MnSTA Spring 2013 Newsletter

MnSTA

Newsletter Volume 49 No. 3 A Quarterly Publication of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Inc.

Spring 2013

the best retrun on that investment. Creating a STEM Master Teacher Corps will help ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they need by giving new STEM teachers role models to look up to and get advice from. At the same time, it will give more experienced and effective teachers support, advancement opportunities and recognition of hard work.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), 16 out of the 20 fastest growing occupations will be tied to STEM disciplines, and economic forecasts

Sen. Al Franken Urges Support of STEM Bill at MnCOSE Senator Al Franken (D-Minn) spoke to K-12 educators at the Minnesota Conference on Science Education (MnCOSE) in Duluth on Feb. 23. He stressed the importance of STEM education and having teachers well educated and who can teach STEM subjects well.

Franken has re-introduced legislation that will help prepare Minnesota students for jobs in today’s economy by investing in educators that teach STEM curriculum. Sen. Franken’s STEM Master Teacher Corps Act would boost STEM teacher pay and help improve career advancement opportunities. He stated, “As I travel across Minnesota, one thing I consistently hear from our high-tech busithe jobs that will be waiting for them when they graduate. It’s critical to invest in STEM education, but we also need to make sure we’re getting

Minnesota will increase by at least twice the average growth rate in the next ten years. Frankens bill would help retain teachers in K-12 education and boost the number of students studying math and scident Obama’s goal to recruit and train 100,000 more teachers in science, technology, engineering and math Franken told the educators, “We need to keep you in teaching, because the jobs of the future depend on people with science skills. He said there are obvious signs that kids can and will pursue science and math. Today there are more varsity robotics teams than hockey teams in the state.”

In This Issue: Presidents Message...........................................................2 Department of Conservation............................................2 In Media Res ...................................................................3 Update from Science Specialist.................................... 4 Teacher Awards............................................................6-7 Classroom Activity...........................................................8 News updates and Opportunities........ ...........................9 Board Directory.........................................................14-15

President’s Address by Steve Walvig It is said that spring in Minnesota is the time of year we all look forward to summer and all the joys it will bring. While I am looking forward to sunnier days and warmer nights this look back on another great Minnesota Conference On Science Education (MnCOSE) with a great sense of pride and joy.

MnCOSE was well attended and highlighted great sessions, speakers, and presenters who left me energized and excited to get back to the classroom again. The keynote speakers were Mike Lynch, a me-

Department of Conservation by Ed Hessler Gimme a “V”, an “A”, an “R”…

Whaddaya’Got? VARIATION! This thing we call existence/who knows what it all means, Time and Life and People/are just glossy magazines—Loudon Wainwright III Charles Darwin’s research program was based on detailed study of special groups—pigeons, barnacles, orchids, earthworms. The Origin of Species relied tic pigeons, Columba livia, to provide an analogy between selection under domestication and what happened in the wild which he called natural selection.

pigeons.

This was a bold and creative move, one with which Alfred Russel Wallace disagreed but given the data Darwin had to work with as well as experifor the development of the Next Generation Science mental methods available to him, it is apparent that Standards, Darci Harland, author of the NSTA book Darwin thought this was a reasonable proxy for an “STEM Student Research Handbook”, and Minnesoexperimental demonstration. Today the evidence ta’s U.S. Senator Al Franken who highlighted the great overwhelmingly supports the creative power of natuwork being done by Minnesota science teachers and ral selection working on nature’s variation over time what he’s doing to improve science education through his STEM Master Teacher Corps Act. The discipline and long-term. strand speakers were just as impressive with Tom Research by an international team led by University of Utah biologist Sydney Stringham (Current Biology, February 2012) on genetic relationships within Moorhead, Brian D. Gute, instructor of chemistry at UMD, and Dr. Janet Dubinski, with the department of pigeons makes use of techniques, data and informaNeuroscience at the University of Minnesota all shar- tion unavailable to Darwin. “Breeds show dramatic variation in craniofacial structures, color and pattern ing their expertise and enthusiasm for their subjects. of plumage pigmentation, feather placement and At the conference I had the special privilege of awarding two $1,000 Medtronic “Minnesota Teach- structure, number and size of axial and appendicular er of the Year” awards during the conference.

Presidents message....continued on page 3

Department of Conservation...continuted on page 5

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 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.

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MnSTA, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) (3) Charitable Educational Corpora-tion, 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 self, and you are the easiest person to fool.—Richard Two scientists. Two competing hypotheses.

Reviews listed three authors, two who had written the paper and one who was added as a joke. The paper entitled “The Origin of Chemical Elements,” was by Ralph Alpher, Hans Bethe, and George Gamow, and referenced the primary particles released in radioactive decay—alpha, beta, gamma. Gamow was the prankster.

