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Middle School Summer Science Institutes

The Centers of NC-MSEN, in collaboration with the NC-DPI, are providing professional development for middle grades science teachers. The five- day institute is one of the four middle grades science institutes planned across the state during the Summer 2007:

• June 25-29, 2007 at East Carolina University or Appalachian State University
• July 23-27, 2007 at UNC Charlotte or NC School for Science & Math and UNC Chapel Hill

The NC DPI Summer Science Institute for 6-8 teachers will help teachers more effectively implement the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Science by increasing content knowledge and developing instructional strategies. During the 5- day summer workshops content material and pedagogical strategies will focus on energy transfer in ecosystems, motion and forces, chemistry and microbiology. The NC DPI Middle Grades Support Documents will be reviewed and integrated into each grade level. The NAEP and SCASS released-test items will also be reviewed by teachers.

The registration deadline is May 1, 2007 and the fee is $450, to be paid by the school or LEA. Teachers will receive 3.0 units of renewal credit and many teaching resources.

For more information, contact:

East Carolina University June 25-29, 2007
Karen Dawkins dawkinsk@mail.ecu.edu 252-328.6885

Appalachian State University June 25-29, 2007
Phillip Johnson johnsnpe@appstate.edu 828.262.3185

UNC Chapel Hill & NC School for Science & Math July 23-29, 2007
Sally Adkin, adkin@ncssm.edu 919.416.2882
Pat Shane, pshane@email.unc.edu 919.966.3092
Sherry Coble, scoble@email.unc.edu 919.962.7232

UNC Charlotte July 23-27, 2007
Alisa Wickliff abwickli@email.uncc.edu 704.687.8818

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Science Curriculum Topic Study Workshop

The UNC-CH Center for Mathematics and Science Education is pleased to announce that Page Keeley and Joyce Tugel, have agreed to come to NC to present a two-day workshop on Science Curriculum Topic Study (CTS) on May 16 & 17.

This workshop will introduce science leaders to CTS and the different processes and applications for leading professional development using CTS. It will include a "CTS 101" for learning how to use CTS, including materials leaders can use to facilitate an introduction to the process in their own professional development settings. The workshop will include assessment probes, structure of content knowledge, and using instructional scaffolds informed by CTS. Participants will receive Keeley's SCIENCE CURRICULUM TOPIC STUDY book as well as Rosalind Driver's book, MAKING SENSE OF SECONDARY SCIENCE.

The cost for this workshop is $65; registration is open until April 20 or until the workshop is filled (limit 50 participants). A flyer is online at www.unc.edu/depts/cmse/. For additional information, contact Pat Shane at pshane@unc.edu or 919/966/3092.

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Science Laboratory Safety Seminars
Science Safety and Consulting Services is offering 3 workshops this summer for LEA and college level science education personnel:

July 8-12 in Raleigh for College/University Science Education personnel
This workshop will give participants the knowledge and skills necessary to provide science laboratory safety training for science education majors before they student teach or become novice science teachers.

July 8-13 in Raleigh Level 1 for LEA personnel
This workshop will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to provide LEA and school personnel with the knowledge and skills to develop and sustain an on-going science laboratory safety program in their LEA and school.

July 22-27 in N. Wilksboro Level 2 for LEA personnel
How to Build a Sustainable Science Safety Program
This hands-on course is designed for Level 1 Science Laboratory Safety Seminar participants to apply their knowledge and skills using the Customized Comprehensive Science Safety Laboratory Program (C2S2LP) to develop a sustainable science laboratory safety program for their schools and LEAs.

Visit www.sciencesafetyconsulting.com or contact Linda Stroud at 919-270-2914 to register by May 30, 2007.

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NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program: A Free Teacher Research Experience

The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Teacher at Sea program is now accepting applications until January 31, 2007. The mission of NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program is to give teachers a clearer insight into our ocean planet and a greater understanding of maritime work and studies, and to foster an interdisciplinary educational experience that provides a unique environment for learning and teaching. Applications are accepted from currently employed K-16 teachers, both American and International. We regret that we cannot accept applications from student or pre-service teachers. Teachers may select a cruise aboard one of NOAA's 18 ships, of which there are three main types. Fisheries research vessels perform biological and physical science studies in support of fisheries research. Oceanographic and coastal research vessels perform physical science studies in support of physical oceanography, atmospheric studies, and bathymetric mapping. And hydrographic survey vessels scan the coastal sea floor with side-scan sonar and sophisticated bottom sounding systems to locate submerged obstructions and navigational hazards for the creation or update of the nation's nautical charts Teachers can expect to be at sea anywhere from one week to a month. Most teachers take advantage of cruises offered during the summer, but cruises take place throughout year. All necessary travel costs are paid for by the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program. While airfare is paid for upfront by the government, all other necessary travel costs are reimbursed. For more information please visit our Web site at http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov

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Teacher Internship at Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Middle and high school science teachers are invited to attend hands-on instruction in one of three content areas: biotechnology, fusion - astrophysics, and energy technologies and the environment. These programs teach knowledge and skills derived from the science research at LLNL. Two ways to participate: a 4-week or an 8-week program with opportunities to work in a mentored internship. In each pathway, you will have access to the unmatched wealth of mentoring talent at the Laboratory. Dates for the first year of the program are June 25 through July 20, 2007 and teachers must commit to attend for 3 consecutive years.

Each of the three years teachers will receive:
$800 per week of study stipend (either 4 or 8 weeks each year)
$1500 travel and lodging expenses
$4000 professional development and equipment purchases.

Who to Contact with Questions?
Richard Farnsworth, Manager, Science and Technology Education Program
You can learn more about this program, and can connect to the DOE ACTS on-line registration. Application period ends in Feb 2007.

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Sustainable Forestry Teachers' Academies

New Bern Coastal Academy: June 18-22, 2007
Asheville Mountain Academy: June 25-29, 2007

The Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Academy is a 4-day residential program, that focuses on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainable forestry. Participants should expect a fast-paced week, with extended moderate walking, great food, networking, and lots of fun. At this time, the Academies are open only to classroom teachers. Acceptance will be dependent upon responses to application essay questions, and preference will be given to full-time classroom educators for grades K12, with teachers of environmental studies, sciences, etc. given first priority. Multiple teachers from the same school can apply. Participants may request which Academy they would like to attend (Coastal or Mountain). Tuition, hotel lodging, all meals, materials, admission fees (including The Biltmore Estate or Tryon Palace), and transportation while at the Academy are all free. There is no application fee, however a fully refundable deposit of $50 is required to hold your spot. Learn more an apply online at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/feop/teachers/ Application deadline is March 9, 2007.

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ARMADA Project- Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers
The University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs is now accepting applications for the ARMADA Project- Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers. The ARMADA Project provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to actively participate in ocean, polar, and environmental science research and peer mentoring.

Selected Master Teachers (with five or more years teaching experience) are paired with leading scientists and participate in shipboard, field, or laboratory research with all expenses paid. Research experiences will take place during the summer, although there may be opportunities during the school year. Upon completion of their research experience, Master Teachers develop ways to bring the fruits of their research experiences, including scientific data, methodologies, and technology into their classrooms. They share their experiences by mentoring new teachers in their school district and by presenting their results at the National Science Teachers Association National Conventions. The ARMADA Project has involved teachers in research experiences all over the world. See
www.armadaproject.org for more information on past research experiences.

Application deadline is February 5, 2007
For more information about teacher qualifications, responsibilities, and to download an application see the ARMADA Project website www.armadaproject.org or contact Andrea Kecskes at 401-874-6211 or armada@gso.uri.edu.

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Ocean Sciences Education Leadership Institute
June 24-30, 2007 at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA with a focus on Undersea Research and Technology. Participants will build and test their own Remotely Operative Vehicle (ROV) from MIT Sea Grant SEA PERCH program, which they will take back to their classrooms. They will discover how ROVs are used to study the seafloor to understand habitats, geology and effects of surface storms on the bottom. Research at the National Marine Sanctuary Gray’s Reef and at other South Atlantic Bight locations by NOAA Ocean Exploration and NOAA National Undersea Research Programs will bring underwater exploration and technology alive in the classroom.

