NJSTA Logo

Greetings!   

Angela Best
President

 

Summer is a time to relax and recharge for the coming school year. Most of us spend
a fair amount of time completing some sort of professional development and planning and organizing our classroom for the upcoming school year and this year was no different.

This summer I attended the National Congress on Science Education (NCSE) along with Kathy Ernst, President-elect and Barbara Pietrucha, NSTA Liaison and NCSE Planning Committee Member. The NCSE meets annually to discuss and vote on issues that may be of interest to NSTA and the science education community and this year's theme was
Building and Sustaining Teacher Leaders in Science, Standards & Literacy. This year's conference was in San Juan, Puerto Rico-home to el Yunque National Rain Forest (the only rain forest in the U.S. Park Service), the Aricebo Telescope (the world's largest radio telescope) and a bioluminescent bay. During our stay San Juan received over nine inches of rainfall which was the second wettest day in history.

The Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core were among the topics discussed among delegates from the different state chapters. NJSTA is in the planning stages of developing different outlets to share this information with our membership. Keep an eye on our webpage and facebook page for details.

This summer, 24 middle school science teachers attended the Maitland P. Simmons Summer Institute. The 5 day professional development workshop focused on Sustainable Energy: Exploring Wind and Solar Power Systems and took place in
South Jersey at Rowan University. Participants explored energy topics through hands-on cooperative learning activities and went home with over $750 worth of materials to use in their classrooms. 

 

The 2014 Summer Institute is already in the planning stages and it will address life sciences, NGSS and technology. More information and an application will be posted on our website and facebook page in November 2013.

The 37th New Jersey Science Convention: Turning Standards into Practice will be held October 15.  Over one hundred sessions of interest to all levels and disciplines in science, as well as over seventy-five vendors of science books, supplies, and equipment are just part of what is planned for the event. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Kenneth R. Miller who will present Does Science Still Matter in America Today? Remember, professional development requests need to be board approved so make sure to submit requests to your district soon.   

I hope that your summer has left you refreshed and energized for the coming school year.  

Angela Best


NJSTA President

In This Issue
Join NJSTA!
Summer Physics Institute
Maitland Simmons 2013 Institute
Own a Piece of NASA History
Woodrow Wilson STEM Teaching Fellowship
Water Cycle for Kids
Educational Opportunities
Help Save NASA Educational Programs
AAPT Regional Meeting
National Congress on Science Education
Technology and Engineering Scholarship
Fulbright Awards
American Chemical Society Awards
Next Generation Science Standards App for your Smart Phone
Bloz
World of 7 Billion Contest
Environmental Projects Facilitator Training
Online Science Fair
Lesson Share -Make your own speaker
Upcoming NSTA Conferences
New Jersey Science Convention
About Us
Editor's note:
There is a lot of content in this newsletter.  Most ISP's only show part of the newsletter when you open it so it will load faster.  It's called clipping.  Don't forget to click on the link to view entire message at the bottom of this email to see the entire newsletter.
Help us help you
Please help!   
 
Our NJSTA mission is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.  Please help us continue that mission!  Your annual dues of $25 allows us to bring you this newsletter ten times a year as well as maintaining our Facebook page and NSTA Learning Center benefits.  

Please consider being an active member of our community!   
 
Our membership year is
January 1st to December 31st . You can renew at the link 
provided below:
 

Membership Renewal Link

Thank you for helping us make a difference! 

 Calendar of Events 

 

 Everything we find out about is posted immediately to our facebook page 

September

26

Project WET, Wild, Aquatic Wild and Learning Tree Training

http://njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/wildfactrain13.pdf  

September 27-28

AAPT Regional meeting

[email protected] 

October

10

Project WET, Wild, Aquatic Wild and Learning Tree Training

http://njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2013/wildfactrain13.pdf  

October

15

Woodrow Wilson First Application Deadline

http://woodrow.org 

October

15-16

NJSC  

http://www.njscienceconvention.org 

October

24-26

NSTA Regional Portland , Oregon

http://www.nsta.org/conferences/future.aspx 

November

1

ACS Awards Deadline

http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/awards/national/2012-awards-administered-by-the-acs.html 

November 7-9

NSTA Regional Charlotte, North Carolina

http://www.nsta.org/conferences/future.aspx 

November 26
Last day to enter the Be a Good Egg Contest 

December 1

Maley/FTEE Technology and Engineering Teacher Scholarship Deadline

http://www.iteea.org/Awards/scholarshipmaley.htm 

December

2

Woodrow Wilson Second Application Deadline

http://woodrow.org 

December 12-14

NSTA Regional Denver,  Colorado

http://www.nsta.org/conferences/future.aspx 

December 15

Fulbright Fellowship Application Deadline

http://www.iie.org/Programs/Fulbright-Awards-In-Teaching 

 

2014

January

31

Woodrow Wilson Third  Application Deadline

http://woodrow.org 

February

21

World of 7 Billion Video Contest Deadline

www.Worldof7Billion.org

 


Maitland P. Simmons

Maitland Simmons Scholars take on STEM    

 

Sustainable Energy:

Exploring Wind & Solar Power Systems

 

Because of the generosity of Maitland P. Simmons, Antoinette, his wife, and  PSE&G,  twenty-four  middle level science teachers spent five days blending middle school science concepts for renewable energy with hands-on engineering designed to raise awareness of the challenge of using sustainable energy resources to meet world demand. Each teacher received approximately $750.00 worth of materials suitable for teacher demonstrations and student use.

