Science Camp Physics

The great team of teachers celebrated the last day of Science Camp with a Physics show with Dr. Shropshire and his ISU students.  The kids had a blast!  Stomp rockets helped.  It's been another great year for CSI Science Camp.  

Another great visit with Migrant Summer School students

Friday was a fun day with the young kids at Cassia's migrant summer program.  Since the students were younger, and their English language skills are still developing, we focused on the basics of the scientific process.  Their questions were great, and then we did some activities to strengthen their observation skills.   During their micro scavenger hunt, we searched outside for different colors, textures, and items that they brought in to classify.  Finally, we used the animal cards to talk about living and nonliving things, and food chains and webs.

The teachers are so great with these kids, and I am grateful that we have dedicated professionals willing to spend time with students throughout the summer months.

What is the Idaho State Grant Consortium?

Today I was able to attend the Affiliate meeting for ISGC.  Basically, each state has a direct connection to NASA and they work to connect amazing resources with students, teachers, and researchers throughout the state.  Our Idaho Space Grant is managed by great people at UI.    They work with affiliate partners including BSU, ISU, NNU, College of Idaho, and CSI, as well as Discovery Center of Idaho, EIEC, IASE, and other groups who provide support and trainings.

Please check their website at idahospacegrant.org.  There are funding opportunities for all ages, and great resources for teachers.  

A dedicated team from CSI was awarded a NASA ORBIT grant for two years.  Part of their project includes semester long workshops for HS juniors and Seniors and CSI students.  The Spring program was a great success, and applications are now being accepted for Fall semester.

Idaho STEM Action Center gets funding

This past week, I attended a  town hall style meeting with Governor Butch Otter.  The event was informative to the few community members that spent the day listening to updates in a variety of state and local issues.  But the strongest impression I had was that our state runs on SCIENCE!  I say this because the critical state issues that we must understand before we can legislate are ALL based on our natural resources.  Water quality, agriculture, biodiversity, energy, public health, and education (because kids are natural resources too!) are more than STEM subjects.  They directly influence our economy, our tourism, our ability to attract families, teachers, and businesses that can strengthen our state of Idaho.

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/apr/02/idaho-lawmakers-vote-set-new-stem-action-center/

I am interested to better understand how we educate our community leaders, who will grow up to become our state leaders, in these science-based concepts.    Science literacy should continue to be a priority for all of us that spend time and energy on science education.    This newly approved STEM Action Center will hopefully impact our efforts across the state.  Of course we need state wide science fairs, that is music to my ears....but I am excited to see more than events and conferences.   I will follow this new office closely.  I am glad I got to meet the Governor this week.  My days working for CSI are full of surprises and opportunities!

21st Century Grant Teaching Day

The summer science fun continues as I spent some time with teachers and students in Twin Falls.  They have partnered with CSI to coordinate a summer school program full of STEM activities!    My topic for the day was FOOD so we focused on food chains, webs, energy transfers in an ecosystem, and my favorite...dissecting owl pellets!  The students were amazed to find so many bones in each pellet, and they better understood the role that predators play in the environment.  Thanks to a great team of CSI faculty that provided 2 weeks worth of science for these great kids!  Partnerships with K12 schools benefit kids of all ages and I am grateful to be involved. 

Updated with Pictures: KMVT visit about the Family STEM Class in Burley: Food Science

http://www.kmvt.com/features/riseandshine/CSI-Offers-Two-Science-Camps-This-Summer-161207945.html Bring the whole family young and old for a fun and hands on night of FOOD SCIENCE! This is one night where mom and dad won’t tell you not to play with your food. This class will also contain a short introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)and give you some suggestions on how to incorporate STEM concepts into your family’s routine and conversations. Instructor: Bill Ebener Fee: $9 per person including supplies

5th Grade STEM Day in Declo

We had another great STEM Day for our 5th graders!  This activity was created to give the students a fun and interesting day since the field trip budgets have been cut.  There were 6 classes taught by professionals and parents in STEM fields, and 20 other parents volunteered in some way!  That is great for our kids!  The classes taught were Chemistry and Ecology, by CSI instructors, EMT/Ambulance....thanks Maggie from Malta!, Robotics with the Declo HS FRC team coaches and kids, Math games with a DJHS teacher and mom, and the Physics of Flight...aka the SLING SHOT class!  The students rotated all day and finished with prizes and cottan candy.  I am so grateful for the support I received...everyone helped to pull this off!

2012 National EE Week: Greening STEM

April 15-22 is the National Environmental Ed week, culminating in Earth Day on April 22.  I love the theme this year because it incorporates 2 of my favorite topics...environmental ed and STEM activities.  The website has a lot of great information.  Teachers can register for EE toolkits with resources.

Also, CSI is sponsoring their annual Green Week.  The Sustainability Council stays busy all year, but this is their week to shine.  Follow the link to the activities happening all week on campus.  And like them on FB!  I do!

http://sustainability.csi.edu/


http://eeweek.org/greening_stem

I shared this image once before, but it is worth posting again.

CSI Education Technology Article

Here is an article about my friend Dave Makings. I am enjoying the SeTEM class that I get to observe at CSI. I am also enjoying my first true online course through NASA and Georgia Tech. Last night I learned how to scan a QR Code and download documents to read. Very cool!

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http://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls/future-teachers-prepare-for-classrooms-filled-with-new-technology/article_265c4d71-a53f-592b-8267-f3d25b5acc83.html