o
October 24 – November 13, 2013
Science Matters Network in Michigan eBlast
http://msta-mich.org/smn
In this E-Blast
1.
2.
Leadership
The Science Matters Network in Michigan
a. Another FREE Gift for You in the NSTA Learning Center – Nature of Light
b. Get an Introduction to the NSTA Learning Center on October 29
3. Michigan Department of Education
a. NGSS: Five Ways Science Classes Will Change
b. Eight States Have Now Adopted NGSS
4. Information for Students (and Parents too!)
a. Student Spaceflight Experiments Program – Mission 6 to the International Space Station
b. Verizon Innovative App Challenge
c. Engineering for YOU Video Contest for MS and HS Students
d. 50th Annual Junior Science and Humanity Symposium with Potential College Scholarships
e. Upcoming Deadlines
5. Grants and Opportunities for K-12 Teachers
a. Now Open – 2014 Siemens Summer Learning Application
b. Robotics Grants of $500
c. Inspire the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
d. Demonstrate Exemplary Science Teaching in Grades K-5
e. $1000 Teacher Grants from the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association
f. STEMGrants.com
g. Upcoming Deadlines
6. Information for K-12 Teachers
a. Launch into Engineering Design
b. Free Membership in the Michigan Association of Biology Teachers
c. Making a Microscope Out of Your Smartphone
d. Seven Free iPad Apps for Science Lessons
e. Searchable Online AGI Classroom Activities
f. MDSTA/DACTM Fall Conference November 16, 2013
g. Identify Rare Tree Species
h. 2013 UN Water Conference at Michigan State University
i. Free Webcasts from the Tundra! Polar Bears, Climate Change, and More
j. Plan to Attend the Fall Science Update
k. Upcoming Deadlines
7. Ideas from the Twitterverse
8. Information for High School Teachers
a. Saturday Morning Physics at University of Michigan
b. Upcoming Deadline
9. Information for Middle School and High School Teachers
a. Project Lead the Way Conference on November 4
b. Tools for Ambitious Science Teaching
c. The Geologists Are Coming Rap
d. Free Cell Day Web Chat on February 28, 2014
e. 2nd Annual MSU Science Festival Needs Your Assistance
f. Upcoming Deadlines
10. Science Humor – Worst Science Jokes Ever
11. October Contest Winners
Here are your science education resources and announcements for October 24 – November 13, 2013 provided by the
Michigan Science Matters Network. Please forward this eBlast on to other science educators in your school/district.
If you have questions or comments, please forward them to:
David Bydlowski
Michigan Coordinator—Science Matters Network
bydlowd@resa.net
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
http://bap.nsta.org
http://www.msta-mich.org/smn
or
Sue Campbell
MSTA Representative
sue@ucia2.com
http://www.msta-mich.org
Please Note: If you do not receive the full e-blast you can view it at:
http://msta-mich.org/smn
or request a Word/pdf version by emailing: bydlowd@resa.net
----------------------------------------------------------------1. Leadership
“Over Do, more than you, Over Think.”
brotips.com
Thank you to Herm Boatin, Science consultant and lecturer, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for contributing this
leadership quote.
----------------------------------------------------------------The Science Matters Network In Michigan
----------------------------------------------------------------2a. Another Free Gift for You in the NSTA Learning Center – Nature of Light
I hope you will enjoy this free gift that you can access in the NSTA Learning Center. The gift is a set of resources
on the topic of “Nature of Light.” To access just visit:
 Elementary Collection -- http://learningcenter.nsta.org/share.aspx?id=1gZTkQ6LSV
 Middle School Collection – http://learningcenter.nsta.org/share.aspx?id=b8kSh9FrGu
 High School Collection -- http://learningcenter.nsta.org/share.aspx?id=lusIRpb17J
If you have not joined the NSTA Learning Center yet, you can have an invitation to join sent directly to you, just
send an email to:
bydlowd@resa.net
and an invitation will be sent directly to you.
----------------------------------------------------------------2b. Get an Introduction to the NSTA Learning Center on October 29
Did you know there are over 3,800 free resources at your fingertips in the NSTA Learning Center? From journal
articles and lesson plans to interactive content modules called Science Objects, these resources are available to help
you refresh your content knowledge and develop new strategies for your pedagogical toolkit.
Find out more about the Learning Center—NSTA's online portal for teacher professional learning—during a free
web seminar on October 29 at 6:30 p.m. ET. You'll get a guided tour of the Learning Center and the different types
of resources available then have a chance to begin adding resources to your Learning Center library. After the web
seminar, all participants will receive an $18 SciPack for free! Read more about this web seminar and register at:
http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/NLC/webseminar30.aspx
----------------------------------------------------------------Michigan Department of Education
----------------------------------------------------------------3a. NGSS: Five Ways Science Classes Will Change
LiveScience writer Michael Dhar's article on the Next Generation Science Standards provides a comprehensive
overview of the NGSS and five things educators love or hate about the new standards. NSTA Executive Director
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
David L. Evans weighs in, explaining how new national standards are set to transform science education in the
United States. Read the article at:
http://www.mmsend53.com/link.cfm?r=101760906&sid=27359523&m=3020182&u=NSTA&j=15398539&s=http:/
/www.livescience.com/40283-ngss-science-standards-change-education.html
to learn more.
