OSTA Spring Forensics Workshop
January 20th, 2012 Bob
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association
NASA’s Orion Spacecraft to Land in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama
January 23rd, 2012 BobA test version of NASA’s Orion spacecraft soon will make a cross-country journey, giving residents in three states the chance to see a full-scale test version of the vehicle that will take humans into deep space.
The crew module will make stops during a trip from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The planned stops include:
*Jan. 24-25 at Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City*
*Jan. 27-29 at Victory Park and the American Airlines Center in Dallas*
*Feb. 1-2 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala*
Engineers, program officials, astronauts and NASA spokespeople will be available to speak with the media and the public.
The full-scale test vehicle was used by ground crews in advance of the launch abort system flight test that took place in New Mexico in 2010. Orion will serve as the vehicle that takes astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit, and the first orbital flight test is scheduled for 2014.
To see photos of the pad abort test, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/gallery/abort_test/index.htm
For more information on the each of the sites, visit
Science Museum Oklahoma: http://www.sciencemuseumok.org.
American Airlines Center: http://www.americanairlinescenter.com.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center: http://www.ussrc.com.
January 22nd, 2012 Bob
Bring talented high school students and teachers from your school to participate in the Tenth Annual Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium (OKN-JSHS). The symposium will be held at Oklahoma State University Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, 2012. Freshmen are invited to present Friday evening. Sophomores through Seniors will present on Saturday.
The Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium is part of an established national program of the Academy of Applied Science and the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Lodging for participants and sponsors will be covered by OKN-JSHS. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday will be provided. Participants will be responsible for any additional charges beyond the cost of the room incurred at the lodging site.
The deadline for teacher and student applications is Friday, February 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically to candace.lebow@okstate.edu. Applications received after that date will not be considered for participation in the symposium.
We invite you to select outstanding science students who can present either a paper and Power Point presentation or simply attend the presentation sessions. The paper presentations require the student to prepare a written report describing original research results in one of the following disciplines:
• Environmental Science; Earth and Space Science
• Engineering
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Mathematics and Computer Science
The presentations will represent the finest efforts of high school students in the region toward either original laboratory or field research, or original work in mathematics or the humanistic aspects of science. All students wishing to present a paper at OKN-JSHS must send their application with an abstract of their research paper on a copy of the abstract form (see the Applications section for all necessary forms). Significant awards are available to students who compete in the regional and national symposia. Many university sponsors who conduct the regional symposia contribute scholarships, cash awards, and other prizes. The availability of these additional awards, type of award, and value vary by region. The Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly sponsor the following awards:
For students who participate in regional and national symposia:
• Public recognition and certificates honoring achievement and interest in research pursuits.
• Attain a sense of achievement and self-confidence resulting from interaction with students from other schools and regions and with professional researchers and educators.
To quote a former JSHS alumnus, [At JSHS] “I learned a tremendous amount of science, got to meet other high school students who shared my interests in science, and learned that I could succeed at any program that I chose to pursue.”
For teachers:
• A $500 award to the teacher that brings the most students presenting research results at the regional symposium.
• Teacher travel stipends will be paid as available. Kansas and Nebraska Teachers will receive $200 and Oklahoma Teachers will receive $100.
For the regional finalists:
• An expense-paid trip to the National JSHS, awarded to five finalists at each regional symposium. The National symposium brings together over 360 participants in a program of educational and scientific exchange.
• An invitation to present their original research investigation at the National JSHS, awarded to the 1st and 2nd place finalists at each regional symposium.
• A total $4,500 in undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded at $2000, $1,500, and $1,000 to each of three regional symposium finalists (scholarship payable upon matriculation and upon meeting the JSHS scholarship conditions.)
For the national finalists:
• Six $16,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 1st place finalists in the National research paper competition
• Six $6,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 2nd place finalists in the National research paper competition
• Six $2,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 3rd place finalists in the National research paper competition
• An expense-paid trip to the London International Youth Science Forum, an exchange program bringing together over 400 participants from 60 nations. The London trip is awarded to each of the 1st place finalists; the runner-ups are alternate winners.
Registration
For more information, call 800-765-8933.
Please see the Applications page to pre-register. The planning committee looks forward to your participation in this year’s symposium. Registration / check-in will take place on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and at 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012. At registration, all participants will be furnished with a packet of program materials covering all aspects of their activity in the symposium.
