OKLAHOMA – Outstanding Biology Teacher Award

Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award do not have to be NABT members, but they must have at least three years public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student-teacher relationships. OBTA recipients are honored at a special event during the NABT Professional Development Conference; microscopes from Leica Microsystems, Inc.; and certificates and a complimentary one-year membership from NABT.

Nomination’s may be from colleagues or self-nomination.

Applications must be mailed to Kay Gamble by May 31, 2013

Oklahoma nominators and applicants can find required forms on the Forms page of http://obtaoklahoma.wikispaces.com. If you have further questions please contact Kay Gamble.

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NABT News

You’ve Got Mail: Session Proposal Notifications

The review process is over, and NABT is proud to once again feature hundreds of sessions and special workshops at the NABT Professional Development Conference. For four days, biology and life science educators will be discussing challenges and developing solutions. Share your curriculum and problem sets as examples. Have questions about standards and assessments ready. Whether you are a presenter or a participant, be prepared to learn from a community of master educators. Know that you will interact, engage, and enjoy this time with your colleagues! 

May 31^st is the deadline for Early Bird Registration. Make sure to take advantage of discounts on registration and accommodations by registering BEFORE you leave your classroom at 2013 Conference Registration. Special workshop, field trip and meal function tickets will be coming soon.

Please note: Session acceptance letters were sent by email last week, and all presenters should know the status of their sessions at this time. Acceptance notifications for special workshops will be sent by May 15^th. All conference presenters must register by May 31^st to have their sessions included in the program. Please contact NABT at conference@nabt.org if you have not received your notice.

NABT Call for Proposals: 
Biology Education Research Symposium

All researchers from 4-year, 2-year and K-12 areas are welcome.

The NABT Four-Year College & University Section’s Biology Education Research Committee invites you to submit a proposal to present your research in biology education at the 2013 NABT Professional Development Conference. This is a refereed session and all papers will go through double blind review. Reviews will be guided by the following criteria:

• Subject/Problem: Is there a clear focus, rationale, model, theory, or philosophy upon which the proposal is based?
• Design or Procedure: Are the methodology, procedure, design, and organization appropriate?
• Analyses and Findings: Do the syntheses of ideas or data analyses and findings appear to be appropriate and complete? Do the conclusions drawn follow from the data?
• Contribution: Do the conclusions contribute valuable insights into the teaching/learning of biology?
• General Interest: Does the presentation promise to be of general interest to NABT members?

The format will be a traditional presentation for papers by individual or co-authors lasting 15 minutes each with an additional five – ten minutes for questions. 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

In email text please include: Names of author(s) with organization affiliation (University, College, School System), Title of Submission, Abstract (up to 200 words to be used in program if selected), Contact information for notification.

Submit a WORD document of the proposal as an attachment (maximum five pages including references). Please write the title at the top of each page in caps. The body of the proposal should address the criteria as used in the review process: 1) subject/problem; 2) the design/procedure; 3) Analysis and Findings; 4) Contribution; and 5) General Interest. Proposals should be word-processed using a 12 font, single-spaced, with 1” margins format. Please DO NOT include author identifiers in this document. These WORD documents will be made into a PDF by the Chair of the research committee prior to submitting to the reviewers to ensure a blind review process.

Send your completed proposal document to NABTresearch@gmail.com with 2013 NABT Research Proposal in the subject heading. Members of the Research Committee will send copies of your document without names and affiliation to at least two reviewers. After review, committee members will select proposals with the highest scores for acceptance in the 2013 NABT Professional Conference Research Symposium.

The proposal submission deadline is midnight on June 15, 2013. Blind review will take place in June with final selection by June 30, 2013. Submitters will be notified of acceptance or denial in early July. All presenters are required to register for the conference and provide an electronic manuscript for distribution through the Proceedings. More information and proceedings from past symposia can be found at 2013 NABT Research Symposium. 

Participate In Endangered Species Day On May 17^th


The 8^th annual national Endangered Species Day on May 17 offers biology, ecology, general science and other teachers an ideal opportunity to educate students about the importance of protecting threatened and endangered plant and animal species. In addition to classroom discussions, there are several ways they can participate in Endangered Species Day, such as:

• Plan a school-wide Endangered Species Day fair with exhibits.
• Arrange a special display in the school library.
• Invite a local expert to speak to the school/class.
• Work with a community/environmental group on a habitat restoration project.
• Attend an event at a local zoo, aquarium, botanic garden or other location.

Depending on your school schedule, you can plan events earlier in May, on Endangered Species Day (5/17) itself, or that weekend. Once a specific activity is planned, the class can register it on the Endangered Species Day website at www.endangeredspeciesday.org. 

There are appropriate resources and other support items for your event. Be sure to check out the new and updated materials in the Endangered Species Day Toolkit on the website, including event planning tips, stickers, bookmarks, fliers, banners, passports, coloring/activity sheets (many of which can be downloaded and printed) and more. The website also features a Teacher Resource Center/Teacher Forum. 

For additional information, contact David Robinson, Endangered Species Day Director: drobinson@stopextinction.org. 

Got Lactase? New HHMI Short Film Released

Human babies drink milk; it’s the food especially provided for them by their mothers. Various cultures have also added the milk of other mammals to their diet and adults think nothing of downing a glass of cows’ milk. But worldwide, only a third of adults can actually digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and Culture tells the fascinating story of how people living in pastoralist societies evolved the ability to digest milk —a compelling example of the co-evolution of human genes and culture. 

In this short film, you follow human geneticist Spencer Wells, Director of the Genographic Project of the National Geographic Society, as he tracks down the genetic changes associated with the ability to digest lactose as adults, tracing the origin of the trait to less than 10,000 years ago, a time when some human populations started domesticating animals, including goats, sheep, and cows. Combining genetics, chemistry, and anthropology, this story provides a compelling example of the co-evolution of human genes and human culture. 

Watch the film online or order the DVD: The Making of the Fittest Vol. 2. You can also download the film guides for classroom discussion ideas, a student quiz, and teacher tips.

Free College Planning Website For Your Students

It’s graduation time and your students are thinking about the next phase of their education. Make sure they know about My College Options, the largest college and career planning community in the country. With over 94% of high schools and over 70% of high school students participating, this FREE website highlights thousands of colleges and universities that offer a wide range of post-secondary opportunities and resources for students to explore.

Registration with My College Options provides students with their personal online college and career planning profile, where their needs, talents and interests are instantly matched with colleges and universities across the nation. In addition to providing a vital link for students to the colleges that meet their needs, benefits and resources include test preparation, scholarship matching, and expert advice on the college planning process.

My College Options offers resources for parents, educators and counselors as well. Parents can learn about the transition from high school to college, research and be involved in the college selection process, and find essential information on the daunting task of paying for college. Counselors and educators can review the college matches for their students, compare their unique high school report to state and national statistics, and access our comprehensive college and career planning resource center.

For more information, please visit www.mycollegeoptions.org.

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News from NABT

Join The DNA Day Celebration

On April 25th, National DNA Day will commemorate the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 (10 years ago) and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953 (60 years ago). Don’t let these important anniversaries go unnoticed! 

Partners like the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG), Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Learn.Genetics and many more have created free resources and organized events to help students, teachers, and the public learn about genetics. 

NHGRI will partner with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History to celebrate National DNA Day on April 19, 2013. This unique day will allow students and teachers to learn more about genetics and genomics. The DNA Day celebration will include a morning of engaging scientific presentations and panel discussions with some of the nation’s leading historians, scientists, geneticists and physicians that will emphasize the wide breadth of careers within genomics and genetics. Participating groups will also have the opportunity to visit various exhibits at the museum and partake in activities that will be a part of the Smithsonian NHGRI Genome Exhibition that will open in June 2013.

Share Your Earth Day & DNA Day Resources On The NABT ecosystem


Are you looking for some Earth Day or DNA Day teaching resources? Are you looking to share some Earth Day or DNA Day resources with other teachers? The NABT ecosystem Resources Section is building a list of teacher recommended websites, videos, articles, and tools. Like all ecosystems, this network supports a diverse population of producers and consumers. The more resources that are posted, the faster the ecosystem will become one of your go-to sites for classrooms materials, professional development opportunities, and colleague-to-colleague interactions.

The NABT ecosystem is free to join and open to all biology teachers. Start connecting today at http://www.nabt.org/ecosystem.

After Earth: Free Resources & Scholarship Opportunity From Dr. Joe Levine 

Global change is arguably the most important single scientific issue facing our species in the 21st century – and is also arguably the most difficult subject for biology teachers to address. It’s almost impossible to explain to students why changes in global systems are important if they don’t understand how those systems work. And those systems are fiendishly complicated. Harness the energy of After Earth, the upcoming science-fiction film starring Will and Jaden Smith, to engage students in the science of global change, mass extinction, and biodiversity. 

Dr. Joe Levine (of Miller/Levine: Biology), has curated a new website, scouring the web, picking and choosing from a vast array of scientific information and images to create manageable and engaging lessons on the basics of global change. Found at http://www.lifeafterearthscience.com, the site offers free downloadable lesson plans on interdisciplinary topics including guided web research and writing activities. Striking images and mesmerizing animations based on satellite data bring core concepts to life on Earth Day … and throughout the school year. 

Teachers can also apply for After Earth Scholarships to attend Dr. Levine’s Inquiry in Rainforests Course at the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica July 9-24, 2013. Scholarships for the course will cover tuition and estimated airfare for participants except for transportation to and from airports. The course scholarship page can be found at OTS Scholarships. The application deadline is May 3, 2013 and awards will be announced in mid-May.