----------------------------------------------------------------3b. Eight States Have Now Adopted NGSS
Eight states have now adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. They include:
California
Delaware
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington (State)
----------------------------------------------------------------Information for Students (and Parents too!)
-------------------------------------------------------4a. Student Spaceflight Experiments Program – Mission 6 to the International Space Station
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education, and
NanoRacks announce Mission 6 to the International Space Station:
http://ssep.ncesse.org
This STEM education opportunity immerses grade 5–14 students across a community in fully authentic, highvisibility research, with the ability to design and propose real experiments to fly in low Earth orbit on the
International Space Station (ISS).
Each participating community will be provided a real microgravity research mini-laboratory capable of supporting a
single experiment, and all launch services to fly it to the ISS in Fall 2014. A nine-week experiment design
competition in each community, held winter/spring 2014 and engaging typically 300 students, allows student teams
to design and formally propose real experiments vying for their community's reserved mini-lab on Space Station.
Content resources for teachers and students support foundational instruction on science in microgravity and
experimental design. Additional programming leverages the experiment design competition to engage the
community, embracing a Learning Community Model for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) education.
TIME CRITICAL: all interested communities are asked to inquire by NOVEMBER 20, 2013; schools and districts
need to assess interest with their staff and, if appropriate, move forward with an Implementation Plan. Communities
must be aboard by February 17, 2014, for a nine-week experiment design phase February 24 to April 28, 2014, and
flight experiment selection by May 29, 2014. For more information, please call (301) 395-0770 or e-mail:
ssep@ncesse.org
-------------------------------------------------------4b. Verizon Innovative App Challenge
The Verizon Innovative App Challenge provides the opportunity for middle and high school students, working with
a faculty advisor, to apply their STEM knowledge to develop an original mobile app concept that incorporates
STEM and addresses a need or problem in their school or community. The goal of the challenge is to increase
student interest and knowledge in STEM subjects and mobile technology through an engaging and empowering
learning experience. Winning middle level and high schools will compete for $20,000 grants and Samsung Galaxy
Tabs for students on the winning teams. The deadline to apply is December 3, 2013. Please visit:
http://www.njea.org/news/2013-09-20/verizon-innovative-app-challenge?p=2
-------------------------------------------------------4c. Engineering for YOU Video Contest for MS and HS Students
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, NAE is launching Engineering for You (E4U), a video contest to highlight how
engineering innovations serve human welfare and the needs of society. In the last 50 years alone, such achievements
include helping to land astronauts on the moon, creating the Internet, and decoding the human genome. The future of
engineering is boundless! So, rev up your creativity, pull out your camera, phone or anything else that records video,
and produce a one to two minute video focused anywhere in the time period from 1964-2064 showing the world
how you see engineering enhancing quality of life and addressing societal needs. The main prize is $25,000 and the
contest will run from Nov. 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. Please visit:
http://www.nae.edu/e4u/?utm_medium=etmail&utm_source=National%20Academy%20of%20Engineering&utm_c
ampaign=Spotlight+10-18-13&utm_content=&utm_term=
-------------------------------------------------------4d. 50th Annual Junior Science and Humanity Symposium with Potential College Scholarships
High school student researchers throughout southeastern Michigan are invited to attend a FREE, two-day
symposium, coordinated by the College of Education at Wayne State University, where they will present their
research and participate in a number of other activities. Scholarships are awarded to the finalists of the regional
JSHS: $2,000 to 1st place; $1,500 to 2nd place; and $1,000 to 3rd place; payable upon matriculation at the
university of the student's choice. The teacher of the first place finalist from each region also receives a $500
honorarium. Five finalists from each regional JSHS are invited to attend the National JSHS free of charge; and are
additionally awarded $12,000.00 to 1st place; $8,000, 00 to 2nd place; and $4,000.00 to 3rd place. The first place
finalists in each category at the National JSHS (over 400 from 60 nations) are invited to attend the London
International Youth Science Forum (July, 2014) all expenses paid. Visit
http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/science/jshs/index.php
to attend or to find out more about the 50th Southeast Michigan JSHS: Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientists.
The deadline for Application forms for students to Present Research is January 15, 2014.
