General Notes:
The box about the conference in the upper left hand corner – I know I sent you this and thought it might just be my
issue – but the words that are the hyperlinks aren’t working for others as well – there is no pattern – people who
use macs as well as PCs and no specific browser version – so if you can please fix these that would be great.
Under Leadership and Governance.
Under Latest News on the Homepage
Plan Ahead:
October 24, 2012 - Montgomery County Stormwater and Sustainable Open Space BMPs Bus Tour!-- Are you
interested in learning how to manage your land in a more healthy and environmentally-friendly way? Join us for a
bus tour highlighting six sites throughout Montgomery County that showcase a variety of sustainable management
techniques.
October 18-19, 2012 - PA Urban & Community Forestry Council Statewide Urban Forestry Conference: Green
Infrastructure at Work, Lancaster Farm & Home Center, Lancaster, PA -- Join the Pennsylvania Community Forestry
Council, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and Penn State Extension for a two-day conference that explores the role of
trees and forests in our communities. Spend DAY 1 learning about the City of Lancaster's Green Infrastructure Plan,
Urban Tree Canopy Assessments, the TreeVitalize Program, Emerald Ash Borer, and what other communities
around the commonwealth are doing. Spend DAY 2 touring sites throughout Lancaster where green infrastructure
is being incorporated as a way to reduce storm water and combined sewer issues, while saving the city money.
September 2012-- PA STEM Vital Signs Report – See Pennsylvania’s report on STEM Vital Signs which was
released as part of the Change the Equation Report. (LINK TO STEM VITAL SIGNS)
National Congress on Science Education releases Memorandum to Chapters –During July of this past year,
representatives from different state chapters and other affiliated groups met in Albuquerque, NM to discuss topics
of interest related to the Next Generation Science Standards as part of the National Congress on Science
Education. PSTA had representation at this meeting and recently discussed and acted on the resolutions that were
made and directed at chapters (these resolutions are found on pages 3-4 of the linked document). Should you have
any additional questions about this event, please feel free to contact Christine Royce at caroyce@aol.com who
served as PSTAs representative.
On the Conferences Homepage
On the “Overview Page” – please post the text included in the “Overview page” document –actually post the text
on that page not link to an other page.
Also at the top of the Overview Page – can you please put the following:
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Download the Registration Form for the 2012 Conference. Forms must be postmarked by November 15 th. (MAKE
REGISTRATION FORM link to attached PDF of Registration Form.)
CONFERENCE HOUSING
PSTA has reserved rooms at the Hershey Lodge at a nightly rate of $142 plus tax. Participants are encouraged to
stay at the hotel. To make your reservations: Please call (717) 533-3311 or 800-533-3131 and identify yourself as
part of your PSTA group. Credit card information is required at the time reservations. Special requests for special
room arrangement must be made at the time of this call. Guest arrival will be available after 4:00 PM on arrival day
and reserved until 11:00 AM on departure day.
On the ADVANCE PROGRAM Link – please link to the attached advanced program PDF.
On Teacher Resources  Student Competitions Page
Remove the following postings:
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Timothy Ritter
web site: http://www.whitakercenter.org/CASEF.html
717-799-5130
FREE 717-799-5130
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
225 Market Street
2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Coverage Area: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill including Northern York School
District and Red Land High School in the West Shore School District of York County
Fair Dates: February 29 - March 3, 2012
Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Mr. Henry Disston
web site: http://www.dvsf.org
Drexel University
236 Randell Hall
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-895-5840
FREE 215-895-5840
Coverage Area: Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh, and Northampton
Fair Dates: April 3 -5, 2012
North Museum Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Jim Ringlein
web site: http://www.northmuseum.org/ScienceFair/tabid/221/Default. aspx
North Museum of Natural History and Science
400 College Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-291-4077
FREE 717-291-4077
Coverage Area: Lancaster County including Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Columbia
Fair Dates: March 27 -29, 2012
Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Mrs. Lisa Kosick
web site: http://pittsburghsciencefair.org
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-1534
FREE 412-237-1534
Coverage Area: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield,
Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Union, Venango,
Washington and Westmoreland
Fair Dates: March 30 - 31, 2012
Reading and Berks Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Mike Gerhart
web site: http://www.resef.org
130 S. Robeson St.
Robesonia, PA 19551
610-693-5321
FREE 610-693-5321
Coverage Area: Berks County
Fair Dates: March 11-15, 2012
York County Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Rodney Martin
web site: http://ycsef.org/YCSEF?Home.html
1416 N. George St.
York, PA 17404
717-475-1054
FREE 717-475-1054
Coverage Area: York County except Northern York School District and Red Land High School
Fair Dates: Contact Rodney Martin for information
Participate in the largest chemistry experiment ever during the International Year of Chemistry -To help students from all over the globe understand that water is a precious resource that can't be taken for
granted, The Dow Chemical Company is supporting The Global Water Experiment. Launched on World Water Day,
The Global Water Experiment encourages teachers and students to participate in a global experiment allowing
students to test the water where they live and interact with other students around the globe to share results. This
will teach students about sustainable water management and the role that chemistry plays in purifying water for
human consumption. The results will be showcased on an interactive global data map throughout the experiment,
which runs throughout 2011.
NE PA Bridge Building Competition
Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Bridge Building Competition is an educational non-profit, incorporated and a
registered Pennsylvania charitable organization and encourages all public and private schools in the northeast
quadrant of Pennsylvania to select three students to represent their school in a unique educational experience.
The northeast quadrant encompasses the area from the Delaware River to Galeton and from the New York border
to Shenandoah. For more information visit www.neparbdgblg.com
Add the following postings at the top under PENNSYLVANIA SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AND COMPETITIONS:
Pennsylvania Competitions
Interested in Science Fairs in Pennsylvania? Please contact the appropriate person for your region.
Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Timothy Ritter
web site: http://www.whitakercenter.org/CASEF.html
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
225 Market Street
2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-799-5130
Coverage Area: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill including Northern York School
District and Red Land High School in the West Shore School District of York County
Fair Dates: March 6-9, 2013
Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc.
Mr. Henry Disston
web site: http://www.dvsf.org
Drexel University
236 Randell Hall
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-895-5840
Coverage Area: Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh, and Northampton
Fair Dates: April2-4, 2013
North Museum Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Jim Ringlein
web site: http://www.northmuseum.org/ScienceFair/tabid/221/Default. aspx
North Museum of Natural History and Science
400 College Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-291-4077
Coverage Area: Lancaster County including Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Columbia
Fair Dates: Contact Jim Ringlein as dates are pending
Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Mrs. Lisa Kosick
web site: http://pittsburghsciencefair.org
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-237-1534
Coverage Area: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield,
Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Union, Venango,
Washington and Westmoreland
Fair Dates: April 5-6, 2013
Reading and Berks Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Mike Gerhart
web site: http://www.resef.org
130 S. Robeson St.
Robesonia, PA 19551
610-693-5321
Coverage Area: Berks County
Fair Dates: March 11-14, 2013
York County Science and Engineering Fair
Mr. Ben Smith
web site: http://ycsef.org/YCSEF?Home.html
Red Lion Area High School
200 Horace Mann Ave.
Red Lion, PA 17356
717-246-1611
Coverage Area: York County except Northern York School District and Red Land High School
Fair Dates: March 2-7, 2013
Under Development  Events for Teachers
Please remove the following:
Summer Leadership Institute: K–12 Framework and Draft NGSS Immersion
For teachers and administrators who want and need to understand the NGSS draft, this immersive institute will
provide a foundation.
The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and NSTA invite you to Austin, Texas, to experience
a focused and comprehensive look at the draft Next Generation Science Standards, June 24–28. Together
individual science educators, teams (leaders and teachers), and administrators will explore the K–12 Framework
and draft Next Generation Science Standards, determine key features of each, noting comparisons, contrasts and
shifts in focus. Participants will identify the "next steps," develop a deep understanding of supporting research for
reform, engage in the use of models and vignettes to demonstrate the practice of science, and apply new
knowledge to their own unique professional environment.
Featured speakers include Lance Rougeux, Discovery Education; Stephen Pruitt, Achieve Inc.; Martin Storksdieck,
National Research Council; Harold Pratt, Learning Research and Development Center at the University of
Pittsburgh; and Dana Center program director Sam Zigrossi. The many differentiated breakout sessions will
provide smaller groups the ability to challenge the status quo and build a personal or team plan of action for
implementation into their classrooms, schools, and districts.
Visit the Summer Leadership Institute web page for more details and to register.
The Urban Science Education Leadership Academy for 2012 will meet in Austin, Texas, July 15–20, for their annual
Institute. The objective is to “Develop Elementary and Middle School Leaders in Urban Districts to Improve
Teaching and Learning of Science.” Teams of educators (one district science coordinator, one building
administrator-principal/assistant principal, and three teachers) are invited. Along with empowering presenters—
Anne Tweed, author of Designing Effective Science Instruction, and Larry Bell, author of 12 Powerful Words That
Increase Test Scores and Help Close the Achievement Gap—the Institute will provide a substantive program for
attendees intended to enhance leadership skills to lead science improvement. Visit the USEL Academy web page
for details and information about scholarship opportunities.
Yearlong Professional Development for New Science Teachers
Administrators who want to retain and nurture new teachers should learn more about NSTA's exemplary program,
the New Science Teacher Academy. Special experiences and support for second- and third-year secondary science
teachers are available and virtually cost-free.
Hundreds of teachers will be chosen to participate in the 2012–2013 Academy to take advantage of consistent
online professional development activities, mentoring, and face-to-face educational experiences. Candidates
should apply for one of hundreds of scholarships by completing an application.
The Academy provides each teacher with
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A yearlong, discipline-specific mentor
Web-based content development courses and other pertinent resources
Membership with full benefits in NSTA
2013 National Conference on Science Education attendance including air travel, lodging, meals, and
registration fees
A recent Academy Fellow said, "The New Science Teacher Academy has made a huge impact on my teaching and
my ability to cope with the stresses of teaching. I believe my third year is going much smoother and easier because
of my participation in the Academy. It's been awesome!"
To find out more about the Academy and how to apply for a scholarship, visit www.nsta.org/academy or contact
the project director, Damaries Blondonville, at dblondonville@nsta.org.
Premier Award for Excellence in Engineering Education Courseware
Have you developed courseware—interactive websites, simulations, tutorials, case studies, software
environments, or tools— designed to enhance engineering education? The Engineering Pathway Digital Library is
hosting this annual international competition to recognize high-quality, engaging, noncommercial learning
innovations designed to enhance engineering education. The winner will receive a cash prize, a trophy, and a travel
stipend to attend the Frontiers in Education Conference in Seattle in October. Submissions are due by July 13,
2012. For more information visit the competition website.
Lawrence Scadden Teacher of the Year Award in Science Education for Students with Disabilities
The Lawrence Scadden Teacher of the Year Award recognizes excellence in science teaching for students with
disabilities. The award is open to all current K–12 teachers (general education, special education, or science
teachers, public or private) who have taught at least five years. Nominees must have made an outstanding
contribution to science students with disabilities. The winner of the Scadden award is expected to attend the NSTA
National Conference on Science Education to accept the award. A check for $1,000 is provided to offset travel
expenses to the NSTA conference. Click here for information about the award.
2012-2013 Fulbright Scholar Competition
The 2012–2013 Fulbright Scholar Program competition has opened. U.S. citizens with a Ph.D. or equivalent
professional/terminal degree (including a master's depending on the field) are eligible to apply. The core Fulbright
Scholar Program sends 800 U.S. faculty and professionals abroad each year. Grantees lecture and conduct research
in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Click here for more information about the program.
Call for Nominations - Pre-College Teaching in the Sciences
The 21st Annual Philadelphia Section, American Chemical Society--AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRE-COLLEGE
TEACHING
The Philadelphia Section of the American Chemical Society will honor two outstanding science teachers from the
Delaware Valley with its Awards for Excellence in Pre-College Science Teaching. One award will be given to a fulltime educator involved in teaching science in grades K - 8. The second award will be given to a full-time educator
at the secondary level (grades 9 - 12) who teaches chemistry. Nominees must teach in the Philadelphia Section's
geographic area (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Bucks, Burlington and Camden counties).
Nominations for 2012 will be accepted until March, 2012. The nomination package should consist of a letter of
nomination, the nominee's resume and at least two letters of recommendation. Other supporting information,
such as students' comments, is welcome. However, the total nomination package should not exceed 30 pages. The
nomination package may be emailed to PhilaACS@aol.com or eight copies of the nomination materials may be
mailed to:
Chair, Awards Committee
Philadelphia Section, ACS
Department of Chemistry
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323
For more information, please contact the Philadelphia Section, ACS office: phone: (215) 382-1589
FREE (215)
382-1589 or email: philaACS@aol.com Award recipients will be honored at our May 2012 Section meeting with a
certificate and an honorarium.
Apply for Professional Development Scholarships--Amazon Rainforest Workshop & Machu Picchu Extension
Searching for something unique! spirited! and fun! this summer? K-12 teachers and environmental educators can
win one of three $1000 scholarships to travel with scientists to one of the most diverse environments in the
world. Join group leader Donna Krabill, Norfolk Botanical Garden and scientists Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener
University and Randy Morgan, Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo on a rainforest discovery June 29- July 8, 2012.
Experience a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Yagua Culture & Crafts, Village Service Project, ReNuPeru
Ethnobotanical Garden, Birdwatching, Night Hikes, and Monkey Island Conservation Project. Open registration
through May. Land cost is $1850, plus air. Machu Picchu Extension is optional. Academic Credit is available. Land
cost is $850 for scholarship winners. Submit simple scholarship application by March 8. For program and
scholarship information. Contact Dr. Frances Gatz, 1-800-669-6806
link.net
FREE 1-800-669-6806 or frances@ee-
Summer Institute in Physics and Physical Science for Inservice Teachers
June 25-July 27, 2012 (tentative)
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle
The Center for Physics Education in the University of Washington Physics Department offers a five-week, 10-credit
summer institute in physics and physical science for full-time inservice teachers. The 2012 institute is tentatively
scheduled for June 25-July 27 at the UW in Seattle. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday,
except for two Fridays scheduled for exams. Directed by Professor Lillian C. McDermott and supported by the
National Science Foundation, the institute is tuition-free and a $1500 stipend is offered on successful completion
of the course work. Additional money is available if needed to help defray the cost of lodging for persons from
outside the Seattle area.
The Physics by Inquiry curriculum used in the course has been especially designed to strengthen the subject matter
background of teachers in topics typically covered in precollege physics and physical science using a hands-on,
inquiry-oriented method of instruction. The materials emphasize the development of fundamental concepts and
reasoning skills through laboratory experience. The class is divided into two sections: one for elementary-middle
school teachers who may have little or no background in physics; the other for high school teachers of physics,
physical science, and mathematics.
The application deadline is March 2, 2012. Additional information is available on our website
Online Blended PhD Program Offered
A bended delivery PhD in C&I with a concentration in curriculum studies and teacher education (CS/TE) is being
offered by Texas Tech University. Perhaps you can forward to others our website:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/distancelearning/doctoral/curriculum-instruction/
STEM Educator Award
A partnership of the STEM Educator Award sponsored by PASCO scientific, with the National Science Teachers
Association; this award recognizes excellence and innovation in the field of STEM education at the elementary,
middle school, and high school levels.
Eligibility: The applicant must be a K–12 STEM educator. Individuals must have a minimum of 3 years teaching
experience in the STEM fields, who implement innovative inquiry-based, technology infused STEM programs. One
elementary, two middle level, and two high school level recipients will be awarded annually.
Award: A total of 5 awardees will be selected annually. Each awardee will receive up to $1500 to cover travel
expenses to attend the NSTA national conference and be part of a STEM share-a-thon workshop, a $1000
monetary gift, and a $2000 certificate for PASCO scientific products. The recipient of the award will be honored
during the Awards Banquet at the NSTA national conference. Download an application.
Pilot Testers Needed – Magnolia Consulting
We are an independent company contracted with Houghton Mifflin to evaluate the effectiveness of the Holt
McDougal Biology Program, and we are currently recruiting schools who do not currently use Houghton Mifflin
that may be interested in participating in a national efficacy study of the Holt McDougal Biology program during
the 2011-2012 school year. This is not a sales pilot—we’re not trying to sell a product—we want to learn how
well this science program works for educators and students. The benefits to participating are free product and
training, vouchers and the opportunity to contribute to the research base. We are recruiting 10 school districts
with one school in each district in the study. At a minimum, schools will need to have at least two high school
biology teachers. The schools need to be public schools. In interested please visit the following for either
the Study description or obtain the School Application
Please add the following at the TOP of the window
Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) is interested in featuring a new product of ours on your website in the
Professional Development and Teacher Opportunities section. Below is the post we would like to have placed on
your site for this free product. ------ BSCS Middle School Science is a new, inquiry-based multidisciplinary science
program. The program is offered online as a digital curriculum and is currently available for free to teachers who
agree to provide feedback and student pretest/posttest data. BSCS Middle School Science comprises four units:
Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Science and Society. This digital program includes
discussion forums, mobile platform compatibility (iPad friendly), and XHTML compliance for screen-reading
browsers. To find out more or to sign up for a trial, please visit www.bscs.org/msscience. BSCS Middle School
Science is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Institue for Education Sciences, and available from BSCS.
On the Teacher Resources Page  Job Listings
Please remove the following:
Please add the following:
On the PSTA Calendar  Upcoming Events
Change:
November 24-December 2, 2011 – PSTA Annual Conference, Hershey, PA
TO:
November 28-30, 2012 PSTA Annual Conference, Hershey, PA
On the Teacher Resources Page  Resources
Change hyperlink to the Standards Aligned System drop down menu option to the following:
http://www.pdesas.org/
a.
b.
c.
Resources
On the home page: lower left corner with resources links
Please move the current ones listed there to Teacher ResourcesGrab Bag put at the TOP of the window.
Please add the additional links below to the Grab Bag section after the ones you just moved and above the ones
that are currently there:
Please add the following links to the Resources section on the home page
To be put on grab bag website (item b above)
On the NSTA Page  Awards
Please remove everything on this page and simply link the drop down menu option to the following
http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx