Idaho Power Grants due January 31

Idaho Power is offering Powering Tomorrow Grants to recognize organizations that work to further educational excellence in unique ways. Libraries and other educators can tell their education story at www.facebook.com/idahopower by Jan.31, 2012 and their organization could be the recipient of a grant.

Idaho Power will award multiple grants, and tax-exempt organizations and schools within their service area may receive up to $1,500 each. A complete list of eligibility requirements is available when you share your story on their Facebook page. Tell your story or nominate others at: www.facebook.com/idahopower. If you’re not a Facebook user, you may have a friend or family member post your story for you.

Science Classroom Makeover!

http://www.nsta.org/shellsciencelab/

Complete a Shell Science Lab Challenge Application describing (in 3 pages or less) your philosophy of science teaching; the school's current limited laboratory facilities and resources and why they might be classified as "limited"; and an innovative use of limited laboratory equipment and resources you have implemented in your classroom. (See SSLC Application for complete details.)

Science Fair article, new Science Kids website, and Fellowship opportunity

I love finding new websites, and this one does not disappoint.  Science News for Kids is geared to students and teachers, with current articles like this one about science fair projects.  Teachers, follow the link to learn about a great fellowship opportunity.  The deadline to apply is in February.

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2011/12/science-fair-as-a-family-affair/

Idaho Power sponsors Free Family Day at Birds of Prey

I saw this on FB yesterday, and the rain will keep me away today, but there is another date, February 18,  that I can finally travel to the Birds of Prey Center.  I have never been there with my family!

From Idaho Power
"We’re sponsoring Family Field Trip Saturday again this year at the World Center for Birds of Prey. The picture below has all the details, but here’s all you need to know: it’s tomorrow, it’s fun, it’s educational and it’s free!"

Remember that Idaho Power is also sponsoring Powering Tomorrow Grants and the deadline to apply and vote is Jan 31.   Vote for your favorite projects on Facebook.

Idaho Powering Tomorrow Grants

From Idaho Power on Facebook...
Where’s Larry? He’s talking with us tomorrow re: our Powering Tomorrow Grants. You’ve got until Jan. 31 to tell us how your unique, educational program could use a $1,500 grant. Learn more here or tune in to KTVB at 5am tomorrow!

Teachers and others with nonprofit groups can apply for these grants.  Clubs, robotic teams, community centers, and schools have already shared their stories on Facebook, so get going! 

http://www.ktvb.com/community/blogs/wheres-larry/Learning-Lab-Powering-lives-136583788.html

Outreach and Grant News

As I wrap up my CSI classes for another semester, I wanted to share one of my favorite websites for you to explore over the break.  In the last few weeks, I have visited about 8 schools to substitute for math and science classes, and I have used my favorite genetics and cell site several times.  Learn.genetics.utah.edu is a great site to cover cells, heredity, DNA, and current examples of all things genetics.  I use the virtual labs to introduce students to real labs they will be doing.  Whether I am teaching my college students or HS students, we always cover gel electrophoresis, blood typing, and/or  DNA extraction and I  learn something new each time.  The website is very user friendly, and it is sponsored by the University of Utah.

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

I also got good news this morning.  I wrote a grant this Fall to Target to help fund a field trip to Boise so the students could go to the Discovery Center, and we were chosen to receive the money.  I am so excited for our Fourth graders!  So keep looking for funding opportunities...there are so many available!

Tomorrow morning my son and I leave for the State Robotics Competition.  I will post updates throughout the competition...there are at least 5 Magic Valley teams going...and I am sure we will all have a great time! 

More Teacher Opportunities

Tonight as I reviewed an earlier post about grants for teachers, I was reminded how lucky we are to have access to so many opportunities.  Yes, you have to dig a little, but it is worth it.  Back in September, I posted the NSTA calendar of ongoing grants and other events, so take a look at that extensive list.  Here is just one example of another opportunity just about to expire...

http://www.spacefoundation.org/education/educators/programs/teacher-liaison-officers

Looks fun, huh?  Deadline is December 9.

Teacher/ Donor Programs

Here is some information about DonorsChoose, which matches donors with teachers that need specific supplies for their classrooms.  Another site is classwish.org.  I personally know these programs work, and have brought equipment to Cassia schools.  So parents, ask your teachers to participate, then donate toward a specific supply.  No more lotion for teachers!  None of us can buy a $200 supply, but each of us can give $5 and that can really add up to great new stuff for our kids.

Grants for Teachers - CenturyLink is partnering with DonorsChoose.org to offer grants totaling $100,000 to fund classroom projects in public schools! Projects must be submitted by a teacher at a public school to be eligible. Log on to DonorsChoose.org and submit your request for a project that fills a need in your classroom. For best chance to receive funding, projects should be submitted by September 12!    

Travel scholarships for Science Teachers~NSTA Regional Conferences

WOW!  I am warning you...I am turning in my own amazing application for this opportunity.  But I had to share this with local science teachers.  The deadline for this scholarship application is Friday, September 2!  The Seattle Regional Conference is December 8-10, so make plans to attend!  Good luck!

Back-to-School Special

Need a ride to the Hartford, New Orleans, or Seattle NSTA Area Conference on Science Education?
Teachers can apply for a Travel Scholarship, made possible by Southwest Airlines, to any one of the 2011 NSTA Area Conferences on Science Education:

Hartford, October 27-29
New Orleans, November 10-12
Seattle, December 8-10

A total of 27 round-trip airline tickets will be awarded to science educators attending the 2011 NSTA area conferences (nine to each conference).
To register to win, write a 150-word essay on what science content, teaching strategy, technique, or topic you are most interested in learning about at the conference and why. Along with your essay, include your name, which 2011 NSTA Area Conference you wish to attend, NSTA member status (member/nonmember), school, address, e-mail, and phone number.
E-mail your entry to swtravelscholarship@nsta.org.
The deadline is 5 pm on Friday, September 2, 2011. Travel Scholarship recipients will be notified on Friday, September 16, 2011.
This opportunity is available thanks to the generosity of Southwest Airlines!