New Jersey Science Teachers Association News 2020-21

NJSTEM Teachers Website

NJSTA — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 11:05:24 GMT

This website resource will help you learn more about teaching STEM in New Jersey.

https://www.njstemteachers.org/home

National Academies Press Call to Action for Science Education

NJSTA — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:23:00 GMT

"Call to Action for Science Education: Building Opportunity for the Future articulates a vision for high quality science education, describes the gaps in opportunity that currently exist for many students, and outlines key priorities that need to be addressed in order to advance better, more equitable science education across grades K-16. This report makes recommendations for state and federal policy makers on ways to support equitable, productive pathways for all students to thrive and have opportunities to pursue careers that build on scientific skills and concepts. Call to Action for Science Education challenges the policy-making community at state and federal levels to acknowledge the importance of science, make science education a core national priority, and empower and give local communities the resources they must have to deliver a better, more equitable science education."

New Jersey Mapping Competition - Submissions Due May 10th

NJSTA — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:07:55 GMT

New Jersey Mapping Competition open to all middle school and high school students!

Maps contain a wealth of data which can be analyzed to answer all types of spatial questions related to science, social studies, language arts, etc. Students are empowered when they can create their own maps showing relationships among data of their interest. We are pleased to announce a contest to create New Jersey-themed online maps, using ESRI’s freely available ArcGIS Online platform. Teachers: Encourage your students to learn some online mapping skills and create a story map using New Jersey content.

This competition is part of a national mapping competition sponsored by ESRI, the maker of ArcGIS. Students may work alone or in pairs to create their maps, and a school may submit up to 5 of their best maps to be judged at the state level. New Jersey may award up to ten Amazon gift cards of $100 each for the top high school and middle school maps ($100 per team, max of 5 high school and 5 middle school). The top map from New Jersey will be submitted to the national competition. Winners of that competition will be invited to California to receive their award. Story Maps must be submitted by Monday May 10, 2021. For more information about the contest, visit https://tinyurl.com/2021njgiscompetition

Send your questions to: mapnjcompetition@gmail.com

Connecting Models and Evidence - Virtual Workshop: Applications Due May 14th

NJSTA — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:07:05 GMT

Connecting Models and Evidence

August 4-6, 2021

Virtual Workshop

Join us August 4-6, 2021 for the virtual Earth and Environmental Science Educators' Institute, which will provide professional development in the use of Model-Evidence Link (MEL) activities centered on current Earth and environmental science topics. These 3-dimensional (core ideas, practices, crosscutting concepts) instructional scaffolds facilitate critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, construction of scientific explanations, and collaborative argumentation to support scientific reasoning within challenging Earth science topics. This three-day institute is free, and a $750 stipend will be provided! Applications are open to middle and high school teachers who teach Earth and Environmental Science courses and topics in the NJ-PA-DE area.

Application Deadline: May 14, 2021. Decisions will be made by May 19, 2021.

Pre-Workshop Webinar: May 24, 2021

Workshop: August 4-6, 2021, 8:00 AM -12:30 PM EDT

For more information about the MEL scaffolds, and to apply, go to: https://serc.carleton.edu/mel/prof_dev/NJ_PD_2021.html

"SPLS and Online Learning Strategies” webinar on May 5th

NJSTA — Mon, 03 May 2021 00:04:06 GMT

The Council of State Science Supervisors Professional Learning Committee invites you to attend their webinar “SPLS and Online Learning Strategies” in which we will share strategies and how technology tools can support meeting the attributes of professional learning outlined in the SPLS. During this webinar, participants will engage with this resource as we model some of the strategies.

When: May 5, 2021 2:00 pm EDT to 3:30 pm EDT

Where: Register and Connection Information Here

Who: All parties interested in science online professional learning

Ask a Polar Scientist - May 6th

NJSTA — Sun, 02 May 2021 23:59:50 GMT

Soundscape Ecology Project - Webinar May 12th

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:12:59 GMT

“Data? I’m all ears! The JC NERR’s Soundscape Ecology project”

When: Wednesday, May 12th, 2021. 12:30 PM-1:30 PM. Join us via Zoom

Presenter: Andrea Habeck, Stewardship Coordinator for the Jacques Cousteau Reserve

Click here to register. The event link and passcode will be in your confirmation email.

The JC NERR and other Reserves around the country have started a new and exciting monitoring effort which involves recording ambient sounds within a habitat, both natural and man-made. What can sounds tell us about the estuary? How does it work? Tune in to find out!

PRISM workshops: "Creativity: A Lifelong Universal Skill"

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:43:25 GMT

"Creativity: A Lifelong Universal Skill"

Free for Teachers, Principals, District Leadership.

"Creativity" is one of the essential skills needed to be a productive citizen in the 21st century. Colleges seek creative high school graduates with STEM experience. High tech firms need creative people to develop globally competitive products and services. School leaders have great interest in "creativity" in the classroom as part of an exciting school-to-work paradigm.

PRISM is offering two related professional development activities dealing with the background and foundations of creativity, and how K-12 students get to be part of an exciting and creative school-to-work paradigm.

May 21, 2021 "Creativity: A Lifelong Universal Skill " 4:00 - 5:30pm.

An interactive online webinar. A zoom link will be provided after registration.

