August 25th, 2010 Bob
Kansas City is the destination and NSTA’s Conference on Science Education is the activity planned for Oct 28-30, 2010. Register by Sep 17 to save the most on topnotch professional development for science educators. Teachers at every stage in their careers should consider the benefits of a getaway to build skills and get inspired. Workshops, presentations, short courses and renowned speakers will offer wide-ranging options at this conference. Choose to be inspired.
Take a look at some of the scheduled sessions.
- Evolution: Variation, Selection, and Time, Middle-High School
- Modeling the Spectrum-Explore a complete unit from pre to post assessment that looks at different methods to examine the electromagnetic spectrum. Middle-High
- Science and Math Lessons for the Biological Sciences-Integration and differentiation included. Middle School
- Polymerically Perfect Sodas: Teaching the Science and Technology of Plastics, Middle-High, Informal
- Amazing Thing Cells Can Do, Middle-High School
- Climate Change: Classroom Tools to Explore the Past, Present, and Future-Middle-High, Informal
- STEM in Action: The Bridge to the Real World, Elem-High School
- Improving Assessments, Increasing Rigor, High School
- Activities from Across the Earth System, hands-on, inquiry-based activities spanning the five “spheres” of Earth system science. Handouts provided. Elem-High School
- Science + Writing + Learning-implement science notebooks in your classrooms. Notebook components, math integration, supporting data, and assessments will be addressed using student examples. Elem-Middle
- Inquiry Matters: Incorporating Inquiry into Elementary and Middle School Physical Science, Elem-Middle School
- Featured Presentation-Kenneth Wesson, Understanding the History of the Brain as the Foundation for Future Learning
- Wind Energy Science for the Classroom, Short Course (ticketed), Middle-High School. Learn about the science and engineering behind wind energy. Activities and lesson plans.
- Biology Day, Physics Day, and Chemistry Day: Focus on your discipline
- Symposia: Exemplary Science Program-Best practices for producing superior student learning.
- Field trip (ticketed): Conservation Connections-Hands-on nature in the heart of Kansas City. Think about “Tree Trackers” and “Backyard Birds.”
For more information on the conference, visit www.nsta.org and use the personal browser to view sessions in which you’re interested.
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August 22nd, 2010 Bob
TEACHER EVOLUTION WORKSHOP
Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE), the National Science Foundation (NSF-0845314), and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station (UOBS) present a professional development workshop on Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century for Oklahoma high school science teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in science education. The workshop will be held Friday Sept. 17 (6:00 PM) through Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 (3:00 PM) at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma, OK.
Topics covered will include: The nature of science and latest developments in evolutionary biology, resources on teaching evolution and services available for teachers, curriculum development and state standards, and dealing with classroom and community controversy. Teachers will have the opportunity to present their favorite lesson plans and discuss any problems they have encountered in teaching evolution.
Instructors include Julie Angle (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, OSU), Dr Richard Broughton (Zoology, OU), Dr. Ola Fincke (Zoology, OU), Dr. Victor Hutchison (Zoology, OU), Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology, OU), Bob Melton (Science Curriculum Specialist, Putnam City Schools), Dr. Stanley Rice (Biological Sciences, Southeastern OSU), and Dr. Frank Sonleitner (Zoology, OU).
Participants will earn a certificate of participation for professional development credit.
Attendees will receive two books on teaching evolution: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, and The Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Large and Small. Accommodations and meals at the UOBS and a stipend to cover travel are included.
The only cost for participants is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration and payment of fee will be Sept. 1, 2010. Early registration is advised since places are limited to 30 registrants. Registrants will receive a confirmation letter with maps and additional information.
Further information, registration forms and payment information are on-line at: www.oklascience.org/teachers.pdf and at www.ou.edu /uobs/teachers.htm .
To sign up for the Oklahoma Evolution list serve and for many teaching resources, news, events, books, humor, petition on science only in science classes, and much, more see the OESE web site: http://www.oklascience.org
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August 18th, 2010 Bob
Last week we posted the information about The OSTA Fall Conference November 6th at UCO. First off, it’s time to register for the conference. Registration can be made today and payment can be made securely, online with your credit card. The link is found in last week’s blog posting or by clicking the Conference tab at the top of this page. SAVE MONEY and register early!
THINGS TO DO TODAY!
In addition to processing your registration, you need to download and send in a proposal to present to the conference. The big draw in an OSTA Conference is the staff development. And that comes about when you share your great ideas with the rest of the science teachers in Oklahoma at the Fall Conference. The deadline is coming up and NOW is the time when the conference committee is formulating the program.
This is also the time when you need to step up and exercise your responsibility as a member. Nominate someone or volunteer to run for an OSTA Board of Directors post. Any while you are at it, nominate someone for an OSTA award. Don’t leave this important task solely to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Suggest some folks who deserve recognition for the hard work they do for the children in Oklahoma!