Trip Of Interest: Evolution in Oklahoma & Texas

“The Oklahoma Evolution Road Trip”, sponsored by Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education and the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences, will take you on an exploration of Oklahoma and Texas, where strong support for creationism is contrasted with stunning evidence of evolution. Join Dr. Stanley Rice, Professor of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Gordon Eggleton, Professor Emeritus of Physical Sciences, both at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, from Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2 on trips to fossils and dinosaur footprints in Oklahoma and north Texas, informational visits to two creationist museums, and discussion about evolution and education.

Registrations are now being accepted and the cost is $350 ($400 for a private room). All participants will be housed at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on the shores of beautiful Lake Texoma, and registration includes accommodations, transportation, and most meals. With sufficient enrollment and donations, partial refunds may be available, especially for pre-college teachers, who will receive a certificate of professional development. 

More information is available at http://www.ou.edu/uobs/evolution.html. Please register by May 1, 2013.

If you are interested in making a contribution to help offset the costs for pre-college teachers, please contact Stanley Rice at srice@se.edu. Contributions are tax-deductible.

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News from NABT

Registration Extended For BioQUEST 
Summer Workshop

Looking for an exciting summer workshop? The BioQUEST Summer Workshop offers participants an opportunity to explore new tools, resources and pedagogies with peers and develop materials for the classroom. The 2013 summer workshop combines the best of the BioQUEST experience with an opportunity to attend the HHMI Quantitative Biology Conference. 

The HHMI Quantitative Biology Conference offers a choice of ten working sessions from introductory statistics to gaming. Featured speakers include David Asai from HHMI, and Lou Gross from NIMBioS. BioQUEST participants will then have an opportunity to develop new materials for the classroom or to work on funding proposals using resources supporting quantitative reasoning, biological data, problem based approaches, and global STEM connections.

Ten Years After Using Data in the Classroom: 
Problem Based Approaches with Data, Tools, Simulations, and Games
June 10-15, 2013
Emory University, Atlanta GA

Workshop Fees: The $475 fee covers registration, housing, and all meals during the workshop. On campus housing in a new dorm with individual rooms is provided for all participants from Sunday arrival through Saturday departure.

The deadline for application has been extended to April 12^th. To apply, visit http://bioquest.org/bq2013-registration/. 

Previous workshop participants have included biology, math, physics, and other STEM faculty, so bring a colleague!

Latest HHMI Holiday Lectures Available On DVD

Get ready to celebrate Earth Day with a new holiday lectures DVD from HHMI. Changing Planet: Past, Present, Future, HHMI’s 2012 Holiday Lectures on Science, featuring Andrew Knoll, Naomi Oreskes, and Daniel Schrag, discussing the history of life on Earth and present-day concerns about climate change, is now available for pre-order in the HHMI online catalog. Visit www.BioInteractive.org and click on the blue “Order” button to reserve your free DVD copy today. The lectures are also available by streaming, on-demand f rom the BioInteractive website.

Einstein Fellows Announced

The Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education has announced the 27 STEM educators who have been selected for the 2013-2014 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. Selected educators will serve in Washington, D.C. for 11 months beginning September 1, 2013 at sponsoring federal agencies which include the Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Einstein Fellows provide practical classroom insight in guiding education programs and policies, especially those related to STEM education.

Founded in 1990, the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators with demonstrated excellence in teaching. Fellowships aim to increase understanding, communication, and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of the government and the STEM education community. 

The 2013-2014 Einstein Fellows were selected through a rigorous application and interview process from a competitive, nationwide pool of nearly 200 applicants. Of the 27 fellows in the 2013-2014 cohort, five are returning fellows invited to serve for a second year in their sponsoring agencies. 

Congratulations to all of the 2013-2014 Fellows , and to NABT’s Kathy Hoppe, who will serve at the NSF Directorate for Engineering (ENG).

Participants Sought For STEM Attitudes Study

 Kimberly Howard, Ph.D. and Amy Wendt, Ph.D., current faculty members at the Boston University and University of Wisconsin – Madison are seeking your participation in a research study focusing on teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about science, technology, engineering, and math. If you currently teach in the elementary, middle, or high school level(s), you are eligible to participate in this study. 

They are asking you to be a part of a study that examines the relationship between math and science learning and interest in math, science, and engineering careers. This project may help identify strategies for increasing middle school students’ engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic courses and activities. This study will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete and will be comprised of a self-report survey. Participation is completely voluntary and all responses will remain confidential. 

You may ask questions about the study at any time. If you have questions about the study you may contact Kimberly Howard, Ph.D. at (617) 353-3378 or Amy Wendt, Ph.D. at (608) 262-8407. If you have questions about your rights as research participants you may contact the Education Research IRB at (608) 262-9710, edirb@education.wisc.edu. Once again, your participation in this study is voluntary. If you do not want to be a part of or withdraw from the study it will not negatively affect you in any way. 

If you wish to participate, please click on this link: http://tinyurl.com/UW-NATB 

This research study has been approved by the University of Wisconsin – Madison Institutional Review Board. We appreciate your time and consideration. If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact the researchers.  

2013 International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge

You and your students are invited to participate in the April/May 2013 International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge (ISCFC). This innovative program [part of the Inquiry-to-Insight (I2I) climate education project of Stanford University and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden] fosters communication among students across the globe and can spark visionary solutions to global environmental problems using an innovative social learning network. 

