District News

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The following district directors have submitted news items for NCSTA members:

Not sure which district you are in? Check out the district map at the bottom of this page.

News from District 1
Director: Colleen Karl

Welcome back to school for 2006-2007. Most schools are already halfway through their first six weeks of the year with classrooms brimming with lessons from summer experiences and professional development. District One science teachers are leading their students in successful competitions, inspiring creativity and supporting excellence in learning for the 21st century citizen. I congratulate all of you for your past and future efforts.

Since the spring, many interesting workshops and opportunities have shaped the direction of our Northeast teachers. A unified effort is underway in the local counties to bring Place-Based Education to our communities and schools. With sponsorship from the Northeast RESA, The Rural School and Community Trust and The Science House, this initiative began with interest meetings in December of 2005. The six lead counties continued their efforts at an addition session in March of 2006. From the planning sessions, a weeklong institute on Place-Based learning was scheduled during the week of July 31- Aug.4th; the mission was to include all of the Northeastern counties in developing community projects that matched the needs and goals of each participating county. Teams of middle school teachers attended this professional development experience that included presenters from the Rural School and Community Trust, a teacher from Maine who engages her community is special student projects, Chris Mansfield from Martin County Schools and The Science House. This group of 24 educators from 9 LEA’s finished the week with an action plan for their community learning that will incorporate the NCSCOS objectives, will cross grade levels and disciplines, will measure success by project outcomes, and will build the relationship between schools and community.

The Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education at East Carolina University has some innovative opportunities online for you now. Instructional modules for self-paced learning are available at the Promoting Standards in Science and Mathematics (PSSM) website at http://www.cofed.ecu.edu/csmte/pssm_modules_template/pssm_index.htm .

Check out the latest happenings at the Center for Science, Math and Technology Education http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/csmte/ where you will find recaps of the exciting summer staff development programs and links to programs for the upcoming year. Special congratulations to an active supporter of NCSTA from East Carolina University. Dr. Rhea Miles has received a promotion to associate professor at ECU in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education with tenure.

And you thought our summer was a bit too warm? If you need to feel a bit of chill, explore the following link: http://www.arcus.org/TREC/VBC/index.php?autocom=custom&page=ecological_change

Samantha Dassler Barlow, from the Oakwood School, had the opportunity of a lifetime to spend the month of May onboard a research vessel in the Bering Sea. Her specific assignment on a polar ice breaker, the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy, was to research bottom dwelling invertebrate populations with scientists from the University of Tennessee. She stayed in contact with her students through emails and blogs to connect them the research experience. Nice work, Sam! More congratulations are in order for Washington High School. The Science Olympiad Team from this school represented North Carolina at the National Science Olympiad Competition on May 17th – 20th, 2006. These students and their mentors are really the Giants of Science!

It is a pleasure to be a part of a group of dedicated professional teachers who constantly seek to improve what they are sharing with our students through professional development. Let me remind you of this years exciting NCSTA Professional Development Institute on November 9th and 10h at the Joseph Kourney Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. Our Professional Development Institute is not only a time to seek out new ideas for teaching, but also to build your professional network with teachers across the state and check out all the latest educational support materials from our vendors. Do not miss this opportunity to be a part of the strong state support for science education. I look forward to seeing all of you from District One this year as we build a strong network of people who share the same professional interests at "Solving the Mystery of Great Science Teaching". The forensic science theme will focus our learning in investigative science at the NCSTA Professional Development Institute. Register online now at http://www.ncsta.org/.

Enjoy the 2006-2007 school year!

News from District 2
Director: Barbara Stroud

Wow! Did we really have a summer?  Across the district, science teachers have been busy gathering CEUs through various workshops.  Miriam Sutton of Newport Middle School in Carteret County has certainly been hard at work going to various workshops around the country.  She started her summer off with a workshop sponsored by the Gulf of Mexico Foundation, and the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. The work shop, entitled “The 11th annual "Down Under, Out Yonder" coral reef workshops for educators” lasted five days and ran over the course of two months. The workshop included three days of scuba diving (June) and a two-day land-based "Corals to Classrooms" workshop without the SCUBA component. (July)

Later in the summer, Ms. Sutton was a participant in the EARTH workshop at the Jacque Cousteau Coastal Education Center in Tuckerton, NJ.  While in this workshop, she was involved with cutting edge marine science and technology, ocean observatories, and current scientific studies. The purpose was to show the use of oceanographic data and how that data has changed our way of thinking about the oceans.  Participants also developed new curriculum that used real science and near-real-time data to teach science content and process that addressed the needs of their students.  

