in duration and include four sets of complete molecular biology equipment, consumables and reagents for up to 64 students, training and support, and much more.
Lab in a Box loaner kits include:
- 4 DNA Discovery Systems™:
- 4 miniPCR™ machines
- 4 blueGel™ electrophoresis systems
- 8 micropipettes
- 2 micropipettes for instructor
- Reagents and consumables for up to 64 students
- Curriculum, training, and instruction
- Live interaction via Genes in Space Chat (optional)
- Request a Loan
www.genesinspace.org
Contact us: genesinspace@minipcr.com
Provide your insight into a study on computational thinking
If you choose to participate in this study, you are providing your consent by clicking
the link below to begin the survey. If you do not wish to participate in this study, do
not click on the link to the survey or close your web browser window without
submitting your responses.
Follow this link to the Survey:
Discover Birds Activity Kit Our new kit, Discover Birds, is a perfect activity pack for a fun day outdoors! Learn about birds while playing group games and observing your natural habitat. Three short lessons give kids bird background and cool facts. Whether you are an informal educator looking for summer activities or a classroom teacher trying to introduce birds into your curriculum, the Discover Birds Kit is fun and engaging. Activities are designed to be interactive and fun for groups of 10 or more children. Your kit will include:
- Three colorful posters
- Bird Survivor game cards
- 10 Bird Bingo game cards
- Migration Obstacle fun fact cards
- Three lessons (not pictured)
Digital Learning Opportunities-- Get those CEUs!!
DPS Digital Teaching & Learning provides details about professional development opportunities in its newsletter. Check it out!
SUMMER PD OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS
Summer Program in Computational Thinking in Secondary Science- Stipend Provided
Former DPS science teacher and Kenan Fellow Vance Kite is beginning a project on computational thinking in the science classroom. This summer he will be leading a week-long professional development institute centered on helping teachers understand CT and develop CT-infused curriculum for their classroom. The workshop details are provided below. No previous experience with computational thinking or computer science is required:
What: The what, why, and how of CT-infused science curriculum
When: August 5th - August 9th (Monday ~ Friday), 2019. Specific times are yet to be determined, but plan for a full day (9:00 am to 3:00 pm).
Where: James B. Hunt Library on the NC State Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC
Compensation: Participating teachers will be paid a $625 stipend ($125 per day), and parking and lunch will be provided for each day of the workshop. $500 of the stipend will be distributed upon completion of the workshop. The other $125 of the stipend will be disbursed upon completion of followup activities (i.e., interviews, classroom observations, end of semester surveys, etc.).
If you are interested in participating, please complete the following survey by Monday, June 10th: https://forms.gle/PXZ34inCPi3fvbYN7
Note: There are only 15 slots available for the workshop. Selected participants will be notified by Friday, June 21st.
If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact either Dr. Soonhye Park (spark26@ncsu.edu) or Vance Kite (vkite@ncsu.edu) .
Educator Treks
MICROBIOLOGY ON A MICRO BUDGET
9:00 am Jun 29 - 5:00 pm Jun 30
Jul 12 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
TALL TREES AND WONDERFUL WATERFALLS
8:30 am Aug 6 - 6:00 pm Aug 9
Summer Kick off!! August 6-8, 2019
In order to support the success of all English Learners throughout North Carolina via a regional support structure, the Growing Success for ELs Summer Conference is transforming to four regionally-based training opportunities, which will be held concurrently, August 6-8, 2019 at no cost. These training offerings will serve as the kick-off to the 2019-20 Growing Success for ELs Professional Learning Series.
Please see the list below for the training topics and locations. We invite participants to attend a session that is easy to access geographically and/or that will best help your educators to build capacity in meeting the needs of your English Learners. We look forward to bringing these free, regional training opportunities to a region near you!
During registration, participants select one of the three-day training offerings to attend. Please bring an electronic device in order to gain access to all the materials.
Energy to Burn at NC Central University
Energy to Burn, is BRITE Futures newest module. This module was designed to help students better understand the vital role of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; and their connection to global warming.