 

Simmons Scholars started their experience by learning about the Engineering Design model.  They practiced this model in an activity called, "Toxic Popcorn".  Participants were given a tire tube, rope and tape to create a device that would move popcorn from one cup to the other without touching it.  They were told the popcorn was toxic and needed to stay outside the range of its effects while moving it.

 

In the afternoon  our Simmons Scholars building windmill kits provided by the institute.  Teachers experimented with three, four and six propeller configurations.  They applied engineering concepts to find the most efficient propeller design. 

  

Inspired by their work the day before, day two started with another design challenge.  Scholars were instructed to make a structure that would hold the most books using a piece of chip board and several pieces of newspaper.

 

Teachers attached meters to their windmills to measure the amount of energy produced by their best design on day two.   The windmills were also attached to pumps to see if we could produce enough energy to pump water from one place to another.

     Chris Lijoi and Nicole Plumbo joined the group on day three to help teachers understand the process of project based learning in our classrooms.  Using a variety of materials Simmons Scholars made models of their dream houses.

 

Several special guests also joined us on Wednesday.   

From left to right they are:

Beverly Donofrio, NJSTA Assistant VP Southern Region, 

Leonard Blessing, someone who knew and worked with Maitland Simmons and member of the Simmons Committee, Jim Messersmith, NJSTA College Liaison, 

Angela Best, NJSTA President, Linda Burroughs, NJSTA VP Central Region, 
Linda Smith, NJSTA Trustee and Newsletter Editor, Chris Lijoi, NJSTA Trustee, and 
Adela Dziekanowski NJSTA Webmaster and Simmons Committee Chair.  
 
Leonard told stories of working with Maitland to the group.

 

    

Day four found the group traveling to the PSE&G Energy and Environmental Resource Center in Salem.  Jo Delmar, Nuclear Communications Manager for the Center, treated us to lunch and a tour of their interactive exhibits relating to the history of energy and conservation.  The exhibit is a free resource offered by PSE&G to all school and community groups.

        

Maitland P Simmons was a science teacher in the Irvington School District in New Jersey.  He was also a past President of New Jersey Science Teachers Association and an active member of the National Science Teachers Association.  His passion was to improve classroom instruction and teacher backgrounds, especially in the middle school community.

 

 In his wife Antoinette's will, following his wishes, NJSTA was bestowed with an endowment to provide support and professional development to science teachers.  Combined with funds from a PSE&G grant, Maitland and Antoinette made this institute possible.  Simmons Scholars got to stand on the shoulders of giants during this institute.

 

Each year NJSTA uses the Simmons endowment to provide a week long professional development experience for middle and elementary teachers.  The theme of the workshop varies from year to year.  Stay tuned to see what kind of adventure we come up with next.

NASA Offers Schools a Piece of History
NASA defines artifacts as unique objects that represent the history of the science and technology of aeronautics and astronautics.  Their significance and interest stem mainly from their relation to the following: historic flights, programs, activities, or incidents; achievements or improvements in technology; our understanding of the universe; and important or well-known personalities.
 

 NASA  is offering artifacts for donation to schools, universities and museums.  They recognizes the importance the Space Program has played in our Nation's history and has always acted to preserve space program artifacts.   Now  NASA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (NASM)  are offering to give some of these artifacts to good homes.  

 

NASA has utilized existing legislative authorities and agreements to transfer these assets to authorized recipients as appropriate.  In response, and with the assistance of the General Services Administration (GSA), NASA has developed a  website to provide a means for eligible organizations to screen potential artifacts  from Space Shuttle and other NASA programs  for receipt and display of the artifacts.

 

The artifacts are offered to eligible recipients for the cost of shipping and handling; there is no cost for the artifact.  For organizations requesting artifacts via a State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP), the SASP may levy a fee for their services.  Recipients are responsible for packaging, preparation, and transportation costs from the artifact's location to the organization's location. 

 

Click on the link below for frequently asked questions about this program:

NASA FAQ 

 

Click on the link below to find out how to request you piece of space history:

NASA Artifact Request Procedure  

 

Woodrow Wilson New Jersey Teaching Fellowship 

Comes to Rowan University

 

The Woodrow Wilson New Jersey Teaching Fellowship seeks to attract talented, committed individuals with backgrounds in the STEM fields-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-into teaching in high-need New Jersey secondary schools.

 

Major funders for the Fellowship include the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, M. Brian and Sandy Maher, the Overdeck Family Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the PSEG Foundation, the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, the Schumann Fund for New Jersey, Educational Testing Service, the William E. Simon Foundation, and Jennifer A. Chalsty, with additional funding from a number of other foundations and philanthropists.

