RI Science Professional Development and Student

Opportunity Bulletin
March 6, 2015
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

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NGSS News

Reminders:
2015 Rhode Island Science Teachers Association Spring Conference March 7th
Models-Based Chemistry Instruction: Franklin High School, Franklin, MA March
7th
Project-Based Learning Conference at Providence College March 10th
New In This Bulletin
Stipened PD Opportunity for RI Educators
Apply by March 13th
Educators Open Classroom at Mystic
Aquarium March 19th from 4:00 7:00 PM
Library of Congress Accepting Summer Teacher
Institute Applications: Primary Sources in
Science Apply by March 24th
University of Notre Dame Center for STEM:
STEM Teaching Program Seeking
Applications Apply by March 31st
PD in Classroom Student Investigations at
Arkansas State University Apply by April
10th
Enter the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) Earth Day Challenge Enter by
April 17th
The Next MacGyver Enter by April 17th
2015 Google Science Fair Submit by May 19th
Job Opportunities:
2 FT Substitute Positions Available @ North Smithfield (RI) High School Positions Start April
6th & 27th
Short-Term Chemistry and General Science Substitute Position North Smithfield High School, North Smithfield,
RI North Smithfield High School is seeking candidates to fill a short term substitute position in Chemistry and general
th
science. The term begins April 6 and extends to the end of the school year.
Short-Term Biology and General Science Substitute Position North Smithfield High School, North Smithfield, RI
North Smithfield High School is seeking candidates to fill a short term substitute position in Biology and general
science. Applicants must hold a current certificate in the areas of Biology and general science. The term begins April
th
27 and extends to the end of the school year.
Interested applicants should send their resumes through www.schoolspring.com . Questions should be directed to
Robert Mezzanotte, Principal at rmezzanotte@nsps.us

Staff Needed for STEM Day Camps RI

STEM Day Camps is looking for staff for two one-week sessions in July, from the 6th through the 17th at Bryant
University in Smithfield.
STEM Day Camps RI is a co-ed Day Camp program for children in grades 3 through 5. STEM Day Camps is part of a
national pilot program being offered in 10 cities across the country this summer with a curriculum developed by Drs.
Trent Nichols and April McMillan from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Staff should be able to:
-F, 8:30AM 4:30PM
ground check

-on learning
e to Marc Cardin at marc.cardin@scouting.org or visit www.stemdaycamps.org

STEM News:
What will tomorrow's workforce expect from STEM students?
The workforce of tomorrow will call on graduates to solve 21st-century problems involving energy, clean water, health
and medicine, among other areas, writes Anne Jolly, a lab scientist turned educator turned teacher-trainer. In this blog
post, she aims to help new science, technology, engineering and math students tackle the challenges ahead and
highlights their first real-world assignment. MiddleWeb/STEM By Design blog (3/1)

The first ever photograph of light as both a particle and wave

(Phys.org)Light behaves both as a particle and as a wave. Since the days of Einstein, scientists have been trying to
directly observe both of these aspects of light at the same time. Now, scientists at EPFL have succeeded in capturing
the first-ever snapshot of this dual behavior. Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-03-particle.html#jCp

This is where distrust of science really comes from and its not just your politics
(Washington Post)
Nearly every week, it seems, we get a new survey or study correlating peoples ideological beliefs with their views on
science. Its a fun game to play, this correlating but it lends itself more to partisan finger pointing than deeper
explanations. A new paper, published in the journal Social Forces by sociologist Gordon Gauchat of the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee, goes much further in this regard. And what did it find? That to simply claim that conservatives
distrust science, or that liberals love it, doesnt really explain much at all. In the study, Gauchat first gathered data
from the General Social Survey on two key questions: How Americans feel about the use of scientific information to
determine government policy, and how they feel about the extent to which it should be funded by the federal
government.

Join the NPR Dissection Discussion

A recent NPR piece on dissection ( Dissecting A Frog: A Middle School Rite of Passage) has sparked quite a bit of
conversation among science teachers. NSTA Executive Director David Evans was asked to weigh in, and we appreciate
the opportunity as this is an important issue for our community. Join NSTA on Facebook to see what your peers are
saying, and chime in yourself

El Nio Disaster Stunted Children's Growth

Alexandria, VA- Children born during, and up to three years after, the devastating 1997-1998 El Nio event in
northern Peru were found to be shorter than their peers in a new study covered in EARTH Magazine. The rising waters
wiped out crops, drowned livestock, cut off bridges, and caused prolonged famine in many rural villages. Now, a new
study that tracked long-term health impacts on children from the affected region has found that a decade later, the
children continue to bear signs of the hardship endured early in their lives. Read more

NGSS News:

Failing Forward: Managing Student Frustration During Engineering Design Projects

The new vision for science education calls for students to engage in engineering design across K-12. These are
iterative processes that require learning through repeated attempts and failuressomething many students are not
accustomed to. Such failures can lead to significant student frustration and discouragement. Given this, it is critical
that educators be able to manage and redirect students' frustration, so that students can "fail forward" and learn how
to learn from iterative cycles of engineering design. Read more

Study reveals benefits of active learning

Active learning may be the key to positive student outcomes, according to a recent study. Researchers examined
active learning in flipped and nonflipped biology classes and found that the students in both classes posted
equivalent achievement at the end of the semester. T.H.E. Journal (3/3)

Wyo. board free to consider Next Generation Science Standards

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead has signed into law a measure to allow the State Board of Education to consider adopting
Next Generation Science Standards, plus other K-12 science standards. A footnote in the budget passed last year
prohibited the board from considering the standards, which were created by national science groups and officials
from 26 states. Star-Tribune (Casper, Wyo.) (tiered subscription model) (3/3)

Teachers can get plenty of help in implementing standards by Tricia Shelton, February 19, 2015
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Framework for K-12 Science Education articulate a beautiful
vision for our students. The overarching goal of the standards is a coherent and rigorous science education for all
students that enables them to be critical consumers of science and attain the scientific literacy necessary to be
informed citizens, able to engage in public discourse and decision-making on issues of science, engineering, and
technology. For those who are so inspired, attaining proficiency in the standards provides students with the
foundation needed to pursue much-needed STEM careers. Read more

Linden, Rahway (NJ) prepare for new science standards

Cindy Apalinski and Anjanette Highsmith remember a time when learning about science merely meant pouring over
textbooks and handing in lab reports with minimal discussion about the practices involved.
They couldn't be more enthused for their students who will soon have the opportunity to embrace a deeper, handson experience, thanks to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Apalinski, a third-grade teacher at School No. 6 in Linden, and Highsmith, a seventh-grade teacher at Rahway Middle
School, are part of a consortium of teachers who have formed a professional learning community to study "A
Framework for K-12 Science Education." Read more

Teacher Resources:
Project 2061 Launches New WeatherSchool@AAAS Website http://weatherschool.aaas.org/
Why is it warmer on some days than on other days? Why are some months of the year colder than others? Why is it
almost colder at the North Pole than at the equator? Students can explore these questions and more on a new
website that provides access to real-world weather data and a set of easy-to-use interactive maps and graphing tools.

From the Inner Space Center at URI

Free Public Tour
Discover where the latest deep-sea explorations are taking place, see ancient shipwreck artifacts from
previous expeditions, and listen in as scientists make their next discoveries. Every month the Inner Space
Center offers a free public tour of our facility. This 45-minute tour of the Inner Space Center is designed for
members of the public. The next free tour is Tuesday, April 7 at 3 p.m. To sign up, visit the ISC website.
Ocean Science Exploration Camp
The Inner Space Center will be offering an Ocean Science Exploration Camp during April school vacation,
April 20-24, 2015, for children ages 11-15. This week-long, day camp will focus on the different disciplines of
oceanography (physical, geological, chemical, and biological oceanography, and ocean
technology/exploration). Each day, campers will focus on a different oceanography discipline and engage in
hands-on activities, tune into live expeditions at sea, meet scientists, and learn about different career paths.
The week-long program will cost $395 per/camper. Registration and more details will be available in in

mid-March 2015. The Ocean Science Exploration Camp summer session is scheduled for August 10-14,
2015. Questions? Please contact: Holly Morin, ISC Education Specialist, (401) 874-6414, holly_morin@uri.edu
Tours and Educational Programs
The ISC offers tours and classroom-style educational programs for school, youth, and public
groups. Participants can choose from topics such as underwater acoustics, hurricanes, and unknown
ocean. For pricing, schedules, and more details, please contact Romy Pizziconi, ISC Communications
Coordinator, romy@uri.edu or (401) 874-6119.
Hurricane iBook Now Available
The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce the publication of a new digital book, Hurricanes:
Science and Society. The book is suitable for grades 4-16 formal and informal science instruction. It can be
used as a classroom textbook or as a general classroom resource. The graphics, animations, and information
are designed for tablet reading and also for projecting on a large screen. View the book in iTunes.
Hurricanes: Science and Society is based on published, scientific research and has undergone peer review by
a panel of scientific experts. Additional information is available on the hurricanscience.org website. This
book was developed by the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.

From NOAA Ocean Exploration

How are deep-ocean habitats different?
The deep ocean presents extreme pressure, limited light, and strong water movement not seen in surface
waters Read more
What is upwelling?
Upwelling occurs when winds push surface water away from the shore and deeper water rises to fill the gap. Read
more
Why are seamounts often called 'hotspots' for biodiversity?
With structure for animals to settle and live on and currents supplying food and nutrients, the variety of life,
or biodiversity, at seamounts is often rather high. Read more

APP OF THE WEEK - Classify It!

