OSGC Educational Resources Blog

The Earth Then, Earth Now: Our Changing Climate Educator Conference will focus on understanding climate change and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Sally Ride’s first space shuttle mission. How was Earth’s climate different 25 years ago? What changes are predicted over the next 25 years?

Participants will investigate the basic science behind our understanding of climate change. They will also learn about the global impact of climate change on the atmosphere, ocean, continents and ecosystems. The conference will draw upon the latest science to present the story of our changing climate. Dr. Ride will give a keynote talk, and leading climate scientists will give presentations. The conference will also include hands-on activities, materials for the classroom, and current ideas for facing our climate challenge and creating a healthier planet. Participants will also learn about the wide-ranging career opportunities in this expanding and dynamic field.

The conference is taking place on July 23-24, 2008, at the NOAA Science Center in Silver Spring, Md. The registration fee of $60 covers teaching materials and most meals.

For more information and to register for the conference online, visit http://www.sallyridescience.com/conference

The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience, also known as INSPIRE, is seeking educators to supervise high school students during eight-week summer internships. Positions are available at several locations across the U.S. One counselor will be selected for each of the ten NASA Field Centers.

The position requires a professional educator to coordinate NASA INSPIRE activities within the NASA Center region. The INSPIRE Counselor will be the designated point of contact for INSPIRE participants at the assigned NASA Center. Training will be provided prior to the assignment.

The position requires a minimum of a four-year degree in science, mathematics and/or technology education, a valid teaching certificate, and a minimum of three years teaching experience in grades 6-12. A combination of teaching experience and NASA education experience is also acceptable. U.S. citizenship is required.

Counselors who are chosen will receive lodging and meals during the eight-week event, travel to and from the NASA field center, and a stipend of $5,800. Oklahoma State University graduate credit is also available to those who are interested. Applications are due May 30, 2008.

To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, visit https://opportunities.nasa.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=applications.PositionDetails&JobPostingID=20

Join NASA and NSTA for a series of free Web seminars focusing on a wide range of topics. All Web seminars will include information and resources for educators available from NASA Web sites. During the live Web seminars, presenters will share their expertise and answer questions live from the participants.

Mapping the Moon: Simulating LOLA in the Classroom

Join NASA and NSTA for a Web seminar focusing on the topics of lunar exploration, mapping, remote sensing, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission. LRO will launch in late 2008 with these objectives: to find safe landing sites for future manned lunar missions, to locate potential resources, to characterize the radiation environment and to demonstrate new technology. Designed for educators of grades 4-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 13, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Mapping/webseminar.aspx

Robotic Exploration of the Red Planet

Join Greg Mehall, instrument manager, systems engineer and mission manager for multiple robotic missions to Mars, as he shares his expertise in systems engineering. Mehall will give participants a “behind-the-scenes” look at what it takes to build complex robots, like the twin rovers that are still driving across the surface of Mars. Designed for educators of grades 5-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 14, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar12.aspx

21st Century Explorer: Today’s Knowledge for Tomorrow’s Explorer

Join NASA and NSTA for a Web seminar focusing on the 21st Century Explorer project. Each of the 21st Century Explorer project activities promotes higher-order thinking skills and expands the space exploration knowledge base of the bilingual educator, learner and family. Designed for educators of grades 3-5, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 15, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/NASA-Explorers/webseminar.aspx

From Astrobiology to Zoology: Igniting Students’ Interests in Science Careers

Join scientists and education specialists from Sally Ride Science for a free Web seminar focusing on the wide variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers available and the many paths to becoming a scientist. The presenters will share their science expertise, answer participant questions, and provide information regarding Web sites students can use in the classroom. Designed for educators of grades 6-9, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 20, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/SRS/webseminar.aspx

Polar Science, Global Discoveries: IPY Research Update for Teachers

Join NASA, NSTA, the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a Web seminar celebrating the International Polar Year. The seminar will focus on global climate change and the research findings from the first year of IPY. Topics will include living systems, plants, humans, animals, adaptation, carbon cycle, air, water, migration and weather. Designed for educators of grades 5-8, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on May 22, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/boston08/IPY-Boston/webseminar.aspx

Mars Exploration Rovers: Where Are They Now?