 

The Teaching Fellowship includes:

  • Admission to a master's degree program at Rowan University
  • Teacher certification in science, mathematics or technology education
  • Extensive preparation for teaching in a high-need urban or rural secondary school for one full year prior to becoming the teacher-of-record in a science or math classroom
  • A $30,000 stipend (Once Fellows are certified teachers at the end of the first year, they obtain salaried employment in high-need schools.)
  • Support and mentoring throughout the three-year teaching commitment
  • Support of a cohort of WW Fellows passionate about science and math education
  • Lifelong membership in a national network of Woodrow Wilson Fellows who are intellectual leaders

ELIGIBILITY

The Fellowship is open to college seniors, graduates, and career changers who:

*  Have majored in and/or have a strong professional background in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math)

*  Demonstrate a commitment to the program and its goals

*  Have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

*  Have attained, or expect to attain by June 30, 2014, a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university

*  A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is preferred*

* Note: Candidates who can demonstrate excellence through other avenues will also be considered. All applications are considered in their entirety and selection is based on merit.

 

Click on the link below to go to the WWNTF website: 

Woodrow Wilson National Teaching Fellowships 

 

Click on the link below to request more information 

about the general program, application, and Fellowship.

Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship

The Water Cycle for Kids

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have teamed up to create a water-cycle diagram for schools.

 

USGS offers information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data,  and maps.  Their newest project is an interactive center where you can give opinions and test your water knowledge.  As you scroll over the different parts of the water cycle popups offer more information about that certain part.  The diagram has been developed in three different age levels to meet the need of your students.

Click on the link below to find out more:

Interactive Water Cycle 

Educational 
Opportunities 
September 2013 

 

 

 

 

 NJ Science Education Job Opportunities

 August 28, 2013 Edition

Anticipated openings 2013-2014 School Year

 

 

High School Physics Teacher                                                           Newark Public Schools
apply online at www.teachnewark.com 

Middle School Science Teacher                        
Dover Public Schools, Morris County
Send letter of interest, resume and copy of certification to: Beth Schoonmaker, Assistant Superintendent, 100 Grace St., Dover, NJ, 07801

 

 

Earth Science Teacher Middle School                                                       Clifton Public Schools 
General Science Teacher Middle School                                        Clifton Public Schools  Send letter of interest, resume, copy of certification and transcripts to:

Mr. Mark C. Tietjen, Assistant Superintendent, Clifton Public Schools/Board of Education, 745 Clifton Ave., Clifton, NJ, 07013

 

Science Infusion Teacher                            Morris County Vocational School Denville, NJ   Physical Science certification preferred. Email letter of interest, resume & copy of certifications to: [email protected]  to attention of Scott Moffitt, Superintendent, 

or FAX 973-627-4958   Morris County School of Technology is looking for a full time Science Infusion teacher to teach science lessons to share-time vocational students. These would include: Cosmetology, Welding, Auto, Auto body and  Electrical Trades students.  Interested applicants can email Susan Phillips at [email protected]


Supervisor of Mathematics and Science               Warren Hills Regional School District  Send letter of interest, resume, and copy of certifications to: Dr. Thomas J Altonjy, Superintendent, Warren Hills B.O.E., 89 Bowerstown Rd, Washington, NJ, 07882

 

High School Science Teacher(Biology Certificate)                      Point Pleasant Schools  Applications by mail only. Send letter of interest, resume, & copy of certification to: Vincent S. Smith, Superintendent, 2100 Panther Path, Point Pleasant, NJ, 08742

 

Science Teacher (long term leave replacement)               Sparta Township Public Schools  Apply online at www.applitrack.com/sparta/onlineapp include resume, letter, and certification.
  
Middle School Math & Science TOSD Teacher                         Cornerstone Day School  Mountainside, NJ  A private school for students with significant emotional problems.

TOSD certified, highly qualified in MS Math and Science.  Email resume and certifications to:[email protected]

  

Science Teacher with TOH certification            Private School for Disabled, Wayne, NJ   Highly qualified to teach secondary students. Send resume and copy of certifications to: Search Committee, PO Box 432, Pompton Plains, NJ, 07444
  

Special Education High School Highly Qualified Science                             Park Ridge   Email application packet to Mrs. Cathleen Nalesnik, Supervisor  [email protected] or FAX 201-930-9473

 

Teacher   (subject area not specified)         Mendham High School, West Morris Reg. Dist.  Application online only: http://www.applitrack.com/wmrhsd/onlineapp

 

Elementary 4th Grade (leave replacement)      Lenox Elementary School Pompton Lakes   Send letter of interest, resume, & copy of certification to: Mrs. Helen Tardif, Principal, Lenox Elementary School, 35 Lenox Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ, 07442

 

Elementary Teacher (leave replacement)                          Denville Township K-8 Schools   Apply online -Refer to website: www.denville.org,  click on employment opportunities

 

Elementary Teacher (K-5) (leave replacement)                               Kinnelon Public Schools  Online applications only  visit http://www.applitrack.com/kinnelon/onlineapp/ 

 

Elementary Gifted and Talented Teacher (K-5)                  Wall Township Public Schools   Online application at www.wall.k12.nj.us  Human Resources Job Vacancies webpage

 

High School Math Teacher                                             Roxbury High School  Roxbury, NJ 

Contact Jane Ferret, Mathematics supervisor  at   Roxbury High School-(973) 584-1200.

 

Middle School Math Teacher                               Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools    Apply online at www.spfk12.org

 

Middle School Math Teacher                                  Pequannock Township School District   Apply online at  www.applitrack.com/pequannock/onlineapp

 

Mathematics Supervisor                                                    Edison Township Public Schools

Apply online only:  Human Resources section of the website  www.edison.k12.nj.us 

  

EARLIER LISTINGS STILL OPEN

 

Earth Science Teacher (leave replacement Sept-Dec.)                 Montville Township  HS   Background in Life (biology) Earth Science desirable. Visit www.montville.net  to apply 

 

Physical Science Teacher HS                                                         Randolph Twp. Schools

Earth Science Teacher HS                                                              Randolph Twp . Schools  Online applications only at www.rtnj.org   Complete application and upload any necessary documents.   


Biology or Earth Science High School                                           Carteret Public Schools
Email application packet to Mrs. Kathleen Dallavalle [email protected]

Supervisor of Math, Science, and Business K-12                        Carteret Public Schools

599 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, New Jersey 07008   732-541-8960 ext 6029

 

Substitute Biology Teacher (beginning November)              Kent Place School, Summit

Email cover letter and resume to: [email protected]  Put Biology in subject line.

 

Biology/Physical Science Teacher Jr. HS,                                                  East Brunswick

Chemistry Teacher HS                                                                                     East Brunswick Visit employment opportunities at www.ebnet.org                               

 

Chemistry Teacher                                                                       Union City School District   Mail resume to: Union City Board of Education, 3912 Bergen Turnpike, Union city, NJ, 07087, Attn: Human Resources Dept.   www.union-city.k12.nj.us

 

Chemistry Teacher                                                                            Fort Lee School District

Chemistry/Physics Teacher                                                           Fort Lee School District

Applications available at: www.flboe.com under the "employment" link

 

Middle School Science Teacher (part time)                   Hope Township School, Hope, NJ Send application packet to: Stacy Brown, Principal, Hope Township School, 320 Johnsonburg Road, Hope, NJ, 07864 

 

Elementary Teacher                                                                         Cranbury School District   Email letter of interest, resume, and copies of certification, transcripts, letters of reference, and latest evaluations, to [email protected] , attn: Susan Genco, Ed.D, Chief School Administrator
 

 

Elementary Teacher(leave replacement available Nov.)        Rockaway Borough Schools Send application packet to: Mr. Mark Schwarz, Principal, Thomas Jefferson School, 95 East Main Street, Rockaway, NJ, 07866 Supervisor of Science K-12   West Orange Public Schools  Apply online at https://applitrack.com/woboe/onlineapp  Include cover letter, resume, copy of certification, copy of transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

 

Supervisor of Mathematics and Science K-12                             Verona Public Schools   Apply by email only at [email protected]

  

******Effective September 1, 2013, all employees of State and local government (including School Boards) must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under law. If you do not reside in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you take your employment position to relocated your residence to New Jersey. If you do not do so, you are subject to removal from your position of employment. ******                 

Don't Let Congress Take the Science out of Science Education 
President's Proposed FY 2014 Budget

The President's FY'14 budget proposes to consolidate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education efforts from 12 agencies to just three - Department of Education, National Science Foundation, and Smithsonian. While the intended goals are commendable, the Administration provides no evidence to support this drastic measure that would take NASA and other leading science agencies and their science out of America's science education.

 

Taking Science out of Science Education

The implementation of this plan would result in dismantling, and eliminating what is a robust, well-established, successful, and rigorously-evaluated science education and public outreach effort. Just as launching rockets, landing rovers on Mars, or building sophisticated satellites would not be sent to other agencies, the vital and unique education programs that for decades have engaged Americans and brought the spirit of discovery into local communities and classrooms should not be discarded or separated from the scientific and technological community that shows the strongest commitment to STEM education.

 
How does NASA contribute to 
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education?

The innovative products and programs produced by NASA's Education and Public Outreach efforts have provided the context for engaging science education. NASA can provide a wealth of metrics on its vibrant programs and

 approaches-concrete metrics that show high standards and great success; programs designed and implemented using research-based best practices for STEM education; strong management and infrastructure that reflect the agency's history and core; cutting-edge opportunities that reflect the agency's legacy; a

 sense of reach and commitment to inclusiveness that reflects the diverse landscape of our country; and a unique "can do" spirit that has drawn Americans to NASA for decades.

 

What are the impacts on STEM education?

Imagine the 21st Century Classroom without the excitement, awe, and content of NASA. It is an education experience that simply could not be reproduced by another agency as they are dependent upon a vibrant ecosystem of unique networks between NASA engineers, scientists, education specialists, communications experts and data visualizers with years of expertise and organizational knowledge. The innovative products and programs produced by NASA's education and public outreach efforts not only deliver STEMeducation, they deliver it in a way that enables learners see our home planet differently, wonder about the universe, 

visualize tomorrow, and reach for the stars. Learn more about the impacts on NASA education and public outreach.

 

How can you help? If you've benefited from NASA science education and public outreach - or from any of the STEM agencies that are impacted - please contact your representatives in the House and Senate and let them know you support keeping science in science education and not to eliminate these valuable programs and resources. 

Click on the link below to tell Congress your NASA success stories:



New York State Section, New England Section, New Jersey Section AAPT 
Join Resources for  Fall 2013 Meetings


This fall AAPT will be having their first regional meeting in quite some time (1998? anybody know anything more recent?) with the New England, New Jersey and New York sections getting together in the centrally located, and beautiful, 
Mid-Hudson Valley. Come for the Physics and professional development, stay for the activities and scenery.  Bring a spouse, a special someone or a family, there are plenty of shopping, sites to see and activities around the area for them while you are at the conference and then you can join them afterwards.
 
WHERE:  Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY http://www.marist.edu/about/

WHEN:Saturday, September 28, 2013, with an evening pre-conference dinner Friday, September 27, 2013.  Talks and workshops Saturday morning *and* afternoon.  A great full day of physics teaching, with a nice dinner and talk the night before.

WHO:  Any and all current, past and future AAPT members in New England, New York, and New Jersey, and throughout the region.  (Open invite to the NYC and LI AAPT sections, and to Cen Penn and SEPA, too)

TOPIC(S):  Physics Teaching in the 21st Century: AAPT and the K-12 Physics Teacher
CALL FOR PAPERS, CALL FOR POSTERS:
  • Contributed talks, for Saturday morning parallel sessions.
  • Pre-conference dinner poster session, 
  • Friday evening, poster session 
  • Saturday lunchtime and afternoon.
Submit all proposals for talks and posters to [email protected]
Please specify title, speaker, poster or talk, and time (length, and time of day) desired
:
COST:  To be determined, but should only be a nominal amount to cover lunch.  Dinner cost separate.  No huge fees.
(Probably section dues + $10).

Conference co-chairs:
Sam Sampere, NYSS-AAPT section president, program co-chair
David Sturm, NES-AAPT section representative to AAPT, program co-chair, Paper Sorter
Rob Balogh-Robinson, Marist College, meeting host
 
National Congress 
on Science Education 
  
 
 
 

Puerto Rico, home to the largest radio telescope in the world, played host to NSTA's 2013 National Congress on Science Education (NCSE) last week. While a visit to the Arecibo Observatory was on many of the attendees' schedules, their real work was focused on identifying key issues affecting science teachers throughout the United States. 

 

The theme for the week was "Building and Sustaining Teacher Leaders in Science, Standards, and Literacy." Delegates from NSTA Chapters and Associated Groups and the NSTA Board and Council met to discuss implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (N GSS), elementary science education, the inclusion of engineering in the science curriculum, and literacy and the Common Core State Standards (CSSS).

 

 

The meeting kicked off on Wednesday, July 17th when delegates from the State Chapters swapped success stories and compared notes in a "speed networking" event. That evening, the NCSE was honored to receive a delegation from the office of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Dr. Manuel Nu�ez Negr�n, Advisor in Education, Office of the Governor of Puerto Rico and  Ms. Anna Alama�y, Assistant Advisor in Education, Office of the Governor of Puerto Rico, addressed the crowd. They welcomed our science teachers and talked about the education system in Puerto Rico and mutual educational challenges and opportunities.  

  

That night many of the delegates headed to Old San Juan where they soaked up

 the scenery, tested their Spanish, and had some great Mofongo (the island's famous dish based on fried plantain).

  

On Thursday, July 18th, NSTA President Bill Badders oversaw the general session, in which minutes were read, operating policies were discussed, and the resolutions process was explained. And then it was time for the heavy lifting to begin! Throughout the day attendees focused solely on Next Generation Science Standards and were provided with an in-depth overview of the standards, a status update on the NGSS/CCSS/Framework, and a discussion of what NSTA is doing for science teachers to help them understand and  implement them in their states and districts.

  

A plenary session led by former NSTA President Harold Pratt  looked at the past, present, and future for the NGSS, and and the current-and future-resources that NSTA will offers to Chapter and Associated Groups.

  

Later in the day, delegates broke into issue forums, where they could take a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues in Science Education.

  

The first Issue Forum, lead by two members of the NCSE Planning Committee-Steven Walvig and Barbara Pietrucha-examined NGSS science and engineering practices and inquiry, and what teachers would need to successfully incorporate these into classroom teaching.

 

Issue Forum B: Elementary was led by NSTA District Director Chris Campbell and facilitated by NSTA District Director Pat Ruane. The group recognized that elementary educators play a vital role in science education and face many challenges and obstacles. These challenges are compounded when science is not a "high-stakes" subject on many state standardized tests. The talk was all about how NSTA and Chapter and Associated Groups can help elementary science educators in laying a strong STEM foundation.

  

Issue Forum C: Engineering was moderated by NSTA District Director Eric Brunsell and Stan Hart. The Framework and Next Generation Science Standards raises the profile of engineering and engineering design as part of the science curriculum. In this forum, participants explored the ramifications and opportunities related to the inclusion of engineering in the science curriculum.

  

Issue Forum D: Literacy and the Common Core was led by NSTA District Director Vicki Massey and moderated by Christine Royce. Science teachers are now expected to meet specific Common Core English Language Arts Literacy Standards in their science classrooms. These include standards relating to writing and reading in science content areas. This informative and timely forum delved into what this means for teachers of science.

