MnSTA Winter 2016 Newsletter by MnSTA

MnSTA

Newsletter Volume 52 No. 2 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! Submit your PRESENTATION PROPOSAL now! Conference presenters will receive a code to use to access their special registration rate after presentation proposals are accepted. Go to mnsta.org for registratioin, presentation proposals and hotel reservations. See pages 14-18 for information on keynote and strand speakers.

Winter 2016

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:

We live and breathe Science. It’s our job; and we work every day to share our passion for scientific knowledge and practice with our students. This makes MnSTA members special. You represent our profession by “joining the cause” to improve the quality of science instruction for everyone. You are engaged in a statewide community of education professionals that provides services to support science teaching and hosts great professional development opportunities throughout the state. Now is the time to expand your skills, gather resources, learn from each other and energize your teaching at the MnSTA Conference on Science Education in Duluth, February 26-27. Plan ahead to attend what will be a gathering of the best science educators anywhere – you and your colleagues. It is the biggest science education event of the year, and as members, you get to be there to learn and meet your fellow members. Paul Huttner, renowned local meteorologist, will provide the keynote address on the latest science in weather forecasting and climate change. Dr. Christine Ann Royce, co-author of Teaching Science Through Tradebooks, will present a Saturday workshop on this new approach to hands-on science teaching. Dr. Vic Sampson, author of Argument-Driven Inquiry in Biology: Lab Investigations, Grades 9-12 Presidents message....continued on page 3

“To See a World” Why can’t the mountain remain a mountain, and the guide say nothing—just guide, bring us to this place and give us time?—David Leveson David Haskell is a biologist at the University of the South ( < http://biology.sewanee.edu/facstaff/ haskell >). His book, “The Forest Unseen: A Year’s Watch in Nature” (Viking Penguin 2012) was the winner/finalist for a fist full of awards. If not a new kind of nature writing it is a different kind of nature writing. Haskell’s intention was to tell a story of forest ecology as well, I think, to better understand what he already knew about the forest and himself. So he chose a meter’s worth of ground, a circle in forest land owned by the University. This became his “mandala” or microcosm where he sat quietly, listened and looked several times a week but with no set schedule. The essential feature of the research site was a place to sit. A rock. His only research tools were his senses, a hand lens, binoculars and notebook. Haskell calls attention to a feature of this practice which may be thought of as another research tool. How to manage our wandering minds? He writes that we must “relentlessly bring it gently back. Over and over, seek out the sensory details: the particularities of sound, the feel and smell of the place, the visual complexities.” These take “deliberate acts of will.” Nature speed can be slow. Hepatica is one of two entries for March 13th. This first bloom led to these observations. Upon arrival he notices a downy flower bud, fat and elongated on top of a narrow stem. The flower is 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 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 An Action Science

teaching about relevant concepts, the practices of science and its nature, the arguments that are criti--Mission Statement: The Society for Conservacal to action, the ability to evaluate the criticism and tion Biology advances the science and practice of participate if they see a need. conserving Earth’s biological diversity. Good advice on achieving this was given by the In a seminar on her beloved monarch butterflies, Dr. Karen Oberhauser, University of Minnesota-TC, late science educator, Mary Budd Rowe who suggested routine questions that are part of an education said that she is a conservation biologist, noting that “conservation biology requires action.” This was fol- in science. Here are a few: On evidence (what do I know? why do I accept it? what is the evidence? do lowed by a lovely statement. This profession is also I have it all? where did the evidence come from? one that is biology of hope.” These must be among how good is it?). On inference (what do I make of it? reasons people choose conservation biology. what are all the various interpretations?) On action: The mention of action grabbed me by the lapels. (what must I do with what I know? what possible It is not at all common to hear this in a seminar. actions should I take? do I know how to take an School science education includes topics/concepts action?) On evaluation (what does it all mean? do which have an action component. I value some outcomes over others? What are my Dr. Oberhauser went on to describe the overlap between basic bench/field science and action. I divid- reasons?). ed her talk into two parts: a) science--what organisms Presidents message....continued from page 2 need and how those needs are met. b) action--why will allow Saturday workshop participants to expeneeds are not being met and what can be done to as- rience an argue-from-evidence lab. Plus there are sure those needs are being met. numerous sessions from which to choose divided Getting the science right is required if we are to into Elementary, Life Science, Earth Science, Physics take reasoned, evidence-based action or advocate for and Chemistry strands – each with their own strand such action. Dr. Oberhauser said important things speakers! If you have not done so, please visit www. about differences between academics and decisionmnsta.org and register yourself and a colleague today. makers. It is managers who must make decisions on In other news, you may have noticed MnSTA problems that are, mostly in-motion and always hun- is providing more membership interaction through gry for more data. She enjoyed, valued and learned Facebook and Twitter; membership surveys, prefrom that association. sentations and booth at MEA, and statewide discusProfessor Oberhauser described the work of Mon- sion sessions on standards hosted by your regional arch Joint Venture ( < http://www.monarchjointven- representatives. We have initiated a new-member ture.org/ >) and also a White House initiative which welcoming effort, will be revamping our webpage, led to a report from the Pollinator Health Task Force and have expanded the board of directors to include ( < https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/mi- two Metro representatives. crosites/ostp/Pollinator%20Health%20Strategy%20 In addition, MnSTA now has an active donation 2015.pdf >) to illustrate and help us understand the page on its website for those looking to make a taxnature of the interface. deductible contribution in support of science educaLong ago, Bob Jickling, then of Yukon College, tion. Help spread the word. Send possible donors to made a presentation in Saint Paul on why he didn’t www.mnsta.org and click “Donate”. want his children to be educated for sustainable We live and breathe Science, and MnSTA is dedevelopment. That title attracted attention. He led termined to support that passion. Thank you for your us through an appealing and reasoned philosophiactive involvement. cal analysis. The question can be troubling: “Should See you in Duluth, February 26-27. education aim to advance a particular end such as Yours in Science Education, sustainable development?” Jickling thought that Lee Schmitt education had a quite different aim-- the creation of MnSTA President autonomous learners; enabling students to think for Mark your calendars: themselves. MnSTA Conference on Science Education, February So educationally, the aim is (my view) to help 26-27, 2016, Duluth. students on the road to autonomy. This includes NSTA Regional Conference, October 27-29, 2016, Minneapolis.