In the ISCFC, secondary school students first measure the impact of their transportation, home energy, food, and personal purchase choices using our student-oriented carbon footprint calculator, with results calibrated for every country in the world. ISCFC teachers then share class data with classes around the globe and use the social learning network to engage students in meaningful and in-depth international conversations about carbon footprints and possible solutions to shared environmental problems.

As students scrutinize their own carbon production they look for ways to minimize their impact. All of the tools in the ISCFC are always free to access on the web.

You can try out the footprint calculator at http://footprint.stanford.edu/calculate.html 

More information about the Einztein social learning network and the ISCFC discussions there can be found at the ISCFC website: http://footprint.stanford.edu.

The next session of the ISCFC will begin the week of April 29, and if this date coordinates well with your curriculum, we invite you to join the ISCFC, and ask you to please let organizers know no later than April 15 by filling out the online ISCFC participation form.

 This is just a sample of the news and information available to members of the National Association of Biology Teachers.  Develop your professional expertise and expand the opportunities for yourself and your students.  Join today at NABT.org

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AP Biology Leadership Academy Cohort Two

Currently Accepting Applications for Cohort Two
Application Deadline – April 19, 2013

Participation

Participating in the Academy will go beyond simply building on the knowledge and skills that you already possess—the Academy is designed to help you stop, rethink, and redesign your ideas about teaching and learning biology, while also preparing to lead others in this process.

Commitment

Because of the deep knowledge base and skill set you will develop during the AP Biology Leadership Academy, we require a two-year program commitment that includes the following:

• Participation in a five and a half day Summer Institute each year, held at BSCS in Colorado Springs, CO. In 2013, the Summer Institute will be held July 28 through August 2. Participants will have input into the dates for 2014.
• Attendance at two NABT Professional Development Conferences (19-23 November, 2013 in Atlanta, GA and 2014 in Cleveland, OH).
• Agreement to engage in ongoing online interactions throughout the program.
• A willingness to plan and conduct professional development workshops for other teachers.
• Assisting BSCS in collecting evaluation data about the program.

Costs

The 2013-2014 Academy is a fee-based program with a tuition cost set at $1500 per person per year plus travel expenses to the Institutes and to the NABT conferences. If you or your district is not able to provide this fee, we will offer an information packet that helps you learn more about obtaining local sponsorship from organizations or businesses. We anticipate that there will be a very limited number of scholarships available.

Apply Now

Applications are due by April 19, 2013.

Please contact Leadership Academy Director Brooke Bourdélat-Parks with any questions.

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News from NABT

NABT Launches The ecosystem


ec·o·sys·tem noun: the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning as an ecological unit.

NABT ecosystem noun: a complex community of biology teachers interacting through a digital interface.

NABT is proud to release the NABT ecosystem. Designed to support the biology teacher community, the NABT ecosystem offers NABT’ers and non-members alike new ways to learn from and share with their colleagues. A number of different features in the NABT ecosystem will soon make it your go to resource. All biology teachers are welcome to join the ecosystem by visiting http://www.nabt.org/ecosystem/ to create a password or login.

Features include:

• Resources: Do you know of a great, free resource you want to share? Post a link to it in the Resources Section. The more Resources that are posted, the more you can help and be helped by the ecosystem.
• Events: Looking for something local? Looking for something national? Highlighted conferences and workshops are posted for your quick review.
• Members Like Me: You are not alone. Easily find members in your area or in similar professional settings and contact them using ecosystem email (so your privacy and theirs is maintained).
• NABT Workspaces: Sometimes you just need to talk. With groups focused on different topics being frequently added, you’ll soon find a place where you belong.

Like all ecosystems, this network depends on a diverse population of producers and consumers. You are encouraged to be both. Start connecting today at NABT ecosystem.

March 15th Means Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines

March 15th is a date laden in history, meaning it should be easy to remember when you’re thinking about NABT. But there is nothing wrong with a few reminders about what is due on that Friday. 

The 2013 NABT Professional Development Conference promises to be a conference to remember, and not just because this event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of NABT. We’ll feature another year of outstanding speakers, sessions, and workshops. Will we be featuring yours? Make sure your proposal is submitted by Friday, March 15th at http://www.nabt.org/submissions/nabt2013. 

Over 150 educators have been nominated for NABT Awards and Friday, March 15 is the deadline for most of those nominees to submit completed application packages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be recognized for your contributions to biology and life science education. Questions can be sent to awards2013@nabt.org.

If you have received an NABT award in the past, please do your part to make sure another teacher is honored in the future. It’s not too late to make your award nominations online.

But wait, there’s more. NABT is still looking for a few good members to serve as leaders in 2014. Nominate a friend, colleague, or a complete stranger for an NABT leadership position by Friday, March 15. 

Remember, Friday, March 15th all conference session proposals, awards applications, and leader nomination are due! 