What its like: Classify It! has a clean, colorful design that makes it easy to navigate. Kids start by choosing a level:
easy, intermediate, or advanced. Within each main level are 10 levels of play plus a challenge level, and kids have to
unlock one before moving on to the next. Level 1 has one round; the other levels have three rounds each. Once they
begin to play, kids are given a category and several organisms they must classify. For example, the category might
be Living Things That Are Mammals, and kids have to tap all the organisms that are mammals. They can get a hint
about the category, and must earn at least 80% to pass the level. If they earn 100%, kids earn a fun, fact-filled creature
card.
Price: Free
Grades: 4-8
Pros: This science game is a fun way to build classification skills and learn about unique and shared characteristics of
living things. Creature cards are a cool motivational reward.
Cons: Lacks detailed information about organisms to be classified, so kids will need some prior knowledge.
Bottom line: Fun, free resource is an excellent way for kids to apply and test their knowledge about various
organisms.

Professional Development Opportunities for

Teachers
2015 Rhode Island Science Teachers Association Spring Conference
March 7th
th

Please join us for the 2015 RISTA Spring Conference on Saturday, March 7 at the New England
Institute of Technology - East Greenwich Campus. This years theme is Building a Framework to
Support NGSS. The conference will run from 8:00 am-2:00 pm.

This years keynote will be Dr. Stephen Pruitt. Stephen L. Pruitt is senior vice president at Achieve. For the past several years, he has
been leading the development of the Next Generation Science Standards. Stephen began his career as a high school chemistry
teacher in Georgia, where he taught for 12 years. In 2003, he joined the Georgia Department of Education as program manager for
Science. Until 2010, he held various roles in the agency culminating with him being named Chief of Staff to State School
Superintendent, coordinating the work of the agency.
In addition to his state-level work, Stephen also served as president of the Council of State Science Supervisors and a member of the
writing team for the College Board Standards for College Success science standards. He also served on the National Academies of
Sciences Committee on Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards, which developed A Framework for K12
Science Education.

Breakfast & Lunch Provided. 12 Breakout sessions designed for all levels and disciplines.
A list of the breakouts are available here

Registration (includes 2015-2016 membership): $55

Registration for conference only (no membership renewal):

o $35 (non RISTA member) $30 (RISTA member)
To register online click here or visit www.rista.us

Models-Based Chemistry Instruction: Franklin High School, Franklin, MA March 7th

Join us for an introduction to models-based instruction! We are delighted to have presentations from two veteran
modelers for the NEACT Southern Division meeting.
Sue Klemmer of Camden, Maine, and Thomas Pfeiffer of Fairfax, Vermont will bring their whiteboards to southern
New England to share with us the joys and pitfalls of modeling.
NEACT Program Schedule
8:00
Registration & Coffee
8:30 - 9:30
Sue Klemmer, Students Understanding of Particle Models
9:30 - 10:00
Coffee Break
10:00 - 11:30
Tom Pfeiffer, Modeling Instruction in Chemistry
11:30 (optional)
Tour of Franklin High School (Facility opened this year)
Please RSVP by March 3, 2015 to Shawn Kenner at shawn5678@gmail.com
NEACT thanks our generous sponsor for their support of this meeting: American Modeling Teachers Association
(AMTA). There is no fee to attend. NEACT membership ($25/year) is encouraged.
For more information including abstracts and directions: http://www.neact.org/event/southern-division-meeting-0

Project-Based Learning Conference at Providence College March 10th

Announcing the third annual Project Based Learning Conference to be held at Providence College on March
10th from 8:00 AM 3:00 PM.
The conference will feature Suzie Boss, a journalist, consultant, a member of the national faculty for the Buck
Institute and a blogger for Edutopia. In addition, students from Rhode Island elementary, middle and high
school will present their Project Based Learning units.
The intent of this conference is to more fully familiarize educators with Project Based Learning through handson collaboration that will raise their understanding of this approach. Participants will work collaboratively, and
with our experts, to develop Project Based Learning concepts that align with their curriculum goals.
Please click on the link for complete information and registration information/procedure:
http://franklocker.com/. Then follow the Project Based Learning 5.1 Providence College, RI tab in the lower left.
Conference and registration flyers are here:

http://franklocker.com/pbl5.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference-5.1.pdf
http://franklocker.com/pbl5.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference-5.1-REG.pdf
Please share this email with your faculty and students. We hope you will send a strong delegation to learn the
promise and the practical aspects of this important classroom delivery.
Thank you.
The Project Based Learning Team at Providence College
Questions: Contact Bill Oehlkers at woehlker@providence.edu
Dear Colleague,

