FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY SUMMER RESEARCH TEACHER FELLOWSHIP

Eligibility:  Middle and high school science teachers in U.S. schools

Dates:  Fellowship year: April 2012 – April 2013. Online application due no later than: January 23, 2012

Notifications:  March 2012

Fellowship payments:

·      $5,700 for research work and assignments

·      $300 for a classroom materials grant

·      Travel expenses to Experimental Biology, Boston, MA, April 20-24, 2013

Research Teacher Fellows Program: www.frontiersinphys.org

In this year-long professional development fellowship, teachers nationwide

1)      immerse themselves in cutting-edge biomedical research for 7-8 weeks;

2)      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

3)      build networks with scientists locally and nationally by attending a scientific conference.

EXPLORE Effective Teaching Strategies. The APS Six Star Science framework for supporting excellence in science education:

·   student-centered instruction

·   valuing diversity among students

·   integrating technology

·   developing authentic assessments

·   utilizing accurate and current content

·   reflecting on teaching and learning

EXPERIENCE the Research Process. Learn about:

·   the scientific method

·   generating valid hypotheses

·   connecting basic to clinical research

·   using animals and humans in research

·   research careers in physiology

ENHANCE Your Classroom Materials. Use toolkits of strategies and Six Star Science to:

·   transform cookbook labs into engaging student-centered, inquiry-based lessons

·   align lessons to your state and national science education standards

PROGRAM INFORMATION AND APPLICATION: www.frontiersinphys.org. Look for the “HOW TO APPLY” GUIDE document at the Research Teacher Fellows program website. DEADLINE: January 23, 2012.

TESTIMONIALS from past Teacher Fellows about the Frontiers in Physiology program:

On the fellowship experience: “Enjoy every minute of the fellowship experience because it goes by so fast. You are so absorbed in the material and assignments that it will take you a year just to compress and reflect on it all. So soak it up, relax, and enjoy the incredible journey that the APS will take you on!”

On the skills on transforming cookbook labs: “I have learned a lot through these transformations. Where I once thought my labs were student centered and inquiry based, I am beginning to see just how teacher directed they were. I think I will have a great deal of transforming to do this year.”

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Questions? Contact the Interim K-12 Programs Coordinator: Margaret Shain: mshain@the-aps.org

FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY is supported by the APS, a Science Education Partnership Award (R25RR025127) from the National Center for Research Resources, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R13DK039306) at the National Institutes of Health.

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Transit of Venus: Update

This last Saturday November 19 was exactly 200 days until the last transit of Venus. The event is gaining momentum now: it’s being featured in journals of science education, in astronomical calendars for 2012, and Sky & Telescope will kick off its transit coverage in January. New publications are released, like the latest book by Nick Lomb.

Transit of Venus: 1631 to the Present

This month a new book on the transit of Venus was published: Transit of Venus: 1631 to the Present. Written by Nick Lomb, former curator of astronomy at Sydney Observatory. It’s a beautiful work, larded with large pictures and covering the entire history of the transit of Venus, from the first prediction by Johannes Kepler up to our own experiences in 2004. Nick also gives advice for observing the next transit in 2012 and discusses the importance of this transit to modern astronomy. An absolute must-read! For more information see http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/2011/transit-of-venus-the-book/ or our review of the book at http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/2011/11/03/nick-lombs-new-book/

Transit of Venus workbook now in print

On our education resources page, we list numerous resources that can be used by science teachers to engage their students in observing the 2012 transit. One of these resources, the Transit of Venus: Classroom activities, is now available in print. In forty problems, students get acquainted with the mechanics and periodicity of the transit, measuring distances using parallax and finding exoplanets analysing light curves of other stars. Though the workbook remains available as free download, we thought it beneficial for teachers if it also would possible to obtain hardcopies. The workbooks are printed in black-and-white and have a full-colour cover. To order, please go to Lulu.com: https://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=11758287