Don’t delay! Act on these things today!
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August 13th, 2010 Bob
The chorus of support for the teaching of evolution continues, with three statements from the American Society of Plant Taxonomists, the American Statistical Association, and the Union for Reform Judaism.
In its statement, the American Society of Plant Taxonomists endorses “the use of evolution in the scholarship of its members and supports teaching this theory in schools, colleges and universities,” adding, “As educators, we believe that evolution is an essential component of science education. In the absence of an evolutionary context, our understanding of the origin and complexity of the earth’s biodiversity and our ability to realize critical advances in medicine and agriculture would not be possible. Acknowledging our obligations as scientists and educators, we join the many other scientific societies that have endorsed the role of evolution as a unifying principle both in scientific scholarship and science curricula at all educational levels.”
The American Statistical Association, according to its statement, “takes no position on whether intelligent design is right or wrong. Nevertheless, it is clear that intelligent design is not a scientific theory subject to empirical testing, and thus has no place in science education.” It therefore resolved, “Intelligent design should not be taught as part of any science curriculum,” adding, “Further, the Association urges its members to continue to support vigorously those principles of inquiry and verification that characterize sound scientific practice.” (The statement was published in Amstat News, the monthly membership magazine of the ASA, in 2006, and seems not to be presently available on the ASA’s website.)
And the Union for Reform Judaism, noting that “the overwhelming majority of the scientific community, which supports theories that are testable by experiment or observation, oppose treating [’intelligent design’], which is neither, as scientific theory. A 1999 report by the National Academy of Sciences states, ‘Creationism, intelligent design, and other claims of supernatural intervention in the origin of life or of species are not science because they are not testable by the methods of science,” resolved to “[o]ppose government efforts and policies that seek to redefine science or the scientific method to incorporate religious, theological or other theories, including “intelligent design” and creationism, that are neither testable by experiment nor observation.”
Also of interest, although not addressing biological evolution, is a statement by the Affiliation of Christian Geologists on the physical age of the earth and universe, reading, in part, “… the scientific evidence clearly favors a vast age for the earth and the universe. Current scientific calculations indicate that the universe began about 13 billion years ago and the earth about 4.6 billion years ago. These conclusions are based on cumulative evidence and are refined with each new study. … Although Scripture contains essential information on origins that gives meaning and perspective, technical details of the method and timing of creation are not major concerns of the Biblical text, and many orthodox theologians do not see a conflict between the Bible and an old creation.”
All four of these statements are reproduced, by permission, on NCSE’s website, and will also be contained in the fourth edition of NCSE’s Voices for Evolution.
For the ASPT statement, visit:
http://www.aspt.net/society/evolutionstatement/
For the ASA’s website, visit:
http://www.amstat.org/
For the URJ’s statement, visit:
http://urj.org//about/union/governance/reso//?syspage=article&item_id=1943
For the ACG’s statement (PDF), visit:
http://www.wheaton.edu/ACG/ACGstatementv2_1.pdf
And for information about Voices for Evolution, visit:
http://ncse.com/voices
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August 8th, 2010 Bob
OSTA 2010 Fall Staff Development Conference
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Howell Hall, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
Make plans to attend the premier event for Oklahoma Science teachers!
Call For Presentations!
The OSTA Fall Conference is a time to share what you know about teaching and learning science as well as learn new things and grow as a professional. Feel free to share a new technique, a novel use of technology, or findings from your latest summer workshop. Have an upcoming inservice program for science teachers? The OSTA Fall conference is an ideal way to promote your program. Download the call for proposals to submit a proposal to present at the fall conference.
Call for Nominations!
The OSTA Fall conference includes the annual OSTA business meeting. OSTA members are able to vote to elect new members to the OSTA Board of Directors. The OSTA Nominations Committee is now accepting Nominations for the even numbered OSTA regions (2,4, and 6) as well as Treasurer, Middle School Division Director and College/University Division Director. That’s a lot of opportunity to serve and help make a difference in Science Education in Oklahoma. Self Nominations are encouraged! Download the Nominations form here.
OSTA Awards!
OSTA presents annual awards to recognize those among us who have made significant contributions to science education in the state. The Jack Renner Distinguished Service Award is the top award given by OSTA, but other recognition is given annually to Oklahoma Science teachers at the Elementary, Middle Level, High School, and College levels. The OSTA Awards Committee is now accepting award nominations. Download a nomination form here.
Invitation to Exhibitors…
Have a product of interest to science teachers? Have a program that needs advertisement? Does you company or organization offer service of interest to Oklahoma science teachers and schools? Exhibit space is available at reasonable rates. Download the Exhibitors proposal here.
It’s Not Too Early to Register!
Register now and avoid the rush. Pre-conference Early Bird registration is only $45 and includes the OSTA Awards Luncheon and complimentary membership renewal for the next year. Pre-service science teachers can attend for $25 (lunch and complimentary membership included). Early Bird Registration ends October 15th.
