The Science Reflector - NCSTA Newsletter

Get ready for Fall with these great workshops and trainings. Below are links to some upcoming programs all over the state. For a more complete list visit the NCSTA Professional Development Calendar.

The NCCAT Experience
The Science House, NC State University
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
TI Neighborhood Workshop
Toyota International Teacher Program
Hands on the Past
CAPCO Science Class Challenge

If you know a program that should be included in the next issue of the Science Reflector, email the editor.

Teacher Renewal Seminars: The NCCAT Experience
Join us for a North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) seminar. Teachers of all grade levels and subjects who have been employed full-time in North Carolina public schools for at least three years may apply. Seminar materials, lodging, meals, substitute teacher pay, and most travel expenses are covered at no cost to the participating teacher or their school. All seminars are aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study, are multi-disciplinary, and are based on experiential learning principles.

To register call NCCAT Teacher Services at 1-800-922-0482 or email registrar@nccat.org submitting your name, home telephone number, social security number, and seminar choice. Abridged descriptions follow; however, full descriptions of all professional development offerings are available on the NCCAT web page, www.nccat.org.

A Place of Refuge: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
October 16–20: Cullowhee
Discover the Great Smokies on day-hikes as we explore one of the world’s richest reserves of biological diversity. Deep forests, massive geologic formations, and clear tumbling streams lend themselves to opportunities for reflective writing, photography, and environmental education.

Salty Dogs and the Lore of the Sea
October 16–20: Ocracoke
Explore the marine ecology of the Outer Banks and the lives of the men and women who live from the sea. Work with small commercial fishermen pulling gill nets and crab pots off the shores of Ocracoke Island as you experience the culture and environment of North Carolina’s fishing industry.

Hurricanes: In the Eye of the Storm
November 13–17: Ocracoke
Learn about the structure, intensity, and effects of hurricanes: wind, storm surges, rainfall, tornadoes, erosion, and change. Explore the impact of nature’s forces on coastal communities and their inland neighbors.

Birds, Ducks, and Decoys
December 4–8: Ocracoke
Discover Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Cape Hatteras as we explore bird habitats, territorial displays, and feeding patterns. Sharpen your visual perception as we learn how to identify, sketch, and carve birds like the black skimmer, brown pelican, snowy egret, great blue heron, whistling swans, and various gulls and ducks.

NASCAR: Science on the Race Track
TBD* (see below)
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, NASCAR, is a staple of Southern life. Originating as the back-roads mode of transport for moonshine, motor sports in the modern age have created a fast-moving career path for specialists not only in automotive design and performance, but also in technology, economics, marketing, public relations, art, finance, accounting, and tourism. Visit NASCAR team shops and motor speedways to meet those who have helped turn a regional sport into a multimillion dollar national industry. Explore the ways in which math and physics work together on the speedway. Enjoy the tales and stories that made cultural icons of the people driving the race-car movement. *Due to NASCAR schedules, the seminar will be held sometime between January 15 and February 2.

Teacher Scholars in Residence
March 5–9, 2007 Cullowhee
The Teacher-Scholar program offers educators an excellent short-term residential experience for study and research. Teachers pursuing projects of outstanding intellectual or artistic promise are invited to apply. Teams of up to four educators who seek time and space for collaboration also may apply. Offered at least twice a year, the Teacher Scholars in Residence program provides five days devoted to independent study in a scholarly, supportive environment. Preference is given to teachers with outstanding proposals who are applying to the program for the first time.

Space Camp: Your Place in Space!
March 5–9, 2007 Huntsville, Alabama
Realize the childhood dream of becoming an astronaut as you immerse yourself in the wonders of the space program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Relive one of America’s most important historical endeavors as you tour “the finest rocket collection in the world,” according to astronaut John Glenn. Discover a renewed appreciation for Newton’s laws of motion while you train as the astronauts do using simulators such as the one-sixth-gravity trainer, the manned maneuvering unit, and the multi-axis trainer. The culmination of our astronaut training will be an intensely realistic simulated mission. The mission applies the basics of shuttle operation and the science and history of the space program, but will also involve leadership skills and teamwork.

Sea, Sand, and Human Hands: The Changing Face of the Outer Banks
March 19–23, 2007 Ocracoke
What physical conditions form and maintain barrier islands? What adaptations allow plants and animals to survive in these diverse, fragile, and sometimes hostile habitats? Journey along the Outer Banks as we address these questions and more. See and hear the rush of tides and feel the pull of sand beneath our feet. Investigate the varied ecological communities of the Outer Banks, including the maritime deciduous forest, the sound-side marshes, and the ocean tidal community. Learn how the Nature Conservancy is focusing its efforts on preserving such regions. Our trek along the coast will introduce us to rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna. At Jockey’s Ridge State Park, see the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States and learn of the effects of wind and wave on these shifting structures.

