I have several items to share with you this week including some great opportunities for students and educators! As always please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have pertaining to the announcements.

Next week I will announce our Science Keynote Speaker for the Vision 2020 Conference being held June 12^th – June 15^th in OKC (remember Science Day is June 12th and STEM Day is June 13th). I hope you are all able to attend this exciting event!

Preparing for the Public Draft of the Next Generation Science Standards

Several questions have been coming into the office pertaining to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). I hope the information below will answer some of the questions.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are currently under development through a partnership between the National Research Council (NRC), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), and Achieve. The Next Generation Science Standards represent an effort to produce National Science Standards that individual states could consider for adoption upon their final publication.

As part of the development, process standards will undergo an extensive review process including two public drafts, allowing all those who have a stake in science education an opportunity to inform the development of the standards.

In case you missed it, here is a bit of information pertaining to draft and public review processes provided by both the National Science Teachers Association and the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA).

In a process managed by Achieve, Inc., a nonprofit education reform organization, 26 states are currently leading the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The standards will undergo multiple reviews, including two public drafts. The first public draft is expected soon and NSTA encourages science educators to actively participate in the review process by taking the time to study and provide input on this important document when it becomes available. NSTA suggests educators form study groups with colleagues to have focused discussions about the document.

You can read more about the review process and find resources for NGSS study groups via OSTA’s post: http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/?p=3897

Grant & Award Opportunities for Teachers:

• OGE&E Teacher Grant Program: One teacher with a great idea can have a tremendous influence on our children and the community. That’s why OG&E proudly gives teachers the power to create unique approaches to science, math and reading through our Teacher Grant Program. If you are a public school teacher for the grades pre-K-12 and are located in the OG&E services territory, you can apply for a grant up to $1,000 for 2012-2013 projects.
  • Apply by June 1, 2012. Go to oge.com for eligibility information and application.
  • Grants will be awarded around the beginning of the fall 2012 semester. For more information, visit oge.com and email questions to ogecommunityrelationsteam@oge.com
• Air Force Association Teacher of the Year Award and Nominations: The purpose of the program is to recognize classroom teachers for their accomplishments and achievements in exciting K-12 students about science and math (STEM) and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies. This is a unique opportunity to reward special teachers who are furthering excellence and making coming to class an adventure. We really enjoy honoring STEM teachers and our chapter award winner gets a nice $250 check from the Air Force Association.
  • Please see the attached Flyer for further details.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers:

• 2012 Forensic Science Educational Conferences: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is pleased to present the 2012 Forensic Science Education Conferences (FSECs) for Middle- and High School Teachers. The Forensic Science Education Conferences are helping to bring forensic science to the classroom. Currently, four FSEC conferences have been scheduled for 2012:
  • You can view all the details through OSTA’s post:

http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/?p=3835

• Summer Research Experience for High School Science Teachers at UCO: The University of Central Oklahoma College of Mathematics & Science has a National Science Foundation grant, STEP offers teachers the opportunity to participate in research labs with UCO faculty during the month of July. They work together with student participants and faculty mentors to enhance their research.
  • A stipend is available for teachers
  • You can view all of the details through OSTA’s post: http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/?p=3890

Science Opportunities for Students:

• 3^rd Annual National Lab Day: Oklahoma State University is hosting the 3^rd Annual National Lab Day on May 8^th, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Teacher/student teams select specific science research labs that they would like to learn more about.
  • Students visit with science researchers, OSU recruiters, and other students across Oklahoma also interested in science or science education careers.
  •  Teachers gain a better understanding of current science research that can provide authentic applications to classroom curriculum.
    • Please see the attached Flyer for further details
• OKC Zoo Teen Volunteer Recruitment Open House: The Oklahoma City Zoo is looking for dedicated enthusiastic teens to join their programs. Selected teens volunteer with keepers and staff to see what it takes to run the zoo and inspire the next generation.
• Details provided in the following link: http://www.okczooed.com/volunteers.

To close, I would like to share with you a quote from Rebecca Mieliwocki, the 2012 National Teacher of the Year. When Rebecca was honored at the White House this week she was congratulated for being the best teacher in the land. Her response to such accolades was, “I’m not the best teacher in America; I’m one of so many”.

I couldn’t agree more! I am so honored to be working for so many outstanding science educators in our state!

Thank you for all you do!

-Tiffany

Tiffany Neill