September 4th, 2010 Bob
Tamara Lookabaugh, Moore High School Biology teacher, is the recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) for Oklahoma. The OBTA is given each year by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to a life science teacher in each state who demonstrates exemplary practice in the teaching of life science. Tamara has been a teacher in Moore since 1986 having both high school and junior high teaching experience. She presently teaches Zoology, AP Biology, and pre-AP Chemistry and holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. To quote Tamara’s application essay; “Teaching the biological sciences is my real passion because I believe it crucial for people to understand their own niche in the world and appreciate the amazing diversity of living things.”
Ms. Lookabaugh is a member of NSTA, OSTA, OKAEE, NEA OEA and NABT and serves on the OSTA Board of Directors as Secretary/Historian. She is extremely versatile and seeks out programs and institutes both as a participant and as a presenter to expand her science knowledge and share her expertise with others. Over the years she has received many awards and grants reflecting her deep commitment to teaching. As she stated in her application essay, “Many years have passed since I began teaching in 1986. I am still as excited, perhaps more so, about exploring the scientific discovers and new techniques which are rapidly emerging in out ever-changing world.”
Tamara Lookabaughs enthusiasm and dedication to teaching biology is further demonstrated in the following quote: “Because active hands-on science is essential to a student’s ability to retain information and apply it to a larger world-view, I actively strive to incorporate as many teaching techniques as possible and meet the variety of learning styles in my classroom.” She further states: “As a biology teacher, I have a chance to impact the lives of approximately one hundred and thirty students (each year) who are looking to me in anticipation of something significant that will give meaning to them being in my class. I try to meet those student expectations and do my best to provide a meaningful and thoughtful atmosphere for my students to discover themselves and the world around them.”
OBTA recipients are honored at a special event during the NABT Professional Development Conference sponsored by Pearson Prentice Hall; microscopes from Leica Microsystems, Inc.; and certificates and a complimentary one-year membership from NABT.
The OBTA is open to current biology/life science instructors (grades 7-12) with 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. NABT membership is not a requirement. Unsuccessful candidates may reapply. OBTA winners are ineligible to reapply for 10 years after selection.
Candidates will complete a form summarizing their professional experience, academic background, and education philosophy and provide four recommendations from colleagues familiar with their teaching effectiveness. Classroom observations and/or videotapes are also important steps in the evaluation process.
Candidates for the OBTA can be nominated for the award by colleagues, administrators, students, teacher/candidates themselves, or anyone competent to judge the candidate’s teaching effectiveness.
To participate or nominate someone for the OBTA, fill out the forms found at this website: http://obtaoklahoma.wikispaces.com/Forms or request a form from the NABT office, 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd, Suite 402, McLean, VA 22101. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2011. You can also send the name and contact information of your nominee in an e-mail to Kay Gamble, the Oklahoma OBTA Director or call NABT at (703) 264-9696/ (800) 406-0775 for information.
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August 27th, 2010 Bob
Slots are still available! Registration deadline extended to Sept. 3. The workshop has been highly rated by past participants. All costs are covered – the only cost to participants is the $25 registration fee and all will receive a check (for approx. $35) to cover travel or other expenses.
Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE), the National Science Foundation (NSF-0845314), and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station UOBS) present a professional development workshop on Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century for Oklahoma high school science teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in science education. The workshop will be held Friday Sept. 17 (6:00 PM) through Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 (3:00 PM) at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma, OK.
Topics covered will include: The nature of science and latest developments in evolutionary biology, resources on teaching evolution and services available for teachers, curriculum development and state standards, and dealing with classroom and community controversy. Teachers will have the opportunity to present their favorite lesson plans and discuss any problems they have encountered in teaching evolution.