Reminder: NABT Webinar On Using Sustainability Concepts

NABT is one of the organizations supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education entitled Sustainability Improves Student Learning to help provide interdisciplinary resources and opportunities that relate to sustainability concepts. 

As a result, NABT will be offering a free one-hour webinar that will help you update your courses and introduce your students to the “Big Questions” that relate to real-world issues such as energy, air and water quality, and climate change. This session will discuss strategies for connecting those real-world issues to the concepts of sustainability while still teaching your course content. This method will help students learn important biological concepts while providing them with opportunities to analyze and implement choices that can help solve societal problems.

Join us on March 21st at 4pm EST for this free one-hour webinar. Space is limited, so register today by visiting https://aacu.webex.com/aacu/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=662077895.

 NCSE Names 2013 Friends of Darwin

The National Center of Science Education (NCSE) has recently announced the winners of the Friend of Darwin Award for 2013 and we join in congratulating these three “friends” of biology teachers everywhere. 

As teachers know all too well, it is a challenge to be both entertaining and scientifically accurate, but Baba Brinkman does just that with his Rap Guide to Evolution. His videos have become a must-see resource for students and teachers alike. 

Dr. Jay Labov, Senior Advisor for Education and Communication for the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Research Council and NABT Member, is known for his tireless promotion of evolution education and was the leading force behind the NAS’s pivotal Science, Evolution, and Creationism booklet. Jay is often found lending his expertise to programs focused on all aspects of K-12 and undergraduate science education, and frequently coordinates/contributes to programs involving NABT.

”Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution,” and Dr. Sean B. Carroll has been “enlightening” the public for almost 20 years with his column in the New York Times, his best selling books, “What Darwin Never Knew” NOVA program, and exceptional resources from HHMI. As both a scientist and a storyteller, Sean makes evolution education accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Congratulations again to all three 2013 Friend of Darwin Award Recipients!

Future STEM Teachers: 
Apply Today For AFCEA Scholarship

The AFCEA Educational Foundation is offering over 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to students actively pursuing an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or credential/licensure for the purpose of teaching STEM subjects at a U.S. middle or secondary school. The scholarships are made possible by generous contributions from Booz Allen Hamilton, Terremark (A Verizon Company), AFCEA International and several AFCEA Regional Chapters. 

To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent). Undergraduate candidates must be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university and majoring in secondary education or a STEM field for the purpose of teaching STEM subjects in a U.S. middle or secondary school. Undergraduate applications will be accepted from current sophomores, juniors and seniors. Graduate-level candidates must be currently enrolled in at least two semester-equivalent classes at an accredited U.S. college or university. Credential and licensure students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major.

In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, each graduating AFCEA STEM Scholar can receive a $1,000 AFCEA Science Teaching Tool grant each year for three years, provided they remain teaching a STEM subject. These grants can be used to fund hardware and software, other classroom tools, field trips, STEM-focused clubs and other activities.

Last year, 69 $5,000 scholarships were awarded and 52 graduate teachers began receiving the $1,000 teaching grants.Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. 

Interested candidates, teachers and mentors can get more information and access the online application at http://stem.afcea.org. The application deadline is April 1, 2013, and scholarships will be awarded in August.

2012 NSSME Report Now Available 

The recently released report on the 2012 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education details the results of a survey of 7,752 science and mathematics teachers in schools across the United States. Areas addressed include: teacher backgrounds and beliefs, teachers as professionals, science and mathematics courses, instructional objectives and activities, instructional resources, and factors affecting instruction.

NABT was an endorsing organization for the survey, and we encourage you to download the report at http://www.horizon-research.com/2012nssme/research-products/reports/technical-report/

 Announcing USASEF Mascot Contest

Are you a talented artist that loves science? The USA Science & Engineering Festival is looking for a mascot and they need YOUR help to design the new face of the largest celebration of science and engineering! 

Organizers are looking for a mascot design that captures the spirit of the USA Science & Engineering Festival! The mascot will transcend a love of all things STEM and will be something or someone that will excite others about the mission of the Festival! That mission is to re-invigorate the interest of our nation’s youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by producing and presenting the most compelling, exciting, educational and entertaining science festival in the United States.

How it works- you send us your design and the USASEF team will make the mascot come alive! You can create your mascot design in whatever medium you would like – draw, paint, design using a program, but all submissions must be uploaded as a JPG or PDF. The mascot will be used to promote the USA Science & Engineering Festival and will also appear at the 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival! Your design could be seen by over a million people!