Crime Scene Investigator: The New Sherlock Holmes
April 9–13, 2007 Cullowhee
Become detectives as we put on the hat of the forensic scientist and determine the facts in a simulated crime scene. Discover how to objectively apply the techniques of physical and natural sciences in examining forensic evidence. Stalk the trail with a famous tracker. Analyze the smallest traces of human evidence using DNA profiling as we become molecular scientists aboard UNC-Chapel Hill’s state-of-the-art traveling science laboratory. Work with a world-famous forensic anthropologist who will help us as we “leave no bone unturned.”

Wonders of the Appalachian Trail
April 16–20, 2007 Cullowhee
Marked by white blazes or mountaintop cairns, the Appalachian Trail meanders across scenic ridges and valleys for more than 2,100 miles. From the perceptions of millions of hikers, it has gained a reputation as a place of solitude and natural beauty. Study the history of those whose pioneering vision like Benton MacKaye came to see the trail as a “cultural and national treasure.” Explore the diversity of forest growth, flowering shrubs, and flowers including trillium and bloodroot, as we embark on easy to moderate daily hikes. Experience the trail’s magic to the accompaniment of migrating birds overhead and animals that sometimes share the trail.

Bringing Back the Wild: Wildlife Recovery in North Carolina
April 23–27, 2007 Cullowhee
How are animal populations indicators of a healthy environment? What considerations are essential for the successful reentry of animals into a critical habitat? Where can teachers find accurate information regarding effective wildlife management? Come explore the environment of western North Carolina and the history of wildlife management in the United States. In 1948, Aldo Leopold explained that “the objective is to teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and to enjoy what he understands. I say land rather than wildlife, because wildlife cannot be understood without understanding the landscape as a whole.” Spend two days in the field exploring the habitats of recently reintroduced species and others that are now considered successfully recovered and stable.

Appalachian Spring Wildflowers
April 30–May 4, 2007 Cullowhee
Come to the mountains at the peak of the spring blossoming season and learn how to identify, record, and appreciate the wildflower bounty native to western North Carolina. Take field trips to discover various wildflower habitats in the region, under the able guidance of botanists. Delve into issues related to species diversity, habitat loss, and wildflower conservation. Learn a logical, systematic approach for identifying wildflowers following a simple, yet precise, key system. Analyze the structure of wildflowers and increase your botanical knowledge and vocabulary.

In Flight: Winged Migration in the Smokies
April 30–May 4, 2007 Cullowhee
What observational and data recording techniques do experts use to identify birds in the field? What is needed to study birds in the classroom? Explore the anatomical identification, habitats, feeding and migration patterns, and songs of birds within the ecosystems of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn to sight various species of birds, identify their calls, and accurately draw their defining characteristics. Current topics such as, the ecological factors impacting the natural environment of birds, and the facts and myths surrounding the Avian Flu threat will be addressed.

How do I apply?
Teachers of all grade levels and subjects who have been employed full-time in North Carolina public schools for at least three years may choose a seminar. There is no cost to the teacher. Call NCCAT Teacher Services at 1-800-922-0482 or email registrar@nccat.org submitting your name, home telephone number, social security number, and seminar choice. Or visit the NCCAT Website at www.nccat.org to download an application. If you have any questions about particular seminars, please feel free to contact Renée Coward, 2005 NCSTA President and NCCAT representative.

Teacher Programs at The Science House

Hands On Workshop in Fayetteville
The Fayetteville satellite office will be hosting a Countertop Chemistry and Physics from Junk Drawer workshop for elementary and middle school teachers. The 10 hour workshop will be held September 22-25 at Reid Ross Classical School. If you would like more information or to register contact Dennis Johnson.

Reach for the Stars Astronomy Workshop
The Jacksonville and Fayetteville satellite offices will each be offering a 10 hour workshop for 3rd and 6th grade teachers. These exciting inquiry-based activities can be conducted in your classroom with material kits that you can borrow. Teachers also receive a $75 stipend and lots of free materials. Learn more and register today! http://www.science-house.org/workshops/astronomy/

Free High School Genetics Lab Book
The Fourth Edition of "Relating Genetics to Everyday Life" is available! This new edition features correlation with the NC Standard Course of Study for biology, AP Biology, and middle school science. Additional activities have been added, and activities previously included have been updated. Order your copy now - it's free! Note that due to contractual obligation we are only able to distribute the books to teachers in North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. Order your copy online.

Borrow our Equipment!
Did you know that if you have attended a Science House workshop at one of our satellite offices, you are eligible to borrow CBL and MBL equipment to use with your class? Just contact the satellite office nearest you to schedule a loan. Our helpful outreach coordinators can also assist first timers in the classroom. If you are interested in bringing The Science House to your school or district read the next item!

Bring the Science House Teacher Workshops to Your School
The Science House also provides one or two-day programs to update and refresh teachers' mathematics, science, and Internet skills. These workshops have been taught many times in schools across North Carolina. Our workshop participants learn skills and activities that they can immediately use in their own classrooms. We especially emphasize programs to help meet teacher technology competencies. Each workshop can be tailored to fit local needs. Please visit the workshop web page (www.science-house.org/workshops/) for more information on our workshop or contact Scott Ragan (scott_ragan@ncsu.edu) at The Science House or call (919) 515-6118.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill

Beginning Skywatching
Six Wednesdays, Sept. 27-Nov. 8 (no class Oct. 18), 7:00-9:00 pm
This introductory six-session course is designed to jump-start your stargazing skills!
Classes will focus on what can be seen with just the unaided eye and will include planetarium and classroom instruction, hands-on activities and a “Solar System walk.” Each participant receives a planisphere for home use, plus plenty of take-home instructional materials. This adult course is limited to 20 participants, ages 16 and older only.
Call MPSC Visitor Services at 919-962-1236 to register. (If you have questions about the course, feel free to contact the instructor, Amy Sayle, at amy_sayle@unc.edu)
Fee: $110 ($90 for MPSC members and UNC students).
NC EE Criteria III credit & CEU contact hour credit is available for educators.

Paddling under the Stars
Upcoming dates: Friday, September 15, 8:15 pm; Saturday, October 14, 7:00 pm
At Jordan Lake
Join Frog Hollow Outdoors and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for a nighttime paddle under the stars and discover what the evening hours have to offer! Leave your worries behind as we set out in canoes or kayaks to watch the sunset, soak in the star shine, and experience nature at night. MPSC Astronomy Educator Amy Sayle will help us navigate our way around the night sky. These very leisurely paddles are suitable for teens and adults and for all levels of paddling experience.
Space is limited. For more information, email Frog Hollow at info@froghollowoutdoors.com. (Please do not rely solely on email to make reservations.)
To register for this adventure, contact Frog Hollow Outdoors at 919-949-4315.
Fee: $35 ($25 for MPSC members and UNC students).
NC EE Criteria II credit & CEU contact hour credit available for educators.

Starry Fall Nights
Monday, September 25, 7:30–9:00 pm
Explore the wonder of the autumn sky in our Star Theater. Learn how to identify visible planets, bright stars and constellations while enjoying stories from various cultures about star patterns in the heavens. MPSC education team members will also share information about meteor showers and other seasonal celestial events. For adults and teens.
Call Visitor Services at 919-962-1236 to register.
Fee: $12 ($8 for MPSC members and UNC students).
NC EE Criteria III credit & CEU contact hour credit is available for educators.

Texas Instruments Neighborhood Workshop

Join us on Monday, October 2 at the Marriott Charlotte Executive Park in Charlotte, NC for a FREE Discover TI Neighborhood Workshop. Go home with fresh new ways to bring the sweet sound of "Oh, I get it!" into your classroom and to get a hands-on beginner introduction to TI graphing technology. Sessions for science and math, middle and high school. To register, or for more information, visit http://education.ti.com/us/discover

Toyota International Teacher Program

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has launched a NEW, fully-funded professional development program for teachers of grades 7-12 to travel to Costa Rica. In March 2007, the Toyota International Teacher Program will send 20 secondary school teachers (grades 7-12) on a fully funded, 10-day study program in Eastern Costa Rica. The Program seeks to provide educators with the opportunity to observe, interact with, and understand Costa Rican communities and their efforts to preserve their environment and culture in a rapidly modernizing global society.

This year, the program is open to twenty secondary school classroom teachers, of all subjects, who teach full time in Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The Program will take place from March 8 - 20, 2007 (including travel time). Participants will travel to Los Angeles for pre-departure orientation and then spend 10 nights in Costa Rica. Direct costs of participation (transportation, lodging, meals and all program activities) will be paid by Toyota.

Program details, including eligibilitytimeline and official application are online at www.iie.org/programs/toyota. The deadline for application is October 9, 2006. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Joshua Beatty by email at toyotateach@iie.org or by phone at (toll-free) 877-832-2457

Hands on the Past: an Introduction to North Carolina Archaeology for grades 4-8 teachers

This new, one-day workshop will be held at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh on Saturday, October 14. Participants will learn about the science of archaeology and North Carolina's human past through inquiry activities, simulations, and discussions. Each teacher will receive a set of materials including a lesson plan/activity sampler for classroom use and information that will be useful in preparing students for Archaeology Days program, to be held at the Museum on November 18 and 19, 2006.

The fee for the workshop is $15, which includes lunch. For more information and an application form, visit the workshops page (http://www.ceap.wcu.edu/mathwww/workshops.htm) of the Western Carolina Center for Mathematics and Science Education.

Teachers: Win $$$ for your class!
Participate in the 2006-2007 CAPCO Science Class Challenge and win $250 to $5,000 for your school and a pizza party for your class! For grades 4-9, the competition is meant to encourage students and teachers to learn about the Earth's protective upper ozone layer, CFCs, and the environment by using provided activities or their own creative methods. The contest is open to teachers with classes in grades 4-9. Teachers must be employed by a public or private school, or be a home school educator. Deadline: May 14, 2007.

For more information and contest rules visit: http://nocfcs.org/scc/home.htm