From MSTA President, Dr. Carl Dewitt
Recently, I had the opportunity to be a judge ata regional science fair. There were so many great projects! Over the years, I have judged many science fair projects. It never fails, there is always a young mind that has made a lemon battery for the first time. You might think thatseeing that lemon battery gets old after the 100th time of seeing it in a science fair. It does not get old. While I have seen many lemon batteries, that child is experiencing it for the first time. How wonderful! Isn’t the world magical!
As educators, we allstrive to inspire curiosity, criticalthinking, and a passion for learning in our students. One of the best opportunities to do so is by encouraging them to participate in the science fair.
Science fairs offer students a hands-on experience that goes beyond textbooks and classroom lessons. They provide a platform forstudents to develop problem-solving skills, apply scientific concepts to real-world issues, and build confidence in presenting their ideas. These events also foster creativity, collaboration, and perseverance qualities that willbenefit them in any career path they choose.
By supporting students in this endeavor, you are helping them develop valuable skills such as research, experimentation, and public speaking. More importantly, you are inspiring the next generation of innovators and criticalthinkers. Your encouragement, guidance, and enthusiasm can make all the difference in a student's journey ofdiscovery.
Just because a child has a question that you know the answer to, does not mean thatyou should give them the answer. Let them explore and make the discovery themselves. They have to discover something for the first time, just like you discovered it for the first time. It is like watching the movie The Sixth Sense with someone who has never seen it, DO NOT spoil the ending. Give them some time and let them experience the moment just like you did thatfirst time.
To know more about the science fair, please visit: https://www.msefstate.com/
How to make a lemon battery: https://youtu.be/WNx-bwlTATI?si=dC4WX7IblPDegYzz
World’s largestlemon battery:https://youtu.be/a1D-fZP8qJk?si=t1ZBKFgTofIDKlI2
From MSTA President-elect, Dr. Adrine Williams
Teachers, we’re in the home stretch! The school year is winding down, and many of us are in state testing mode, making sure our students are prepared to show what they’ve learned. It’s a busy and often stressful time, but take a moment to recognize all the hard work you and your students have put in. You’ve guided them through lessons, labs, projects, and challenges and that’s something to be proud of!
As the final weeks unfold, keep the momentum going. Encourage your students to stay focused and finish break but also remind them of how far they’ve come. Celebrate their progress, whether it’s through small classroom recognitions, hands-on activities, or just taking a moment to reflect on the learning journey you’ve shared.
Once testing wraps up and the last assignments are turned in, it will be time to rest and recharge. You’ve given so much to your students, and summer is the perfect time to take care of yourself. Enjoy a well-earned break but also consider engaging in professional development. Whether it’s attending a STEM workshop, participating in hands-on training, or simply connecting with fellow educators, learning something new can be both refreshing and inspiring.
So, as this school year comes to a close, take pride in the impact you’ve made. Finish strong, celebrate your successes, and look forward to a summer of rest and renewal!
Congratulations to Mississippi’s Latest PAEMST Award Winners!
We are excited to celebrate and congratulate the outstanding educators from Mississippi who have been selected as the latest recipients of the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! This recognition is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and computer science.
The winners in Science, at the state level for the 2024-2025 year are:
• Angela Lee of Bayou View Middle School
• Tammie Marlow of Cleveland Central Middle School
• Anamaria Moore of Vardaman Attendance Center
The PAEMST award acknowledges the exceptional work and dedication of teachers who inspire and nurture the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. Mississippi’s latest winners have shown incredible commitment to their students, their craft, and the future of STEM education. These teachers not only excel in their classroom practices but also create environments that encourage curiosity, foster critical thinking, and promote hands-on learning experiences that engage and empower students.
