This Weeks TiffanyGram
May 14th, 2012 BobHello fellow science educators!
It appears we are coming to the close of another school year and I know this can carry both joy and sadness as you anticipate a summer break and prepare to say goodbye to the wonderful students you’ve had this year. We at the Oklahoma State Department of Education would like to congratulate you on a job well-done! And I would personally like to thank you for your efforts in molding the lives our future medical professionals, scientists, and citizens.
Vision 2020 Conference Update and Registration:
We’ve been working hard in the Office of Instruction to provide a wonderful experience to those of you who will be attending the Vision 2020 Conference June 12th-15th!
June 12th: Science Focus
The lineup of sessions for June 12th is exciting and I hope you will all join us at the science luncheon that day as we honor some very special science educators in our state! The science luncheon will be a unique time for me to share some exciting information with you as well as humbly ask for your input on a few things. It will be a time of celebration, connection, and collaboration you won’t want to miss!
June 13th: STEM and Science Focus
We have several STEM sessions lined up for the day along with a keynote speaker for the STEM luncheon! We are also very pleased to announce that Doug Llewellyn will be joining us on June 13th to provide three sessions on the power of argumentation in the science classroom. Look for further information about his sessions to come out later this week!
To register for the Vision 2020 Conference please visit: VISION2020REGISTRATION or https://register.wciconferences.org/OSDEVision2020
Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers:
2012 AAPT/PTRA ToPPS II:
Designed for In-Service Oklahoma Teachers of Physics and Physical Science, this professional development opportunity is a 5-day summer institute (with 2 follow-up sessions during the 2012 – 2013 academic year). This is a very “hands-on,” “minds-on” professional development opportunity. Those seeking to enhance their students’ learning in physics and physical science are encouraged to apply!
Details:
o Summer institute runs July 9 – 13that the Alva campus of Northwestern Oklahoma State University
o $600 stipend ($400 at end of 5-day summer institute; $100 for each follow-up session)
o Free instructional/curriculum materials endorsed by AAPT (American Association of Physics Teachers)
o High-tech and Low-tech equipment used
o This year’s topics: Energy, Momentum and Impulse
o Total of 40 hours of professional development (30 in July, 5 at each follow-up session)
o Free on-site housing (if staying in dorms)
o Website: www.nwosu.edu/ToPPS
o Participants may enroll in 3 hours of graduate EDUC, PHYS or PHSC credit to apply toward an advanced degree
o A $100 refundable check will be required of applicants (checks will be returned at the close of the summer institute)
Contact Dr. Steven Maier for details at: sjmaier@nwosu.edu or by phone at 580.327.8562
K-8 STEM Teacher Institute — Oklahoma State University, June 15
The K-8 STEM Teacher Institute, at Oklahoma State University on Friday, June 15th, will provide unique professional development opportunities, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Get “hands-on” with Full Option Science System (FOSS) kit-based curricula and teaching strategies. Learn how to help your students develop deep understanding of science through authentic investigations, analysis, and reflection. Look forward to lunchtime “meet & eat” opportunities with STEM researchers! Institute details and registration information are online: http://osu-crstl.org/
AGSTRAVAGANZA:
Ag in the Classroom is partnering with Redlands Community College to offer a great day of professional development, learning and connections.
o The guest speaker for the event will be Betty Thompson (Miss Oklahoma and Miss America Runner-Up). Please see the attached flyer for details.
Reproductive and Developmental Biology Workshop at the University of Tulsa August 2nd and 3rd:
The 2-day workshop will focus on the introduction to the myriad of fascinating reproductive and developmental systems of vertebrate animals, and modern methods and tolls that are used for research and discovery. Please see the attached flyer and application for details.
Science Opportunities for Students:
Registration for Cyber Patriot V Now Open:
Registration for the nation’s largest high school cyber defense challenge, CyberPatriot, is now open for its next season. CyberPatriot V is inviting students from all U.S. high schools, accredited home school programs and Civil Air Patrol squadrons to participate in this exciting competition while space is still available. Registration ends September 30, 2012. CyberPatriot is an exciting and educating competition that motivates the talent who will become the next generation of cyber leaders. Established by the Air Force Association, CyberPatriot was created to inspire high school students toward careers in cyber security or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Click here for more information.
Lastly, I just wanted to extend the celebration of, “Teacher Appreciation Week”, by saying how much I appreciate your efforts and your willingness to work with me at the Oklahoma State Department of Education to provide amazing science experiences for students across our state!
I’ve had a chance to visit with teachers from Stillwater, OKC, and Moore this past week and more importantly with their students who love science because of the amazing teachers they have.
I hope to continue to celebrate the successes of our state and shine spotlights on those that most deserve it, you the teacher! Thank you for inspiring me and for making my first days on the job so amazing!
I appreciate you all!
-Tiffany
Tiffany Neill Director of Science Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Instruction Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov Phone: 405-522-3524 Fax: 405-521-2971 Join us for the Vision 2020 Conference http://ok.gov/sde/events/vision-2020
