RI Science Professional Development and Student Opportunity Bulletin

January 13, 2014

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:

Statement from Chemical Safety Board Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso on High School Laboratory Fire in New York City Presentation: Implementing NGSS Interconnections using Population Education January 14th REGISTER at www.rista.us Flinn Scientific Offers FREE Scientific Laboratory Safety Course CALL FOR PRESENTERS: Annual RI Science Teachers Association (RISTA) Conference 2014 Theme: Exploring the Dimensions of Science Submit by January 17th Registration Open for STEM to STEAM thru Synergy: Bridging Morphology, Biomimicry, Sustainability and Synergetics, Fourth Biennial Design Science Symposium - 31 January 2014 2 February 2014 EPAs Environmental Education Model Grant Program Accepting Applications Proposals are due by February 4, 2014 Mass. Society for Medical Research 23rd Annual Student Competition: Student Essay, Poster, or Webpage Competition Enter by May 2 (Grades 7-8 and Grades 912) Job Opportunities:
Brown University Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program Is Looking to Place a Chemistry Student Teacher The Brown University MAT program is looking for a chemistry student teaching placement for Spring, 2014 (starting 1/22/2014, ending 5/2/2014). Due to unforeseen circumstances, the previous placement for this chemistry MAT is now unable to accommodate a student teacher. Brown MAT student teachers are expected to take over 2 of the classes from their supervising teacher. Supervising teachers are expected to submit 3 informal observations to the Brown faculty director (Dan Bisaccio) over the course of the semester as well as a final summary report. The Brown faculty director observes the MAT once every two weeks as well. The supervising teacher is compensated for her/ his supervision (either a monetary stipend or graduate course at Brown).

If interested, please contact: Dan Bisaccio, Director of Science Education Brown University Email: Daniel_Bisaccio@Brown.edu

Instructors Needed for Marine Science, Sailing & Adventure Sports Summer Programs at New England Science & Sailing
New England Science & Sailing (NESS) is seeking instructors who have experience working with kids, a strong knowledge base of marine sciences and a contagious teaching energy for the summer of 2014. Our marine science curriculum has a strong STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math!) influence and we thrive at getting kids on and in the water. Instructors are responsible for implementing an active, hands-on, experientiallyoriented program including physically demanding work, such as kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, body boarding, fishing, boat driving and some heavy lifting. This is a high energy program where instructors spend long days working and teaching in a unique environment. Our summers are extremely busy with ever-changing schedules due to weather, so we are looking for instructors that are adaptable to change. We have high expectations in safety, curriculum development and of course FUN! Qualifications: Strong communication, decision making, logistical and organizational skills; outgoing and enthusiastic personality; willingness to work long hours during season; BS or BA in marine science, biology, oceanography, or related science; teaching experience; in-water supervision experience. Preference will be given to candidates with USCG 6-Pack license, ARC waterfront lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. To apply: Download the position description and application from http://www.nessf.org/Employment/index.html and mail, fax or email to Mistral Dodson, Program Director. Important: You may attach a resume to the application but resumes without applications will not be considered! About NESS: New England Science & Sailing is an inclusive 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to delivering marine science, sailing, adventure sports, and outdoor education programs to all. The reputation of NESS is based on half a decade of facilitating safe, education and exciting programs that fully immerse individuals of all ages into the world of the marine environment, sailing and adventure sports. To accomplish our mission, we have developed a broad range of year round experiential learning activities and programs both on and off the water that promote ocean safety, educational fun learning and personal growth. For further information about NESS check us out at www.nessf.org. For More Information contact: Mistral Dodson Program Director New England Science & Sailing 860-535-9362 www.nessf.org

Chemistry Teacher - Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School
The Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School, located at 150 Washington St Providence, R.I , is seeking candidates for employment as a full time chemistry teacher. The candidate must have RI teaching certification for chemistry. Any experience in the medical/health careers field is an obvious bonus. The position is an immediate opening. Mission Statement of Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School The mission of the Rhode Island Nurses Institute (RINI) is to promote optimal health care for the citizens of Rhode Island by supporting and advancing the profession of nursing. RINI works in concert with the Rhode Island State

Nurses Association (RISNA) to meet goals through fundraising, grant writing and stewardship of entrusted funds. The Rhode Island Nurses Institute complements the work of the RISNA by raising funds and developing and managing grants. Learn more about us... Interested candidates should contact: Brian Butler Phone: 680-4900 ext 418 Email: bbutler@rinimc.org

Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island is seeking applicants for the position of Education Program Assistant
Job Description: The Educational Program Assistant will play an important role in assisting the development, building and sales of onboard programs and partnerships. The ship is scheduled for completion this spring and the next 6 months are critical in creating and establishing relationships with educational institutes. OHPRI will begin programs this summer with seven 1-week summer camps; the Education Program Assistant will be responsible for assisting with the sales, marketing and administrative work to fill these weeks. This will involve visiting schools and attending camp/college fairs, networking with youth organizations, presenting at public events, and increasing public awareness of the organization and ship. How to apply: Applicants should send resumes and references with a cover letter to: Jessica Wurzbacher - jess@ohpri.org Director of Operations and Education 29 Touro St, Newport, RI. 02840

News:
Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund Announces Eighth Annual Tisdale Award Winners
ProvidenceThe Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund announced the winners of the 2014 Loraine Tisdale Environmental Education Awards today. The award winners and their projects are: Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School: Water quality testing in Mashapaug Pond Charles Fortes Elementary School: Bringing Worm Bin Composting to the school Mount Pleasant High School: Growing and distributing vegetable seedlings in a food desert part of the city Each fall the Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund holds an open competition for schools in Rhode Island for the opportunity to be funded for a spring environmental project. Each winning school is awarded $250 to carry out the project in the spring. This year an independent panel of judges decided that Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School, Charles Fortes Elementary School, and Mount Pleasant High School had the projects that were most worthy of recognition and funding. Tisdale Award project coordinator Greg Gerritt noted It is unusual for all of the schools receiving awards to be from one community, and especially unusual that all of the schools receiving Tisdale awards are public inner city schools. I think Loraine Tisdale would have been very happy with this years winners. I am quite pleased with the choices the judges made this year as compost and urban agriculture are topics the Environment Council is very interested in, and many of the members of the Environment Council have been involved in efforts to clean up the Gorham Silver site and Mashapaug Pond. We are very proud to be able to support these excellent education programs that will help Rhode Island youth get involved with protecting their environment, said Paul Beaudette, vice president of the ECRI Education Fund and a former science and math teacher. An important step toward change is to educate the next generation about the threats to our environment and the opportunities to get involved in the solutions. The Environment Council Education Fund raises funds for this awards program through the annual ECRI Ed Fund Earth Day Raffle. The award is named after a long time Rhode Island educator and environmental activist, Loraine Tisdale,

and honors her work by providing resources to schools combining education with actual improvements in environmental quality in the community. Loraine Tisdale, a native Rhode Islander, nurse, and ardent environmentalist, used her skills to lead the Group for Alternatives to Spraying Pesticides during the 1980s and 90s, said Eugenia Marks, of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island These projects carry on her legacy to increase awareness and effective action to provide a healthy environment for all. The Environment Council of Rhode Island Education Fund's mission is to enhance the long-term stewardship of Rhode Island's natural resources through research and education, and by supporting the development of new generations of environmental stewards and leaders.

Mid-Year Education Evaluation Survey Now Open Please Complete Survey by February 3rd
Dear Educator, The mid-year educator-evaluation surveys for teachers, support professionals, building administrators, and centraloffice administrators are now open. Feedback collected through the surveys will help RIDE identify the successes and challenges of implementation and will help guide continued improvements. This is the last round of statewide surveys that will have a direct impact on model refinements before the conclusion of the Race to the Top grant, so it is critical that we hear from as many Rhode Island educators as possible. Please help us by taking this survey yourself, if applicable, and by disseminating it to as many RI educators as you can. The surveys are differentiated by role and are intended for all Rhode Island educators, regardless of the specific evaluation system that any LEA is implementing. Links to the surveys are below, and the deadline for completing the surveys is Monday, February 3. Teacher survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/13-14MYTE Support-professional survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/13-14MYSP Building-administrator survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/13-14MYBA Central-office administrator survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/13-14MYCO Thank you, Jessica Delforge RTTT Education Specialist Office of Educator Quality Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 255 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 (401) 222-8955 jessica.delforge@ride.ri.gov

Statement from Chemical Safety Board Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso on High School Laboratory Fire in New York City
I was distressed to learn once again of a serious high school laboratory accident, this one occurring yesterday at a New York City High School. According to media reports, a flash fire occurred during a demonstration in the high schools laboratory resulting in injuries to two 10th grade students, one severely.