Selection of Presenters and Participants
OKN-JSHS paper presenters will be selected based upon the merit of the individual student’s research abstract and research paper. All applications are screened without regard to gender, race, creed, or color. We will not consider student presenter applicants without an application from a teacher.
University Policies
Access-Oklahoma State University encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Candace Thrasher at (405)744-6254 before your visit.
Cancellation-The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.
Applications
High school students who have done well in mathematics and science are eligible to apply. Although these students may still be undecided in their career choices, it is expected that they have completed a science or mathematics research project. For those who wish to present a paper, good public speaking skills are very helpful. Printable application forms are available for your use.
Paper Presentation Abstract Form
Each form is required for all student presenters at OKN-JSHS. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically to candace.lebow@okstate.edu. Each school should submit to us an electronic copy of applications from each student and teacher wishing to attend OKN-JSHS. Each student application must include a copy of a research paper and an abstract if the student is applying to present a paper. All materials must be received by Friday, February 17, 2012.
Team Projects. Students should report on their individual contributions to research. If students are part of a larger group, the presentation should focus on the individual contributions in the larger research project and properly acknowledge the contributions of other students, mentors, and/or teachers. For team research that cannot be divided into individual presentations, a team leader should be selected to present the results of the group work. In this case, all JSHS directives applying to the individual research investigations will apply to group research investigations. In the event the group presenter of the winning regional group is unable to present at the National level, this opportunity will be passed on to the next ranking project. This decision is made since the judges’ evaluations and scores pertain to the individual presenter. Student presenters who are part of a team must notify JSHS of which student finalist will receive scholarship funding, should the team presentation earn a regional or national award.
Parents and guardians may attend the symposium, but are responsible for their individual hotel accommodations. Please contact Candace Thrasher at (405) 744-6254 if you have any questions.
Helpful examples and instructions:
How to Write an Abstract, with an Abstract Worksheet Form and example.
Applicants wishing to present a paper should use the Paper Presentation Checklist. (Also see the Paper Presentation Judging Criteria)
National JSHS Guidelines for Preparing and Presenting Student Research.
CONTACT US
Candace Thrasher Oklahoma State University 325 Willard Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 Phone: 405-744-6254 Toll Free: 1-800-765-8933 Fax: 405-744-7713 E-mail: candace.lebow@okstate.edu
For more information go to http://education.okstate.edu/oknjshs
OK GO!
January 20th, 2012 Bob
Remember when summer break was made up of days playing outside until mom called you in for dinner? Today’s kids probably won’t. In the last two decades, childhood has moved indoors. The average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen. This shift inside profoundly impacts the wellness of our kids. They are out of shape, tuned out and stressed out, because they’re missing something essential to their health and development: connection to the natural world. Outdoor learning programs and outdoor play time can help students become high-performance learners with skill sets that will be with them throughout their lives. Outdoor education and play time also helps students perform better on standardized tests.
Join us at the 2012 Oklahoma Environmental Education Expo (EE Expo) for ideas on how to get your students outside.
- See the complete 2012 Expo Schedule and Session Descriptions
- Get Driving Directions to OKC Zoo
Keynote speaker for this year’s Oklahoma EE Expo is Jenifer Reynolds, host ofDiscover Oklahoma television series. Ms. Reynolds will be sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for a wealth of places in our state where Oklahoma can Get Outside!
Jenifer is a third generation Oklahoman, born in Miami. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she was awarded the DuPont-Columbia Award, the broadcast equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize. She’s the only college student ever to receive this honor. Her 14 years at NEWS 9, were spent reporting on various topics including government and children’s issues.
A lover of the outdoors and proud mother of three children, Jenifer is the host of Discover Oklahoma and Mind Games, a new show on KSBI that features Oklahoma college students competing for Scholarship money in a weekly “Battle of the Brains”.
Jenifer, her husband Chris, and their 3 children now reside in Jones, Oklahoma where they have chosen to live the agricultural lifestyle. This 45 acre farm is also the home of Sandbur Productions. Sandbur is a full service production company that produces the Telly Award Winning TV show “Inside Reining”.
The Oklahoma Environmental Education Expo is sponsored by the Oklahoma Association of Environmental Education (OKAEE) and Oklahoma State University (OSU). Our goal is to promote environmental education opportunities by gathering experts, teachers, and community members together to share ideas and resources available through our state agencies and universities.
REGISTER NOW!!