Join Dr. Steve Ruff of Arizona State University as he presents an update on the Mars Exploration Rovers, including a description of an important new discovery by the Spirit rover in the Gusev crater concerning water and habitability on Mars. Dr. Ruff will also talk about initial results from the proposed May 25th landing of the Phoenix mission and describe future Mars exploration plans. Designed for educators of grades 5-12, the 90-minute seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2008.  http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/JPL2/webseminar13.aspx

The U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative has opened registration for its free summer workshops. Each workshop will target specific grade levels and content areas. A number of workshops will be held across the country. Registration for the workshops is currently open and space is limited. For more information and to register online, visit the links below.

June 18-19, 2008: Denver, Colo.

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Mint are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Colorado History Museum in Denver, Colo. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and history strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. Tours of the U.S. Mint building will also be offered. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=76  

June 25-26, 2008: Nashua, N.H.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Aviation Administration are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, N.H. This workshop provides opportunities to learn mathematics, science and reading strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=77

July 9-10, 2008: Lower Manhattan

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Park Service are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop in Lower Manhattan in New York City at the site of the African Burial Ground Memorial. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, history and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=84

July 10-11, 2008: Newport News, Va.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Energy are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Va. This workshop provides opportunities to learn math, science and reading strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=81

July 15-16, 2008: Fort Worth, Texas

The U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Aviation Administration are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Tarrant County Community College Northwest Campus in Fort Worth, Texas. This workshop provides opportunities to learn math and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=90

July 17-18, 2008: New Orleans, La.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education is sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, La. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=85  

July 22-23, 2008: Washington, D.C.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Carlos Rosario Public Charter School and Career Center in Washington, D.C. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science, history and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=86  

Aug. 4-5, 2008: Lakewood, Wash.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity is sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Lakeview Hope Academy in Lakewood, Wash. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, math and science strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=89  

Aug. 7-8, 2008: Philadelphia, Pa.

The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Mint are hosting a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and history strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. Tours of the U.S. Mint will also be offered. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=82

Aug. 11-12, 2008: 29 Palms, Calif.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop on the Marine Corps Base in Twentynine Palms, Calif. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=88  

Aug. 13-14, 2008: Los Angeles, Calif.

The Office of Charter Schools at the U.S. Department of Education and the California Charter Schools Association are sponsoring a free Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative workshop at the Pacific Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Calif. This workshop provides opportunities to learn reading, science, history and math strategies from prominent teachers and district officials who will share research-based practices they have successfully applied in their schools and classrooms. https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/EventInfo.asp?EventID=87

NASA is pleased to announce that Discovery Communications and 3M are launching a series of Web-based seminars to encourage and support participation by teachers and students in the 2008 Discovery Education/3M Young Scientist Challenge, hosted by NASA. Any teacher or student from anywhere in the world can log onto these free webinars.

There will be two sets of webinars, one for students and one for educators. The student webinars will cover the basics of creating and uploading videos for the challenge. Students will learn how to create videos from cell phones, cameras or webcams. They will learn to edit with or without computers. Most importantly, they will learn that enthusiasm, problem-solving and communication skills are key to winning the Challenge.

The webinars focused on teachers will give an overview of the same skill sets as the student webinars, but the teachers will also be given an overview of the student competition. With this information, teachers can encourage students to enter. The teacher webinars, like the Challenge, will be exclusively for the teachers in the Discovery Educator Network.  ( Becoming a member is easy and registration is free. To become a member, visit http://community.discoveryeducation.com/about/become_discovery_educator )

Webinars (Student Target Audience)
April 21, Monday, 1 p.m. CDT (2 p.m. EDT)
April 22, Tuesday, noon CDT (1 p.m. EDT)
April 23, Wednesday, 2 p.m. CDT (3 p.m. EDT)

Webinars (DEN Teacher Audience)
April 23, Wednesday, 5 p.m. CDT (6 p.m. EDT)
April 30, Wednesday, 7 p.m. CDT (8 p.m. EDT)
May 6, Tuesday, 5 p.m. CDT (6 EDT)

To register for the any of these free webinars, visit https://discoveryed.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=discoveryed&service=6

For more information about the Young Scientist Challenge, visit http://www.discoveryeducation.com/youngscientist
Questions about the competition may be sent to YSC@discovery.com

In 1609, Galileo first turned his telescope to the heavens and revolutionized humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe. In honor of the 400th anniversary of the astronomical telescope, the IYA will feature hands-on workshops and a three-day symposium to help educators, scientists, and anyone working in astronomy and space science outreach to prepare for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.