That paper contained a prediction: If a technique could be devised to listen to the universe then we should be able to “hear” it--the energy released as the cosmic temperature decreased as the universe expanded.

In that same year, Fred Hoyle, Hermann Bondi and Thomas Gold published an alternative hypothesis in two papers published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). It came to be known as the steady state hypothesis. What drives the expansion of the universe is the continuous creation of new matter rather than the universe beginning and expanding explosively in a Big Bang.

It was Hoyle who coined that term, using it on a radio show to ridicule Gamow’s ideas.

experiment or observation. The historian of science Thomas Kuhn made the proposal that occasionally, evidence will accumulate which will cause a consensus view (a paradigm) to disintegrate and an alternative paradigm will replace it.

Presidents message....continued from page 2

The Teacher of the Year award for Elementary Teachers was awarded to Sharie Furst, a third grade teacher from the Kasson Mantorville Schools, who plans to use her award to involve her community businesses, school administration, staff, parents, and students to develop a Year award for Secondary Teachers was awarded falo High School, who plans to use his award to enhance his physics classroom through high speed video equipment which will enable his students to better analyze their classroom experimental data. the highest standards in science instruction and it was my great pleasure to give them their well deserved awards.

Of course, the 2013 Minnesota Conference On Science Education wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of MnSTA’s wonderful conference planning committee who volunteered many long hours to make the conference successful for us. Thank you, Jean Tushie, Eric Koser, Kari Dombrovski, John Truedson, Joe Reymann, As we look forward to spring and I encourage you to help MnSTA grow by helping us are two great candidates on the ballot. You can logon to MnSTA’s website (www.mnsta.org), go learn more about these great candidates and cast Thank you for all the wonderful work you

that permitted a reasoned, evidence-based choice.

Gamow’s prediction had been independently proposed by Russian scientist, Yakov Zel’dovich and

do.

started work on an electronic system to detect the radiation which came to be known as cosmic background radiation (CMB).

Robert Wilson of the Bell Laboratories were testing a horn designed to collect radio waves with the purpose of detecting radio waves bounced off satellites.

In Medias Res..........Continued on page 5

Spring 2013

Mike Lynch demonstating his telescope to teachers at MnCOSE in Duluth.

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Department of Education Practicing Safe Science Some accidents in Minnesota science classes made the news in the last couple years.

A “whoosh bottle” demonstration with methanol in a junior high badly burned a student in the front row.

A teacher at a senior high was burned from an explosion while breaking apart a crystal John Olson is the science specialist for the Department during his prep time, of Education. He will keep causing the building to us updated on science educa- be evacuated. tion in the MnSTA newsletter.

As we wind down the school year, prepare to close down our labs, and plan our activities for next year, it is important to consider safety. In addition, schools must train all affected employees on a new chemical labeling requirement from OSHA by December 1st.

Teachers have an ethical responsibility for the learning and safety of their students. Schools and teachers also have a legal responsibility for following safe practices in instruction and the management of materials. From a liability point of view negligence is “conduct that falls below the standard of care established by law or the profession.” Another way to put this is “If you can reasonably foresee the consequences of what you are about to do or not do, then you may be The duties of teachers are: 1) knowing applicable regulations and recommendations, 2) instructing students in safe procedures and warning them of hazards, 3) supervising students in their activities, and 4) providing a safe environment.

There are several resources for determining the laws and standards of care (see the list at the bottom).

The Minnesota Fire Marshall has a checklist for schools that compiles codes and regulations that affect science labs. On the Frameworks for MN Mathematics and Science Standards website and the MnSTA website there are many safety resources. In 2001, a grant provided a funding for publishing a CD would like a copy, request one from me.

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The standard of care is often best articulated by professional organizations. The National Science Teachers Associations and the teacher organizations for biology, chemistry, physics and earth science have position statements on their websites on issues such as liability, safe practices, use of live organisms, and class size. Articles in their journals cite research on accidents and other concerns.

Several vendors of chemicals and safety equipment have a wealth of resources on their websites.

One of the requirements from the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is the training of employees in safety requirements and procedures. This should be updated annually and documented. This can be accomplished through department meetings or workshop day activities.

OSHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012) to incorporate the Labeling of Chemicals, aka GHS. The GHS has criteria for classifying the hazards of chemicals and a system of symbols and language to communicate the risks. They will be included in the labeling of chemicals. Affected employees are to be trained on the new system by December 2013 and all labels There are several local resources that can help with safety consulting and training. Many of the educational service units (ECSUs) have safety consultants. Many counties have chemical hazards staff. Local industries may help with chemical disposal. The University of Minnesota has a chemical disposal program for schools.

So now is a good time to review your safety procedures: 1. Review your lab activities and demonstrations for safety concerns. (e.g. use of safety shields, using ethanol instead of methanol-slower reaction) 2. Review the safety training and safety contracts used for students. Make certain you document whenever you provide safety training (e.g. in your lesson plans) 3. Check your lab room and storage areas for safety equipment and proper storage. (e.g. organization of chemicals). Complete the Fire Marshall checklist. Document any

MnSTA Newsletter

Department of Education administration.

4. Consult safety resources below for safe practices and staff training resources.

Resources Frameworks for Minnesota Mathematics and Science www. science-safety Minnesota Fire Marshall Checklist MNScienceChecklist MnSTA safety resources NSTA position statements www.osha.gov/dsg/ hazcom/hazcom-faq.html University of Minn. Chemical Disposal program www.dehs.umn.edu/hazwaste_csdp.htm

Whoosh bottle accident www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9fwJCBt1W0o

Department of Conservation...continuted from page 2

many other traits.” The work provides strong support for Darwin’s original claim that all these varieties are descendants from the rock pigeon, whose original range extended in a band from Europe, across North Africa and still further east into Asia.

And then there is Johnny Appleseed. In Science Musings Blog, Chet Raymo notes that poet Erika Funkhauser’s poem “Malus domestica” consists of a line-by-line listing of 41 varieties of apples. And oh! those names, pure enchantment—Sops of Wine, Crow Egg, Mollywhopper, Red Gulliver, Back-door sweet, Sheep’s Snout. But consider how many she might have included. Tim Hensley who runs a nursery specializing in antique apples, points out an encyclopedic 1905 publication by W. H. Ragan, the staff pomologist of the U. S. D. A. In Nomenclature of the

In Medias Res...................continued from page 3

different apple names are listed of which roughly 14,000 are apple varieties. What an ode Funkhauser might have written to denote and celebrate variation and selection.

This takes me to how this began. A colleague told

but to their surprise no matter in what direction they pointed the horn, it picked up the microwave radiation predicted by the Big Bang. It was equivalent to a temperature just a few degrees above absolute zero. nate that noise, including removing all the pigeon poop that had been deposited over the years. While dealing with this problem they heard about Dicke’s work which showed that a suitably designed detector

regretted that I was at a meeting and had missed them but it was delightful to share this experience and the excitement. She followed this sighting by doing some research and I spent some time viewing interactive reporting maps, reading descriptions and listening to these northern sounds from Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology. She also wanted to

MN Science Safety CD (2001) John.c.olson@state.mn.us

realized that they had unintentionally designed such an instrument. They called Dicke and invited him to hear the voice of the universe.

There was no denying what had been discovered.

This resulted in the publication of two papers in the Astrophysical Journal in 1965. The one by Dicke and

data which led to the detection of the CMB. For this “The great tragedy of Science,” as Thomas Henry Huxley once observed, is ‘the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.” Queen put in another way, “Another one bites the dust.”

What she saw were as beautiful and wonderfully marvelous, including the recalling of an outstanding evolutionary and behavior biologist: Whiteof the family Fringillidae, and similar in appearance.

However, White-winged crossbills exhibit an obvious mandible variation: left crossing and right crossing morphs, a foraging adaptation for feeding on conifer cones.

This variation—the asymmetric jaw apparatus in crossbills--is an incredible evolutionary story of variation in nature, some of it unraveled by the careful research of the late director of the Bell Museum of Natural history, Harrison “Bud” Tordoff. To use the phrase of Sean B. Carroll, another of the “endless

Hessler is Executive Secretary of MnSTA Hessler is Executive Secretary of MnSTA

Spring 2013

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Teacher Awards The Medtronic Foundation Science Teaching Award is presented by MnSTA each year to teachers at three levels: elementary, middle and high school.

A grant from Medtronic provides a fund of $1000 to Recipients of the award are expected to share the results of their project with other teachers. To demonmust provide a description of their teaching practice, a listing of their teaching experiences and professional activities, and a proposal for use of the funds.

The judges for the award are members of the MnSTA board of directors.

The 2013 award for elementary teachers goes to Sharie Furst of Kasson-Mantorville School District.

Ms. Furst is a 3rd grade teacher who loves to teach science. Her previous teaching experience includes serving as an environmental education teacher in Australia. Sharie is currently representing southeast Minnesota on the MnSTA board and is a candidate to represent our region on the NSTA Council. For her teaching award project she proposes to purchase sup-

The 2013 award for secondary teachers goes to derson teaches physics courses at the Buffalo High School. He previously taught at Atwater-Cosmos – Grove City schools and Kelliher Schools. He served on the MnSTA board as the physics representative and is active in several professional acnology in his classes and helped design the social media activity that will be used for this evening’s the use of video analysis for the study of motion.

