November 21st, 2012 Bob
New NRC Report Identifies Key Indicators for Gauging Progress in K–12 STEM Education
The National Research Council (NRC) released a report last week, “Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K–12 STEM Education,” that identifies key indicators for measuring progress in K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The indicators are meant to serve as a guide for Congress and other federal agencies to develop and implement a “national-level monitoring and reporting system.”
Some of the indicators identified in the report include
- How much time elementary teachers devote to science instruction
- The extent to which districts are adopting instructional materials aligned to the common-core standards in math and recent guideline for new science standards
- The level of teachers’ STEM content knowledge
- Number of, and enrollment in, different types of STEM-focused schools and programs in districts
- Extent of teacher participation in STEM-specific professional-development activities
- Inclusion of science in federal and state accountability systems
- Amount of state and district staff dedicated to supporting science instruction
- Federal funding for STEM-focused research (in keeping with priorities previously spelled out by the NRC)
The report builds on the previous NRC publication, “Successful K–12 STEM Education: Identifying Effective Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” released last year.
Study Finds Little Correlation between Time Spent on Homework and Better Course Grades for Math and Science Students
A new study led by Indiana University found that there is little correlation between time spent on homework and better course grades for math and science students, but a positive relationship between homework time and performance on standardized tests.
The authors of “When Is Homework Worth the time?: Evaluating the Association Between Homework and Achievement in High School Science and Math” reviewed survey and transcript data of more than 18,000 10 th-grade students to identify explanations for academic performance. The authors suggest that factors like class participation and attendance may mitigate the association of homework to stronger grade performance, while the type of homework assigned may cater to standardized test preparation versus retaining knowledge of class material.
NSTA Announcements
27th Annual DuPont Challenge Kicks Off Competition Year with a New Focus
Year 27 of the DuPont Challenge—a national writing competition for middle and high school students—kicked off last week with a new focus on addressing global challenges. The DuPont Challenge calls on students in grades 7–12 from the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories to research, think critically, and write an essay that provides innovative ideas on the world’s most pressing challenges, or demonstrates the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to our daily lives.
This year, the Challenge asks students to take a solutions-focused approach and address one of four categories in their 700–1,000-word essay:
- Together, we can feed the world.
- Together, we can build a secure energy future.
- Together, we can protect people and the environment.
- Together, we can be innovative anywhere.
Students and sponsoring teacher prizes include savings bonds, teaching grants, exciting trips, and much more. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2013. For more information, including official rules, entry forms, and details on awards, please visit the Challenge website.
Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Grant and Award Opportunities
Alan Shepard Technology in Education Awards
With this award, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, in partnership with NASA and the Space Foundation, will recognize the accomplishments of one outstanding K–12 teacher or district-level administrator and his or her contributions to lifelong learning through the application of technology in the classroom or professional development of teachers. The award will be presented at the 29th National Space Symposium (April 2013) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The winner will be flown to Colorado Springs, where hotel accommodations will be provided. The winner will receive a commemorative trophy with his or her name engraved and a $1,000 monetary award. In addition, the recipient’s name will be placed on a plaque honoring past recipients that is housed in the Center for Space Education at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For more information, click here.
Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers Fulbright grants for U.S. primary and secondary classroom teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, curriculum heads, Talented and Gifted coordinators, Special Education coordinators and media specialists/librarians to participate in international exchanges for three to six months. By living and teaching or conducting research overseas, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instruction and assessment methodologies, and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich their U.S. home schools and local communities with global perspectives. Participants must
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be employed full-time at an accredited school in the United States or a U.S. territory
- Hold a master’s degree
- Be in at least their fifth year of full-time teaching
- Demonstrate experience conducting professional development activities
- Have received teaching awards or exemplary evaluations from a school administrator
Opportunities for the 2013–2014 school year are available in one of eight countries: Argentina, Finland, India, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Applications are due December 15, 2012. For more information, click here.
Knowles Science Teaching Fellowships
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation, an advocate for beginning teachers and the teaching profession in general, is now accepting applications for its 2013 Teaching Fellowships. Valued at up to $175,000 and renewable for up to five years, the highly competitive Fellowships are awarded to new teachers committed to teaching science, technology, engineering, and math in schools nationwide. For more information, click here.
Teacher Resources
Encouraging Girls in Engineering
The Society of Women Engineers Aspire website provides K–12 teachers with curriculum, learning resources, and outreach programs to involve girls in the world of engineering. For example, click on Get Girls Involved in Engineering to access Engineering Guides for middle and high school girls, as well as a list of opportunities for girls to participate in engineering–based after-school programs. The Teaching Resources section includes video biographies of female engineers.