This accident is all too similar to the one we highlighted in a recent video safety message released by the CSB that specifically focused on potential dangers in high school chemistry laboratories. The CSBs safety message entitled After the Rainbow, features accident survivor Calais Weber in her own words describing how at age 15 she was burned over 40 per cent of her body during a chemistry demonstration performed by her teacher at a prestigious boarding school she attended in Ohio. That accident occurred on January 23, 2006. Our chemical investigation screening process regrettably regularly reports similar accidents. LINK TO CSB SAFETY MESSAGE: http://www.csb.gov/videos/ Though information at this stage is very preliminary, media reports indicate the accident that occurred yesterday in Manhattan may have been similar to the type of demonstration that critically injured Ms. Weber in that it attempted to show how chemicals react in different ways giving off different colors. . The demonstration in the CSB video showed the use of highly flammable methanol to depict how various mineral salts produce different color flames when burned. The CSB believes that accidents in high school laboratories occur with alarming frequency. Yesterdays incident is yet another example of a preventable incident and a reminder of the need for exacting safety measures to protect students and school property. As Calais states in the safety message, her accident should never have occurred, and that with better attention to good safety practices, similar accidents can also be avoided. She says, It feels with this type of injury that youve had so much taken away from you unnecessarily and to keep reading about other people who have had very similar experiences, its tragic and shouldnt happen. LINK TO CSB SAFETY MESSAGE: http://www.csb.gov/videos/ CSB videos may be streamed and downloaded at www.CSB.gov from the CSB media room. They are also available on www.YouTube.com/uscsb.

NGSS News:
Achieve Releases List of Upcoming NGSS Resources
NGSS-Common Core Model Assessment Tasks are a vision of integrating science and engineering, mathematics, and English language arts in classroom assessment. Teachers across disciplines are collaborating to write example tasks that blend content, practices, and concepts from both sets of standards. January 2014 NGSS Accelerated Pathways are course models that provide example of how the NGSS can be tailored for accelerated students. Created by Advanced Placement teachers, these models help schools and districts to envision pathways for students intending to take AP science courses in their junior year. February 2014 The EQuIP NGSS Rubric will help educators and education leaders identify high quality, NGSS-aligned instructional materials, and provide feedback to improve existing materials, through a criterion-based, peerreview process. Early 2014 NGSS Evidence Statements are statements that will provide educators with additional detail on what students should know and be able to do. Model content frameworks will build on these statements and offer further clarity on implementing the NGSS in the classroom. Early 2014 The Science Standards Comparison Toolkit will help teachers and administrators consider the differences in purpose and content between different sets of standards. Early 2014 The NGSS Data Portal will let users search and view the NGSS to meet their individual needs for display on computers and mobile devices. This flexible resource will eventually allow users to tag and share resources. Summer 2014 To be notified when NGSS resources become available, please sign up for the NGSS newsletter at http://www.nextgenscience.org/newsletter-signup

Panel Recommends New Breed of Assessments for Science Learning (Ed Week)
By Catherine Gewertz on December 17, 2013 11:01 AM

Laying out a new vision for science assessments, a panel of the National Research Council Tuesday proposed that states design testing systems that integrate several key types of science learning, and blend classroom-based assessments with state-level "monitoring" tests and gauges of students' "opportunity to learn." The proposal, detailed in a 256-page report, offers an expert panel's ideas on how testing should change to fully reflect the Next Generation Science Standards adopted by eight states so far and the District of Columbia. The picture it paints departs markedly from current assessment practice, which tilts heavily toward students' knowledge of science facts, and typically takes place in one large-scale statewide exam each spring. Instead, to gauge student learning, the panel recommends that states obtain feedback from three sources. One is ongoing, classroom-based, or "formative," assessments, which would draw students into building and refining scientific models, generating and analyzing data, and creating oral and written arguments about what they're learning. These could take the form of curricular units, student-work portfolios, tasks drawn from a district's bank of items, or other activities. One example of classroom-based assessment mentioned in the report shows how a teacher might ask 6th grade students to build models of air particles, and then lead them in discussion so she can ascertain what they did and didn'tunderstand about the scientific practices used to build them. Another shows how a 5th grade teacher could oversee an extended unit on biodiversity in the schoolyard, guiding students as they gather data, analyze it, and build arguments to interpret it. The second source of information would be state-level "monitoring" tests that would be aimed at measuring how well students have learned the material over the course of a year, and that could be used to meet states' accountability needs. The expert panel suggests that while these tests would include multiple-choice and short-essay items, they should lean as heavily as possible on performance tasksor, at the very least, "multicomponent tasks." The panel urges states to consider using a matrix-sampling design for parts of their tests, in which group-level results are drawn from students taking portions, rather than the entirety, of the test. Finally, the panel says states should collect school-level information about resources that affect students' chances "to learn science in the ways laid out in the [NRC] framework and the [new science standards]," such as access to good instructional materials, the level of teachers' subject-matter expertise, and instructional approaches that allow students "of varying cultural and linguistic backgrounds" to access the material. The NRC framework is a document developed by a team of experts that was designed to help guide the development of the Next Generation Science Standards. The three dimensions of the new science standards"core ideas" of the sciences, the "practices" scientists use to do their work, and "cross-cutting concepts" that connect the science disciplinesshould all be integrated into curriculum and instruction, but also into science assessment, the panel says. 'Thorough Rethinking' of Assessment Needed The NRC report notes that the framework underlying the new science standards "proposed a dramatic rethinking of science education," and "established goals that cannot be achieved through tinkering," so "a thorough rethinking" of assessment is required as well. "Measuring the learning described in the NGSS will require assessments that are significantly different from those in current use," the report says. "It will not be feasible to assess all of the performance expectations for a given grade level during a single assessment occasion," the report cautions. "Students will need multipleand variedassessment opportunities to demonstrate their competence on the performance expectations for a given grade level." Putting such a new assessment system into practice will take time, and should start from the "bottom up," with the classroom-based assessments, rather than from the "top down," with the state-level tests, the report says. States must

pay particular attention to professional development as they think about creating these new approaches to testing, it says. The report was written by a panel of 17 national assessment and science experts drawn largely from universities, along with a few from the private sector and from state or local education agencies. It was co-chaired by James W. Pellegrino of the University of Illinois-Chicago and Mark R. Wilson of the University of California at Berkeley. In a series of meetings, the panel drew on input from science-instruction and assessment experts in state departments of education; leaders of PARCC and Smarter Balanced, the two federally-funded assessment consortia; and assessment organizations including WestEd, the College Board, and the National Assessment Government Board, which administers NAEP. Funding for the report was provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, which also supports Education Week's coverage of "deeper learning"; the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation; and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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.

Science Web Sites Worth Exploring: Common Core Resources for Literacy in Science Grades 6-12 Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, & Technical Subjects http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy
Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects Standards can be accessed by clicking on the pull down menu on the left hand side of the screen

Curriculum and Instruction Resources for Literacy in Science on the RIDE web Site
http://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/Science/CurriculumInstructionResou rces.aspx
Here you will find CCSS aligned tasks and resources to go deeper into the understanding of the CCSS Standards for Literacy in Science.

Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to PARCC http://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/TransitiontotheCCSSandPARCC.aspx
This page contains recent updates, key information, and quality resources for educators and the public to support our state's education system in its transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the PARCC Assessment for ELA/literacy and mathematics.

"Rehab The Lab" - An Evolving List Of Chemicals Appropriate For High School, Middle School And Elementary Level - http://www.lhwmp.org/home/educators/chemlist.aspx
"Rehab the Lab" sponsored by King County, Washington State, has an evolving list of chemicals appropriate for high school, middle school and elementary level. It not only lists each chemical, but also provides use, storage, issues, and most importantly, grade level APPROPRIATENESS! It can be found at: In the chemical management decision tree, determine what is needed (secure from teachers who want to use it for specific activities), determine grade level appropriateness and storage needs (Rehab the Lab), determine cost and appropriate disposal, determine if hazardous - if so, is there a safer alternative, do you have appropriate personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and initial cost. The appointed chemical hygiene officer (for those under the OSHA Lab Standard) should then have authority to review request, approve or disapprove.

Understanding Science How Science Really Works http://undsci.berkeley.edu/about.php

The mission of Understanding Science is to provide a fun, accessible, and free resource that accurately communicates what science is and how it really works. The process of science is exciting, but standard explanations often miss its dynamic nature. Science affects us all everyday, but people often feel cut off from science. Science is an intensely human endeavor, but many portrayals gloss over the passion, curiosity, and even rivalries and pitfalls that characterize all human ventures. Understanding Science gives users an inside look at the general principles, methods, and motivations that underlie all of science.

Project Wild Environmental Resources for K-12 - http://www.projectwild.org/

Project WILD is a wildlife-focused conservation education program for K-12 educators and their students. Project WILD is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students in kindergarten through high school.

Minute Physics Videos - http://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics

Simply put: cool physics and other sweet science in a minute video format.