Guidelines for USA Science & Engineering Mascot Design include:

• Appealing to both children and adults
• Exciting, eye catching and memorable (Examples: Sid the Science Kid, Mrs. Frizzle, Count from Sesame Street)
• Design must be fun!
• Friendly looking and something/someone that will get Festival attendees pumped up about STEM
• Mascot must represent something/someone that both children and adults will understand (at least 2nd grade science level)
• Design must be your own work
• USA Science & Engineering Festival reserves the right to alter the mascot design
• Please include a Mascot name with your design
• Mascot Deadline will be April 1, 2013 11:59 PM PST

The winning design will receive the following prizes from the USA Science & Engineering Sponsors to help keep your dream of designing alive:

• A $500 Visa Gift Card for you to use to purchase whatever you need to keep designing! (Gift card will be in USD)
• Your name will be featured on the website as the winning designer of the USA Science & Engineering Mascot!
• Your name and your winning design will be featured in the USASEF monthly newsletter that is delivered to over 60,000 science fans!
• Your design will be featured on marketing materials AND will be brought to life at the 3rd Festival Expo!
• The new USA Science & Engineering Mascot will be seen by over 100,000 people on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the USASEF Science Blog!

Submissions are due on April 1, 2013 11:59 PM PST. Find our more by visiting USA Science & Engineering Festival Mascot Contest.



NABT will be a proud exhibitor at the 2014 USA Science and Engineering Festival Expo being held April 26-27, 2014.

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NABT Speaks Against SB 758

The 2013 session of the Oklahoma Legislature is garnering a great deal of negative attention from media outlets as well as a great many scientific and education professional societies.  Prior postings in this space, as well as the OSTA Twitter feed have chronicled some of the statements and media commentaries surrounding HB 1674 the similar SB 758.  

This morning, the National Association of Biology Teachers sent the following letter to Senator John Ford, Chair of the Senate Education Committee as well as all other members of that committee in reference to SB 758.  The original letter is linked below.

The Honorable John W. Ford

2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 424A

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

(405) 521-5634

Dear Chairman Ford,

On behalf of our members and the students of Oklahoma, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) would like to express its opposition to SB 758 as proposed by Senator Josh Brecheen. We believe the wording of this legislation clearly allows non-scientific explanations for “controversial” topics to be introduced into the science classroom.

We are confident that the teachers of Oklahoma are already helping their students “understand, analyze, critique, and review” the scientific concepts in their courses. These concepts should not be misrepresented as “controversial” or “opinion.” Instead, they should be presented as what they are: scientific explanations for events and processes that are supported by experimentation, logical analysis, and evidence-based revision using detectable and measurable data.

We respectfully request that you reject SB 758 in support of science education that imparts to students an understanding of the nature of science based on the key components of the scientific method and content agreed upon by scientists and professional educators. As an organization dedicated to biology education, we know that the students of Oklahoma are best served when curriculum reflects these issues appropriately and maintains scientific integrity in the science classroom.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jaclyn Reeves-Pepin

Executive Director

National Association of Biology Teachers

Approved by the NABT Board of Directors

(download the original letter here)

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Spring and Summer- Earth, Life, and Physical Science

NABT Conference Proposals Due March 15th


March 15th is quickly approaching and so is the deadline to submit proposals for the 2013 Professional Development Conference. We know you have some great ideas and strategies to share with your colleagues, and you know there is no better audience than at the NABT Conference. Over 150 biology and life science education sessions will be featured from November 20-23 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Will your session be among them?

Biology education is heading in some exciting directions, and the NABT Professional Development Committee is encouraging session proposals focused on the Next Generation Science Standards, the AP Biology course, and Vision & Change. The committee is also particularly interested in workshop sessions designed to help educators develop new and rework current assessments to reflect the implementation of these initiatives. 

All proposals must be submitted online at http://www.nabt.org/submissions/nabt2013 by Friday, March 15th to be considered. Only regular sessions will be accepted at this site. All special workshop proposals are being accepted at 2013 Special Workshops. 

Proposals will be reviewed by the NABT Professional Development Committee and acceptance confirmations will be emailed to primary presenters by April 30, 2013. Please contact NABT at conference@nabt.org or (888) 501-NABT x105 with any questions related to the 2013 NABT Conference.

Help NABT Bring Biology Day To NSTA Area Conferences

 NABT is proud to once again offer a full day of biology and life science sessions at the 2013 NSTA Area Conferences. Proposals are being accepted for NABT Biology Day and we invite you to submit online at http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=654.

NSTA Area Conferences will be held in:

• Portland, OR: October 24 – 26 (NABT Biology Day October 25th)
• Charlotte, NC: November 7 -9 (NABT Biology Day November 8th)
• Denver, CO: December 12 -14 (NABT Biology Day December 13th)

All presenters must register for the NSTA Area Conference they will be attending. Only proposals submitted directly to NABT will be considered for Biology Day. 

NABT Biology Day proposals must be submitted by 5pm Eastern on February 25th to be considered. Please contact Jacki Reeves-Pepin at jreevespepin@nabt.org or (888) 501-NABT x 102 with questions.

Regional Workshop Opportunity:
 Scientific Explanations 

The Colorado Biology Teachers Association (CBTA), with help from Team Colorado of the AP Biology Leadership Academy, will host a full day workshop designed for middle and high school teachers. This event will be held on March 2nd at Broomfield High School in Broomfield, Colorado. 