ACS Guidelines and Recommendations for Teaching High School Chemistry
These guidelines are designed to help teachers, supervisors, and school administrators strengthen high school chemistry programs nationwide. Not a course or a professional development outline, the guidelines focus on the broad requirements necessary to teach chemistry to all high school students from diverse populations. Topics include classroom and laboratory environments, safety, the big ideas in chemistry, strategies and technologies for teaching diverse learners, and the professional responsibilities of chemistry teachers.
Teaching About Hurricane Sandy
The National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) EcoSchools USA program has created new web pages and resources for schools and students to better understand Hurricane Sandy, climate change, and natural disasters. Education pages contain information, links, and resources for the following topics:
- What are hurricanes?
- What is the link to climate change?
- How can you help kids cope with natural disasters?
- How do you plan for natural disasters?
In addition, teachers can find valuable information on NWF’s Education Blog on Helping Kids Cope with Hurricane Sandy.
Student Opportunities and Resources
NASA Optimus Prime Video Spinoff Contest
Sponsored by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the contest asks students to choose one of the stories from the NASA Spinoff 2011 book, then use the information in the spinoff story to make their own 3-minute video. The finalists from each grade level will be flown into a NASA location (still to be determined) and win prizes including scholarship funds for college. Register an “intent to participate” now. Video submissions are not due until January 2013. For more information visit the competition website.
TEAMS 2012 Student Competition
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) is a one-day competition for students in middle and high school that allows them to apply their knowledge of skills in science, technology, engineering and math to issues facing our global society. Focused on and annual theme, original academic and innovative concepts are developed for the competition based on the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges. Engaging in the challenges requires critical job-readiness skills such as teamwork, analytical thinking and thinking, and multi-dimensional problem solving. In 2013, students will discover the engineering involved in cyberspace security.
TEAMS competition registration and information can be found here.
International Students Carbon Footprint Challenge
This project unites high school students worldwide as they calculate their individual footprints using an online “footprint calculator” (a series of questions) and post class data on a world map. They then enter discussions about their footprints and how to work toward solutions to globally shared environmental issues. The website includes instructions and lesson plans for introducing the footprint calculator to students and using the collected data in the classroom.
What Is Science Matters?
Science Matters is an initiative by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to bring content, news, and information that supports quality science education to parents and teachers nationwide.
Science Matters, sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation and Shell Oil Company, builds on the success of the Building a Presence for Science program, first launched in 1997 as an e-networking initiative to assist teachers of science with professional development opportunities. Building a Presence for Science—now Science Matters—reaches readers in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Why does Science Matter? Science is critical to understanding the world around us. Most Americans feel that they received a good education and that their children will as well. Unfortunately, not many are aware that international tests show that American students are simply not performing well in science when compared to students in other countries. Many students (and their parents!) believe that science is irrelevant to their lives.
Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy, and this innovation depends on a solid knowledge base in science, math, and engineering. All jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science. The most recent ten year employment projections by the U.S. Labor Department show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job
This is why Science Matters. Quality learning experiences in the sciences—starting at an early age—are critical to science literacy and our future workforce. Feel free to publish this information in school newsletters and bulletins, and share it with other parents, teachers, and administrators.
Visit the Science Matters website at www.nsta.org/sciencematters.
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October 21st, 2012 Bob
It’s time to check your schedule and finalize plans to be in attendance at the 2012 OSTA Fall Conference
“Saving The World Through Science”
First and foremost, this is the best science staff development conference you will find in Oklahoma this year. Second, the conference agenda brings together some of the most relevant topics for science teachers that you will find anywhere at any time.
Want to learn about the Next Generation Science Standards? Learn about it here, from Vanessa Westbrook, one of the NGSS writers!
How about Forensic Science? At Saving the World Through Science you can learn from professors who teach the top Forensic Science school in the country at UCO!
Wondering about how to work with students in studying glocal Climate change? Learn from climate scientists who are actively engage in climate research at the University of Oklahoma!
Need to know how scientists determine the age of ancient artifact through radiometric dating? Learn about the techniques and process from a scientist that does the work himself!
Trying to implement the Common Core State Standards ELA guidelines for science, social studies and technical fields into your course work? See how science graduate students at OU utilize these same recommendations as tools to develop effective communication and writing skills in the science research they produce.
Need more information of the AP Biology redesign, yep, we got that too!
Look at the OSTA Conference Agenda below. From keynote address to one hour sessions, to two half-day institutes, OSTA’s Saving the World Through Science promises to be a full day of fantastics learning experiences that will reap dividends for you and your students.
Don’t forget the OSTA Awards Reception at the Zoo on Friday evening at 6:30 PM. Help honor the recipients of the Annual OSTA Awards and mingle with science education leaders from around the state and nation! Sign up when you register. Thanks to generous contributions from the OKC Zoo and Pearson, the Awards reception is now FREE! Details are found here.
Click the link to register for the 2012 OSTA Fall Conference. The special pre-conference rate has been extended until November 8th!
