RI Science Professional Development and Student Opportunity Bulletin

November 15, 2013

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

Go To RIScienceTeachers - https://riscienceteachers.wikispaces.com/ for PDF copy of past issues

New In This Bulletin NGSS News News Web Sites Job Opportunities Prof. Development Student Opportunities

New In This Bulletin:

K-12 Center at ETS to host Webinar on NGSS Assessments November 18th

Apply to the NOAA's Climate Stewards Education Project (CSEP) Mandatory Webinar November 19th
New England Association of Chemistry Teachers (NEACT) Western Division Meeting - Dec. 7 RI STEM Center@ RIC To Coordinate Hour of Code December 9 -15

2014 AAAS Science Education Workshops on NGSS Various Dates

Job Opportunities: None at this Time. Schools should send along any information for position openings to peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov

News:
Congratulations to Ron Poirier, retired Mathematics and Science Coordinator for Warwick Public Schools, who
has been nominated for the position of NSTA District I Director. RISCI_MSHS subscribers who are NSTA members will be called upon to vote for candidates soon, so this is a great opportunity to have RI representation on the NSTA Council! ____________

FIRST LEGO League, the youth robotics program that reaches over 700 elementary and middle school
students on 70 teams across Rhode Island kicks off the first of four qualifying tournaments on Saturday. Teams have been meeting since September to design, build and program a robot to score points on a game table AND developing an innovative solution to the problem related to this year's theme, natural disasters. Teams apply STEM skills while learning valuable workforce skills such as working in teams, critical thinking, communication, and project management. Many of our tournaments are held on college campuses, encouraging students to realize college is within reach.

The 4 qualifying tournaments will be held: Saturday, November 16 @ Narragansett Pier Middle School, 235 South Pier Road, Narragansett, RI. This event is free and open to the public from 1-3 PM. Saturday, November 23 @ St. Mary Academy Bay View (Wellness Center), 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. The event is free and open to the public from Noon - 4 PM. Saturday, December 7 @ New England Institute of Technology (managed by Aquidneck Island Robotics 4-H), 1 New England Tech Blvd. East Greenwich, RI 02818. The event is free and open to the public from 11 AM - 2 PM Sunday, December 8 @ Salve Regina University (O'Hare Building), (managed by All Saints Academy), 100 Ochre Point, Newport, RI 02840. This event is free and open to the public from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Of the 70 teams competing at these events, 40 will advance to the FIRST LEGO League Rhode Island State Championship on January 11, 2014, hosted by Roger Williams University, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol. The state championship is free and open to the public from 11 AM - 4 PM. Learn more about the FIRST LEGO League in Rhode Island here: http://www.risf.net/first-lego-league/. There was also an excellent piece about FLL RI on THE RHODE SHOW last year after our state championship: http://www.wpri.com/rhode-show/students-compete-with-robotics-to-help-senior-citizens If you have any questions or would like to visit a tournament, please contact Mary Johnson at mary.johnson@risf.net or by phone at 401-203-7473

NGSS News: California SBE Adopts NGSS Middle School Science Learning Progressions
The California State Board of Education (SBE) took an important step toward implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by approving integrated science learning progressions at the middle school level. This preferred model, recommended by State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson and the Science Expert Panel, integrates science learning across disciplines and is supported by CSLNet as a promising option to engage students and help them achieve at the highest level in the classroom. The SBE also asked the Science Expert Panel to reconvene and develop an alternate, grade-specific science-learning model. The full press release from the CDE can be found here.

NGSS One Pagers

NSTA offers a tremendous collection of resources designed to help provide more information for the NGSS. Three Dimensions of NGSS (Color | B&W) This three page pdf document provides general information of each of the three dimensions of the NGSS specifically the science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and the crosscutting concepts. A Look at the Next Generation Science Standards (Color | B&W) This two page pdf document provides a detailed look at the architecture of the NGSS standards. Venn Diagram of the Practices in Science, Math, and ELA (Color | B&W) This pdf shows how the practices of the NGSS, CCSS-Math, and CCSS ELA intersect and support each other. Matrix of Disciplinary Core Ideas in the NGSS Here you will find a complete matrix of the disciplinary core ideas of the NGSS by domain

RIDEs NGSS Page

Find easy access to the NGSS standards, information on RIs participation as a Lead State, the Framework, and other resources Recorded Link for RIDEs Webinar Next Generation Science Standards Rhode Islands Implementation th Plan originally webcast on September 17 can be found under the Resources section of the RIDE NGSS page along with a PDF of the PPT.

Web Sites Worth Exploring: NASAs Space Place Newsletter - http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/educator-newsletter/en/

This newsletter is all about the many useful resources on NASA's Space Place that can be helpful for kids and grown-ups interested learning about science, technology, and space.