Testing the phone app

The free phone app that is being developed will soon be tested by a number of you. The phone app is an instrumental tool in our effort to measure the sun’s distance using the observed times of start and/or end of the transit. Not only will it act as stopwatch, allowing you to find the times at which the limbs of Venus and the sun touch, it will also feature a simulation of the transit giving you the opportunity to practise. Next month, the test panel will give feedback on how the stopwatch and the simulation work. It’s still possible to join the test panel! It’s a unique chance to get a preview of the app and to propose improvements. For more information, take a look at http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/getting-involved/phone-app/ or contact me at s.vanroode@transitofvenus.nl

I invite you to follow us on Twitter or to join our group on Facebook to keep in touch with other transit enthusiasts. If this email was forwarded to you, and you too would like to receive our monthly newsletter, just send an email to info@transitofvenus.nl and we’ll keep you in the loop.

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This Week’s JodyGram

From OSDE Science Director Jody Bowie:  

McDonaldObservatory is pleased to  announce that there will be six teacher workshops in summer 2012.  The application deadline is February 10, 2012 with deposits due in April for those selected.  Those receiving scholarships will receive the deposit back if they attend the workshop.

See the line-up of workshops and click on the application link to apply at http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/teachers/profdev/

Workshop space is competitive, so be clear about the grade level you teach and your reasons for wanting to attend the particular workshop you have selected.

______

Registration for the Oklahoma Technology Conference is OPEN!

Go to http://www.oktech.org for more information.

Individual members of these organizations:  CCOSA, OLA, OKSL, OAGCT, OSCA or employees of OTA member schools can register at the member rate of $95.

_______

$190,000 in YouthTouch matching grants to enhance Math and Science learning.

Grant Alert!

Each year, Goldenrod Research Corp selects up to 20 schools to receive matching grants for a YouthTouch system. YouthTouch, suitable for elementary and middle school students, integrates Math, Science and technology within the framework of the existing curriculum, via hands-on learning activities. The comprehensive package includes robotics and fluid power equipment, instructional materials and on-site teacher training. For more information, please review the letter which follows. A means to request the complete information packet is included.

We are announcing the third round (winter) for 2011-2012 NOW.  The deadline is  December 15^th, 2011.

November 1^st, 2011

Dear Educator,

Goldenrod Research, creator of the YouthTouch Technology Integration System for elementary students, is pleased to announce its 2011-2012 YouthTouch grant competition. The grant competition provides an exciting opportunity to integrate hands-on robotics and  fluid power technology into elementary classrooms in an affordable way. Goldenrod will award 1:1 matching grants for use toward the purchase of YouthTouch. In exchange, the schools selected agree to  serve as YouthTouch referral sites.

YouthTouch generates excitement in the classroom while complementing -not replacing- your existing curriculum. Each school selected will receive all the tools necessary to provide 3^rd through 8^th grade students with hands-on technology learning experiences designed to impart a firm comprehension of ratios, estimating, coordinates, graphing, plus over 100 other concepts integrating Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies through technology. The comprehensive package includes equipment, accessories, instructional materials and staff development. YouthTouch activities are mapped to the US curriculum standards, and they emphasize critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Best of all, kids love YouthTouch.

Applications are currently being accepted. The deadline is Dec. 15.  The grant application is not elaborate, and Goldenrod staff is happy  to advise you during your writing process.

The grant provides half the cost of purchasing the YouthTouch system.  Goldenrod will grant $9,850 to awardees, who must provide  the other half as their match. We want you to know that Goldenrod  regularly works with awardees to coordinate funding from another  source to provide their match and cooperates with school awardees to accommodate their special cash flow situations. Please do not let money issues alone deter you from applying, if you are strongly interested.

If YouthTouch would enhance your elementary program by engaging your students in more active hands-on learning, and you have a desire to increase your school’s visibility by becoming a referral site, please request a complete information packet and an application. To submit your request for the information/application packet electronically, please click here: http://www.goldenrodresearch.com/responsepage.aspx

A complete YouthTouch information package will be sent to you promptly.

If you have any questions, please contact me personally.  I hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

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EngineerGirl! website’s 12th annual Essay Contest

We are pleased to announce the National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl! website’s 12^th annual Essay Contest. Students are asked to write about the role of engineering in providing safe and  nutritious food. Details and rules can be found on the EngineerGirl! website:http://www.engineergirl.org/CMS/Contest/food2012.aspx.