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October 1st, 2012 Bob
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) will be hosting its 8th Annual DNA Day Essay Contest for high school students from across the United States and around the world. DNA Day commemorates the anniversary of the publication of Watson and Crick’s seminal paper proposing a double-helical structure for DNA.
The essay question for 2013, which is the 60th anniversary of their discovery, asks students to consider the impact of breakthroughs resulting from knowledge of the double helix or from the Human Genome Project.
Students are eligible for cash prizes of $1,000, $600, and $400 for first-, second-, and third-place, respectively, and $100 for honorable mention (10 awards). Teachers of winning students will receive lab equipment grants of equivalent value.
Each teacher is invited to submit up to six of the best essays their students write. Also, because ASHG values excellence in writing as well as in science, please consider promoting this contest with your colleagues in the language arts. It is an excellent way to implement “writing across the curriculum.
Visit http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday.shtml for a link to the essay question, rules, and deadlines for the 2013 contest. The essay submission site will open in January, and winners will be announced April 25.
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September 5th, 2012 Bob
Curious about the Next Generation Science Standards?
What is rumor?
What is fact?
The OSTA Fall Conference presents a unique opportunity for Oklahoma Science Teachers to hear first-hand about the features, scope, and direction of the NGSS.
Vanessa Westbrook will be the OSTA Fall Conference Keynote Speaker and will give us a first-hand look at the science standards as they are in development.
In 1996, Vanessa Westbrook created Westbrook Consulting as a way to provide professional development services to educators in the classroom or in the informal setting. With synergetic activities for several years in the public school classrooms and museum exhibit floors, it became very clear that teaching and learning science was a continuing process for students to understand the natural and designed world. Westbrook has more than twenty-five years of experience in a variety of educational settings.
Prior to 1996 Westbrook taught public school in north Texas. Her main focus was elementary science education. She was also involved in delivering professional development to elementary and middle school educators in formal and informal settings in Texas, developing components of science curriculum for school districts, and coordinating district wide elementary science fairs. She spent several years bridging programs and activities at informal science institutions to formal education environments. Both venues were used to expose and engage students and their families to science experiences to promote awareness and understanding.
In her role as the lead science content specialist in a mathematics and science center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin (1996–2011), she developed, edited, and reviewed elementary science assessment items; created standards-based lessons for kindergarten to grade 8 science instruction; and collaborated on the development and implementation of the K–8 science activities and professional development protocols used with the district services division. During her fifteen years at the mathematics and science center, Westbrook published numerous journal articles, book chapters, and resources for teaching and learning science.
Vanessa Westbrook was 2008–2011 National Science Teachers Association Division Director for Multicultural/Equity in Science Education; 2010–2011 President of the Texas Science Education Leadership Association; 2004–2005 President of the Science Teachers Association of Texas; and the 1998–2000 President of the Texas Council of Elementary Science. Currently, Westbrook serves as the Texas State Coordinator for the NSTA Science Matters initiative; Treasurer for Texas Council of Elementary Science, and Past President of Texas Science Education Leadership Association. Vanessa Westbrook is the co-founder of the Texas Informal Science Education Association and serves as the organization’s Senior Advisor. She serves on numerous state and national advisory boards that focus on elementary science education, informal science education, teacher certification in science, and increasing minority representation in science careers and science teaching.
As a lecturer and speaker, Westbrook has participated in science education seminars, conferences, and workshops in many cities throughout North America and Europe. Currently, Westbrook provides consulting services to public and private institutions in the areas of teacher preparation programs for science instruction, professional development for science teaching and learning in K–12 public and private school settings, science education in urban school settings, informal science education alignment, and other initiatives to promote and support science education.
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to and speak with Vanessa!
Register today for the OSTA Fall Staff Development Conference
November 10th at the University of Central Oklahoma
Posted in Conference, Events, Opportunities | 1 Comment »
August 23rd, 2012 Bob
Welcome back science educators!
I hope you enjoyed the summer and found opportunities to both relax and become rejuvenated! I had the great pleasure of meeting several amazing educators through the Math Science Partnership Grants this summer. I participated in the “Math Amazing Races” in downtown Tulsa and took a tour of an amazing small aircraft facility in Ada.
I know many of you found opportunities to learn this summer and I thank you for your willingness to do so and take back to your students!
I also spent the summer gaining information and experiences that I look forward to sharing with science educators in the state this year!
Here are just a few of the things I’d like to share:
Science Matters Online:
Science Matters Online provides several short videos showcasing 5E lessons from Picture Perfect Science. The videos allow educators to see other educators conducting lessons with students and reflecting on the power of those lessons in the classroom. The lessons also focus on the integration of literacy in science.
The lessons are geared towards elementary. However, the videos can serve as a powerful tool for educators K-12.
Click the following link to access the videos: http://sciencemattersonline.com/videos-2
The Teaching Channel:
The Teaching Channel currently provides 120 videos pertaining to the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Some of the videos provide an overview of CCSS. However, the majority of the videos provide exemplar strategies for classroom practice.