Rock Identification Guide - http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/core332/geofield.htm

Information about all different types of rocks.

Why Care About Water from National Geographic a 2 Minute Clip? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvkzjt3b-dU&feature=fvsr
There is the same amount of water on Earth today as there was when the dinosaurs roamed. And just less than one percent of the planet's water is available to meet the daily drinking water, sanitation and food needs of nearly 7 billion people and millions of other species. Learn more about water in all its forms and how you can make a difference.

JetStream Online School for Weather - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/

The information contained in JetStream is arranged by subject; beginning with global and large scale weather patterns followed by lessons on air masses, wind patterns, cloud formations, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, damaging winds, tornados, tropical storms, cyclones and flooding. Interspersed in JetStream are "Learning Lessons" which can be used to enhance the educational experience.

Climate Change: Lines of Evidence Video Series from National Academies http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL38EB9C0BC54A9EE2
The National Research Council is pleased to present a video that explains how scientists have arrived at the current state of knowledge about recent climate change and its causes. This content mirrors the full-length Climate Change: Lines of Evidence video, here broken down into seven distinct chapters for easier viewing.

The Goldilocks Principle: A Lesson Plan for Modeling Atmospheric Gases on Earth, Mars, and Venus - http://www.ucar.edu/learn/1_1_2_1t.htm
This activity introduces students to the atmospheric differences between the three "sister" planets in a graphic and hands-on way. They should get an overall appreciation of the important similarities and differences. Students will use this understanding later as they begin to appreciate the scope and importance of the greenhouse effect on earth.

2013 Phases of the Moon Animation - http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/news/2013moon-phases.html

A new animation highlighting the phases of the Moon has been released by the Scientific Visualization Studio at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

An Invitation To Educators and Schools from the RI Nuclear Science Center

The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC) is located on the University of Rhode Island (URI) Bay Campus. RINSC is a research and test reactor facility and their mission is focused on providing a resource for research, training and development to the state of Rhode Island. There are only 31 research and test reactors operating in the United States and they contribute to almost every field of science including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, geology, archeology, and environmental sciences. The professional RINSC staff can work individually with interested educators to develop labs and lectures that will fit the topic and age of the students. The staff has several pre-designed experiments that can be modified or can create entirely new experiments based on the needs of the teachers and students. We also have a classroom equipped with white boards, a Smartboard and a projector. An adjacent lab also allows for students to perform their own analysis on samples that they can see irradiated during their visit. Previous classes have ranged in age from elementary level students to adults, with groups from 5 to 50 students. We also welcome any students interested in using the facility for science fair projects to contact us. We can work with the students to develop a topic and plan to complete their experiments. All of our services that we provide to the school are free of charge. Upon examination of the Next Generation Science Standards, we find that we align well with several of them, such as (not all inclusive): MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-3, HS-PS3-2, HS-PS3-3, HS-PS4-3, HS-PS45, HS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS3-2, HS-ESS3-3, HS-ESS3-4, HS-ETS1-1 and HS-ETS1-3. Please contact us at any time: Dr. Cameron Goodwin, Director Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center 16 Reactor Rd Narragansett, RI 02882 P - (401) 789-9391 F - (401) 782-4201 cgoodwin@rinsc.ri.gov

American Meteorological Society (AMS) DataStreme Project PD

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) DataStreme Project is a free professional development program for inservice K-12 teachers, in which they gain considerable subject matter content and confidence in Earth and Space Science instruction. The graduate-level DataStreme Atmosphere, Ocean, and Earths Climate System courses are offered each fall and spring semester by Local Implementation Teams (LITs) across the country in coordination with DataStreme Central, a team of AMS Education Program scientists and educators who develop instructional materials, provide logistical support to the LITs, and administer the project. The 3-member LITs mentor about 8 teachers per semester through a given DataStreme course, which is taken mostly online with 3 face-to-face meetings. Teachers may receive 3 tuition-free graduate credits for each DataStreme course through State University of New Yorks The College at Brockport upon completion of the course assignments and construction of a Plan of Action for educational peer-training. DataStreme has traditionally followed the National Science Education Standards guidelines for teacher professional development, with an emphasis on understanding the Earths environment. DataStreme is also in close alignment with the recently published Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. DataStreme courses, which emphasize the use of real-world and current scientific data and the hands-on construction of models to represent key concepts, strongly support teacher professional development in many disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering skills and practices. DataStreme has received financial and in-kind support from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Since 1996, 18,500 teachers have completed DataStreme courses, impacting more than 1 million students. For more information on the program, go to www.ametsoc.org/amsedu and follow the links to course pages for the list of LIT leaders locally offering DataStreme.