The symposium will be held in St. Louis from May 31-June 4, 2008.

To learn more about this event and to sign up to receive e-mail updates, visit http://www.astrosociety.org/2008meeting

Want to know more about global climate change?
What: Global Climate Change Institute for Teachers: Elementary
Where: Western Oregon University
When: Three dates to choose from
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Time: 8:30-4 pm
Cost: FREE! Includes snacks and lunch. (charges apply if taking the class for one graduate credit or if you choose to stay overnight in university housing)

What to expect:

• Gain an understanding of what global climate change is and how it will impact the Pacific Northwest
• Explore ways your school and students can initiate changes to reduce your school’s carbon footprint.
• Learn how Global Climate change curriculum connects with national and state science standards
• Participate in lessons and hands-on activities suitable for use in k-5 classrooms
• Receive copies of the lessons along with supplies to take with you
• Examine children’s books that can be integrated with the global climate change curriculum
• Possible follow up school visit and assistance from GIFT staff during the 2008-09 school year

Limit: 24 elementary teachers each day
For more information contact: Dr. William Schoenfeld or Dr. Adele Schepige at gccift@wou.edu

NSTA Issues National Call for Entries for the 2008–2009 NSTA New Science Teacher Academy

On April 1, NSTA announced a call for entries for the 2008–2009 NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. Cofounded by the Amgen Foundation, the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy is a fellowship program created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence and improve teacher content knowledge. NSTA Fellows selected for the program will receive a comprehensive membership package, online mentoring with trained mentors who teach in the same discipline, and the opportunity to participate in a variety of web-based professional development activities, including web seminars. In addition, each NSTA Fellow will receive financial support to attend and participate in NSTA’s 2009 National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans. This year’s 150 new science teachers supported by the Amgen Foundation will be named Amgen-NSTA Fellows.

Science teachers located throughout the country who will be entering their second or third year of teaching and whose schedule is a minimum of 51 percent middle or high school science, can apply to the become an NSTA Fellow. For more information about the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy or to learn how to apply to become a fellow, please visit www.nsta.org/academy.

Applications must be submitted no later than May 23, 2008, to be considered.

The MESSENGER Educator Fellowship Program is recruiting new Fellows for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years. A cadre of about 30 Fellows will be selected to conduct teacher training workshops nationally for pre-K-12 educators. These workshops will introduce educators to educational materials related to the MESSENGER mission to Mercury.

Fellows will attend an all-expense-paid, five-day workshop in Washington, D.C. Fellows will also receive materials needed to conduct workshops and an annual allowance to cover workshop expenses.

Applications are due April 18, 2008.

For more information about the MESSENGER Educator Fellowship Program and how to apply, visit http://btc.montana.edu/messenger/teachers/ao.php

PENN STATE SCIENCE WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS 2008
Stipend Notification: March 21, 2008
Application Deadline: May 31, 2008

Choose from six different content area workshops designed to meet classroom curriculum requirements. Keep pace with the latest science research, engage in standards-based classroom activities, and explore ways to make science fun as you work side by side with Penn State faculty.

Grants, sponsored in part by NASA, provide all participants with a private room in the newly built Brill Hall, reimbursements for travel costs up to $100, breakfast in the dining commons, and an allotment for lunches and dinners. In addition, tuition subsidies are available for ALL of the workshops on a competitive basis. Depending upon funding availability, additional tuition subsidies may be provided after March 21. Sign up today and find out why most of our teachers come back to take additional courses in our series!

2008 course titles:

• Exploring Renewable Energy Technologies and the Materials that Make it Happen (NEW)
• Earth’s History: Interaction Between Life and the Environment (NEW)
• Extreme Particle Astrophysics
• Evolution - How important is it to a good science education?
• Telescopes: The Tools of Astronomical Inquiry (NEW)
• Black Holes: Gravity’s Fatal Attraction (NEW)

For more information and the on-line application, visit http://teachscience.psu.edu . If you have questions about this opportunity, please e-mail Leah Bug at teachscience@psu.edu .