Participation is open to both girls and boys in grades 3-12 and submissions must be entered by 6:00 pm (EST) on March 1, 2012. All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl! website and winners will receive cash prizes: first place winners $500, second place winners $250, third place winners $100. The 2012EngineerGirl! Essay Contest was made possible by the generous  support of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The EngineerGirl! website is designed to spark the curiosity of  young people, girls in particular, and encourage them to consider careers in engineering. EngineerGirl! provides career descriptions,  profiles of successful women engineers, information about exciting  engineering projects, and interactive tools for girls, parents,  teachers, and guidance counselors, all designed to encourage girls  to pursue an engineering education and career. Launched in 2001, the site is visited by more than 18,000 unique visitors a month and  has been featured by the Girl Scouts of America, the Society of  Women Engineers, and local and national media in the United States  and around the world. Engineer Girl! is a trusted and entertaining  resource for young girls, parents, educators, and volunteer  engineers involved in student outreach.

In a 2011 poll, girls’  reported that viewing the EngineerGirl! website or participating in  its annual essay contest caused 63% of them to consider a career in engineering and 81% to consider studying engineering in college.  Please visit www.engineergirl.org to learn more.   We look forward to reading some exciting and creative essays and we  hope you will help us to spread the contest announcement. If you  have questions, or seek clarification, please contact the EngineerGirl! team at engineergirl@nae.edu.

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Professional Development Opportunity at Princeton University

Bring cutting-edge biotechnology into your classroom. Join us at Princeton University for our two-week summer workshop Molecular Biology Hands-On:  Cool Genes, Colorful Proteins. Every day features a stimulating mix of laboratory projects and discussions with colleagues and Princeton faculty.  Lunch is served while world-renowned scientists share their passion for research, and their tales of adventure.  Earn a $500 stipend, and 80 professional development hours while living on the Princeton campus. Our support continues into the school year with loaner kits packed with equipment, reagents and supplies.  Applications are due by Jan. 31, 2012.  For more information on these programs see www.hhmi.princeton.edu

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HUMAN EVOLUTION ON-LINE

(From NCSE’s Evolution Education Update, 11/11/11)

Two recent webcast symposia on human evolution are now available on-line.

First, Bones, Stones, and Genes: The Origin of Modern Humans—the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Holiday Lectures on Science for 2011 — is now available for on-demand viewing (and on DVD as well). The lectures address such questions as: Where and when did humans arise?  What distinguishes us from other species? Did our distant ancestors look and behave like us? Featured are NCSE Supporter Tim White of the University of California, Berkeley, speaking on “Human evolution and the nature of science”; Sarah Tishkoff of the University of Pennsylvania speaking on “Genetics of human origins and adaptation”;

John Shea of Stony Brook University speaking on “Stone tools and the evolution of human behavior”; and White again on “Hominid paleobiology.”

Second, Changing Humans in a Changing Environment—a symposium on evolution held at the 2011 meeting of the NABT and sponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences and the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center—is also now available for on-demand viewing, along with a suite of educational resources. Featured are Rick Potts of the Smithsonian Institution speaking on “Evolution in an era of dramatic climate change”; Jill Pruetz of Iowa State University speaking on “What can chimpanzees tell us about human evolution?”;

Susan Antón of New York University speaking on “Becoming human in a changing world: the early evolution of Homo”; and John Hawks of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, speaking on “New discoveries from ancient genomes.”

For Bones, Stones, and Genes, visit:

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lectures/index.html

For information about ordering Bones, Stones, and Genes on DVD, visit:

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/ordermaterials.html

For Changing Humans in a Changing Environment, visit:

http://nescent.org/media/NABTSymposium2011.php

For the educational resources for Changing humans, visit:

http://www.nescent.org/media/NABT2011/index.html

Thanks for reading.  And don’t forget to visit NCSE’s website— http://ncse.com—where you can always find the latest news on evolution education and threats to it.

