MnSTA Spring 2016 Newsletter by MnSTA

MnSTA

Newsletter Volume 52 No. 3 A Quarterly Publication of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Inc.

Minnesota Conference on Science Education to Convene in Duluth

MnSTA welcomes you to our 51st annual MnSTA Conference on Science Education! Join us for MnCOSE16 February 26 & 27, 2016 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN Highlights of MnCOSE16: *Networking with science educators from across Minnesota *Presenters sharing new ideas for your classroom *Nationally recognized speakers sharing the latest research and strategies in science education *A strand focused on science education for elementary teachers *Exhibitors displaying their latest products *Friday sessions and Saturday workshops • and a $75 Saturday only registration option Plan to join us in Duluth! MnCOSE is our premiere professional development event that brings Minnesota science education professionals together for sharing and growth! REGISTER NOW to attend! Go to mnsta.org for registratioin, presentation proposals and hotel reservations. See pages 14-33 for information on keynote and strand speakers, sessions, schedules, venors and guests.

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Paul Huttner to Keynote MnCOSE

Paul Huttner will be the keynote speaker at MnCOSE scheduled for Feb. 26-27 in Duluth. Huttner is the chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio. An awardwinning veteran broadcast meteorologist for 30 years, Huttner has worked TV and radio stations in Minneapolis, Tucson and Chicago. He holds a BA from Macalester College in geography with an emphasis in meteorology. His first living memory is a close call with the 1965 Twin Cities tornado outbreak. While at WCCOTV Huttner was the sole anchor for the Halloween blizzard of 1991, the largest snowstorm in the Twin Cities’ history. He is an American Meteorological Society (AMS) member and AMS Television Seal of Approval holder. In March 2008, Huttner earned AMS’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, the AMS highest professional certification for the quality of his weather broadcasts. Huttner has received numerous AP awards for his work. In 2014, he received a first place Page One Award by the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists for Climate Cast, an MPR News program. Huttner was also featured as Scientist in Focus as a meteorologist and climate communicator in the Guardian in August 2014.

MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner

President’s Address by Lee Schmitt

Department of Conservation by Ed Hessler

Minnesota Teachers of Science: Science educators share a common bond. It’s a passion for understanding the beauty and wonder of this amazing universe, the laws that guide it, and all we have learned through scientific inquiry. It’s the engagement of trying to solve the never-ending, complex puzzles of how things work. It’s the enlightenment of problem solving, curiosity, and logical, evidence-based thought. I have never met a science teacher who did not exude an “energy” for constantly learning more about the world and the natural phenomena that surround us. I’m proud to be a science educator and especially proud to be able to serve the greater cause of science education and its teachers. Be assured that MnSTA, in 2016, with its dedicated board of 32 science educators, will continue working for you. Now is your opportunity to engage with colleagues that share your passion. There is no substitute for face-to-face workshop sessions, keynotes, vendors and gatherings that inspire, enrich and challenge our teaching. The MnSTA Conference on Science Education (MnCOSE) will be held February 26-27 in Duluth, and you need to be there. MnCOSE is the biggest science education event of the year. We promise sessions designed for your discipline, lots of new ideas and resources, and many opportunities to “talk science” with your colleagues. Presidents message....continued on page 3

The Sky Above--The Earth Below

The World was all before them, where to choose/ Thir place of rest, and Providence thir guide:--Milton, Paradise Lost, Book XII The human resume includes the characteristic of seeking and creating patterns to make sense of things. In Talking Sky: Ojibwe Constellations as a Reflection of Life on the Land (Rockflower Press 2014), Carl Gawboy and Ron Morton describe Ojibway constellations and bright objects in the sky and how they were used to inform daily life. (http://www.rockflowerpress.com/loadbook.php?BOOK_ID=5&ACTIVE_ TOP_NAV_CATEGORY_ID=2 ) One of the stories is about the Great Migration, the migration from the east coast to the Lake Superior area. It is based on an object, a “seashell” that appeared to rise from the water that shone brightly during the day and night. The elders made a decision to return to territory which had once been home. When the shell disappeared from the sky they paused at what became known as “resting places.” When the shell reappeared they moved on, repeating this process until they reached what is now known as Madeline Island where they settled. Why there? There are two defining concepts in Ojibwe culture for making this choice: “land of abundance” and especially “food that grows on water.” Gawboy cites records and studies to identify when the migration began (ca. 900 ACE), possible “resting places” (3 to 7) and the time it took (“about 500 years, give or take a bunch”). The periodicity of the seashell’s appearance fits two short-period comets: Comet Halley (a period of 75-76 years) and Comet Swift-Tuttle (a period of 133 Department of Conservation...continuted on page 3

The MnSTA Newsletter is published four times each year by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, Inc. Articles, opinions, book reviews and other information pertinent to Minnesota teachers are welcome. Please limit submission to 1 typed page, e-mail preferred (text file please). Deadlines for submission of articles are: Fall ............... August 1st Winter ............. November 1st Spring ........... February 1st Summer....................April 1st Send all correspondence regarding the newsletter to: Jerry Wenzel 22002 100th Ave Randall, MN 56475 e-mail: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net The MnSTA Newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the back page. Materials found in the newsletter may be reprinted without charge. 2

MnSTA, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) (3) Charitable Educational Corpora-tion, incorporated as a tax exempt, non-profit organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Donations and dues are tax deductible charitable contributions for itemized deductions on IRS form 1040 Schedule A. The newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the last page.

MnSTA Newsletter

In Medias Res by Edward Hessler Concept Labeling

”The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.”— Through the Looking Glass In a recent guest commentary at RealClimate, the authors noted a problem with words having vernacular and scientific meanings. The words were pause/ hiatus in climate change research. ( < http://www. realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2015/11/hiatus-orbye-atus/ >) Consider one of our classics, the phrase “just a theory.” Or laws and facts. How are these words used in practice? In 2009, CalTech cosmologist Sean Carroll did something not at all unexpected from him. Rather than guess and speculate about their uses, he collected some data or facts from the SPIRES, a high energy physics literature database. ( < http://www. preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2009/10/14/data-onfacts-and-facts-on-data/ >) How often do scientists--high energy physicists are the surrogates--use some common words of science and vernacular life. The search was limited to the use of the word in question in paper titles. I updated his results. Facts (165 records), data (16027 records), evidence (6050 records), observation(s) (24033 records), theory (6050 records), model (87239 records), hypothesis/ses (774 records), law (3143 records). I also searched arXiv.org records on quantitative biology although the search was of abstracts not titles. In addition, when search records exceed 1000, the search stop. To do more requires more information than I had. However, I wanted an archive that included entries that are more recognizable than high energy physics, e.g., human movement, scaling, population, genomics, aging, populations and evolution, growth, adaptations, networks, issues/organs, neurons, societal connections, cells and cognition. Still, the trend is similar to the high energy physics data. (< http://arxiv.org/find >) So, what words do scientists actually use and prefer not to use or use less? Facts? No! Theory, model, evidence, observations. Yes! In a more recent comment on Jerry Coyne’s website WEIT, Carroll noted that “scientists use words like “’theory,’ ‘model,’ law,’ ‘hypothesis’ in completely inconsistent and unsystematic ways.” They are “sloppy.” This doesn’t trouble him because his interest is in evidence no matter we may not like this. ( < https://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress. com/2015/12/01/evolution-theory-fact-or-both/ >)

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Obviously, I still think we should continue to help young learners understand the idea of theory and model. As Carroll said in 2005 “The Big Bang, the round earth, Newton’s Laws, the Standard Model, natural selection—none of these is ‘proven’ correct, but they are all correct.” They are based on best evidence. ( < http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/ blog/2005/09/19/theories-laws-facts/ >) Or, put another way Carroll wrote in 2009, “I’m happy to say evolution is ‘true,’ or is ‘correct,’ but I’ll leave ‘facts’ to Joe Friday.” ( < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Joe_Friday >) h/t to these websites/blogs: WEIT, Preposterous Universe and Sean Carroll Department of Conservation...continuted from page 2

years). The likely candidate of the two appears to be Comet Halley. This is based on evidence provided by life-spans of elders who would recall having seen it as young children and seeing it again near the end of their lives. When Comet Halley last swept Earth’s sky I wish I had known this story. The Ojibwe used the sky to create stories, record history and for making decisions. These were a result of careful noticing, close description and keeping track. Presidents message....continued from page 2