App Calculates how much Water is Imbedded in Your Daily Activities http://www.waterprint.net/
Waterprint is a one-of-a-kind iPhone application that calculates how much water is imbedded in your daily activities, including what you wear, eat and drink. This application even includes a Waterprint calculator that quickly and easily tells you how much water it takes to grow a banana, manufacture a T-shirt, or brush your teeth.

Sinkhole Disaster Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddlrGkeOzsI

Sinkhole lake and surrounding buildings in Louisiana drains into a salt mine shaft

Advancing STEM Education with GIS - http://www.esri.com/library/ebooks/advancingstem-education-with-gis.pdf

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is a multidisciplinary approach to improving education, the workforce, and national competitiveness. President Barack Obama noted that Strengthening STEM education is vital to preparing our students to compete in the twenty-first century economy, and we need to recruit and train math and science teachers to support our nations students.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

NEW!!! Presentation: Implementing NGSS Interconnections using Population Education January 14th REGISTER at www.rista.us
REGISTER at www.rista.us Tuesday, January 14, 2014 from 4 to 6 p.m. Providence College, Harkins Hall Room 335, Presenter: Dr Comfort Ateh Assistant Professor of Education, Providence College One of the conceptual shifts that teachers must make to effectively use the Next Generation Science Standards is to reflect real-world interconnections in science. Population education will facilitate this conceptual shift for you (teachers). It brings real-world interconnections in science to the classroom. The activities on population education engage students in various practices as they acquire knowledge in science. For example, in the activity mining chocolate students will gain the skills in constructing explanations and designing solutions as they explore the impact of human activities on the environment. Students will also learn core science ideas like interdependent relations in ecosystems. During the workshop on population education, participants will be challenged to identify science core idea and practices within the activities that are relevant to their grade level standards. They will leave with FREE MATERIALS in hand that they can use right away with their own classes.

NEW!!! Flinn Scientific Offers FREE Scientific Laboratory Safety Course

The Flinn Scientific Laboratory Safety Course includes units on liability and the teachers duty of care; chemical safety regulations; personal protective equipment; and safe laboratory practices. The laboratory safety course consists of 45 individual video chapters organized into ten major safety content areas. Each video chapter is 520 minutes long, depending on content, and the entire viewing time is about 7-1/2 hours. The chapters may be viewed separately and in any order. A special certification course sequence is available for teachers who wish to document their safety training. The certification requires that teachers register, view all of the chapters in a unit, and complete a short, multiple-choice assessment for each unit. Handouts may be downloaded with additional practical information and tools to increase teachers safety awareness, improve school safety, and prevent accidents

NEW!!! CALL FOR PRESENTERS: Annual RI Science Teachers Association (RISTA) Conference 2014 Theme: Exploring the Dimensions of Science Submit by January 17th
March 1, 2014 from 8 am to 2 pm at LaSalle Academy, Providence Please consider presenting at our annual conference. Topics can be focused on Elementary, Middle, or High School th Levels, any discipline. More information and RFP form can be found at www.rista.us. Please respond by January 17 to be considered.

NEW!!! Registration Open for STEM to STEAM thru Synergy: Bridging Morphology, Biomimicry, Sustainability and Synergetics, Fourth Biennial Design Science Symposium 31 January 2014 2 February 2014 REGISTER TODAY @ SynergeticsCollaborative.org
Fourth Biennial Design Science Symposium 31 January 2014 2 February 2014 Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI Presenters: Rosanne Somerson, Interim President, Rhode Island School of Design Deborah A. Gist, PhD, Commissioner of Education, Rhode Island Department of Education

Dayna Baumeister, PhD, Biomimic & Co-founder Biomimicry 3.8 Dennis M. Bartels, PhD, Executive Director, San Francisco Exploratorium Kavita Ramanan, PhD, Mathematician & Professor, Brown University Lefteris Pavlides, Architect & Professor, Roger Williams University Chris Zelov, Filmmaker & Project Director, Knossus Project Richard Bresnahan, Master Ceramicist & Artist in Residence, St. Johns University Eric Goetz, Marine Transportation Designer & CTO, Goetz Composites Thomas T. K. Zung, Architect & Design Historian, Buckminster Fuller, Sadao, & Zung Design Science Workshop Facilitators: George Hart, Bob Sanderson, Leftheris Pavlides, Chris Kitrick, Joe Clinton, Ed Popko, Dick Esterle & Gary Doskas 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

