NSTA Daily Do

Did you know that The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has free resources available on their site? The "daily do" section provides great lesson ideas complete with video supports and scaffolding for student driven sense-making. Check them out here: https://www.nsta.org/resources/daily-do

Science Through Stories- 3rd Grade Thematic Unit

I am also excited to share that Cindy Hadicke, KSDE Elementary Consultant, and I will be launching a "Science Through Stories- 3rd Grade Science Through Literacy Unit" professional development opportunity in February. This session is a deep dive into the bundling of the science standards (specifically related to electricity and magnetism) and how will look at how to use these bundles with a novel read-aloud. It is a look at how science and literacy can be intentionally linked to help students connect content. Early registrants will receive a copy of the novel and a kit.

• February 22, 2021 8:30 AM (Registration Link)

• February 25, 2021 1:30 PM (Registration Link)

• March 16, 2021 1:30 PM (Registration Link)

Did you miss?

Did you miss the "Phenomenal Phase Change- Science of Cold" session? A recorded version is now available on the Kansas Teaching and Leading Website! Check out their materials https://kansasteachingandleadingproject.org/

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/

Register now for the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) webinar series to enhance your knowledge and teaching about climate and energy education!

Check out the range of topics (including teaching about consequences/solutions and teaching at the elementary level) and share this information with your networks:

“Introduction to CLEAN” presented by Katie Boyd

Monday 2/1/2021 @ 6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Inqp0SQOToSdU3Lv_Xb_eQ

(NEW this school year!) “Strategies for Integrating Climate Science into the Elementary Classroom” presented by Alicia Christensen, Tiffany Boyd, and Rachel Han

Thursday 2/11/2021 @ 6:30pm ET / 5:30pm CT / 4:30pm MT / 3:30pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uzN_-V4BQWWS-WVAwNqYBA

“Teaching about Climate and Energy with CLEAN” presented by Karin Kirk

Tuesday 2/16/2021 @ 6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nAUT8EBXShiQUbUy6s1vyg

“It’s Us: Humans as Agents of Change within Earth’s Climate System” presented by Karin Kirk

Wednesday 2/24/2021 @ 6:30pm ET / 5:30pm CT / 4:30pm MT / 3:30pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EwpGgr9LThupMSaCd3bHOQ

(NEW this school year!) “Teaching Climate Consequences with CLEAN: Motivate and Inspire, Don’t Despair” presented by Karin Kirk

Thursday 3/4/2021 @ 6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6Q2MWENwS3O6h9BwkdoO8Q

“The UC Berkeley Understanding Global Change Project and CLEAN” presented by Jessica Bean

Tuesday 3/9/2021 @ 6:30pm ET / 5:30pm CT / 4:30pm MT / 3:30pm PT

Link to register and more details: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__cSty-lxTq--eT8hqQowIA

Please contact katie.boyd@colorado.edu with any questions.

Kansas NSF EPSCoR is going to hold its annual Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute this summer for Kansas High School Biology and Environmental Science Teachers June 7-11, 2021 at the University of Kansas Field Station Station (https://biosurvey.ku.edu/field-station).

Teacher participants will earn a stipend of $750 for actively participating in the week’s activities and writing curriculum. In addition, a travel allowance will be provided for those living more than 1 hour away from the field station along with room and board.

While attending the institute, teachers will participate in a variety of activities from carrying out investigations and learning about current university-level research, to exploring diverse outdoor environments. Early in the week participants will be divided into groups based upon their areas of interest to work with University of Kansas researchers. These groups will spend time developing NGSS inquiry-based curriculum for their own high school classrooms. The Institute is directed by Dr. Peggy Schultz, Associate Specialist with the Kansas Biological Survey and the Environmental Studies Program (https://biosurvey.ku.edu/directory/peggy-schultz ). All KU COVID 19 protocols will be followed and masks are required.

For more info: http://s.12ab.pw/l/08e-2

To apply: http://s.12ab.pw/l/c42-1

To help spark teachers’ interest, here is video from the 2018 institute for you to share with them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpgw3POGZpQ

The Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute is part of the education and outreach initiatives proposed in the Kansas NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1: Microbiomes of Aquatic, Plant, and Soil Systems across Kansas award #1656006 (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1656006).