I strongly encourage you to check out a few of the videos! I have utilized many of the strategies showcased in the videos for professional development and teacher discussion this summer!
You can access the videos by clicking on the following link: https://www.teachingchannel.org/
Once on the webpage, scroll down to Common Core on the left side.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association:
I also had the pleasure of working with several members of the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA). OSTA shares valuable resources through their OSTA listserv and they serve as a support system to science educators around the state! OSTA has many exciting opportunities for educators in the upcoming year that you won’t want to miss out on!
Find out more and join through: http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/
I will continue to share resources throughout the year and I would welcome any resources you might have for me to share on the science listserv.
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Review Update:
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will meet in the spring of 2013
We wanted to update you on the proposed timeline for adoption of the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards. The Oklahoma State Department of Education has decided to begin the process of Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Revision in the spring of 2013. This will not impact the schedule for science textbook adoption this year. Committees will still be selected through an application process. Applications for the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will be distributed through the science listserv and on the OSDE website.
If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact me at 405-522-3524 or Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov .
Resources for Teachers:
New Teacher Tips from the National Science Teachers Association
NSTA shared several helpful tips for new teachers in their free newsletter this month bit.ly/NXi8T3. I encourage you to share this resource with new science teachers in your district. Many of the tips provided are great for veteran teachers as well.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Fall Conference:
November 10th
The OSTA Fall Conference, “Saving the World Through Science “will take place Saturday, November 10th at the University of Central Oklahoma.
· Submit your proposal to present. This year all proposals will be submitted using our convenient on-line form. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE! Space is limited.
o All program presenters must register for the conference.
· Register for the Conference at the following link: Register Securely Online
Free Admission for Educators to 5 OKC Attractions:
September 15th 9:00 a.m -1:00 p.m.
Calling all teachers and principals! You’re invited to get a Sneak Peek in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. For one day only, visit five Adventure District locations to learn about educational programs and speak with representatives about educational resources. Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44, has it all for you – all in one
Visit all five attractions and receive Free Admission for you and your family for the remainder of the day to the location of your choice (total of four free admissions including teacher).
Participating locations:
- Remington Park
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- ASA National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Science Museum Oklahoma
Visit http://www.okcadventure.com/teachers-sneak-peek for pre-registration and complete details.
Grant Opportunities for Teachers:
Environmental Education Grant Opportunity
The Oklahoma Association of Environmental Educators (OKAEE) is partnering with the Environmental Education Association (EEANM) in the Small Grants Program. Members of OKAEE have been involved with the design and implementation of this program and will be assisting with the review process for any applications from Oklahoma.
Attached you will find the RFP for Region 6 and the application form if you are interested in the program. If you have questions, feel free to contact:
Karla Beatty I 405-521-6788 I karla.beatty@conservation.ok.gov
First Robotics Team Information Sessions and OSDE Grants
First Robotics is hosting information sessions in Edmond and Tulsa (see attached memo) for anyone interested in starting a First Robotics Team at their school. The information session is also designed to provide information to mentors of First Robotics Teams.
Also, the Oklahoma State Board of Education will provide grants up to $5,000 per school to facilitate recent start-up and existing team opportunities. Grant applications and further details can be found at http://ok.gov/sde/node/4024
Opportunities for Students:
Air Force Association Cyber Patriot Competition
CyberPatriot is the premier national high school cyber defense competition designed to excite, educate, and motivate the next generation of cyber defenders critical to our nation’s future security. The competition has a tournament-style tiered structure with a series of web-based competition rounds and culminating in the national championship in Washington, D.C. in March 2013.
Interested students can attend “free” classes on Saturdays at Rose State College during the fall semester. This is truly a remarkable opportunity for students! You can find out more about the competition and its benefits through the links provided below:
· The home page: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Pages/default.aspx
· Benefits for Schools: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/schools.aspx
· Information for Parents: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/parents.aspx
· Information for Teachers: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/coaches.aspx
· Registration Link: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Register/default.aspx
· Important dates: https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/CP5/dates.aspx
If you have questions, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Dave Wagie 405-815-5258 I Dave_Wagie@odoc.state.ok.us
STEM Competition for High School Students
Siemens Foundation, in partnership with the College Board, is sponsoring the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, which recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. Students or teams of students can enter to win scholarships of up to $100,000 for their work. Registration is open. Visit the College Board website for more information. The deadline for project submission is Monday, October 1, 2012, at 5:00 pm EST.
Again, I welcome you back to the start of another school year! Your efforts will certainly have long-lasting impacts on the students who pass through your doors! I look forward to working with you this year and sharing in your successes!