NEW!! Stipened PD Opportunity for RI Educators Apply by March 13th

The Office of Instruction, Assessment and Curriculum is pleased to announce the Teacher Resource Summit an event
to gather Rhode Island educators around identifying quality resources for sharing across the state. The goal of the
summit is to upload a variety of high quality, Rhode Island educator -approved resources into the Teacher Resource
Library in the Instructional Support System.
Work during the summit will include:

training on the EQuIP rubric for mathematics and science

or
using the rubrics to evaluate materials- self authored or found- for alignment to standards and other metrics
of quality

upload quality materials to the Teacher Resource Library

nd

rd

The summit will take place on April 22 and 23 , 2015 in Providence, RI. Session days will be from 8:-00 am to 4:00
pm. Participants must attend both full days to be compensated.
Educators must be currently working in a Rhode Island Local Education Agency (school district) to qualify.
All participants will receive a stipend of $300 per day for the two days of work. Once the summit is complete, teachers
will have the option to independently evaluate and upload resources for additional stipend of $300. Total possible
compensation is $900.
Please direct any questions or comments to Kate Schulz: 401-222-8489 or kate.schulz@ride.ri.gov.
Educators from all content areas are encouraged to apply here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/teacherresourcesummit.
th

Applications must be entered by Friday, March 13 , 2015. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Monday,
rd
March 23 , 2015.

DiscoverE Educator Awards Application: Application deadline March 16th

The DiscoverE Educator Awards recognize educators who are inspiring tomorrow's innovation generation. Nominate
an educator who is helping students discover engineering. http://www.discovere.org/our-programs/awards-andrecognition/awards-program-overviews

Webinar: Modeling Instruction In Your Chemistry Classroom March 18th at 7:00 PM EST
Learn how to implement or refine Modeling Instruction in your chemistry classroom with experienced HS chemistry
teachers Brenda Royce and Larry Dukerich of the American Modeling Teachers Association; on March 18 at 7:00 pm
EST.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.teachchemistry.org/content/aact/en/professionaldevelopment.html.

NEW!!! Educators Open Classroom at Mystic Aquarium March 19th from 4:00 7:00 PM
Mystic Aquarium Cordially Invites You to a New Event:

Educators Open Classroom

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 4:00 pm 7:00 pm
Free of charge for educators! Register now as space is limited.
Bring National and State Science Standards and Common Core Standards to Life by Diving Deep into Ocean
Conservation and Education
Mystic aquarium invites you to learn about the wide variety of educational opportunities that Mystic Aquarium has to
offer teachers and students.
Mini-workshops by grade bands: pk-k; 1-3; 4-5; 6-8; 9-12

One 45-60 minute workshop session by grade strand with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and
exploration of how ocean education can bring standards to life.

Overview of the aquariums exciting on-site, classroom programming and travelling programs that come
right to your school.

Guided aquarium tours of outdoor exhibits, main gallery, and behind-the-scenes.

Explore how the aquariums exhibits offer engaging learning experiences for kids and connections to Science
Standards and Common Core.

Network with other educators.

Enjoy the Aquarium after the crowds go home.

Light pre-dinner refreshments.

Participants will be entered into a raffle for a free educational program!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! (http://www.mysticaquarium.org/fun-and-learning/teachers-and-schoolgroups/educator-resources)

American Meteorological Society/US Navy/NOAA Project Maury: Application deadline

March 20th
Summer Workshop for Precollege Teachers of Oceanographic Topics July 12 - 24, 2015 United States Naval Academy,
Annapolis, Maryland. The Maury Project is a two-week teacher professional development workshop designed for
precollege teachers and supervisors of science who teach, or supervise the teaching of, units with significant
oceanography content. http://bit.ly/1wJrsz8

Dept. of Energy Seeks Educators for Spring 2015 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge
Apply by March 20th
The Department of Energy recognizes the importance of engaging and educating young people now to ensure the
U.S has a variety of energy choices, as well as energy leaders, in the future. To do so, the Bioenergy Technologies
Office has created a technology-rich, relevant challenge to engage high school students in learning about bioenergy
benefits and challenges. We are recruiting at least 20 educators from across the United States to participate in the
Spring 2015 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge pilot, which culminates the week of Earth Day. Please could you
share this invitation with your network of educators to assist in these education efforts and increasing energy literacy
in your state.
Please find the information for the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge below:

Link to a page on our website about the competition:

http://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/infographic-challenge

100 word description on the competition:

The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge to
engage 9th12th grade students in learning about bioenergy and educating their peers. In this
challenge, student teams research, interpret, apply, and then design an infographic that responds to
one of four bioenergy topics. Selected infographics are promoted nationally on the BioenergizeME
Infographic Challenge Map and via social media. Visit the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge for
more information!
To sign up or ask questions, email BioenergizeME@ee.doe.gov with the following information:

Educators Name


Educators Email

School or Organization Name

School or Organization Location (City, State, and Zip Code)

Infographics must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on March 20, and the National Bioenergy Social Media
Campaign will take place from April 13 23.