 

During the Issue Forums, Congress delegates took notes and drafted resolutions pertaining to the specific topics discussed. The resolutions that were generated from the Issue Forums ranged from recommendations to create additional NGSS resources for teachers, develop ancillary materials and professional learning specifically for elementary teachers, and better ways to share information with state chapters. On Friday, Congress delegates voted to approve or table many of the 23 motions generated from the Issue Forums. These resolutions were then discussed and approved (or tabled) by the NSTA Council, and finally the NSTA Board of Directors (we will focus on the complete list of resolutions that were approved by the Board in a future blog).

Also on Friday, state chapter leaders took advantage of a number of workshops geared to helping to strengthen and grow their state groups. Workshops  focused on the NSTA Learning Center, Association Management, Parliamentary Procedure, Social Media and eMessaging, legislative advocacy on the state level, and Fiscal Responsibility.

 

Saturday, July 20th was filled with more workshops focused on NGSS scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts,  technology for associations, and the NSTA Learning Center.

 

In the end, this Congress represented 38 chapters and association groups from throughout the United States. We made great progress in identifying strategies to address the most pressing issues in science education today. And at the same time, we learned about the wonders of Puerto Rico. As expected, our hosts were incredibly hospitable, and we learned why they call this the "Island of Enchantment." Even the creatures in El Yunque rain forest are astonishing-as seen in this incredible shot captured by NSTA Division Director Steve Rich.iations, and the NSTA Learning Center.

 
Thanks to 

 

Maley/FTEE 

Technology and Engineering Teacher Scholarship

 

The Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators is sponsoring the $1,000 scholarship. Its purpose is to support teachers in their preparation to increase the positive outcomes of technology and engineering education. Criteria include: (1) evidence of teaching success, (2) plans for action research, (3) recommendations, (4) plans for professional development, and (5) the applicant's need. Applicant must be a technology and engineering teacher at any grade level who is beginning or continuing graduate study. For more information, click on the link below:

Technology and Engineering Teacher Scholarship

Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers Fulbright grants for U.S. primary and secondary classroom teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, curriculum heads, talented and gifted coordinators, special education coordinators and media specialists/librarians to participate in international exchanges for three to six months. By living and teaching or conducting research overseas, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instruction and assessment methodologies, and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich their U.S. home schools and local communities with global perspectives. Participants must

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be employed full-time at an accredited school in the United States or a U.S. territory
  • Hold a master's degree
  • Be in at least their fifth year of full-time teaching
  • Demonstrate experience conducting professional development activities
  • Have received teaching awards or exemplary evaluations from a school administrator

For more information, click on the link below:

Fulbright Award 

                              American

Chemical 

                              Society 

                              Teacher Awards 

 

 

 

The American Chemical Society presents the  following awards:

  • Award for the Achievement in Research for the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry-Recognizes outstanding contributions to experimental research that have increased our understanding of chemical pedagogy and led to the improved teaching and learning of chemistry. ($5,000 award and a certificate)
  • George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education-Recognizes outstanding contributions to chemical education. ($5,000 award and a certificate)
  • Award for Research at Undergraduate Institutions-Recognizing the importance of research with undergraduates, the award honors chemistry faculty whose research in an undergraduate setting has achieved wide recognition and contributed significantly to chemistry and to the professional development of undergraduate students. ($5,000 award and a certificate)
  • Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences-Recognizes individuals who have significantly stimulated or fostered the interest of students, especially minority or economically disadvantaged students, in chemistry, thereby promoting their professional development as chemists or chemical engineers, and increasing their appreciation of chemistry as the central science. ($5,000 award, a certificate, and a grant of $10,000 to an academic institution designated by the recipient)
  • James Bryant Conant Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching-Recognizes outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the United States ($5,000 award and a certificate)
Click on the link below for more information:

Graduate Credits from the American Museum of Natural History
For those of you looking for professional development and graduate credit, registration is open for Seminars on Science from the American Museum of Natural History. 
Each six-week course is fully online and can be taken for up to 4 graduate credits. 
You can sign up now by clicking on the link below:

 Courses include: Earth: Inside and Out; Evolution; Water, and more. Since the courses are online, there is no need to come to the Museum at any time (though we'd love to have you if you're in the area!). All of our courses are led by both an experienced classroom teacher and a Ph.D. research scientist.

 

The next session runs from September 23rd to November 3rd.  Sign up today and receive $50 off your registration cost using the code SCIENCEMATTERS.

 

For more information about the program or to register online, visit the museum's website by clicking on the link below:
If you have any questions, send us an email by clicking on the link below:
or call the museum at 800-649-6715.

Get Your 

Next Generation Science Standards App

For Your Smart Phone!

 

NSTA, in partnership with MasteryConnect, announces a free app for the Next Generation Science Standards. The Next Generation Science Standards app gives you multiple ways to view the standards, including DCI and Topic arrangements, and also includes convenient search functionality. The app also makes referencing standards in the Common Core simple by providing a linkage between the NGSS App and MasteryConnect's Common Core App.