As, always please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
-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
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August 4th, 2012 Bob
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The July 2012 issue of The Journal of Experimental Secondary Science has now been published online and in print at (www.jes2s.com)
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| JESS is a professionally reviewed (by college professors and research scientists), academic science journal which exclusively publishes original research articles from high school students. We are recognized by the Library of Congress, the NSTA, and all articles are indexed on multiple professional journal databases. We are not-for-profit and open access.This issue contains 5 student research articles, 2 produced within school and 3 during internships. In addition, the edition contains editorials from the Deputy Director of the Board on Science Education at The National Research Council, an Aerospace Education Specialist at NASA, a Delegate to AAAS Council, and from the founder of Best Early. |
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We are currently accepting submissions for our October 2012 issue and we hope you enjoy this issue.
Sincerely,
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Ravi Dinakar, PhD
Editor in Chief
The Journal of Experimental Secondary Science
www.jes2s.com |
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July 30th, 2012 Bob
Michael Pollan Named 2012 Recipient of The Distinguished Service Award
The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) is proud to announce that Mr. Michael Pollan, teacher, best selling author and award winning journalist, has been named the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award for Enhancing Education through Biological Research. This award will be presented at 2012 NABT Professional Development Conference in Dallas, TX during the Biology Educator Leadership Scholarship (BELS) Benefit Dinner. Mr. Pollan will also be a featured guest at this event, where he will be interacting with the audience in a moderated interview and Q&A type session.
“Michael Pollan is incredibly talented at helping people connect culture and biology through popular scientific literature that appeals and informs readers at all life-stages,” said Donald P. French, President of NABT (and a Professor of Zoology at Oklahoma State University). “His books, presentations, teaching and related media productions inspire, inform, and encourage the public to pursue a greater understanding of their connection to the natural world, and the importance of nature, biology and biology education in their own lives and their children’s future. I am very proud of this opportunity for NABT to honor Mr. Pollan with our Distinguished Service Award.”
The NABT Distinguished Service Award was established in 1988 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the association. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals for the significant contribution that their work has made to the field of biology education. Notable winners of the award include Lynn Margulis, James Watson, Stephen Jay Gould, Francis Collins, E.O. Wilson, Sean Carroll, Ken Miller, Richard Dawkins, and Neil Shubin.
”If America is ever going to repair its relations with the natural world, it will be because biology teachers have prepared the ground of understanding in our young people. The thought that they might find some of my work useful in their work is both humbling and thrilling. I can’t imagine a more meaningful honor.” said Michael Pollan.
For the past twenty-five years, Michael Pollan has been writing award winning books and articles about the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in the built environment. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (2010); In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (2008); The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (2006) and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World (2001). The Omnivore’s Dilemma was named one of the ten best books of 2006 by both the New York Times and the Washington Post. It also won the California Book Award, the Northern California Book Award, the James Beard Award, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. The Botany of Desire received the Borders Original Voices Award for the best non-fiction work of 2001, and was recognized as a best book of the year by the American Booksellers Association and Amazon.com. Pollan is also the author of A Place of My Own (1997) and Second Nature (1991).
Pollan was named to the 2010 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the world’s 100 most influential people. In 2009 he was named by Newsweek as one of the top 10 “New Thought Leaders.” A contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine since 1987, his writing has received numerous awards: he was a finalist for the National Magazine Award in 2009 for best essay; he received the James Beard Award for best magazine series in 2003; the John Burroughs prize in 1997 for best natural history essay; the QPB New Vision Award for his first book, Second Nature; the 2000 Reuters-I.U.C.N. Global Award for Environmental Journalism for his reporting on genetically modified crops; the 2003 Humane Society of the United States’ Genesis Award for his writing on animal agriculture; the 2008 Truth in Agricultural Journalism Award from the American Corngrowers Association; the 2009 President’s Citation Award from the American Institute of Biological Sciences, and the 2009 Voices of Nature Award from the Natural Resources Defense Council. In 2009, he appeared in a two-hour PBS special based on The Botany of Desire as well as in the documentary, Food Inc., which received an Academy Award nomination.
In 2003, Pollan was appointed the John S. and James L. Knight Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, and the director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism. In addition to teaching, he lectures widely on food, agriculture, health and the environment.
Nothing complements the NABT Conference experience like the special workshops, meal functions and field trips that make the meeting truly memorable. Tickets are now available online and can be added to your registration. Space is limited.
Special Workshops: Sometimes, a 75-minute session just isn’t enough time to cover a complex topic. NABT Special Workshops highlight expert teachers who address advanced topics in biology education.
Meal Functions: A biology teacher cannot live on knowledge alone. From section breakfasts to luncheons to the BELS Benefit Dinner featuring Micheal Pollan, NABT makes sure you have real food as well as brain food.
Field Trips: Adventures abound at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden and Trinity River Audubon Center.
Time is running out for you to register before the Advance Registration deadline of October 15th. Don’t miss out on these special savings!
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May 23rd, 2012 Bob
Greetings science educators!