Meet Me in the Middle at NSTA - Boston The NSTA's Middle Level Science Teaching Committee is pleased to announce a joint NSTA-NMLSTA venture called Meet Me in the Middle planned for Friday, April 4, 2014 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Boston Westin Waterfront hotel. Taking place during the NSTA's national convention this whole day is designed to offer information, ideas, and presentations geared specifically for science teachers of grades 5-8. There will be food, fun, and door prizes too! The committee is searching for middle school presenters for a Share-A-Thon event from 12:30 - 2:00. Information can be found at: http://nmlsta.wordpress.com/conferences/ for presenters or attendees. If additional information is needed please contact: Patty McGinnis, pattymcginnis1@gmail.com NSTA Division Director NSTA Committee on Middle Level Science Teaching Information Sessions: Next Generation Science Standards Moving Rhode Island Forward Multiple Dates
Presenters: Peter McLaren and Jennifer Solek RIDE Science and Technology Specialists

When/Where: November 21st Jamestown Lawn Avenue School, 55 Lawn Avenue, Jamestown, 3:30 5:30 PM December 3rd Ponaganset High School Auditorium, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI, 3:30 5:30 PM December 12th Lincoln High School, 135 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI, 4:00 6:00 PM
On May 23 Rhode Island became the first state in the country to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards. All educators are invited to learn more about Rhode Islands plan for implementation of the NGSS. Questions to be addressed: How were the standards developed? Whats different about these standards? What would NGSS look like in the classroom? What is a standard? What is Rhode Islands plan for implementation? Where can I find NGSS resources? Each session will devote the last 30 minutes to provide an open forum where attendees can ask questions pertaining to the new science standards and their implementation. For more information contact Peter McLaren by email at peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov or by phone at 222-8454
rd

Send Your Favorite Teacher to the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy! Nominations Extended to November 15th
The nomination to attend the 2014 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy has been extended to November 15. At the SendMyTeacher.com website you, your students, a parent, or a colleague can submit the name of a favorite teacher in grades 35 for this weeklong, FUN professional learning experience (think cool summer camp for teachers) at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey (Sunday, July 20 Friday, July 25) right outside of New York City. Two hundred teachers from across the country will be selected to attend the Mickelson Academy for FREE (travel, lodging and meals are paid for). Don't wait. Thousands of science and math teachers have already attended the Mickelson Academy, read what your

colleagues are saying and nominate a teacher today.

NEW!!! K-12 Center at ETS to host Webinar on NGSS Assessments November 18th
November 18, 2013 2-2:30 PM Eastern Please join us for a discussion on designs of science assessment systems aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Hosted by the Alliance for Excellent Education and the K12 Center at ETS, this 90minute webinar will share research-based designs as well as updates on the implementation plans of several states. The presentations will feature: Stephen Pruitt, Achieve Kathleen Scalise, University of Oregon and member of the National Research Council's Committee on Developing Assessment of Science Proficiency in K 12 Karen Kidwell, Director, Office of Program Standards, Kentucky Department of Education Register by going to http://all4ed.org/webinar/nov-18-2013/ For a larger set of papers and slide presentations concerning next generation science assessments, go to our website. Please download and share these resources with your colleagues. We look forward to hearing your feedback as we strive to serve as a catalyst and resource for the improvement of measurement and data systems to enhance student achievement. Please share this notice with your colleagues. They can also subscribe to our mailing list. For more information and communication tools regarding the work of the six assessment consortia and the development of next generation assessments, visit our website at www.k12center.org.