The 50th Annual Southeast Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium will take place on Thursday,
March 6 and Friday, March 7, 2014, at the McGregor Conference Center on the main campus of Wayne State
University. Sponsored by the Academy of Applied Sciences and the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, the primary
aims of JSHS are to promote research and experimentation at the secondary school level and to recognize students
for original research achievements. Participation in the JSHS aligns with the need for students to apply practices of
science and engineering as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the supporting
Framework for K-12 Science Education. Visit the national website:
http://www.jshs.org
for more information about JSHS- a prestigious scholarship program to engage Grades 9- 12 in scientific inquiry.
----------------------------------------------------------------4e. Upcoming Deadlines
October 25, 2013: Deadline for students in grades 5 – 12 to enter the Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest.
Please visit:
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/scientistforaday12thedition/ready2submit/
October 31, 2013: Deadline to register for Project Polar Bear. Please visit:
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/our-work/community-outreach/project-polar-bear
October 31, 2013: Deadline for MS and HS Students to apply for the Cogito Research Award. Please visit:
https://cogito.cty.jhu.edu/39168/cty-cogito-research-awards/
November 1, 2013: Deadline for HS Students to enter the “Why I’m Optimistic About Our Nation’s Future Essay
Contest. Please visit:
www.vfw.org/community/voice-of-democracy/
November 1, 2013: Deadline to enter the “Get to Know” Contest. Please visit:
http://www.get-to-know.org
November 15, 2013: Deadline for students in grades 3 – 8 to enter America’s Home Energy Education Challenge.
Please visit:
http://homeenergychallenge.org
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
November 20, 2013: Deadline for interested communities to inquiry about the Student Spaceflight Experiments
Program. For more information, please call (301) 395-0770 or e-mail: ssep@ncesse.org
December 3, 2013: Deadline for MS and HS Students to participate in the Verizon Innovative App Challenge.
Please visit:
http://www.njea.org/news/2013-09-20/verizon-innovative-app-challenge?p=2
January 3, 2014: Deadline to register for the Youth Rover Challenge. Please visit:
http://youthrover.com
January 15, 2014: Deadline for teams to register for the eCYBERMISSION Competition for 6th-9th graders. Please
visit:
http://www.ecybermission.com
January 15, 2014: Deadline for High School Students to apply to present research at the Junior Science and
Humanities Symposium at Wayne State University. Please visit:
http://coe.wayne.edu/ted/science/jshs/index.php
March 14, 2014: Deadline for K-12 Students to enter the NASA Exploration Design Challenge. Please visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacelife/explorationdesign/overview/index.html#.UdLvoBZU3dI
March 31, 2014: Deadline for MS and HS Students to enter the Engineering for YOU Video Contest. Please visit:
http://www.nae.edu/e4u/?utm_medium=etmail&utm_source=National%20Academy%20of%20Engineering&utm_c
ampaign=Spotlight+10-18-13&utm_content=&utm_term=
----------------------------------------------------------------Grants and Opportunities For K-12 Teachers
----------------------------------------------------------------5a. Now Open- 2014 Siemens Summer Learning Application
Are you looking for FREE STEM professional development opportunities this summer? Apply today for the 2014
Siemens Summer of Learning programs, including the Siemens STEM Institute and Siemens Teachers as
Researchers (STARs). These programs give middle and high school teachers the opportunity to engage with top
scientists, collaborate with like-minded peers, and work across STEM disciplines to gain exposure to current topics
that are shaping the STEM field. For more information, please visit:
http://siemensstemacademy.com/index.cfm?event=showSTEMApplication&landing=1&utm_source=1MEmail&ut
m_medium=102213&utm_campaign=STEM+Fall+2013
----------------------------------------------------------------5b. Robotics Grants of $500
The Michigan Council of Women In Technology Foundation announces its10th annual grant opportunity
for all-girl Robofest teams in Michigan. Up to six (6) awards of $500 each! Go to the following link for full
information and grant application:
www.mcwt.org
Click on the Foundation tab.
Deadline to apply is Dec. 21, 2013
Need details?
Contact: Barbara Kalbfleisch
MCWT Foundation
barbkalb@mcwt.org
313-318-5790
----------------------------------------------------------------5c. Inspire the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is sponsoring an award for the top environmental educator in the country.
Nominees for Environmental Educator of the Year may be formal or informal educators, but all must have
demonstrated successes in motivating others to help preserve and protect our environment. To support an educator—
whether a classroom teacher or a community program leader—submit a short video explaining why your nominee
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
deserves the award. The recipient of the award will receive $10,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2014
National Science Teachers Association Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, from April 3 to 5.
Deadline: November 1, 2013
Please visit:
http://seaworldparks.com/en/SeaWorld_Teachers/Environmental-Excellence-Awards
----------------------------------------------------------------5d. Demonstrate Exemplary Science Teaching in Grades K-5
The Shell Science Teaching Award, a partnership between Shell Oil Company and the National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA), recognizes one outstanding K–5 classroom teacher, who has had a positive impact on his or
her students, school and the community through exemplary science teaching. Special projects may be mentioned but
should not be the main focus of the candidate’s application. The award recipient will receive $10,000. The recipient
and two finalists will each receive an expenses-paid trip to attend the 2014 National Science Teachers Association
Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, from April 3 to 5. Ten semifinalists will each receive certificates of
distinction.
