RI Science Professional Development and Student Opportunity Bulletin

October 19, 2012

This bulletin will be sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you would like to share an event, quality resource, or other opportunity, please follow the directions for doing so at the bottom of the newsletter. To SUBSCRIBE send an email to Peter.Mclaren@ride.ri.gov with SUBSCRIBE RISCI-MSHS in the Subject Line

New In This Bulletin

Prof. Development

Student Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Web Sites

News

New In This Bulletin:

Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies (BLOSSOMS) Newsletter Web-Based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Competition Register Teams by December 14th (Grades 6 9)

Job Opportunities:
None Posted: If your school or district is looking to fill a position please send a copy of your job posting to Peter McLaren at peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov and we will post to the RISCI-MSHS list

News:
Second Draft of the Next Generation Science Standards to be released in November for public comment:
Last May, the initial draft of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was released nationally for a 3-week public review and comment period. Many Rhode Island educators were able to gain a first look at the NGSS either through district or school-sponsored review sessions, review sessions through programs, or by accessing the NGSS and doing a review at home. As a result of this first review over 8000 comments were received nationally. In November a second public review period for the NGSS will take place. This is an incredibly important opportunity for educators, parents, business people, scientists, and engineers people from virtually every facet of the Rhode Island science and engineering education community to submit comment and to shape the standards that will guide how students will learn science for years to come. As was recommended in the first review in order to review the draft NGSS effectively, reviewers must have an understanding of the Framework for K-12 Science Education Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (Framework). You may download a free PDF copy of the Framework at: http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_Homepage.html

Besides a link to download the Framework, there are links to other resources such as FAQs, archived webinars, and report briefs. In order to effectively review the draft NGSS, it is necessary to become familiar with the Framework. Once released, the draft NGSS will be available at: http://www.nextgenscience.org/ If you would like receive e-mail announcements about NGSS, please send an e-mail to: NGSS-L-request@LISTSERV.RI.NET

Blended Learning Open Source Science or Math Studies (BLOSSOMS) Newsletter

Three Contest-Winning Teachers from D.C. Create Video Lessons for the MIT BLOSSOMS Program Three high school biology teachers from the Washington, D.C. public school system (DCPS)Diana Aljets, Sydney Bergman and Justin Lessekhave just completed two new online video lessons for the BLOSSOMS program. Ms. Bergman is Science Department Chair in the School Without Walls of the DCPS. Her lesson, The Case of the Stolen Painting: A Forensic Mystery, was conceived around the idea that students are excited and motivated to learn when they see practical applications of biology. Here, to solve the mystery, the students analyze the plant pollen found in a get-away car, and determine the identity of those plant species using fundamental principles of plant anatomy and reproduction. This lesson can be viewed here. Ms. Aljets and Mr. Lessek co-teach biology in the Columbia Heights Educational Campus of DCPS. They cocreated their BLOSSOMS video lesson, The King of Dinosaurs or a Chicken Dinner? One Paleontologists Quest to Activate Atavistic Genes and Create a Dinosaur. This lesson uses the fundamentals of protein synthesis as a context for investigating the closest living relative to Tyrannosaurus rex and evaluating whether paleontologist and dinosaur expert, Jack Horner, will be able to "create" a live dinosaur in the lab. This lesson can be viewed here. During the past academic year, the MIT BLOSSOMS team traveled to Washington, D.C. and participated in five Professional Development (PD) days for DCPS teachers. More than 60 DCPS STEM teachers were exposed to the MIT BLOSSOMS project (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). A contest was held, as participating teachers were encouraged to suggest new BLOSSOMS lessons to become available to high school STEM classes worldwide. Diana Aljets, Sydney Bergman and Justin Lessek are the winners of the contest. From the DCPS, Mr. James Rountree (Science Curriculum Specialist, DCPS Office of Curriculum and Instruction) says, MIT BLOSSOMS was an awesome resource for our teachers and an opportunity for them to engage in professional development with MIT's expert staff around best practices for high quality science instruction. The video contest was a great culminating activity and allowed our teachers to showcase the work they did during the five professional development sessions that took place last year. It was a pleasure working with MIT this year and I hope we can continue working together in the future. For more information on BLOSSOMS go to http://blossoms.mit.edu/home

Web Sites Worth Exploring:

PhET - http://phet.colorado.edu/en/for-teachers/browse-activities
PhET provides fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena for free. PhET believes that their research-based approach- incorporating findings from prior research and their own testing- enables students to make connections between real-life phenomena and the underlying science, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the physical world. All PhET simulations are freely available from the PhET website and are easy to use and incorporate into the classroom. They are written in Java and Flash, and can be run using a standard web browser as long as Flash and Java are installed.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

Analyzing and Interpreting Data Web Seminar in Preparation for NGSS October 23
Analyzing and interpreting data (Oct 23) and using mathematics and computational thinking (November 6) are the next two web seminars in a series of eight on the scientific and engineering practices described in A Framework for K 12 Science Education. They will be held on Tuesday, October 23, and Tuesday, November 6, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Framework, published by the National Research Council (NRC), describes the major practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas that all students should be familiar with by the end of high school and is being used to guide the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Attend all eight seminars or just one. Graduate credit is offered through Shippensburg University. Participants also have a chance to win a free copy of the Framework, compliments of NRC. Visit the NSTA Learning Center to catch any of the previous web seminars in the series. For more information and to register for any of the free web seminars, click here.

