Online learning, Guest Speakers, and the Genetic Science Learning Center

This semester,  I am teaching a "Science in Society" general education course for the College of Southern Idaho.  The purpose of the course is to develop a strong sense of connection between a variety of disciplines, including natural sciences, oral and written communication, social sciences, and the humanities.  We will also uncover and correct common misconceptions that impact our decision making and perception of the world. 

Each week we cover a specific scientific discipline and relate it to our daily lives.  Along with every other teacher in America, I moved my class to online delivery using primarily ZOOM sessions.   And of course, I modified the scope of topics to include the ongoing impact of COVID 19 and infectious disease prevention and treatments.

Yesterday, as I mentioned in my previous post, we also had an earthquake in the central mountains of Idaho, so it was great to hear from our local Geology instructor during our class discussion.  Remote learning is a challenge for all of us, but it does allow for new opportunities.

I shared one of my favorite teaching resources from the University of Utah Genetics Learning Center.  Both sites...the learn.genetics.edu and teach.genetics.edu are full of interactive resources and virtual labs for all ages.  For an at-home activity, my students can do the Family Traits Trivia Game.  We can learn a lot about our families while we spend so much unexpected time together!

https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/

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.  

Science Camp Teachers are AWESOME!

The teachers that volunteer each year bring individual talents and strengths to the group.  I have some who are able to come back every year, and their experience improves camp each time.  They receive a full day of content training, in this case it was focused on using Arts in deliberate ways to teach STEM subjects.  They spend 4 long days with the camp kids and stay positive and flexible.  Then I ask them to come back and teach more than a hundred more kids at a community park activity.  They are awesome!  They do receive PD credit and other benefits, but I know their time and energy are taken so that many local kids can have a great experience!! 

CSI Science Camp Partnerships

This post will highlight the great partners that come out of the woodwork to help these kids have a positive experience.   We actually ran out of time this year to use all the volunteers in Burley, but we hope to get them involved in the Twin Falls camp later this summer. 

We had visits from the Burley Fire Department, ISU and Dr. Shropshire, Lynn Manning with his candy cannon, and Dale Dayley who taught us about fiber optics.  During the teacher training, we had Rob Mayer teach us about phonograph construction, John McClusky teach us about medical illustration, and Bettina Throckmorton helped us find our artistic side. 

I am so grateful we have talented and willing people in Mini-Cassia!

Burley Fire Department came for our favorite activity...Save Mr. Egg!

Dale Dayley presents to teachers and students about Fiber Optics

John McClusky presents on his work as a medical illustrator

Rob Mayer teachers about how to build a working phonograph with school supplies~!

CSI Science Camp 2015 - Full STEAM Ahead

Every year I think Science Camp can't get any better, and then it does!  According to one young student when he was asked, "What is your favorite part of Science Camp?", he said, :Ever-thing!"  Another fun comment came from my 6 year old nephew.  After 2 days at Junior Science Camp, he told his mom he wanted to be a chemical engineer.  You are WELCOME!

Our theme this year allowed us to spend more time on the creative process that is so critical in the STEM subjects.  On day 1, I saw the teachers taking that element and just making some amazing things happen.  In all the years that I have been doing film canister poppers, I never thought to add a little washable paint and launch them on paper.  The exploding art was awesome!

The kids have their favorites, like solar ovens and lava lamps.  So I am glad we choose to do some activities more than one year.  But the new activities were so fun to watch!  We used the brick lab and magnetos to build structures, then we put those designs and structures on solar paper to see the impressions left after some time.  Their 3D designs became 2D pieces of art.

I will post a few days in a row just to capture some of the best shots.  Thanks to CSI Community Education, Cassia and Minidoka School district teachers, the Burley Fire Department, Dale Dayley, and Dr. Steve Shropshire of ISU.  The laser show at the end was the perfect way to end a great week!!

Iron Scientist Demonstrations

The last assignment that my ISU students needed to do was their Iron Scientist projects.  I gave each group a secret ingredient, and they chose a science topic that related to their Unit Plans.  I have done this activity for years, and I love the creativity that is shared by students.   I have loved teaching this Science Methods class!!

Capillary Colors

Ice Cream in a Bag

Hot Air Balloons and Homemade Agar...not the same demo!