Judges Needed for RI Science and Engineering Fair March 21st

Please consider serving as a judge for the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, March 21,
2015. On this day hundreds of students in grades 6-12 from across Rhode Island will gather at CCRI in Warwick to
exhibit their science projects. These students have devoted many hours of work to their research and analysis and to
the presentation of their results. They are excited to have been selected to represent their schools at the statewide
science and engineering fair, and they are enthusiastic about science. Participation in the science fair should be a
memorable positive experience for these students that will influence them to study science further and perhaps
continue to a career in this field. In order to provide such a positive and enriching experience for the participants, we
need a large number of judges who are themselves enthusiastic and knowledgeable about science.
Registration for judges can be completed online. Please go to the website listed below, complete the form and click
Submit Registration. You will receive an acknowledgement that your registration has been recorded. Please select
categories that best fit your scientific background and training. Go to http://www.ric.edu/risef to sign up.
If you have friends or coworkers who are qualified and might be interested in judging, we would appreciate it if you
could forward this message to them and encourage them to participate. As in the past, we will email you detailed
directions to CCRI and information about specific times, etc. about a week before the fair, but you should plan to
arrive at about 11:30 and stay for most of the afternoon.
For more information please contact Elaine Magyar at emagyar@ric.edu or by phone at 401-456-9747

NEW!!! Library of Congress Accepting Summer Teacher Institute Applications:

Primary Sources in Science Apply by March 24th
The application for the Library of Congress Summer Teacher Institute for Primary Sources in Science is now available.
This week-long professional development opportunity, taking place July 2024, 2015, is designed for K12 educators
who teach science or collaborate with science teachers. In the Science Institute, participants will explore the benefits
of using historical primary sources in the science classroom, particularly around the nature of science, the practices of
scientists, and the relationship between science and society. Participants will build skills in teaching effectively with
photographs, manuscripts, drawings, maps, and other formats from the Library's collections

The Geological Society of America Northeastern Section Meeting: March 23-25 Registration
Now Open
The GSA Northeastern Section is celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2015, and to do so it is returning to the OmniMount Washington Resort by popular demand. The resorts graceful atmosphere, magnificent scenery, and cordial
staff will again furnish an extraordinary venue in which to share this special occasion. As those who attended the
section meeting in 2013 already know, the venue is unlike any other, and with this, the 2015 meeting is again shaping
up to be an informative, unusual, and not-to-be-missed occasion for professionals and students alike.
Abstract submissions are invited that highlight novel and unique pedagogical practices in geoscience courses. We
invite contributions that include techniques promoting a deeper understanding of geoscience concepts. These
techniques may vary in geoscience content, format (online or traditional), and audience.
Abstract submission deadline: 11:59 PM, Central Time, 9 December 2014 Details at:
https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2015NE/cfp.epl
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions: Jennifer (jhanselman@westfield.ma.edu)

NEW!!! University of Notre Dame Center for STEM: STEM Teaching Program Seeking
Applications Apply by March 31st

Early-career middle school teachers of STEM disciplines are invited to apply for a new, fully funded professional
development program offered through the Notre Dame Center for STEM Education. The Trustey Family STEM
Teaching Fellows program is recruiting highly motivated applicants for the initiative, with a March 31 deadline. Those
selected will build their instructional, assessment, and leadership abilities while living in residence at the University of
Notre Dame for three consecutive summer institutestwo weeks every summer. They must continue to teachand
to learn from master teachers and national expertsat their schools during two academic years.

Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST): Deadline March 31st

OEST awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the precollege level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their
students is eligible. http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest-nom.html
The deadline for submitting nominees is March 31, 2015. Nominations are made online at
http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest-nom.html. Submit the completed document before March 31, 2015. Use OESTA in
the subject line of the message and attach the requested information. Selection of the regional awardees will be
made by NAGT in the spring.

National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award Complete Application

Due April 1st
National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award is presented for outstanding work and
leadership in any aspect of marine education. A complete nomination form, along with any recommendation letters
and all other supporting materials, must be received on or before April 1, 2015. All award recipients will receive a
one-year NMEA membership and an engraved award. For more information and a nomination form, go to
http://www.marine-ed.org/?page=awards.

Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Nominations for 2015: Deadline for nomination April
1st
The National Association of Biology Teachers invites nominations for the Rhode Island Outstanding Biology Teacher
Award for 2015. All biology/life science instructors (grades 7-12) with at least three years teaching experience in
public, private, or parochial schools are eligible. The criteria for the award include teaching ability and experience, cooperation and involvement in school and the community, inventiveness, initiative, professionalism, and studentteacher relationship. The winner will be honored at the awards ceremony at the NABT conference on November 14,
2015 in Providence, Rhode Island.