Apply Today for the 2013 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy - Applications due October 31st (K-12)
Each summer, teachers from around the country attend their very own math and science camp to learn new ways to inspire their students in these subjects. The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is an all-expense paid professional development program open to third- through fifth-grade teachers in all 50 states. Nominate a teacher in your life or apply yourself at www.SendMyTeacher.com. Hurry, the deadline to apply is October 31!

Science Teachers Day (October 30, 2012) and the Plasma Sciences Expo (November 1 & 2) Register by October 23rd (Middle and High School Teachers)
TAKE information about plasma science and fusion energy to your classrooms. Science Teachers Day, October 30, 2012 at the Westin Hotel, Providence, provides an opportunity to attend specialized talks and workshops, to interact with well-known plasma physicists, and to gather complimentary resource materials for your school. BRING your students to the exciting world of plasma physics and let them discover the fourth state of matter for themselves at the Plasma Sciences Expo, at the RI Convention Center, November 1 and 2, 2012. Teachers and students can talk to plasma scientists, as well as view hands-on displays and a variety of exhibits. Make lightning; manipulate plasma with magnets; observe your fluctuating body temperature on a special monitor; play a video game to learn how to confine plasmas in a fusion device. Limited funding for school buses and substitute teachers is available. LEARN to satisfy New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Grade Span Expectations (GSEs). Learn from members of national laboratories, universities and industry how you can use the topic of plasmas in your current curriculum to satisfy state and national science standards. During Science Teachers Day and the Plasma Sciences Expo, national and international plasma research scientists share their knowledge and enthusiasm for science with teachers and students. TEACH your classes about new areas of technology and research using curriculum materials and demonstrations provided. Sponsored by the American Physical Society - Division of Plasma Physics For More Information and to Register Go To: http://fusioned.gat.com/dppoutreach/index.html

New England Ocean Literacy Summit - November 1-2, 2012

On behalf of the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative, please consider joining us at the University of Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay Campus for the fourth biennial New England Ocean Literacy Summit, November 1-

2, 2012. Our theme this year is Ocean Literacy Principle 7, "The ocean is largely unexplored." Here are some highlights: Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Deputy Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will speak at a kick off evening event Thursday evening, November 1, in association with a Gallery of Ocean Discoveries and reception featuring our New England National Marine Educators Association chapters. Dr. Robert Ballard, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and President of the Institute for Exploration, will be our keynote speaker on November 2, speaking about Ocean Exploration Ocean scientists and educators will team up to provide fifteen concurrent sessions expanding on multiple aspects of Principle 7. A plenary panel discussion will focus on "why should we explore the ocean?" and will include a multidisciplinary group of professionals connected to ocean exploration. The Inner Space Center, a direct link to offshore research vessels, will be open for tours and demonstrations. For more information and to register, visit the Summit webpage <http://www.neosec.org/previous-summits/2012ocean-literacy-summit> . Questions? Contact: Pam DiBona Coordinator, New England Ocean Literacy Summit 617-973-6566 pdibona@neaqu.org

Apply Now for the 201314 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Applications Due December 5, 2012 (K-12)
The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 20132014 Fellowship Year. The Einstein Fellowship Program is available to current K12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators with a demonstrated excellence in teaching and leadership. Selected teachers spend 11 months in Washington, D.C., sharing their expertise with STEM program directors or policy makers. Einstein Fellows may serve in a Congressional office or in one of several government agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Fellows receive a monthly stipend and an allowance for professional travel and relocation. The fellowship year begins in late August 2013. The goal of the Einstein Fellowship Program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to inform national policy and improve communication between the K12 STEM education community and national leaders. The Einstein Fellowship Program was created in 1990 with support from the MacArthur Foundation; the 1994 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act gave the DOE federal responsibility for the Program. The Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education administers the Program for the DOE Office of Science in partnership with the other participating federal agencies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be currently employed full time in a public or private elementary or secondary school or school district, and must have been teaching in one or more STEM fields full time in a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least five of the last seven years. For more information about the program and to learn how to apply, visit www.einsteinfellows.org. Applications for the 201314 Fellowship program are due by 11:00 p.m. (EST) December 5, 2012.