Oklahoma bill attacks evolution and climate change
January 20th, 2012 Bob
(from the National Center for Science Education, http://ncse.com/news)
Senate Bill 1742 (see below), prefiled in the Oklahoma Senate, is apparently the sixth antievolution bill of 2012, following on the heels of two bills in New Hampshire, two bills in Missouri, and one bill in Indiana. The bill would, if enacted, require the state board of education to assist teachers and administrators in promoting “critical thinking, logical analysis, open and objective discussion of scientific theories including, but not limited to, evolution, the origin of life, global warming, and human cloning” upon request of the local school district. The bill also provides that teachers “may use supplemental textbooks and instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review scientific theories in an objective manner.”
SB 1742 is evidently modeled in part on the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, passed and enacted in 2008 as Louisiana Revised Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:285.1; indeed, the bill itself declares, “This act is modeled on a Louisiana law which has not been invalidated by the highest court of the State of Louisiana or a federal district court,” adding, “Legal challenges to academic freedom bills have historically alleged that such bills are intended to allow the teaching of creationism or intelligent design. This bill does not propose that schools teach creationism or intelligent design, rather, it is the intent to foster an environment of critical thinking in schools including a scientific critique of the theory of evolution.”
The sole sponsor of SB 1742 is Josh Brecheen (R-District 6). In 2011, Brecheen introduced Senate Bill 554, which combined a different version of the “academic freedom language” — referring to “the scientific strengths [and] scientific weaknesses of controversial topics … [which] include but are not limited to biological origins of life and biological evolution” — with a directive for the state board of education to adopt “standards and curricula” that echo the flawed portions of the state science standards adopted in Texas in 2009 with respect to the nature of science and evolution. SB 554 apparently died in committee on February 28, 2011, when a deadline for senate bills to be reported from committee passed.
Before Brecheen filed SB 554, he announced his intention to file antievolution legislation in a column in the Durant Daily Democrat (December 19, 2010): “Renowned scientists now asserting that evolution is laden with errors are being ignored. … Using your tax dollars to teach the unknown, without disclosing the entire scientific findings[,] is incomplete and unacceptable.” In a subsequent column in the newspaper (December 24, 2010), he indicated that his intention was to have creationism presented as scientifically credible, writing, “I have introduced legislation requiring every publically funded Oklahoma school to teach the debate of creation vs. evolution using the known science, even that which conflicts with Darwin’s religion.”
———
SENATE BILL 1742 By: Brecheen
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to school curriculum; creating the Oklahoma Science Education Act; providing short title; providing legislative intent; providing for the assistance of teachers in teaching scientific curriculum; promoting critical thinking; allowing for open discussion of scientific theories; directing teachers to teach certain material; allowing supplemental material to be taught; prohibiting the promotion of a particular belief system; directing the State Board of Education to adopt rules; providing for codification; providing for noncodification; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 11-103.12 of Title 70, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Oklahoma Science Education Act”.
SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:.
Recognizing the importance of critical thinking, logical analysis and objective discussion in education it is the intent of the Legislature to foster an environment in public schools where such learning occurs. This act is modeled on a Louisiana law which has not been invalidated by the highest court of the State of Louisiana or a federal district court. Legal challenges to academic freedom bills have historically alleged that such bills are intended to allow the teaching of creationism or intelligent design. This bill does not propose that schools teach creationism or intelligent design, rather, it is the intent to foster an environment of critical thinking in schools including a scientific critique of the theory of evolution.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 11-103.13 of Title 70, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. The State Board of Education, upon the request of a school district board of education, shall allow and assist teachers, principals, and school administrators in creating an environment within the public school system that promotes critical thinking, logical analysis, open and objective discussion of scientific theories including, but not limited to, evolution, the origin of life, global warming, and human cloning. Assistance shall include support and guidance for teachers regarding effective ways to help students understand, analyze, critique, and objectively review scientific theories being studied, including those enumerated in this subsection.
B. A teacher shall teach the material presented in the standard science textbook and may use supplemental textbooks and instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review scientific theories in an objective manner.
C. This act shall not be construed to promote any religious doctrine or set of religious beliefs.
D. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.
SECTION 4. This act shall become effective July 1, 2012.
SECTION 5. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
Building A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Agenda
January 19th, 2012 Bob(From NSTA Science Matters) Last month the National Governors Association released, Building A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Agenda (PDF), a guide focused on strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The report’s six chapters cover the following topics:
- Goals of the STEM agenda, focusing on specific measures;
- Why the STEM agenda is important in terms of jobs, prosperity and future economic success;
- Weak links in the system;
- Implementing a state STEM agenda; and
- Moving forward, a look at the work ahead.