I know many of you have or are about to leave your classrooms for the summer. However, I wanted to send you titles and descriptions for the science strands of the Vision 2020 Conference.
As a reminder, on June 12th there will be a science strand focus and a science luncheon and on June 13th there will be a STEM strand focus and a STEM luncheon. However, there will be several science sessions on June 13th as well.
You can view the titles, descriptions, and author bios for the sessions in the document attached to this e-mail. There are several STEM sessions on June 13th which are not detailed in the document. These sessions include presentations by Project Lead the Way and PITSCO.
Also, there are over 200 sessions outside of the science strand being offered at the Vision 2020 Conference. Several of them will provide valuable information, resources, and tools applicable to the science classroom. The at-a-glance agenda for the entire conference will be up on the Oklahoma State Department website soon!
Links for the Vision 2020 Conference:
General session speakers and keynotes speakers: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/OSDEVision2020/general_session_speakers/?&&
Register at: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/OSDEVision2020/HOME/?&
I hope to see you there! Have a great summer!
-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
Vision 2020 Conference: Science Strand
Tuesday June 12, 2012
Science Luncheon Tuesday June 12th, 2012
The Year of Science: Celebrating, Connecting, and Collaborating
Description: Join us for this energizing luncheon as we honor and celebrate two very special science educators from our state, Sarah Vann, winner of the 2011 Milken Educator Award and Lance Doss, a finalist in the 2011 Shell Lab Challenge. The luncheon will also provide an opportunity to connect with Tiffany Neill, the new Oklahoma Director of Science Education as she shares exciting new initiatives in science education and resources that support the implementation of Common Core State Standards for Literacy in Science. This unique luncheon will also offer attendees a chance to collaborate and share strategies for enhancing science education in their schools and in our state.
Science Strand Sessions Tuesday June 12th, 2012
Title: Common Core in the Science Classroom-Sara Vann
Description: What does a good Common Core lesson/activity look like? There will be a variety of hands-on activities that will model Common Core implementation in the secondary science classroom, and an opportunity to brainstorm new ideas as well!
Author Bio: Sara taught 7th -10th grade Science in Tahlequah for 2 years and has been at the Owasso 8th Grade Center for the past 8 years, currently teaching Advanced Physical Science. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and was awarded the 2011 Milken Educator Award.
Title: Congratulations! You’re a Grandparent!-Mary Butler
Description: Participants will work in pairs and use modeling to create a child, then partner with another ‘couple’ to create a grandchild using 11 easily observed characteristics. ‘Grandparents’ will prepare a written birth announcement for their grandchild and provide a phenotypically correct drawing of him/her.
Title: Virtual Labs-Mary Butler
Description: In this session, participants will explore virtual labs and the value they add to existing science curriculum. Mary will share websites and her personal insights into incorporating both wet-labs and virtual labs into instruction.
Author Bio: Mary Butler is a science and mathematics teacher from Muldrow Public Schools. Mary has a B.S. in education from Northeastern State University as well as an Masters in education from Northeastern State University. Mary has taught both at the middle school and high school levels.
Title: Assessment for Learning rather than Assessment of Learning- Janis Slater
Description: In this session, participants will explore strategies for formative assessment that can be integrated into lessons to inform instruction and reveal student thinking. As participants experience assessment strategies in a lesson context, they will discover how learning and assessment can be combined into a cohesive learning experience.
Title: Zen and the Art of Data Representation – Janis Slater
Description: In this session, participants will explore strategies for guiding students as they collect data and construct representations allowing them to explain or make predictions about phenomena encountered in the natural world. Participants will create visual representations of data that reflect diverse ways in which scientific ideas can be illustrated and analyzed.
Author Bio: Janis Slater is a Science Professional Development Specialist at the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center. She is a former middle school science teacher with 13 years of experience in the classroom. She has a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Arizona and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design from the University of Oklahoma. Janis works extensively with teachers and administrators in schools across the state of Oklahoma to facilitate authentic, student-centered learning in the classroom with a focus on research based instructional practices. She is on the Board of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and is pursuing a PhD in Instructional Psychology.
Title: The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching High School Laboratory Science in a Minimalist Setting-Lance Doss
Description: Students can learn and be successful in less-than-perfect educational environments. Teacher creativity, parental, and community involvement all work together to introduce and reinforce the skills and objectives which ALL students need to know from the sciences. Attendees will learn about making the most of a sparse teaching environment and will be given new ideas about how to get more resources for their classroom.
Author Bio: Lance is currently completing his 28th year as a special education teacher. He teaches biology, environmental science, and physical science to 9th-12th grade students at Wagoner High School. Lance obtained his B.S. in education and Masters in education from Northeastern State University.
Title: How does Science Fit into the Common Core? (K-2)- Patricia Turner
Description: Can you really see in the dark? How does light travel? How do I teach these concepts? The activities in this session are organized by the stages of the learning cycle. How to use a formative assessment probe to learn about your students thinking and integrating math and literacy into science is a key focus of the session. We will discuss as a group how science is an integral part of the new Common Core State Standards.