FREE Teacher Workshop: What Comets Can Teach Us Museum of Nat. History at Roger Williams Park, November 21st RSVP by November 18th
When: Thursday, November 21 , 4pm-6pm Where: Museum of Natural History, Roger Williams Park Facilitated by: Professor Ian Dell'Antonio, Department of Physics, Brown University Please RSVP by Monday, November 18, 401.785.9457 x221 or info@musnathist.com Comets are spectacular visitors from the outer solar system, but in addition to being awe-inspiring to observe, comets can tell us much about the structure and history of our solar system. We will introduce the structure and evolution of a comet in its orbit, and how the information about the orbit and composition help us reconstruct the ancient history of the solar system, and the link between the structure of the comets and the formation of planets including Earth. We will emphasize the link between the structure of the solar system and what it teaches us about the development of Earth, linking to Next Generation Science Standards ESS1 and ESS2 at both the middle and high school level. Teacher workshop facilitated by Professor Ian Dell'Antonio, Department of Physics, Brown University. Workshop ties to the Museum's Comet Tales: Wondrous Wanderers exhibit. Workshop sponsored by the NASA RI Space Grant Consortium. Each teacher participating in the workshop will receive a free field trip program, up to 50 students. Field Trip Program: Two Small Pieces of Glass Full Dome Planetarium show or Cosmic Collisions Planetarium Show and Captivating Comets Workshop. Field Trip must occur by March 31, 2014. It cannot be transferred to another teacher. Please RSVP by Monday, November 18, 401.785.9457 x221 or info@musnathist.com
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NOAAs Teacher at Sea Program Accepting Applications for the 2014 Field Season Applications Accepted until November 18th.
Application Window: October 21 - November 18, 2013 Application Deadline Including Letters of Recommendation: Monday, November 18, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time To Apply: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/about/how_to_apply.html For further information and to preview a sample application: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/ ARE YOU AN EDUCATOR INTERESTED IN DOING RESEARCH ON A SHIP? If so, we encourage you to explore the opportunities offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Teacher at Sea Program, accepting applications October 21 - November 18, 2013. For further information and to preview a sample application visit: http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/ ABOUT NOAA's TEACHER AT SEA PROGRAM The mission of NOAAs Teacher at Sea program is to provide teachers a hands-on, research experience at sea, giving them unique insight into oceanographic, hydrographic, and fisheries research by facilitating partnerships between educators and world-renowned NOAA Scientists. Since 1990, NOAAs Teacher at Sea Program has enabled over 600 teachers to gain first-hand experience of science and life at sea by working on research ships. Teachers have enriched their classroom curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world's body of scientific knowledge. No matter which type of cruise our teachers embark on, they are bound to learn an array of new things. APPLICATION DEADLINE Monday, November 18, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time ELIGIBILITY NOAA's Teacher at Sea program accepts applications from currently employed, full-time educators in these categories: K-12 teachers and administrators; community college, college, and university teachers; museum and aquarium educators; and adult education teachers. We regret that we cannot accept applications from part-time, substitute, or pre-service teachers. Teachers will be selected to fill approximately 25-30 openings available per appropriation. TYPES OF CRUISES Participants are assigned a cruise aboard one of NOAA's 17 ships (or a chartered partnership). NOAA conducts three main types of cruises. Fisheries research ships perform biological and physical science studies in support of fisheries research. Oceanographic and atmospheric research ships perform physical science studies in support of scientific studies to increase our understanding of the world's oceans and climate. Hydrographic survey ships scan the coastal sea floor with side-scan sonar and sophisticated bottom sounding systems to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation or update of the nation's nautical charts. TIME COMMITMENT Participants can expect to be at sea anywhere from one week to one month, with the average cruise lasting 12-14 days. Most of our participants try to sail on cruises offered during the summer vacation, but cruises take place throughout most of the year on a space-available basis. COSTS All necessary travel costs associated with teacher participation in the program are covered by the program, including transportation to and from the ship, lodging, and per diem allowance. While airfare is paid for up front by the government, all other costs are reimbursed, including non-airfare transportation costs, lodging, and per diem allowance. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More information about NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program including eligibility requirements, expectations, and frequently asked questions, is available at http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov

NEW!!!! Apply to the NOAA's Climate Stewards Education Project (CSEP) Mandatory Webinar November 19th
NOAA's Climate Stewards Education Project (CSEP) provides formal and informal educators working with elementary through university age students with sustained professional development, collaborative tools, and support to build a climate-literate public that is actively engaged in climate stewardship. After completing minimum requirements, educators will be eligible for: Mini-grant funding to develop and implement a climate stewardship action plan Travel stipends to attend and present at key professional development conferences. Special CSEP contests with monetary and educational resource prizes. To learn more about CSEP and find out how to apply, you must attend one of the introductory program webinars. Click on one of the links below to register for your desired session. Application information will be provided following each webinar session. Tue, November 19, 2013 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar. Applicants selected to participate in CSEP will be notified by the last week of December 2013

Register for Web Seminar on the NGSS Core Idea: Earths Systems November 19th
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) continues its fall series of free web seminars on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Join presenter Jill Werheim, research Director at the National Geographic Society, as she discusses the NGSS Core Idea: Earths Place in the Universe. This web seminar will address questions such as What regulates weather and climate? and What causes earthquakes and volcanoes? This web seminar will also provide guidance on: why it's important for students to understand Earth's systems how students' understanding of Earth's systems might progress over their K-12 education how ideas that students have about Earth's systems can be leveraged during instruction; and how to incorporate the scientific and engineering practices into instruction so students can deepen their understanding of Earth's systems Plan ahead for the next web seminar on disciplinary core ideas. Dec. 3: Earth and Human Activity

Register here

Environment Council of Rhode Island announces opening of applications for Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Awards Apply by November 20 (MS and HS)
Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Award Announcement of Application for Environmental Education Awards Open to RI Middle School and High School Science Teachers, Science Club Supervisors, After School Programs and environmental organizations working in schools. The Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund (ECRI Ed Fund) is pleased to announce that we are opening the application process for the Seventh Annual Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Fund awards. The Loraine

