This section includes opportunities specific for Middle School Teachers; but, please look at the Secondary Science Section below as many of those opportunities would also be appropriate for your grade band.

The ACESSE team is seeking middle school teachers to participate in a virtual professional learning series and study focused on creating more equitable learning experiences in science in the time of the pandemic. The series is designed specifically for middle school science teachers, who share a commitment to equity and justice in science education and is funded by the Gates Foundation’s grant to the ACESSE project. We ask that those receiving this email through the CSSS listserv, share the opportunity widely throughout your networks and states. We will be sharing results of the study at its conclusion with this community.

The Equitable Remote Learning Professional Learning Series requires teachers attend four 90-minute virtual sessions, and try things in your classroom in between those sessions. The sessions will take place on January 21, February 4, February 18, and March 4, 2021. For more details about the sessions and expectations you can review the attached flyer. One optional session will be held for those who wish to continue to study strategies for promoting equity of participation. Teachers will be compensated up to $425 for participation.

As part of the series, we will:

Introduce teachers to frameworks for promoting equitable participation for in a variety of teaching contexts - synchronous, asynchronous, and without technology Plan strategies for promoting equity through norms and discussion protocols that teachers will try in their’ classrooms

Investigate data from teachers’ own classrooms, to identify strategies that are promising Analyze what in teachers’ schools and systems may be contributing to inequities of participation, and discuss strategies for addressing those

• We hope to create an environment where teachers feel safe to take risks and be brave in how we can grow together in providing more equitable learning experiences to our students in the time of the pandemic, when great inequities are being exposed and exacerbated.

If you know middle school teachers who might be interested in participating, please have them complete this application form (10 minutes) on this link by December 31, 2020: https://forms.gle/RdGcS9KvXDsSgTgw9

2020-2021 Scientist for a Day Essay Contest (link to https://rps.nasa.gov/scientist-for-a-day)

Audience: Students in Grades 5-12 Entry Deadline: Feb. 12, 2021 Category: Student Competitions Email: scientistforaday@jpl.nasa.gov

The Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying three moons of Uranus: Ariel, Oberon, and Titania. Participants examine and research these three moons and choose the one they think NASA should return to that would yield the best scientific results. Students write an essay under 300 words explaining their choice. Winning essays are posted online. Winners and their classes talk to NASA scientists.

Flyer with contest details:

https://rps.nasa.gov/resources/97/scientist-for-a-day-flyer-2020-21/

Middle School: the next event will be December 8 and will be facilitated by Aaron Mueller (IL) – 2^nd Tuesday of the month

o https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/calendar/event?event=2229&date_id=65536

· Chemistry: the last Happy Hour of the year is scheduled for December 15 and will be hosted by Megan Bartley (MI)

o https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/calendar/event?event=2251&date_id=65723

EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

Applications due by February 19, 2021

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2021 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE).

“Environmental education is paramount to providing students with the skills and tools they need to be the next generation of Americans caring for our nation’s air, water and land,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Success in the environmental education program hinges on teachers’ ability to employ modern approaches to this important field of study. EPA remains committed to supporting America’s teachers and students to promote environmental stewardship – both now and in the future.”

Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PEYA recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from Kindergarten through 12th grade by promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement. Also established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PIAEE recognizes outstanding K-12 grade educators who integrate environmental, place-based experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. The White House Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with EPA, administers the PIAEE awards program.

Additional Information on the 2020 Awards

EPA is seeking 2020 PEYA and PIAEE award applications for projects on a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to):

Reducing food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.

Reducing contributions to ocean and marine litter.

Solutions in recycling.

Using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to teach environmental education.

Environmental sustainability.

Sustainable agricultural practices.

Healthy school environments.

For the PEYA awards, EPA will select up to two winners in each of the agency’s 10 Regions – one regional winner for grades K-5 and one regional winner for grades 6-12. The winning projects will be highlighted on EPA’s website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. And, if the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. The application and eligibility information are available on EPA’s PEYA page.

Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive the PIAEE award. Teachers will receive a presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. Winning teachers’ local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Next year’s winners will be highlighted on EPA’s website. The application and eligibility information are available on EPA’s PIAEE page.

Applications for both awards programs are due no later than February 19, 2021.

For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please contact: PEYA@epa.gov.

For more information on the teacher awards (PIAEE), please contact: PIAEE@epa.gov.

Please share the information of this upcoming distance learning Modeling Instruction courses with your science education network!

Are you tired of students just trying to get a grade and not learning science?

Using Modeling Instruction, we will develop the pedagogical framework to

• Get students to think hard

• Develop equitable practices in the classroom

• Bring joy back into teaching

In our Distance Learning course, we will delve into the Modeling Cycle, its basis in cognitive science, and the practical ways that teachers use Modeling Instruction in the science classroom. This course will sample Life Sciences and Physical Sciences in order to explore the Modeling pedagogy through multiple content lenses. By utilizing both student mode and teacher mode, participants will use readings, virtual whiteboarding, discussions, and reflections to engage in Modeling practices that will lead to improved student learning.

Day: Sundays from 4-7 pm (EST), except February 7, which will be 1-4 (EST)

Duration: 15 weeks, January 10 - May 2, 2021

Costs: $750 for current AMTA members; $825 for non-members (includes a 1-year AMTA membership)

Optional graduate-level credits: 3 credits from University of Pacific are available for $79/hr ($237 total).