The students will be able to perform precise analysis through the use of high speed video equipment. challenge project.

has already been designed and Sharie has secured community involvement, volunteers and donations.

Through the project students will learn about plants, animals, plant and animal interactions phenology, and weather. They will also be involved in design and promotional aspects of the project.

MnSTA president Steve Walvig presents Paul Anderson the 2013 Medtronic Foundation Science Teaching Award at the Minnesota Coonference on Science Education in Duluth

National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary Teachers.

MnSTA president Steve Walvig presents Sharie Furst the 2013 Medtronic Foundation Science Teaching Award at the Minnesota Coonference on Science Education in Duluth

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receipt of the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary Teachers. Each year, the NSTA recognizes one elementary school teacher in the United States for the creation and delivery of an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plan. Tower’s winning lesson highlighted the work he did to establish and maintain a community garden at Concord Elemen-

MnSTA Newsletter

Teacher Awards tary, embedding key science standards, literacy and math concepts, and a service-learning component for students. Last summer, 150 pounds of the garden’s produce were donated to a local food shelf, while the remaining product was sold to the community, netting $500 to help sustain the community garden project.

“The lesson plan was a natural process to rewrite the curriculum to meet the standards and have the kids see the actual results of seeing their fruit and vegetables grow in the garden,” Tower said. “I’m honored to have been recognized for the work I’ve done with the kids, but the award is not so much for me as it is for the kids’ commitment throughout the year to have the garden thrive.”

The NSTA award consists of a $1,000 prize and up to $500 to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in San Antonio in April, at which Tower will receive his award. He will also be recognized at an awards banquet at the seminar. grade evolved from a need to take the district’s science curriculum and make connections to the world and help students realize what a difference environmental lessons had little personal impact on the students or the community, Tower said. As school gardens have been growing in popularity recently, many neighboring schools and districts have looked at Tower’s community garden as a model of what they would like to implement in their own communities.

“Chris does a great job of creating community in his classroom and does a superior job of getting his students excited about learning,” Concord Concord community produce garden is a great example of how his work as a science educator has positively contributed to the Edina community.”

Tower was nominated for the award by Edina -

science education, and proper safety procedures. educator who has tirelessly worked to make science meaningful for students. In the process of creating a community garden, he collaborated with colleagues and community members to make science come to life for all his students, while embedding key learning passion for science is only matched by his passion for children. He has the rare gift of motivating students of all backgrounds because he cares about them and he engages them with innovative and authentic lessons.”

As part of the community garden process noted above, Tower’s students wrote letters to their neighbors informing them of the community garden and how they could support the lesson plan by purchasing the fruits and vegetables they grew at the local farmers market. At the market, students had the opportunity to build upon their math and marketing skills by selling the products as well as handling money. During the summer months, students and their families adopted the garden each week to keep it going, inspiring many of them to start their own gardens at home.

As for the future of the ongoing project, Tower looks forward to the next week or two when the students will begin testing soils to see how the plants and vegetables grow in different soils. Next fall, Tower School Family and Consumer Science (FACS) students as they prepare food from the fruits and vegMedia Specialist Cathy Heller and her students on the herbs and products they have produced as part of their indoor tower garden project.

“I’ve enjoyed that the kids are excited about gardening, watching the plants grow and actually getting to grow them outside. Many of the kids were fascinated with how vegetables like carrots and broccoli look as they grow,” Tower said.

for the selection of Tower was based upon his Science Education Standards. Among the criteria for the award are effective planning skills as lesson, ability to motivate and challenge students,

Spring 2013

Chris Tower with his students and the gardens they created and studied

Classroom Activities Geodesic Domes Students in Laurie Arnason’s 4th grade classroom were given the challenge to build the strongest dome possible out of newspaper. Joining triangles together by following instructions given them by Arnason, they completed the project and gained much insight into problem solving, critical thinking, communicating and engineering. The complete lesson plans can be accessed at

school in East Grand Forks and can be contacted for additional curriculum materials on geodesic dome building at larnason@egf.k12.mn.us

The Works is seeking presenters on topics in hands-on engineering appropriate for grades K-6 for the 6th Annual E4: Excellence in Elementary Engineering Conference on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

Of special interest are presentations that include: *Hands-on projects with easily accessible materials that can be done in the classroom *Classroom-ready activities and units that integrate engineering into other elementary school subjects. *Integrating engineering activities with ex isting curricula. ing curricula in the classroom or imple menting elementary engineering *Insights and strategies for addressing the achievement gap for girls and minorities in engineering.

Deadline to submit a presentation proposal is Friday, April 19th.

To submit a proposal, please complete this survey.

For more information or questions on the 6th Annual E4 Conference, email E4@theworks. org.

Students in Laurie Arnason’s classroom engaging in engineering.

Are you doing exciting engineering activities with elementary school students? Whether you are curriculum coordinator, come share your knowledge with other educators!

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Minnesota teachers participating in Darcy Harlan’s workshop, Adding “TEM” to STEM, at the Minnesota Conference on Science Education in Duluth on Feb. 23. During the workshop teachers were playing and constructing as they found ways to tinker labs they already use to better incorporate inquiry technology, engineering and math into their science curriculum.

MnSTA Newsletter

News Updates and Opportunities National Youth Science Camp Awards Two Minnesota high school seniors will represent Minnesota at the 50th annual National Youth Science Camp this summer in Charleston and Erika Kaske of Burnsville High School were chosen from a strong pool of applicants for their demonstrated skill and leadership in science. Two delegates from each state exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from academic and corporate worlds. Lectures and hands-on research projects are presented by scientists from across the United States who work on some of the most provocative topics in science today. All expenses, including travel, for this three week experience are covered by the National Youth Science Foundation. Selection for this award is coordinated

by MDE. www.nysc.org.

NSTA Mary Colson, an earth science teacher from Moorhead, was elected as the District IX director for the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

Mary will represent Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota on the NSTA Council for a three year term. Mary is past president of the Mn Science Teachers Association (MnSTA) and is on the writing team for the Next Generation Science Standards.

Shell Science Lab Challenge School in Janesville, has been named a region winner in the Shell Science Lab Challenge. The award from Shell Oil Company and administered by NSTA honors teachers who have found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school and laboratory resources. One way that Kehoe has coped with his school’s lack of resources is by creating science songs and videos to help students learn science. Eric is one of 18 regional winners from As a regional winner, each teacher and their school receive science lab equipment, Shell cash grants, membership to the NSTA, and support to attend an NSTA conference. The grand prize winner receives a science lab makeover support package valued at $20,000. http:// www.nsta.org/shellsciencelab/.

Spring 2013

Survey on Climate Change Education The National Center for Science Education is developing resources for climate change education.

They request that teacher complete a survey to gauge needs and gather suggestions. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UGC2013

Spring Events and Workshops MN STEM Network Annual Meeting Linda Rosen, CEO of Change the Equation, is the keynote speaker for the 4th annual conference of Minnesota STEN Network at St. Catherine University, May 15, 8:30 – 4:00. The annual meeting brings together educators, government, businesses STEM education. Change the Equation is a nonCEO level to improve the quality of STEM learning in the US. The organization publishes Vital Signs, a summary report for each state of workforce needs, student achievement and other indicators. The conference also features breakout sessions on exemplary STEM programming or collaborations in Minnesota. www.scimathmn.org

Summer Workshops and Institute Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Education Symposium – June 10 – 13, Austin The Symposium provides an opportunity for educators to gain a greater understanding of the unique needs of gifted and high potential learners. A generous grant from the Hormel Foundation and collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Educaintensive educational experience. Invited speakers ally and internationally known presenters, focusing on foundational knowledge, creativity, curriculum strategies, social and emotional needs. https://www. austin.k12.mn.us/educationalservices/GTsymposium/default.aspx

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Opportunities Engineering Education Summer Academy - University of St. Thomas Enroll now for the summer engineering education courses and start next fall with innovative and engaging engineering lessons for your students. These hands-on courses are designed to empower educators with engineering design and content knowledge. Courses meet on the St. one week, 8:30-4:30, and then instructors provide support for educators as they complete courses at their own pace and on their own schedule through the summer. Courses may be taken on their own, gineering education, or as part of the Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Courses are offered To enroll, complete the free application at http:// www.stthomas.edu/CPCEE/ questions? contact Deb Besser at deb.besser@stthomas.edu 14, + online Energy and the Environment: June 17-21, + online Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Systems: June 24-28, + online

Steger Summer Institute for Energy Education – June 16 – 18, Audubon Center, Sandstone Turn on your teaching with the 2013 Summer Institute for Energy Education from the Will Steger Foundation: -NEW Energy Curriculum: effective, useful activities and information on energy sources, uses and impacts for grades 3-8 -Hands-on workshops: The Audubon Center is a leader in renewable energy education and showcases a suite unique energy solutions -A location second to none: gather with peers and inspired educators from around the country in peaceful, semi-rustic pine and maple forest in between lake and prairie.

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http://willstegerfoundation.org/summerinstitute/summer-institutes-2013

Discovering Energy Science on the Range – June 16 – 26, Laurentian Center near Virginia and middle school teachers who wish to bring their newable Energy industry in Minnesota up-to-date and thereby be able to encourage their students to for the course apart from your registration fee will be covered by sponsorships from utilities and energy companies. Contact Roger Aiken, rogeraiken@creedproject.org 651-644-8313.

Minnesota Minerals Education – June 18-20, Hibbing Sharpen your Earth Science skills and learn about the booming mining activity along the western Mesabi Iron Range. The $40 fee includes meals, transportation, lodging discounts, and lots of teacher resources. www.mmew.org

Augsburg STEM Institute for Secondary Teachers – June 18 – 29 +, Minneapolis Five secondary STEM teachers will participate in summer research and have a followup session in September. Along with engaging in

range of student opportunities through industry site visits, lab tours, conversations with scientists in the workplace and college faculty. Each teacher will also be paired with a summer preservice STEM researcher.

The goal is to provide an enhanced and targeted experience for both preservice and inservice teachers interested in enriching the secondary STEM experience and creating a collaborative professional between secondary teachers, students and Augsburg College. Full participation in the program provides a $2,000 stipend. Contact Dr. Ben Stottrup (stottrup@ augsburg.edu), 612-330-1035.

MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities Hamline Rivers Institutes– June 24 -26 St. Croix River, July 29-31 Mississippi River professional development opportunity that inspires, educates, and prepares 3rd-8th grade teachers to engage students in STEM disciplines through hands-on, inquiry-based investigations at local watersheds. The Rivers Institutes are designed to increase teachers’ science content knowledge and investigation skills, and help area educators translate their professional experiences into meaningful, engaging classroom investigations.

Leave No Trace Educator Course – Aug. 2-6, Wolf Ridge This is a great opportunity for teachers, naturalists, and other outdoor educators to improve LNT teaching skills while experiencing the unique treasures found in this scenic area of Minnesota.

Environmental Learning Center participants will learn and teach the principles of Leave No Trace immersed in the northern coniferous forest. The course will involve practicing Leave No Trace skills while base camping at a site along the Baptism River. Cost is $450 and partial scholarships are available.

All institutes include, at no cost to teachers, three full days of experiential instruction and lunches, the Waters to the Sea multimedia tool, CEUs, a $100 mini grant, and the option to purchase two graduate credits at a reduced rate. The focus for the institutes is on elementary and middle school classroom teachers, as well as science specialists and teams of teachers. All educators are welcome to apply. stitute.

UM Materials Science Research Experience Summer Institute, Aug. 5-8, Minneapolis

Agriculture in the Classroom Conference – June 25 - 28, Minneapolis

will be provided for use in your schools and teachers will earn continuing education credits for participating.

Workshops will be taught at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. mrsec.umn.edu/EHR/RETSI.php engen010@umn.edu 612-626-0798)

This national conference features engaging workshops, tours, keynote speakers and networking events that will provide exceptional learning opportunities for teachers to integrate agricultural content into instruction to meet academic standards in health, language arts, math, science, and social studies.

FABLab: How to Teach (almost) Anything July 15 – 26 or July 29 – Aug. 9, Mahtomedi Learn how to bring engineering and technology tools to life and empower your students to be curious and creative learners! Taught by Massachusetts Institute of Technology FABLab Specialist Matt Young in the Mahtomedi FABLab, you will learn the design software and equipment for 3D printers, laser cutters, silhouette fabricators, Modella Minimills, and Shop bot. The cost of the two-week course (July 15-26 OR July 29-August 9) is $2000. http://Mahtomedi.registryinsight.com

Spring 2013

Join us for a hands-on workshop introducing inquiry-based engineering activities that you can take right into your classrooms. The activities were developed by local high school teachers and have been used with students. You’ll also have the opportunity to make connections with professors and graduate

Steger Summer Institute on Climate Change – Aug. 6 – 7, Ft. Snelling State Park Dive into the classroom and outdoor components of the Will Steger Foundation’s Minnesota’s Changing Climate (MCC) curriculum and online classroom.

-A deep introduction to climate science and the impacts of climate change in Minnesota Inquiry guides and state and national park naturalists on the serene Mississippi River -Hands-on phenology training and weather station activities in the park ... and more! http://willstegerfoundation.org/summer-institute/ summer-institutes-2013

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Opportunities Teacher and School Awards Nominations and Applications are open for the This year secondary science and mathematics Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is the most prestigious award in these cluding the White House) and a $10,000 cash award. www.paemst.org.

awards

Engineering Event for Girls - April 27, Bloomington Minnesota Chapter presents our most anticipated, fun and hands on event called “Wow! That’s Engineering”. This program targets girls who are in 6-8 grades reduced lunch plan. We provide transportation from

National Teacher Awards The National Science Teacher Association administers several teacher awards programs. Often there are few applicants for several awards. Go to www. nsta.org for details.

we also provide lunch and students get to keep all their fun experiments. If your school or anyone you is interested please contact me at wow@swe-mn. org.

Student Awards, Competitions and Sun Safety Poster Contest Programs State Science Fair Needs Judges – April K-8 students are invited to submit original, cre6-8, Bloomington ative posters illustrating ways to prevent skin cancer The Minnesota State Science Fair is seeking judges for the state completion on April 6-8th at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington. Judges for both paper presentations and projects are needed. This is a great opportunity to interview some of Minnesota’s top students and assist them in their growth in science and engineering skills.

and raise sun safety awareness. The contest spon-

Sparticl! – Students needed to beta test the site – Immediately education website for 13-15 year olds called Sparticl.

Scheduled to launch early fall 2013, it will be an online and mobile destination offering the best content on the web in a game-like environment. Teens can search, learn, share with friends, and earn points and rewards. The content is being curated by experts and includes images, videos, games, hands-on activities, and interviews with scientists.

now to beta test the site. No interest in STEM subjects is necessary. Teens who are selected to be beta testers can earn up to $50 in gift cards to Amazon.com. Send your students to Sparticl.org to apply.

Loth, mloth@tpt.org. Direct general questions to scrannell@tpt.org. http://www.mnmas.org/hs-stem-communicator-

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MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities a great opportunity to creatively engage students on ence. The partner in the contest, the SHADE Foundation, offers great prizes every year -- this year, the national winner will receive a family trip to Disney due date is April 1. postercontest.html

3M Young Scientist Challenge This year’s Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages young people to solve everyday problems using science and innovation. opportunities are endless! Look around you - science is everywhere. Your innovative ideas just may revolutionize the way we live. To enter the 2013 competition, students must create a 1-2 minute video describing a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem related to how we live, how we work or how we play. One student will win the coveted title of “America’s Top Young More information at

Solar Boat Regatta – May 18, St. Paul You and your students are invited to design a solar-powered boat to participate in the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) Solar Boat Reexisting boat. Your curriculum and boat design can be as simple or complicated as you choose. MRES has a few basic starter kits (solar panel, motor and basis and solar experts who will lend advice as needed. The regatta is Saturday, May 18 on Lake

under the direction of industry and education based “Materials Mentors”. Students receive FREE meals, tuition, knowledge and entertainment. Applications are due March 31.

Minnesota Science Competitions Minnesota State Science Fair, www.mnmas.org Minnesota Science Bowl, www.mnmas.org Minnesota Science Olympiad www.minnesotaso. org

Modeling Workshops Winona State University Dates: July 8-12 Content: Introduction to Modeling in Mechanics Dates: July 15-19 Teachers can attend both weeks (preferred) or either week, but novice modelers must start with Week 1.

Leaders: Jim Reichling & Eric Gettrust Contact: Dr. Nathan Moore or (507) 457-5611 Cost: $660 Fifty Modeling Workshops in high school physics, chemistry, physical science, and biology will be offered in summer 2013, in many states.

Modeling Workshops are peer-led. Modeling Instruction is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as an Exemplary K-12 science program.

Some sites offer stipends, usually for instate teachers. Graduate credit is available faculty are welcome too.

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slalom races and endurance races. www.solarboatrace.net

Materials Camp at U of M – June 1114 The ASM Materials Camp provides a handson science and engineering experience to students entering 11th or 12th grade in the fall. The camp laboratories with extensive involvement in materials explorations. This unique science experience is

Spring 2013

Teachers say: “We have had 3 physics teachers and 5 chemistry teachers enhance their professional development at your ASU modeling workshops. Modeling has made a world of difference in our science courses.”

--Ray Howanski od, I wished I had learned about modeling years ago.”

-- David Braunschweig

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MnSTA Board Directory

MnSTA Phone# (651)-523-2945

Below, you will find information about your MnSTA Board Members. The listing includes the board member’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 President

Ed Hessler

Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave. MS-A1760,

W: 651-523-2945

F: 651-523-3041

e: ehessler01@hamline.edu

Steve Walvig

The Bakken

3537 Zenith Ave. S

W-612-926-3837X202

F: 612-927-7265

St. Paul, MN 55104 Minneapolis, MN 55416

e:walvig@thebakken.org

Past President

Mary Colson W: 218-284-7300

Horizon MS F: 218-284-7333

3601 12th Ave. So. Moorhead, MN 56560 mcolson@moorhead.k12.mn.us

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

Humboldt Secondary

30 E. Baker St.

Discipline Directors: Biology

Nancy Orr-Johnson W:763-242-4649

Chemistry Earth Science

St. Paul, MN 55107

nancy.orr@spps.org

Charles Handlon

Century High School

2525 Viola Rd NE

W:507-287-7997 X 3120

F:507-285-8595

Dana Smith W:507-232-3461X4114

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

Rochester, MN 55906

chhandlon@rochester.K12.mn.us

Elementary/Greater MN Nicole Christofferson-Weston Menahga Public Schools

Nicollet, MN 56047

216 Aspen Ave;

Mehanga, MN 56464

218-564-4141X477

e:nchristofferson@menahga.k12.mn.us

Elementary/Metro

Polly Saatzer W:651-552-0094

Garlough Environmental Magnet 1740 Charlton St. paulette.saatzer@isd197.org

West St. Paul, MN 55118

Higher Ed

Michele Koomen

Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave.

St. Peter, MN 56082

W507-933-6057

F507-933-6020

mkoomen@gac.edu

Informal Ed

Larry Thomas

SMM

120 W. Kellogg Blvd

Newsletter

Jerry Wenzel

Retired

e: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net

Physics

Paul Lulai

St. Anthony Village High School 3303 33rd Ave

Private Schools

Rand Harrington 55403W: 952-988-3615

The Blake School randalh@gmail.com

Webmaster

Eric Koser 507-387-3461 x 322

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

W: 651-221-4507

St. Paul, MN 55102

e: lthomas@smm.org

W:612-964-5374

St. Anthony, MN 55418

plulai@stanthony.12.mn.us 511 Kenwood Parkway

Minneapolis, MN

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

Mankato, MN 56001 W:

Region Representatives: Region 1&2: North

Laurie Arnason

Southpoint Elementary 1900 13th St. SE

Region 1&2: North

Dr. John Truedson

Bemidji State University 1500 Birchmont Dr. NE

W:218-775-2796

F: 218-755-4107

W:218-773-1149

Region 3: Northeast

larnason@egf.k12.mn.us Bemidji, MN 56601

e:jtruedson@bemidjistate.edu

Elizabeth Kersting-Peterson Piedomont Elementary 2827 Chambersburg Ave. W:218-336-8950 X 2759

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East Grand Forks, MN 56721

F:218-336-8954

Duluth, MN 55811

supersciencefriday@gmail.com

MnSTA Newsletter

Region 4: Westcentral

Vacant

Region 5: Northcentral Marie Zettel

Aitkin High School

306 2nd St. SW

W 218-927-2115 X 3313 Region 6: Southcentral Philip Sinner Region 7: Eastcentral

Aitkin, MN 56431

e:mariezettel@yahoo.com Renville County West

301 NE 3rd St. PO Box 338

W320-329-8368

F320-329-8191

psinner@rcw.k12.mn.us

Kari Dombrovski

Talahi Community School 1321 University Dr. SE

W:320-251-7551X5127

F:320-529-4339

Region 8: Southcentral Philip Sinner W320-329-8368

Renville, MN 56284 St. Cloud, MN 56304

kari.dombrovski@isd742.org

Renville County West

301 NE 3rd St. PO Box 338

F320-329-8191

psinner@rcw.k12.mn.us

Renville, MN 56284

Region 9: South

Vacant

Region 10: Southeast

Sharie Furst

Kasson-Mantorville Elemementary .604 16th St. NE

507-319-4781

s.furst@komets.k12.mn.us

Peter Anderson

Science Museum of Minnesota

Region 11: Metro

Kasson, MN 55944

120 W Kellogg St. Paul, MN 55101

ande4082@umn.edu

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 Ramona Lundberg Deuel High School e: ramona.lundberg@k12.sd.us Conference Coordinator Jean Tushie

frriehm@ties2.net 410 5th St. West 605-874-2163

Eden Prairie High School

W 952-975-4347

F 952-975-8020

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

Clear Lake, SD 57226-2102

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 MnCOSE Minnesota Conference on Science Education 2014 and 2015 Mankato NSTA 2013 national conference, April 11–14, San Antonio, Texas

Spring 2013

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PAID Twin Cities, MN 4197

MnSTA Regions

MnSTA Membership Application Form Join the Minnesota Science Teachers Association (MnSTA), the professional organization whose primary goal is the advancement of science education. Mail this form along with your check to: MnSTA, Hamline University MS - A1760, 1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104

Home First name

MI

School/Organization Last name

Address

Name Address

City

State

Zip Code

City

State

Phone number (include area code)

Phone number (include area code)

Preferred email address

Fax number (include area code)

Second email address

School district # (enter "P" if private)

Rates (Check one): Basic Membership ........................ $25 First Year Teacher........................ $15 Retired Teacher............................ $15 Pre-service Student ...................... $10 Life Membership: to age 35...... $400 age 36-50 .... $300 over 50......... $200

Zip Code

Newsletter Delivery Preference View digital version online Receive paper copy at school address Receive paper copy at home address New Member

Renewing Member

Discipline: Indicate the grade level you work with: level: Elementary (K-6) College/University Middle/Jr. High School (6-9) Informal Ed High School (9-12)

Elementary Earth Science Life Science Physical Science

Biology Chemistry Physics Environmental Science