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Oklahoma Regional Science Bowl

The Oklahoma Association for Academic Competition (OAAC), is proud to sponsor regional qualifying tournaments for both middle and high school students for the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl. 
The winning team from each regional competition is invited to participate in the National competition. The teams representing each regional, both middle and high school, will be eligible to compete in the 2012 National finals, held April 26 – April 30, 2012, at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Qualifying teams received an all-expense paid trip to compete for the national title. In addition to the academic competition, students are given the opportunity to attend presentations by well-known scientists on current topics in math and the sciences.

Both the high school and middle school science bowl events will be held at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Entry Fee for the regional science bowl is $30.00 per team. 
Purchase Order/checks should be made payable to OAAC (Oklahoma Association for Academic Competition) and sent to OAAC, PO Drawer B, Carnegie, OK 73015.

Competition Dates: Click on the event titles for HS and MS specific information and links.
Oklahoma Regional Science Bowl – January 28, 2012 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
Oklahoma Regional Middle School Science Bowl – January 21, 2012 at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City.

Registration for both high school and middle school is through the national site. There are several forms that MUST be completed in order for your team to compete.

Register online:
High School Registration

Middle School Registration

The format and rules for the Regional Science Bowl are different that OAAC format and rules. The Oklahoma Regional Science Bowl will adhere to the rules and format as stated in the National Science Bowl rules.

The Oklahoma Regional Science Bowl will be limited to 32 teams in the high school division and 32 teams in the middle school division. A team is not officially entered until all of the national science bowl forms have been submitted. Schools will be limited to one team per district. If there are fewer than 32 teams on the January 4 deadline date enrollment will be opened for schools to enter a second team on a first come basis. After 32 teams have entered subsequent teams will be placed on a waiting list. 
If significantly more than 32 teams enter the format may be adjusted to allow for greater participation.

For the Oklahoma Regional Science Bowl competition teams will be randomly drawn into four groups of 8 teams for pool play with the top two teams advancing into the 8 team round robin finals.

Timeline

January 22, 2011 – High School Science Bowl

January 29, 2011 – Middle School Science Bowl

March 11, 2011 – teams must commit to attending the national tournament

April 28 – May 2, 2011 – National Science Bowl

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Reminder: Sam Rhine Conferences Next Week

Genetics Update Conference – November 17, 2011 at 9:00am to 1:00pm

Putnam City High School – Auditorium

5300 N. W. 50th Street

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73122

Host: Steve Stark & Bob Melton – Putnam City Science Department

OR

Genetic Update Conference – November 18, 2011 at 9:00am to 1:00pm

Tulsa Community College – Southeast Campus - Performing Arts Center for Education

10300 East 81st Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133  United States

Host: Diana Spencer, Ph.D. – Biotechnology Coordinator at TCC-SEC

• Pre Register Online Now
• View the GUC Agenda
• Download the Conference Notes
• Map and Directions to Conference

9:00 –   9:30 – Genes and Development of the Human Embryo

9:30 – 10:00 – Genetics, Epigenetics and Hox in Human Differentiation

10:00 – 10:30 – Genes and Development of Human Cancer

10:30 – 10:40 – Break – might bring a simple snack

10:40 – 11:30 – Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors and Oncomirs in Human Tuymor Development

11:30 – 12:30 – Genes and Development of new Stem Cell Technologies

12:30 –   1:00 – Mammalian Organogenesis from ESCs and iPSCs Stem Cells

WHO ATTENDS?

Students, Teachers, Parents & Community

Many schools bring their AP biology students and  also younger  students from honors classes. Often those who attend are on a professional track in Medicine or Life Sciences and have completed their high school Biology classes.  Many times Middle School students who are part of a Gifted & Talented Program also attend.

Cost: $20 (USD) per person (includes notes outlining the topics of the day).

Sam Rhine has crossed the country for 30+ years presenting the latest genetic information to high school students and their teachers. He has also spoken to audiences in Toronto, Montreal, Tokyo, Vienna, Prague, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Nairobi, Kenya.

Sam has devoted himself to genetics education. He is a gifted speaker with a passion to teach the “world” the applicability of genetics to daily living. He began while he was a graduate student by speaking to high school biology classes, first in Indianapolis and then in Boston. Soon he was presenting whole-school convocations to hundreds of students on two main topics: prevention of birth defects, “The Most Important Nine Month of Your Life,” and prevention of AIDS, “Say ‘Know’ to AIDS.”