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

Registration for the Missouri Interface 2021 Conference is live! Come engage in STEM learning with educators all across the country. (Link)

Keynote Address: Page Keeley

Featured Speakers: Dr. Christine Royce and Dr. Patrick Brown

*Sessions will be recorded and available to be viewed up to 60 days following the conference presentation.

Access to only grades K-6: $100 (pre-service teachers $50)

Access to only grades 6-12: $100 (pre-service teachers $50)

Access to grades K-12: $150 (pre-service teachers $75)

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.

STEAMatwork4kids.org is a new website targeted at kids, ages 8 - 12. The site's goal is for kids to "explore the rich diversity of topics and people in STEAM careers." Each page highlights a person and their work, suggests kids' books to read on the topic, and kid-friendly websites you can visit to learn more.

Rural STEM Educator Professional Development Program: The University of Oklahoma (OU) College of Engineering and the East Central University (ECU) College of Education, through a grant from the National Science Foundation, operate the Rural STEM Educator Professional Development Program. This year, they are opening the program to rural STEM educators from neighboring states. As part of this program, educators work directly with engineering research faculty from OU and ECU on real-world sustainable energy research while developing relevant, guided-inquiry curricula for their classroom.

A few of the benefits:

- $5,200 stipend for participating in the year-long program

- Engage in cutting-edge sustainable energy research

- Room and board provided during summer research

- Grant (up to $1,000) for classroom supplies

Application deadline is April 15, 2021. Apply at https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3V4OATlgN7up0mp?Q_DL=CGUt2GqWLmDakLG_3V4OATlgN7up0mp_MLRP_1FB8hXV5lp5W6rP&Q_CHL=email

Call the Kansas Energy Program at 785-532-6029 or e-mail at ksenergyprog@ksu.edu for more information

Rural STEM webinars: OU and ECU are also providing monthly rural STEM webinars January through April 2021. I’ve attached the flier for those as well. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-energy-industry-resources-available-to-k12-teachers-tickets-135415366005?fbclid=IwAR3je4ab3WuFwZgKsUma_LMfSqYIMJMThUT1e707iQbD_upUKim9gwUSHec.

Saturday, January 16, 2021, 9:30 a.m. – Sustainable Energy Industry Resources Available to K12 Teachers

Thursday, February 11, 2021, 3:30 p.m. – Bio Mass: The Energy of the Future

Thursday, March 4, 2021, 3:30 p.m. – Geothermal Energy

Saturday, April 10, 2021, 9:30 a.m. - Bringing Research Into your Classroom: Panel Discussion with RET Teachers

Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12 only) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award do not have to be NABT members, but they must have at least at least three years of public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee's career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student-teacher relationships. OBTA recipients are special guests of Carolina Biology Supply Company at the Honors Luncheon held at the NABT Professional Development Conference (Atlanta, November 11-14, 2021), receive gift certificates from Carolina Biological Supply Company, resources from other sponsors (including from Kansas Association of Biology Teachers), and award certificates plus a complimentary one-year membership from NABT.

Self-nominate by completing the requirements below

OR

Nominate a colleague!

To nominate a colleague, forward them the information below OR email the co-directors with their contact information

(kluthek12@gmail.com & and.taylor07@gmail.com). The directors will send your nominee the application requirements. More details: (Link)

The Vernier Engineering Award is an amazing opportunity. This annual award will be presented to one educator who is innovatively using Vernier products to introduce engineering concepts or engineering practices with students. The winner will receive $1,000 in cash, $3,000 in Vernier products, and $1,500 toward expenses to attend an upcoming National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) STEM conference or an upcoming American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference.

The Kansas Energy Program won the award last year. We were able to add $3,000 worth of Vernier equipment to our Energy Library, and then to make that equipment available to K-12 educators in Kansas. The application is fairly simple. Vernier is accepting applications through February 15, 2021.