Meet our Instructors

ARIEL SERKIN is passionate about teaching chemistry and physics to her high school students in Massachusetts and to teachers through her involvement in a number of organizations including STEMteachersMassBay, AMTA, and ChemEdXchange. Ariel engages her students with Modeling Instruction, whiteboard meetings, laboratory experiences, and Molecule Monday. She loves collaborating with other educators to help all students and teachers succeed. Ariel was a 2019 PAEMST finalist and 2020 AACT High School Teacher of the Year. You can regularly see Ariel celebrating #nerdytshirtfriday on Twitter and wearing #nerdychic whenever she can.

JEREMY SECAUR has over 20 years of experience teaching high school physics at the regular, honors, and AP levels. He holds a BS in Astronomy and a Master’s degree in Teaching. Jeremy currently serves on the Executive Board of STEMteachersCLE, and enjoys leading Modeling Instruction workshops in physics with STEMteachersMassBay. Jeremy was a 2019 PAEMST awardee from Ohio.

SCOTT MILAM currently teaches chemistry and IB chemistry HL at Plymouth High School in Michigan. Scott holds a BS and MS in Chemistry. He completed his initial training in the Modeling Instruction pedagogy in 2015, and has led workshops in 2018 and 2020. Scott was the 2017 Michigan Science Teacher of the Year and was a 2019 PAEMST finalist.

REGISTER TODAY

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center has created a virtual tour with 360 images, drone footage, educational videos, interviews with key Cheyenne Bottoms partners, and interactive games. Come experience Cheyenne Bottoms from the comfort of your home or classroom. KWEC is also part of a nation-wide research collaborative researching the effectiveness of virtual environmental education programs and are looking for teachers grade 6-12 that would have their students complete the virtual tour and take a survey. KWEC has another program that could be scheduled through zoom, teaching about wetland types and properties for this research project. Visit https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu to check out the tour and for more information for classroom teachers!

The Kansas Association of Education Service Agencies (KAESA) along with the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) are excited to announce the Kansas Teaching and Leading Project. This project, which includes a comprehensive website with on-demand professional development and supporting resources, as well as live just-in-time webinars will support educators through this school year and beyond.

CLICK HERE to access the website for information in the areas of Understanding the Navigating Change Document, Social and Emotional Learning, Competency-Based and Personalized Learning, Remote and Hybrid Teaching and Learning, Teaching with Instructional Technology, Leadership and Communication, Community and Family Engagement, and Facilities and Operations.

NSTA and Shell are fueling success with students.

Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding classroom teacher (grades K-12) who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school, and the community through exemplary science teaching with a $10,000 cash prize and recognition. Deadline is December 10, 2020 There are mentors to help you with the award process. Check out this award and other awards for science teachers at www.nsta.org/shell

The Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award The award consists of $1800 to be used to attend the annual NSTA National Conference on Science Education. Recipients will be invited to attend a variety of workshops and presentations that are of particular interest to urban teachers at the annual National Conference. The deadline to apply is December 10, 2020. Learn additional details and nominate or begin your application at www.nsta.org/shell

The Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Competition will provide lab resources and professional development for k-12 teachers who need a new science lab. This program is for teachers in regions across the U.S., such as Mobile, AL, Monaca PA, Puget Sound WA, Louisiana, Kermit and Houston TX, and CA. Begin your journey in winning an updated science classroom through the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Educator Competition. The deadline is January 22, 2021. Don’t delay, begin your application or nominate a colleague today. Learn more at https://www.nsta.org/shell-science-lab-regional-challenge

Copied on this e-mail is Ruth Ruud, the lead judge of the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge competition who is available for mentoring and can answer additional questions.

“PROMOTING STUDENT INVESTIGATION AT 100,000 FEET”
HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON WORKSHOP
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION INSTITUTE
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

• Teacher in-service Workshop delivered virtually (Jan 2021)

• Individual school-based work by student/teacher research teams (Jan-Feb 2021)

• Virtual mentoring of students and teachers by FHSU HAB team (Jan-Feb 2021)

• High-altitude balloon launches of school projects by FHSU HAB team (Feb 2021)

• Analysis and sharing data through a virtual poster session prepared by student teams (Mar-Apr 2021)

• Teacher participant stipend $400

• Workshop materials and supplies will be provided for student payload design

• Limited to first 20 registrants

• Deadline to register December 15, 2020

• Registration fee $10 (non-refundable)

For more information and to register online please go to www.fhsu.edu/smei/high-altitude-balloon/index Link to flier (Link)

We are excited to announce the 9th annual Cool Science Artwork Competition Cool Science is a free and public, NSF grant funded, art competition held each fall for all K-12 artists Deadline is December 11, 2020.

Challenge Questions

We invite young artists to answer one of these challenge questions with a visual work of art:

1. What can you and your family do to keep cool in a heat wave or keep warm in a blizzard?

2. How does a severe storm form?

3. How can your community prepare for extreme flooding?

Competition Winners

Winners will be selected and the best entries for display on public buses in the Summer of 2021. The honorees will be recognized at our art exhibit celebrations next year.

To Learn More

For further information about the contest, please visit: https://www.coolscience.net/artwork-guidelines-rules or at (www.coolscience.net).