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Location: North Carolina Central University Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE)
For: High school and middle school science teachers and CTE teachers
The workshop:
· Is presented at no cost to teachers and administrators
· Is open to High School and Middle School science teachers and CTE Teachers
· Teachers will receive workshop materials including a notebook of activities, manipulatives for hands on activities, and other supporting resources including CDs
· Lunch and snacks will be provided
To enroll in the workshop: Complete the attached registration form and Email the registration form to bwbrown@nccu.edu or Fax it to 919-530-7940 (Attention Betty Brown)
· Applications must be submitted no later than June 28th
· Space is limited to the first 24 applicants
Project Wet
Saturday, June 15
9am-3:30pm
- Cost is $21 payable at the class (Checks made payable to NC Division of Water Resources).
- Project Wet is a 6 hour Criteria 1 for EE Certification Purposes, Science Professional Development Certificate available upon request. Workshop + Homework = 10 Hours
Please register at: https:reclink.raleighnc.gov
for class barcode #236850.
Share with your colleagues! Perfect for 3rd-8th grade teachers.
Walnut Creek Wetland Park is located at 950 Peterson Street in Raleigh, just a mile south of downtown.
North Carolina 11th Annual Envirothon School for Advisors/Teachers
June 17 through June 21, 2019
Raleigh-Durham Area
$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
Workshop Curriculum
SOILS: Monday, 11am - 5pm
WILDLIFE: Tuesday, 9am - 5pm
FORESTRY: Wednesday, 9am - 5pm
AQUATICS: Thursday, 9am - 5pm
AQUATICS 2: Friday, 9am - 5pm
Air Quality and Transportation Workshop
at the North Carolina Transportation Museum
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019
Cost: FREE
The North Carolina Division of Air Quality is partnering with the North Carolina Transportation Museum on the teacher and educator workshop: Air Quality and Transportation. The N.C. Transportation Museum is in Spencer, North Carolina, and is a family-friendly place is a 60-acre site filled with immersive exhibits and special events. On Saturday, July 13 it will become the ideal place to learn about how transportation and air quality are linked. NC Division of Air Quality staff will lead the workshop which will include a combination of teacher tools and hands-on activities, presentation materials, and curriculum. Teachers and educators can receive C.E.U. credit and Credit for the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program.
Lunch will be provided
To register for the workshop visit: https://ncdaq.wufoo.com/forms/mxdjvoa13j0kb5
Or contact
Keith Bamberger
NC Division of Air Quality
(828) 296-4500
Food, Land, and People for 6th grade teachers ONLY
Project Food, Land & People and researchers at NC State University are partnering to offer an exciting professional development opportunity for you. Our project is focused on how to connect children with local food systems, and we wand your help. this link will take you to more details. As part of this study, you can expect a free training in standards-aligned Food, Land, and People; support in setting up a field trip to a local farm with your students; ongoing professional development support with your peers and project leads; and $350 for participation in this two-year project.
Kathryn Stevenson (kathryn_stevenson@ncsu.edu)
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:
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.
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
A Billion-Year-Old Fungus May Hold Clues to Life’s Arrival on Land
By CARL ZIMMER
A cache of microscopic fossils from the Arctic hints that fungi evolved long before plants.
Frances Arnold Turns Microbes Into Living Factories
By NATALIE ANGIER
Instead of synthesizing new biochemicals from scratch, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist puts nature to the task — with astonishing results.
Seeing Red in the Fossil Record
By CARA GIAIMO
A discovery in a fossilized mouse could help scientists work out the true colors of dinosaurs and other creatures from prehistory.
It’s a Lefty! Welcome to the World’s First Crispr Snail Baby
By JOANNA KLEIN
Most snails are righties. Now scientists have found genes that make some of them born with shells coiling the other way.
Why Crocodiles Are Not Just Living Fossils
By ASHER ELBEIN
They’ve changed remarkably over millions of years, and at one point may even have been warmblooded.