Title: How does Science Fit into the Common Core? (3-5)- Patricia Turner
Description: Can you really see in the dark? How does light travel? How do I teach these concepts? The activities in this session are organized by the stages of the learning cycle. How to use a formative assessment probe to learn about your students thinking and integrating math and literacy into science is a key focus of the session. We will discuss as a group how science is an integral part of the new Common Core State Standards.
Author Bio: Patricia has worked as an elementary teacher in Oklahoma, Ohio, and New Jersey. Science has always been a key part of her students’ curriculum and she is a strong believer of incorporating the science and mathematics practices into students daily activities. Patricia is currently employed at the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center, where she provides professional development for teachers across our state. Her emphasize of instruction includes: implementation of the Common Core State Standards, science using the 5E model and science, literacy, and mathematics integration.
Title: STEM-What does it mean for Oklahoma and K-12 Classrooms?
Description: Advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are vital to the overall wealth, health, and success of our state and efforts in STEM education today will determine our ability to solve 21st century challenges in such areas as energy, health, and national security. Join us for this exciting session as Dr. Stephen McKeever, the Oklahoma Secretary for Science and Technology and the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Oklahoma State University, shares the state of STEM in Oklahoma and how K-12 education, higher education, and business and industry partnerships will enhance the Oklahoma’s STEM pipeline.
Title: K20alt: A Virtual Professional Learning Community (PLC) for Teachers-Tiffany Neill
Description: Have you wondered what other teachers across the state are doing in their classrooms? Are you a teacher that loves to share resources and ideas about education? Join us for this exciting session as we introduce a Free web-based portal for Oklahoma Teachers to connect, collaborate, and retrieve resources.
Wednesday June 13th, 2012
STEM Luncheon Wednesday June 13th, 2012
Speaker: Ben T. Robinson
Mr. Robinson is the Owner/President of Sentry One LLC. Sentry One is an aerospace industry consulting company specializing in a wide spectrum of expertise from military command and control operations to the growth and sustainment of American aerospace through future investments in workforce and business development and leadership. Sentry
One LLC has aerospace clients in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Through his Sentry One
LLC, Ben is an Executive-in-Residence with Oklahoma Career Technology Center. In addition, Ben teaches aerospace courses for Oklahoma State University as an adjunct professor.
Click the following link to read more about Mr. Ben Robinson: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/file_uploads/258b0c1c8854524b3865bdf568dc0a93_BIOrobinson.pdf
Science Strand Sessions Wednesday June 13th, 2012
Title: Inquire Within – Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Standards- Douglas Llewellyn
Description: This session will provide an overview of the different levels and approaches to teaching and learning through science inquiry. Topics include:
- What is scientific inquiry?
- What are the myths and misconception about scientific inquiry?
- How can I modify an existing activity or lab to make it more inquiry-based?
Title: Ready or Not, Here They Come – The Common Core State Standards and its Implication for Scientific Argumentation-Douglas Llewellyn
Description: The Common Core State Standards for Literacy in Science provides a glimpse into what’s ahead for curriculum and professional development for science educators. The word “argument” or “argumentation” appears in the documents repeatedly – a fact that illustrates its importance. To prepare science educators for the practice of argumentation in their classrooms, the session will focus on several questions:
- What is the role of argumentation in science instruction?
- How do students make and defend arguments in the science classroom?
- How can inquiry-based investigations be modified to accommodate students forming and justifying scientific arguments?
Title: Modifying a Traditional/Structured Lab-Douglas Llewellyn
Description: Using a differentiated inquiry format, participants will modify a previously-taught traditional or structured lab and “tweak” it to be more inquiry-based. Participants should bring two or three labs to the session.
Author Bio: Douglas Llewellyn teaches science education courses at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. Previously, he was the K-12 Director of Science at the Rochester City School District, a junior high school principal, and a middle school science teacher.
Llewellyn’s interests are in the areas of scientific inquiry and argumentation, constructivist teaching, and science leadership.
Llewellyn is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences on inquiry-based teaching. He has three books published by Corwin Press – Inquire Within: Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Standards in Grades 3-8, Second Edition; Teaching High School Science through Inquiry; and Differentiated Science Inquiry.
Title: From Elementary to AP, STEM work!- Kimberly Batten
Description: This presentation includes hands-on STEM activities with adaptations from elementary to AP Biology included. It is easier than you think to engage all of your students regardless of reading level. From isopods to Rat Island, come experience labs for yourself.
Author Bio: Mrs. Batten is currently a middle school science teacher, chair-person, and STEM club sponsor. Her teaching experience includes high school biology, elementary, and special education. She is experienced in classroom STEM projects, after-school activities, and field trips.