Deadline: November 8, 2013
Please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/docs/awards/Shell.pdf
----------------------------------------------------------------5e. $1000 Teacher Grants from the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association
There are two $1,000 teacher grants being offered by the Michigan Section of the American Water Works
Association (AWWA) and the Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) for teachers implementing
water-related currcula in their classrooms.
These grants are for teachers interested in creating and implementing water related curriculum for their classroom.
Coordinated by the Youth/Public Education Committee, these grants are intended to assist teachers in developing
fun, hands-on methods for teaching students about water resources that can be implemented year after year.
For full details, please visit:
http://mi-water.org/wateryoudoing/Index.html
Applications are due by: April 15, 2014.
----------------------------------------------------------------5f. STEMGrants.com
STEMgrants.com recently released an update to its “STEM Funding Opportunities for 2013." This guide features
information about STEM related grants, fellowships, scholarships, awards, and competitions. Sign up to receive the
STEM Funding Guide by visiting:
http://stemgrants.com/guide-to-stem-grants/
---------------------------------------------------5g. Upcoming Deadlines
Would you like a complete list of grants that has been provided by the National Science Teachers Association?
NSTA has put these grant and their deadlines in an easy to follow calendar. It includes: deadline date, description,
category, and grade level. To view this list, please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/publications/calendar/
October 31, 2013: Deadline for teachers to apply for NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program. Please visit:
https://www.globe.gov/news/newsdetail/globe/noaa-s-teacher-at-sea-program-call-for-applicants
October 31, 2013: Deadline to apply for the Dan Wolz Clean Water Education Grant. Please visit:
http://www.msta-mich.org/images/pdfs/newsletter/MSTA%20Summer%202013%20FINAL.pdf
October 31, 2013: Build – A – Bear Foundation Grant. Please visit:
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/contents/content.jsp?catId=400002&id=700012
November 1, 2013: Deadline to apply for the Environmental Educator of the Year Award. Please visit:
http://seaworldparks.com/en/SeaWorld_Teachers/Environmental-Excellence-Awards
November 1, 2013: Raytheon-EiE Scholarship Program for Elementary Teachers. Please visit:
http://www.formstack.com/forms/eie-raytheon_eie_teacher_scholarship_application
November 4, 2013: Deadline to apply for Michigan Teacher of the Year. Please download:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/MTOY_Nominations_2014-15_435208_7.pdf
November 8, 2013: Deadline for K-5 Educators to apply for the Shell Science Teaching Award. Please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/docs/awards/Shell.pdf
November 30, 2013: Deadline to apply for the DuPont Pioneer Excellence in Agricultural Science Education
Award. Please visit:
http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx#dupont
November 30, 2013: Deadline to apply for the Robert E. Yager Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. Please
visit:
http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx#yager
December 15, 2013: Deadline to apply for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching. Please visit:
https://dafulbrightteachers.org/
December 21, 2013: Deadline to apply for the Robotics $500 grants for all-girls teams. Please visit:
https://www.mcwt.org/
January 31, 2014: Deadline to apply for a Captain Planet Foundation Grant. Please visit:
http://captainplanetfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/#sthash.4aYoRoru.dpuf
April 15, 2014: Deadline to apply for the $1000 Teacher grants for water-related curriculum projects. Please visit:
http://mi-water.org/wateryoudoing/Index.html
----------------------------------------------------------------Information for K-12 Science Teachers
----------------------------------------------------------------6a. Launch into Engineering Design
Launch into Engineering Design! Request a FREE Engineering Design Challenge Launcher from Mobile Area
Education Foundation. This effective launcher mini-challenge is readily accessible, uses simple materials, and
allows for multiple solutions – enabling learners to dive in quickly. Will their different solutions work to keep pingpong-ball “people” safe in their cup “seats” at the end of a fast-dropping amusement park ride – without the use of
seat belts?
Each launcher is a 2-part, 90-minute lesson that introduces a design challenge in math or science class and provides
an opportunity for redesign in the other content area’s class. Moving from one content area classroom to another,
students sort out some important ideas about teamwork – and then practice applying those ideas with new team
members.
The engineering design process – as a process – is also introduced and reinforced as a way of tackling problems
systematically. The EYE launchers have become an important aspect of EYE’s program, a chance to introduce
students and teachers alike to a year energetically punctuated by engineering and all the benefits it brings.
E-mail Susan Pruet, EYE Program Director, spruet@maef.com, to request a complimentary copy of our Engineering
Design Challenge Launcher, “Drop, Stop, Don’t Pop.”
----------------------------------------------------------------6b. Free Membership in the Michigan Association of Biology Teachers
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
All biology teachers in Michigan are invited to join the reinvigorated Michigan Association of Biology Teachers.
Their goal is to build a strong network of K-16 life science educators in our state and to share resources and best
practices. They have planned a series of three professional development workshops over the coming year, events at
the Michigan Science Teachers Association annual conference in Lansing (March 2014), and networking events at
NABT conferences.
Please visit their newly launched web page for more information:
https://sites.google.com/site/michiganbiologyteachers/home
to become a member (it's free!) and to register for upcoming workshops.
Their first PD workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th at Michigan State University. The topic will be
"Engaging students in the practices of science to develop conceptual understanding." This hands-on workshop will
focus on strategies aligned with NGSS, The AP Biology Curriculum Framework, and Vision and Change in
Undergraduate Biology Education. Space is limited, so please register early.
----------------------------------------------------------------6c. Making a Microsope Out of Your Smartphone
Talk about a cool engineering feat, making a microscope out of your smartphone. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KpMTkr_aiYU
----------------------------------------------------------------6d. Seven Free iPad Apps for Science Lessons
Give these free iPad Apps a try:
 Bill Nye the Science Guy
 goREACT
 Powers of Minus Ten: Bones
 Virtual Heart
 3D Brain
 Essential Skeleton
 Solve the Outbreak
For more information, please visit:
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/10/7-free-ipad-apps-for-science-lessons.html?m=1
----------------------------------------------------------------6e. Searchable Online AGI Classroom Activities
Ever wish you could go online to search for a classroom activity tailor-made to match the Earth Science topic you’re
teaching? Visit the continually updated Earth Science Week Classroom Activities page for more than 120 free
learning activities, most of them contributed by the leading geoscience agencies and groups that are Earth Science
Week partners.
Activities are organized and searchable by various criteria, including specific Earth Science topics. To find the
perfect activity for your lesson, just click on “Search Classroom Activities.” Search by grade level and science
education standard. Maybe most useful, you also can search among 24 categories of Earth science topics, from
energy and environment to plate tectonics and weathering.
This updated, database-driven resource is ideal not only for supplementing a prepared curriculum, but also for
generating activities that address in-the-news events such as fossil discoveries and volcanic eruptions. See the
Classroom Activities page at:
http://www.earthsciweek.org/forteachers/classroomactivities.html
----------------------------------------------------------------6f. MDSTA/DACTM Fall Conference November 16, 2013
Plan on attending the joint (MDSTA/DACTM) annual Math and Science Fall Conference. It will be held again this
year at Woodhaven High School, 24787 Van Horn Road, Brownstown, MI 48134. You can register for the
conference at:
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
http://www.mdsta.org/annual-fall-conference
----------------------------------------------------------------6g. Identify Rare Tree Species
Leafsnap is the first in a series of electronic field guides being developed by researchers from Columbia University,
University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution. This free app for the iPad and iPhone uses visual
recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves, flowers, fruit, petiole, seeds and
bark. Leafsnap turns users into citizen scientists, automatically sharing images, species identifications and geocoded
stamps of species locations with a community of scientists, who will use the stream of data to map and monitor the
ebb and flow of flora nationwide. Leafsnap currently includes the trees of the northeast and will soon grow to
include the trees of the entire continental United States. Please visit the iTunes App Store to download “Leafsnap.”
----------------------------------------------------------------6h. 2013 UN Water Conference at Michigan State University
Water, Food Security and the Developing Global Crisis
Global population growth projections of 2-3 billion more people will increase food demand by 70 percent by 2050.
Currently, six to eight million people currently die annual from water-related diseases and natural disasters.
According to United Nations estimates, more than half the world's people depend daily on water resources shared by
more than one country. Climate change will complicate and challenge, as never before, mankind's ability to manage
water and food supplies.
In recognition of the urgency of greater international collaboration to actively address the developing crisis, the
United Nations General Assembly has designated 2013 as the Year of International Water Cooperation. The Global
Water Initiative at Michigan State University also includes water and food security as one of its major theme areas.
In support of the UN's year long initiative and as part of the Global Water Initiative activities, this UN Anniversary
dinner and conference will begin on the first day by describing the scope of the developing global water/food
security challenge, then identify mitigating resources, including a wide variety of ongoing water and food security
related problems and projects at MSU and other institutions. The final day will focus on new opportunities for
collaboration in ameliorating the crisis in the years ahead.
The keynote United Nations speaker is Dr. Ana Persic, senior scientist at the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization, who is acting as liaison with the UN Water Initiative. Dr. Persic will also participate in
discussions throughout the conference.