Participants are required to develop a classroom unit and teaching portfolio on undersea research and technology based on experiences from the Institute adn develop and conduct a 6-hour ocean awareness day (SEPORT) on undersea research with a local informal education site.

Middle and high school teachers, pre-service teachers, and informal educators in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Teachers who teach in schools with high percentages of underrepresented and underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Participants will receive lodging, meals, travel, stipend, CEU and support materials.

To register contact Margaret Olsen, COSEE SE Education Specialist, olsen@uga.edu or visit the COSEE SE website: http://www.scseagrant.org/se-cosee/

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Pisgah Forest Institute at Brevard College

Pisgah Forest Institute is a non-profit, cooperative, environmental education effort of the USDA Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, and Brevard College. 

For more information on all of these workshops and to pre-register, go to our website at www.pisgahforestinstitute.org Get in touch! pfi@brevard.edu or call us at (828) 884-8229.

All PFI workshops are FREE and include room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

Distance Learning: Earth/Environmental Science for Middle and High School Teachers

This on-line distance learning workshop will run for 8 weeks (February 24—April 20, 2007) and is designed for educators of grades 6-12. The workshop will focus on four general sections of earth and environmental science curriculum: geology, ecology, hydrology, and atmospheric conditions. Participants will be provided with background information, lessons, and activities in these areas. This workshop will start with an orientation at Brevard College with the PFI staff. This course is geared to participants that are unable to travel to our week-long summer workshops. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria III credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educator’s (NCEE) Certification Program. Three semester hours of undergraduate college credit is available through Brevard College. The workshop is Free and includes: online instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

June 17—22, 2007: Earth/Environmental Science for Middle and High School Teachers

This workshop provides science educators of grades 6-12 with classroom lessons, laboratory activities, and field experiences associated with earth and environmental topics. The workshop will focus on four general sections of earth and environmental science curriculum: geology, ecology, hydrology, and atmospheric conditions. The workshop will use the national forests of Western North Carolina as a classroom to teach participants about the unique organisms and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria I or II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. Three semester hours of undergraduate college credit is available through Brevard College. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

June 24—29, 2007: Earth/Environmental Science for Elementary School Teachers

This workshop provides elementary educators with classroom lessons, laboratory activities, and field experiences that capitalize on the topics in the earth and environmental K-5 science curriculums. Teachers will be presented pertinent background information along with tangible methods to introduce these earth and environmental science concepts to K-5 students. Emphasis will be placed on using the environment around us to provide a living classroom to students. Some of the specific topics include: plants and animals, geology, water and air quality, and weather. Environmental issues will be integrated throughout the workshop. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria I or II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. Three semester hours of undergraduate college credit is available through Brevard College. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 8—13, 2007: Forest Ecology

This workshop offers participants an opportunity to learn about the important interrelationships in forests. Participants will discover how plants, animals, fungi, and microbes connect to each other to create forest ecosystems. The importance of abiotic features in determining forest type will also be examined, and the role of humans as agents of change will be addressed. The workshop will use the national forests of Western North Carolina as a classroom to teach participants about the unique organisms and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Topics include: types of forests, changes within the forest systems, and biodiversity. This workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 15—20, 2007: Earth Systems Science (Formally Elements of Nature)

As we view our planet Earth from space it becomes apparent that we inhabit an interwoven planet where air, water, organisms, and land are tightly connected. All the inhabitants of Earth, including humans, play a role in our planet’s function. Earth Systems Science takes a holistic, interconnected approach to examining the Earth, its systems, and its inhabitants. Designed for K-12 educators, this workshop has something for everyone! Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

July 25—27, 2007: Goods in the Woods

We all love to go to the woods to hike, bike, swim, camp, and explore, but have you ever stepped back to consider what else comes from the woods? In addition to common timber products such as paper and lumber, forests also provide other commodities. Not only do forests purify our water and air, but countless generations of humans have relied on them for medicinal and edible organisms. Explore the diversity of goods in the woods of the Southern Appalachians during this 3-day mini workshop. This workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 1.5 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 15 contact hours, as well as Criteria III credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program. The workshop is FREE and includes room, board, instruction, notebook, and many classroom takeaways!

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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