September 8th, 2010 Bob
Options abound when it comes to pre-registering for the OSTA Fall Conference on November 6th. First, you can register on-line with your credit card using OSTA’s secure registration site. Second, you can use the same registration site to complete your registration details, checking the box that indicates you will pay by check or Purchase Order. You can then print the form and send it with your check or PO. This option works well because we’ll already have your registration details and can make food and space arrangements in advance of your payment. Third, you can download the traditional Registration form and mail it with you check or PO. Just make sure you mail it so that it arrives before the October 15th Early-Bird Registration cut-off date!
Your Early-Bird Registration cost includes continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments as well as the best collection of staff development options for science teachers to be found in Oklahoma this year! We’ll even throw in 2011 OSTA membership at no cost!
Click the Conferences tab for more information about the conference and check back often as we’ll be updating with program details in the next few weeks.
Early-Bird Registration ends October 15th after which the registration cost increases to $55. You will still be able to register on-line with your credit card, but you will need to either mail your check or PO payments so they arrive before November 6th or bring them with you to the conference if your choose not to use OSTA’s on-line registration. You will also be able to complete on-site registration at the conference on-line by credit card or by check.
Don’t delay another day. Now is the time to register for the OSTA Fall Conference.
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August 25th, 2010 Bob
Do you want to try out new classroom materials before you introduce them to your students? Are you willing to get your hands dirty attempting a new teaching technique? The 2010 NABT Professional Development Conference is just the place to “test drive” new tools and techniques.
This year, the Conference will feature hand picked, hands-on workshops in a featured Practice What You Teach session strand. Highlighting activities in subjects like anatomy, biotechnology, and genetics, the Practice What You Teach sessions will let you experience the activity as your students would, going through the actual exercises from start to finish. Appropriate for all levels of educators, these fun and engaging workshops will help you get the most out of your time in Minneapolis. VisitProgram Updates for the latest information on special presentations and sessions.
Advance Registration ends on October 12th. Register today to take advantage of special savings and reserve your tickets for field trips, special workshops, and meal functions.
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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 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 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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May 11th, 2010 Bob
June 27 to July 1, 2010 in Flagstaff, Arizona
Since the first Summer Leadership Institute in 1980, the National Science Education Leadership Association has worked to improve science education and foster the dissemination of best practices and research-based professional development throughout the United States. The Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) to be held in Flagstaff, Arizona from June 27 – July 1, 2010 is an intensive science preparation for leaders who are interested in the integration of literacy and science as well as effective practices for English Learners in science.
Planning Instruction That Will Result in Increased Proficiency In Science: A Framework for Understanding the Role That Academic Language, Critical Thinking and Language Play in Science Classrooms.
Participants will explore the efficient use of the language of science and academic literacy. Participating educators will be provided with a frame-work and practical activities that have been shown to increase students’ comprehension of science content. During the workshop participants will have an opportunity to experience this framework in action and be given time to consider revisions and adaptations to their current curriculum that can increase student comprehension and motivation. This part of the institute will also focus on the use of writing prompts as a means of promoting scientific thought and argumentation in writing. Also included will be sample lessons to show how specific strategies can support science learning and literacy achievement of English Learners. Participants will learn to:
· Use classroom-tested methods for meeting the science content standards while building stronger readers and writers
· Focus on the language of science to teach both science and academic literacy
· Develop active readers and critical thinkers
· More effectively incorporate text materials into science lessons
· Modify instruction and use research-based strategies to make science content accessible to EL students
· Understand the importance of teaching science to English Learners to promote educational equity
· Use written texts and oral discourse to enrich science instruction and how it can be organized
Featured Presenters:
Rick McCallum, Ph.D. Science Literacy Specialist at UC Berkeley
Arthur Beauchamp, Ed.D Director, Sacramento Area Science Project
Jerry D. Valadez, Ed.D. Director, Central Valley Science Project
Ana G. Lopez Science Specialist—Central Valley Science Project
Guest Speaker Richard Duschl, Ph.D., Professor of Science Education, Penn State University
Download the brochure here.
If you have questions, please contact Judy Hamilton at the NSELA office at 1-928-420-3774. You may also email NSELA through the website or Office Manager, Judy Hamilton, at: judyhamilton51@gmail.com
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April 18th, 2010 Bob
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, the Oklahoma Science Safety Summit is designed to focus on the topic of safety in science classrooms and will bring sharp focus to needs, practices, and responsibilities of teachers and schools. This is designed as a Trainer of Trainers workshop and will provide the tools and knowledge to enable participants to lead the yearly training required in every school district in Oklahoma.