 

As part of the partnership with MasteryConnect, NSTA is providing additional free resources within the app, including several articles from NSTA's peer-reviewed journals, and free chapters from its line of NGSS-related titles, including The NSTA Reader's Guide to the Next Generation Science Standards and Science for the Next Generation: Preparing for the New Standards.You can download the Next Generation Science Standards app 

(as well as MasteryConnect's other free apps) by searching "MasteryConnect" or "Next Generation Science Standards" in your app store or visiting the iOS Store or Android Marketplace. (Look for the app to be available in the Windows Store soon.)

The Blobz Guide to Electric Circuits

Here's a way to teach students about electric circuits. The game, which can be played alone or in a group, has five sections that talk about what makes a circuit work, conductors and insulators, switches, changing circuits, and circuit diagrams.


Click on the link below for this free resource:

 

 

World of 7 Billion Video Contest

 

People are central to many of the environmental and social issues facing the world today. How many of us there are. How we behave and treat one another. How we value our planet. Our numbers and our lifestyles go hand-in-hand in determining the kind of future we will leave behind for future generations.

 

The World of 7 Billion campaign is an educational resource for both students and teachers. The United Nations announced October 31, 2011 as the "Day of 7 Billion." Now that we've reached the immense milestone of 7 billion people, it is important to understand how we got here, analyze the impact of our choices, and realize that our decisions can and will impact the future.

  

The world of 7 billion website has many resources to share.  Teachers can download and use one of their free lessons plans, or  the poster 'A Quick Trip to 7 Billion' or assign the video contest to your class to receive free curriculum resources.

 

Bring technology and creativity into your high school science classes by incorporating the World of 7 Billion video contest into your classroom. Challenge your students to create a short (60 seconds or less) video illustrating the connection between world population at 7 billion and one of the following: climate change, global poverty, or water sustainability. Students can win up to $1,000 and their teachers will receive free curriculum resources. The contest deadline is February 21, 2014. Full contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more click on the link below: 

www.Worldof7Billion.org.  

Join Discovery Education and the American Egg Board in celebrating the journey food makes from the farm to your table, and enter to win a Be a Good Egg Contest
$5,000 educational grant for your school and an egg donation to a local food bank in your school's name. 
 
Just launched for the 2013-2014 school year, the "Be a Good Egg Contest" is part of the Good Egg Project: Education Station program for grades K-8. The program was designed to educate students on the farm-to-table concept and the benefits of a healthy, protein-rich diet. Educators will find a variety of free resources, including lesson plans developed for grades 3-5 and 6-8 with adaptations for grades K-2. The program also offers various educational videos as well as archived virtual field trip videos that illustrate the 
farm-to-table concept. 

Anyone can enter the "Be a Good Egg Contest" once daily through Tuesday, November 26, 2013. The schools that receive the most votes will win. Enter your school today and encourage your friends, family and community to do so, too! 
Grand Prize:
The one Grand Prize winning school who receives the most eligible votes will win a $5,000 educational grant and an egg donation to a local food bank in the school's name.

Runner-up Prizes:
The first five runner-up schools will each receive a $1,000 educational grant!
 
Click on the link below for more information 
Project WILD, WILD Aquatic, WET or Project Learning Tree 
Facilitator Training Offered!

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering an exciting training opportunity for individuals who have previously taken a Project WILD, WILD Aquatic, WET or Project Learning Tree workshop to become facilitators for future workshops.

A two-day facilitator training is being offered on Thursday, September 26 at the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson NJ and on Thursday, October 10 at the Benjamin Moore Paint Center in Flanders, NJ. Both sessions run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Participants will learn directly from project coordinators the skills necessary to plan, conduct and lead workshops for all four of these exciting, nationally recognized education programs, and how to become a successful facilitator.

Attendance at both sessions is required, and every participant will need to co-facilitate a future workshop with a current facilitator in order to complete the training. Facilitator certification is based on the specific workshop(s) program taken prior to September 16.

The cost is $10.00 which includes facilitator materials and lunch.

Don't miss this great opportunity to become a facilitator and introduce educators to activities that engage and excite students, while also becoming a role model and leader in the field of environmental education!

For questions contact Karen Leskie at 609-748-4347 or via e-mail at [email protected]  
Click on the link below to register for this training opportunity and submit the application form:
Online Science Fair
 

Informed by Nature is a registered 501(c)3 organization working to advance the public understanding of science, from its elegant approach to its awe-inspiring results. They are dedicated to encouraging lifelong learning, promoting critical thinking, and celebrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Their efforts expand from online learning and networking to physical outreach in the classroom and other educational venues.

They are excited to launch their Online Science Fair. Unlike most other such endeavors, our platform offers students the ability to upload, share, and store their projects for years to come. They are also working with educators to help them develop programs around the platform that encourage hands-on, self-guided learning among their students. The integrated social media functionality of their website encourages students to share their work with peers, family, and even future college admissions boards, highlighting their scientific prowess and building pride in their work. This is available for free to anyone with an Internet connection, though we are limiting this phase to students age 13 and over because of COPPA guidelines. Click on the link below to find more information:
Lesson Share 
Editor's Note:
I would love to share someone else's favorite lesson!  Do you have a website with lessons we can share?  Everyone has lessons typed into their computer or on a disk somewhere.  Even if the idea is not yours originally, we'd love to share how you tweak lessons to make them more personal and effective for your students.  Click on the link below and share your passion with us!  We are all so much stronger when we share!
Linda  
 
Thanks go this month to Adam Scribner, facilitator of our Maitland Simmons Institute.  
He used this activity with the Simmons Scholars to explore the engineering process.
 