NEW!!! Classroom Student Investigations at Arkansas State University Apply by April

10th
CSI: Classroom Student Investigations Do you like using science to solve mysteries? So do we! CSI: Classroom Student
Investigations is an excellent professional development opportunity for science teachers. Forensic cases will be
developed in which teachers and students will engage in inquiry-based activities to solve the cases. A wide variety of
science fields (life, chemical, physical, and technology) will be included in this program. All cases will incorporate realworld activities and teachers will be given information how to adapt to their own classrooms. The workshop will take
place June 15-26, 2015 (preference will be given to grades 7-10, but others will be considered as space allows), and a
limited amount of travel support may be available. Teachers will receive room/board and up to $2000 stipend for
successful completion of summer and academic year activities. Workshop is held on the campus of Arkansas State
University, Jonesboro, AR. Youll have the weekend free to explore the area- go shopping, go to movies or out to eat,
travel to Memphis (about an hour away) or explore the many outdoor activities in the Natural State
http://www.arkansas.com/. For more information and application forms, see our website
http://altweb.astate.edu/csiscience

Enter Your Students for the Robot Block Party on April 11th
Are your students learning with robots or related technology during the school day or after school? Exhibit their
creations and projects at the Robot Block Party on April 11, 2015. A partnership between Rhode Island Students of
the Future and the Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative at Brown University, the Robot Block Party is a community
outreach event that showcases the cool robotics projects and programs happening in Rhode Island. Participants
include Hasbros Animatronics Lab, Yushin America, igus, inc., 3D Printing Providence, Brown University, RISD, URI,
Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, Providence Childrens Museum and dozens of K-12 schools

including Providence Career and Technical School, Mt. Pleasant High School, Lincoln School, Nathan Bishop Middle
School, Wheeler School, Martin Middle School, Riverside Middle School, Pier Middle School and more.
Be part of the Robot Block Party on April 11, 2015!
To Register go to http://www.risf.net/robot-block-party/registering-for-the-robot-block-party/
For more information go to RISF/Robot Block Party Website
G+ Photo Gallery of the Robot Block Party 2014
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Rhode Island Students of the Future is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that inspires young people to
explore science, technology, engineering, math and manufacturing through youth robotics. We provide
infrastructure for hands-on, inquiry based STEM outreach programs including FIRST LEGO League.
The Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative is a group of Brown University faculty, students, and affiliates dedicated to
robotics as a means to tackle the problems the world faces today. Beyond pursuing the goal of technological
advancement, we want to ensure that these advancements are applicable and beneficial economically and socially.
We are working across many disciplines to document the societal needs and applications of human-robot interaction
research as well as the ethical, legal, and economic questions that will arise with its development. Our research
ultimately aims to help create and understand robots that coexist harmoniously with humans.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize: Entry deadline April 15th

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a youth award for a water-related science project. High school students submit
their research papers online. As a first step, state winners and their science teachers win a trip to the U.S. competition
in Virginia. http://www.wef.org/sjwp/

Dorothy Stout Professional Development Grants to Earth Science Educators: Deadline

April 15th
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers awards grants to K-12 teachers and faculty and students at two-year
colleges. The grants support professional growth in, or classroom teaching of, Earth science. Grants of $750 will be
made annually in three categories. Community college faculty, K-12 teachers who teach one or more Earth science
courses, and community college students actively pursuing a career in the Earth sciences are encouraged to apply for
these awards. http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/stout.html#apply

McCarthey Dressman Academic Enrichment Grants: Application deadline April 15th

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for
Americas youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding
includes Academic Enrichment Grants, Teacher Development Grants, and Student Teaching Scholarships.
http://www.mccartheydressman.org/

NEW!!! Enter the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) Earth Day Challenge Enter by
April 17th
Calling all K8 educators! The Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) is holding its second annual Earth Day
Challenge video contest for K8 classes. The Earth Day Challenge encourages students to explore the impact of
chemistry on their world. Participants will create videos identifying and explaining a chemistry-related concept and
sharing how people use this concept in real life to address an environmental issue. The school of the educator who
submits the winning entry will receive $1,000 for the school's science education programs, as well as a
commemorative plaque. The winning educator will receive a $200 gift card to the Discovery Channel Store.