Facilitator: Harry Roman, retired from PSE&G with a long career in engineering, teaching, and invention.

June 4, 2021 "Creative Aids to the Classroom" 10:00am - 3:00pm.

An in-person hands-on workshop held at Montclair State University in the PRISM workshop center at 1515 Broad St., Bloomfield. PD hours will be provided.

Registration limited to 15 with social distancing and masks required.

Facilitator: Dr. Vince Walencik, retired from MSU and a key player in technology education as part of an integrated STEM philosophy (iSTEM).

Princeton Virtual Summer Institutes for K-12 STEM Teachers

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:33:27 GMT

We are excited to announce upcoming professional learning opportunities this summer at QUEST 2021 Virtual Summer Institute for K-12 STEM teachers.

QUEST is designed to enhance teachers' knowledge of science and mathematics aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Science and Math. Each session is co-taught by Princeton University researchers, content experts, and lead teachers. QUEST builds on K-12 teachers' knowledge of science and math content and practices through virtual experiments, field experiences, and data analysis. These learning experiences aim to increase teachers’ enthusiasm, knowledge, and confidence in teaching science and math.

This summer's QUEST includes: Climate and the Ocean, From Farm to Fork: Analysis of Food Systems, and Elementary Math: From Anxiety to Mastery. Click the titles for additional details.

Submit your registration here: https://teacherprep.princeton.edu/quest2021 Please contact Dr. Jessica Monaghan or Dr. Anne Catena with any questions.

PRISM FREE "Grow and Learn" plant growth kits

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:22:43 GMT

PRISM at Montclair State University is giving away FREE "Grow and Learn" plant growth kits at their office in NJ. Each boxed kit has 80 peat pots packaged as "pods" containing seeds in paper planting strips, labeled tags for all 20 different kinds of vegetable and herb seeds, with pellets of growing medium, and are ideal for children. Take one kit for a class or several for a school or community garden, as long as the supply lasts.

YouTube videos provide step-by-step instructions: Grow and learn with seed pods!

Also, use the GROW & LEARN app in the App Store. The seed pods are each coded for scanning and use in the app, which has extensive instructions and activities for kids.

Pick up at PRISM offices in Bloomfield on April 27, 28, 29, May 5, and May 6 between 2:00 and 4:30 pm.

Call or email first to let us know you are coming! Multiple sets of kits can be taken for many classes, but please reserve and come soon.

Rutgers Polar Scientist Virtual Webinar Thursday May 6th

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:19:41 GMT

"Ask a Polar Scientist" at this LIVE virtual webinar on Science Research on the Ice, on Thursday, May 6th, 2021 from 7-8pm ET!

Register Today!

Meet the Polar Scientists!

Andrew Corso, a Post-doctoral researcher at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is excited to talk to you about marine creatures and his research experiences in Antarctica!

Dr. Scott Doney, a professor in Environemtnal Change is excited to talk to you about his oceanographic research and what it is like to be a polar scientist studying climate change.

Dr. Sharon Stammer, a Senior Research Associate at the University of Colorado Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, is excited to speak with you about what it is like to work outdoors and in a computer laboratory exploring polar data.

Register Here for the May 6th Webinar and Submit Your Questions Here for the Scientists Today!

We are anticipating a large number of registrations for this exciting program. In order to maximize our time with the scientists, we ask that you submit questions in advance! We will not be taking questions during the program and because of limited time, we encourage you to submit your question ASAP here!

Need Help thinking of a Question? Here are some Tips:

You have heard the phrase “there are no dumb questions”. Well, it's true! We want to encourage your creativity and passion for science. You may be curious about what it’s like to be a research scientist- the challenges, daily routines, and technology used. In addition, you may want to know more about scientists’ motivation, career path and inspiration. We definitely encourage these kinds of questions - and anything else you want to ask these amazing scientists!

STEVENS Innovation EXPO

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:18:41 GMT

Stevens Institute of Technology will host the annual Innovation Expo virtually this year on Friday, April 30. The Innovation Expo – a showcase for student research, innovation and entrepreneurship – can be experienced on the web via our virtual platform or through the Stevens Innovation Expo mobile app. Information on accessing these platforms is available on our Innovation Expo App and Virtual Platform webpage.

Middle and high school students are welcome to join any portion of the program, but we encourage them to view the Middle and High School Student Experience lectures from 2:45-3:45 p.m. There will be four lectures, each lasting 30 minutes, during this period. The full day’s agenda is included below.

Students in grades 8 through 12 will get a glimpse of Stevens’ cutting-edge academic programs and research and insights into topics such as music-making techniques, systems engineering in space, becoming an entrepreneur and the history and future of concrete. Please check this page for more details.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s virtual Innovation Expo!

VIRTUAL INNOVATION EXPO AGENDA

11-11:15 a.m. OPENING REMARKS

11:20 a.m.-1:50 p.m. SENIOR PROJECTS

2-2:30 p.m. COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS CONCERT

2:45-3:45 p.m. MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STEVENS EXPERIENCE

4-5:30 p.m. ANSARY ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION AWARDS

Climate Task Force Town Hall

NJSTA — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 14:17:29 GMT

Climate Task Force Town Hall
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing the world today. The President’s Task Force on Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience is charged with developing a comprehensive climate action plan that will address the crisis for the benefit of Rutgers and the communities and state we serve.