Pipe Cleaner Neurons

New Year Science

It must be the day of resolutions, because I feel like writing another blog post.    Who knows who is reading these, but most likely you find a picture on google that leads you here, and then you think, "hmmm...this is not what I need."  That's fine...it is what I need!

I find great ideas and fun activities, and museum exhibits and interesting stories, so I will try to get them posted here again.  STEM is alive and well, and I am excited for the progress we continue to make in Idaho that will benefit our kids.

This article is from 2013, but the information is still relevant.  So enjoy and Happy New Year!!

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/01/01/new_year_s_science_the_astronomy_of_new_year_s_day.html

Space Camp for Teachers! Scholarship Opportunity

Please...someone apply for this scholarship and go for me!!  This is a dream opportunity, but the scholarship guidelines are very specific and I do not qualify.  Darn!!  Good luck to you though!!

https://educators.honeywell.com/application

GAMES...CSI Science Camp Information for Burley

Here is the flyer for the 6th annual Science Camp.  This year, we have partnered with UI Cassia County Extension 4H and they will be running a Junior Camp for K-1.  I am excited for their participation because we can offer Science Camp to more great kids!

Please register soon so we can finalize plans for activities.  Come in to our office or call 678-1400 to register.

Genetics Learning Center Teacher Opportunity

Dear Teachers,

The Genetic Science Learning Center invites you to explore the ecosystem of the human body during The Human Microbiome Online Institute July 14-28, 2014 OR July 28 - August 8, 2014 (two sessions).

Participants in the Institute will: update your knowledge about the role of the microbiome in health and disease, discuss the microbiome during a live Q&A session with a researcher in the field, review new supplemental curriculum activities about the microbiome for grades 9-12, and collaborate with colleagues and the GSLC about strategies for integrating microbiome content with your core curriculum.

Stipend: $150
Who is eligible to apply? : US Biology, Health, or Anatomy and Physiology teachers, Grades 9-12.

For more information and an application see: The Human Microbiome Online Summer Institute
Application deadline May 23, 2014.

We hope you have a restorative summer,
The Genetic Science Learning Center


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

I love this site!!!

Idaho STEM Teacher Award Opportunity!!

Know a great STEM teacher? Nominate them for the INDEEDS Award!

A coalition of Idaho’s leading industries have partnered with the Idaho State Department of Education and Idaho State Board of Education to improve a prestigious awards program to recognize and reward Idaho’s teachers who are working hard every day to grow the next generation of leaders in science and technology.

Formerly known as the GIANTS Award, the new Industry’s Excellent Educators Dedicated to STEM Awards Program –referred to as INDEEDS – has been unveiled this year to better reflect the critical role business and industry play in identifying, recognizing and rewarding excellent science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) teachers across Idaho.

INDEEDS is proudly sponsored by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Micron Foundation, Washington Division of URS, Hewlett-Packard Company, Idaho Power, and LCF Enterprises, with support from the Idaho Technology Council, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho State Department of Education, and Idaho State Board of Education.

The new award also will help duplicate their successes within local schools and communities.

Every school principal can now nominate up to one teacher in his or her school for the INDEEDS Award. If you know a deserving teacher, encourage your principal to submit a nomination!

Two Idaho teachers will receive the INDEEDS Award each year. Each INDEEDS awardee will receive:

• A $2,000 individual cash prize to recognize and reward his/her personal success, and
• A $2,000 grant to expand STEM activities within his/her school and community.

All INDEEDS awardees also will be publicly recognized at the Idaho Technology Council’s Annual Hall of Fame and Innovation Awards Banquet in October.

Nominations are due to the State Department of Education no later than April 3, 2014 at 5 p.m. MST. Check out the INDEEDSwebsite for more information.  

Here’s what leaders in education, business and industry are saying about the INDEEDS Award:

“There is an inseparable link between a growing, robust economy and a high-quality education system. For this reason, I am grateful Idaho’s industry leaders remain committed to improving Idaho’s education system by working to recognize and reward our talented teachers through the INDEEDS Awards Program,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.

“Our primary mission at the Micron Foundation is to spark a passion for STEM education in youth in the hopes of helping develop next-generation engineers, and we’re thrilled to help recognize and encourage the teachers who do this every day,”said Dee Mooney, executive director of the Micron Foundation.

