Welcome back science educators!
I hope you enjoyed the summer and found opportunities to both relax and become rejuvenated! I had the great pleasure of meeting several amazing educators through the Math Science Partnership Grants this summer. I participated in the “Math Amazing Races” in downtown Tulsa and took a tour of an amazing small aircraft facility in Ada.
I know many of you found opportunities to learn this summer and I thank you for your willingness to do so and take back to your students!
I also spent the summer gaining information and experiences that I look forward to sharing with science educators in the state this year!
Here are just a few of the things I’d like to share:
Science Matters Online:
Science Matters Online provides several short videos showcasing 5E lessons from Picture Perfect Science. The videos allow educators to see other educators conducting lessons with students and reflecting on the power of those lessons in the classroom. The lessons also focus on the integration of literacy in science.
The lessons are geared towards elementary. However, the videos can serve as a powerful tool for educators K-12.
Click the following link to access the videos: http://sciencemattersonline.com/videos-2
The Teaching Channel:
The Teaching Channel currently provides 120 videos pertaining to the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Some of the videos provide an overview of CCSS. However, the majority of the videos provide exemplar strategies for classroom practice.
I strongly encourage you to check out a few of the videos! I have utilized many of the strategies showcased in the videos for professional development and teacher discussion this summer!
You can access the videos by clicking on the following link: https://www.teachingchannel.org/
Once on the webpage, scroll down to Common Core on the left side.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association:
I also had the pleasure of working with several members of the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA). OSTA shares valuable resources through their OSTA listserv and they serve as a support system to science educators around the state! OSTA has many exciting opportunities for educators in the upcoming year that you won’t want to miss out on!
Find out more and join through: https://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/
I will continue to share resources throughout the year and I would welcome any resources you might have for me to share on the science listserv.
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Review Update:
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will meet in the spring of 2013
We wanted to update you on the proposed timeline for adoption of the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards. The Oklahoma State Department of Education has decided to begin the process of Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Revision in the spring of 2013. This will not impact the schedule for science textbook adoption this year. Committees will still be selected through an application process. Applications for the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will be distributed through the science listserv and on the OSDE website.
If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact me at 405-522-3524 or Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov .
Resources for Teachers:
New Teacher Tips from the National Science Teachers Association
NSTA shared several helpful tips for new teachers in their free newsletter this month bit.ly/NXi8T3. I encourage you to share this resource with new science teachers in your district. Many of the tips provided are great for veteran teachers as well.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Fall Conference:
November 10th
The OSTA Fall Conference, “Saving the World Through Science “will take place Saturday, November 10th at the University of Central Oklahoma.
· Submit your proposal to present. This year all proposals will be submitted using our convenient on-line form. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE! Space is limited.
o All program presenters must register for the conference.
· Register for the Conference at the following link: Register Securely Online
Free Admission for Educators to 5 OKC Attractions:
September 15th 9:00 a.m -1:00 p.m.
Calling all teachers and principals! You’re invited to get a Sneak Peek in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. For one day only, visit five Adventure District locations to learn about educational programs and speak with representatives about educational resources. Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44, has it all for you – all in one
Visit all five attractions and receive Free Admission for you and your family for the remainder of the day to the location of your choice (total of four free admissions including teacher).
Participating locations:
- Remington Park
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- ASA National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Science Museum Oklahoma
Visit http://www.okcadventure.com/teachers-sneak-peek for pre-registration and complete details.
Grant Opportunities for Teachers:
Environmental Education Grant Opportunity
The Oklahoma Association of Environmental Educators (OKAEE) is partnering with the Environmental Education Association (EEANM) in the Small Grants Program. Members of OKAEE have been involved with the design and implementation of this program and will be assisting with the review process for any applications from Oklahoma.
Attached you will find the RFP for Region 6 and the application form if you are interested in the program. If you have questions, feel free to contact:
Karla Beatty I 405-521-6788 I karla.beatty@conservation.ok.gov
First Robotics Team Information Sessions and OSDE Grants
First Robotics is hosting information sessions in Edmond and Tulsa (see attached memo) for anyone interested in starting a First Robotics Team at their school. The information session is also designed to provide information to mentors of First Robotics Teams.
Also, the Oklahoma State Board of Education will provide grants up to $5,000 per school to facilitate recent start-up and existing team opportunities. Grant applications and further details can be found at http://ok.gov/sde/node/4024
Opportunities for Students:
Air Force Association Cyber Patriot Competition
CyberPatriot is the premier national high school cyber defense competition designed to excite, educate, and motivate the next generation of cyber defenders critical to our nation’s future security. The competition has a tournament-style tiered structure with a series of web-based competition rounds and culminating in the national championship in Washington, D.C. in March 2013.
Interested students can attend “free” classes on Saturdays at Rose State College during the fall semester. This is truly a remarkable opportunity for students! You can find out more about the competition and its benefits through the links provided below:
· The home page: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Pages/default.aspx
· Benefits for Schools: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/schools.aspx
· Information for Parents: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/parents.aspx
· Information for Teachers: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/coaches.aspx
· Registration Link: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Register/default.aspx
· Important dates: https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/CP5/dates.aspx
If you have questions, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Dave Wagie 405-815-5258 I Dave_Wagie@odoc.state.ok.us
STEM Competition for High School Students
Siemens Foundation, in partnership with the College Board, is sponsoring the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, which recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. Students or teams of students can enter to win scholarships of up to $100,000 for their work. Registration is open. Visit the College Board website for more information. The deadline for project submission is Monday, October 1, 2012, at 5:00 pm EST.
Again, I welcome you back to the start of another school year! Your efforts will certainly have long-lasting impacts on the students who pass through your doors! I look forward to working with you this year and sharing in your successes!
As, always please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
-Tiffany
Tiffany Neill Director of Science Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Instruction Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov Phone: 405-522-3524 Fax: 405-521-2971