The Toxic Popcorn Challenge
 
The Engineering Challenge went like this:
Scenario
A can of highly toxic popcorn has contaminated a circle of approximately 4 feet in
diameter. The toxic area extends to the ceiling. If the toxic popcorn is not transferred to
a safe container for decontamination, then it will contaminate and destroy the entire city.
The popcorn is estimated to have a safe life of exactly 60 minutes before it explodes. It's
up to us to save the city!
Design Challenge
Inside the circle you will find two containers. One (unsafe container) is half full of the toxic
popcorn. The other (safe) container is available for decontamination. Find a way to
safely transfer the toxic popcorn from the unsafe container to the safe container, using
only the materials provided to you.
Criteria
1. No one may cross the plane of the circle with any part of the body.
2. The popcorn and containers cannot cross the plane of the circle. Only the ropes &
tire tube may cross.
3. No spills are allowed, or the popcorn will explode.
 Constraints
1. You may use only the materials provided, which are ropes and a tire tube
2. The popcorn must be transferred within 60 minutes or there will be a disaster. 
 
 
 
Thanks also to tryengineering.org for producing such a complete and through and free plan for this activity, including student data sheets, teacher insights and tips.
 
Click on the link below to see the entire project 
 
Editor's Note:
Bicycle shops throw away the tire tubes they replace for their customers.  You can ask them to save some for you to make this experiment less expensive.

You can also swap out the container for a "red" cup (16 ounce party cup) Use large rubber bands for the tire tube and yarn or twine for the rope.

If you make the "toxic area" a meter on each side and have the students use 4 meter sticks to create it, you are providing students an example of a meter squared  and practice using the metric system.
Linda  
NSTA Upcoming Conferences 
 
Mark your calendars.  Don't miss these great events!
National Conferences

Boston, Massachusetts: April 3-6, 2014

Chicago, Illinois: March 26-29, 2015

 
2013 Area Conferences

Portland, Oregon: October 24-26

Charlotte, North Carolina: November 7-9

Denver, Colorado: December 12-14


2014 Area Conferences

Richmond, Virginia: October 16-18

Orlando, Florida: November 6-8

Long Beach, California: December 4-6

What are you doing on October 15-16?
Take a Day or two to Visit the 2013 New Jersey Science Convention and Energize your 2013 school year
You will not be disappointed!

Please join us for the 37th Annual New Jersey Science Convention, a premier professional development event for educators. Teachers and Supervisors at all grade levels, as well as future professionals, are invited to attend this extraordinary opportunity. Science professionals from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) are invited as special guests to share their expertise and enthusiasm for science education. Vendors in attendance will provide new and innovative science products and services.

Date: October 15, 16, 2013

Beautiful Location! - Princeton Marriott at Forrestal

Admission Options! - Register for 1 day or 2 day admission

Focus! - Along with our mission to provide the highest quality K-12 programs, we are seeking proposals that address 21st Century Skills, STEM Education, Differentiated Instruction, and classroom infusion with new technologies.

The Annual Banquet on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 will feature Dr. Kenneth R. Miller Professor of Biology at Brown University and coauthor, with Joseph S. Levine, of high school biology textbooks used by millions of students nationwide. In 2005 he served as lead witness in the trial on evolution and intelligent design in Dover, Pennsylvania.  His popular book, Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution, addresses the scientific status of evolutionary theory and its relationship to religious views of nature.

Come join us at the 37th Annual New Jersey Science Convention and experience the best in professional development.

For your convenience in planning for the 2013 NJSC, a preliminary program is available on our website at: http://www.njscienceconvention.org
 
Great News for those wishing to stay over night!
According to Christopher Cerf, The NJ Acting Commissioner, The New Jersey Science Convention has met the requirements for a multiple day event.  School districts and charter schools are able to reimburse attendees for overnight lodging related to this convention.  Reimbursement is only for overnight lodging on October 15, 2013.   This reimbursement of in-State overnight lodging covers only those attendees whose home to event commute exceeds 50 miles.

Reimbursement for registration fees, mileage and meals are subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in OMB Circular 11-05 and OMB Circular 11-09, may also be applicable. 

Advanced Registration Rate
You can take advantage of the 1 day Advance Registration rate of $165 and the 2 day Advanced Registration rate of $280. Remember, you will need board approval to attend the convention.  Be sure to submit all required paperwork for district approval to attend the convention within the allotted timelines. Lunch is included as part of your paid registration. Afternoon snacks, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea available at the Marriott Conference Center Kiosks throughout the day. Register at: 

President

Angela Best 

Monroe Township Public Schools 

[email protected] 

 

Newsletter Editor

Linda Smith

Paulsboro Public Schools

[email protected] 

 

Membership Chair

Jillian Young

 

 

Mailing Address

NJSTA

142 Crystal Road

Pittsgrove, NJ 08318