VOYA Unsung Heroes K-12 Class Project Awards: Deadline April 30th
VOYA Unsung Heroes Program's Class Project Awards
Each year, one hundred K-12 educators are selected to receive awards of $2,000 each to help fund their innovative
class projects. Of the one hundred finalists, three will be selected for additional financial awards. All awards must be
used to further the projects within the school or school system. Apply by visiting
https://unsungheroes.scholarshipamerica.org/

Real World Science: Summer Teaching Seminar July 19th through 24th Apply by March
6, 2015
REAL WORLD SCIENCEYESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
How Necessity Creates Innovation in Science and Technology
July 19-24, 2015 in New Orleans, LA
The National WWII Museum is excited to announce a week-long professional development opportunity to take place
in the summer of 2015 for middle school science teachers. Twenty eight teachers from across the country will come to
New Orleans to experience hands-on how necessity, knowledge, perseverance and skill lead to inventions, innovation,
and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), just like in World War II.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: The seminar application is open to any science teacher (public, public charter, private, and
parochial) with between 2 and 10 years of teaching experience in 5th-8th grade science, and who will be teaching a
science course to students in the same age group in the 2015-2016 school year. Applications will be evaluated
through a competitive process that will include information on teaching experience, a short written statement, and
two letters of recommendation.
COST: This seminar is supported by a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. Teachers will receive free room
and board in New Orleans, a travel stipend, and all seminar materials free of charge.
IMPORTANT DATES:
JANUARY 5, 2015: Application period opens
MARCH 6, 2015: Application period closes
APRIL 1, 2015: Seminar participants selected and notified
JULY 19-24, 2015: Summer Teacher Seminar in New Orleans
SEPTEMBER 2015: Citizen Science Project begins
For more information, visit: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/realworldscience

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Nominations

Open Nominate by April 1st, 2015
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor the United
States government bestows for K12 mathematics and science teaching. Up to 108 teachers may be recognized each
year. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a
series of recognition events, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). PAEMST's most recent
cohort of awardees even had the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama.
The PAEMST program is pleased to announce that the 20142015 nomination period for grades 712 mathematics
and science (including computer science) teachers is now open! Please consider nominating a talented teacher using
the PAEMST website today. Applications open November 1, 2014. The nomination deadline is April 1, 2015, and the
application deadline is May 1, 2015.

National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award Apply by April 1st
The award is presented for outstanding work and leadership in any aspect of marine education at the local, regional,
or national level. It can be awarded to a member or a non-member of NMEA, for current or past accomplishments.
Documentation describing the nominee's career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or
regional impact, leadership, programs, etc., should be detailed in nomination package.
A complete nomination form, along with any recommendation letters and all other supporting materials, must be
received by the awards committee chair on or before April 1. All award recipients will receive a one-year NMEA
membership and an engraved award.

UMass Nanotechnology 2015 Summer Institute Apply by April 1st

Monday to Friday, July 13 - July 17, 2015 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,
2013. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

Apply for the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science and Leadership Academy for High Students
and Teachers Apply by May 4th
The TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy is an annual one-week, cross-cultural science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exchange and leadership program for 16 high school students and eight
teachers from Japan and the United States In August, program participants from both countries will collaborate in
Tokyo to design a disaster-resilient, smart community of the future. With counsel from Toshiba engineers and a visit
to the Toshiba Smart Community building, the students and teachers will work in teams to develop proposed
solutions to problems using learning experiences that are central to the NGSS and the engineering design process.
Learn more.

May 15th is Endangered Species Day

May 15, 2015 is the 10th annual, national Endangered Species Day, offering teachers an ideal opportunity to
educate students about the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species. To find out more and
participate, go to http://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/

SAVE THE DATES - 2015 Annual Conference of the National Marine Educators Association
(NMEA) in Newport , RI: June 29 July 2, 2015
SouthEastern New England Marine Educators (SENEME; http://seneme.org) is proud to be the host of the 2015
Annual Conference of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA). The conference will be held June 29
through July 2 at the Newport Marriott, located in the center of downtown, historic, Newport, Rhode Island.
This event will be filled with a variety of sessions and plenaries led by dynamic speakers versed in the latest trends in
marine science and education (including STEM education and the Next Generation Science Standards). Unique,

regional field trips will include explorations of local flora and fauna, tours of historic mansions, learning about the
sailing tradition of Newport, and much more!
The NMEA Annual Conference is attended by formal and informal educators, scientists, and students from across
the U.S. and around the globe. Conference participants include those from public and private institutions,
aquariums, for profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as local and federal government agencies. Attendees can
choose the days they would like to attend participate in the conference for one day to concentrate on one session
track, or attend the entire event and absorb the full scope of information presented during conference lectures,
workshops, and other experiential learning opportunities in the Newport area.
Please mark your calendars and join SENEME in Newport, RI, June 29 to July 2, 2015! Stay tuned for future conference
updates- more information about the 2015 NMEA Conference can be found online at the NMEA website:
http://marine-ed.site-ym.com/general/custom.asp?page=NMEA_2015

Student Competitions and Grant Opportunities

Naval Academy Seeks Summer STEM Applications for the 2015 Naval Academy Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Program (Grades 9 11)
The US Naval Academy Seeks Summer STEM Applicants Applications for the 2015 Naval Academy Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Program are now being accepted at
usna.edu/admissions/STEM . This annual program is designed to expose young people to STEM concepts and
technologies and to encourage students in grades 9-11 to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology
throughout high school, college and beyond. Session dates include June 1-6 for rising ninth graders; June 8-13 for
th
those entering 10th grade; and June 15-19 for incoming 11 grade students. The aim is to integrate STEM-focused
concepts across the curriculum and pave the way for students to succeed academically in mathematics and science
and help put them on a path toward successful careers. The program will showcase the latest in technological
advances in a wide variety of science and engineering topics to include energy and light, infrastructure,
transportation, cybersecurity, environmental challenges, flight and fluids, automation, simulation and modeling,
biometrics and robotics.