We proudly announce this year’s NATIONAL WINNERS: Cohort Year 2021
• Kenneth Peagler, High School Science Teacher, Brandon High School, Rankin County School District Cohort Year 2022
• Jana Chao, Fifth-grade Computer Science Teacher, Eastside Elementary, Clinton Public School District
• Jennifer Hite, Fifth-grade Teacher at Pearl Upper Elementary, Pearl Public School District Cohort Year 2023
• Leah Ann Peavey, Brookhaven Technical Center, Brookhaven School District
These educators will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and will have the opportunity to attend an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., along with participating in a series of professional development activities to further enhance their teaching skills.
Mississippi is proud to be home to such exceptional educators who go above and beyond to inspire and challenge their students. The PAEMST Award is not only a recognition of their hard work and dedication but also a testament to the importance of STEM education in shaping the future of our state and nation.
Let us all join in celebrating these outstanding teachers who are making a difference every day in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to seeing the continued impact they will have on the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators.
Congratulations again to Mississippi’s PAEMST Science Award winners!
If you know of a teacher who deserves recognition for their exceptional work in STEM education, consider nominating them for the next round of PAEMST awards! https://paemst.nsf.gov/
For all state and national Presidential Awardees and Finalists, please join us at our annual MPAST meeting at the next MSTA Conference.
Terry Rose
Mississippi Presidential Award for Science Teaching (MPAST) President
Interesting Articles
Are you concerned about AI in your classroom?
ChatGPT and Beyond: How to Handle AI in Schools
This comprehensive review delves into the background, applications, key challenges, and future directions of ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it
The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.
If stress is a large part of your day….
Explainer: How our body deals with stress
Our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems coordinate to help us cope
Research interests….
How scientists with disabilities are making research labs and fieldwork more accessible
Building student confidence….
Empowering engineering students through storytelling
Stories of self-doubt are common among engineering students. That was a key finding of a study conducted recently at Boise State University by a team of researchers.
ETS: The Teaching Pathways research program at ETS is seeking feedback from Elementary educators on a vision and plan for a personalized, online platform that uses digital performance tasks and automated feedback to support teacher professional development (PD). Learn more here.
Student Competitions and Awards
Competition Name Sponsor Grade Level Due Date Award Link
Regeneron International Science And Engineering Fair Society for Science and Regeneron Pharmaceutic als, Inc.
Grades 7-12 May 10-16, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio
BioGENEius Challenge Biotechnolog y Institute Grades 9-12
1st Award: $5,000 cash award 2nd Award: $2,000 cash award
https://www.societyforscience. org/isef/
2025 TBA Cash Prizes https://biotechinstitute.org/bi ogeneius/
First Robotics Competition FIRST Grades 9-12 2025 Dates TBA Scholarships https://www firstinspires org /robotics/frc
Ocean Awareness BowSeat 11-18 years June 9, 2025 up to $1,000 https://bowseat.org/program s/ocean-awarenesscontest/contest-overview/
Young Scientist Challenge 3M Grades 5-8 May 1, 2025 up to $25,000 https://youngscientistlab.com /
OurEcho Challenge
2025 The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers youth to take a closer look at the biodiversity around them and step up as leaders in their communities. Young leaders will first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources. This Spring, the OurEcho Challenge will open to youth in the USA, ages 13-16. Additional information available at www.OurEchoChallenge.org.
Key Dates
•February 24, 2025 Challenge opens for entries
•February 26, 2025 Virtual Share-a-Thon for Teachers/Educators
•March 12, 2025 Virtual GenSea Session, Project Ideation for Youth
•April 22, 2025 Submission Deadline, at 11:59 PM ET
Important Links
•General details and information: www.OurEchoChallenge.org
•For Youth: Sign up to receive tips, updates, and reminders
•For Teachers/ Adult Mentors: Sign up to receive lesson plans, classroom resources, and more to support their students
Blow your horn!
You are a fabulous teacher! Apply for awards or nominate peers for awards.
Award Who Can Apply Brief Description Link/
AAPG Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Award
Lawrence Scadden Teacher of the Year Award in Science Education for Students with Disabilities
Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award
K-12 teacher with 3 years of experience, teaches at least 1 unit per year on natural resources
K-12 science teachers teaching students with disabilities with at least 5 years of teaching experience, outstanding contribution to science students with disabilities
K-12 educators to technology education
$6,000: $3,000 for his/her school use, $3,000 for personal use
NSTA National Conference, $1,000 travel
https://foundation.aapg. org/teacher-of-theyear-award-k-12
https://sesd.info/scadden201 1.pdf
Maitland P. SimmonsMemorial Award for New Teachers
Northrop Grumman Foundation Excellence in Engineering Education Award
NSTA member residing in an NSTA district and has taught less than 5 years full-time
Hotel accommodations for 3 nights and 4 days in Colorado Springs/cash award for $1,000/trophy/plaque with name in Kennedy Space Center in Florida
$1,000 expense to attend the annual National Conference/invitation to workshops/presentations
https://www.amfcse.org/alanshepard-technology-ineducation-award
K-12 public school science or technology teachers with at least 3 years teaching experience
$5,000 materials/$3,000 prize/$2,000 expenses to attend National Conference
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/aw ards/newteacher.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/aw ards/NorthropGrumman.pdf
Award Who Can Apply
Ron Mardigian Memorial Biotechnology Explorer Award
Distinguished Informal Science Award
High school science teachers with at least two years of experience with biotechnology in their lessons
NSTA member who is not a classroom teacher
Distinguished Teaching Award NSTA member with at least 10 years of distinguished teaching experience
Fellow Award
Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award
Longstanding NSTA member (at least 10 years)
K-12 urban science teachers in eligible underrepresented groups: African American, Hispanic American, Native American/Alaska native who maintain tribal affiliation, Hawaiian natives
Sylvia Shugrue Award NSTA member, Elementary teachers with at least 5 years full-time teaching experience
Vernier Technology Awards
K-college science teachers in an NSTA district
Brief Description
$1,000 expenses/$2500 Bio-Rad products
2 nights hotel/$500
2 nights hotel/$500
Citation/pin
$1,800 expenses to attend the National conference
Link/
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/award s/Mardigian.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/award s/distinguishedinformal.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/award s/distinguishedteaching.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/award s/Fellow.pdf
https://www.nsta.org/shell/urbanaward
Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award
K-12 science teachers in an NSTA district
$1,000 prize/$500 expenses/become part of NSTA website
$1,000 prize/$1,500 expenses to attend National Conference/$3,000 products
(6 awardees will be selected annually)
$1,000 prize/$1,000 expenses/plaque
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/awards /shugrue.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/aw ards/vernier.pdf
https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/a wards/Yager.pdf
These award nominations have different application deadlines. Be sure to check out the dates.
And remember…the one
sure way NOT to get an award is to NOT apply. Take the chance. Apply.
Dear Mississippi Science Teachers Association,
We are excited to announce a new $4M funding opportunity for place-based, environmental education projects. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP), along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Environmental Literacy Program, aims to enhance community resilience and increase the environmental literacy of community members across the U.S. Gulf States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida) through place-based education. This funding opportunity will support projects that educate community members on local environmental challenges, engage learners in solutions-oriented activities, and empower participants to engage in them.
A total of $4M is available for this funding opportunity. Applicants must request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are between 12 and 36 months in duration.
Applications Open: February 26, 2025
Applications Close: May 21, 2025 | 5 PM ET
Our promotional toolkit has sample emails and social media posts that GRP and NOAA will use to announce this opportunity. We encourage you to engage with our posts! Please feel free to craft your own posts and announcements using this as background information.
For additional information and to apply, please visit ourwebsite
Matthew D. Stilwell, PhD, PMP (he/him) Program Officer
Board on Gulf Education and Engagement Gulf Research Program Division
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-334-1502
www.nationalacademies.org/gulf
Environmental Educators and Every Teacher
The Mississippi Geographic Alliance (MGA) and the Mississippi Environmental Educators Alliance (MEEA) are poised to host an opportune gathering, uniting educators from across the state to advance environmental education. This collaborative effort will bring together formal and informal educators to analyze data collected through a comprehensive survey by the Southeastern Environmental Educators Alliance (SEEA).
The survey, spanning eight states, delves into the integration of environmental science into classrooms and explores how informal environmental education can complement formal learning environments. By bringing together educators from diverse backgrounds, this meeting aims to shape the future of environmental education in Mississippi and beyond.
"As a leader in geographic literacy, MGA is committed to fostering collaboration among educators and promoting environmental stewardship," said Dr. Ellen Foster, Executive Director of MGA. "This gathering underscores the importance of partnership between formal and informal educators in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges."
The meeting will also highlight MEEA and Mississippi's role as the host 2025 Spring Southeastern Environmental Educators Alliance Conference. This partnership between educators and environmental organizations is crucial in providing access to relevant and dynamic environmental knowledge.
Key objectives of the gathering include:
• Exploring strategies to integrate environmental science into curricula
• Identifying opportunities for outside learning experiences
• Developing resources and lesson plans aligned with state standards
• The success of environmental education relies on the strength of collaboration between educators and organizations like MGA. By working together, we can ensure that students receive high-quality instruction that prepares them to become informed and engaged citizens.
For more information about MGA and its initiatives, please contact Angie Stallings, Project Manager for MGA, 601-665-3907.
About Mississippi Geographic Alliance (MGA):
The Mississippi Geographic Alliance (MGA) is dedicated to promoting geographic literacy across Mississippi. Through educational services, student outreach programs, and professional development for K-12 educators, MGA strives to prepare students to succeed in a diverse world while fostering a deeper understanding of our planet's resources.
About Mississippi Environmental Educators Alliance (MEEA):
The Mississippi Environmental Educators Alliance (MEEA) is committed to promoting environmental literacy and stewardship across Mississippi. Through collaboration and advocacy, MEEA works to empower educators with the resources and support needed to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
SEE MOE
Classroom Opportunities
❑ The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is here for you! Learn more about MMNS workshops at https://www.mdwfp.com/museum-natural-science/teacher-workshops-and-resources Teacher kits are available for free (except for the cost of shipping back to the Museum) and include topics: Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals; Mammal Skulls; Birds; and Invertebrates. The Museum has many printable resources and online videos on their Kids Corner. The Museum offers special programs that can be added to a field trip. The topics are described in the Teacher’s Guide: https://www.mdwfp.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/teacher_guide.pdf Book your in-school programs from the Museum’s Outreach Educators for the school year. The Outreach Educators have several excellent topics available or can create a program to suit your needs https://www.mdwfp.com/museum-natural-science/statewide-outreach Learn more at https://www.mdwfp.com/museum/
Mars opens 2025 by reaching opposition the night of Jan. 15/16, when it shines brighter and appears larger through a telescope than at any time since December 2022. You’ll find it in Gemini, near the heads of the Twins. Venus rules the evening skies in early 2025, then shifts to the morning by April and remains a blazing morning star through November. Mercury makes one of its finest appearances of the year in June, even as Jupiter disappears into the Sun’s glare. The gas giant returns to the sky in July, standing among the stars of Gemini in the morning sky and coming within within 1.5° of Venus for three days centered on Aug. 12. Saturn reaches is peak in late September, after a ring-plane crossing in March, even as it’s hidden by the Sun at that time. And Uranus reaches opposition Nov. 21, standing at that time just 4° south of the Pleiades.
Speaking of the Pleiades, in February the Moon — just one day past its First Quarter phase — passes in front of this young star cluster, hiding the Seven Sisters from view in an occultation. Then, a dazzling total lunar eclipse occurs in mid-March, as Luna passes through our planet’s shadow overnight on March 13/14. Two weeks later, on March 29, observers in northeastern North America, Western Europe, and northwestern Africa will experience a partial solar eclipse. All the while, the Sun remains at solar maximum, hopefully producing several repeats of the stunning aurorae we enjoyed in 2024.
Several meteor showers will enjoy excellent viewing prospects in 2025, starting with the Quadrantids, peaking Jan. 3. The Lyrids (April 22), Orionids (Oct. 21), Leonids (Nov. 17), and Geminids (Dec. 14) should also put on spectacular shows next year.
There’s so much to enjoy in the sky in 2025 — download our full Sky Guide 2025, linked below, to ensure you won’t miss a thing!
From https://www.astronomy.com/observing/sky-guide-2025/ Sky Guide 2025
Student Competitions
For more information, click https://msspacegrant.org/
Do you want to be a part of the INFINITY Science Center educational program?
Then you should join this immersive training where you will work side by side with ISC’s education department to create and demonstrate science concepts through hands-on activities and labs for students and general museum guests.
This 60-hour -6 CEU program is a year-long program that gives you the opportunity to experience INFINITY through every season. You will also have the honor to serve as an INFINITY Outreach Ambassador in your community and be part of ISC special programs!
There is a $50 registration fee. There is a $40 CEU fee. Title of: INFINITY Science Center Outreach Ambassador
Click to Register!
Contact Donna Torres at dtorres@visitinfinity.com or call 228-533-9025 ext. 323 with any questions.
Earn 4 CEUs by working with the Educational Department at INFINITY Science Center.
As a part of the Museum Studies program, you will work side by side with our educators assisting with lesson delivery, and special programming, and have the opportunity to learn new and engaging activities that you can take back to your classroom.
To earn the 4 CEU’s you must complete 40 hours within the program time frame. The schedule will be arranged based on your availability to complete 40 hours.
There is a nonrefundable $50 registration fee.
On your first day, you will complete CEU paperwork and will need to provide a check for $40 made payable to PRCC for your CEU transcript that will be mailed to you within two weeks following completion of the program.
Click to Register!
Contact Donna Torres at dtorres@visitinfinity.com or call 228-533-9025 ext. 323 with any questions.
Earth Day is around the corner and we're here to help you bring it to life in your classroom. Join us for K–12 Earth Day Lessons for a Sustainable Energy Future, a free online workshop celebrating Earth Day and the 2025 theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.”
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM ET
Explore engaging, ready-to-use lessons that examine the past, present, and future of energy ideal for social studies, science, and math classrooms. Through a series of activities, we will:
➢ Compare historical vs. modern energy use
➢ Examine the impact of fossil fuel mining
➢ Brainstorm renewable energy solutions
➢ Imagine innovative energy solutions for tomorrow
These engaging lessons help K–12 educators start meaningful conversations about energy and sustainability. Register and get free, classroom-ready resources.
MSTA Board of Directors
Executive Board
President: Carl Dewitt, PhD
President-elect: Adrine Williams, EdD
Immediate Past President: Cindy Alsworth-Jones
Treasurer: Melinda Miller (also Website, Scholarships)
Executive Director: Ann Huber
Assistant Executive Officer: Betsy Sullivan, PhD (also Newsletter Editor )
District Directors
District A: James Brownlow
District B: Adrine Williams, PhD (also DEI)
District C:
District D: Elizabeth Prewitt (also Publicity) Kelle Sumrall (also Publicity)
District E: Chantelle Herchenhahn
District F: Megan Brooks
District Directors Coordinator: Lillie Akin-Knighton (also Science Matters)
Area Representatives
College/University: Bill Scott, PhD
Community College: Michelle Baragona, PhD
High School: Heather Thornton
Middle School: Bobby Robinson
Elementary School: Lori Matzek
Independent Schools: Industry:
Pre-service Teachers: Lacey Fitts, PhD
MDE Liaison: Kevin Gaylor, EdD
Parliamentarian: Johnny Mattox, PhD (also Historian)
Social Media: Christy Sheffield
Professional Liaison: Joe Sumrall, PhD (also Student Competitions)
About the Board of Directors:
The MSTA Board of Directors are volunteers who believe in science education within Mississippi. We receive no discounted rates for our service.