Program participants will explore strategies and techniques for helping students formulate questions, analyze data, evaluate evidence and write a scientific explanation. They will conduct lab investigations, and use an “explanation tool” and assessment rubrics to learn how to seamlessly scaffold these ideas into their instruction. Free resources will also be available!

The cost is $10 and anyone is welcome to attend. Light continental breakfast and lunch is included in the cost. CDE Recertification Certificate of Attendance will be provided, and 0.5 Adams State College Graduate Credit is available for an additional fee.

Space is limited and please visit CBTA/AP Bio Academy Workshop to register. 

The NABT/BSCS AP Biology Leadership Academy is made possible with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Pearson Foundation and Richard Petritz Foundation.

Nominations Now Open For PAEMST

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation’s highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. 

A number of NABT members have been recognized with this award. You know great teachers (including yourself), so please nominate them!

Recipients of the award receive the following:

• A certificate signed by the President of the United States.
• A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

In addition to recognizing outstanding teaching in mathematics or science (including computer science), the program provides teachers with an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. This growing network of award-winning teachers serves as a vital resource for improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and keeping America globally competitive. 

The 2013 Presidential Awards will honor mathematics and science teachers working in grades 7-12. Nominations can be made online at https://www.paemst.org/nomination/nominate until April 1, 2013.

HHMI Releases EarthViewer

What did Earth’s continents and oceans look like 250 million years ago, or 1 billion years ago? Can we say anything about Earth’s climate as far back as our planet’s origin? Now your fingertips can scroll through Earth history for the last 4.5 billion years! 

The HHMI EarthViewer App is like a time machine for exploring the deep history of planet Earth. And because it’s from HHMI, you know this tool is based on the latest scientific research.

Follow a favorite location, be it Greenland, New York City, or your school, as it makes an incredible journey throughout Earth’s history. Layer views of shifting continents with data such as atmospheric composition, temperature, biodiversity, day length, and solar luminosity.

Features include:

• Data and continental reconstructions dating back billions of years
• Climate and carbon dioxide data for the last 100 years
• The ability to manipulate the globe and zoom to any location
• Track the location of modern cities back over 500 million years
• In depth features on major geological and biological events in Earth history
• Clickable details on geologic eons, eras, and periods
• Automated play modes
• An extensive reference list
• Suggestions for classroom use
• Tutorial videos

EarthViewer is available a free download from the Apple App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/jo/app/earthviewer/id590208430

Eric Lander Offers Free Intro Bio Course On edX

Eric Lander, one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project, is hosting an introductory biology course on edX, the not-for-profit online learning initiative founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 7.00x – The Secret of Life will let you explore the mysteries of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and genomics, and rational medicine. 

Although this course has been designed exclusively for edX, the course content reflects the topics Lander has taught in the MIT introductory biology courses for many years. Students will complete this course in 12 weeks. At the center of each week is a series of lecture sequences that are supported by interactive video tutorials and interspersed exercises or problems. Additionally, students will work on a homework assignment or exam each week. The course will conclude with a comprehensive final exam.

The course is not just for the traditional students, but also educators and scientists who work in the biomedical/health care professions who need a refresher on the most cutting edge biology and genetics. The only prerequisite is a desire to learn.

Enrollment for this free edX course is available at https://www.edx.org/courses/MITx/7.00x/2013_Spring/about. The course starts on March 5th.

2013 CHANCE Panama Program Now Open 

Work side-by-side Smithsonian Researchers in the Tropical Ecosystems of Panama and help save endangered sea turtles! The 2013 CHANCE program consists of two courses, Global Climate Change: Sustainability of Select Tropical and Aquatic Ecosystems (online, March 21 – May 31, 2013) and A Field Course in Panama (June 28 – July 14, 2013), which work together to promote environmental literacy on the topics of biodiversity, sustainability, and global climate change. 

Through online instruction during part the spring semester, all participants will engage in learning opportunities and lessons which will enhance their knowledge in the biodiversity of the ecosystems to be explored (jungles, mangroves, sea grasses, and coral reefs), the science behind global climate change, historic events that surround the Panama canal and the creation of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), and the indigenous people of Panama. The field practicum will provide real-world research and conservation experiences (lasting two and one-half weeks) at STRI research facilities, which focus on the effects of global climate change on ecosystem biodiversity and dynamics. A highlight of this trip will be working with nesting leatherback and green sea turtles so as to help sustain these endangered animals.

Teachers seeking graduate credits or CEU hours or simply an enriching professional development field program without paying tuition credits (only program costs are due), please apply!

For more information contact Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin at jxm57@psu.edu and visit the 2013 CHANCE Panama website at http://www.chance.psu.edu/fieldcourses/panama2013/index.html.

NABT is a proud sponsor of the CHANCE Program.

Teachers Invited To Bay Institute In Rhode Island

Save The Bay’s Bay Institute For Experiential Learning brings together formal and informal educators from around the country for four days of innovative professional development programming set in one of the nation’s most distinct and rich environments. Join leading ocean scientists and educators for a curriculum focused on human history and ecological change that combines exciting on-the-water and shoreline field experiences with traditional coursework to enhance participants’ content knowledge in marine studies, climate science, environmental sustainability, and related disciplines. Participants explore the Narragansett Bay watershed and learn about ongoing advocacy efforts – all while gaining valuable insight into their own local ecosystems. 