Finally, Ms. Sutton participated in the ARMANDA Project research adventure.  She left North Carolina during August to join Geologic Survey scientists from Canada’s Bedford Institute of Oceanography on the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Hudson, as they journeyed northward along the continental shelf and slope of Labrador.  Ms. Sutton assisted a team of geophysicists as they conducted bottom surveys, core samples, and seismic studies of the seafloor in search of environmental hazards caused by offshore development.  The month-long research cruise provided another distance learning opportunity for Newport Middle School students as the new school year began while Ms. Sutton was still at sea.  Ms. Sutton states “I achieved tremendous success with my students through a distance learning curriculum I developed for my Palau/Chuuk adventure last spring and I am thrilled that my school system is allowing me another opportunity to make such a positive impact on the students this fall.”  Please visit Miriam Sutton’s website if you would like to learn more about the amazing adventures she has experienced.

In Lenoir County, the Kinston High School Science Club was awarded a $3,500 grant from the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center in the Research Triangle Park to conduct a week long Science Camp for middle school students during the summer of 2005. Students conducted experiments in all branches of science.  The goal was to begin their science fair projects for the 2006 science fair.  Twelve of the students participated in the local science fair and five advanced to the district science fair held in Wilmington.  Five also participated in the district NC Student Academy of Science events held at ECU and all advanced to the state level.  Two were awarded gift certificates from Barnes and Nobles for outstanding presentations.  Congratulations to the KHS Science Club for a great job! 

Please send news of your exciting adventures with science for future newsletters.  See you at the PDI in November!

News From District 5
Director: Darlene Ryan

Congratulations extended to Meng Xiao He, a student at East Chapel Hill High School on his participation with the US National Team at the Biology Olympiad in Argentina. Meng earned a silver medal at the event. The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a competition for secondary school students. Their skills in tackling biological problems, and dealing with biological experiments are tested. Interest in biology, inventiveness, creativity and perseverance are necessary. Every participating country sends four students, who are the winners of the respective national competitions. They are to be accompanied by two team leaders as representatives of each country. The olympiad offers the opportunity to compare the syllabuses and educational trends in biology in different countries. This is useful information to improve biology education on a national level. Many institutions are involved in the organization of the national olympiad: ministry of education, industry, teachers' associations, universities, schools. Contacts between these institutions will lead to a better understanding and communication about their respective activities in the field of biology.

Dr. Heidi Carlone, UNCG professor, has recently acquired a NSF grant for a longitudinal study proposal to explore elementary and middle school students' interest in and perceived ability to understand do science. She will be conducting the research in classrooms with excellent teaching oriented toward reform-based science instruction where students are engaged through active, hands-on activities and inquiry, and come to identify themselves as capable of understanding and doing science during the course. Dr. Calone will be using classrooms in District V for her study.

The National Gardening Association (NGA) and the Hydroponics Merchants Association (HMA) are offering hydroponic gardening systems to classrooms in the US.  To receive these awards, applicants must be able to involve at least 25 students in a hydroponics project during the 2006-2007 school year.  There are three categories for awards:  elementary schools, middle schools and high schools.  The Hooked on Hydroponics Awards will give two packages to winning high schools, four packages to winning middle school grantees and six to elementary schools.  Each award winner will be expected to submit an end-of-year report to help the NGA evaluate the overall impact of the Hooked on Hydroponics Awards.  All applications are due by Sept. 30, and applicants will be notified of their status by Oct. 31.  Award packages will be shipped to grantees by Nov. 30. 
Find out more about the award packages and whether they are suitable for your classroom.  There are several links at the website to descriptions of the various packages for classrooms in elementary, middle or high schools.  For more information, go online to http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/2006-hoh-landing.asp or contact The National Gardening Association, Hooked on Hydroponics, 1100 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT  05403.

The Captain Planet Foundation awards grants to support innovative, hands-on environmental education projects for children and youths that will help them build problem-solving skills and environmental awareness.  Deadlines are March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31.  Generally, grants range from $250 to $2,500 each. Smaller grants are more common.  Grants for gardens are limited to $500 each; grants for adopt-a-stream programs are not more than $400 each.  Tax-exempt organizations, including most schools and nonprofit organizations are eligible.  Grants fund innovative programs that empower children and youths (age 6 to 18) around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities.  Contact Taryn Murphy, program director, at (404) 827-4130 or online at www.turner.com/cpf.

Kelly Sears is an 8th grade science teacher at Smith Middle School. She has been selected to be a part of the "Margins: Source to Sink" program off the Waipaoa River which is on the northeaast coast of New Zealand. The dates of the her research with the program will be October 2 through October 13. Her expenses are paid by the Margins Program. This is a wonderful opportunity for Ms. Sears and for Smith Middle School. This will advance the work done in Smith science classes to be more authentic and current through collaborative study by the 8th grade science teachers and studentsas they follow Ms. Sears experiences. For more information on the Margins Program and the research conducted, visit the website http://www.margins.wustl.edu/Home.html.

News From District 6
Director: Debbie Michael

I hope everyone had a great summer! I hope you got rest and renewal at various professional developments that were offered.

ALisa Wickliff sent in the following information from the University of NC at Charlotte. Try to attend one or more of these workshops. Contact UNCC at cmste@email.uncc.edu for more information.

September 11-13 Cabarrus County Agribusiness Environmental Days for all 6th grade students --location is the Cabarrus County Arena and Events Center and this takes place during the Cabarrus County Fair.

October 19-21 ELEE Morrow Mt. Old as the Hills

October 26-28 Project Wild

December 7-9 Project WET –costs $20 per for all three or $25 for individual.

November 3-4 MSEN 3-5 Science Institute

November 6–Science Conference at the Charlotte Convention Center –

The Southwest Education Alliance is offering the Second Annual Science Conference on November 6, 2006 at the Charlotte Convention Center

Cindy Moss, a curriculum specialist with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, writes that she has been appointed to a federal commission "21st Century STEM Education Commission" and had the first meeting August 3rd and 4th. This commission came into being because President Bush and Congress went to the National Science Foundation asking for a strategy to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education that can be used nationwide. The commission has 13 members and includes Nobel Prize winners, 2 senators, university presidents, and CEOs of businesses. There are 3 educators on the commission: a middle school science teacher, a retired superintendent, and me. The commission will work for a year to present a "politically acceptable strategy to improve STEM education" to Congress and the President. Congratulations, Cindy, and we are all proud of you!

Tanya Shank writes that she has made a bold move to support our teachers in the classroom. She will cover a class for a few days. She has been assigned a teaching position due to the temporary teacher shortage. She will not be in the office, but rather in the classroom. She will continue to offer her assistance as a Science Coordinator in any way she can.

My summer was very busy. I facilitated at the Summer Science Leadership Institute in Asheville. Everyone should make plans to attend next summer’s institute.

I spent a week in Texas at the McDonald Observatory, participating in a workshop titled Space Science XXVIV: Chandra and the X-Ray Universe. It was a great week and I brought back many tools to use with my students. It was amazing to see all the telescopes and the view was fantastic!

Remember the NCSTA Professional Development Institute on November 9 and 10. Please make plans to attend. It’s going to be a wonderful institute and you will not want to miss it!

I wish everyone a great start to a new year. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance

News From District 8
Director: Teresa Hembree

It is hard to believe that school is back in session and that autumn is around the corner. There is a cool breeze in the air and the leaves outside my window are slowly taking on a hint of color. I consider myself lucky to live and teach in Western North Carolina. WNC offers the teachers of the District 8 the greatest outdoor classroom in the nation. I am reminded daily of that old adage …” the world is at your finger tips.” I am inspired this time of year both by the wonders of the nature and the thrill of cultivating a new crop of scientists. It is my hope that teachers of District 8 find their inspiration and that each child of this district finds him/herself developing a new thirst for science.

            Well enough of that, now on with the news:

  1. NCSTA Professional Development Institute – November 9-10, 2006 Greensboro, NC
  • Watch for mailings concerning upcoming events for the NCSTA PDI in November. Presenters are set, and guest speakers are arranged. Now all we need are eager teachers to soak up all that the institute as to offer. Bring a friend and stay at the conference hotel. Experience all the institute has to offer.
  • Share-a-thons are scheduled for the 9th at the PDI. One hour sessions for elementary, middle, and high school are planned. If you would like to be a “sharer” please contact me at the email listed. Stop by my table and introduce yourself.
  1. Communication Outreach
  • Recently I sent out emails to email addresses of members that were “active.” Numerous messages were returned due to email address errors. Others have not responded. Please assist me as the Director to maintain an open flow of communication. If you have not responded or did not receive the previously mentioned email, please contact me. I would love to maintain an accurate group of email addresses so that we can keep the members of the district involved.
  • If you know a member that has relocated that information would also be greatly appreciated.
  • Remember to contact me (teresa.hembree@bcsemail.org) with news, celebrations, workshops, questions, and suggestions.
  1. Recruitment
  • Try to recruit a new member. Share with them all the association has to offer.
  • Encourage them to check out the NCSTA (http://ncsta.org/) and the NSTA (http://nsta.org/) websites for information on upcoming events, “freebies”, and news.
  • Membership should be encouraged at the college level as well.
  • Invite your recruit to the PDI. They will love it…. you know they will.
  1. Fall Educational Activities for the Young and Young at Heart
  • YMCA Camp Greenville – Outdoor Education and Adolescent Programming for 3rd – HS. Check out their website for further details (www.campgreenville.org)
  • Check out the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman, NC. It is a non-profit that offers research and educational opportunities for all ages and interests. (www.pari.edu/)
  • Have you tapped into the amazing opportunities in our own backyard? Check out WRESA – Western Region Educational Service Alliance. They have so much to offer. (www.wresa.org/)

Have a great fall. And remember to take time to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a great source of rejuvenation. See you in Greensboro.

 

Current Issue | Archives | NCSTA

The Science Reflector
Newsletter of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association
PO Box 1783, Salisbury, NC 28145
Elizabeth Snoke Harris, Editor