Winter 2016

Teacher Feature Our featured teacher for this issue of our newsletter is Erin Kirkpatrick. Erin is in her second year of teaching 7th grade life science , 8th grade earth science and 7th grade religion at Saint Francis of Assisi School in Rochester, MN. Her teaching philosophy is constantly evolving as she feels she learns more from her students and about herself as an educator. She believe that putting learning in the hands of the students yields the best results; when they are held accountable rather than her just giving them the information, they learn and grow incredibly. She loves to teach using learning-by-doing and project based learning. She finds that when her students are given a task, a problem, or just given the chance to immerse themselves in the topic, they learn so much more than she could ever teach them. One of her favorite activities to teach is an earthquake activity in the Plate Tectonics unit. The students explore world-wide earthquake data at www. iris.edu. At this site they can narrow their search by size of the earthquake, location, years, and so on. As they explore, she has them record observations that they notice, such as, “There were ____ earthquakes in North America. Most earthquakes occurred in ____. The largest earthquakes were in_____. They then develop a question that could be answered using the data. An example of a question could be, “Are high magnitude earthquakes more common in the Atlantic or the Pacific?” The students then collect data related to their question, and create a graph to represent the data. They evaluate each other’s graphs by attempting to answer other groups’ questions and giving constructive feedback. She enjoys this activity because it incorporates so many important science skills, such as data collection, analyzation, and communication. She trys to develop at least one activity like this for every unit she teaches. She states, “ It usually ends up being a performance assessment where everything they learn comes together. The students really like these projects too!” Erin grew up in the small town of Reynolds, North Dakota. She attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. During her first year of college, she knew she wanted to do something science related, but wasn’t sure what. She had always wanted to be a teacher when she was young, but pushed that idea aside for a long time. She tossed around ideas of medicine or dentistry, but neither really made her excited for her future. Eventually, she came to embrace the fact that she was meant to be a teacher. She stated, “I have no regrets about my

decision; I know I am doing exactly what I need to be doing! So in May 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Secondary Education Specialization.” Her principal, Barb Plenge stated, “A sign posted on Erin Kirkpatrick’s classroom door articulates her belief of teaching and learning. It says ‘Sorry about the laughter, volume, chaos and/or mess, but we are learning.’ Sometimes it is all of these things! Her students are always engaged, and Erin is right in the middle of it - encouraging, asking thought provoking questions or reminding the students that they can figure things out by talking them on to the next step. She freely shares her love of science with her students, and in the process demonstrates her genuine love of the students she teaches.”

Erin Kirkpatrick, center, with her 8th grade students dissecting a sheep brain.

