Science Matters eBlast

March 30, 2017

This issue of the Science Matters eBlast is filled with Pre-K through high school opportunities and resources for both teachers and students. Please share the eBlast with your colleagues. All eBlasts are archived in the Content Repository of the SAS Science Learning Community. Science Education in the News

The General Assembly has designated the week of April 22 through 29, 2017, as “Earth Week” in Pennsylvania. WHEREAS, Earth Day: was first held on April 22, 1970, in response to a growing movement among many of the nation’s young adults over concerns of the continued deterioration of natural environments . . . . House Resolution No. 172.

The General Assembly has designated the week of April 23 through 29, 2017, as "STEAM Initiative Week" in Pennsylvania. WHEREAS, The "STEM to STEAM" movement recognizes the essential role that art and design play in enhancing STEM education and research and emphasizes how all topics in these subject areas relate to each other and to the real world . . . . House Resolution No. 182.

STEAM Night at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem for students and parents. An incredible evening as reported by lehighvalleylive!

NSTA is partnering for the March for Science on April 22 in Washington, DC, and is encouraging science teachers nationwide to join them to show support for science and science education. Can't make it to Washington, DC? Learn more about one of the hundreds of marches and rallies taking place across the country here. You can also spread the word to your students, colleagues, friends, and family about the March For Science and its goals, or get social and share the news on Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.

Resources

STEM Resources – STEM4ELS is a great resource for all STEM teachers grounded in NGSS. Resources are available for all STEM teachers whether focusing on ELs or native English speakers. With ELs the fastest-growing subgroup in K-12 classrooms, we need to include ELs in meaning-making discussions critical to STEM learning. ELs can and do engage productively and effectively in meaning-making activities while they are learning English. All teachers are able to utilize these resources in the classroom. SAS item of the week! Go to Materials and Resources in SAS and click on the Search Tile. Then look at the last sentence on the page: “The Standards Aligned System includes content from several outstanding community, cultural, and educational institutions. Click here to view our content collections.” Click on where it says, “Click here.” When the new window opens up, click on ‘Exploratorium’ and numerous links will pop up. With baseball season starting on Sunday, April 2, it is appropriate the first item is the science of baseball and a lesson on bouncing balls.

NSTA Press has released a new book, Dive In! Immersion in Science Practices for High School Students. What is it really like to plunge into the world of science learning and teaching? Find out in this unique book. Dive In! grew out of a teacher–scientist project at the University of New Hampshire that promoted active learning and using science practices in the classroom. That experience yielded this book’s reason for being: to provide detailed examples of how veteran teachers and their students can make the leap to implementing the recommendations of A Framework for K–12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Professional Opportunities

Schoolyard Habitats and Nature Play Spaces, a webinar sponsored by the PA Green and Healthy Partnership and Greenschools-Bluewaters, will be held on April 6 from 3:30 – 4:45pm. One hour of Act 48 credit will be given for participation. Join Sandi Olek, Senior Policy Advisor for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Craig Johnson, Director of Interpret Green & Neighborhood Nature Works in Pennsylvania, as they explore the creation of wildlife habitat and nature play spaces for schoolyards, playgrounds, and parks. They will share research on the benefits of natural play and best practices from schools and other facilities that have incorporated nature play and habitat gardens into their grounds. Registration and more information can be found on the website.

PSSA / Keystone Exam Committees are often developed ahead of time. If you are interested in being part of the process for 2018, it is best to apply now to become part of the list of individuals. Committee members will deal with Bias & Sensitivity Review, Biology Keystone Exams New Item Review, Biology Keystone Exams Rangefinding, Biology Keystone Exams Data w/Item Review, Science PSSA New Item Review, Science PSSA Rangefinding, Science PSSA w/Item Review. It is a fascinating process which will also help you in your work. Applications are available now for 2018. Do not wait and make sure your name is on the list for the coming year!

PA State Parks continue to offer innovative, multi-modal educator workshops across the state. New sessions for after the first of the year have recently been added. Participants will receive Act 48 credit. Date Workshop Location Information/Register April 8 Project WILD Educator Email: [email protected] Workshop April 8-9 Watershed Education Register online April 13 WILD in the City: Rachel Carson State Ann Devine: Peregrine Falcons Office Building [email protected] Workshop April 21 Growing UP Wild Prince Gallitzin State Beth Garner: Educator Workshop Park [email protected] May 4 Project WET Educator 717-485-3948 Workshop May 6 Project WET Educator Black Moshannon Email: Workshop State Park [email protected] May 6 Watershed Education Raccoon Creek State Patrick Adams: Educator Workshop Park [email protected] May 10 Project WILD Educator Nescopeck State Park Register online Workshop

Grants, Awards, Contests, Professional Opportunities

Award/Opportunity Deadline Information PAEMST April 1 / May 1 Presidential award for 7-12 teachers of science

For Students

Saint Francis University’s STEM Summer Academies are one week programs in engineering, computer science, health science, biology and chemistry designed to provide unique experiences for talented high school students entering their junior or senior years. For more information contact the Science Outreach Center. Science Matters Information

If someone sent you this eBlast, you can become a member of Science Matters to receive it directly! Go to: http://pascience.org/Science-Matters.php

Science Matters is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association and the National Science Teachers Association to promote quality science education, through the sharing of information, resources, and professional development opportunities. The Pennsylvania state coordinator is Dave Bauman: [email protected].