Tisdale awards honors a woman whose energy for a just and healthy environment are legendary. Mrs. Tisdale held an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a degree in nursing. For many years she led an organization that addressed safety and health issues concerning pesticides. We are pleased to offer 3 grants of up to $250 to teachers or environmental organizations for support of school based projects that 1. 2. 3. Have student participation Lead to measurable improvement in an environmental condition Involve the community beyond a school in some way

The application deadline is November 20, 2013 and awards will be made in January 2014 for projects to be undertaken in the Spring of 2014. Application and further information is available on line at http://environmentcouncilri.org/sites/default/files/2014%20Tisdale%20Application.pdf Applicants should complete the application and attach a one page description of the project including the cooperative components of the project, what the participants will gain, and how the success of the project will be measured. Applicants should note that a final report with at least one photograph of the project in progress must be produced at the end of the project and presented to the Environment Council by July 15, 2014.. Applications should be emailed to us at environmentcouncil@earthlink.net in the body of an email, as a pdf or as a word document. The Environment Council is more than willing to answer any questions you have about the program and to discuss potential projects with you. We can be contacted either by email at the address listed above or by phone at 621-8048. Application for the Loraine Tisdale Fund Environmental Education Awards 1. Name of Applicant 2. Address 3. Phone/ email 4. Name of Project Leader/ Director/ Responsible Person 5. Name of group/ school sponsoring the project 6. Town in which project will occur 7. Number of persons carrying out project 8. Purpose of project 9. Budget for the project, including sources of funds and whether those funds are in hand 10. Completion date for project In addition to the above information please include a one page description of the project including the cooperative components of the project, what the participants will gain, and how the success of the project will be measured. Applications should be emailed to environmentcouncil@earthlink.net

Interested in Bringing a Darwin Day Roadshow to Rhode Island? Application due November 27th
To celebrate Charles Darwins birthday each year, the scientists and educators ofNESCent (The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center) hit the road to bring evolutionary science to schools, museums and town halls in communities around the country. We are particularly interested in reaching out to small, often rural communities which would not otherwise have a Darwin Day celebration. Our teams talk to students, teachers and the general public about their research in evolutionary science, describe what it takes to become an evolutionary biologist (and what some of the rewards and challenges are), and convey

why evolutionary science is relevant to everyone. The Darwin Day Roadshow is a way for scientists and educators from NESCent(The National Evolutionary Synthesis Center) to share their enthusiasm for evolutionary science with students, teachers and the general public across the United States each year, on the occasion of Charles Darwins birthday (February 12th). NESCent has stated that they will visit Rhode Island if more than one teacher applies. If you are interested in bringing a Darwin Day Roadshow to your school contact David Upegui, Science Teacher at Central Falls High School, at upeguid@cfschools.net

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program now accepting applications for the 2014-15 fellowship year Apply by December 4th
Applications due December 4, 2013 The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2014-15 fellowship year. The Einstein Fellowship seeks experienced and distinguished K 12 educators in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve an 11-month fellowship appointment in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office. Applications are due December 4, 2013 and must be submitted through the online application system. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be a current a full-time elementary or secondary school teacher, and must have taught full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least five of the last seven years in a STEM discipline. The Einstein Fellowship is managed by the Department of Energy / Office of Science, in partnership with other sponsoring agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and in collaboration with the Triangle Coalition for STEM Education and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Information about the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, including eligibility requirements, program benefits, application requirements, and access to the online application system can be found at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/.

NEW!!! New England Association of Chemistry Teachers (NEACT) Western Division Meeting - Dec. 7.
Saturday, December 7 is the NEACT Western Division Meeting Topic: Gas Laws Inquiry and Independent Research Projects Location: Greenwich High School 10 Hillside Road, Greenwich, CT 8:30 AM - Registration 9:00 AM - Aimee Farnum and Jerusha Vogel: An inquiry based approach to Gas Laws 10:30 AM - Andy Bramante: Independent Research Projects, preparing for competition 11:30 AM -12:00 PM- Discussion RSVP: Jerusha Vogel (jj@k2sw.com) or 203-761-8587 Conference Website: http://www.neact.org/event/western-division-meeting-0 Aimee Farnum has been a teacher at Greenwich High school for 5 years teaching ESL Chemistry and a course she codesigned called Integrated Science. Jerusha Vogel is past president of NEACT and an honors and practical Chemistry Teacher at GHS. They will present an introductory lesson on Gas Laws that Aimee developed for her students where they derive the relationships between volume, pressure and temperature through experiment and current data on tornados, hypoxia and the number of deaths vs. elevation on Mt Everest. Handouts and ready to use ideas will be supplied for you to take directly back to your classroom.

