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April 2016 STEM Center Newsletter We have a Facebook Page! https://www.facebook.com/stemcitadel Like Us!

IN THIS EDITION: - Happy Earth Day! - April 22nd - DNA Day - April 25th - STEM/STEAM Summer Camps - Teacher Professional Development Opportunities - STEM/STEAM Things to Do & Updates

Happy Earth Day! - Resources and Events

Tree Toolkit: Lessons and Educator Resources for Teaching About Trees https://www.neefusa.org/nature/land/tree-toolkit

Trees are vital to the health of not only all forest ecosystems, but the health of the entire planet. They provide oxygen, filter pollutants, and offer shade on a hot summer day, just to name a few of the many ways humans benefit from the presence of trees. During EE Week, take a second to learn more about everything trees do for us.

Online Activity: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2016/04/01/online-activity-earth-day- scavenger-hunt

Send your students on an online scavenger hunt to learn about Earth Day and ways we Send your students on an online scavenger hunt to learn about Earth Day and ways we can all help protect the environment. The websites included in the hunt are filled with facts that will engage your students as they practice their reading, information gathering and search skills. The thrill of the hunt will lead them through compelling information about our planet and the ways we can all make a difference.

REPURPOSING TO CREATE ECO-HEROS! At Richland Recycles Day Education Event on Friday, May 13, our goal is to teach three hundred fourth and fifth graders how to be Environmental Heroes. We hope to let the students decorate their own Eco Hero Capes using markers and old t-shirts. If you have any old t-shirts in good condition, would like to help cut old t-shirts into capes, or would like to participate with the event itself in May, email Jane Hiller by clicking here.

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

FROM NSTA Ecosystem Change Paul Andersen (Bozeman Science YouTube Educator) explains how ecosystems change over time. He starts by explaining how global climate change will impacts ecosystems around the planet. He then discusses how continental drift created climatic changes that impacted mammal species. He finishes with a brief discussion of how local meteorological changes can impact local ecosystems. Watch and learn!

Archived Online Discussion From Science Friday: Bringing Climate Science Into the Classroom Science Friday brought together a lively web panel recently to discuss challenges and approaches to teaching climate change science in the classroom. Led by passionate educators who are committed to best practices in climate education, they highlighted innovative strategies for bringing climate data into the classroom, ideas for integrating climate science into existing curricula, and best-in-class resources for teaching climate change.Watch the archived version here.

Earth Day: Lesson Plans, Reading Lists, and Classroom Ideas Earth Day is right around the corner, and this year, the theme is "Trees for the Earth." Are you planning to incorporate the annual event in your classroom? If so, this Edutopia collection is just what you need.

DNA Day - April 25th

The National Human Genome Research Institute(NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is celebrating the fourteenth annual National DNA Day thisyear. National DNA Daycommemorates the successful completion of the in 2003, andthe discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953. NHGRI began celebrating this day annually onApril 25th after the 108th Congress passed concurrent resolutions in2003 designating it as “National DNA Day”.

Thereare many National DNA Day events scheduled in locations throughout the country,but NHGRI’s goal is to make a celebration accessible to anyone interested inparticipating, so they are still seeking to add more events to their map. Ifthere are no events in your area, consider starting your own. Their websiteprovides free resources tohelp you launch you own DNA Day campaign in your community. The kit includesNational DNA Day logos, PowerPoint slides, nametags, sample press releases, andother materials to help make your event a success.

For teachers and students interested in National DNA Dayactivities and resources, an extensive page of educational resourcesis available on the genome.gov/DNADay website. The Get Activity Ideas page provides short explanations about each resource and issupported by a filter button for finding specific resources of interest(ranging from interactive web modules to standards-aligned lesson plans for theclassroom). NHGRI will hold The Genome: Unlocking Life's Code Pinterest Challenge for the secondyear, inviting teachers to work with their classrooms to arrange Pinterestboards that focus on the theme of emerging genomic technologies.

National DNA Day isofficially celebrated every year on April 25. As part of the celebration, NHGRIis leading the following National DNA Day activities:

April 18-22 and 25:NHGRI is organizing an “Ask Me Anything" (AMA) series in collaborationwith ASHG and pgEd. This AMA series will feature prominent geneticistsanswering questions in the reddit science community forum"/r/Science".

April 25, 11am:NHGRI will host a National DNA Day Twitter Chat with the hashtag #DNADay16.This moderated discussion will focus on genomics/genetics topics related tocareer paths, technology development, and education.

April 25, 3pm:NHGRI will host Eric Spana, Ph.D., from Duke University for the inaugural NationalDNA Day Lecture for NHGRI staff and the public (through live telecast). Thetopic of Dr. Spana’s lecture is transmission genetics, as seen through the lensof Harry Potter and the genetics of wizardry.

Visit the Celebrate with NHGRIpage for details regarding these events and more.