International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge Register your class by February 1st (High School)
Educators and their class(es) are invited to be involved in the February 2014 International Student Carbon Footprint Challenge (ISCFC). and to work with our partner program supporting student-to student communication, the Einztein social learning network. You and your class(es) will have the opportunity to use and explore our student-focused International Carbon Footprint Calculator. Students can then discuss the results of this activity and their perspectives regarding climate change and related environmental concerns on the Einztein social learning network with other ISCFC students around the world. Since the inception of the ISCFC in April 2011 nine sessions of the program have included teachers and students from Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Italy, the Ivory Coast, Korea, Lithuania, Japan, the Maldives, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the United States, and Venezuela, and we expect additional countries this year. The next session of the ISCFC will begin in February, and if this date (and the schedule outlined below) coordinates well with your curriculum, we invite you and perhaps your entire school to join us, and ask you to please let us know no later than February 1, 2014. In summary, participation in the February 2014 ISCFC will include these steps: In December and January prospective partner teachers explore the ISCFC website at: http://footprint.stanford.edu and test our student Carbon Footprint Calculator. By February 1 let us know that you would like to enroll your class(es) by completing the registration form posted on the ISCFC site at: http://footprint.stanford.edu/participate.html Between February 3-7 (or before) students calculate their personal carbon footprint.

Between February 3-14 classes join and participate in the international student collaboration/discussion on the Einztein social learning network site. Discussions may also continue past this date if student participation warrants. http://einztein.com/user/jason/the-international-carbon-footp-12645/ After the session, teachers and students complete the required online SurveyMonkey survey in order to help us evaluate and improve our ISCFC project. Certificates for ISCFC participation will be awarded.

On behalf of Professor David Epel and Dr. Sam Dupont, the co-directors of the I2I team, project manager Geraldine Fauville and staff scientist Dr. Jason Hodin, we invite you and your class(es) to be a part of the ISCFC. We look forward to your response (no later than February 1) and to meeting you and your students online! For more information please contact: Pam Miller Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University, USA pam.miller@stanford.edu +1 831-238-7555

NEW!!! EPAs Environmental Education Model Grant Program Accepting Applications Proposals are due by February 4, 2014
Call for Proposals - EPAs EE Grants Program EPAs EE Model Grant Program is currently accepting applications from eligible applicants to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens.. The program works to engage communities across the country through educational projects that have a lasting impact on local watersheds and air quality. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques, and that will serve as models that can be replicated in a variety of settings. This years competitive grants program will total $2.77 million. Grants will be awarded from each of the ten EPA regional offices and EPAs headquarters in Washington, DC for a total of 22 to 32 grants. Each award will be an estimated $75,000 to $200,000. For more information go to: http://www2.epa.gov/education/environmental-education-ee-grants

EPA's Environmental Education Teacher Awards Application Period Now Open - Deadline: February 28, 2014 (K-12)
The Environmental Protection Agency is welcoming applications from public school teachers (K-12) for the third annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education. The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local education agencies nationwide for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and connecting students with their communities and the natural world. Winners will receive $2,000 to support their professional development in environmental education and each winner's school will also receive a $2,000 award to help fund environmental education activities and programs that support the teacher. For more information, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmentaleducators[www2.epa.gov] For questions, please contact: bowman.jennifer@epa.gov

SAVE THE DATE: Annual RI Science Teachers Association (RISTA) Conference 2014 Theme: Exploring the Dimensions of Science March 1st, LaSalle Academy
March 1, 2014 from 8 am to 2 pm at LaSalle Academy, Providence Keynote Speaker: Amy Leidtke of RISD Plan to join RISTA for sessions on current topics related to science education. Sessions will be offered for all grade levels and science disciplines. Attendees will be updated on the implementation of Next Generation Science

Standards in RI and learn methods to meet the challenges of teaching with NGSS. Leave the conference with new ideas to try in class right away. Go to www.rista.us for more information as well as registration. Membership is also available to all science educators in RI.

NASAs Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission (K-5. MS)

Are you looking for ready-made materials for a STEM-related event with your school or other organization? Celebrate the launch of NASAs Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission by hosting a GPM Rain EnGAUGE Event a family science night for your school, outdoor education center, library, or museum, or with your scout troop, summer camp or extracurricular club. Visit the website below for a full electronic toolkit, including an activities menu, planning schedules, sample advertising flier, and more. The activities menu has a variety of choices to teach about precipitation and its importance to our lives, from hands-on labs to computer interactives, and for all age levels select the ones that best fit your needs. For the most up-to-date information and new materials as they are developed, check the website or contact us for more details. The satellite launches in February 2014, so the celebrations can start as early as March, but get a GPM Rain EnGAUGE Event on the calendar for your organization today! Make sure you contact us if you plan to host an event so that we can send you a supply kit with GPM stickers, water droplet handouts, lithographs, and other materials to help you run your activities. Go to http://gpm.nasa.gov/education/rain-engauge or email kristen.l.weaver@nasa.gov for more information.

