February 27th, 2009 Bob
The Oklahoma Department of Education provides funding for two hours of Instructional Television (ITV) programs to be broadcast each day during the school year. The programs are broadcast on OETA, 10:00 a.m. ‑ 12:00 noon on school days. Check with your local cable company for information about receiving these programs in your area.
You are welcome to record these programs to use in the classroom for a year or until the broadcast rights are canceled. Programs are selected to help meet “PASS” objectives.
The following programs are scheduled in March.
Science for Elementary: March 2‑3
Science for Middle School 2: March 3‑13, 23
Cell Biology: March 27
The ITV schedule is available at here. Simply follow the link to ”Instructional TV.” From there, you can view the monthly calendar of programs or a list of the series titles, along with subject areas and suggested grade levels.
Video on Request is scheduled one day each month. This time slot is reserved for unscheduled programming, special events, and program repeats. If any teacher needs another opportunity to view or record a particular program, contact the Library Media Section at the Oklahoma State Department of Education for scheduling during this monthly two hour block of time. Requests will be filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
For additional information, call the Library Media/ITV Section of the Oklahoma State Department of Education at (405) 521‑2956 or send an e‑mail to Elaine Regier or Vickie Hale
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February 25th, 2009 Bob
Last week, NSTA began a new on-line survey on the State of Science Education. It is hoped that this survey will become a yearly activity that captures the views of science educators about important issues in science education.
While this year’s survey will help guide NSTA in areas of policy, research, and professional development, next year’s survey may focus on different topics. These topics will change each year as different issues in science education become locally and nationally important.
The results of this survey will be shared either through our journals or electronically. Anyone who completes the survey can register to win an airline ticket on Continental Airlines (with restrictions). NSTA is trying to get over 10,000 responses to the survey, which is open to NSTA Members and non-members alike. The survey will close on Monday, March 2!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=v0lCnq3m9CbxwZNuuhh4YA_3d_3d
Thanks for your help on this important project.
Julie Julie A. Luft, PhD
Director of Research 08‑11, NSTA
Arizona State University
NSTA Division Director
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February 24th, 2009 Bob
Join us for this exciting and engaging outdoor event!
Download the registration form
Download a map of Tenkiller State Park
Link to directions
Event Fees: Adults $15.00 Students $10.00 (Some Course Fees Additional!!)
Schedule of Events
8:00 Registration and Check In
8:30 Morning Classes Begin
12:30 Lunch Bring your Own Lunch (water will be provided)
1:00 Afternoon Classes Begin
5:00 Re-group and Wrap Up
Course and event Fees: Required by 3-25-09
Class Sizes are limited!
Fly Fishing ($5.00)
Flint Knapping (leather gloves required) ($5.00)
Lye Soap Making ($5.00)
Origami ($5.00)
Winter Tree Identification
Skeet Shooting
Astronomy
Stream Ecology (waders required)
Orienteering
Nature Hike
Additional Information Contact:
Adrienne Elder
elderad@sbcglobal.net
elderad@sbcglobal.net
918-925-1139
Check the Conference page for updates and additional links
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February 23rd, 2009 Bob
Join the Adventure! Are you ready to explore Oklahoma forests, streams, ponds, fields, quarries and road cuts in search of birds, frogs, fish, insects, and fossils? What does a paleontologist, ichthyologist or ornithologist do?
Join us as we learn about the different “ologies” during a one-week science field camp. You will use science to investigate the world around us as we learn about Oklahoma and ourselves.
See the 2008 Adventure
What is Oklahoma Science Adventure?
Twelve Oklahoma middle school students will spend 7 days and nights working outdoors with scientists on field research projects.After excavating fossils and catching pond animals, students will also take night hikes, go canoeing and build lasting friendships.
The week will conclude by working in the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History museum research labs to further study the fossils and specimens that we encountered in the field.
Throughout the program students will document their experiences through written and digital journals, giving them an opportunity to use a variety of technologies to share their experiences and research projects.
This program is fully funded by the Whitten-Newman Foundation and there is no cost to participants.
Application Deadline: March 23. APPLY NOW!
When: Sunday, July 12- Saturday, July 18, 2009
Who: Students currently enrolled in grades 6, 7, or 8. (Oklahoma Residents)
Selection Criteria:
- Interest and enthusiasm in science.
- Written short answer responses.
- Teacher recommendation.
- Opportunities to experience science.
- Location of school and home.
- Potential phone interview.
Cost: None.
Are you ready?
This residential outdoor adventure is limited to twelve Oklahoma students currently enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8. The application process will be competitive.