If you are planning an event, NHGRI would love to hear from you. Pleasecontact [email protected] if you would like your event featured on our website or foradvice about holding an event.

2016 MINDSTORMS Robotics Camp at The Citadel This summer, take part in an innovative robotics camp in order to advance your engineering, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills! This week-long day camp is designed to be fun, engaging, and hands-on. Led by qualified educators, this exciting program is being offered for students entering grades 7 and 8 (currently in grades 6 & 7). We thank Boeing for helping to make the Robotics Camp program possible. More information: https://sites.google.com/site/mindstorm2016/

Dates: June 13 - 17, 2016 Time: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Location: The Citadel, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC

Cost: $ 200.00 (includes take-home kit and camp t-shirt!) A limited number of fee waivers are available. Please contact us for more info.

Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RoboticsCampReg2016 Deadline: May 31, 2016

STEAM SUMMER CAMPS ENGAGING CREATIVE MINDS has teamed with The Citadel to offer 3 week-long summer camps for middle schoolers.

DESCRIPTION: SummerSTEAM Institute is designed for creative and energetic students in grades 6th- 8thwho want to spend their summer engaged in unique learning experiences thatfoster creativity to solve real world challenges alongside local artists,cultural organizations, and professionals in the fields of science, technology,engineering, and mathematics. No two weeks are the same! More information: https://steam.engagingcreativeminds.org/

PRICING: $175per week for 3 or more weeks. Or $200 per week for 2 or less weeks. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks included daily for all STEAM students.

DATES FOR SUMMER STEAM INSTITUTE AT THECITADEL: Week1 (June 6-10) “Forensic Science” Week2 (June 13-17) “Medieval Warfare” Week3 (June 20-24) “Cyber Security” PLEASE CALL 843-277-2016 TOREGISTER! If youhave any questions about registration or STEAM, please contact us at843.277.2016 or email us at [email protected].

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Workshop: Seed Balls for Butterflies April 14, 2016 4:00-5:30pm

A.C. Moore Elementary School, Media Center 333 Etiwan Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205

Register by RSVP to Jane Hiller at [email protected] or (803) 779-0608. Cost: Free to EEASC members; $5 for non-EEASC members http://eeasc.org/resources/Documents/EEASC%20SEED%20Flyer.pdf

Teachers and environmental educators are invited to participate in a make-and-take workshop featuring seed balls for butterflies. Seed balls are a combination of clay, soil, and seeds that provide an easy and fun way to reseed the landscape. We will be using milkweed seeds to create habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. We are excited to have Dr. Arlene Marturano, USC Center for Science Education, share her recipe for seed balls. Also learn about A.C. Moore's award- winning environmental projects and tour their school garden with Green Team Coordinator Mrs. Nancy Frick.

This event is sponsored by EEASC, the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District, and SC Green Steps Schools.

BECOME A PART OF THE 2016 REAL WORLD SCIENCE COHORT!Twenty-eight middle school science teachers across the country will learn how to use hands-on activities connected to historical events and sotires, and with reading resources! Spend a week in New Orleans, with travel reimbursed, housing paid, and most meals covered, while learning about how necessity creates innovation. Learn more here.

TEACHERS TOUR! Join the SC Forestry Commission for a Teachers Tour that will show you what it takes to keep our state's forests great! Over the course of seven days, you will learn the impact of forest's on South Carolina's environment, economy, and quality of life. Check out their flyer for more information.

BEACHES ARE BEST FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT! This summer we will be hosting a number of different educational opportunities for environmental educators in South Carolina.

June 21-23, 2016: Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) will be focusing on Climate exploration to bring local and national data into your classroom. Send an email with any questions you may have! It will be held in the ACE Basin.

July 25-29, 2016: The TOTE Salt Marsh STEAM workshop will utilize an all- encompassing approach to capturing the science of the salt marsh through art and literature. It will be held in Georgetown, SC. Send an email for more details.

Northrop Grumman Foundation and Conservation International collaborate to provide a unique field experience for science teachers nationwide. Applications are open for this amazing opportunity. I did this last year and it was an awesome trip. We need NC to be represented! Don't put this off, this may be the last year this program receives funding! http://www.northropgrumman.com/CorporateResponsibility/CorporateCitizenship/Educ ation/ECOClassroom/Pages/default.aspx

FREE MOOCs for Educators Coaching Digital LearningCultivating a Culture of Change Disciplinary Literacy for Deeper Learning Fraction Foundations Teaching Statistics Though Data Investigations https://place.fi.ncsu.edu/mod/page/view.php? id=388&utm_source=fi&utm_medium=filinks&utm_campaign=feb4em

GRANTS:

FARM TO SCHOOL!The Farm to School program has funding available for interested schools. The RFP can be found here and include details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. Good luck! Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

STEM/STEAM Resources

NUCLEAR SCIENCE ACTIVITIES! Middle school and high school teachers are wanted to pilot test new nuclear science activities. The activities are appropriate for physical science, earth science,environmental science, chemistry, or physics classes and are linked to 2014 academic science standards. Email John Wagner for more information by clicking here.

40 STEM Apps for Kids (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) http://imaginationsoup.net/2012/05/22/40-stem-ipad-apps-for-kids-science- technology-engineering-math/

THINGS TO DO IN THE LOWCOUNTRY IN APRIL

April 10th: Come check out the 2nd annual Lowcountry Kids Expo, presented by Absolute Total Care, this FREE expo focuses on sharing essential resources regarding safety, health & wellness, summer camps, special needs, education, child care, and other important family-related topics. Our sponsors and vendors will be sharing information, hosting fun activities at their tables, having giveaways and selling items so be sure to check them all out!

Bring the kids out for a day of fun. Free activities include bounce houses, face painting, stage shows, character meet & greets, crafts and so much more!

April 15th-17th: Come check out Charleston Outdoor Fest at James Island County Park. Whether you’re a devoted outdoor sporting enthusiast or just beginning to explore ’s playground, you’ll find your perfect fit for fun and fitness at this amazing three- day festival. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, slacklining, mountain biking, archery—even disc golf—there’s something for everyone! NSTA and ASTC Debut New Online Journal Bridging In-School and Out-of-School STEM LearningNSTA and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) have released the first issue of Connected Science Learning, an online journal for STEM educators. The journal showcases highly effective programs, practices, collaborations, and research taking place between the formal and informal science learning communities. Sign up today for the free journal.Sp onsored By STEM Job Resources In partnership with STEM Jobs, here are some things to consider when thinking about pursuing a STEM degree. http://stemjobs.com/want-to-go-to-college-for-stem/

Wikipedia Year of Science 2016 Per the wiki website, "The Wikipedia Year of Science 2016 is an unprecedented initiative to improve Wikipedia's potential for communicating science to the public." What does this mean for educators, what populations will be most affected, and what's the point in the end? Read this Huffington Post article for insight.

Teacher Professional Learning: Transforming Teacher Practice"I encourage STEM educators (and administrators) across the U.S. to read and understand Science Teachers' Learning: Enhancing Opportunities, Creating Supportive Contexts, a terrific report just released by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine."—Al Byers, NSTA associate director, services, on the new report from the National Academy. Read more of Byers' post on the NSTA blog: Teacher Professional Learning: Transforming Teacher Practice.

Subscribe to Connected Science Learning, a Free New Journal Bridging Formal and Informal Science EducationSign up now to receive Connected Science Learning, a new, free e-journal bridging the worlds of formal and informal science education. The first issue, to be launched in March, will focus on successful formal–informal science education collaborations, including Urban Advantage Denver, Omaha's Zoo Academy, and the STEM Pathways Program in Minneapolis.

Roses are #FF0000, violets are #0000FF - Learn Computer Science The Mobile CS Principles project (Mobile CSP*, www.mobile-csp.org) is accepting applications for its 2016-17 professional development (PD) course.

The PD consists of a four-week summer course (starting June 27) that can be taken either online or in a hybrid format (two weeks online, and two weeks face-to-face), followed by PD support throughout the school year. Availability of the hybrid format will depend on whether there is a supported Mobile CSP site (TBD) in your vicinity.

NEW ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcitadel/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stem_citadel Instagram: https://instagram.com/stemcenter_citadel/ STEM EDUCATOR DEGREE PROGRAMS

Currently The Citadel has multipleSTEM Educator related degree program choices. For those who are interested in becoming ateacher the options include:

- Bachelor of Science in Biology with Specialization inTeaching Biology and Comprehensive Broad Field Science

- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with Specialization in Teaching Chemistry and Comprehensive Broad Field Science

- Master of Arts in Teaching Middle School Mathematics

- Master of Arts in Teaching Middle School Science

- Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education Biology

- Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education Mathematics

For those who already have teachingcredentials, or other who do not require them, the options are:

- Master of Education in Interdisciplinary STEM Education

- Master of Education in Mathematics

- Master of Arts in Biology

- Master of Science in Computer Science

- Master of Science in Health, Exercise and Sport Science

If you would like more information onthese programs please visit http://www.citadel.edu/root/education and http://www.citadel.edu/root/ssm orcontact [email protected] or [email protected]. Contact Information The STEM Center at The Citadel c/o The Zucker Family School ofEducation Capers Hall 301 171 Moultrie Street Charleston, SC 29409

STEM Center @ The Citadel | 843-953-6091 | [email protected]| STEM Center Staff Dr. Jennifer Albert- Director Rhonda Ewing- AssistantDirector Chrysoula Malogianni- InstructionalDesigner Jennifer Clark- GraduateAssistant

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