Andy Bramante is the Independent Science Research teacher, mentor, and research program director for more than 50 participating students at Greenwich High School, in Greenwich, CT. Prior to arriving at the high school as a chemistry teacher 9 years ago, Andy enjoyed a 15-year career as an applications scientist and design specialist for various analytical instrumentation companies including PerkinElmer. He earned the Greenwich Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award in 2012. Andy's presentation will cover the basic ingredients for carrying out an independent science research program at the high school level including a discussion about the difficulties such as time, funding, equipment, and motivating students. He will give a brief overview of the competitions available and some specifics about these competitions. Directions to Greenwich High School 10 Hillside Rd, Greenwich CT: From 95: Take 95 Exit 4 (Indian Field Rd). Turn right off exit if you were traveling south. In 0.7 miles turn left at lights onto Rt 1 (Putnam Ave). Take the second right (at lights) onto Hillside Rd. GHS will be on your left. Drive PAST the building and park in the far lot. Then walk back along the front of the building until you reach the first set of glass doors. Enter there. We will be in room 914 (first floor to your right as you enter) and also room 935 upstairs. From the Merritt (Rt 15): Take the Merritt to exit 31 (north st). Take right off exit if you were traveling south. After 3.2 miles bear left onto Fairfield Rd. After 0.6 miles turn right onto Hillside Rd. The high school will be on your right. Park in the large parking lot before you reach the high school building. Then walk back along the front of the building until you reach the first set of glass doors. Enter there. We will be in room 914 (first floor to your right as you enter) and also room 935 upstairs.

NEW!!! RI STEM Center@ RIC To Coordinate Hour of Code December 9 -15

The RI STEM Center@ RIC invites all K-12 educators and community groups in Rhode Island to participate in the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code campaign organized by Code.org aims to demystify computer science for students worldwide. Hour of Code events which introduce students to computer programming will take place during Computer Science Education Week which runs from December 9-15, 2013. Code.org will be awarding prizes: see below. The RI STEM Center @ RIC is coordinating a statewide effort to encourage as many schools, clubs, afterschool programs, and other interested organizations in Rhode Island to participate and to contact the STEM Center so you can join our list of Rhode Island coders. Below is information from code.org (http://code.org/hourofcode). "Code.org will offer online tutorials authored by numerous educational groups and are challenging teachers, parents and even employers to encourage students of all ages to engage. Classrooms across the country will have a chance to win a variety of prizes for participating, including: 50 schools who organize an Hour of Code will win a full class-set of computers one winner in every state. 50 classrooms will win a group video conference call with a technology titan to kick off their Hour of Code. Participants include: Bill Gates, Jack Dorsey, Square and Susan Wojcicki, Google." Next steps: 1. Go to http://csedweek.org 2. Register your class, school, or organization AND 3. Go to http://tinyurl.com/RI-STEM-Hour-of-Code to join RI STEM Center's list of participating sites. We are in the process of organizing college students and industry professionals to act as facilitators if needed. Please join us!

Apply for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program Applications Close December 15, 2013
Announcing the launch of the 2014-2015 Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching (DA) Program Online Application for K-12 teachers!

Are you a U.S.: Primary and/or secondary classroom teacher? Guidance counselor? Curriculum specialist? Curriculum head? Talented and Gifted coordinator? Special Education coordinator? Media specialist/librarian? You may be eligible to participate in a unique international professional development opportunity for 3-4 months through the Fulbright Program! By conducting educational research abroad, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instructional methods and assessment methodologies and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich their U.S. schools and local communities with global perspectives. Teachers may travel to: Chile, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY: https://dafulbrightteachers.org/ Application deadline: December 15, 2013. Eligibility Requirements:www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org. Application Info:http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/application-tp2 . This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Institute of International Education.

SAVE THE DATE STEM to STEAM thru Synergy: Bridging Morphology, Biomimicry, Sustainability and Synergetics, Fourth Biennial Design Science Symposium - 31 January 2014 2 February 2014
31 January 2014 2 February 2014 Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI Presenters: John Maeda, President, Rhode Island School of Design Dennis Bartels, Executive Director, San Francisco Exploratorium Donald E. Ingber, Founding Director, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University Chris Zelov, Filmmaker & Project Director, Knossus Project Thomas T. K. Zung, Architect, Buckminster Fuller, Sadao, and Zung Richard Bresnahan, Artist in Residence, St. Johns University Eric Goetz, CTO, Goetz Composites STEAM: integrative, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary studies working together with the result being greater than individual parts (synergy) - The study of a structure's interconnected parts (morphology) leading to inspiration through nature (biomimicry) producing harmony, fulfilling the social, economic and environmental requirements of present and future generations (sustainability) results in cooperation for an enhanced effect (synergetics) and supports interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary study of multiple disciplines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics. Co-sponsors: Synergetics Collaborative Inc. (SNEC)