Presidential Award For Excellence In Mathematics And Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nominations Now Open Nominations Due April 1, 2014 (Grades K-6 Teachers)
Are you or do you know an outstanding elementary (grades K-6 ) mathematics and science teacher (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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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

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.

NASAs REEL Science Video Communication Contest For Students Apply by February 21,

2014 (High School Students)

About the Contest NASA Earth Science missions are kicking off a new video contest engaging high school age students to produce a video communicating NASA Earth Science to younger students. Students are consuming over 10 hours of media a day and video is increasingly important to communicate and inform about science. NASA is looking for talented High School students to create videos that engage students in Earth Science. Winners will have their videos posted on NASA's website. They will also get the opportunity to be a NASA Producer working with NASA scientists and communication experts in July 2014 to produce an Earth Science feature video. Who can enter? The contest is open to residents of the United States ages 13 to 18 on or before October 14, 2013. Submissions can be by individuals or teams. What is the subject of the video? Produce a two-minute video for a middle school audience that communicates one of the following science concepts: 1. How Ice Impacts Climate and Climate Impacts Ice 2. Forest Fire Effects on Air Quality 3. Water of the Water Planet How do I submit? 1. Create a video explaining one of the science topics. Be sure to use NASA components including audio clips, animations, visualizations, or satellite images. 2. Upload your video to YouTube and tag with "NASAREELscience2014"by 11:59pm EST on February 21, 2014. 3. Within 72 hours you will receive a comment on your video that your video has been submitted. 4. Finalists will be selected by March 31, 2014. Finalists will be required to send their video file to NASA along with a supplied contest Submission Release Form by 11:59pm EST on April 15, 2014. 5. Winners will be announced April 30, 2014 on our website. When is the deadline? Videos must be uploaded and tagged with "NASAREELscience2014" on YouTube by 11:59pm EST February 21, 2014. How will the videos be judged? NASA producers, communications experts, and scientists will be judging the videos for science accuracy, creativity, use of NASA data, and video quality. Videos that are inaudible, blurry, or contain resources (other than NASA imagery) that are not original will be immediately disqualified. (See contest guidelines for more details.) How will finalists be notified? Finalists will receive a comment on their YouTube video by March 31, 2014. Check YouTube after March 31st to see if you have been selected. Finalists will have 15 days to submit their video file and waiver via email to NASA. Videos with waivers not received by 11:59pm EST April 15th will be disqualified. What are the prizes? Winning videos will be announced on April 30, 2014 and posted on the NASA website. Winners will get the opportunity to work remotely with NASA producers and communications experts on a current NASA Earth Science Story in July 2014. Participation will include access to NASA personnel through webinars and online communication tools (e.g., Skype). Final produced stories will be posted on a NASA website and have the chance of being highlighted on www.nasa.gov. See contest guidelines for required release forms. For more information go to: http://reelscience.gsfc.nasa.gov/ * Check out the Winning Videos from 2012!

High School Seniors Sought For National Youth Science Camp Honors Apply by March 1, 2014
As part of the 2014 National Youth Science Foundation (NYSC) two Rhode Island high school seniors will receive a full scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. The nearly month-long experience includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation; overnight camping trips into the Monogahela National Forest; and a visit to Washington D.C. The selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership. The NYSC experience is offered at no cost to its participants, so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their

financial status. Contributions to the NYSC allow delegates to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage on scheduled airlines are provided free of charge. Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Friday, June 27, and depart on Sunday, July 20, 2014. The NYSC is held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. Application forms are available on the NYSC website at www.nysc.org and must be submitted directly to Rhode Island selection coordinator at the following address: Peter McLaren Rhode Island Department of Education 255 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 (work) 401-222-8454 (fax) 401-222-3605 Peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 1, 2013. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Peter McLaren at 401-222-8454 or peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov
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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/