Paul Huttner, well-known MPR meteorologist, will keynote on the latest in climate change research. We welcome current NSTA President, Carolyn Hayes, and she will present a session on Developing Creative Attitudes in Science. Saturday sessions include Dr. Christine Ann Royce on Teaching Through Trade Books and Dr. Vic Sampson on Argument-Driven Inquiry. The program is loaded with outstanding grade-level and discipline-focused sessions for you to choose from. Plus, we will have a reception for President Hayes and our annual MnSTA membership meeting at the 4:00 Social Hour on Friday afternoon. Check out the conference program in this newsletter and visit www.mnsta.org to register yourself and a colleague. Science educators share a common bond. It’s time to celebrate and support that commonality at MnCOSE in Duluth on February 26-27. Hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars: MnSTA Conference on Science Education, February 26-27, 2016, Duluth. NSTA Regional Conference, October 27-29, 2016, Minneapolis

Next Generation Science Standards -NSTA Less Memorizing, More Sense Making

The Next Generation Science Standards aim to eliminate the practice of “teaching to the test.” Instead, they shift the focus from merely memorizing scientific facts to actually doing science—so students spend more time posing questions and discovering the answers for themselves. Often, students can answer specific questions about concepts they covered in class, but can’t translate that knowledge in applied situations. The standards avoid this disconnect by combining knowledge with practice, teaching students to develop ideas and evaluate them according to scientific principles. The first set of common science standards in the United States is about 20 years old. Our understanding of the world around us has since changed, and so has our understanding of how children learn. A growing body of research is painting a very different picture of what today’s science education should look like. Historically, K-12 instruction has encouraged students to master lots of facts that fall under “science” categories, but research shows that engaging in the practices used by scientists and engineers plays a critical role in comprehension. Teaching science as a process of inquiry and explanation helps students think past the subject matter and form a deeper understanding of how science applies broadly to everyday life. Studies show that even young children are naturally inquisitive and much more capable of abstract reasoning than previously thought. This means we can introduce elements of inquiry and explanation much earlier in the curriculum to help them develop deeper understanding. The Next Generation Science Standards support the research by emphasizing a smaller number of core ideas that students can build on from grade to grade. The more manageable scope allows teachers to weave in practices and concepts common to all scientific disciplines — which better reflects the way students learn. It is essential that all students have access to a high-quality science education that provides them with the skills and knowledge they need to be wellinformed citizens, to be prepared for college and careers, and to understand and appreciate the scientific enterprise. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommends the adoption and implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS; NGSS Lead States 2013) as an effective,

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research-based approach to accomplish these goals and transform science education. From health care to environmental stewardship, a countless number of personal and societal issues require citizens to make informed decisions based on their understanding of science and technology. Today’s modern workforce depends on individuals with scientific and technological skills (NRC 2010; NSB 2010). Research shows, however, that we are not preparing all students to achieve high levels of science performance (USDOE 2011); we are failing to graduate enough students with the skills needed to fill the growing number of jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (NRC 2010); and many members of our society do not command the scientific literacy necessary to address important societal issues and concerns (NCES 2010). Science education traditionally has focused on large volumes of content, primarily basic facts and vocabulary, while falling short on the deeper understanding of key scientific concepts and the application of these concepts to daily life. The NGSS calls for refocusing K–12 science to improve college preparation, STEM career readiness, and the ability of all members of society to make informed decisions.

Teacher Feature The feature teacher for this issue of the MnSTA newsletter is Katie Melgaard. Katie is currently is her third year at Marshall County Central High School in Newfolden, Minnesota where she teacher 9th grade physical science, 10th grade biology, chemistry, physics (and alternating years advanced chemistry), College in the High School anatomy, and environmental science. She also co-coaches robotics as an after-school activity, supervises the local River Watch Team and is the Envirothon advisor. She previously taught at small charter schools in Stillwater and Rochester. She is currently in her 11th year of teaching. Katie’s teaching is student centered. She always tries to be at the door greeting each student as they enter her classroom. She has warm-up activities on the board for them each day and tries to minimize note-taking and textbook reading. She wants her students thinking about science, either by answering questions in small groups about the concepts they are studying or actively performing an activity that reinforces the material. She states, “If a student comes in for help or with a question before or after school, I’ll stop whatever I’m doing and answer their question. I work really hard on making sure I come across as approachable and fair.” Katie’s goal is to help students learn science. That means they need to be able to understand what science is, how it works, and why it is important. She uses a lot of hands-on activities, tries to incorporate as much inquiry opportunities as possible and tries to get students thinking about science as a process, not just a body of knowledge. Katie has many “favorite” activities all involving inquiry based learning. She does the Element Walk activity with her ninth graders which she got from NSTA’s Science Scope. This is an outdoor activity where they point to anything and she is able to tell them the majority of the elements in the object they point to with her “special powers.” Students eventually figure out the patterns and the elements that are in each of the items. Her students have told her years later that they remembered that activity and learned much from it. Another activity she got from an MnSTA conference involves students given a baggy of paper DNA pieces and go through 5-6 preeminent scientists and the clues they were able to figure out how DNA fits together. By the end of the activity, her students have a completed paper version of DNA and understand how different people contributed to different parts of the structure of the DNA puzzle. She adds in per-

sonal tidbits where she can so that her students can relate to these people and understand that scientists are people too. One of her most successful projects has her advanced chemistry students put together a mini-lesson on a chemistry experiment for third graders. They pick an experiment, research it, gather the materials, practice it, and practice explaining how the experiment works. They focus on safety and troubleshoot potential problems. They also learn how to use the iPad app “PicCollage,” since that is what the third graders will be using to summarize the experiment. The third graders are then presented the activities. Katie states, “It is very rewarding seeing my students explain the chemistry concepts to the third graders and sometimes humorous hearing the students try and try again to explain a concept that the younger students aren’t afraid to say they don’t understand.” The third graders then create a PicCollage based on their understanding of the experiment. Principal Ryan Johnson had this to say about Katie, “Mrs. Melgaard is a fantastic teacher. Her passion for teaching and students is clearly evident when observing her in her classroom. Mrs. Melgaard takes the time to get to know each of her students as an individual. She puts countless hours in planning and preparing lessons that engage the students. She is one of the first staff members here in the morning and the last to leave. Mrs. Melgaard cares about students. Mrs. Melgaard is an advisor for River Watch, Envirothon, and Robotics. Student learning is her top priority. You will not meet a more kind and caring individual. We are fortunate at Marshall County Central to have such an outstanding educator.”

Katie Melgaard with her ninth grade students. She is “determining” what elements are in the wooden pole.

MnSTA Newsletter

Meet our Region Reps Region 1 & 2 Josh Tharaldson

Josh Tharaldson is currently in his 6th year teaching Science at Marshall County Central in Newfolden, Minnesota. He currently teaches 7th grade Life Science, 8th Grade Earth Science, College Prep Biology, Senior High Ecology, and 7th & 8th Grade Elective Science. Highlights in his classroom over the past couple of years include helping U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff capture and band ducks, working with U of M Crookston to tag and release monarch butterflyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the annual research project at Agassiz National Wildlife refuge conducting small mammal and amphibian research. In addition to his teaching duties he is also a co-advisor of the high school robotics team, advisor of the annual 8th grade class field trip to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, and co-advisor this year for the Close-up student program to Washington D.C. He also does work for the University of North Dakota TRIO Talent Search Program which encourages high school students to pursue education beyond high school and specifically entering into science related fields. In his spare time, he enjoys doing spending time outdoor throughout all of the seasons camping, fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. His goals for MnSTA is to raise awareness of the MnSTA organization to more teachers in Region 1 & 2 (Northwest Minnesota), provide more professional development opportunities for Region 1 & 2 teachers in this part of the state, and meet more teachers from Region 1 & 2.

7th grade life science students learn about environmental engineering, local ecosystems, and conservation and management on their field trips to Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge.