The DuPont Challenge Elementary Division Enter by March 15th

How can we make the world a healthier, safer, better place for ourselves and for future generations? The DuPont
Challenge Elementary Division is calling on all young scientists in grades K-5 to find out! Using a combination of
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills and creativity, classrooms are asked to create their
own science story that provides an answer to a Challenge that is facing their community.
Each grade level has three Challenge options to choose from, based on the Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS). With the help of their classroom teacher, students will research, observe, analyze, and discover their answer,
presenting their findings in a science story book or presentation. Learn more at:
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/elementary/challenges/

Foster an Innovator: New Science Challenge for Internet of Things (IoT) Submissions Due
March 25th
The IoT World Forum (IoTWF) Young Women's Innovation Grand Challenge is a global innovation challenge open to
young women between the ages of 1318 to come up with innovative uses for Internet of Things technologies.
With the advance of the Internet of Things, there will be an increased need for a STEM-ready workforce. The Young
Women's Innovation Grand Challenge seeks to foster girls' interest in STEM as they grow to join the increasing ranks
of women who are becoming entrepreneurs, innovators and executives.
Entrants will be asked to submit original ideas based on new opportunities and technologies that better people's lives
or increase efficiencies in the areas of education, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, retail, transportation, or smart
cities. Entrants will be judged on originality, creativity, and feasibility of the solution.
The IoTWF Young Women's Challenge will run through March 25. Visit http://cs.co/iotgirls.

NEW!!! The Next MacGyver Enter by April 17th

The U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of
Engineering (USC Viterbi), in collaboration with The MacGyver Foundation and Lee Zlotoff (creator of the TV series
MacGyver), today announced the launch of a worldwide crowdsourcing competition called "The Next MacGyver." The
contest was launched at a press event in Washington, D.C., hosted by "TODAY Show" digital lifestyle expert Mario
Armstrong. Sponsored by the United Engineering Foundation, the project is seeking ideas for a scripted television
show featuring a female engineer character in a leading role. The goal of the competition is to create a historic TV
series that inspires young people, especially women, to pursue careers in engineering. Five winners will each receive
$5,000 and have the rare opportunity to be paired with top Hollywood producers, who will mentor them to develop
the female character and an engaging pilot script. Ultimately, the finalists will work to develop viable concept
packages for pitching to a network or distributor. The Next MacGyver" competition deadline for entry is April 17,
2015. Initial idea submissions will be roughly one page of content to include a proposed title and genre, short
description of the show, breakdown of lead characters, and ideas for episodes beyond the pilot. A panel of judges
from engineering, entertainment, and academia will select 12 contestants to further develop their ideas and pitch
them to another panel of judges at a live event this summer. Five finalists will be selected at that time, and pilot
scripts will be completed by the end of this year. More details about the contest and rules for entering can be found
at www.thenextmacgyver.com

ITEEAs Childrens Council Offers Paper Engineering Contest for Students of Grades PreK
6 Enter by April 24th, 2015
ITEEAs Childrens Council is sponsoring a paper engineering contest for all PreK-6 students in the United
States. The contest supports two of the Childrens Councils goals: to promote childrens creativity, ingenuity, and
design-based problem-solving skills and to promote the study of technology and engineering as a vital aspect in
every elementary school. The contest will consist of four divisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. Click here for full contest
information. Questions? Email Bob Claymier.

NEW!!! 2015 Google Science Fair Submit by May 19th

Science is about observing and experimenting. It's about exploring unanswered questions, solving problems through
curiosity, learning as you go and always trying again. That's the spirit behind the fifth annual Google Science Fair.
Together with LEGO Education, National Geographic, Scientific American, and Virgin Galactic, they are calling on all
young researchers, explorers, builders, technologists, and inventors to try something ambitious. From now through
May 18, students around the world ages 1318 can submit projects online across all scientific fields, from biology to
computer science to anthropology and everything in between. Prizes include $100,000 in scholarships and classroom
grants from Scientific American and Google, a National Geographic Expedition to the Galapagos, an opportunity to
visit LEGO designers at their Denmark headquarters, and the chance to tour Virgin Galactic's new spaceship at their
Mojave Air and Spaceport. This year they're also introducing an award to recognize an Inspiring Educator, as well as a
Community Impact Award honoring a project that addresses an environmental or health challenge.

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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.
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.
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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.