Edna Lawrence Nature Lab at RISD Information contact: John Belt - designprobe@gmail.com, Peter Dean - pdean@risd.edu, or CJ Fearnley - cjf@synergeticscollaborative.org

Presidential Award For Excellence In Mathematics And Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nominations Now Open Nominations Due April 1, 2014 (Grades 7-12 Teachers)
Are you or do you know an outstanding secondary (grades K-6 ) mathematics and science teachers (including computer science) that you should be recognized for their talents? The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor that a kindergarten through 12 grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. What better way to acknowledge excellence of our colleagues than to nominate the teachers who exemplify their profession. The process to nominate teachers is a simple one. Simply go to the PAEMST website at www.paemst.org and fill in the on-line form. Once the nomination is submitted the nominated teacher will then be notified and provided information about the application process. The following are eligibility criteria for nominees. Candidates must: Teach mathematics or science at the K -6 grade level in a public or private school. Hold at least a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time. Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to the 2013-14 academic school year. Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category. Rhode Island has many wonderful teachers, and those you nominate could be state or national Presidential Awardees for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science for 2014. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 222-8454 or by email at peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov. Thank you for your continued support for mathematics and science education.
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NEW!!! 2014 AAAS Science Education Workshops on NGSS Various Dates Two different professional development experiences and several dates to choose from make 2014 the year to attend an AAAS Science Education workshop! NEW for 2014! Understanding and Using Next Generation Science Learning Goals February 1011, July 1011, and October 2021, 2014 Are you responsible for implementing Next Generation Science Standards in your classroom, school, or district? Then join us for a professional development workshop that will give you the tools, strategies, and support you need to put NGSS into action. Drawing on Project 2061s expertise in standards-based teaching and learning, youll gain new insights into the

science practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts that make up the NGSS performance expectations and how they can be used to improve curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Developing and Using Assessments Aligned to Science Learning Goals May 2830 and October 810, 2014 This popular three-day workshop gives you access to Project 2061s science assessment experience and expertise based on more than a decade of research and development. Designed for teachers, researchers, and assessment specialists, youll take a hands-on approach to using Project 2061s criteria and procedures for developing effective assessment items that are carefully aligned to science learning goals, including those in the Next Generation Science Standards. Youll also explore the AAAS Science Assessment website and its online testing feature; data on students misconceptions; and AAASs bank of some 700 high-quality test items for middle and high school physical, life, and earth sciences. Here are just a few of the many positive comments weve received from past workshop participants: I liked the critiquing process. While I realize there are no perfect items, I hope that we can improve the items we have, and that we will write better items. The workshop helped me gain understanding and skills that will help me in my work. I would definitely recommend this workshop to my colleagues. The people were the best part of the workshop, and focusing on learning goals, misconceptions, analyzing good items and answers! The workshop leader did an excellent job. The experience of trying to work through the process of learning goals, misconceptions, boundaries, necessity, comprehensibility was invaluable. I think the free question repository is awesome! *** All workshops are held at AAAS Headquarters in Washington, DC. To find out more about the workshops, our discounted Early-Bird rates, and scholarships or to register, go to Project2061.org/workshops and click on one of the workshops. Attendance is limited, so please return your registration form as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Goldstein at bgoldste@aaas.org. UMASS NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014 SUMMER INSTITUTE Apply by April 1st, 2014 (MS & HS)
Monday to Friday, July 7 - July 11, 2014 at UMass Amherst Funded by the National Science Foundation Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers $75/day stipends ($375 total), materials, parking, some meals Housing (new air conditioned dorms) for those outside the commuting radius 3 graduate physics credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's (Professional Development Points) Ongoing partnerships with UMass Faculty Nanotechnology deals with materials on the scale of nanometers. A nanometer is one-millionth of a millimeter, or about 10 atomic diameters. Such materials can have surprising and useful behaviors and properties. Applications of this rapidly growing field include regenerative medicine, fabrics and construction materials of unprecedented strength, ultra-high performance computers and data storage, more efficient solar photovoltaic cells, and much more. Activity in this field cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and involves chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering.