Mary Haberman, MnSTA’s Informal Ed and Charter Schools Representative, demonstrates science concepts to a teacher at EdMn’s MEA Conference on October 15th. Hundreds of educators from many disciplines visited the very engaging MnSTA booth

MnSTA Newsletter

Department of Conservation...continuted from page 3

tightly closed, “shaped,” he writes, “like an elegant question mark.” An hour after first light the flower begins to open. He can’t see the details of unfolding but by looking away and then returning his gaze to the flower he can track changes in the emerging flower. It takes another hour for the stem to straighten, the stem turning “into an exclamation point.” As this happens he notices the flower’s subtle colors and their qualities, their dazzling incandescence and their exploration by bees. An hour later, the flower’s stem has leaned backward and is arched skyward. If you engage students in nature observation this book should delight you as well as provide ideas for focusing on a small area—its litter, seeds, the navigation of small ground critters, treetops, the play of light and shadow, fungi, change, an inventory. Seeing does not imply comprehending. Observations can become beginning points for questions, lots of them, for planning and carrying out investigations, for obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.

In our fall newsletter issue, the readers were asked to identify the gender of this monarch butterfly The first, and correct response came from Josh Tharaldson, science teacher at Marshall County Central High School in Newfolden. “That is a male monarch. The two black “dots” on the wings are what distinguishes that from a female.” Thanks Josh for you contribution to monarch biology! See page 17 for the next challenge.

Hessler is the Executive Secretary of MnSTA

Polly Saatzer, kindergarten teacher at Garlough Environmental Magnet School in St. Paul and MnSTA’s Elementary Discipline Director demonstrates an outdoor lesson to a full house of teachers at EdMn’s MEA conference on Oct. 15th. Saatzer along with Laurie Aranson, 4th grade teacher at South Point Elementary School preseted the session enttled Integrating K-6 Science Learning Through the Outdoors and Notebooks. MnSTA sponsored this session along with Laughter and Learning, presented by Bryan Grosso and Nate Meyer of The Bakken Museum; Uncovering Student Learning in Science presented by John Olson and Doug Paulson from the Minnesota Department of Education and It’s Not Magic, It’s Science, presented by Jerry Wenzel, retired life science teacher.

Winter 2016

Meet our Discipline Directors Alternative Ed. and Charter Schools Mary Haberman is the discipline director for Alternative Educaiton and Charter Schools. She attended Waseca High School and participated in the Marching Jays and the Iosco Livewires 4-H Club. Upon receiving a B.S. degree in Earth Science from MSU, Mankato, she worked her way up to Assistant Stitcher Operator at Brown Printing Company, Waseca. While working at Brown’s, she also earned an M.B.A. from SMSU, Marshall. After much deliberation, she decided to go back to her science roots and obtained an M.A.T. from MSU, Mankato in Chemistry and Earth Science teaching. She student taught at New Ulm Public High School and substitute taught at YME, Lakeview, Marshall Public Schools, and MN Valley ALC, before accepting the science teaching position with MN Valley ALC. Along with her teaching responsibilities, she also serves on the Health and Wellness Committee of the Montevideo School District and is the Regional Representative and Alternative Ed & Charter School Director for the Minnesota Science Teacher Association. She currently co-owns and lives in an apartment building in Lucan MN, instructs Zumba classes in Marshall and Lucan, participates in a recurve archery league in Tracy, sings in the choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaforth, and serves on the Marketing Committee of the Marshall Area YMCA. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, studying genealogy, and participating in triathlons. Mary says, “my primary goal with MnSTA is to find resources for science educators in low income districts”

Mary Haberman, Alternaative Education and Charter Schools Discipline Director

Informal Ed Kelly Meyer is the discipline director for Informal Education. She serves as the School Liaison for the Science Museum of Minnesota. Before beginning at museum in 2012, Kelly was a classroom teacher. For two years, she taught 8th grade science in the Minneapolis Public Schools and when the snow and cold got to be too much, she headed south to Arizona where she taught 7th grade science for seven years. Kelly has an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota. You’ll often find Kelly at educational conferences either presenting about engineering programming and instruction or trying to entice teachers to her exhibitor table to learn about all of the offerings that the Science Museum of Minnesota offers. Her favorite program at the museum is Engineering is Elementary because it is opens the door for ALL students to discover that they can become engineers. Another great thing about the Science Museum is that we’ve done the work for teachers to align exhibits, programs, outreach, and more to MN academic standards. Check out www.smm.org/educators/standards. As the informal representative, Kelly’s goal is to help members understand the great resources that exist in the informal realm. She states, “We are fortunate to have so many great informal institutions around the state that can provide extensions to classroom learning. Whether you are visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, are doing an overnight at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, or are inviting the Zoomobile from the Minnesota Zoo, informal education can provide standards-based experiences for your students all over the state of Minnesota.”

Kelly Meyer, Informal Ed Discipline Director

6 MnSTA Newsletter

Meet our Discipline Directors Elementary-Metro Polly Saatzer is the Metro Area Elementary discipliine director. She has been an educator for 37 years and have spent the last 19 years teaching kindergarten at Garlough Environmental Magnet School in the West Saint Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan area school district. She also taught at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in West Saint Paul. She has a B.A. in elementary education from Concordia University and a M.Ed. in early childhood education from the University of Minnesota. Polly helped create a nationally recognized magnet school where outdoor learning is central to the curriculum. She has presented on the local, state and national level and in 2010 was awarded the Presidential Award for the Teaching of Science. She also works for the Jeffers Foundation as a workshop facilitator. They present workshops around the state to encourage elementary teachers to take their children and science learning outdoors. Her goal as a board member is to continue making connections with other elementary science teachers as she does her work with the Jeffers Foundation and work for a stronger partnership with the out-state Elementary Discipline Director. She states, “Working together we can meet the needs of more elementary teachers.”

vate co-educational boarding school serving students in grades 6-12. Matt is in his 8th year of teaching at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. Prior to this, he spent two years as a graduate assistant for the physics department at Minnesota State University in Mankato. He enjoys camping, hiking, and backpacking in his free time and has spent almost sixty nights over the course of several trips in the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains in western Wyoming. His goals are to meet other people interested and excited about science education in the state of Minnesota. He would also like to learn about what others are doing in their classes and share what I am doing in my classes.

Matt Inman, Privete Schools Discipline Director

Long Term MnSTA Board Members

Polly Saatzer with her kindergarten class.

Private Schools Matt Inman is the discipline director for Private Schools. He currently teaches physics and AP Chemistry but have taught AP Physics, conceptual physics, and general chemistry in the past. He also works with our science outreach program called STEM@ SSM. Matt teaches at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota. Shattuck-St. Mary’s is a pri-

These board members represent over 100 years of board service to the Minnesota Science Teachers Association. From l to r: Eric Koser, webmaster, 18 yrs.; Joe Reymann, treasurer, 16 yrs; Ed Hessler, Executive Secretary, 20 yrs; Jean Tushie, conference coordinator, 6 yrs; Mark Lex, data base and membership, 18 yrs; Fred Riehm, Parliamentarian, 16 yrs; Jerry Wenzel, newsletter editor, 12 yrs; John Olson, State Science Specialist, 7 yrs.

Winter 2016

Department of Education Science Standards Review Process

I want to describe more about the process that is directed by state statutes for reviewing and revising standards, which for science will begin in early 2017. The Mn Dept. of Education (MDE) will call for applications for the standards revision committee. The committee will be 25-40 John Olson is the science specialist for the Department members representing of Education. He will keep various constituencies, us updated on science educa- including teachers, tion in the MnSTA newsletter. administrators, professors, parents and business. The committee will work for close to a year and will produce a couple preliminary drafts. The committee will use current research on science learning and will review model standards from other states and nations. The public will have the opportunity for electronic input at several points in the process and there will be feedback meetings at locations spread across the state. The committee will submit their recommended standards to the Commissioner of Education who may recommend that schools start using them for planning purposes. There will likely be a three year period before districts are required to implement the standards and the science MCA (state test) assesses the new standards. The standards become law through Minnesota’s Rulemaking process, in which an Administrative Law Judge determines that they are appropriate. For more information see the Frequently Asked Questions about Standards document at http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/EdExc/ StanCurri/index.html This school year MDE is collaborating with MnSTA to have meetings in regions of the state for teachers to give feedback on the implementation and usefulness of the current science standards, provide ideas for instruction from new ideas about science learning, give suggestions about the upcoming standards, and network with other teachers. Look for announcements of the current schedule of these meetings in the MDE Science Update, the MnSTA website, and later in this newsletter.

Safety alert: Methanol-Based Flame Tests NSTA, the American Chemical Society and other safety organizations are strongly recommending that teachers immedialty stop using methanol-based flame tests in open laboratory desk situations. These flame tests are used to illustrate the colors of flames from various metal salts in a solvent. There have been several cases where flame test demonstrations and student activities have resulted in flash fires and severe burns for teachers and students. Any such demonstrations should be restricted to a fume hood, however there is still a level of risk. Safer alternatives to methanol-based flame teast are available and should be used. Invisible flammable vapors of methanol can be ignighted by a spark, a flame or a hot surface. Often this happens when a teacher attempts to reload the containers after the initial demonstration. This can also happen in the mathanol-based “swish-bottle” demonstration, which should also not be used. Several safety resources are avaialble about methanol-based demonstrations. MnSTA is also working on a position statement on Science Safety which will be posted on the MnSTA website. - NSTA’s Flame Test Safety Alert - http://www.nsta. org/safety/flametests.aspx - American Chemical Society flame test alternatives http://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/safetypractices/ flame-tests-demonstration.pdf - US Chemical Safety and Investigation Board video message featuring a burn victim http://www.csb.gov/ videos/after-the-rainbow/ - NSTA Position Statement on Safety and School Science Instruction http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/ safety.aspx Note on Science Specialist Position I am taking a leave-of-absence from late January through August to work with teacher trainers in Liberia as part of Peace Corps Response. This program uses former Peace Corps Volunteers for short-term assignments for urgent needs. During this time my responsibilities will be covered by other MDE staff and some volunteers. The chief contact for science will be Doug Paulson, the STEM Specialist. Doug. paulson@state.mn.us. I hope to see you at the NSTA

MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education News

Preparing for the next Minnesota Science Standards Revision

The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science are scheduled for revision during the 2017-18 schoolyear. To get ready, the Minn. Science Teachers Assn.(MnSTA) is collaborating with the Minn. Dept. of Education to hold meetings in MnSTA regions for teachers, administrators and higher education. You will * provide feedback about how current science standards are working and being implemented, * learn about new understandings of science teaching and standards, * provide input for our next science standards and statewide assessments, and * network with science educators in your region. These sessions are currently scheduled. More sessions are being developed by the MnSTA regional directors.  Little Falls: Nov. 30, 5 pm – 7 pm, contact Jerry Wenzel, jerrywenzel@brainerd.net  Rochester: Dec. 9, contact Denine Voegeli, dvoegeli@isd2899.k12.mn.us  Fergus Falls, Dec. 10, contact TJ Schmitt, tschmitt@barnesville.k12.mn.us  South metro area, TBA,  Champlin (Anoka area) Jan. 5, 4:30 pm – 7 pm, Contact John.c.olson@state.mn.us  Bemidji, Feb 3. Contact Mike Urban, MUrban@ bemidjistate.edu  Montevideo, Feb. 22, contact Jeremy Brady, jbrady@montevideoschools.org Watch for an announcement of an online survey that will be available for any science educator to provide input.

Teacher Events and Workshops

Insect workshop for teachers, Nov. 14, Minneapolis

Learn great insect-based classroom projects directly for world-renowned educators and entomologists at the 2015 Entomological Foundation Workshop 10 am – 2 pm. A $10 registration includes parking at the Minneapolis convention center, lunch, great sessions and classroom resources for K-12 teachers. Go to http://www.entfdn.org/pr_workshop.html for information and registration.

Winter 2016

Submit your presentation proposals and save the dates: MnSTA and NSTA conferences

The MnSTA 2016 Conference on Science Education is Feb. 26-27 in Duluth. Consider sharing your specialty with your colleagues. In exchange for your presentation, you will a significantly reduced registration rate to the conference. Strands for the conference are elementary science, life science, earth & space science, physics and chemistry. The deadline for proposal is December 22 at this mnsta.org. The National Science Teachers Association 2016 Minneapolis Area Conference will be October 27-29, 2016. This is a great opportunity to share your good teaching strategies and programs with a national and regional audience. Proposals are being accepted until January 15 at http://www.nsta.org/conferences/sessions.aspx. Hint: You can submit a session for both MnSTA and NSTA and use the MnSTA conference to polish your presentation for NSTA

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. Go to http://mnearthscience.weebly.com for information.

Earth Science online course, spring 2016

Minnesota State University Moorhead is offering an online course for every secondary teacher who wants to renew and enrich their reaching of earth science. It includes an in-depth examination of earth science concept, an emphasis on good classroom investigative practices and opportunities to discuss curricular application

Opportunities-Department of Education with other educators. There is also an introductory course for elementary educators or high school seniors For more information and details go to http://earthscienceissues.net/MyChallenges/Course.html

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 Green Ribbon Schools Award Gain national recognition for your school’s efforts at being “green.” The U.S. Dept. of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award honors PreK-12 schools, school districts and post-secondary schools that are exemplary at * Reducing environmental impact * Improving health and wellness * Providing effective environmental education Schools prepare an application that is initially evaluated at the state level and finalists are sent on for national evaluation. Applying for the award provides an opportunity to analyze energy and water usage, waste reduction, and transportation. Schools review the strategies that promote healthy practices by students and teachers. In addition, teachers examine their curriculum for instruction in environmental concepts, skills and careers. Through the application process members from various sectors of the school community collaborate to improve their efforts toward sustainability. Go to http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/StuSuc/ScholarRecog/GreenRibbonSch/index.html information and http://www2.ed.gov/programs/ green-ribbon-schools/index.html.

MnSTA Science Teaching Award

Write about your teaching strategies and gain $1000 for a classroom project. This award for MnSTA members recognizes teachers in two categories, elementary and secondary. The application calls for a narrative about your teaching philosophy and style, a resume and a description of the project you propose for the funds. Awardees are recognized at the MnSTA Conference in February. The application deadline is January 9. Go to http://mnsta.org/awards.html for information, nominations, and the applications

Albert Einstein Educator Fellowship

The AEF Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K–12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators to serve 11 months in Washington, D.C., in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional Office. Einstein Fellows bring their experiences as STEM educators to their host offices to inform Federal STEM education efforts. Applications are due Nov. 19. For more information go to http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/

NOAA Climate Stewards

Do you want to do more than just learn about climate change? Join educators across the United States supporting climate resilience. Apply NOW to become part of the 2016 NOAA Climate Stewards Education Stewardship Community. Selected educators who meet project requirements will be eligible for: * Mini-grants up to $2000 to support a climate stew ardship action project. * Travel reimbursements to attend select workshops and/or national conferences. * Special professional development opportunities. *Additional monetary and educational resources. Applications are due by midnight PST, November 22, 2015. To learn more, Go to the NOAA Climate Stewards Education Project Web Site http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/climate-stewards/welcome. html

A new engineering Resource

LinkEngineering is a new resource from the National Academy of Engineering. This project that is designed to help PreK-12 educators in the United States implement engineering education in classrooms and out-of-school settings. It provides a platform for preK-12 teachers, informal educators, and state and district level administrators to work and learn as a community to improve precollege engineering education. It’s free to join LinkEngineering and begin networking, collaborating, and growing your engineering

MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities-Department of Education tool-kit. Got a great engineering project/program going on in your schoolâ&#x20AC;Ś make sure to sign it up to enhance the collaboration with experts and other educators from all over the U.S.! For information go to http://www.linkengineering.org

Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy Scholarships Each scholarship covers tuition for the 5-day pro-

gram at US Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, round trip airfare, meals, housing, materials and a flight suit. Educators must teach science or math to students aged 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14. Check out the details at https://educators.honeywell.com/application

Grants for a state-wide professional develop program are now available

The Minnesota Dept. of Education announces the availability of funding for state-wide science, math and STEM professional development programs. The funding is from the US Dept. of Education Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) program. The grant requires a partnership between an institution of higher education (IHE) and a local education agency (LEA) i.e. school district. However other educational organizations may also be partners. The delivery of the program is different than the previous MSP regional workshop model used in Minnesota. The programs for this grant will have a significant online component that could be used statewide to faciltate gatherings of local teacher groups, such as district progessional learning networks (PLNs or PLCs) or regional groups. The partnerships can submit proposals for programs that are science only, math only or integrated STEM. The grant opportunity documents are available on the MDE grant site https://w1.education.state.mn.us/EGMS/searchAllActiveGrants.do. For more information contact Doug Paulson Doug.paulson@state.mn.us

Student Awards, Competitions and Programs

Physics Force Shows, Minneapolis The Physics Force will be performing a series

of educational and entertaining shows Jan. 11-15, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis. Last year we performed for more than 25,000 students and teachers. Physics Force Winter Show schedule: *Monday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. * Tuesday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Winter 2016

* Wednesday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. *Thursday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (public show) *Friday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The shows are free, but reservations are required. For reservations go to https://www.eventbrite. com/e/physics-force-shows-january-2016-tickets-18511256667?j=610814&e=rzurn@umn. edu&l=6838_HTML&u=15443931&mid=63253 07&jb=2

ExploraDome Scholarships Available

The Bell Museum is proud to offer single-day ExploraDome visits in the 2015-16 school year funded by our generous donors, The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, and Xcel Energy. Schools with 25% or more of their students as recipients of the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program are eligible for this special offer. Please visit our website for more information and to download the application. The information is in the middle of the linked page at http://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/exploradome/outreach-visits

Rural student energy program for secondary youth

Youth Energy Summit (YES!) is a team-oriented youth program that uses hands-on, experiential learning and energy action projects to address energy opportunities and issues in rural Minnesota communities. Students are the energy of the YES! program; they are student groups in grades 7 through 12 representing schools or communities, guided by local, adult coaches. They have engaged in local foods, waste reduction, recycling, and energy conservation. Students have built solar panels, conducted energy audits, designed and built compost bins and small wind turbines, and started greenhouses to grow food for their cafeteria. For information, go to http://www.youthenergysummit.org

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. For teams, the abstract and paper may be the same; teams will collaborate on their essays. Students entering the Minnesota High School STEM Communicator Award competition should: *Have completed an investigative research project that explored a current issue relating to science,

Opportunities-Department of Education mathematics, technology, and society (library research projects will not be accepted); * Depending on grade, have taken a minimum of two years of high school science, including class work in biology or environmental science, chemistry and physics or have concurrent enrollment in physics -or* Depending on grade, have taken a minimum of two years of high school math at an advanced level of coursework for their grade; * Have submitted an “Intent to Apply” by March 15, 2016 and application materials by April 15, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. * NEW: Highly motivated students may submit documented participation in STEM-type activities to replace coursework in math and science, especially where AP or rigorous coursework may not be offered in their schools at their grade level. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Advanced Scouting projects, long-term research work at a college or university, mentorships in STEM areas, AP or Honors level math and science classes, Science Bowl participation, Robotics competitions, or Destination Imagination engineering projects. Please contact Karen Newell for clarification. kmnewell@mnmas.org

high school science teachers who are able to pilot test multiple choice items with their students in the fall of 2015. We are currently developing NGSS-aligned assessment items to measure what students understand about evolution, including both natural selection and common ancestry. Your students’ responses to these assessment items will help us improve them and design additional items. The assessment will be administered online and should take no longer than 45 minutes to complete. For information and to participate complete this online form https://www.research. net/survey-closed/?sm=xYDhk_2BphB5xZIuX2HN BrhXPs3rpY1XzyClELX1eqJ2L6_2Bxk0H1PPNYJc 4MiPwkdXeBd_2FfVZlL6WSD7_2B_2BHggbAEc_ 2B9I0eeibhEyBQnZkRcwM_3D

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 “Dawn (MDE) Cameron” dawn. cameron@state.mn.us, Science Assessment Teach About Minnesota Address state standards about Minnesota using Specialist, innovative outdoor lessons and engaging reading Jim Wood jim.wood@state.mn.us, Science Asmaterial with help from the Minnesota Department sessment Specialist, of Natural Resources. Check out the DNR educaJohn Olson John Olson john.c.olson@state. tion website for links to curriculum, professional mn.us, Science Content Specialist, development, colorful posters, and more http://www. Doug Paulson doug.paulson@state.mn.us, dnr.state.mn.us/education/index.html. View reading STEM Integration Specialist, materials and teacher guides from past Conservation Send submissions for the Science Update to John Volunteer magazines http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ Olson mcvmagazine/young-naturalists.html and sign up for Other Minnesota Links: a MinnAqua and Project WILD, WET or Learning Minn. Dept. of Education Science Page Tree professional development workshops for teachers. Minn. Science Teachers Association Bonus: the DNR’s forestry education website Minn. Frameworks for Science and Mathematics http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/education/index. Standards html features additional posters and activities that Get – STEM Connections between schools and use trees as a context for learning, including free businesses books http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/education/ Mn-STEM STEM programs and resources for primer/index.html for students on Minnesota’s forests families, schools and community and trees. The DNR can mail you a variety of free Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge colorful posters on topics such as Minnesota’s state symbols, biomes, tree products, watersheds, fish, and environmental education resources Minnesota Academy of Science: Science Fair, more. Science Bowl and other competitions Pilot Testing of Evolution Assessment Items The American Association for the Advancement of Mn DNR Education website: Curriculum, proScience’s Project 2061 is recruiting eighth grade and fessional development, posters, etc.

12 MnSTA Newsletter

Opportunities by Amanda Meyer, Biology Rep. A few weeks ago, I was searching online for something new to supplement the phylogenetics lessons the College Biology class had been working on. When I finally came across a great resource, one of my first instincts was to tweet it out, sharing it with my fellow teaching colleagues.

Evolution NOVA Labs. Was looking for Something new to reinforce phylogenetics. Found this great resource# #biochatpbs.org/wgbh/ nova/labs It seems as though many teachers are preprogrammed to share. Put two or more science teachers in a room, and it’s my observation that it takes approximately 4.2 minutes (give or take) before they start talking about examples of their favorite lessons, websites, or labs. So in the spirit of sharing, I’m beginning a series of articles themed, “My Favorite Things.” For each edition of the MnSTA newsletter, my goal is to share with you one website, one book, and one podcast that are “favorites.” Since I’m a Biology teacher, these will mostly concentrate in that discipline area, but I’m hoping as the articles get rolling, I will hear from many science teachers throughout the state of Minnesota, willing to share their favorite things. Yes, this means you! If you have a book, website, or podcast that inspires your teaching or is simply one of those resources you turn to regularly, please contact me (information at the end of his article). Your ideas will be shared here as part of the regular article. With that said, onto the sharing! Website: “NOVA Labs: Evolution Lab.” http:// www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/evolution/ Here is the phylogenetics website that had me so excited a few weeks ago. In this “game,” students are guided through a series of missions in which they initially build phylogenetic trees based on traits, fossil evidence, and then eventually DNA similarities. Part of each mission is a tutorial introducing new concepts and tools, with the following challenges getting progressively harder. There are questions at the end of each mission to check students’ new learning, and players can only move on to a new mission once they’ve successfully unlocked the previous one. I was pleased that NOVA covers a wide diversity of organisms in these missions, from bacteria to dinosaurs to hominids. One of the missions also challenges students to consider practical applications of phylogenetics in medicine. It took my students approximately an hour to go through all the missions, and afterwards I asked them to write a paragraph using what they learned in the NOVA Lab as evidence for questions they were exploring in class. Book: Science Formative Assessment: 75 Practical Strategies for Linking Assessment, Instruction, and Learning by Paige Keeley. Many of you may have seen or have been using the subjectspecific

Winter 2016

formative assessment probes designed by Keeley, which are wildly popular among science teachers. While I do incorporate a couple of these probes here and there throughout my curriculum, the Keeleyinspired tools I use the most come from this book, Science Formative Assessment. Here, Keeley spells out a variety of generic strategies that can be used in any science class to get a better idea of student thinking. Just in the past quarter, I’ve used at least three ideas from this book. For a recent debate about energy in food chains, students participated in a “Four Corners” assessment. They were asked take a stand on a question by moving to the corner of the room that represented their answer and preparing a “position statement” defending that answer with the other likeminded students in the corner. In preparation for a quiz on classification, students worked in pairs to complete a “Justified True/False” and then rotated through other groups to defend and clarify their justifications. To show changing thinking about photosynthesis and expose misconceptions, I asked students to “PostIt Vote” on a question before exploring the topic in class, and then again afterwards. All three of these methods, and 72 others, are described in detail in Keeley’s book. Podcast: Horizontal Transfer by Paul Anderson and David Knuffke.If you teach high school Biology and don’t currently listen to podcasts, this podcast alone should be enough to get you on the bandwagon. Produced by Paul Anderson (of Bozeman Biology video fame) and fellow Biology/Chemistry teacher David Knuffke, Horizontal Transfer is a weekly discussion of ideas, tools, and resources pertinent to all Biology teachers. From topics as specific as “graphing” to broad, philosophical ideas such as, “the ideal high school,” each episode is engaging and entertaining. From the beginning, Paul and David encouraged the listening audience to contribute to the podcast with feedback and “teacher hacks,” which they feature as a regular part of the show. Because of this global collaboration, listening to the podcast makes you feel like a part of a greater community, not just a passive recipient of information. Catching up on past episodes is easy as well, since Paul and David also created a website (of the same name) to archive all the shows and resources. On a side note, I get asked a lot, “Where do you find the time to listen to podcasts?” Think about all the mindless tasks you may have during the day, and these might be the perfect moments to put on a podcast: a long commute, doing the dishes, raking leaves. Once you get started, you’ll start recognizing all sorts of unclaimed minutes throughout your day. Give it a try! 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). Looking forward to your contributions!

MnCOSE 2016- Save the Date

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!

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MnSTA Newsletter

MnCOSE 2016

Call for Presenters MnSTA's premiere professional development event, MnCOSE, can only occur because of the talented professionals that choose to present their work at our conferences! Please consider sharing your specialty with your colleagues. In exchange for your presentation, we'll provide a significantly reduced registration rate to the conference by sharing a personal discount code for you to use once we approve your presentation in our system.

Call for Presenters closes on Dec 22, 2015.

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! 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.!!! (obtained!from!www.mpr.org/about/people/phuttner@mpr.org2)

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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%–%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%–%To%be%announced! Be sure to “like” the MnSTA Facebook Page for important updates and science related information across the state.

Name this winter bird. Send your answer to jerrywenzel@brainerd.net. You will be recognized as the expert in ornithology in the spring newsletter

Winter 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

Winter 2016

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

Marshall County Central HS

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

Region 1&2: North

Michael Urban

218-775-3782 murban@bemidjistate.edu

Bemidji State University

310 W. Minnesota Ave.

1500 Birchmont Dr.

Newfolden, MN 56738

Bemidji, MN 56601

MnSTA Newsletter

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

Cathy Kindem 651-423-7911

jbrady@lqpv.org

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

701 1st St SE

Elgin, MN 55932

dvoegeli@isol2899.k12.mn.us Rosemont-Apple Valley-Eagan cathy.kindem@district196.org

3455 153rd St. W

Rosemont, MN 55068

Ancillary Positions: Database

Mark Lex 55416

Benilde-St. Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2501 Hwy 100 S W: 952-927-4176 F: 952-920-8889

Historian/Parlimentarian Fred Riehm

Retired â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;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.

Winter 2016

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