For the past several years, Sam has concentrated on presenting Genetic Update Conferences (GUC’s). These one-day conferences for biology teachers and students are designed to teach the latest in genetic advances, hot research areas, and career opportunities. Sam takes biology from the textbook to the heart by posing ethical dilemmas each will face as technological advances continue.

In 1997, the National Association of Biology Teachers presented Sam with the NABT Honorary Membership Award. This award is given to one teacher in the U.S. annually and is the highest honor that the association can bestow upon members of the profession. Sam’s award states as follows: “You have inspired so many teachers and students with your enthusiasm for knowledge and life – everyone walks away from your workshops with a new sense of value and excitement for science…. Thank you for contributing so much to many students and teachers who have come in contact with you and your work.”

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Nominations for the 2012 NABT Awards are now being accepted

You Recognize Excellent Teaching … So Do We! 

Nominate yourself or a colleague for one or more of the following NABT awards by filling out the online nomination form. The nominee will be sent all the information, application materials, and cover sheets he or she needs to complete to be considered for the award.

 

BioClub Student Award 
Outstanding student members of a NABT BioClub are eligible for a textbook scholarship from Carolina Biological Supply Company. One student from each BioClub Chapter can be nominated, with the student being a graduating senior who has been accepted to a two or four year college/university. An award plaque will be given to the student in May and is a great way to recognize that exceptional student that inspires you to be an even better biology teacher. The application deadline is March 15, 2011.

Distinguished Service Award 
NABT members and friends are invited to nominate outstanding scientists and educators to receive the NABT Distinguished Service Award, established in 1988 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Association. Nominees should be nationally recognized scientists who have made major contributions to biology education through their research, writing, and teaching. Recipients are honored at the NABT Professional Development Conference. In addition to the nomination form, please include (1) a written description of the candidate’s qualifications and (2) a detailed biographical summary. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Ecology/Environmental Science Teaching Award
Sponsored by Vernier Software & Technology, the Ecology/Environmental Teaching Award will be given to a secondary school teacher who has successfully developed and demonstrated an innovative approach in the teaching of ecology/environmental science and has carried his/her commitment to the environment into the community. Vernier’s sponsorship of this award includes $1,000 toward travel to the Professional Development Conference, and $500 of Vernier equipment. The recipient also receives a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Evolution Education Award 
The Evolution Education Award, sponsored by The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS), recognizes innovative classroom teaching and community education efforts to promote the accurate understanding of biological evolution. The award includes a combined $1,000 cash prize (from AIBS and BSCS), a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Excellence in Encouraging Equity Award 
Sponsored by Ward’s Natural Science and NABT’s Role and Status of Women in Biology Education Section, the Award for Excellence in Encouraging Equity recognizes efforts by biology educators to encourage, promote and strive for equity in the educational community. The award, which includes a recognition plaque, an honorarium, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership, will be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Four-Year College & University Biology Research in Teaching Award 
This award, sponsored by Leica Microsystems and the Four-Year College & University Section, honors a four-year college faculty member for his/her recent contribution to research on teaching biology at the college level. The work should emphasize practical application rather than theoretical issues and might include, but is not limited to, evaluating a methodology or instructional model, synthesizing prior work to arrive at new conclusions about teaching and learning, or other work that forwards our understanding of how biology is learned or should be taught. The award is open to NABT members only, and includes a Leica microscope, a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complementary NABT membership. The application deadline is June 1, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Four-Year College & University Biology Teaching Award 
This award, sponsored by Benjamin Cummings and NABT’s Four-Year College & University Section, honors a four-year college & university faculty member who demonstrates creativity and innovation in his/her teaching. Such innovation may include, but is not limited to, curriculum design, teaching strategies, and laboratory utilization, and it must have been implemented in the classroom and demonstrated to be effective. The award is open to NABT members only, and the winner receives $1,000, a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is June 1, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Honorary Membership 
NABT is seeking individuals who have “achieved distinction in teaching, research, or service in the biological sciences” for recognition as Honorary Members. Those selected become lifetime members of the Association and receive recognition in NABT publications and at the  NABT Professional Development Conference. Nominations may be made by any NABT member and must include, in addition to the form below, (1) a description of the candidate’s qualifications, (2) a detailed biographical summary, and (3) supporting letters from at least nine NABT members. The nomination deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

The Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award 
The Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award was established in honor of Kim Foglia, an exceptional teacher whose contributions to the Advanced Placement Biology community were unparalleled. The Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award recognizes an AP Biology teacher who displays a willingness to share materials, serves as a mentor to both students and professional colleagues, creates an innovative and student centered classroom environment, and exemplifies a personal philosophy that encourages professional growth as an AP biology teacher and member of that community. Sponsored by Pearson and NABT, the Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award includes a $1000 honorarium, a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is May 31, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Outstanding Biology Teacher Award 
Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award do not have to be NABT members, but they must have at least three years public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student-teacher relationships. OBTA recipients are honored at a special event during the NABT Professional Development Conference sponsored by BIOZONE; microscopes from Leica Microsystems, Inc.; and certificates and a complimentary one-year membership from NABT. 

Please contact your state OBTA Director using the list at OBTA Directors for more information. Online Nomination Form

Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement Award 
This award sponsored by Ken-A-Vision and NABT, recognizes outstanding teaching (grades 7-12) by a “new” biology/life science instructor within his/her first three years of teaching (when nominated) who has developed an original and outstanding program or technique and made a contribution to the profession at the start of his/her career. A recognition plaque is presented to the award winner at the NABT Professional Development Conference, along with a complimentary one-year NABT membership. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

The Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Teaching Award 
The Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Teaching Award (sponsored by Bio-Rad Laboratories) recognizes a secondary school teacher or undergraduate college biology instructor who has demonstrates outstanding and creative teaching of biotechnology in the classroom. The Award may be given for either a short-term series of activities or a long integration of biotechnology into the curriculum. The lessons must include active laboratory work and encompass major principles as well as processes of biotechnology. Topics may include any aspect of basic DNA or protein biotechnology or immunology or applied biotechnology in areas such as medical, forensic, plant and environmental biotechnology. Criteria for selection include creativity, scientific accuracy and currency, quality of laboratory practice and safety, ease of replication, benefit to students and potential significance beyond the classroom. The award presented annually at NABT’s Professional Development Conference, includes a recognition plaque, a one-year complimentary NABT membership and $1500 (up to $500 toward travel to the NABT Professional Development Conference, $500 in Bio-Rad materials and $500 toward general science supplies). The nomination deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

Two-Year College Biology Teaching Award 
Sponsored by NABT’s Two-Year College Section and McGraw-Hill, this award recognizes a two-year college biology educator who employs new and creative techniques in his/her classroom teaching. The primary criterion for the award is skill in teaching, although serious consideration will be given to scholarship, usually demonstrated through publications or innovative techniques relating to teaching strategies, curriculum design, or laboratory utilization. Nominees must be current members of NABT, and the award includes $1,000 and a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference, and a one-year complimentary NABT membership. The application deadline is March 15, 2012. Online Nomination Form

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Applications For Einstein Fellowships Being Accepted

Classroom teachers in the STEM Disciplines are invited to apply to the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. This program offers current; public or private; elementary and secondary teachers with demonstrated excellence in teaching an opportunity to serve in the national public policy arena. Fellows provide practical insight in establishing and operating education programs. Fellowships increase understanding, communication, and cooperation between legislative and executive branches and the science, mathematics, and technology education community.

Albert Einstein Fellows bring to Congress and appropriate branches of the federal government the extensive knowledge and experience of classroom teachers. They provide practical insights and “real world” perspectives to policy makers and program managers developing or managing educational programs. During the Fellowship, each Einstein Fellow receives a monthly stipend of $6000.00 plus a $1000.00 monthly cost of living allowance. In addition, there is a moving/relocation allowance as well as a professional travel allowance.

Please visit http://www.trianglecoalition.org/einstein-fellows/einstein-fellow-application-process/application to learn more about the application process for Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. All applications must be received online by January 5, 2012. 

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