APPLY NOW!
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February 23rd, 2009 Bob
What is Paleo Expedition?
Paleo Expedition is a one-of-a-kind field experience for Oklahoma high school students currently enrolled in grades 9-11. Paleo Expedition is a chance for Oklahoma youth to work with paleontologists in studying the history of life, based on the fossil record.
Working alongside scientists from OU, students will have the unique opportunity to combine a wilderness experience with hands-on participation in field-based science, where the laboratory is the great outdoors.
This program is fully funded by the Whitten-Newman Foundation and there is no cost to participants.
Working with Paleontologists
Eight competitively-selected students will begin their 2+ week residential adventure with scientists from Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. An initial two-day introductory session at the museum will be followed by travel to a rugged, remote field site in Utah. Here students will explore the high desert with paleontologists, while learning basics such as mapping, GPS navigation, and desert survival.
Palaeontological work will include discovery and identification of many types of fossils from the latter part of the Age of Dinosaurs, and will feature excavation of 75-million year old dinosaurs.
Field Experience
Students will spend most of their time outdoors residing in tents with no available showers, no air conditioning and no electricity. During the camping portion of this expedition students will be in an unpopulated area of the high desert, supervised by and under the care of highly experienced staff. Students will be hiking through mountainous areas in summer heat every day.
We want you to join the Expedition!
Join us for this unforgettable trip where you will build lasting friendships and memories. Space is limited to 8 students and the application process is highly competitive. Be sure that upon submitting your application, all requested materials are present and completed!
Application Deadline: March 9. APPLY NOW!
When: Thursday June 11- Saturday June 27, 2009
Who: Students currently enrolled in grades 9, 10, or 11. (Oklahoma Residents)
Selection Criteria:
- Interest and enthusiasm in the field of paleontology.
- Written essay capturing your desire to participate.
- Previous experience in science.
- Location of school and home.
- Teacher recommendation.
- Parental questionnaire.
- In-person interview at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History with the selection committee.
Cost: None.
APPLY NOW!
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February 23rd, 2009 Bob
SOUTHWESTERN AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION of the THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE
84th ANNUAL MEETING
“SCIENCE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES”
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
Allen Chapman Activity Center
MARCH 28-31, 2009
Each year, the SWARM Division of AAAS holds annual meetings for interested persons, its affiliated societies in the SWARM geographic region as well as its 14,000 members. These meetings are composed of contributed paper sessions and symposia, field trips, public lectures, social events, and student presentations. Traditionally, the meeting is held in March or April. These meetings present a rare opportunity for scientists and students from a wide variety of disciplines to interact and hear presentations on topics they may not traditionally have access to.
Author and essayist Carl Zimmer, blogs on “The Loom,” will give the Powell Memorial Lecture on the evening of 29 March.
For more information about The conference. go to http://www.aaas-swarm.org/index.html
Registration Types:
Professional ($100)
Professor ($65)
Retired Professor/Professional ($50)
University of Tulsa Student ($0)
Undergraduate/graduate student ($25)
High School Poster Presenter and sponsor ($0)
K-12 Teacher ($10)
K-12 Student ($0)
Single day pass (non-presenters only) ($20)
On-line registration is found here
The following symposium organized by Dr. Stanley Rice, Southeastern State University, will be offered on Tuesday, 31 March:
How Darwin Has Revolutionized Scientific Thought
1:20 Introduction to the symposium: Stanley Rice
1:30 “Don’t Blame Darwin—The Strange History of Eugenics.” Stanley Rice
1:50 “Darwin and Molecular Biology.” Rich Broughton
2:10 “Darwin and Biodiversity: Pigeons, Honeybees, and Earthworms.” Peggy Hill
2:30 “Charles Darwin: Botanist?” Phil Gibson
2:50 Questions from the audience and break
3:00 “Charles Darwin: Geologist.” Jim Derby
3:20 “Darwin and Coevolution.” Valerie O’Brien
3:40 “Current Challenges to Evolution in Oklahoma.” Vic Hutchison
4:00 Panel discussion and questions from the audience
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February 20th, 2009 Bob
The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is a not-for-profit, membership organization providing information and resources for schools, parents and concerned citizens working to keep evolution in public school science education. The Center’s 4000 members are scientists, teachers, clergy, and citizens with diverse religious affiliations. NCSE’s mission is to educate the press and public about the scientific, educational, and legal aspects of the creation and evolution controversy, and supply needed information and advice to defend good science education at local, state, and national levels. In that regard, NCSE works with affiliate organizations such as Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE) to monitor and respond to efforts that might reduce or diminish high-quality science education. The following is from NCSE’s February 20, 2009 report by Anton Mates on the status of certain bills in the current session of the Oklahoma Legislature:
Oklahoma’s SB 320, the “Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act,” was defeated this Monday in the Senate Education Committee by a 7-6 vote. This is very good news for science education! We owe particular thanks to Senator Jim Halligan (R-Stillwater), who argued strongly against the bill and crossed party lines to vote it down. If you are a constituent of Senator Halligan, I’m sure a message of thanks would be appreciated.
Two other 2009 education bills may negatively affect the teaching of good science. They do not directly reference either evolution or science education, so the NCSE does not plan to take a position on them, but we encourage you to learn about them and make up your own mind.
HB 1001, the “Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act,” sponsored by Representatives Mike Reynolds and Sally Kern, would prohibit teachers from grading students based on any “religious content” of their schoolwork. You can learn more about this bill at the website of the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association:
http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/?p=476
SB 834, sponsored by Senator John Ford, would deregulate all public schools by 2014. The deregulated schools would be exempt from all state regulations which do not apply to charter schools, yet would not be required to adhere to a charter or contract either. This would appear to nullify all state curriculum standards and guidelines, including those for science education. For more on the effects of this bill, please see the Oklahoma Education Association: http://capwiz.com/nea/ok/issues/alert/?alertid=12715871
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February 20th, 2009 Bob
Nominate Outstanding Mathematics and Science Teachers (Grades 7‑12) Today!
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th‑grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching.
Since the program’s inception in 1983, more than 3,900 outstanding teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. If you know great teachers, nominate them to join this prestigious network of professionals.
Nominations are now being accepted online for the 2009 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Teachers may nominate themselves or someone else (e.g., principals, teachers, parents, or other members of the general public) may nominate them for this award.
The PAEMST Online Application is now available. To apply, teachers must first be nominated for the award. Once nominated, teachers will receive an email with a login and password to access the online application. The application deadline for secondary school teachers (Grades 7‑12) is May 1, 2009.
Elementary school teachers (Grades K‑6) are eligible to apply in 2010.
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February 20th, 2009 Bob
Even though February is a short month, A LOT of stuff is happening in science education. Catch up on the latest, including information about these legislative actions in a special edition Janagram:
House Bill 1706
House Bill 1706 ( proposed committee substitute) calls for the elimination of Grade 5 Science assessment, all Social Studies assessments (grade 5, 7, 8, and high school EOI), as well as high school geometry EOI, and the Arts Assessment process in Grade 3-8.
Senate Bill 1111
This bill creates a new “Education Oversight Board” and moves all student assessment, school data collection (the WAVE), and supporting federal monies to this new agency. The bill requires an outside organization to do a curriculum crosswalk of Oklahoma PASS with the NAEP framework and also eliminates the Grade 5 Social Studies assessment and the Grade 8 U.S. History/ Constitution/ Government assessment.
Senate Bill 766
SB 766 requires the State Department of Education to adopt readiness standards for high school level preparation for middle school students, including standards for math, science and English.
Oklahoma Legislature Home Page
See <http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/> to read the full text of the bills listed above, track a bill, or locate your senator or representative.
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February 20th, 2009 Bob
Once every fall and spring since 2000, Solar Week provides a week of series of web‑based educational classroom activities and games geared for upper‑elementary, middle and high school students, with a focus on the Sun‑Earth connection. Initiated as a means of encouraging girls in the sciences (see “5 Myths About Girls in Science” from NSF), one of Solar Week’s special strengths is a role model approach, expressed through on‑line interaction between (all) students and leading women solar scientists (via interactive message board).
WEEKLONG CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITIES:
Students learn about solar eclipses, sunspots, and solar storms through a series of activities, games, and lessons.
· Monday ‑ The Sun As A Star
· Tuesday ‑ Solar Closeups, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
· Wednesday ‑ The Active Sun
· Thursday ‑ Let’s Observe the Sun Safely
· Friday ‑ Solar Careers, including Women in Science, Research Jobs and Salaries, and Scientist Blogs.
Solar Week is ideal for students studying the solar system, the stars, and astronomy in general. It’s also for kids wondering what it’s like being a scientist, and possible career choices. Participation makes for a fun computer lab activity as well.
WEEK‑LONG INTERACTIVE MESSAGE BOARD: http://www.solarweek.org/CS
Solar Week has an interactive message board, where classrooms can pose questions of leading solar scientists. Want to know what they know about the Sun? (Teachers: please read the FAQs before posting).
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