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May 18th, 2012 Bob
First Public Draft of Next Generation Science Standards Released—Comment Period Open Until June 1
The first draft of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was released on May 11 and will be online for public comment until June 1.
Access the vast variety of NSTA resources and materials on NGSS (including background information) and the FREE NSTA Reader’s Guide to A Framework for K–12 Science Education, an important companion to the Framework that will help science educators prepare for the standards. Visit NSTA’s Next Generation Science Standards Forums in the NSTA Learning Center or sign up today for the comprehensive NSELA/NSTA Summer Leadership Institute, which will focus on NGSS, scheduled for June 24–28, 2012, in Austin, Texas.
New Report Links Students’ Interest in STEM to Technology in Classroom
A survey of students and educators finds children are more likely to have an interest in STEM fields when their classroom’s instructional model incorporates personalized learning strategies, digital technology, and social media. The survey results are contained in Mapping a Personalized Learning Journey—K–12 Students and Parents Connect the Dots with Digital Learning, from Project Tomorrow’s Speak Up 2011 National Research Project.
According to the report, only 20 percent of children in traditional classrooms—where instruction is teacher centered and the use of technology is minimal or nonexistent—expressed an interest in pursuing STEM fields, compared to 27 percent of technology-infused classrooms with both student-directed and teacher-directed instruction models.
The report also argues that the impending implementation of the common core state standards and the assessments that will accompany them, combined with the “continuing national self-interest in attracting more students to the STEM fields,” gives a “greater urgency” to transforming the in-school learning process through personalization enabled by technology.
Feminizing Science and Math Role Models Discourages Female Students From Pursuing STEM Fields According to New Study
Efforts to promote more feminine role models in STEM fields may actually be discouraging middle schools girls from pursuing these fields, according to a new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science.
The first study found middle school girls who read about the blatant female role models reduced the students’ interest, perceived ability, and future expectations in math, and they showed less interest in taking future math classes in high school and college than girls who read about role models with non-STEM-specific achievements. Study 2 suggested that girls who already disliked science or felt disconnected from it were even more likely to reject the feminine STEM role model than girls who like science already.
“The bottom line, though, is that this research suggests that we don’t need to make role models or STEM fields ‘girly’ to motivate girls,” they told me. “Instead, we should turn to what we already know makes a helpful role model. Girls have to feel like they can relate to or identify with the female scientists they see and learn about. … Female role models should also be shown as actively involved in science rather than passive observers or tokens: show women really using equipment and conducting research. Teaching girls about what scientists and engineers really do, and especially highlighting their social usefulness and communal aspects, has been found to be motivating for girls.”
U.S. Students Show Slight Improvement on Science Test; No Cause For Optimism, Says NSTA
The science results of the 2011 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card, were released last week by the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). The results showed that the average eighth grade science score rose from 150 in 2009 to 152 in 2011, a small increase, but still far below 170, which is considered science proficiency on the test’s 300-point scale.
The NAEP data also revealed that score gaps between white and black students and between white and Hispanic students narrowed slightly from 2009 to 2011. In comparison to 2009, average science scores in 2011 were one point higher for white students, three points higher for black students, and five points higher for Hispanic students.
NAEP tested a nationally representative sample of 122,000 students in 8th grade from 7,290 public and private schools. Among the 47 states that chose to participate in both years, scores were only higher in 16 states—Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Said Interim Executive Director Dr. Gerry Wheeler, “There is no cause for optimism regarding the science results of the 2011 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP). Overall, the results show miniscule gains in student achievement. The majority of our eighth-grade students still fall below the proficiency level… When you consider the importance of being scientifically literate in today’s global economy, these scores are simply unacceptable.”
Click here to read NSTA’s official statement regarding the science results of the 2011 National Assessment of Education Progress.
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May 14th, 2012 Bob
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is excited to share with you news about it’s upcoming VISION 2020 conference. VISION 2020 is right around the corner and online registration, hotel accommodations, and conference information are now available to you.
VISION 2020 will be Oklahoma’s first ever all-encompassing conference brought to you in one central location. It offers learning opportunities, professional development, and training to the parent, teacher, counselor, librarian, technology instructor, principal, district superintendent, & others.
This conference will host more than 900 concurrent sessions with dynamic content, nationally-recognized keynote speakers, and engaging professional development.
Focus Schedule
June 11th: Parent Power Night
June 12th & 13th: Teacher-Focused Professional Development
June 14th: Teacher-and-Administrator-Focused Professional Development
June 15th: Administrator-Focused Professional Development
$25 Attendee Fee includes:
All professional development sessions
One luncheon with keynote speaker
$100 Out-of-State Attendee Fee includes:
All professional development sessions
One luncheon with keynote speaker
For general conference information & to register, please visit: VISION2020REGISTRATION or https://register.wciconferences.org/OSDEVision2020
We look forward to sharing this highly-anticipated conference with you June 11th-15th.
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