Science Enrichment/Challenge Opportunities for Students

Illustrated Poem Contest Sponsored by the Rhode Island Section of the American Chemical

Society (ACS) Deadline 10/29/12 (K-12)

As part of National Chemistry Week (NCW) activities, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is sponsoring an illustrated poem contest for students in Kindergarten - 12th grade. Participating ACS Local Sections welcome area Kindergarten- 12th grade students to compete. Email outreach@acs.org. All poems must be no more than 40 words, and in one of the following styles to be considered: Haiku Limerick Ode ABC poem Free verse End rhyme Blank verse Entries are judged based upon relevance to and incorporation of the NCW theme (Nanotechnology: The Smallest BIG Idea in Science!), word choice and imagery, colorful artwork, adherence to poem style, originality and creativity, and overall presentation. All entries must be original works without aid from others. Each poem must be submitted and illustrated on an unlined sheet of paper (of any type) not larger than 11 x 14. The illustration must be created by hand using crayons, watercolors, other types of paint, colored pencils, or markers. The text of the poem should be easy to read and may be printed with a computer, before the hand-drawn illustration is added, or the poem may be written on lined paper which is cut out and pasted onto the unlined paper with the illustration. Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must include an entry form. All illustrated poems and/or digital representations of the poems become the property of the American Chemical Society. Acceptance of prizes constitutes consent to use winners names, likenesses, and entries for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes. Winners of the Rhode Island illustrated poem contest will advance to the ACS National Illustrated Poem Contest! Questions or Comments? Please contact Dr. Elaine S. Magyar, Physical Sciences Department, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI, 02908, or emagyar@ric.edu or visit: http://portal.acs.org/portal/acs/corg/content?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=PP_ARTICLEMAIN&node_id=1045&content_i d=CNBP_030406&use_sec=true&sec_url_var=region1&__uuid=21ba1e48-a375-4a7c-96fb-ec3600a5fda9

NEW!!! eCYBERMISSION: Web-Based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Competition Register Teams by December 14th (Grades 6 9)
Teachers and Team Advisors, The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are imperative to the future success of our students and our country! Your support of the eCYBERMISSION competition helps students to be better prepared, allowing them to use real-world STEM application skills to research, hypothesize, experiment and draw conclusions while meeting common core standards! If you havent already, be sure to register your teams today at www.ecybermission.com. The final registration deadline is Dec. 14th! Dont forget that a complete team will have 3-4 registered students and they are linked to you as the registered Team Advisor! If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at 1-866-Go-CYBER (462-9237) or missioncontrol@ecybermission.com.

eCYBERMISSION also has a brand new incentive to register your entire school! The Team Advisor with the most individual students registered by December 14th will receive a gift certificate for $600s worth of Probeware equipment for their classroom! Probeware consists of easy-to-use data loggers, sensors, experiments and graphing/analysis software that help educators develop the next generation of scientists and engineers! Check out http://www.vernier.com to see some examples and then start registering your students today! eCYBERMISSION Team National Science Teachers Association 1840 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201-3092 1-866-462-9237 missioncontrol@ecybermission.com

Come Register, Great American Can Roundup School Challenge Challenge Begins November 15th (K-12)
Al the Can extends an invitation to your school to earn money, recycle and party. Registration is now open at www.cancentral.com. During the second annual event, schools recycled over 4.5 million cans, raising more than $100,500 in Great American Can Roundup School Challenge. Expedition Academy in Green River, Wyoming not only was number one recycling school in the state, but continues to celebrate as the national winner for a second year. We encourage you to challenge your school to see how many beverage cans they can recycle per student between America Recycles Day (November 15) and Earth Day (April 22), 2011. It's an extraordinary opportunity for schools to show their true green spirit and environmental leadership by stepping up to the Great American Can Roundup School Recycling Challenge. The Can Manufacturers Institute, the national trade association of can manufacturers and their suppliers, is giving away a $1,000 per state to the top per capita school and an additional $5,000 to the top recycling school for a total of $56,000. Your school could win up to $6,000, plus the value of the cans and the chance to win $50 pizza cards. Put your school in contention by going to www.cancentral.com/RoundUp and register by December 15 to be eligible for the School Recycling Challenge. There you will find everything needed to build recycling enthusiasm and rally the community for the win. At www.cancentral.com/RoundUp you will be able to compare your schools' recycling progress. Environmental educators will also appreciate grade appropriate, free interdisciplinary curricula and worksheets for the classroom to continue the discussion of the positive impact on the environment through aluminum can recycling. We look forward to seeing your schools on the Great American Can Roundup School Challenge leader board. Please contact Jenny Day at 202/232-4677, or by email jday@cancentral.com with any questions or ways we can help.

*Please note: attachments will be sent rarely.

Most information will be posted online or included here to reduce the size of this message. Thank you.

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If you know of something that you feel is a quality resource, event, or opportunity (e.g., grant), please

send a newsletter-ready blurb to peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov containing the following information by 3:00pm on Thursdays to be included in the Friday newsletter (subject to RIDE review and approval): 1. Type (e.g., grant, event, resource) 2. Name / Title of Event / Opportunity 3. Source or Event Sponsor 4. Web site, and/or contact name(s) and email address(es) 5. Description 6. Grade level(s) and/or intended audience 7. Deadline (if applicable) for time-sensitive submissions or event RSVPs THIS NOTICE IS DISTRIBUTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. R.I Department of Education does not have any affiliation or responsibility to promote this information. Peter J. McLaren
Science-Technology Specialist Office of Instruction Rhode Island Department of Education 255 Westminster Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 401-222-8454

peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov