MnSTA
Newsletter Volume 63 No. 3 A Quarterly Publication of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Inc. Spring 2022
MnSTA President Dr. Angela Osuji Named Winner of the 2022 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award.
MnSTA president, Dr. Angela Osuji has by named the recipient of the 2022 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award. Ramesh C. Kumar Chair of the MN ACS Awards Committee sent a letter of congratulations to Osuji. “Please accept my congratulations on being a winner of the 2022 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award. You have done an outstanding job in teaching chemistry to high school students in addition to being their mentor and
coach. You will be honored with a plaque and a $500 honorarium in our upcoming ACS meeting where you will be asked to give a presentation on your work. The following announcement will be published in the next issue of Minnesota Chemist, a publication of our local section of ACS.” 2022 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award: The Minnesota high school chemistry teaching award is given to an outstanding high school chemistry teacher for Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching. This year’s award goes to Dr. Angela N. Osuji of Washburn High School in Minneapolis. Dr Osuji received her Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis on teaching chemical and physical sciences. She has been teaching high school chemistry for more than 10 years and is currently teaching at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. Dr. Osuji is being recognized for her expertise in chemistry pedagogies and devotion to inspiring all learners including students of color, and their teachers in keeping with the goals of the ACS award. As a distinguished and talented high school chemistry teacher, Angela has stepped beyond the classroom to use her leadership skills for the good of all Minnesota science teachers and their students. In addition to serving as MnSTA president, Angela has recently been appointed NSTA District IX Director, thereby expanding her leadership and promotion of quality chemistry teaching to a regional and national level. MN ACS is very proud in bestowing her with this prestigious award which comes with a plaque and a $500 honorarium. We in the education community congratulate Dr. Osuji!
President’s Message-Angela Osuji Advocating for the schools our students deserve through advocating for the science education all our students deserve.
Minneapolis Public Schools teachers and support professionals went on strike in March. For those that watched the events, the photos that emerged were phenomenal. Educators went on strike for safe and stable schools for their students and themselves. Students joined their teachers on the picket lines amid shouts of “whose school, our schools”. I was one of them and it was challenging in multiple ways. This also came amid reports of teacher burnout, low morale, and low job satisfaction. According to EducationWeek, exclusive new data paints a picture of a profession in crisis. Teachers’ job satisfaction levels appear to have hit an all-time low this year as the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage schools. For a science teacher, safety in the science classroom takes a whole new meaning when class size is large and doing quality experiential science learning becomes problematic.
Despite the challenges and low morale, it is with excitement that I write this Spring’s President’s message. We have much to celebrate despite the uncertainties that we face globally. We welcome spring as we continue to work and advocate for the schools our students deserve. As Earth Day approaches, “we celebrate our shared home by learning how to best protect it and create a brighter, healthier future for all people” Earth Day.
During the weekend of March 31 - April 2, 2022, I was fortunate to attend the first in-person NSTA conference since the pandemic, in Houston, Texas - Houston 22, with the MNSTA President-Elect Jill Jensen. The event was filled with excited science educators who crowded session rooms and even sat on the floor to listen to fellow scientists and educators present and facilitate scientific discourse. We learned about and are excited about the new strategic plan of the National Science Teaching Association(NSTA) that aligns with the MnSTA’s strategic plan with its focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. According to the NSTA Executive Director, Erika Shugar, under the new strategic plan, NSTA will work to empower teachers of science and create a world where science literacy and education are recognized as vital to the future of our society, The NSTA President, Eric Pyle states that “at the core of the NSTA strategic plan is our commitment to programs and strategies that will help educators of science
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provide an equitable and inclusive science education so that all who study science are successful”. The plan identi-
fies five key overarching goals and the philosophies that underscore them: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – Equip and empower all educators to provide students access and opportunity to be successful in science. The principles of DEI are reflected in every aspect of the plan. Knowledge and Practice – Advance the knowledge and practice of all educators of science through a research-based, learning-first initiative. Community – Create a nurturing and inclusive community of educators. Advocacy – Raise the profile of science education to promote respect and ensure an investment that supports equitable, high-quality science education. Sustainable Business Practice – Promote sustainable business practices to build organizational capacity.
Promoting equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science education is MnSTA Goal 3. This has been the focus of my MnSTA presidency and I am excited with the direction we are moving and with the support, we have the potential to get from NSTA as I assume my duty as the NSTA Division IX Regional Director. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to advocate for an equitable science education that is justice-centered, where students and educators experience the joy of science and the wonders of our Earth and Universe, where we use science to design solutions that have global impacts, where our science-focused literacy and careers provide us opportunities and access to upward social mobility and where we are free, included, welcomed and feel welcomed- an Earth where we ultimately belong, survive and thrive. It is with a deep feeling of gratitude that I sign off as President of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association and with excitement hand over to a very capable science educator who deeply understands the enormous responsibility of nurturing future scientists very early. Jill Jensen, I thank you in advance for all the work you will do to advance equitable science education for all in the state of Minnesota. I thank the entire MnSTA Board for all their support of my presidency and have no doubt the same and more will be extended to Jill. I dedicate this writing to all my students all in Minnesota and globally. I am here because of you and with you, we will continue to advocate and design solutions for a better Earth. Happy Earth’s Day
MnSTA Newsletter
Teacher Feature-Devon Bowker Our featured teacher for this issue of the MnSTA newsletter is Devon Bowker. Devon teaches at Roosevelt Education Center, a Level IV EBD Setting within the St Cloud Area School District. He teaches Physical Science, Biology, Physics, and Geometry. He has been with the school since August of 2019. Devon’s style of teaching is variable and adaptive. He uses a lot of technology to keep things as studentcentered as possible, and as tailored to his individual students, their needs, and their passions as possible. He loves bringing in real world events, language arts, and social sciences. For example, he uses the Trolley Problem to talk about environmental justice, driverless car technologies, or social media, or The War of the Worlds to teach about COVID-19, people choices, and media. He alternates between hands-on, immersive inquiry experiences to thought provoking group discussions which build into project based learning assignments. One of his favorites lessons is his introduction to evolution which involves setting up his classroom as a fossil dig site. He uses sawdust from the local hardware store as a stand in for sand and fills up a large rectangular frame on the ground. Then he fills it with fossils, bones, and other things. As the centerpiece, he uses an Archaeopteryx replica that he borrows from a local museum. He equips his students with brushes and sifters and let them explore. Inevitably, someone finds the archaeopteryx. Students analyze it as a group and discuss its characteristics before he poses the question, “is it a bird, or a reptile?”. Without giving them the ‘why’, students split into groups and put together a Google slide representation breaking down the hallmark characteristics of either birds or reptiles to justify their stance. They present their final product and as a class discuss and banter until he reveals what the fossil is, talk about its 1861 discovery, and what it meant in the context of the time (after Origin of Species, a solid example of a possible transition species, etc). His students always have a blast, and he personally enjoys getting to play like he is Dr Grant on Jurassic Park! Devon chose teaching because, after a long time of searching and never feeling quite settled, he realized it was his thing. It always had been. In all his experiences, the unifying thing that stoked his internal spark into a flame was teaching. It was when he felt like he was able to be the most free and expressive. He was allowed to geek out about the things that fascinate him. He was allowed to be excited, and the best
part was that he could get people to be excited with him. As a naturalist for the DNR, he used to love seeing the look in people’s eyes when they learned something new, or the energy of thinking differently or having one’s preconceived notions shattered. He loved being a part of the learning and excitement with his audience, and it’s what he loved doing as a teacher—sharing his excitement in a way that is contagious, leading to long-lasting memories, curiosity, and a desire to learn more. Plus, he enjoys that it allows him to use his creativity and every new challenge is like a puzzle begging to be solved. He likes to think about things differently, present material in new and interesting ways, and tries to create as much of his own materials and visuals as possible as a way of challenging himself to think outside the box to create a rich and applicable learning experience, not just an environment. Devon is the president and founder of a local nonprofit organization called The Open (Out)Doors Project which aims to inspire hope of a green and just future through open access to the outdoors. They run a program called Binoculars for Young Birders, providing free, high quality binoculars to birders under 18. In addition, they host local educational programs and lead hikes in partnership with HIKEHoppers and Stearns County. Devon enjoys long-distance running and marathons. He started a nature blog (thewildlife.blog) in January of 2017 that has since grown into a podcast called The Wild Life with several sister shows, and in 2020 he started another blog and podcast focused more on physics and chemistry called Science People! (sciencepeoplepod.com).
Devon Bowker
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Presidential Award
Online Master’s or Graduate Certificate in Chemistry
Brian Hare Recipiant of Minnesota’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Master’s in Chemistry will develop the ability to integrate advanced chemistry knowledge and critical thinking skills to effectively approach scientific problems grounded in chemistry. The Graduate Certificate in Chemistry will advance secondary education instructors interested in teaching advanced chemistry classes or making salary increases. • Designed for science teachers • 100% Online • Start anytime • Complete on your schedule
Brian Hare has taught sixth grade physical science at E-STEM Middle School for the past two years. He spent the previous six years of his eightyear teaching tenure teaching sixth grade physical science, eighth grade earth science, and Makerspace at Capitol Hill Magnet School. Brian creates curriculum that is inquiry-based and allows students to experience science at their own level. He continually incorporates real-world experiences that bring students closer to how science “is done” in the field. Brian balances having fun in the classroom with challenging students to push themselves further to become physical science content experts. Brian has received multiple grants to help students use engineering to advance their study of science content. While at Capitol Hill, he wrote, received, and implemented grant-based curriculum where students built catapults to study simple
css.edu/MSChem
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machines and Newtonian physics. At E-STEM, Brian wrote and received a grant to have students build a Rube Goldberg device with reusable materials in order to study Newtonian physics. Brian has served as a mentor teacher leading professional development for science teachers at individual, group, and district levels. He is a certified professional development leader of Science Teachers Learning from Lesson Analysis that was developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. As the Site Leader for the Saint Paul Public Schools STEM Camp, Brian developed 11 engineering design activities and three STEM rotations that enable teachers to deliver STEM curriculum at the camp. Brian earned a B.S. in engineering from the United States Military Academy and an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He is certified as a sixth through eighth grade science teacher and as a 9-12 chemistry teacher. Brian states, “The Presidential Award signifies that I am striving to teach my students at the highest level. Students of our nation deserve to be taught by teachers that create meaningful content that challenges them to become competent citizen-scientists. All students deserve this no matter where they are in the nation, who teaches them, or what school they attend. Receiving this award with all the other deserving nominees reassures me that students are receiving a great education in our nation.” Nominations will open this fall for 7-12th grade teachers. Go to https://www.paemst.org/home/view See page 7 for the three 2022 Presidential Award finalists. The Minnesota State Science finalists for 2022 are: • Anne Edlund from Bluff Creek Elementary School • Kimberly Menard from Lake Marion El ementary School • Dawn Mueller from Independence Elemen tary STEM School
Brad Hubred Finalist for Education Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year Brad Hubred, 5th and 6th grade science teacher at Moose Lake Elementary School was chosen as one of eleven finalist for Education Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. The finalist will be named May 1. Brad was our Featured Teacher in the fall issue of our newsletter and was the reciepient of the MnSTA 2021 Science Teaching Award.
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Department of Education and share some of my own observations of the world around me (Phenomena!) during each season here in Minnesota, and include some Ojibwe language too.
Spring is Here!
Angie Kolonich is the science specialist for the Department of Education. She will keep us updated on science education in the MnSTA newsletter.
Minnesota Department of Education Updates (Spring, 2022)
Boozhoo/Hello! My name is Angie Kolonich, and I am the new Science Content Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education. I am of mixed settler/Indigenous ancestry, fish clan, originally from Manitoba, and connected at Red Cliff in northern Wisconsin where my spouse is a tribal member. I lived and worked in Lansing, Michigan for many years as a high school science teacher, robotics coach, curriculum writer, and educational researcher before coming to Minnesota just a few months ago. During my time in Michigan, I had the opportunity to support implementation of phenomena-driven standards and instruction and I am excited to bring those experiences to my new role here. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Science Education community here in Minnesota, and build on the work that John Olson, my predecessor, accomplished in supporting the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards. I am also thankful for the opportunity to share updates on Science Education each quarter through the MnSTA Newsletter. As an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) learner who is passionate about science education, I will also try
Ziigwan* – It is Spring! The days are getting longer, and the snow is starting to melt during the day, and then re-freeze again at night. This is an exciting time in Minnesota, when the aninaatigoog/ maple trees start to run with sap and we begin to make delicious zhiiwaagamizigan/maple syrup and sugar. Did you know that it takes about 40 gallons of collected sap to make 1 gallon of syrup? It’s a lot of work to harvest and boil the sap into syrup, but well worth it. I remember the first time I harvested sap at iskigamizigan/sugarbush in a few different places, not far from one another. We collected the sap from many trees, boiled it down until it got thicker and turned an amber brown color, and finally we strained the pure syrup into small jars to give as gifts. At the end of the week, we all took home a small sample of the syrup to try ourselves. One thing I noticed was that the syrup from the different locations, although both delicious and sweet, tasted different from one another! When I asked about this, I was told that the syrup from two trees, even growing right next to each other, can produce a different tasting syrup and I found that absolutely fascinating. It made me wonder, what makes maple trees produce different tasting syrup? How could we find out? It also makes me wonder - What does wiigwaasaatig/birch tree syrup taste like? We are so lucky to live in a place where seasons change, and we are surrounded by so much beauty, and so much science! I hope that this Spring, you and your students also get the chance to explore our changing seasons. * You can learn more about Ojibwe language and access audio files of word pronunciation at The Ojibwe Peoples Dictionary – established by faculty at The University of Minnesota https://ojibwe.lib. umn.edu/
Minnesota Science Standards
Updates on the Minnesota Science Standards and Implementation Timeline The 2019 version of the Minnesota Science Standards have completed rulemaking, and MDE is currently working on finalizing the current draft of the Minnesota Science Standards on our website. The updated timeline for full implementation of the Minnesota Science Standards is scheduled for the 2024-2025 school year. Students will take the newly developed MCA IV in 2024-2025
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Department of Education (Please see the MDE Science Assessment Update below for more information). MDE is also currently working on a revised Potential Transition Timeline for the 2019 Science Standards to provide guidance to districts, which will be released on our website later this Spring. With the delay for full implementation of the new standards, districts and teachers must decide whether to revise previously developed timelines for transition. One factor impacting this decision is that the MCA exam will not transition to the new standards until spring of 2025. However, the new standards and the shifts in pedagogy associated with them are likely to result in improved science learning opportunities, and it would be wise to give students those opportunities as soon as is feasible. Districts have several factors to consider in their transition plans, including staffing, curriculum materials, and time for planning. Read John Olson’s article about the standards delay and planning for the transition.
MCA Science Assessment update
Get involved with the development of the Science MCA. Every year, through Educator and Community Review Committees, Minnesota educators and community members across the state bring invaluable classroom experience, perspectives from teaching diverse students, and engagement with Minnesota Academic Standards to the test development process. This committee participation ensures that the content and question type align closely with best practices in classroom instruction. Each committee is a separate entity that meets for two to four days. When the committee completes their specific review task, a new committee is formed for the next task in the test development process. 1. Sign up for MCA Review Committees Database. Committee members are selected to participate in various meetings throughout the summer. Your input is vital in the development of items to the new science standards. 2. Preview sets of questions developed for the Science MCA-IV. The Testing 1, 2, 3 MCA Content Resources webpage under Science Resources now has released examples of Science MCA-IV items and Educator Guides. The purpose of these resources is to give Minnesota education professionals a few examples of phenomenon-based, multidimensional items aligned to the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards. The guides include information on benchmark alignment and student response data, to
provide context for the online released items. Interested in becoming an item writer for the MCA? We are still accepting applications to be considered to participate in our writing workshop happening this year. Please contact Jim Wood jim.wood@state. mn.us or Judi Iverson judi.iverson@state.mn.us before April 22nd for more information.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalists Announced
The review of the Minnesota applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2022 is complete! This year the applications were for elementary teachers, and next year will be for secondary teachers. The applications include a video recording and a narrative about the practices in science content, instruction, assessment, reflection and leadership. The applications of each finalist will be judged at the national level, and the White House will make the final selection for the 2022 Presidential Award Winner. The Minnesota State Science finalists for 2022 are: • Anne Edlund from Bluff Creek Elementary School • Kimberly Menard from Lake Marion Elementary School • Dawn Mueller from Independence Elementary STEM School Please join us in congratulating our State Science finalists for 2022, and wishing them well as their applications proceed to the national level. Secondary science teachers, please consider applying for 2023! You can learn more about this prestigious award at https://www.paemst.org/about/view The Council of State Science Supervisors is Coming to Minnesota Each year, science content specialists and assessment experts from each state gather to share the good work going on in their region, and collaborate on new initiatives to support K-12 science education. This June, the annual meeting of the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS, or CS3) will be held right here in our home state of Minnesota! The theme of this year’s conference is Navigating the Seas of Complexity, and it will be the first in-person conference for many state science supervisors in a long time. Immediately following the conference this year, teams of state science educators will remain in Minneapolis to attend Building Capacity for State Science Education: Leveraging Freely Available
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Department of Education-Opportunities Open Education Resources – An event focused on building capacity within each state to forward science education initiatives. MDE is excited to host science specialists from all over the United States in Minnesota this year, for the opportunity to share the great work going on in our state, and to learn about best practices happening in other states that we can bring back to Minnesota science classrooms. Contact Information Angela Kolonich, Ph.D. | Science Content Specialist |Academic Standards, Instruction, and Assessment angela.kolonich@state.mn.us
Summer Institute for Climate Change Education
The Summer Institute for Climate Change Education is structured to allow time for learning and networking. During the first two virtual days hosted by Climate Generation, educators can select from concurrent workshops. During the third day, educators will attend a cohort workshop facilitated and hosted by a regional cohort leader to focus on place-based climate change education and the need for ongoing support throughout the year. Cohort days may be in-person or online, depending on educator and cohort leader needs in that region. Each group of 20-50 educators will explore local impacts, actionable solutions, connections to local experts, and planning and networking. Details Date: July 18 & 19, 2022, plus one day on July 20th, 21st, or 22nd. Times: 10am CT to 6pm CT on July 18 & 19, times T.B.D. for cohort days. Location: Virtual Registration: $250. Scholarships Available. 20 hours of Continuing Education Credits. Graduate Credit Optional, details here More details about the themes, dates and locations of regional cohort schedules are on the registration page.
.Earth Science High School PD survey and upcoming 6th grade PD
The MnSTA Earth Science PD planning committee wants to gauge interest in a summer professional development program focused on the content and pedagogy of the MN Earth and Space science standards for high school. They are considering a range of options, including a one-week institute, online offerings, and a 1.5-year program. They are seeking funding, but may need participant contributions to the expenses, especially this coming summer. Please complete the survey to help them understand the needs of MN high school science teachers as we transition to the new MN Science Standards. Completing the survey is not a commitment to participate.
Survey link: The group is also planning to again offer oneweek boot camps for 6th grade earth science teachers next summer. Watch for further information. The contact for these programs is dana_smith@isd31.net.
Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop
Registration for the 2022 Minnesota Minerals Education Workshop (MMEW) has opened. Due to space constraints, our registration number is capped at 70 attendees. At last check, we are halfway there. Get your registration in soon! Details: Date - Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Location - Interstate State Park, Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota.Food - lunch and snacks are provided. Your lunch will be provided on a paddleboat tour. Teaching Materials - free! These include rock/mineral samples, posters, lesson ideas, etc. All of this and more for a registration fee of only $20! Please see the flyer for more details. You can find the link to register by visiting www.mcmre.org and clicking on the link for MMEW. Due to COVID, this summer’s workshop will be a one day workshop available for K-12 Earth Science educators and preservice teachers. But please, plan on attending the ‘back to normal’ full MMEW during the summer of 2023 back in Winona. One day of classroom activities, followed by two days of field trips. If you have any questions regarding MMEW 2022 or 2023, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brian Allison. brian.allison@delanoschools.org
WaterWorks!: A Drinking Water Institute for Educators
August 1-3, 2022; Red Wing Twin Bluffs Water Treatment Facility; 1468 Pioneer Rd.; Red Wing, MN Enrich your water curriculum, investigate drinkinwater quality, chemistry, engineering, community resources, and practice-based activities for your classroom. This three-day, hands-on workshop allows grade 4-10 teachers of science to gather information from expert presenters about how safe, reliable drinking water is delivered to your community as well as drinking water issues facing Minnesota. Meals and resource folder provided. Choose between two graduate credits or stipend. Join the ranks of over 400 teachers that have participated in WaterWorks! throughout Minnesota over the last 20 years. Funded by the Minnesota Dept. of Health and the American Waterworks Association. Application and info Questions contact Sara Robertson srobertson01@ hamline.edu
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Department of Education-Opportunities
Free resources for teaching how science works
Decoding Science https://www.nap.edu/resource/25303/interactive/index.html?utm_so urce=NASEM+News+and+Publications&u tm_campaign=d18874372b-Eblast_Decoding_Science_Ed_2021_05_27&utm_medium=email&utm_ term=0_96101de015-d18874372b102201965&goal=0_96101de015-d18874372b102201965&mc_cid=d18874372b&mc_ eid=1e54d40e2e is a free interactive resource from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and medicine. It’s all vetted by experts and ready to use in your classroom. A 90-second video on how science works Clear answers to challenging questions Stories from real-life scientists And more…
PLT “Explore Your Environment” K-8 Activity Guide Released
Project Learning Tree (PLT) released a new curriculum guide to engage kindergarten through grade 8 students in exploring their environment. Fifty fieldtested, hands-on activities integrate investigations of nature with science, math, English language arts, and social studies. Educators can obtain a copy of PLT’s Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide https://www. plt.org/curriculum/k-8-activity-guide-explore-yourenvironment/ directly from PLT’s Shop https://shop. plt.org/Shop/ProductDetails/k8guide, from Amazon and other places where books are sold, or by attending a local PLT professional development workshop https://www.plt.org/trainings/attend-a-training/ conducted by PLT’s 50-state network of 75 coordinators and 1,000 facilitators across the country. Minnesota PLT site https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/plt/index. html . Student
Programs, Awards and Competitions
Science and Engineering Competitions • •
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Science Bowl – middle and high school Minnesota Science Olympiad – middle and high school Science and Engineering Fair – middle and high school FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Chal lenge, FIRST Robotics- All grades Supermileage Challenge - High school Real World Design Challenge - High school Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision - Classroom
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based for all grades NSTA Angela Award – girls grades 5 – 8 MN Scholars of Distinction – high school National Youth Science Camp – two high school seniors are selected as MN delegates
Minnesota Programs and Competitions
Many competitions, out-of-school programs and field trip opportunities are listed in the Reach for the Stars Catalog of Programs and Activities.
MDE Science Contacts:
Angela Kolonich, Science Content Specialist angela.kolonich@state.mn.us Jim Wood, Science Assessment Specialist jim.wood@state.mn.us Judi Iverson, Science Assessment Specialist judi.iverson@state.mn.us Sarah Carter, STEM and Computer Science Specialist sarah.carter@state.mn.us Send submissions for the Science Update to Angela Kolonich angela.kolonich@state.mn.us
Other Minnesota Links:
Minn. Dept. of Education Science Page http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/stds/sci/ Minn. Science Teachers Association mnsta.org Frameworks for MN Science and Mathematics Standards http://scimathmn.org/stemtc/ Get – STEM Connections between schools and businesses https://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://www.seek. state.mn.us Minnesota Academy of Science: Science Fair, Science Bowl and other competitions https://www. mnmas.org/ Mn DNR Education website: Curriculum, professional development, posters, etc. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/index.html Youth Eco Solutions (YES!) – Statewide, youth-led program for hands-on eco related projects
https://yesmn.org/
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Opportunities
Opportunities A Minnesota-focused Flipgrid activity about climate change
The State of Minnesota’s Flipgrid Topic asks learners to imagine and describe Minnesota in the year 2050, the year that our state will be meeting— or exceeding!—its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 80%. After reading short articles about climate change impacts and solutions on Our Minnesota Climate website, the activity asks the students to share: What are your ideas for climate action in Minnesota? What do you want Minnesota to be like in 2050? If you are an educator in Minnesota and complete this activity before June 30, 2022, you are invited to email britt.gangeness@state.mn.us and we will arrange for a state leader to visit your grid as a guest, view the videos, and leave a video reply for your learners. Learn more: https://climate.state.mn.us/youthenvision-future
Science and Engineering Practices in Action
This Hamline University-developed FREE workshop includes six self-facilitating modules to “raise awareness of the importance of the practices in science teaching and provide strategies for teaching science and engineering practices more directly and more often.” The modules include: *Asking questions (for science) and defining prob lems (for engineering) *Developing and using models *Constructing explanations (for science) and de signing solutions (for engineering) *Planning and Carrying Out Investigations and Analyzing Data *Arguing from Evidence *Evaluating and Communicating Information Each module is designed for groups of science teach ers, e.g., professional learning communities (PLC) or curriculum teams (CT), at any grade level or mixed grade levels, to review and discuss a single practice in a series of 20-30 minute sessions totaling about 10 hours of professional development per module. These modules provide a convenient, selfplaced, teacher-focused set of professional development “workshops” in science practices and science teaching. Information: https://www.hamline.edu/education/ cgee/sepa-workshop/
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MnSTA Seeks Social Media Coordinator Position
Social Media Coordinator will be responsible for: 1) seeking out relevant content for MnSTA members and share it appropriately on primary social media platforms 2) receiving information submitted by the public and share it appropriately on primary social media platforms 3) supporting the regional and discipline directors in publishing relevant content on primary social media platforms 4) supporting content for all MnSTA publications on primary social media platforms in collaboration with other communication positions 5) managing content and moderating public posts and comments 6) create, with executive board approval, new accounts for social media platforms as needed 7) share quarterly reports of analytics of platforms via board reports 8) regularly attend meetings of the MnSTA Board of Directors This position will be a non-voting member of the MnSTA Board of Directors. Current MnSTA Primary Social Media Platforms: Facebook (Page and Group), Twitter Stipen available.
If interested contact Jill Jensen jill.jensen@district196.org
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Opportunities
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“Teach Outdoors! Minnesota Workshop Series”
Join us for FREE, weekly Professional Development workshops on Teaching Outdoors via Zoom on Wednesdays @ 4:00 CST
teachoutdoorsminnesota.com email:TeachOutdoorsMinnesota@gmail.com To register for free workshops go to :https://forms.gle/nBCc9o56bD79sVsz8
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ESTEP 2022 for 6th grade earth science teachers! The ESTEP 6th grade professional development is a one week, bootcamp style, regional workshop that incorporates earth and space science content with teaching strategies to get you thinking about changing your teacher craft to help your students make sense of science. We’ll walk you through investigations that you can use no matter where you are in your transition to the new standards - you'll learn about phenomena, storylines and 3-dimensional strategies by DOING the science!
Summer 2022 ESTEP Dates July 18 - 22
Metro Area
July 25 - 29
Mankato
August 8 - 12
Alexandria
Cost is $390.00 MnSTA/ESTEP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to reflecting the diversity of Minnesota educators that participate in our programs. We are especially focused on teachers of BIPOC and underrepresented populations, alternatively licensed educators, and educational assistants working toward licensure.
ESTEP 6th grade Application Link
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Questions? Contact Dana Smith, ESTEP Coordinator dana_smith@isd31.net Spring 2022
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Opportunities
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
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MnSTA Board Directory
MnSTA Board Directory 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.
Region 7: Eastcentral
President President-elect Treasurer
Karen Bengtson
St. Cloud Area School Dist. 472
320-253-9333
karen.bengtson@isd742.org
Angela Osuji
Washburn High School
612-668-3400
Angela.Osuji@gmaiil.com
Jill Jenson
Scott Highlands Middle School
952-423-7581
jill.jensen@district196.org
John Olson
Metropolitan State Univ.
1000 44th Ave N. St. Cloud MN 56303 201 W 49th St. Minneapolis, Mn 55419 14011 Pilot Knob Rd. Apple Valley, MN 55124 700 E. 7th St. St. Paul, MN 55107
johnolson98@gmail.com.
Discipline Directors: Biology Earth Science Chemistry
Informal Ed
Physics Private Schools
Eric Kehoe 507-234-5181
JWP Hight School ekehoe@sd2835.org
Region 10: Southeast
Emily Zinck
Lewiston-Altura
507-523-2191
ezinck@lewalt.k12.mn.us
Region 11: Metro Region 11: Metro
Megan Earnest
megan.earnest@gmail.com
David McGill
Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet 560 Concordia Ave. St. Paul MN 55103
Ancillary Positions: Database
Mark Lex
marklex@umn.edu
Webmaster
Eric Koser
Mankato West H.S.
1351 S. Riverfront Dr.
W: 507-387-3461 x 322
F: 507-345-1502
e: ekphys#gmail.com
Jerry Wenzel
jerrywenzel@brainerd.net
218-333-3215
dana_smith@isd31.net Worthington High School jose.morales777@gmail.com
NSTA Dist. IX Director 1211 Clary St. Worthington, MN 56187
Scott Johnson
Century High School
701-323-4900x6666
scott_johnson@bismarckschools.org
Conference Coordinator Eric Koser
Southwest Minn State Univ.
100 County Road 25 Lewiston, MN
612-624-5852
Newsletter
507-376-6121
110 E 3rd At. Janesville, MN 56048
Bell Museum-Universitiy of Minnesota 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W St. Paul, MN 55113
Bemidji Middle School
1501 State St. Marshall, MN 56258
W: 507-387-3461 x 322
Mankato, MN 56001
1000 East Century Ave. Bismarck, ND 58503
Mankato West H.S.
1351 S. Riverfront Dr.
F: 507-345-1502
e: ekphys#gmail.com
Mankato, MN 56001
kandy.nolesstevens@smsu.edu
Lee Filipek
Southview Elementary
952-431-8370
Lee.Filipek@District196.org
Rachel Humphrey
St. Cloud State Univ. Wick Science Bldg #160 720 4th AVe. So. St. Cloud 56301
320-308-3232
rhumphrey@stcloudstate.edu
Caitlin Potter
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve 2660 Fawn Lake Dr. NE E. Bethel 55005
1025 Whitney Dr. Apple Valley, MN 55124
caitlin@umn.edu
Events Calendar
VAcant Phillip Sexton
Minnetonka High School
612-401-5700
phillip.sexton@minnetonkaschools.org
Steve Heilig
St. Paul Academy & Summit School
651-696-1432
sheilig@spa.edu
Jennifer Aakre
TrekNorth Jr.&St.High School
218-444-1888
jaakre@treknorth.org
Caitlin Djonne
Park Rapics Schools
218-237-6312
cdjonne@parkrapids.k12.mn.us
Region 3: Northeast
Nikki Ojanen 218-879-3328
Cloquet Middle School nojanen@isd94.org
Region 4: Westcentral
Harrison Aakre
Alexandria Area High School
Region 1&2: North
Region 9: South
Dana Smith Jose Morales Collazo
400 Tiger Drive Marshall, MN 56258
holly.knudson@marshall.12.mn.us
201 West 49th St. Minneapolis, MN 55419
18301 Hwy 7 Minnetonka, MN 55345 1712 Randolph Ave. St. Paul 55105
If you have events you want placed on the calendar, send them to the editor - see page 2 for deadlines, address, etc.
Conferences / Workshops NSTA July 21-23 Chicago MnCOSE: Nov. 3-5, 2022 Duluth
Region Representatives: Region 1&2: North
Marshall High School
Minneapolis Washburn HS
1910 Middle School Ave. NW Bemidji, MN 56601
12000 Hancock St. Becker, MN 55308
507-537-6920 X 1059
Michelle.housenga@mpls.k12.mn.us
Alternative Ed.
molson@isd726.org
612-720-5705
Higher Ed
320-274-3341
Michelle Housenga
Elementary/Greater MN Kanday Noles Stevens Elementary/Metro
Becker High School
Region 8: Southcentral Holly Knudson
Executive Board: Exec. Secretary
Missie Olson
2400 Pine Ridge Ave. NW Bemidji, MN 56601 501 Helten Ave. Park Rapids, MN 56470 2001 Washington Ave. Cloquet, MN 55720 4300 Pioneer Rd. Alexandria, MN 56308
haakre@alexschools.org Region 5: Northcentral Miranda Graceffa 218-330-6154
Crosslake Community School mgraceffa@crosslakekids.org
36972 Cty Rd 66 Crosslake, MN 56442
Region 6: Southcentral Holly Knudson
Marshall High School
400 Tiger Drive Marshall, MN 56258
507-537-6920 X 1059
22
holly.knudson@marshall.12.mn.us
MnSTA Newsletter
Spring 2022
23
Spring 2022
23