The UMass Nanotechnology Summer Institute will explore the basic science and engineering concepts of this exciting new field, and will illustrate how they may be integrated into the usual math, science and technology courses in middle schools and high schools. The content and pedagogy will be aligned with the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Framework. During the institute, participants will begin to develop curriculum units for their own classes. They will implement these in the fall and report on their progress and results online. Three graduate credits will be available for the institute and curriculum unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee. PDP's will be available at no cost. Application process: An application form and additional information are available at www.umassk12.net/nano. Teachers should also prepare a narrative statement of how they intend to use the institute materials in their classroom, and include in their application package a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1, 2014. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

Science Enrichment/Challenge Opportunities for Students

2014 ASPIRE Program Seeks Student Applicants Apply by December 1st
The 2014 ASPIRE program at the Polymer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is seeking high school participants. In order to qualify for admission, the student must be at least a sophomore in high school with an interest in science after having completed at least one half a school year of chemistry, physics, engineering and/or biology. ASPIRE (A Student-led Program In Research and Education) provides students with the opportunity of hands-on laboratory experiences in the synthesis, characterization and engineering of polymers using the world renowned facilities at the Silvio O. Conte National Center for Polymer Research. This program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation through the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Polymers. The high school students are mentored by our graduate students, who provide oversight and direction of each of the STEMTECH disciplines involved. High school students need not have previous experience with polymers. At the culmination of the 5-Saturday morning sessions, each student will receive a certificate of completion, which can be utilized in his/her resume. Further information, including dates and the application form can be found at the following website http://www.pse.umass.edu/mrsec/Education-Outreach/ASPIRE.html Please contact Greg Dabkowski at gdabkowski@research.umass.edu with any questions.

Verizon Foundation Challenges Middle and High School Students to Create a Mobile App that Provides Powerful Answers Enter by December 3rd
The Verizon Foundation, in partnership with the Technology Student Association, today announced that it has opened the 2013-2014 Innovative App Challenge, giving middle and high school students across the country a chance to develop a concept for a mobile app and bring it to market. The mobile app design competition aims to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and empower them to create STEM-related app concepts that solve real-world problems in their community or school. Students have a chance to win Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablets courtesy of Samsung Telecommunications America, cash grants of up to $20,000 for their school, and the opportunity to team up with app development experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab to build and bring their apps to life.

Verizon will help winning teams bring their app to the Google Play store, available for download. Please share this exciting new competition with your school department. We would love to see Rhode Island students benefit from this exciting program. For more information, go to http://appchallenge.tsaweb.org/ or http://newscenter.verizon.com/corporate/news-articles/2013/09-09-app-challenge-for-students/

NEW!!! 28th Annual DuPont Challenge Kicks Off Competition Year Apply by January 31, 2014 (Students Grades 7 12)
Year 28 of the DuPont Challengea national writing competition for middle and high school studentskicked off last week and will begin accepting entries November 15. The DuPont Challenge calls on students in grades 712 from the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories to research, think critically, and write an essay that provides innovative ideas on the world's most pressing challenges, or demonstrates the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to our daily lives. This year, the Challenge encourages students to consider how science and innovation can be used to meet the needs of the 21st century for food, energy, and protection. Students should address one of the four following categories in a 700- to 1,000-word essay: Together, we can feed the world. Together, we can build a secure energy future. Together, we can protect people and the environment. Together, we can be innovative anywhere. Students and sponsoring teacher prizes include savings bonds, teaching grants, exciting trips, and much more. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2014. For more information, including official rules, entry forms, and details on awards, please visit the Challenge website.

NEW!!! 2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest Deadline March 15th, 2014 (K-12)
This year is the 9th year of Endangered Species Day (May 16, 2014) and the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (signed on Dec. 28, 1973). The 2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest provides students with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. The contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the International Child Art Foundation. Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest March 15, 2014 submission deadline Art Contest guidelines, entry form and teacher instructions here Young people in grades K-12, as well as those in homeschools and youth programs, can submit their artwork of threatened and endangered species. Their submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2014. The grand prize and grade category winners of the 2013 contest were chosen by a panel of artists, photographers and wildlife experts. View the 2013 winning entries here. DETAILS about Contest Background, Teacher/School Registration, Eligibility, Subject Matter, Resources, Judging and Prizes found here: http://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/saving-endangered-species-youth-art-contest/

NEW!!! National Academies of Engineering Engineering For You (E4U) Video Contest Opens November 1 Enter by March 31, 2014 (MS and HS Students)
In celebration of its upcoming 50th anniversary, the National Academy of Engineering launched Engineering for You (E4U), a video contest to highlight the impact that engineering has or will have on society. In the last 50 years, engineering achievements include helping to land astronauts on the moon, creating the Internet, and decoding the human genome. What will engineering create in the next 50 years? Rev up your creativity, pull out your camera or phone, and produce a one to two minute video showing the world how you see engineering enhancing quality of life and serving the needs of society. The video must highlight a period during the years 19642064. The main prize is

$25,000, and the contest runs through March 31, 2014.

Please note: attachments will not be sent. 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 Thursday to be included in the Friday newsletter (subject to RIDE review and approval): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Type (e.g., grant, event, resource) Name / Title of Event / Opportunity Source or Event Sponsor Web site, and/or contact name(s) and email address(es) Description Grade level(s) and/or intended audience 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 @PeterJMcLaren