The Bay Institute will be held from Tuesday, June 25th to Friday, June 28th at Save The Bay “Green” Center at Fields Point in Providence, Rhode Island This year’s theme is “Human History and Ecological Change: How has human history influenced the natural history of your place? How to make sustainable decisions that lead to a healthier future.” 

The registration price is $500 and includes a “Welcome dinner” on Monday June 24th, bagged lunches on all four days of workshop, “Finale dinner” on Thursday, June 27, 2013 and pick-up and drop-off by boat from the hotel. Space is very limited, so register soon.

Visit http://www.savebay.org/bayinstitute for more information and complete registration instructions.

The Sun-Earth Days webcast  is a month away and we have added some new ways to participate.

The live webcast for Sun-Earth Day 2013 from Wallops is scheduled for Friday, March 22 at 1 pm; follow the  updates on the rotating banner on the home page:  http://sunearthday.nasa.gov

Get Involved: Two Flickr Groups have been added: one for AA certificate Challenge and general image uploads, and another for the Anime Contest

• Anime contest:  http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2013/solarmax/contest.php
• Amateur Astronomer Certificate Challenge:  http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2013/getinvolved/aa.php
• Social Media Connections:  http://sunearthday.nasa.gov/2013/solarmax/socialmedia.php

Celebrate Sun-Earth Days: Solar Max, Storm Warning

Annual Equinox Celebration: March 22, 2013

“Sun-Earth Day is comprised of a series of programs and events that occur throughout the year culminating with a celebration on or near the Spring Equinox. Each year we wrap a fresh new thematic approach around Sun-Earth science while highlighting Heliophysics scientists, their missions, and research.”

This year’s theme is ‘Solar Max – Storm Warning!’ We will prepare you to explore the violent nature of our Sun at the peak of solar activity and share discoveries that come from NASA’s heliophysics missions during this exciting period.

This website will continue to be populated with the latest information about our upcoming programs, background resources, and sample activities. Be sure to join our social media network for the latest information and images

Other celestial events to observe will include:

• 1/3 – 1/4: Quadrantids Meteor Shower.
• 3/20: March Equinox
• 4/21 – 4/22: Lyrids Meteor Shower.
• 4/25: Partial Lunar Eclipse.
• 4/28: Saturn at Opposition.
• 5/5 – 5/6: Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower.
• 5/10: Annular Solar Eclipse.
• 5/25: Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
• 5/28: Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.
• View more upcoming events!

Sun-Earth Days Resources:

In collaboration with partners that include science centers and museums around the world, Heliophysics missions, NASA Edge, NASA Educator Resource Centers, professional Societies, Amateur Astronomers and others, we produce webcasts, other multi-media, and print resources for use by school and informal educators nation-wide and internationally. We provide training and professional development to K-12 educators, museum personnel, amateur astronomers, Girl Scout leaders, etc., so they can implement their own outreach programs taking advantage of our resources. A coordinated approach promotes multiple programs occurring each year under a common theme.

This year we will answer the following questions:
Solar Max effects on all technology and humans

• What would happen if there was another super storm?
• What happens on other planets?
• How much advance warning is there for a storm from the sun?
• What would happen on the Moon/Mars?
• What can we learn from the Aurora?
• Where can aurora be seen?-Other planets?

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Biology Teachers UNITE!

The OSTA Fall Staff Development Conference offers a full range of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits.  But if you teach Biology, you need to save a spot at the end of the day to learn about NABT and the NABT BioClub program.  The NABT BioClub provides opportunities for students to share and promote interest in the biological sciences. Activities include preparing and presenting experiments and technical information before groups and sharing information about career, technical training, and college opportunities.

Learn about NABT BioClub from Kay Gamble, the only BioClub Advisor in Oklahoma and learn how you can bring this valuable opportunity for students to your school. Other NABT members will also be there to discuss an opportunity to form an NABT affiliate within OSTA.  Come learn about BioClubs and NABT.  Discounted memberships to NABT will be given to all who attend this session.

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2012 OBTA Awarded in Dallas

OSTA Board member and Putnam City North teacher Bethany Lorenz received the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award this past week-end at the awards luncheon National Association of Biology Teachers Professional Development Conference in Dallas.

Bethany Lorenz (left) pictured with Oklahoma OBTA Director Kay Gamble at the NABT Awards Luncheon November 3rd in Dallas.

Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award  must have at least three years public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student-teacher relationships. OBTA recipients receive gift certificates from Carolina Biological Supply Company, microscopes from Leica Microsystems, Inc., and certificates and a complimentary one-year membership from NABT.

Nominations for the 2013 Oklahoma OBTA are now being accepted.  Contact Kay Gamble for more information or go the the Oklahoma OBTA website

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