Region 3 Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson

I currently teach first grade at Homecroft Elementary School in Duluth Mn.I have taught taught Special Education , and regular education for 29 years . In Duluth I have taught at Denfeld High School, Laura Macarthur Elementary, Lincolin Park Elementary and Lincolin Park Elementary /Middle School, Grant Elementary and Piedmont Elementary .I also taught for a year in Cloquet. I live in Cloquet with my equally minded science driven husband . My daughter graduated from University of Mn Crookston with a Bachelor degree in Science focusing on Horticulture. My 4 step children all live out of state .I have a son and daughter that are in Texas, a son in Wyoming, and a son in the Army stationed currently in Hawaii . Nine years ago I developed a curriculum called Super science Friday.Super Super Science Friday actively engages students in hands on experiences. The overall culture of my class room is one of science students are encouraged to to see themselves as Scientist . Each Friday students both academically challenged or academically gifted actively conduct hands on experiments, write lab notes, and use the scientific method. Reading, math, vocabulary, spelling and singing are incorporated into each investigation, making Friday afternoon a very exciting and magical learning time. It is on Friday that I use the power of culture to engage students in the learning of science. I use aspects of culture such as dress, music, ritual, and the language of science, which create a fun environment conducive to science learning. Central to Super Science Friday is the use of songs, puppets, and special outfit that heightens the excitement and fun that the kids so anticipate. I was awarded a 2010 Toyota Tapestry Grant for excellence and innovation in science education. The grant allows my first graders the opportunity to pair up with University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) graduate students, under the direction of Cindy Hale, PhD, to work on the Great Lakes Worm Watch, a research project regarding the threat that exotic earthworm species may pose to the long term stability of the Great Lakes ecosystem. On the state level I participated in research on Relevancy in Science Pedagogy (CRISP). On the local level I partnered with Marshall, an elite private school in the area. My first graders traveled to Marshall School to share their scientific experiments with middle school science students. In return the Marshall students wrote stories to share with my students involving earth

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Meet our Region Reps science. I personally designed and developed the first hands on STEM summer school for students in grades k-5. Enrollment was limited , there was a waiting list. I was able to facilitate instruction to all the students in that summer session. My goal for this year is to encourage more elementary teacher to integrate science into their instruction. To continue to advocate for all students to receive quality science experiences. Finally to add more technology experiences for my students.

for establishing an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based science program. In addition, she was awarded for the elementary level Medtronic Foundation Science Teaching Award, presented by the Minnesota Science Teacher Association and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, given by The White House. Cathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals for her position on the MnSTA board are leveraging partnerships for: researching and promoting equitable opportunities for young people to learn science, connecting students/educators.

1st grade girls participating in coding Professor Friday , matching socks and a new bow tie = Super Science Friday . Student Ella L with Elizabeth Kersting -Peterson

Region 11 Kathy Kindem

Dr. Cathy Kindem is a Teaching and Learning Coordinator for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District. Her work areas include: -PreK-12 Math, Science,STEM -Innovative Programs -Magnet Programs -Gifted and Talented Education Programs -Business and Community Partnerships) Cathy has a passion for collaborating with others to develop elementary science teacher enthusiasts, implement inquiry-based teaching methods, integrate STEM principles, and bring coding to the classroom. She is a former K-5 Science Specialist and 5th grade classroom teacher. She is the recipient of the Syliva Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers sponsored by National Science Teachers Association

The correct indentification of this bird is the Northern Shrike. A predatory songbird, the Northern Shrike breeds in taiga and tundra and winters in southern Canada and the northern United States. It feeds on small birds, mammals, and insects, sometimes impaling them on spines or barbed wire fences. Nobody sent in the correct identification thus missing out on the reward.

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Department of Education g

In the last MnSTA newsletter, John described the standards review process and introduced an opportunity the Minnesota Department of Education and MnSTA is providing to allow science teachers to give Doug Paulson is authoring meaningful feedback on this column in John Olson’s the implementation and absence. John is returning usefulness of the current to Liberia for 6 months as a science standards. Over Peace Corps Volunteer. the past two months John and I have had the opportunity to facilitate seven of these sessions and have received feedback from over 200 teachers from around the state. (If you haven’t had an opportunity to attend, there are still about 10 more sessions including an opportunity at the Minnesota Conference for Science Education.) I’d like to share three of the ideas that have emerged from your 200 plus colleagues from around the state. 1) Minnesota has some of the most phenomenal and dedicated science teachers in the country. (Okay, this was pretty much already understood.) After a brief survey we have asked teachers to discuss four question prompts. The deep reflection, discussion, and passion of teachers across all the grade bands have been extremely interesting. As I have been typing these responses, it is interesting that the conversations get to the role of standards and the effectiveness of the current standards, but much of the conversation has reflected upon what does “quality” instruction mean and how assessment can better inform instruction and learning (more about this later). These rich conversations and reflection are evidence of strong teachers who are passionate about their profession. 2) At both the state level and district level, we need to provide more support for implementation. When the current standards were embedded not enough support was provided for all teachers. Teachers are feeling they are not well prepared to embed shifts that occurred in the previous revision of the standards into their teaching. One example of the shift is the Nature of Science and Engineering embedded into the content strands. In many classrooms, the nature of science is missing as schools address these as the “engineering standards.” There also has

not been enough support to help bundle this strand with the content strands. 3) Assessment should be more closely tied to classroom instruction and support science skills and problem-solving in addition to content. Many of the districts utilize MCA data only which puts a lot of pressure on certain grade levels. As science teachers we need to identify more opportunities to broaden ways to collect evidence to make claims on how well students understand and practice science. One support that would aid this would include training on how to utilize the standards (and the learning progressions within them) as a tool to create quality assessment items. Over the next six months we will continue to collect information from you through these regional meetings. All stakeholders are invited: K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, principals, district curriculum leaders, informal educators, and parents and community members. Look for announcements from MnSTA for the dates and location for these regional meetings. The information will be provided to the committee when it is convened in early 2017 to reflect upon and consider as they review our present standards and make a recommendation for the next decade of science education in Minnesota. The information will also be provided to MnSTA to continue to be your advocate for science education. We appreciate the regional directors and the organization for all their work and collaboration. Finally, thank you for your commitment to science education and for your work daily in your classrooms, schools, and communities. Truly, STEM education in Minnesota is exceptional, and it is because of your work! I look forward to connecting with you at one of the regional meetings or at MnCOSE in Duluth. Yours in Science, Doug Paulson, MDE STEM Specialist @DPaulsonSTEM

MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education News

Preparing for the next Minnesota Science Standards Revision

Have a voice in the next Minnesota science standards and learn some effective teaching strategies! We Will Ask, Experience and Discuss These Questions:  How well are our current science standards supporting quality science learning?  How are the standards and graduation requirements being implemented?  What does current research say about science learning, instruction and assessment? (We will experience some effective instructional strategies) Facilitators: Minnesota Dept. of Education science and STEM specialists MnSTA regional directors are organizing these meetings of teachers and other science educators to help prepare for the science standards review in 2017 and provide a local networking opportunity. The events include free food and beverages along with CEU’s. Bring a laptop or tablet for an online survey Please RSVP to the listed person or link with your name and email address so we know how many people to expect and can notify you about any weather-related cancellations. Specific location information will be sent to you.  Bemidji, Feb 3, Beltrami Elec. Coop., 9 am – 3:30 pm, Contact Mike Urban, MUrban@bemidjistate.edu  Winona – Feb 8, Winona State University, 5 pm – 7 pm, Contact Denine Voegeli, dvoegeli@isd2899. k12.mn.us  Little Falls High School, Feb 18, 5 – 7pm. Contact Jerry Wenzel jerrywenzel@brainerd.net or Nichole Christopherson nchristopherson@menahga. k12.mn.us  Montevideo, Feb. 22, MRVED, 12:30 - 3 pm contact Jeremy Brady, jbrady@montevideoschools. org  Mankato, Mar 16, 5:00 – 8:30 , contact Dana Smith, dana.smith@isd507.k12.mn.us  Duluth, TBD, Contact Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson, elizabeth.Kersting-Peterson@ISD709.org

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MDE Science Specialist on a leave of absence

John Olson is returning to Liberia as a Peace Corps Volunteer. He will be spending six months working with teacher trainers to design workshops for elementary teachers. His work will focus on science content and pedagogy. John taught science and math (plus music, drama and basketball) at a teacher training institute in Liberia 1969-74. During his absence Doug Paulson doug.paulson@ state.mn.us will handle science questions and publish the Science Update, Jim Wood jim.wood@state. mn.us and Dawn Cameron dawn.cameron@state. mn.us will work with MnSTA and assist with other projects, Clark Erickson ribcageclark33@yahoo.com will coordinate Presidential Awards and Jerry Wenzel Jerry Wenzel jerrywenzel@brainerd.net will coordinate MnSTA Teacher Awards. Click on the names for email addresses

Teacher Events and Workshops

Mn Earth Science Teachers Conference, Feb. 5, Plymouth

The MESTA conference will feature earth science content and pedagogy sessions as well as classroom resources. This year’s keynote speaker will be vertebrate paleontologist and dinosaur expert Kristi Curry Rogers. There will be four breakout sessions. Two will be hosted by professors Kate Pound and Andy Breckenridge. Two will be hosted by current grade 6-12 teachers. In addition to the keynote and sessions, you may enjoy door prizes and networking with earth science colleagues from across the state. Breakfast and lunch are included as part of registration. For information go to http://mnearthscience.weebly.com

information. MnSTA Conference on Science Education, Feb 26 – 27, Duluth

MnSTA is pleased to announce Minnesota’s own Paul Huttner as the keynote speaker. Paul is the chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio. He is also author of the popular MPR Updraft Blog. He shares the weather and the science behind the weather. An award-winning veteran broadcast meteorologist for 30 years, Huttner has worked TV and radio stations in Minneapolis, Tucson and Chicago. His first living memory is a close call with the 1965 Twin Cities tornado outbreak. While at WCCO-TV Huttner was the sole anchor for the Halloween blizzard of 1991, the largest snowstorm in the Twin Cities’ history.

Opportunities-Department of Education MnCOSE continued

The conference features strands for elementary science, life science, earth science, chemistry and physics. The Strand keynotes are:  Biology: Catrina Adams, Botanical Society of America  Chemistry: Barbara Billington, University of Minnesota  Earth Science: Jacqueline Hamilton, Minnesota Geological Survey  Elementary: Michele Kooman, Gustavus Adolphus College  Physics: Angela Hoxie, University of MinnesotaDuluth Short courses on Saturday include  Teaching Science through Tradebooks, Dr. Christine Ann Royce  Argument-Driven Inquiry, Dr. Vic Sampson Go to the mnsta.org for more information, program highlights and registration.

Schoolyard Gardens Conference, March 4, Chanhassen

Schoolyard Gardens provide an incomparable, hands-on opportunity for students to meet academic standards, engage with community partners, learn about agriculture, healthy eating, cultural competency and connect with natural systems. Whether you are a beginner or schoolyard garden veteran, join us in March to learn innovative strategies, sustaining and engaging diverse learners in a thriving schoolyard garden. The keynote speaker is Betti Wiggns, director of school nutrition for Detroit Public Schools. Go to http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/ schoolyards2016.aspx for the Conference Web Page.

Engineering is Elementary Teacher Educator Institute, April 13-15, St. Paul

Investigate the basics of the Engineering is Elementary curriculum, effective pedagogy, and facilitation strategies to support engineering education in elementary grades through: Hands-on experience with 2 EiE units • Information about all 20 units • Professional development discussions • Review of EiE resources • Sharing your experiences and planning with colleagues This three-day workshop at the Science Museum of Minnesota prepares you to facilitate EiE professional development workshops for teachers in your school, district, or region. go to https://www.smm.org/educators/programs-your-school/engineering-elementary/ teacher-workshops for information and registration.

Children and Nature Network International Conference, May 24-27, St. Paul

The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to learn how to best support connecting children to nature. Keynote speakers include Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children for Nature-Deficit Disorder. Learn more about the conference at. http:// www.childrenandnature.org/connect/cnn-conference/

Climate Change Education Summer Institute, June 21-24, St. Paul Summer Institute for Climate Change Education 2016 will focus on resources and training to integrate the Next Generation Science Standards into your classroom, which for the first time include climate change. Resources will include our newest middle school curriculum, Next Generation Climate. Hear from experts in climate science, engage with hands on activities that help bring climate change concepts into the classroom, and network with other educators. This year’s Institute will be most valuable for middle school and high school teachers. This workshop from Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy (formerly Will Steger Foundation) will be held at Macalester College. More information is at http://www.climategen.org/what-we-do/education/ professional-development/summer-institute/summerinstitute-2016/.

Modeling Instruction Workshops

In the Modeling classroom, students will do experiments and analyze the collected data to find relationships which will be presented in graphical, mathematical and pictorial representations. The students will ‘discover’ the relations themselves and will have a deeper understanding of the concepts taught. Modeling Instruction was developed for high school physics teachers and has since expanded to physical science, chemistry, biology, and middle school. Each year, Modeling workshops are held at universities and high schools across the United States. Last year, more than 60 Modeling workshops were offered to high school and middle school teachers in more than 20 states. For information on the 2016 Modeling workshops, please visit the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) website http://modelinginstruction.org. Information on the workshops can be found at http://modelinginstruction.org/workshops-2016/

MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education Environmental Education Courses

Hamline University offers a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education! This program consists of face to face and online field study courses in environmental systems, pedagogy and connecting environmental education to STEM. This program is great for classroom educators, science teachers, curriculum specialists, and nonformal educators. Enroll and start any time. For more information visit http://www. hamline.edu/education/maed-nsee/.

Teacher and School Awards and Opportunities

Presidential Award for K-6 teachers

Do you know an elementary teacher who has excellent teaching skills in Science or Mathematics? Nominate that teacher or yourself for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This is the highest national award for teaching and comes with a cash award of $10,000 and recognition by the President. Going through the application process provides the opportunity for in-depth reflection on your teaching and your contributions to the profession. Applications are due by May 1. For information and nominations go to the PAEMST website https://www.paemst.org.

Judges needed for State Science and Engineering Fair

The State Science & Engineering Fair is an annual competition that showcases Minnesota’s best and brightest students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Judges are needed for projects and papers at the middle school and senior high level. The competition is April 2 – 5 in Bloomington with some of the events on the weekend. For information about judging, go to this Minnesota Academy of Science site http://www. mnmas.org/science-engineering-fair/judges. Also consider incorporating science fairs into your science program.

Southwest Arts Integration Network of Teachers

The Perpich Center for the Arts invites teams of teachers in the arts and content areas from the southwestern part of the state to participate in a three-year initiative that fosters collaborative arts integration. The project includes K-12 teacher professional development and funding for schools. A project overview and the application are atwww.surveygizmo.com/ s3/2462617/SW-PAINT-Application-2016-2017 For information contact Byron Richard 763-279-4189, byron. richard@pcae.k12.mn.us. The deadline is Jan 29.

Spring 2016

School Garden Grants for Elementary Schools

The Jeffers Foundation is now offering $500.00 School garden Grants for the 2-016-17 school year. To download an application form, go to this Jeffers Foundation site http://www.jeffersfoundation.org/ school-gardens.php and click on “Garden Grant Opportunities.”

H.S. Chemistry Teaching Award

In 2016 the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical Society will recognize an outstanding high school chemistry teacher with the Award for Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching. The award consists of a plaque and cash award of $500 which will be presented at the May 2016 meeting of the section. The nominee must be engaged in the teaching of chemistry of high school (grades 9-12). The nomination must include a biographical sketch, a list of publications (if any) and a statement of and evaluation of the nominee’s achievements as a high school chemistry teacher. The nomination should clearly demonstrate the following attributes: (1) the quality of the candidate’s teaching including effective methods of presentation; (2) the ability to challenge and inspire students; (3) extracurricular work in chemistry including science fairs, science clubs, and activities that stimulate the interest of young people in chemistry and related sciences; and (4) willingness to keep up-to-date in chemistry. The nominating packet may include up to four supporting letters. The nomination procedure is simple - submit the nominating letter and all supporting information to the chair of the Awards Committee. Paper copies cannot be accepted. The deadline for completed nomination packets is February 16, 2016; send them to Ramesh Kumar, rckumar0051@mmm. com.

Student Awards, Competitions and Programs

National Youth Science Camp for 12th graders Alert your seniors that are excited about science and love the outdoors about this great FREE opportunity! They can experience three weeks of stimulating science presentations and activities and great recreation in the mountains of West Virginia. Each year Minnesota sends two delegates to this camp to interact with representatives from all states and

several nations. The camp features seminars by top scientists, visits to laboratories in Washington DC, selections of areas of interest and choices of outdoor activities including backpacking, rock-climbing and caving. All expenses includingairfare are covered. For information and the application (deadline Feb. 17) go to http://www.nysf.com/w/programs/nysc/

Visualize your Water challenge for HS Students

High school students in Minnesota and other states bordering the Great Lakes can submit online map-base analysis and visualization of pollution and nutrient situations. Students can work in teams or individually, in class or out of school from now until March 1. And there are some pretty cool prizes. This challenge is sponsored by the US Environment Protection Agency, US Geological Survey and a host of collaborator and use Geographic Information System resources (ArcGIS Online – which is free for all schools). For more information, go to this ESRI site http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/visualize-yourwater.

BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge

In this challenge from the U.S. Dept. of Energy, 9th–12th grade high school teams will design an infographic that responds to one of four cross-curricular bioenergy topics to foster student-centered discovery. Students can participate in this interdisciplinary STEM-focused and Next Generation Science Standards-aligned challenge through classroom learning or informal education programs. Selected infographics are promoted nationally on the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge Map http://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/ bioenergizeme-infographic-challenge-map and via social media. The winning team is invited to travel to Washington D.C, to participate in BETO’s annual conference! Check out the results and finalists from last year’s challenge http://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergizeme-infographic-challenge-winners To participate, register https://www4.eere.energy. gov/bioenergy/bioenergizeme-infographic-challengeregistration by February 4. Infographic submissions are due March 4, through our online submission form https://www4.eere.energy.gov/bioenergy/bioenergizeme-infographic-challenge-submission. Information about the program is at http://www.energy.gov/ eere/bioenergy/infographic-challenge.

STEM Communicator Award

The Minnesota High School STEM Communicator Award competition is open to grade 9-12 individuals and teams of up to two students that have completed an investigative research project that explored a current issue relating to science, mathematics, technology, and society. More information is available at http://www.mnmas.org/ hs-stem-communicator-awards. The deadline for an “intent to apply” is March 15.

Other Minnesota Competitions and Programs

Many competitions, out-of-school programs and field trip opportunities are listed in the Reach for the Stars Catalog of Programs and Activities http://www.synergyexchange.org/Synergy/media/ Reach/Reach2014Web.pdf.

MDE Contacts:

Dawn Cameron, Science Assessment Specialist, Jim Wood, Science Assessment Specialist, John Olson, Science Content Specialist, (will be on leave Jan. 15 – July 15) Doug Paulson, STEM Integration Specialist, Send submissions for the Science Update to Doug Paulson doug.paulson@state.mn.us

Other Minnesota Links:

Minn. Dept. of Education Science Page https:// education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/StanCurri/K12AcademicStandards/Science/index.htm Minn. Science Teachers Association mnsta.org Minn. Frameworks for Science and Mathematics Standards http://scimathmn.org/stemtc/ Get – STEM Connections between schools and businesses http://www.getstem-mn.com Mn-STEM STEM programs and resources for families, schools and community http://mn-stem. com/stem/ Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge environmental education resources https://education. state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/StanCurri/K-12AcademicStandards/Science/index.htm Minnesota Academy of Science: Science Fair, Science Bowl and other competitions http://www. mnmas.org Mn DNR Education website: Curriculum, professional development, posters, etc. http://www.dnr. state.mn.us/education/index.html

12 MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities by Amanda Meyer, Biology Rep. My Favorite Things, 2nd Edition

Each month, I share a favorite website, book, and podcast that I’ve found useful for teaching science. Remember, if you have some “favorite things” you’d like to share with Minnesota science teachers, please send the name of the website, book, or podcast with a short review to Amanda Meyer via email (alynnmeyer@gmail.com) or Twitter (@alynnmeyer). Website: “PhET Interactive Simulations.” https://phet.colorado.edu/ Many science teachers are probably already familiar with PhET simulations, but I was introduced only a few short years ago, so I’m guessing there are still some of you out there who have yet to be acquainted with this multi-layered resource. At its basic level, the PhET website provides a variety of science simulations from different disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and biology. As a Biology teacher, I’m hoping the designers will continue to bolster the choices in this particular area, but I’ve used the Membrane Channels and Lac Operon simulations nearly every year. Beyond the simulations themselves, there are also activities submitted by teachers linked to each simulation. I was inspired one of these activities to create an inquiry-based “stop-motion” lac operon lesson in my College Biology class. The simulations run best on a PC or laptop, but PhET is in the process of making HTML5 versions of some of their more popular simulations so they are usable on iPads as well. Book: Remarkable Creatures by Sean Carroll. Not only is Sean Carroll is a Biology rockstar based on the genetics research originating in his lab, but he’s also an engaging popular science author. In Remarkable Creatures, he tells the stories of a handful of individuals whose scientific work has been important in advancing the theory of evolution. Each chapter is dedicated to a different historical figure, from more familiar characters such as Darwin and the Leakey team, to those I had never heard about, like Roy Chapman, whose group discovered the first fossilized “nest” of dinosaur eggs. Research on Neanderthal mtDNA and Neil Shubin’s famous tiktaalik round out the more modern scientific advances at the end of the book. Because each chapter is a stand-alone story, a section of Remarkable Creatures could be easily used in the classroom to supplement a genetics or evolution unit.

Spring 2016

Podcast: Big Picture Science from the SETI Institute. Are you looking for a way to keep up with the newest advances in science, but don’t have enough time to read all the journals? Big Picture Science will provide this for you on a weekly basis, and also manages to translate the research into a cohesive show that is easy to understand, accompanied with splashes of humor. There is a “theme” every week, and each of the science stories in the episode relate to that theme. “Look Who’s Not Talking” was the title of the show I last listened to, with information about the impact of social media on members of the armed services, an interview with one of the programmers for Hello Barbie, and a discussion about various ways people can “disconnect” from devices. If you don’t already use an app to listen to podcasts, you can also download Big Picture Science episodes online at http://radio. seti.org/episodes.

Into the Outdoors

Into the Outdoors is not only an Emmy-winning television series here in the Upper Midwest; it is a free educational resource for teachers. Our website, intotheoutdoors.org, offers teachers and students alike over 100 STEM-based science videos, companion lesson activities aligned to state and national standards, and many other opportunities for inquiry-based learning. We also send out a quarterly newsletter which you can subscribe to right on our website. That way, you won’t miss any updates about our new videos, lessons, or even an upcoming student film festival. A field trip to some of the places we feature may not always be possible but, with us, you can always take your students...Into the Outdoors.

Share-a-Thon

NSTA’s High School (HS) Committee will be sponsoring our first Share-a-thon next spring in Nashville at NSTA’s national conference. Attendees will visit numerous tables to gather lesson plans and teaching strategies for their classroom. The event planning committee will be announcing winners of NSTA provided door prizes throughout the Share-a-Thon. We hope you will consider presenting high school and hands-on activities at a table for the entire 90-minute session at this event. Ideally, your activity/lesson will be 10 – 15 minutes long, and you can present it several times at your table over the course of 90 minutes. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Meyer, eam1126@gmail.com.

Keynote Speaker MnCOSE 2016- Save the Date

Paul%Huttner Keynote Speaker-Paul Huttner

! Paul!Huttner!is!the!chief!meteorologist!for!Minnesota!Public!Radio.!An!award:winning! veteran!broadcast!meteorologist!for!30!years,!Huttner!has!worked!TV!and!radio!stations! in!Minneapolis,!Tucson!and!Chicago.!He!holds!a!BA!from!Macalester!College!in! geography!with!an!emphasis!in!meteorology.!His!first!living!memory!is!a!close!call!with! the!1965!Twin!Cities!tornado!outbreak.!While!at!WCCO:TV!Huttner!was!the!sole!anchor! Minnesota’s Changing Climate: Is est!snowstorm this the new normal?ities'!history.!He!is! !in!the!Twin!C f!1991,!the!larg een!blizzard!o for!the!Hallow an!American!Meteorological!Society!(AMS)!member!and!AMS!Television!Seal!of!Approval! BM)! !Broadcast!Me MS's!Certified tner!earned!A rch!2008,!Hut holder.!In!Ma Significantly warmer winters. Amplified extreme weather teorologist!(Cer! y!of!his!weath designation,!the!AMS!highest!professional!certification!for!the!qualit events. New birds and plants in Minnesota’s landscape. Why is broadcasts.!Huttner!has!received!numerous!AP!awards!for!his!work.!In!2014,!he!received!a! r! sota!Society!o by!the!Minne Minnesota among the fastest warming states inf!Professional the U.S.? !Journalists!fo What e!One!Award! first!place!Pag !featured!as!Scientist!in!Focus!as!a! !an!MPR!New will Climate!Cast, Minnesota’s climate s!program.!Hu look like inttner!was!also 50 years? Minnesota Pubmeteorologist!and!climate!communicator!in!the!Guardian!in!August!2014.!!! lic Radio Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner lookpr.org2) at the latest /phuttner@m !www.mpr.org/about/people (obtained!from

trends in Minnesota’s changing climate.

Paul Huttner is the chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio. An awardwinning veteran broadcast meteorologist for 30 years, Huttner has worked TV and radio stations in Minneapolis, Tucson and Chicago. He holds a BA from Macalester College in geography with an emphasis in meteorology. His first living memory is a close call with the 1965 Twin Cities tornado outbreak. While at WCCO-TV Huttner was the sole anchor for the Halloween blizzard of 1991, the largest snowstorm in the Twin Cities’ history. He is an American Meteorological Society (AMS) member and AMS Television Seal of Approval holder. In March 2008, Huttner earned AMS’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, the AMS highest professional certification for the quality of his weather broadcasts. Huttner has received numerous AP awards for his work. In 2014, he received a first place Page One Award by the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists for Climate Cast, an MPR News program. Huttner was also featured as Scientist in Focus as a meteorologist and climate communicator in the Guardian in August 2014.

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016

Save the Date! â&#x20AC;˘ Register Now! !

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February 26-27, 2016 Duluth, MN

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Dr. Christine Ann Royce !

Teaching Science through Tradebooks

Paul Huttner

Chief Meteorologist, Minnesota Public Radio

Dr. Vic Sampson

Argument-Driven Inquiry

Fostering excellence in science education in Minnesota for over 50 years!

www.mnsta.org Spring 2016 !

MnCOSE 2016

Strand Speakers Biology%Strand%–%Catrina%Adams%

The!Power!of!Scientist!Partnerships:!how!working!with!scientists!(in:person!or! virtually)!can!improve!student!motivation,!break!down!negative!stereotypes,!and! model!scientific!thinking.! Catrina!Adams!is!the!Education!Director!for!the!Botanical!Society!of!America!and! directs!the!online!learning!community!!

www.PlantingScience.org// % %

Earth%Science%Strand%–%Jacqueline%Hamilton% !

! In!June!of!2013,!President!Obama!announced!the!ConnectED!initiative,!designed!to! enrich!K:12!education!for!every!student!in!America.!!Minnesota!is!one!of!many!states! that!have!negotiated!a!statewide!license!for!ESRI!Geographic!Information!systems! (GIS)!software.!This!software!is!available!to!all!K:12!public,!private,!charter!and!home! schools!including!K:!12!aged!formal!and!non:formal!youth!groups!(including! afterschool!and!summer!programs).!! ! !

Elementary%Strand%–%Michelle%Koomen% ! Michelle!Koomen!is!a!professor!of!Education!at!Gustavus!Adolphus!College!! in!St!Peter.!!Her!research!interests!include!providing!professional!development! opportunities!for!science!educators,!understanding!the!teaching!practice!of! exemplary!science!and!math!teachers,!and!working!with!under:represented!and! English!learners!in!science!classrooms.!!!

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MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016

Strand Speakers Chemistry%Strand%â&#x20AC;&#x201C;%Barb%Billington% Barbara!Billington!is!a!science!education!lecturer!at!the!University!of!Minnesota,! Twin!Cities!campus.!!Dr.!Billington!focuses!on!student:centered,!culturally!relevant,! gender:equitable,!inquiry:based!instruction!with!a!critical!feminist!pedagogical!lens.!!

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Physics Strand-Alison Hoxie Physics%Strand%â&#x20AC;&#x201C;%To%be%announced!

Broadening participation in STEM by engaging students through Project-BasedLearning Active learning has been shown to provide a more engaging learning environment. It also improves the retention of under represented groups. This talk will present this compelling evidence and describe a senior level engineering course the was taught through project-based-learning. Finally, the talk will cover projects occurring at the University of Minnesota Duluth to engage students in renewable energy technologies. ME 5325 Sustainable Energy Systems Collaboration between the University, local utilities and area businesses, originally aimed at giving senior level engineering students experience in real world problem solving within the area of sustainability has resulted in a successful model for community engagement. Sustainable Energy Systems, taught in the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department, focuses on renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, wind energy and solar thermal systems. Sustainable Design and Construction, taught in the Civil Engineering (CE) Department, considers the environmental, economic and societal impacts of sustainable materials, methods and technologies used in building construction. The semester-long projects involved pairing student groups

from each class with a local business interested in incorporating sustainable technologies into their organization. Teams from the ME department focused primarily on feasibility studies for solar thermal, solar PV and other heat reclamation technologies. Teams from the CE department performed LEED analyses of existing buildings and made recommendations for the implementation of other energy and material saving technologies. Each project involved meetings with the owners, a site visit, energy assessment by the local electric utility and required the students to hone their professional communication skills. These projects represent a unique opportunity to provide a practical educational experience for students while advancing sustainability within the community.

Spring 2016 !

MnCOSE 2016

Saturday Workshops Technology%Integration% ! Attend!a!2!hour!workshop!that!will!meet!the!technology!component!for!Minnesota! State!Teaching!License!requirements.! ! More!information!to!follow.!!! !

Dr.%Christine%Ann%Royce% Teaching!Science!through!Tradebooks

! Dr.!Royce!is!an!Education!Professor!at!Shippensburg!University,!Pennsylvania,!who! focuses!on!science!education.!!Teaching!Science!Through!Tradebooks!looks!at!hands: on!approaches!to!the!elementary!and!middle!school!science!classrooms.!

Dr.%Vic%Sampson% Argument:Driven!Inquiry! ! Dr.!Sampson!is!an!Associate!Professor!of!Science!Education!and!the!Director!of!the! Center!for!STEM!Education!at!the!University!of!Texas!in!Austin.!!Dr.!Sampson! specializes!in!argumentation,!assessment,!and!teacher!professional!development!in! science!education.!Argument!Driven!Inquiry!is!an!innovative!instructional!model!that! is!based!on!current!research!about!how!people!learn!science!and!is!designed!to!foster! the!development!of!science!proficiency.!During!the!MnCOSE!workshop,!teachers!will! have!an!opportunity!to!experience!an!example!of!an!ADI!lab!investigation!and! examine!samples!of!student!work.! !

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MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Schedule THURSDAY 5:00-8:00 Registration Open, Exhibitor Setup

FRIDAY 7:15-8:00 Registration Continues Continental Breakfast Available 8:00-8:45 Session 1 9:00-9:45 Session 2 10:00-10:45 Session 3 11:00-11:45 Welcome and Greeting Teaching Award Presentations 11:45-12:30 Keynote Speaker, Paul Huttner, Chief Meteorologist MPR 12:30-1:30 Lunch and Exhibits 1:30-2:15 Session 4 2:30-3:15 Session 5 3:30-4:15 Session 6 4:15-5:15 Social Hour Door Prizes, Networking, and Reception for NSTA President

SATURDAY

6:45-8:30 Continental Breakfast Available

8:00-10:00 Technology Integration (good for licensure renewal) 8:00-Noon Argument Driven Inquiry Workshop (secondary focus) 8:00-Noon Teaching Through Trade Books (elementary focus)

Spring 2016

February 26-27, 2016 Duluth Updated Presenter Information

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Sessions General Science KEYNOTE SPEAKER – FRIDAY Paul Huttner

SATURDAY SESSIONS

Teaching Through Trade Books, Christine Anne Royce Argument-Driven Inquiry, Dr. Vic Sampson Relicensure component: Technology FRIDAY SESSIONS – PreK-8

Jelly Belly Dissection, Denise Black Learning from Writing, Cathy Kindem & Carole Velasquez Incorporating Native American Perspectives on Science, Engineering and NGSS, Kevin Zak

5-8 The Raptor Lab: Using Online Technology to Create Authentic Learning Experiences in Science Education, Mike Billington Math/Science Integration for Earth’s Sake, Joan Kwako Exploring Inquiry Assessment, Charity Staudenraus, Janice Gobert, & Sarah Haavind NGSS and Climate Change for Middle School, Jenna Totz

Aakre

5-12 From Monday Quotes to Friday Questions: How to Help Students Feel Comfortable with Science, Jennifer Flexible Pace, Flexible Space: Helping Students Take Control of Their Learning, Callie Bush No Answer Key! Becoming a Mentor-Scholar with the NGSS Science Practices, Mary Colson Searching for Spielberg, Jayme Fast & Amanda Meyer Using Technology-Based Formative Assessments, Diana Fenton Assessing Students with Google Forms, Katie Melgaard Student Centered Questioning, Mark Peterson Science & SAMR: Redefining Science Education with Technology, Casey Rutherford Tips and Tricks for First Year Science Educators, Rachel Streich

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Sessions 9-12 Water, Food, Energy! Oh My! PLTW Environmental Engineering – Build a Water Filter, Jennifer Klecatsky How Will You Know What Your Students Know? (SBG Assessment Strategies), Mark Peterson & Amanda Meyer Mapping in Science, Richard Smith