Over the past year and a half, we have asked the Rutgers community to come together to engage with the process of planning for a carbon neutral, resilient future by attending town hall meetings, providing comments on reports, and connecting with us on social media. You have responded with deep, sustained engagement, and we are grateful for your attention.

Register today to join the task force on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the third and final town hall. The meeting will include an update on Climate Task Force activities since the release of the Phase 2 Report: Current Status and Potential Solutions for a Carbon Neutral, Climate Resilient Rutgers, a Q&A session, and a series of breakout rooms where you can help us to develop cross-cutting climate solutions.

Get more information and register >>

NASA 3-D Thursday for Rural Educators

NJSTA — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 01:55:17 GMT

Join us for the upcoming 3-D Thursdays for Rural Educators on Thursday, May 6^th at 7pm CT for a freestyle conversation with NASA scientists Dr. Caitlin Ahrens and Dr. James Green to learn about their journeys from rural America to NASA. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and chat with these scientists to learn about their research, leadership, and advice to students who wish to take a similar path. Invite your K-12 students and any educator who wishes to support rural students in their STEM journeys to NASA!

This webinar is suitable for all grades K-12.

Access registration HERE.

Note: Students under 18 years old MUST use their teacher or legal guardian’s information for registration. We also ask that if teachers share their registration link with their students, they or the students’ legal guardians must attend the webinar for supervision.

Ignite STEM Conference - Sign up by April 16th!

NJSTA — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:41:52 GMT

IgniteSTEM aims to transform K-12 education with STEM educators like you through innovative approaches found in design thinking. This spring, IgniteSTEM invites teachers to use design thinking in envisioning the classroom of the future during our first “Unconference” to be held on April 24, 2021!

Teachers won’t just learn the design thinking process—they’ll experience it first hand. Attendees will get placed in teams to ideate and present their approaches to our theme: What does the future of the non-virtual classroom look like? We’ll have other events, including networking with 200 other teachers, panels, prize giveaways, and our star keynote speaker, Art of Problem Solving Founder Richard Rusczyk.

Logistics wise, our conference will run virtually on the platform Hopin on April 24 from 10 am to 4 pm EST. Registering for the conference is simple: just fill out this form by April 16th!

Additionally, if you have an idea or an unforgettable experience to share with the broader education community, we are looking for teacher speakers to present their very own “ED Talks” during the Unconference. Apply as an ED Talk speaker at the end of the application form and work with our student curators to help shape the conversation!

Feel free to forward our email to anyone at your school or in your network who would be interested. If you apply as a group, your educator group will be guaranteed acceptance to our conference. Please note that all participants are eligible to earn Professional Development Hours, and ED Talk speakers will be given an IgniteSTEM token of appreciation.

Thank you and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! We’d love to see you and your colleagues at our Unconference!

Deadline Extended! NJ STEM Innovation Fellowship

NJSTA — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:40:48 GMT

The NJ STEM Innovation Fellowship, an exciting program created in partnership with Math for America, Montclair State University, Rowan University and Princeton University, will continue accepting applications through APRIL 21, 2021.

Apply here: www.innovatestemnj.org.

The program, open to K-5 math teachers and coaches in New Jersey, provides a yearly $5,000 stipend for teachers to join a community of practice to learn about innovative STEM teaching practices, for both in-person and remote instruction. Read about the experience of a current fellow here.

Innovation fellowships at-a-glance

One-year, renewable fellowships for experienced, accomplished elementary math teachers and coaches
$5,000/year stipend for each fellow
Focus on in-person and remote teaching innovations shown to improve student learning
Summer institute (August 24-25) for all fellows to introduce the teaching innovations and establish the year’s focus
Monthly collaboration with other fellows at a leading university in one of three geographic regions – North, Central, and South Jersey

If you have questions, please email apply@innovatestemnj.org.

Summer 2021 Interdisciplinary Research Experience at Stevens for High School Teachers

NJSTA — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:13:06 GMT

Interdisciplinary Research Experience for High School Teachers in Sustainable Energy and Bioengineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, July 5-30, 2021

http://Stevens.edu/reu-ret.

The program pays a total of $4000 per teacher for the four weeks. Teachers will be encouraged to be in-person for most of the time, although some virtual work is acceptable.

RET_flier_Stevens.pdf

Questions about the program can be directed to Patricia Muisener pmuisene@stevens.edu or Pinar Akcora pakcora@stevens.edu.

Virtual Conservation Career Day from Cornell

NJSTA — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 13:26:52 GMT

The Earth is My Boss: Virtual Conservation Career Day

from: Sunday, April 18th 2021, 1:00 pm EDT

to: Sunday, April 18th 2021, 5:00 pm EDT

Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a free virtual conservation career day to discover people who have turned their interests in fields such as science, engineering, education, and technology into careers that help the planet. The event features four panelist per session and students can choose to attend any combination of panels that suit their interests. Pre-registration is required. The event is geared towards 7th-12th graders. To learn more and register visit https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/career-day/

NSTA Call to Action Science Education Survey

NJSTA — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:37:28 GMT

Call to Action for SCIENCE EDUCATION Survey

The importance of science for the well-being of humanity and the planet has never been more clear. In recognition of this, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is convening a committee to develop a Call to Action for Science Education. The committee will identify key steps the nation can take in order to prepare students to face the global challenges of the future, both as engaged participants in society and in their careers.

The report of the committee will outline recommendations for state and national policy makers and education leaders to support equitable, productive pathways for all students to thrive and have opportunities to pursue careers in science and related STEM fields.

NSTA is assisting NASEM by collecting information from a survey that will be used to gain critical insight from stakeholders to inform the work of the Call to Action for Science Education.

Your input is very important; please take a few minutes to particpate in the survey by clicking on the link below.

New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship for Elementary Math

NJSTA — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:31:03 GMT

Math ƒor America along with Montclair State University, Rowan University and Princeton University are now accepting applications for the New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship. The program, which is open to outstanding K-5 math teachers and coaches, provides a stipend and brings educators together outside of school hours to learn about innovative STEM teaching practices. Applications are now open, with a deadline of March 31, 2021. Apply here: www.innovatestemnj.org.

Innovation fellowships at-a-glance

· One-year, renewable fellowships for experienced, accomplished elementary math teachers and coaches

· Focus on in-person and remote teaching innovations shown to improve student learning

· Summer institute for all fellows to introduce the teaching innovations and establish the year’s focus

· Monthly collaboration with other fellows at a leading university in one of three geographic regions – North, Central, and South Jersey

· $5,000 stipend for each fellow

If you have questions please email apply@innovatestemnj.org

ANJEE Reminder: Spotted Lantern Fly - Be a Nature Watcher!

NJSTA — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:14:53 GMT

As spring thaw approaches, please keep your eyes open. Be a NATURE WATCHER.

Reinvented NJ State Science Day - Applications Now Being Accepted

NJSTA — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:11:55 GMT

Ask a Rutgers Scientist - Upcoming Scientists Panel about Covid-19 Vaccines

NJSTA — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:09:14 GMT

Students and families again to another Health/Medical Scientists live webinar via Zoom on Thurs., Feb 25^th from 7-8PM. We have some really great, notable speakers for this program: Dr. Swaminathan is the Principal Investigator of the Moderna Vaccine trials, Dr. Zhao invented a microbiota formula to help patients fight COVID-19, and Dr. Silenzio is an LGBTQ+ Community Health expert. So a real diverse and interesting set of scientists! The program is FREE and open to all youth and their families. Registration is a must, and questions for the scientists are requested to be sent in prior to the program via this submission form: Online Survey Software | Qualtrics Survey Solutions.

Meet An Engineer: Harry Roman on What is an Engineer?

NJSTA — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:05:13 GMT

PRISM Webinar-Thursday, March 25, 4:00-5:00 pm

FREE webinar for teachers, students, the general public.

Registration is required in advance: HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Interested in learning about what engineers do? Join us for a Zoom webinar about engineering, featuring Harry Roman, a nationally recognized engineer with decades of experience in designing solar /wind energy systems, robots, micro sensors, applying AI systems and lots of other technologies. What makes this engineer so interesting, is he has taught teachers and students in many middle schools and co-taught STEM graduate level classes for NJ teachers. He knows engineering and he knows education. IEEE honored him with a northeast region excellence in teaching award. He has taught graduate engineering courses at his alma mater [NJIT] for 10 years as well. He holds 12 U.S. patents, written hundreds of articles and professional papers, and published numerous teacher activity books for PITSCO, ITEEA, Kelvin, ENASCO, IEEE, and Gifted Education Press; and created 20 math card games for ENASCO.

In his talk, Harry will discuss how engineers

-Affect the world around us

-Discuss the engineering versus science question

-How the engineering field developed over time

-How engineers solve problems

-Where you will find engineers at work

-Job opportunities for engineers today....

-and lots of other cool stuff.

NJSTA President quoted in Bloomberg article

NJSTA — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:57:05 GMT

Guida Faria, NJSTA President, and Dr. Elizabeth Allen, NSTA President, are both quoted in a recent article published by Bloomberg.

Read the article, "Big Oil Gets to Teach Climate Change in America's Classrooms" HERE

New York & New Jersey Climate Education Youth Summit

NJSTA — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 01:47:53 GMT

New York & New Jersey Climate Education Youth Summit

Dates: Monday, February 8^th to Friday, February 12^th2021

Time: 3:30pm - 6:30pm EST

Register here: tiny.cc/climatesummit

The New York & New Jersey Climate Education Youth Summit is organized by the Center for Sustainable Development at the Earth Institute Columbia University in partnership with New Jersey Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation in New York City. The main objective of this weeklong Summit is to increase awareness about local environmental issues in the two States and to encourage community activism thought citizen science and other approaches. The Summit will also make youth aware of career pathways in sustainability and environmental education. There will be networking sessions with current sustainability track Columbia University students. The Summit will also provide opportunities for Q and As with world-renowned economists such as Jeffrey Sachs, marine biologist Joaquim Goes, and New York Times reporter and Earth Institute journalist Andrew Revkin. In addition, there will be numerous workshops designed to help youth enhance environmental skills, and play an active role in their communities to address sustainability issues. The Summit is a great opportunity to open young minds to the possibilities in research and activism. The Summit’s keynote speaker is New Jersey’s First Lady, Ms. Tammy Murphy who is spearheading climate change education as an integral topic in New Jersey’s K-12 school learning standards.

Join us to ask questions, debate and participate!.

More on eco-ambassadors here- https://edsd.csd.columbia.edu

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/09/24/eco-ambassador-environmental-education/

College (& High School) Chemistry During COVID: What Works, What Doesn't, and What I Need Help With! Monday, January 25th @ 7 pm

NJSTA — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 23:09:14 GMT

College (& High School) Chemistry During COVID: What Works, What Doesn't, and What I Need Help With!

Monday, January 25th @ 7 pm

This free webinar and panel discussion features Award-Winning Faculty who are teaching in person, on-line, and in hybrid settings. All science faculty are welcome to attend as most of the strategies can be transferred across science disciplines.

During the webinar, we will share labs that students can do at home, labs with virtual lab partners and discuss evidence-based strategies that work (and those that don't). We will show you how to use programs like Nearpod®, PearDeck®, edpuzzle® and others, to check for understanding as well as sharing and viewing student data in a socially distanced way. We are also excited to hear about the great things you are doing in your class to maintain the rigor of a college chemistry course in these challenging times.

Click here to register: https://forms.gle/QiiPtatagFzAjENr7

Meet your Presenters:

Samantha Ramaswamy is the AP Chemistry teacher at Penn-Trafford High School in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA where she is also the sponsor of the Science National Honor Society. She has taught every level of chemistry from academic up through AP. This year, Penn-Trafford High School runs on a hybrid schedule, with half of the student body attending every other day while the rest remain online. Sam earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Purdue University and then her Masters degree in Science Education from Montana State University. Outside of the classroom, she is the president of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association and a teacher leader of APTeach where she is working to create a more collaborative network of science teachers.

Michele Whitecraft is a dynamic teacher, lecturer and researcher. She takes a holistic interdisciplinary approach to education and is actively involved in advancing women and minorities in science. She has been the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Secondary Science Education, the Tandy Scholar Teacher Award, and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, among others. From her unique research and consulting experiences with the:

● Department of Energy;

● National Science Foundation;

● National Institutes for Environmental Health Science;

● National Institutes of Health;

and National Aeronautics Space Association, Michele has designed science curricula with real world experiments ranging from her work on the International Experimental Thermonuclear Reactor at Princeton to the artificial transmutation of the transuranium elements at UC Berkeley. Michele’s experiences with these national organizations and research projects have inspired her desire to help advance women and minorities in all scientific endeavors. Michele has been a member of the:

● American Chemical Society;

● American Association for the Advancement of Science;

● Society of Women Engineers;

● American Association of University Women;

● Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development;

● National Association of Research in Science Teaching;

● National Science Teaching Association;

● Pennsylvania Science Teaching Association (Current Board

Member);

Tompkins Cortland Community College Teaching Center

(Current Board Member).

With more than 35 years' experience in teaching high school and college chemistry, Michele has authored several monographs and book chapters to enhance science education nation-wide and presented at several national and international conferences. She has publications in BioScience, Journal of Nuclear Materials, Human Ecology, The International Journal of Agriculture, Chemistry in Action and The Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics. Michele was an Education Policy Fellow for Pennsylvania from 2017-2018. Michele earned her master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and her doctorate from Cornell. She is currently an adjunct concurrent enrollment chemistry liaison and chemistry instructor at Tompkins Cortland Community College and a science education professor at Mansfield University.

Registration link:

https://forms.gle/QiiPtatagFzAjENr7

National Academies Press Book Announcement

NJSTA — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:36:12 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in widespread and ongoing changes to how the K-12 education system functions, including disruptions to science teaching and learning environments. Students and teachers are all figuring out how to do schooling differently, and districts and states are working overtime to reimagine systems and processes. This is difficult and stressful work in the middle of the already stressful and sometimes traumatic backdrop of the global pandemic. In addition, students with disabilities, students of color, immigrants, English learners, and students from under-resourced communities have been disproportionately affected, both by the pandemic itself and by the resulting instructional shifts.

Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis aims to describe what high quality science and engineering education can look like in a time of great uncertainty and to support practitioners as they work toward their goals. This book includes guidance for science and engineering practitioners - with an emphasis on the needs of district science supervisors, curriculum leads, and instructional coaches. Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis will help K-12 science and engineering teachers adapt learning experiences as needed to support students and their families dealing with ongoing changes to instructional and home environments and at the same time provide high quality in those experiences.

The book is available for free as a PDF download. The Interactive Summary is a good first stop for busy educators.

National Academies Press Book Announcement

Panasonic Student Eco Citizenship Project

NJSTA — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 20:35:49 GMT

5th- 8th grade subject area teachers that may be interested in participating in the FREE Panasonic Student Eco Citizenship Project with their students. http://ecocitizenship.org/

This exciting FREE project will guide 5th-8th-grade students across New Jersey as they:

1. Define environmental issues
2. Create actions to help solve the issue
3. Apply actions in their community to help solve the problem
4. Evaluate actions conducted and share the results

Student teams will be able to submit an Eco Diary into the New Jersey competition. Winners and their teachers will receive recognition and prizes provided by Panasonic.

Student Sustainability Summit Call for Entries K – 12 Student Essay or Video Competition

NJSTA — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 20:39:07 GMT

Student Sustainability Summit Call for Entries K – 12 Student Essay or Video Competition
“What can we do for environmental sustainability?”
Essay (800 words or less) OR Video (3 minutes or less) for students in grades K – 12
Register Now!
Questions: soedean@monmouth.edu
The deadline for submissions is 5 pm on January 8, 2021. Finalists will be announced no later than February 1, 2021

Winter Solstice and Great Convergence Phenomena

NJSTA — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 01:51:18 GMT

Copy of NJSTA Winter Solstice and Convergence Phenomena 2020 by L Prosen

Phenomena Based 3-D Teaching with OpenSciEd Teacher Workshop Series

NJSTA — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 02:15:34 GMT

OpenSciEd Teacher Workshop Series.
This is a 5-part series; each topic will be offered twice.

For information about visit OpenSciEd

Topic: Fostering Productive Classroom Norms
Dates: January 27, 2021, or February 3, 2021
Description: During this session, educators will gain deeper insight into the characteristics of effective classroom norms as exemplified by OpenSciEd’s Classroom Norms. Participants will explore the importance of classroom norms as the foundation for a productive learning environment for their students.

Topic: Leading an Anchoring Phenomenon Routine
Dates: February 24, 2021, or March 3, 2021
Description: During this session, educators will gain more in-depth insight into the use of an anchoring phenomenon as a component of effective science instruction as exemplified by OpenSciEd’s Anchoring Phenomenon Routine. Participants will explore the importance of science phenomena as the catalyst for science teaching and learning.

Topic: Facilitating the OpenSciEd Navigation Routine
Dates: March 24, 2021, or March 31, 2021
Description: During this session, educators will gain a deeper understanding of practices that encourage more effective student sense-making, as exemplified by OpenSciEd’s Navigation Routine. Participants will discuss what a classroom looks like when student understanding is central.

Topic: Supporting Student Discourse in Science
Dates: April 21, 2021, or April 28, 2021
Description: During this session, educators will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and characteristics of effective student discourse as exemplified by OpenSciEd’s 3 Discussion Types. Participants will focus on the importance of student discourse in sense-making and explore discussion strategies.

Topic: Planning for OpenSciEd Implementation
Dates: May 19, 2021, or May 26, 2021
Description: During this session, educators will consider how to prepare for implementing OpenSciEd in their classrooms. Participants will receive a comprehensive overview of OpenSciEd’s design specifications to inform their planning.

2021 Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching Application Open

NJSTA — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 02:09:04 GMT

AGI Offers Award for K-8 Earth Science Teaching

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) invites science educators to enter its upcoming award competition, the 2021 Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

Given annually, this award is presented to one teacher of students ranging from kindergarten through grade eight in the United States or Key stages 1-3 in the United Kingdom. The award recognizes leadership and innovation in Earth science education.

Entrants are asked to submit an application packet including a curriculum vitae or resume, letters of recommendation, an essay, and an exemplary Earth system science lesson plan, preferably that they have implemented in their instruction. Submissions are stronger if they address current trends in Earth science education, which this year may include ways that the teacher has effectively adapted instruction to address pandemic conditions, though this is not required.

The winner of the Roy Award will receive a monetary prize of $2,500 and a travel grant of up to $1,000 to attend the upcoming National Science Teaching Association National Conference in Chicago, April 8-11, 2021. To be eligible, applications must be submitted by January 20, 2021.

The award is given in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. For more information on requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, please visit https://www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy and/or view a brief webcast at https://www.earthsciweek.org/webcasts/EdRoy. Questions may be directed to awards@americangeosciences.org.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.

_____________
AGI Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org

UCLA Nobel Laureates to discuss the science behind their discoveries

NJSTA — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 02:06:54 GMT

Nobel Breakthroughs

Wednesday, December 16
9:00 a.m. PST | Noon EST

On October 6, 2020, UCLA Professor Andrea Ghez won a Nobel Prize in Physics for her discovery of a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. The next day, UC Berkeley Professor Jennifer Doudna won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of CRISPR-Cas9, a powerful genome editing breakthrough that allows scientists to rewrite DNA in any organism, including human cells. UCLA Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Emily A. Carter, a distinguished scientist and member of the National Academy of Sciences, welcomes the two Nobel laureates to discuss the science behind their discoveries, their current research, how they achieved world-class research results and the significance of their Nobel Prizes for women and youth who have a passion for science.

Closed captioning will be available in English and Spanish.

RSVP

Those who RSVP will receive a confirmation email with a link to tune in.

To watch past conversations, please visit ucla.edu/connections.

For inquiries: connections@stratcomm.ucla.edu

NASA has created a STEM Education Toolkit with links to the “Mission to Mars Student Challenge”

NJSTA — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 01:45:25 GMT

On Feb. 18, NASA will attempt to land a new rover on the surface of Mars. We invite students of all ages, educators, parents, campers, museums and other institutions to participate in the adventure of this historic landing. NASA has created a STEM Education Toolkit with links to the “Mission to Mars Student Challenge” to lead students in designing their own Mars mission, plus activities, lessons, interactives, social media and more to allow classrooms, families, and individuals to ride along. In addition, there will be a series of programs broadcast for educators and students in the days and weeks leading up to landing. As always, we welcome this opportunity to include diverse learners in the NASA family.