The document explains that economic growth in the 21st century will be driven by our nation’s ability to both generate ideas and translate them into innovative products and services. Governors have been working to increase the proficiency of all students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) because STEM occupations are among the highest paying, fastest growing and most influential in driving economic growth and innovation. Individuals employed in STEM fields enjoy low unemployment, prosperity and career flexibility.
As governors look for the best strategies to strengthen state economic performance, states and their education institutions have taken the following actions to address these challenges: adopted rigorous math and science standards and improved assessments; recruited and retained more qualified classroom teachers; provided more rigorous preparation for STEM students; used informal leaning to expand math and science beyond the classroom; enhanced the quality and supply of STEM teachers; and established goals for postsecondary institutions to meet STEM job needs.
Read the
Session Proposal Roundup For NABT Dallas
January 18th, 2012 Bob
We are ready to roundup proposals for the 2012 NABT Professional Development Conference in Dallas, Texas! Join us from October 31-November 3 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for four exciting days of sessions, speakers, social events and science. The NABT Conference is the only event designed exclusively for biology and life science teachers. Y’all know you’re ready to share your tips and techniques and you can submit your conference proposal online at http://www.nabt.org/submissions/nabt2012/index.php?p=Sub.login.
Proposals are due by March 15th, and late submissions will not be considered for inclusion in the program. Only regular sessions will be accepted at this site. All exhibitor demonstrations and special workshops are being accepted via the links on 2012 NABT Conference.
Proposals will be reviewed by the NABT Professional Development Committee for acceptance and confirmations will be emailed by April 30, 2011 to the primary presenter. It will be the primary presenters responsibility to contact any co-presenters. All questions can be directed to conference@nabt.org or (888) 501-NABT x105.
Celebrate DNA Day With The ASHG Essay Contest
January 18th, 2012 Bob
Get ready for the 7th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). This contest is open to high school students from across the United States and around the world to commemorate the anniversary of the publication of Watson and Crick’s seminal paper proposing a double-helical structure for DNA. ASHG has substantially increased the value of the awards for 2012. Students are eligible for cash prizes of $1,000, $600, and $400 for first-, second-, and third-place, respectively, and $100 for honorable mention (10 awards). Teachers of winning students will receive lab equipment grants of equivalent value. You are invited to submit up to six of the best essays your students write. Also, because ASHG has always emphasized the importance of writing quality in the essays in addition to the accuracy of the genetics content, please consider promoting this contest with your colleagues in the language arts. It is an excellent vehicle for implementing writing across the curriculum. Please visit http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml for the essay question, rules, and deadlines for the 2012 contest. The essay submission site will open later this month, and submissions must be received by 5:00pm EST on March 12, 2012. All winners will be announced April 20th.
Frontiers In Physiology Summer Research Teacher Fellowship
January 18th, 2012 Bob
Middle and high school teachers for United States are invited to apply for the APS Frontiers in Physiology Summer Research Teacher Fellowship. This is a paid fellowship that will start in April 2012 and conclude in April 2013 with a trip to the Experimental Biology Meeting in Boston, MA. In this year-long professional development fellowship, teachers
- immerse themselves in cutting-edge biomedical research for 7-8 weeks;
- enhance their teaching skills in Six Star Science principles (student-centered instruction, diversity/equity, technology, assessment, current scientific content, and reflecting on teaching and learning); and
- build networks with scientists locally and nationally by attending a scientific conference.
Program information and the application are available at www.frontiersinphys.org. Look for the “HOW TO APPLY” guide document at the Research Teacher Fellows program website. The application deadline is January 23, 2012.
“So you got a Christmas Telescope” night at Bass Pro Shop in Bricktown
January 18th, 2012 Bob
So you got a new telescope for Christmas…well come to the Bass Pro in Bricktown in Oklahoma City on Jan 28th and take advantage of some friendly astronomers from the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club advice on how to get the maximum performance of your new telescope. If you only got money for Christmas and are in the market, why not check out some of the variety of scopes on hand to meet your needs?
The observing session and chat with astronomers will be from 6-10pm. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring some hot chocolate along with your questions or just curious minds of the night sky. Sunset is at 5:52pm with the moon 29% illuminated and it sets at 11:27pm.
Saturday, January 28, 2012. 6:00pm-10:00pm