Next Generation Learning with the Kavli Science in Fiction Video Contest Apply by March 21 (Grades 6-12)
Interplanetary travel, time travel, telepathy, teleportation, brain powered computers, recombinant DNA, bionic limbs, cyborgs, cryonics. Just some of the far-fetched technologies that have been dreamed up over time, while today's scientists might just be discovering ways to make them become real! Investigate how science is portrayed in TV, films, and games. Find an example using a film, TV show, or video game, then compare to what we can do today with current or emerging technologies. Or tell us what science needs to discover to make it really happen. The more you research, the more you will discover, and you might end up being surprised by what you find out. Make a video (: 30 -: 90) that shares your discoveries and states your case. ENTRY PERIOD: NOV. 1, 2013 - MARCH 21, 2014

Go to Contest Entry Form Contest open to Grades 6-12, International Students and US PRIZES: 1st- $2000 2nd- $750 3rd- $500 People's Choice $250 Additional Prizes include: Software from Wolfram Mathematica Free training at Steve Wolfe's Stunt Ranch in Austin, TX

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.

2014 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment Seeks Nominations Of Your Students Sophomores and Juniors (Class of 2015 & 16)
Please consider nominating your top students for the 2014 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment. http://wsp.gmu.edu/nominations/ George Mason University, along with its partners, National Geographic and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (the National Zoo), are excited to welcome students attending the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) to Washington, D.C. The Summit is a hands-on, interactive program that provides Americas highest achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation and sustainability, and with the desire to explore careers in the fields of environmental science, conservation, policy, law and engineering, with a remarkable opportunity. Students take an active role in the curriculum through exclusive behind-the-scenes explorations of facilities and laboratories of the Smithsonian and National Zoo, and through exclusive field visits, special access to, and activities with, researches, scientists, directors and staff. Students are led in small groups by faculty advisors who are local experts in these fields and have extensive experience in conservation and the environment. The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is held on George Mason Universitys state-of-the-art campus, enabling attending students to experience life as a typical college student and reside in comfortable, modern, fully air-conditioned dorm rooms with wireless internet connections. Students will receive one college credit for their successful completion of the Summit, with transcripts from George Mason University that can be sent to any college or university where the Delegate seeks admission. Learn more about the program at http://www.wyse.gmu.edu or contact Richard Friesner at 703-993-5417 or by email at rfriesne@gmu.edu with any questions.

NEW!!! Mass. Society for Medical Research 23rd Annual Student Competition: Student Essay, Poster, or Webpage Competition Enter by May 2 (Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12)
A Biology Competition For All Middle and High School Students in New England Essay, Poster or Webpage Level 1 Competition Level 2 Competition Grades 7 8 Grades 9 - 12 Awards in Each Level

1st Place - $500 2nd Place - $250 3rd Place - $100 Honorable Mention - Certificate of Merit Classroom Education Grants for the Teachers or Mentors/Advisors of the winning students 1st Place - $100 2nd Place - $50 3rd Place - $25 All winning and honorable mention students and their parents and teacher are invited to the MSMR Annual Meeting in late June, where the winning entries will be highlighted. This Year's Competition Challenge - "What's New?" The competition reflects MSMRs popular What A Year! science discovery website (www. whatayear.org), that turns research advances into educational opportunities. You will create and submit a Poster, Essay or Webpage exploring a recent research advance at a New England research institution as if you were the What A Year! Go to the What A Year! website (www.whatayear.org) and read some of the stories in order to understand the goal of What A Year! to introduce breakthrough science to students. To Enter 1. Find a research discovery/breakthrough from scientists at a New England research institution during 2012 or 2013. 2. Then tell the story of the discovery via an Essay, Poster or Webpage, using a balance of text and graphics, being sure to include all the required elements (see details in the Student Packet, below). Your specific audience is teenage science students, so your presentation should be appropriate to them. There are ideas in the Student Packet on how to find a good story. Topics should not be ones that are already reported the WHAT A YEAR! website: you should uncover a topic of special interest to you-- an area of biology, a disease or condition, a specific researcher or research institution, for example. The Student Packet and Entry Form below will help you find discoveries, plan, create and submit your entry. Please read them and follow their guidance carefully. We accept entries only in electronic format. Essays and Posters are submitted as e-mail attachments in standalone (not web-based) PDF format; Webpages will be submitted as links in your submission e-mail. Please read through the entire Student Packet for detailed information. Essays and Posters must be individual work; Websites may be created by individuals or teams of two. Note: your entry itself must be completely anonymous ... all identifying information must be contained only in the associated e-mail and Entry Form 2014 Student Packet 2014 Entry Form - MS Word version or 2014 Entry Form - PDF version

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