Here are some of the particulars:

Named Perseverance and carrying a helicopter named Ingenuity, this car-sized rover is designed to search for signs of ancient microbial life and collect samples of Mars for return to Earth.
Landing events will be broadcast live on February 18 starting at about 11:00 AM PST/2:00 PM EST in English and Spanish with touchdown at about 12:55 PM PST/3:55 PM EST. Watch live.
Your one-stop shop for extensive Perseverance education and public engagement materials and resources is the #CountdownToMars Mars 2020 STEM Toolkit.
Learn all about the “Mission to Mars Student Challenge” launching in January. The challenge culminates on Feb. 18, when students can land their missions along with the Perseverance Mars rover! Participants will also have the opportunity to join live stream Q&As with NASA experts and submit student work and questions for the landing day broadcast.
Find the schedule for televised educational events in advance of landing day at the Challenge and Toolkit sites and at Mars Watch Online.
Would you like a preview? Perseverance will be following much the same path as the Curiosity rover did in 2012. Watch Curiosity’s “Seven Minutes of Terror!” video.

NYS Camp for High School Seniors

NJSTA — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 16:57:08 GMT

We are excited to invite New Jersey to select two graduating high school seniors to attend the 2021 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp).

Traditionally, the NYSCamp (http://www.nyscamp.org/) has been a residential STEM program designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising STEM leaders and provide them with opportunities to engage with STEM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the National Youth Science Foundation (NYSF) cancelled the in-residence portion of the 2020 camp and instead hosted an entirely virtual NYSCamp experience for 2020 delegates (www.virtual.nyscamp.org). Due to ongoing concerns about the pandemic, and taking into account the safety of our 2021 delegates, the Board of Trustees of the NYSF has elected to again cancel the in-residence portion of the 2021 NYSCamp and host a second virtual camp experience. The 2021 Camp will run from Monday June 28 to Wednesday July 21. Even with the virtual nature of the camp, delegates are expected to participate daily in camp activities for the entire duration of camp. The NYSCamp is offered to selected participants at NO COST so that talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability.

Please share this website with applicants: http://apply.nyscamp.org

For more information, please visit our web sites at www.nysf.com and www.nyscamp.org.

Panasonic Student Eco Citizenship Project

NJSTA — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:51:30 GMT

FREE Resources available for Virtual or In-Classroom Teaching

Register now for SPRING!

Students will:
1. Define environmental issues
2. Create actions to help solve the issue
3. Apply actions in their community to help solve the problem
4. Evaluate actions conducted and share the results

5. Submit their final results into the Eco Diary Competition for prizes!

Details:

Open to 5TH- 8TH grade teachers

Aligned to National Literacy Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, ISTE Standards and NJ Climate Change Guidelines

Available for virtual or in-classroom teaching

Available in editable PDF format on the website at ecocitizenship.org or you can request hard copies of the resources

Registration:

Sign up by going to the registration page HERE

Welcome box to be mailed to home or school after registering!

*The Eco Diary Challenge deadline date is May 6, 2021, but you must register now to participate!

Prizes will be awarded by Panasonic to the top 3 best teams (and their teachers) from across NJ!

Questions? Contact Kim at: Kim@fill.foundation or (718) 483-4262

TED Global Launch of Countdown: Climate Crisis October 10 - Recording

NJSTA — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 14:41:27 GMT

This virtual event, streamed free on 10.10.2020, is the Global Launch of Countdown, a new initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis. Watch five curated sessions packed with more than 50 speakers, activists, actors and musicians, who share actionable and science-backed ideas, paired with moments of wonder, inspiration and optimism. Presented by TED and Future Stewards. Learn how you can take action on climate change and join the race to a zero-carbon world: #JoinTheCountdown

Website: https://countdown.ted.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TEDCountdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedcountdown

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED

Countdown Global Launch agenda and speaker list:

Session 1: Urgency (19:35) Hosted by Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle Featuring: Johan Rockström, Angel Hsu, António Guterres, Prince Royce, David Lammy and Christiana Figueres

Session 2: Leadership (1:28:58) Hosted by Al Gore and Jaden Smith Featuring: Severn Cullis-Suzuki, Ursula von der Leyen, Olafur Eliasson, Rebecca Henderson, Elif Shafak, Jesper Brodin, Pia Heidenmark Cook, Dave Clark, Kara Hurst, Aparna Nancherla, Carlos Moreno, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Yemi Alade

Session 3: Transformation (2:38:42) Hosted by Jane Fonda and Xiye Bastida Featuring: Varun Sivaram, Myles Allen, Rose M. Mutiso, Raye Zaragoza, Monica Araya, Al Gore, Gloria Kasang Bulus, Nana Firman, Ximena Loría, Tim Guinee, Stephen Wilkes and Yemi Alade

Session 4: Breakthroughs (3:47:37) Hosted by Prajakta Koli and Hannah Stocking Featuring: Thomas Crowther, Ernestine Leikeki Sevidzem, Brent Loken, John Doerr, Hal Harvey, Sigrid, Karen Scrivener, Tom Schuler, Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Zelalem Adefris and Prince William

Session 5: Action (4:55:37) Hosted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Chris Hemsworth Featuring: Amanda Gorman, Roman Krznaric, Sophie Howe, Miao Wang, Alok Sharma, Nigel Topping, Lisa Jackson, Liz Ogbu, Ava DuVernay, His Holiness Pope Francis, Andri Snær Magnason, Cynthia Erivo and Gary Motley

We're dedicated to making Countdown as impactful as possible. Share your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3827W7J

#NJSTMTogether Communities Challenge

NJSTA — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 22:46:48 GMT

#NJSTEMTogether Communities Challenge: this is a team-based high school student communities challenge where students are asked to identify issues affecting their communities as a result of COVID-19 and to provide their solutions to these issues.

Registration launched on September 25.

NJSTEMTogether Communities Challenge Flyer-5.pdf

“I CAN STEM” Diversity and Inclusion Campaign:

Through “I CAN STEM,” the NJSPN aims to support an increase in the diversity of New Jersey’s STEM workforce and academic pipelines. “I CAN STEM” (logo attached) will highlight diverse STEM role models so that all students will be able to see themselves participating and succeeding in STEM courses and careers.

“I CAN STEM” will recognize both historical and famous STEM figures, as well as New Jersey STEM professionals who will be selected via a nomination process. To nominate an “I CAN STEM” Inductee, click here.

"COVID-19 in Molecular Detail" Free Curriculum Unit for High School

NJSTA — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 14:31:44 GMT

This summer three high school teachers worked with faculty from the Rutgers Protein Data Bank to develop a curriculum unit that focuses on the pandemic. Its entitled "COVID-19 in Molecular Detail" and targets students in grades 9 -14.

Its completely online and free. The units are downloadable and teachers can request 'teacher only' resources and answer keys by emailing Dr. Shuchismita Dutta, Ph. D. at sdutta@rcsb.rutgers.edu or shuchi.dutta@rcsb.orgBelow are a few more details about the new curricular module - “COVID-19 in Molecular Detail” - that can be accessed on the on PDB-101 Website:

· What is it?

o It is a free online resource that explores the molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 focusing on the sequence, structure and function of key proteins in the viral life cycle.

· Who is it for?

o The lessons and activities target grades 9 through 14 students.

· Where to find it?

o http://pdb101.rcsb.org/teach/covid-19/

· Who developed it? And When?

o The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) at Rutgers University hosted the curriculum development in Summer 2020, as a collaborative effort between Rutgers University scientists, educators and a few NJ high school teachers.

· Why should you check it out?

o Topics in the curriculum range from molecular discussions about hand washing, the viral life cycle, the viral evolution, key enzymes and proteins, infection, viral genome expression, disease, testing, treatment, and vaccines.

o Answer keys and Teaching notes are available to teachers with a free teacher login.

Watch one of the developers describe the curricular contents in the video at http://pdb101.rcsb.org/teach/covid-19/learning-objective

Have specific questions about the curriculum? Email Shuchismita Dutta at sdutta@rcsb.rutgers.edu.

Earth Week Toolkits for Earth Science Week, October 11-17, 2020

NJSTA — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 13:29:12 GMT

Earth Science Week Toolkits:

The New Jersey Geological and Water Survey is again providing New Jersey Earth and Space Science Teachers with Earth Science Week Toolkits to the first fifty teachers to request one. The toolkits are packed with high quality resources that can be used not only Earth Science Week, October 11-17, 2020, but during the rest of the school year as well. This year's theme is Earth Materials in our Lives and is a perfect fit for those implementing the Next Generation Science Standards ESS3 - Earth and Human Activity. If you would like one of these kits, please complete the form at this link: https://forms.gle/thb2NQMnhZgBj5F68

Visit https://www.earthsciweek.org/ for additional free classroom resources. For additional information, contact Cori Kosar at Cori.Kosar@dep.nj.gov

Keep Teaching Science! Successful Strategies to Adapt K–12 Science Experiences for Distance Learning

NJSTA — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 13:15:19 GMT

"Keep Teaching Science! Successful Strategies to Adapt K–12 Science Experiences for Distance Learning" is a document developed by WestEd (taking over to Achieve to support NGSS).

Anchored in the vision of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and A Framework for K-12 Science Education, a new NextGenScience resource highlights ways materials designed for in-person NGSS learning can be adapted for virtual or at-home settings while maintaining or enhancing best practices.

Keep Teaching Science Document

Keep Teaching Science Webinar

Support for COVID teaching from the Council of State Science Supervisors

NJSTA — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 13:12:43 GMT

During the sudden crisis of the COVID-19 global pandemic, CSSS members embarked on a collective effort to develop guidance and support structures through the Community Projects Initiative which aimed to address the immediate and long-term need of the membership and greater science education community.

CSSS Community Projects

FREE "Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis" from NAP

NJSTA — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 13:07:36 GMT

"The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in widespread and ongoing changes to how the K55 education system functions, including disruptions to science teaching and learning environments. Students and teachers are all figuring out how to do schooling differently, and districts and states are working overtime to reimagine systems and processes. This is difficult and stressful work in the middle of the already stressful and sometimes traumatic backdrop of the global pandemic. In addition, students with disabilities, students of color, immigrants, English learners, and students from under-resourced communities have been disproportionately affected, both by the pandemic itself and by the resulting instructional shifts."

See the new book from the National Academies Press (NAP) "Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering During a Crisis". You can download a FREE PDF on the NAP website linked below.

Teaching K-12 Science and Engineering in a Crisis