For a detailed conference agenda, visit environment.msu.edu/events/un_water.php
United Nations 68th Anniversary Commemoration Conference
From Sun, October 27, 2013 5:30PM(Eastern)
To Tue, October 29, 2013 3:30PM
East Lansing, MI
Hannah Community Center
Hosted by Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University
----------------------------------------------------------------6i. Free Webcasts from the Tundra! Polar Bears, Climate Change and More
Every fall, Polar Bears International conducts LIVE, free webcasts, during October and November, from the tundra
during the annual polar bear migration in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. These webcasts highlight polar bear biology,
other arctic animals and also the arctic habitat. You and your students will hear from the world-renowned polar bear
biologists, sea ice experts and climate change scientists.
Key Links:
Tundra Connections page: http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/our-work/educational-programs/tundraconnections
Fall 2013 Schedule: http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/our-work/educational-programs/tundra-connectionsschedule
Registration page: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TCRegistrationFall2013
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
----------------------------------------------------------------6j. Plan to Attend the Fall Science Update
The Regional Math and Science Center cordially invites you to the 29th annual Fall Science Update. This year’s
theme is “Next Generation Science: Bridge to the Future.” The conference will take place Wednesday, November
20, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Eberhard Center on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus in
downtown Grand Rapids. Fall Science Update is a full-day event that features a keynote speaker and includes
multiple hour-long breakout sessions for K-12 science educators.
They are pleased to announce that this year’s keynote is Dr. Brian Reiser, Professor of Learning Sciences in the
School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. Part of his life's work and research has focused
on how to make scientific practices meaningful and effective for classrooms. Dr. Reiser was a member of the NGSS
Planning Team through the National Science Foundation.
Whether you are a new or returning teacher, this mini-conference promises to be an informative and relaxing day
where you can take time to explore new trends and ideas in education. As always, this will be a day of learning and
connecting with colleagues. They look forward to your participation.
The brochure and session registration form for Fall Science Update may be found at:
www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/2013-fall-science-update-135.htm
Please call (616) 331-2267 for more information.
----------------------------------------------------------------6k. Upcoming Deadlines
October 27 – 29, 2013: UN Water Conference at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. Please visit:
http://environment.msu.edu/events/un_water.php
November 7 – 9, 2013: Great Lakes Place Education Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Please visit:
http://www.glstewardship.org
November 15, 2013: America Recycles Day. Please visit:
http://americarecyclesday.org
November 16, 2013: MDSTA/DACTM Fall Conference at Woodhaven HS in Woodhaven, MI. Please visit:
http://mdsta.org
November 20, 2013: Fall Science Update at Grand Valley State University. Please visit:
www.gvsu.edu/rmsc/2013-fall-science-update-135.htm
January 10, 2014: Deadline to apply to become a State Green Ribbon School. Please visit:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-6530_2629-271090--,00.html
March 6 – 8, 2014: MSTA Annual Conference in Lansing, MI. Please visit:
http://www.msta-mich.org/images/pdfs/conference/MSTA%20CHECK%20REGISTRATION%20FORM.pdf
March 12 - 14, 2014: MACUL Conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Please visit:
http://macul.org
April 3 – 6, 2014: NSTA National Conference in Boston, MA. Please visit:
http://nsta.org
----------------------------------------------------------------Twitterverse
----------------------------------------------------------------7a. Ideas from the Twitterverse
Sally Baldridge @SallyBaldridge
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
The Smartest Kids In The World: 50 Brilliant Students That Model A Love For Learning zite.to/H70kZ2 via
@Zite
CRS @crscience
Citizen science is the new black bit.ly/19LCc89 #citizenscience #inquiry #STEM #science
edutopia @edutopia
8 teacher tips for staying positive during trying times: edut.to/1hftqjp #teachchat #edchat
@NMHS_Principal The 5 Best Free Mind-Mapping Tools for Teachers http://buff.ly/GRhsBJ #edtech
edutopia @edutopia
"Teaching kindergarten means at its core curiosity, surprise, & flexibility." edut.to/171r60L via @HuffPostEdu
#kinderchat
Scientific American @sciam
Ambient Energy Could Replace Batteries bit.ly/19h8Kox
The Climate Group @ClimateGroup
Congrats @tudelft for winning 2013 World Solar Challenge: raced 3,000km across Australia using the power of the
sun! bit.ly/1c3lfq2
wkirkwood @wkirkwood my class #5kzis is looking for help with an aquaponics set up. Any gardeners out there
who could answer questions? http://goo.gl/gvHjV8
Michigan DEQ @MichiganDEQ
Stop aquatic hitchhikers! Check out this video - Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters: Volunteers
in Action. bit.ly/16K3WcF
Roxanne Glaser @roxanneglaser
New Wolfram Problem Generator: Practice and Learn news360.com/article/205821… #mathchat #Edchat
Frank Noschese @fnoschese
.@davidwees @james_funk Yes! Argument is at the center of this Venn diagram of science, math,
& ELA practices: pic.twitter.com/Mxssq7OPht
Cindy @chasselbring321
“@AP: MORE: Scott Carpenter, pioneering astronaut, has died at 88 of complications from a stroke:
apne.ws/19CNMyt -SS” #americanhero
Peter Gleick @PeterGleick
#ff "@worldresources @AlertNet @IISS_org @Earthjustice @EnoughProject @PeterGleick
@Survival @IIED @Worldwatch " @Ecowar_BHansen Thank you
GlobalClimateTreaty @ClimateTreaty
Global warming: evidence vs. ideology - Las Cruces Sun-News bit.ly/16jh9Lb
Alex Brown @alex_brovvn
#scicomm I'm making a list of science writing competitions - please send me links! No criteria
other than "#science"
----------------------------------------------------------------Information for High School Science Teachers
----------------------------------------------------------------8a. Saturday Morning Physics at University of Michigan
Free Admission
Each lecture: 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Location: 170 & 182 Dennison Building, U-M Ann Arbor Central Campus
To register, please visit:
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/physics/events/saturdaymorningphysics/
October 26
J. Wehrley Chapman, Professor Emeritus of Physics
What It Takes to Find the Elusive Sub-Nuclear Giant!
Professor Chapman will present the development of the ATLAS detector at CERN and the discovery of the Higgs
particle. The experiment may be the largest scientific endeavor ever attempted with a total of 3000+ scientists and
engineers engaged in building a massive detector which produces vast amounts of data. Professor Chapman will
define the features of the detector, the volume of data, and the sifting of data to extract the long sought Higgs
particle. We will see the pictorial view of sub-nuclear particles to illustrate how physicists view the world.
November 2
James Wells, Professor of Physics
Weighty Thoughts on the Origin of Mass
Scholars have struggled with the concept of mass since time immemorial. Professor Wells will explain the
usefulness of even speaking about "mass" and then describe how something so seemingly easy and intuitive can trip
up the most brilliant minds upon closer scrutiny. He will describe the major leaps in understanding over the
centuries, from the Ancients, to Newton, to Einstein, and to the discovery of the Higgs boson last year at CERN. The
historical context will demonstrate why the Higgs boson discovery was such an extraordinary achievement in
science, and how it opens up a host of deeper questions that physicists will struggle with for decades to come.
November 9
David Lubensky, Associate Professor of Physics
Making the Chicken from the Egg: A Physicist's View of Animal Development
Every animal begins its life by undergoing a remarkable process of self-organization: Somehow, starting from a
tiny, single-celled egg, it creates an incredibly complex adult organism, with a wide variety of precisely constructed
tissues and organs. How do animals manage to do this, and moreover to do it reliably and accurately, with relatively
few errors in the final outcome? This talk will discuss how ideas from physics can shed some light on this profound
biological question.
November 16
Jeffrey McMahon, Assistant Professor of Physics
Mapping the Beginning of the Universe
Inflation, a theory that incorporates physics at an energy scale a trillion times higher than can be observed at the
Large Hadron Collider, is currently the best working model to describe our Universe at the earliest times.
Fortuitously, this theory predicts signatures in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) that we are now using to
study extremely high energy physics and the conditions at the earliest times in our Universe.
November 23
Dr. Rubens Reis, Research Fellow in Astronomy
Seeing the Unseeable: Black Holes and Revelation
The fascination with black holes as both a mathematical concept and physical entity has long been the subject of
many scientific research. Only in recent years, however, have we come to realize the cosmological importance of
such objects. In this talk, Dr. Reis will summarize the current status of the field after introducing the manner in
which we "see" and "hear" black holes. He will also show how similar physics and phenomena observed in nearby
objects allow us to detect and study the inner engines of dormant, supermassive black holes 5 billion light years
away as it destroys a star.
December 7
Dr. Ruud Visser, Research Fellow in Astronomy
Splash Gordon: The Origin of Water on Earth
The presence of water on Earth is crucial for life as we know it, but where did all that water come from? Was water
part of the building blocks out of which Earth formed, or did it rain down in the form of comets and meteorites?
----------------------------------------------------------------8b. Upcoming Deadline
November 11, 2013: Genetic Update Conference Update Conference at GVSU in Allendale, MI. Please visit:
http://www.samrhine.com
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
----------------------------------------------------------------Information for Middle School and High School Science Teachers
----------------------------------------------------------------9a. Project Lead the Way Conference on November 4
The 2nd Annual Michigan Project Lead the Way (PLTW) / Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
conference registration is now available. It will take place on November 4, 2013 at the Kellogg Center in East
Lansing. You can register online at:
http://www.miemeseries.org/source/Events/Event.cfm?EVENT=13_STEM
----------------------------------------------------------------9b. Tools for Ambitious Science Teaching
Great teaching can be learned. This web site provides tools and resources that support ambitious science instruction
at the middle school and high school levels. Ambitious teaching deliberately aims to get students of all racial, ethnic,
and class backgrounds to understand science ideas, participate in the discourses of the discipline, and solve authentic
problems. They describe 4 core instructional strategies that support this kind of teaching. These “high-leverage”
practices make up the Science Learning Framework, and have been selected based on extensive research of how
young people learn science, on authentic forms of science activity, and how teachers learn to appropriate new
practices. Please visit:
http://tools4teachingscience.org
----------------------------------------------------------------9c. The Geologists Are Coming Rap
A song about geology! Try to keep from moving to this song. Check it out at:
http://theamoebapeople.bandcamp.com/track/the-geologists-are-coming
----------------------------------------------------------------9d. Free Cell Day Web Chat on February 28, 2014
Join in on Cell Day 2014! Your students can ask questions about cell biology and research careers anytime between
10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET on Friday, February 28, 2014, and get answers from scientists at the National Institute of
General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health. You can sign up for Cell Day, find classroom
resources, and read the 2012 Cell Day transcript at:
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/cellday
Last year, Cell Day fielded questions from students (mostly 5th through 12th graders) that ranged from “Which
living organism has the most cells?” to “What led you into a career in cellular biology?”
----------------------------------------------------------------9e. 2nd Annual MSU Science Festival Needs Your Assistance
Here is a note from the MSU Science Festival Committee requesting your help and assistance:
We are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual MSU Science Festival scheduled for April 1-6, 2014! We welcome
your assistance with two special programs we are developing.
The Science Festival is currently developing a very special weekend component to our presentation program,
entitled “Youth Inspiring Youth” (YIY). YIY is comprised of two types of presentations that highlight high school
and middle school students who are doing outstanding science related projects. These are presentations in which the
students are the presenters.
We would greatly appreciate your help in identifying students or student groups that might be a good match for
these events.
Youth Inspiring Youth is comprised of the following two types of presentations:
•Youth Say It In 7 (YSII7): We wish to identify 8 high school students or student groups from the Mid-Michigan
area, to present their cutting edge work in a series of 7-minute talks. This event would take place on a Saturday
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
afternoon, April 5th, 2014. We do request that an adult mentor be involved with the student’s preparation and
participation in the event. This presentation is modeled after a successful SII7 held at our April 2013 Festival,
featuring MSU faculty.
•A School Zone: This is a special student presentation zone (we anticipate its location will be in our Expo Tent).
This zone is a drop-in area for Festival visitors and will feature middle and high school science groups who would
like to share their innovative, interactive, science projects with Science Festival visitors. Projects suitable for the
school zone are those that lend themselves to hands-on, interactive experiences for visitors. Tables are provided and
we ask that the table be attended to by students (preferably in shifts) during the hours the Expo tent is open,
Saturday, April 5th, 10am-4pm, or Sunday, April 6th, 12pm-4pm. Again, we do ask that an adult mentor be involved
with the student’s preparation and participation in the event.
For more information, please contact Renee Leone at scifest@msu.edu
----------------------------------------------------------------9f. Upcoming Deadlines
November 4, 2013: 2nd Annual Project Lead the Way/STEM Conference at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI.
Please visit:
http://www.miemeseries.org/source/Events/Event.cfm?EVENT=13_STEM
February 28, 2014: Cell Day! Please visit:
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/cellday
April 1 – 6, 2014: 2nd Annual MSU Science Festival in East Lansing, MI. For more information, please contact
Renee Leone at scifest@msu.edu
August 3 – 7, 2014: Biennial Conference on Chemical Education at Grand Valley State University. Please visit:
http://www.bcce2014.org
----------------------------------------------------------------Science Humor
----------------------------------------------------------------10. Worst Science Jokes Ever
Q: What is the only known thing to travel faster than the speed of light?
A: A Chuck Norris roundhouse kick.
Q: What is the name of the first electricity detective?
A: Sherlock Ohms.
Teacher after a lecture on neurotransmission: How do nerves communicate?
Student: Cellular phones.
I'm running out of steam. Do you know any mole jokes?
If so, call 602-1023.
At this point, you are probably wondering if I have any more jokes? Perhaps one about sodium?
To that, I answer, "Na." I'm done.
----------------------------------------------------------------11. October Contest Winners
In October, we gave away three $10 Starbuck gift cards. Here is a list of the winners:
Susan Hasenbank, Ludington Area Catholic – Ludington, MI
Pete VanKempen, Coopersville High School – Coopersville, MI
Agnes Carter, Glen Lake Elementary School – Maple City, MI
If you didn’t win, try again this month. Thanks to everyone for being part of the Michigan Science Matters
Network.
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn
----------------------------------------------------------------To subscribe to the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please visit:
http://nsta.org/sciencematters
Click on Teachers, and then click on Become a Point of Contact.
To unsubscribe from the Science Matters Network in Michigan e-blast, please email David Bydlowski, Michigan
Coordinator for the Science Matters Network, at bydlowd@resa.net.
David Bydlowski, State Coordinator: bydlowd@resa.net -- msta-mich.org/smn