Instructors include Julie Angle (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, OSU), Dr Richard Broughton (Zoology, OU), Dr. Ola Fincke (Zoology, OU), Dr. Victor Hutchison (Zoology, OU), Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology, OU), Bob Melton (Science Curriculum Specialist, Putnam City Schools), Dr. Stanley Rice (Biological Sciences, Southeastern OSU), and Dr. Frank Sonleitner (Zoology, OU).
Participants will earn a certificate of participation for professional development credit. Attendees will receive two books on teaching evolution: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, and The Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Large and Small. Accomodations and meals at the UOBS and a stipend to cover travel are included.
The only cost for participants is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration and payment of fee will be Sept. 3, 2010. Registrants will receive a confirmation letter with maps and additional information.
Further information, registration forms and payment information are on-line at: www.oklascience.org/teachers.pdf and at www.ou.edu /uobs/teachers.htm .
To sign up for the Oklahoma Evolution list serve and for many teaching resources, news, events, books, humor, petition on science only in science classes, and much, more see the OESE web site: http://www.oklascience.org
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August 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 22nd, 2010 Bob
TEACHER EVOLUTION WORKSHOP
Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE), the National Science Foundation (NSF-0845314), and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station (UOBS) present a professional development workshop on Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century for Oklahoma high school science teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in science education. The workshop will be held Friday Sept. 17 (6:00 PM) through Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 (3:00 PM) at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma, OK.
Topics covered will include: The nature of science and latest developments in evolutionary biology, resources on teaching evolution and services available for teachers, curriculum development and state standards, and dealing with classroom and community controversy. Teachers will have the opportunity to present their favorite lesson plans and discuss any problems they have encountered in teaching evolution.
Instructors include Julie Angle (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, OSU), Dr Richard Broughton (Zoology, OU), Dr. Ola Fincke (Zoology, OU), Dr. Victor Hutchison (Zoology, OU), Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology, OU), Bob Melton (Science Curriculum Specialist, Putnam City Schools), Dr. Stanley Rice (Biological Sciences, Southeastern OSU), and Dr. Frank Sonleitner (Zoology, OU).
Participants will earn a certificate of participation for professional development credit.
Attendees will receive two books on teaching evolution: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, and The Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Large and Small. Accommodations and meals at the UOBS and a stipend to cover travel are included.
The only cost for participants is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration and payment of fee will be Sept. 1, 2010. Early registration is advised since places are limited to 30 registrants. Registrants will receive a confirmation letter with maps and additional information.
Further information, registration forms and payment information are on-line at: www.oklascience.org/teachers.pdf and at www.ou.edu /uobs/teachers.htm .
To sign up for the Oklahoma Evolution list serve and for many teaching resources, news, events, books, humor, petition on science only in science classes, and much, more see the OESE web site: http://www.oklascience.org
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August 18th, 2010 Bob
Last week we posted the information about The OSTA Fall Conference November 6th at UCO. First off, it’s time to register for the conference. Registration can be made today and payment can be made securely, online with your credit card. The link is found in last week’s blog posting or by clicking the Conference tab at the top of this page. SAVE MONEY and register early!
THINGS TO DO TODAY!
In addition to processing your registration, you need to download and send in a proposal to present to the conference. The big draw in an OSTA Conference is the staff development. And that comes about when you share your great ideas with the rest of the science teachers in Oklahoma at the Fall Conference. The deadline is coming up and NOW is the time when the conference committee is formulating the program.
This is also the time when you need to step up and exercise your responsibility as a member. Nominate someone or volunteer to run for an OSTA Board of Directors post. Any while you are at it, nominate someone for an OSTA award. Don’t leave this important task solely to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Suggest some folks who deserve recognition for the hard work they do for the children in Oklahoma!
Don’t delay! Act on these things today!
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August 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
The activity schedule for BioBlitz! 2010 at Kaw Lake is starting to shape up. So far we have biologists organizing and leading:
- Mammal tracking stations
- Setting up mammal traps
- Night-time insect collection
- Carrion beetle traps
- Plant identification walks
- Pond and Lake Seining for amphibians and fish
- Bird walks
- Snake walks and talks
- Oklahoma City Zoo education booth
- Junior Biologist activity
- Craft activities for little ones
Keep up to date on BioBlitz! developments, become a fan of our Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-BioBlitz/265354110309
Online registration is now open—Sign up today!
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/bioblitz/BioBlitz.html
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July 21st, 2010 Bob
Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education (OESE), the National Science Foundation (NSF-0845314), and the University of Oklahoma Biological Station (UOBS) present a professional development workshop on Teaching Evolution in the 21st Century for Oklahoma high school science teachers and undergraduate and graduate students in science education. The workshop will be held Friday Sept. 17 (6:00 PM) through Sunday Sept. 19, 2010 (3:00 PM) at the University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma, OK.
Topics covered will include: The nature of science and latest developments in evolutionary biology, resources on teaching evolution and services available for teachers, curriculum development and state standards, and dealing with classroom and community controversy. Teachers will have the opportunity to present their favorite lesson plans and discuss any problems they have encountered in teaching evolution.
Instructors include Julie Angle (Teaching and Curriculum Leadership, OSU), Dr Richard Broughton (Zoology, OU), Dr. Ola Fincke (Zoology, OU), Dr. Victor Hutchison (Zoology, OU), Dr. Cecil Lewis (Anthropology, OU), Bob Melton (Science Curriculum Specialist, Putnam City Schools), Dr. Stanley Rice (Biological Sciences, Southeastern OSU), and Dr. Frank Sonleitner (Zoology, OU).
Participants will earn a certificate of participation for professional development credit.
Attendees will receive two books on teaching evolution: Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, and The Virus and the Whale: Exploring Evolution in Creatures Large and Small. Accommodations and meals at the UOBS and a stipend to cover travel are included.
The only cost for participants is a $25 registration fee. Deadline for registration and payment of fee will be Sept. 1, 2010. Early registration is advised since places are limited to 30 registrants. Registrants will receive a confirmation letter with maps and additional information.
Further information, registration forms and payment information are on-line at: www.oklascience.org/teachers.pdf and at www.ou.edu /uobs/teachers.htm . To sign up for the Oklahoma Evolution list serve and for many teaching resources, news, events, books, humor, petition on science only in science classes, and much, more see the OESE web site: http://www.oklascience.org
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June 9th, 2010 Bob
A New U.S. National STEM Initiative for Grades 5-12 to inspire the next generation of spaceflight engineers and space scientists
June 7, 2010—The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) provides middle and high school classes across the U.S. the ability to propose experiments to fly in low Earth orbit, and to celebrate that accomplishment with their local community and with national and global audiences. Entire school districts can participate, with student teams proposing experiments like professional scientists and engineers.
Phase 1 of the program is a unique and historic opportunity to propose an experiment to fly aboard STS-134, the final scheduled flight of the Space Shuttle. Selected student experiments would fly for 10 days aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Launch is tentatively scheduled for November 2010, but a launch slip to mid-January is expected, enabling this student spaceflight experiments opportunity.
We want the final voyage of the Space Shuttle to also mark a new beginning for private sector sponsored student experiments in space, which organizations on the SSEP Team have pioneered. The flight of Endeavour will be used as a gateway to Phase 2 of the SSEP—sustainable, ongoing access to space for grade 5-12 students inspired to propose experiments for low Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station (with transport via the Russian Progress and Soyuz vehicles), and on suborbital space flights.
The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) will immerse students across a local community in an exciting, high profile scientific investigation that is designed and owned by the students—the Flight Experiment Opportunity—and leverage the excitement by wrapping powerful, community-wide science education programming around the experience—the Community Program. It is about engaging students, their teachers, and their families in science education, with a focus on the process of inquiry, and in a manner that is customized to a school district’s strategic needs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
Visit the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program Website for full details about this time-critical program opportunity, and a call to action in your community.CLICK HERE
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