All ages Developing Creative Attitudes in Science, Carolyn Hayes Twitter for Teachers 101, Emily Koehler Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles – Their Conflation and Confusion, Richard Lahti & Amanda Thomas Decorating with Scientists or Making Scientists Human Through Research, Daniel Larson Preparing for the Minnesota Science Standards Review in 2017, Doug Paulson

Biology

STRAND SPEAKER The Power of Scientist Partnerships, Catrina Adams

5-12 Dig into Science with Agriculture!, Sue Knott Nature in the Classroom: Sit Spot and Experiential Learning, Jim Lane & Kate Rosok Nature of Nurture? Phenotypic Plasticity in Insects as a Springboard for Authentic Inquiry in Science, Emily Mohl & Jennifer Zisette 100 Favorite Things from an “Ole” Biology Teacher, Roxanne Stensvad

9-12 Reconstructing Student Misconceptions of Climate Change; An Inquiry Approach, J McClelland Human Impact: Species Extinction and Saving Species, Dawn Norton

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Sessions Chemistry STRAND SPEAKER How to Engage Girls in STEM, Barb Billington

5-12 Flipped Classroom: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than just videos, Lisa Kaufman & Katie Ellis How to use the Modeling Approach to Teach Chemistry, Elizabeth Seibel-Hunt

9-12 Potpourri of Chemistry Engagement Strategies, Chris Ann Johnson & Heather Johnson

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Sessions Earth Science

STRAND SPEAKER Geographic Information Systems, Jacqueline Hamilton

5-8 StormReady for Schools, Chris Franks

5-12 Bringing Climate Change to Life through COP 21, The International Climate Negotiations, Peter Johnson & Kristen Poppleton Creating an Augmented Reality Sandbox in your Classroom, Peter Johnson Giving your Students MEGA Choice with an Open-Ended Menu Project, Peter Johnson

Elementary

STRAND SPEAKER Developing Disciplinary Literacy within the Elementary Classroom, Michele Koomen

PreK-4

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk about Early Learners, Patty Born-Selly Authentic STEM Projects, Real Learning, Kelli Ellickson & Carole Velasquez Take Flight: Birds of Minnesota, Kandy Noles Stevens, Emily Safar, Emily Streich, Kristi Roth & Claire Macki

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Sessions

PreK-8

Leveraging the Power of Student Talk in Science Classrooms, Derek Barto Calendar in the Classroom, David Grack ECOTIME: Integrating Environmental Education, David Grack Room for Robotics, Jill Jensen & Gretchen Lansing Inquiry and Self-Directed Learning, Angela Lawrence & Lori Mosser STEMify your Teaching, Using Best Practices of STEM Education in your Classroom, Thomas Meagher

Physics

STRAND SPEAKER STEM and Project-Based Learning, Alison Hoxie

5-12 NEXT Generation Robotics (Made Simple), Bradley Blue The Science of Speed, Bradley Blue Teaching Physics through Junk Box Wars, Emily Zinck & Bruce Clark

9-12 Video Analysis & Spreadsheets with Air Cannons, Paul Anderson Model Making and Model Breaking Using Direct Measurement Video, Peter Bohacek Fictitious Forces, Steven Heilig NASA IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program, Robert Palmer Build an Electric Generator, Tom Tomashek

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors

Achieve your goals while exploring your multiple passions. At UWâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;Eau Claire, you can be anything: a scientist and a poet; a musician and an athlete; a nurse and a world traveler.

uwec.edu 26

For 35 years, Vernier Software & Technology has been producing software and hardware to support STEM education.

www.vernier.com | 888-VERNIER (888-837-6437)

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors

Center for otechnology Nanotechnology cation Education • Supporting 2• colleges year college programs developing • high schools technicians to ﬁt industry needs • Over 30 semester long courses: fundmentals, nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, • Covering Establishing industry partnerships – coordinating student nano biotech, manufacturing, quality control, computer simulation and more! outcomes with industry requirements • 25 labs activity-based modules Providing content and supplies to educators to infuse ••• 20 Over 32,000 students reached nanoscience concepts • Educator Workshops technical programs

into traditional classes as well as

• Facilitating professional development opportunities for educators Lead Institution: Dakota County Technical College (MN)

Partners: University of Minnesota (MN), Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI) Oakton Community College (IL), Foothill College (CA) Valley City State University (ND)

NSF ATE Center Partners: MatEd (WA), Bio-Link (CA) OpTec (TX)

PI: Deb Newberry dmnewberry2001@yahoo.com

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors

The University of Minnesota Nano Center offers lab tours, classroom activities, and teacher training in the area of nanotechnology.

sr o

M in

For more information, contact Jim Marti at jmarti@umn.edu or (612) 626- 0732

r i c u lt u r e i n t h e

Minnesota AgMag and AgMag Jr. Series (NEW WEBSITE) www.mnagmag.org Professional Development Workshops Standards-based Lessons and Activities Minnesota School Garden Guide www.mda.state.mn.us/maitc

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors Learning neuroscience should be fun. Seriously.

Try iNeuron® and see for yourself.

• Sneak preview of Version 2! • Play iNeuron at our workshop, try out the teacher dashboard. • Visit the Andamio Games booth. Learn more. Get cool stuff. Geek out about edtech.

www.andamiogames.com

NIH & NSF Award Winners! Find out about our new cell respiration game

adam.gordon@andamiogames.com

Thank you, Minnesota science educators, for helping new generations dream big dreams and navigate their world… and beyond. Our Partners: Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation, Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame, Minnesota Aviation History & Education Center, Minnesota Submarine League, NWA History Centre

www.AirSpaceMN.org “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” - Vincent Van Gogh

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors

Where big ideas become the next big thing. By hosting Camp Invention, Club Invention or Invention Project, you are partnering with the only nationally recognized programs backed by The National Inventors Hall of Fame. We provide educators the strategies and environment necessary to nurture curiosity into big ideas through STEM based curricula in an out of school time setting. Programs for 1st through 8th grade students. 800.968.4332 | campinvention.org | inventionproject.org To host a program in your community, send inquiries to campatmyschool@invent.org

In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors

I N T E R N AT I O N A L W O L F C E N T E R

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH WOLVES USING TECHNOLOGY

Magical • Powerful • Memorable Imagine your students watching our wolves and learning from a wolf specialist, LIVE from Northern Minnesota!

• Live wolves in their naturalized habitat • Meets state and national education standards • Award-winning interdisciplinary material customized by wolf experts by grade.

Contact Kelly Godfrey at (218) 365-4695 ext. 123 or email kelly@wolf.org Register: wolf.org/programs/educator-resources-wolf-link/video-conferencing/

Spring 2016

MnCOSE 2016-Vendors J E F F E R S

F O U N D A T I O N

Your partner in teaching science with the help of the environment

JeffersFoundation.org Your On-line Environmental Education Toolbox

   A complete source of programs, ideas, inspirations and more for the educator or family that believes in the power of the environment in education.

Att  w      

JeﬀersFoundation.org

MnSTA is very appreciative of the vendors who support our conference Additional vendors also include *Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge *American Society Clinical Lab Science *Bell Museum of Natural History *Biozone International *Carolina Biological Supply *Center for Nanotechnology Education *Climate Generation *Luther Crest Bible Camp *Minnesota Department of Education *Minnesota Forest Industries *MNDOT-Office of Aeronautics *National Geographic/CENGAGE *National Science Teachers Association *Pearson *Science Museum Minnesota *St. Catherines University *University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 32

MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016

Dr. Carolyn Hayes, NSTA President, 2015–2016 will be a guest at MNCOSE Dr. Carolyn Hayes is the president of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). She began serving her one-year term on June 1, 2015. Dr. Hayes is a retired high school biology teacher from Greenwood, Indiana. Hayes brings years of leadership and teaching experience to NSTA through her work as a classroom teacher, college professor, science coordinator, author, and science consultant. In addition to having taught high school science for nearly 30 years in Indiana, Hayes worked in various positions at several universities since 1976, including Franklin College, Purdue University, University of Indianapolis, and Indiana University. Hayes also worked at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center as part of the professional development team. She also served as president of the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (HASTI) (1995–1996), was a member of the board of directors for HASTI (1992–1994) and the Science Education Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (2001–2006), and served as secretary of Pi Lambda Theta in 1997. An NSTA member since 1987, Hayes has contributed extensively to the association. She served as a district director (2003–2006); chaired the 2012 na-