OSTA Conference Registration can now made securely, online with your credit card. Payment includes a $3 processing fee. Register Securely Online
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August 3rd, 2010 Bob
OSTA Fall Conference
Saturday, November 6th, 2010
Howell Hall
The University of Central Oklahoma
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August 3rd, 2010 Bob
The activity schedule for BioBlitz! 2010 at Kaw Lake is starting to shape up. So far we have biologists organizing and leading:
- Mammal tracking stations
- Setting up mammal traps
- Night-time insect collection
- Carrion beetle traps
- Plant identification walks
- Pond and Lake Seining for amphibians and fish
- Bird walks
- Snake walks and talks
- Oklahoma City Zoo education booth
- Junior Biologist activity
- Craft activities for little ones
Keep up to date on BioBlitz! developments, become a fan of our Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-BioBlitz/265354110309
Online registration is now open—Sign up today!
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitz/BioBlitz.html
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July 31st, 2010 Bob
From NCSE’s Evolution Education Update, July 30, 2010
(Editor’s note- Given Oklahoma’s new law allowing the teaching of the Bible in public school, it may be time to once again review what is legal and appropriate when teaching about religion in K-12 Public Schools.)
It is wrong to teach creation science or intelligent design in the science classroom, according to the American Academy of Religion. In its “Guidelines for Teaching About Religion in K‐12 Public Schools in the United States,” issued in April 2010, the Academy poses the question “Can creation science or intelligent design be taught in schools?” and answers (p. 21, emphasis in the original):
Yes, but NOT in science classes. Creation science and intelligent design represent worldviews that fall outside of the realm of science that is defined as (and limited to) a method of inquiry based on gathering observable and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. Creation science, intelligent design, and other worldviews that focus on speculation regarding the origins of life represent another important and relevant form of human inquiry that is appropriately studied in literature or social sciences courses. Such study, however, MUST include a diversity of worldviews representing a variety of religious and philosophical perspectives and must avoid privileging one view as more legitimate than others.
The American Academy of Religion is a learned society and professional association of teachers and research scholars, with over 10,000 members who teach in over 1000 colleges, universities, seminaries, and schools in North America and abroad. The Academy is dedicated to furthering knowledge of religion and religious institutions in all their forms and manifestations.
For the AAR’s Guidelines (PDF), visit:
http://www.aarweb.org/Publications/Online_Publications/Curriculum_Guidelines/AARK-12CurriculumGuidelines.pdf
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July 21st, 2010 Bob
Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE), the National Science Foundation (NSF-0845314), and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station (UOBS) present a professional development workshop on Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century for Oklahoma high school science teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in science education. The workshop will be held Friday Sept. 17 (6:00 PM) through Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 (3:00 PM) at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma, OK.
Topics covered will include: The nature of science and latest developments in evolutionary biology, resources on teaching evolution and services available for teachers, curriculum development and state standards, and dealing with classroom and community controversy. Teachers will have the opportunity to present their favorite lesson plans and discuss any problems they have encountered in teaching evolution.
Instructors include Julie Angle (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, OSU), Dr Richard Broughton (Zoology, OU), Dr. Ola Fincke (Zoology, OU), Dr. Victor Hutchison (Zoology, OU), Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology, OU), Bob Melton (Science Curriculum Specialist, Putnam City Schools), Dr. Stanley Rice (Biological Sciences, Southeastern OSU), and Dr. Frank Sonleitner (Zoology, OU).
Participants will earn a certificate of participation for professional development credit.
Attendees will receive two books on teaching evolution: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, and The Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Large and Small. Accommodations and meals at the UOBS and a stipend to cover travel are included.
The only cost for participants is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration and payment of fee will be Sept. 1, 2010. Early registration is advised since places are limited to 30 registrants. Registrants will receive a confirmation letter with maps and additional information.
Further information, registration forms and payment information are on-line at: www.oklascience.org/teachers.pdf and at www.ou.edu /uobs/teachers.htm . To sign up for the Oklahoma Evolution list serve and for many teaching resources, news, events, books, humor, petition on science only in science classes, and much, more see the OESE web site: http://www.oklascience.org
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July 12th, 2010 Bob
Today the National Research Council (NRC) Board on Science Education released a draft conceptual framework for new science education standards http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_Homepage.html. The framework lays the foundation for what core science ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and scientific practices all students need to succeed in science, and is the first major step in the development of the next generation of science standards.
Teachers and all stakeholders have until August 2 to review and comment on the framework.
All teachers can have input on this draft framework. Please forward this message to your science teacher colleagues or to listservs in your state or school. Take a moment NOW to review the draft framework document and answer the online questionnaire.
· Review and Comment on the Draft Framework http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_Homepage.html.
Open for Public Comments Until August 2!
· Read background information and an FAQ from the NRC http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_FAQs.html
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