Science Laboratory Safety: A Training of Trainers (Grades K–12)
A one-day session, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This session is designed to help teachers and administrators understand the Oklahoma science safety laws and requirements for Oklahoma public schools.
Participants will use a laboratory checklist to analyze safety conditions in their schools and receive materials designed to assess and support laboratory safety in elementary, middle, and high schools.
In this session, you will:
- Analyze sample laboratory and classroom facilities.
- Determine responses to common laboratory accidents.
- Learn how to select and maintain appropriate science safety equipment and materials.
- Engage in activities that lead to an understanding of current safety laws, rules, and regulations.
- Analyze events that lead to common accidents and determine how to respond to them.
Presenter for the summit is Jim Collins of the Charles Dana Center at the University of Texas.
Jim’s extensive research in safety practices and procedures in Texas resulted in a recentstrengthening on the Texas state laws regulating school safety and safety practice in Texas. His work includes the Texas Safety Standards for Kindergarten–Grade 12 and An Analysis of Laboratory Safety in Texas.
Go to the Dana Center (http://www.utdanacenter.org/sciencetoolkit/safety/) for more information about the science safety toolkit.
Summit At-A-Glance
Location:
July 30 – Howell Hall (science building) on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma,
Edmond. Download a campus map here.
Dates: Friday July 30,
Time: 9 am until 4: pm (8:30 Registration and continental breakfast)
Cost: $50 per person. Purchase orders to OSTA are accepted. Space is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. All participants receive a copy of a CD of Safety Kit resources, continental breakfast, lunch, and a 1 year complimentary new membership in OSTA (not good toward OSTA membership renewals).
Registration Deadline: July 23, 2010
Online Registration is Open NOW!
Register Securely Online
If you prefer to pay for Registration by check or Purchase Order you may print and mail in the online form or use the registration form on the Conference page on this website.
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November 9th, 2009 Bob
The Fall conference saw the election of officers to positions on the OSTA Board of Directors as well as the ratification of revisions to the OSTA Constitution and By-Laws.
Elected to a four year commitment to OSTA as Vice-President, then President-elect, then President, and then Past-President was Dr. Elizabeth Allen from UCO
Tamara Lookabaugh, Moore Central Junior High, returns to another 3 year term as OSTA Secretary.
Tina Rogers, Canton High School, will serve as High School Division Director
Annette Huet, from Kelly Elementary in Moore, will serve at Elementary Director
Three District Directors were also elected.
Representing District 1 (Northeast) is Becky Hammack from Stillwater Middle School.
District 3 (Southwest) is again represented by Marie Pool, from Clinton High School
and Tulsa Public Schools, (District 5) is represented by Adrienne Elder.
The New OSTA Constitution is now in effect. In a short Board meeting following the Fall Conference, the OSTA Board voted to reduced the membership fee to be paid by pre-service teachers to be one-half that paid by regular members as it’s first action under the new Constitution. Such flexibility was not permitted under the prior edition of the Constitution.
Over 300 people attended this year’s Fall Staff Development Conference, a record in terms of attendance at 21st century OSTA Conferences. Thanks to all who made the event such as success. Special thanks to the Presenters who shared their expertise with us all and to the Vendors who filled the atrium with exhibits and opportunities.
The OSTA Awards Luncheon also honored four deserving colleagues. Annette Huett from Moore’s Kelly Elementary was awarded with the OSTA Award for Outstanding Elementary Science Teaching. Susan Baker, from Putnam City North High School was presented the award for Outstanding High School Science Teaching. Dr. Fabiola Janik-Spens from OCCC was given the OSTA Award for Outstanding Science Teaching at the College Level.
OSTA’s Highest honor is the Jack Renner Award for Distinguished Service to Science Education in Oklahoma. This year’s awardee is Dr. Gordon Uno, David Ross Boyd Professor of Botany and the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Uno’s contributions to science education continue as he serves on many boards and commissions that directly impact science education in Oklahoma and across the country. From NSF, to AIBS, AAAS, NABT, and the College Board, he continues to impact and contribute to the cause of quality science education at all levels in this country.
At the conclusion of the Fall Conference, your new OSTA President, Dr. Pam Cristol, NSU-Broken Arrow, assumed her one-year term. Jeff Patterson, Norman, is now Past-President, and Kaye Emde, Heritage Hall, OKC, is President-elect.
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November 7th, 2009 Bob
6:30 AM Thought I’d get an early start to set up a booth and prepare the election booth. Have the ballots, have the display board, have my presentation materials. I should be able to get there before anyone else. Off to Edmond!
7:00 AM OK, already to plan B. Presenters are already setting up. Dr. Allen tells me to set up my display on a round table in the atrium. If more than 30 presenters show up we will be in trouble because this place is full of tables.
7:15 AM Dr. Allen ASSURES me that the coffee will be here by 8.
7:30 AM Set up the election booth and Dr. Cristol comes by and tells me to move because they need the table for a booth. So, where is that coffee? Yippee! the first voter signs in.
7:45 AM Dr Cristol makes me move the election booth again! Wow!
7:50 AM Coffee arrives along with Danish and bagels. yum. I took a few pictures of people registering and discover that I forgot the usb cable to my camera so I can’t post pictures in real time. OK, I’ll post them later…
8:00 AM Man it is windy!!!! Every time the atrium door opens the registration materials go flying. This would NOT by a fun day on the bicycle. (although I could probably use the against-the-wind training.)
8:15 AM Looks like a great crowd! We’re running them through pre-registration pretty quickly. So far there are about 40 people who have done on-site registration. Jeff welcomes everyone and announces that the sessions will start at 8:30. People are moving off to the first ten presentations of the day.
8:30 AM About 30 people hang in the atrium, but most people are off at sessions.
8:45 AM Folks keep filtering in to on-site registration. The Science Museum Oklahoma folks brought a Segway and they are tooling around. Dr. Cristol even hopped on it. Should I use the picture of there coming toward me, or the one of her driving away from me…
9:00 Am Talked to Dr. French, Zoology Professor at OSU. Oops, as NABT activists we should have set up a booth and helped spread the word about the National Association of Biology Teachers. There are more life science teachers in this state than any other secondary science discipline, why are there just a handful of NABT members? It’s a really cool organization. Really.
9:30 AM The Silent Auction tables are getting a lot of traffic. Let’s keep those bids comin’ folks, this isn’t a bargain basement, it’s a fund raiser to recognize the hard-working kids ay OJAS and Science Fair.
10:00 AM Caught Dr. Allen during a undignified moment while she she is eating a cream cheese-covered bagel. Do you have trouble eating one w/o getting cream cheese from ear to ear and up your nose? I do… and apparently so does Dr. Allen.
10:30 AM Vendor break! The atrium gets very crowded.
11:00 AM We have a candy bowl on the on-site registration table. I am facinated by how many people pick up candy, even walking out of their way to do so. And there isn’t a single bit of chocolate!
11:45 AM In the Lunch Line! It’s kinda slow. We had predicted 200 for lunch, 300+ is more like it. There must be 10 varieties of bread. I’m so confused. Do I want the hard roll, the sesame seeds, the pita…? I take the hamburger bun and load up the sliced turkey.
12:45 PM The lunch line is still going. But nobody seems rushed to frustrated. The lunch is simple, but good.
1:00 PM Jeff starts the awards by asking all the different groups to stand. The pre-service teachers get the loudest and longest applause.
1:10 PM The elementary, high school and college awardees Annette Huett, Susan Baker, and Dr. Fabiola Janiak-Spens are all very appreciative. Their gratitide is genuine and remarks are moving. They better stop or the water-works are going to start. They are good folks.
1:15 PM I get to introduce Dr. Uno. I have known Gordon professionally for many years, but some of these folks were in his classes at OU. We present him with the Jack Renner Award, which is OSTA’s highest honor and presented to a person or organization that has made significant contributions science education in Oklahoma. In his remarks Gordon invokes the memory of Dr. Renner. It occurs to me that a large number of the folks in this room probably talk about or discuss inquiry teaching or learning cycles but do not know they can do so largely through the research and writings of Dr. Renner. Gordon does so much for science in the state and nation, NSF, AAAS, The College Board, AIBS, NABT… We pat ourselves on the back for selecting Gordon for this well deserved award.
1:30 PM I have to leave lunch to set up for my presentation. Folks are already in the room waiting for me!!!! It was a nice group. 22 or so. The room was a bit hot and stuffy, but who knew it would be 75 degrees on November.
3:00 PM Start cleaning up the vendor area. I pack the Science Olympiad display and Amy and Vanessa, the two Olympiad Coaches who manned the booth reported they had a good time. Their advise to S.O. booth visitors: Don’t hold back! Science Olympiad is something to jump into and enjoy fully, not explore tentatively. Just Do It!
3:30 PM We have LOTS of T-shirts Stay tuned for a report of whom to contact if you want one. They aren’t date specific and we received a lot of positive comments about the design. And since it’s still early in the century, the slogan will be good for another 91 years.
4:00 PM As a participant turns in her evaluation form she says “This was my first time to attend and it was fun. I’ll be back next year”. Can’t top that…
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