Spring 2016

tional conference in Indianapolis, worked on numerous committees, has written articles for The Science Teacher, and has presented several sessions at NSTA national and area conferences. Hayes’s devotion to science education is also evidenced by her involvement in numerous other professional organizations. In addition to HASTI and NSTA, she is a member of the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers (IABT), Pi Lambda Theta, and is a charter member of the Central Indiana Biology Focus Group. She was also a writer and facilitator of the Center Grove Community Schools Paper Recycling Grant (1999) and was the co-writer and facilitator of the Center Grove Curriculum Development Grant (1993). In 1991, Hayes was selected along with 49 other biology teachers from across the country to participate in the first ever Biology Institute at Princeton University and in 1992, she provided professional development as a member of the WWF Biology Traveling Team, both of which were sponsored by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. She also participated as an American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Fellow in 1995. During her distinguished career, Hayes has received a number of honors and awards. Her accomplishments include receiving the STEM Conference Excellence in Science Education Award (2015), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Secondary Science (2000), HASTI’s Distinguished Service Award (2001), the Radio Shack National Teacher Award (2000), the Golden Apple Award (1997), IABT’s Creativity in Biology Teaching Award (1995), Geography Educators in Indiana’s Science Teaching Award (1988), the National Marine Educators’ Association’s (NMEA) Teaching Excellence Award, and the National Association of Biology Teachers’ Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (1986), just to name a few. Hayes was also a top 10 finalist for the Indiana Teacher of the Year in 1989. Hayes earned a B.S. degree in biology from Indiana University in 1973, a M.S. degree in secondary education from Indiana University in 1976, and an Ed.D. in secondary education and biology from Indiana University in 2005.

MnSTA Newsletter

MnSTA Board Directory

MnSTA Phone# (651)-523-2945

Below, you will find information about your MnSTA Board Members. The listing includes the board memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school (or organization), mailing address, work phone, FAX number, and e-mail address. The board wishes to make itself as accessible as possible for our members. Please feel free to contact your discipline representative, regional representative, or executive board members if you have ideas, concerns, or wish to help with the mission or operation of MnSTA. We are always looking for members who wish to serve MnSTA as Board Members, Non-Board Service Chairs or Members, and as Committee Chairs or Members.

Executive Board: Exec. Secretary

Ed Hessler

Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760,

W: 651-523-2945

F: 651-523-3041

e: ehessler01@hamline.edu

St. Paul, MN 55104

President

Lee Schmitt

Hamline University

1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760,

651-523-2562 lschmitt@hamline.edu

President-Elect

Michele Koomen

612-669-2319 mkoomen@gustavus.eud

Treasurer

Joe Reymann

Retired

e: joereymann@comcast.net

DOE Science Specialist

John Olson

Dept.of Education

john.c.olson@state.mn.us 651-582-8673

St. Paul, MN 55104

Gustavus Adolphus College 800 W College Ave.

St. Peter, MN 56082

Discipline Directors: Biology

Amanda Meyer

Springfield High School

507-723-4288

amanda.meyer@springfield.mntm.org

Chemistry

Carolyn Fruin

Capella University

612-240-8794 Carolyn.fruin@gmail.com

Earth Science

Kate Rosok

612-280-245 kate.rosok@mpls.k12.mn.us

Elementary/Greater MN Rachel Strauss 507-288-4816 X 115

12 S. Burns Ave 225 S. 6th St. 9th Floor

Springfield, Mn 56078

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Minneapolis Public Schools Rochester Catholic Schools 318 11th Ave. SE rstrauss@rochestercatholic.k12.mn.us

Rochester,, MN 55904

Elementary/Metro

Polly Saatzer Garlough Environmental Magnet 1740 Charlton St. W:651-552-0094 paulette.saatzer@isd197.org

Higher Ed

Dr. Melanie Reap 507-313-9114

Informal Ed

Kelly Meyer Science Museum of MN 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. 651-265-5975 kmeyer@smm.org

Alternative Ed. &

Mary Haberman

Minnesota Valley Area Learning Center 1313 E Blackk Oak Av. Montevideo,MN

Charter Schools

320-269-7131

mmorgan@montevideoschools.org

Newsletter

Jerry Wenzel

Retired

Physics

Thomas Tomashek

Minnetonka High School

612-401-5700 tom.tomashek@minnetonka.k12.mn.us

Private Schools

Matthew Inman

Shattuck-St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School

507-333-1537

minman@s-sm.org

Eric Koser 507-387-3461 x 322

Mankato West H.S. F: 507-345-1502

Webmaster

Winona State University mreap@winona.edu

West St. Paul, MN 55118

152 Gildemeister Hall Winona, MN 55987 St. Paul, MN 55102

e: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net 18301 Hwy 7

Minnetonka, MN 55345

1000 Shumway Ave.

1351 S. Riverfront Dr. e: ekoser@chartermi.net

Fairbault, MN 55021

Mankato, MN 56001 W:

Region Representatives: Region 1&2: North

Josh Tharaldson

218-874-7225 e:jtharaldson@mccfreeze.org

Region 1&2: North

Michael Urban

218-775-3782 murban@bemidjistate.edu

Spring 2016

Marshall County Central HS

Bemidji State University

310 W. Minnesota Ave.

1500 Birchmont Dr.

Newfolden, MN 56738

Bemidji, MN 56601

MnSTA Board Directory Region 3: Northeast

Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson Homecroft Elementary 4784 Howard Gnesen Rd.

W:218-336-8865

elizabeth.kersting-peterson@isd709.org

Region 4: Westcentral TJ Schmitt

Duluth, MN 55803

302 3rd St. SE

Barnsville, MN 56514

701-388-3901 e:tschmitt@barnesville.k12.mn.us

Region 5: Northcentral Nichole Christofferson-Weston Menahga Public Schools 12945 Blue Spruce Ave. Menahga, MN 56464

W 701-219-9399

e:nchristofferson@menahga.k12.mn.us

Region 6: Southcentral Jeremy Brady W:320-752-4851

Lac qui Parle Valley HS jbrady@lqpv.org

2860 291st. Ave. Madison, MN 56356

Region 7: Eastcentral

Karen Bengtson

St. Cloud Area School Dist. 472

1000 44th Ave N. St. Cloud MN 56303

320-253-9333

karen.bengtson@isd742.org

Region 8: Southcentral Jeremy Brady W:320-752-4851

Lac qui Parle Valley HS

Region 9: South

Dana Smith W:507-232-3461X4114

Nicolette Public School 1 Pine St. e: dana.smith@isd507.k12.mn.us

Region 10: Southeast

Denine Voegeli

Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools

507-867-2521 Ext. 3631 Region 11: Metro

jbrady@lqpv.org

2860 291st Ave. Madison, MN 56356 Nicollet, MN 56047

701 1st St SE

Elgin, MN 55932

dvoegeli@isol2899.k12.mn.us

Cathy Kindem 651-423-7911

Rosemont-Apple Valley-Eagan cathy.kindem@district196.org

3455 153rd St. W

Rosemont, MN 55068

Ancillary Positions: Database

Mark Lex 55416

Benilde-St. Margaret’s 2501 Hwy 100 S W: 952-927-4176 F: 952-920-8889

Historian/Parlimentarian Fred Riehm

Retired ‘91

NSTA Dist. IX Director

Mary Colson

Horizon MS

W: 218-284-7300

mcolson@moorhead.k12.mn.us

frriehm@centurylink.net 3601 12th Ave. So.

Conference Coordinator Jean Tushie

Eden Prairie High School

F 952-975-8020

W 952-975-4347

St. Louis Park, MN e: marklex@umn.edu

Moorhead, MN 56560

17185 Valley View Rd Eden Prairie, N 55346

e jtushie@edenpr.org

jtushie@comcast.net

Events Calendar If you have events you want placed on the calendar, send them to the editor - see page 2 for deadlines, address, etc.

Conferences / Workshops MESTA (Minnesota Earth Science Teachers Assoc)Conference Friday, February 5, 2016 at the District 287 Conference Center--1820 N. Xenium Ln, Plymouth, MN 55441. MnCOSE Feb.26-27, 2016 Duluth NSTA Regional Conference, October 27-29, 2016, Minneapolis.

MnSTA Newsletter

Minnesota Science Teachers Association, Inc. Hamline University MS MS-A1760 1536 Hewitt Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104

Non-Porfit Org U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4197

MnSTA Regions