“The Idaho Technology Council is proud to support the INDEEDS Awards Program to recognize Idaho’s teachers who are working to build the future technology leaders in Idaho and across the country,” said Jay Larsen, President and Founder of the Idaho Technology Council.

“Businesses need competitive employees with STEM skills. We want to recognize and support those teachers and schools that spark students’ interest in STEM pathways,” said Dr. Lorna Finman, President of LCF Enterprises and founder of Discover Technology.

MARS Rover Challenge Volunteers Needed

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

 The NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium needs your help!

 

Idaho TECH: Mars Rover Challenge, sponsored by the NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium, is a wonderful educational science & engineering program that enables 4th, 5th and 6th grade student teams to design and construct motorized Mars Rover models from LEGO's.  Each team of 4-6 students test their Rover in one of two Engineering Design Competitions (EDC), located in Twin Falls, or Moscow.  It is a GREAT program that's really fun to be involved with!!

 

This is where you come in.  Idaho TECH is not possible without wonderful volunteers like you that donate their time to help judge at each competition.  I hope you want to be one of these wonderful volunteers at the Twin Falls competition held in the gym at the College of Southern Idaho on Saturday, April 12th.  Did I mention that you will receive FREE pizza and beverages at the competition???

 

Here are the details...during the competition, each team demonstrates their rover's capabilities on five different courses designed to measure speed, climbing skill, rock collection ability, and weight, as well as overall teamworks skills (blind driving).  Each team is required to have a poster display that highlights the Engineering Design Process, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their Rover.  Teams will also be presenting to a panel of judges using Microsoft PowerPoint.  Finally, teams submit lab notebooks that document their experiences during the design process.  We need your help to judge these eight events during the Twin Falls competition!!! 

 

I'm sure you are very eager to see these LEGO rovers in action!!!  The judged events at the competition will last from 8:30am until approximately 3:00pm at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, ID.  If you are interested in volunteering, please fill our the attached volunteer form at your earliest convenience and email to jackshay@isu.edu or fax it to (208) 282-2721.  You will be able to indicate a preference for one or more of the eight events listed about on your form.

 

If you know anyone else who might be interested, please pass this request along.  To sign up or for questions, please contact Shayla Jackson at Idaho State University, jackshay@isu.edu, (208) 681-2996

 We look forward to meeting you at the Twin Falls competition!

 

Idaho PLT Events and Resources

Opportunities for students, teachers and counselors.

DON’T MISS OUT!

1)      Arbor Day Digital Photo Contest for Idaho 5^th-12^th grade students.  Cash prizes, notoriety and more!  Submissions accepted March 10-31, 2014 at www.idahoforests.org/photoentry.htm.

 

2)      Sustainable Forestry Tour for Teachers & Counselors.  Applications accepted through March 31, 2014 at www.idahoforests.org/tour.htm.  This is an amazing week spent learning in and about Idaho’s forests.  VIP treatment!  All expenses paid.  2 optional credits available.

 

3)      Project Learning Tree one-credit professional development workshops throughout the state.  Activities are correlated to Common Core State Standards and other Idaho Content Standards.  Opportunities for educators of PreK through high school.  Each title is a different credit.  Take several!  Learn more at www.idahoforests.org/plt1.htm.  PLT is a FUN way to get relevant info and materials for your students, via an interesting and reinvigorating learning experience for yourself!  (Classes this spring are in Boise, Lewiston, Nampa, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Moscow, Rexburg, St. Maries, Sagle.)

 

Questions?  Contact Michelle at plt@idahoforests.org, 208-334-4061.

 

iSTEM Registration opens on March 1, 2013

Teachers, this is such a great week at CSI!  I have been involved with iSTEM for 4 years, but this year I will not be teaching a strand because of schedule conflicts.  Please look into this free workshop full of free materials and amazing presenters!  The teachers throughout Idaho that I have worked with are truly the kinds of teachers we want to support as parents.  They get it!!

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/istem/teachers/docs/i-STEM_2013-_Announcement_Letter_-FINAL[1].pdf

Free Idaho Teacher Workshop!

Are you a middle school or high school level teacher interested in a week of field studies with NASA Ames Researchers?

The NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) has teamed up with NASA Ames Research Center, once again, to bring a weeklong field study called Spaceward Bound to Idaho. Spaceward Bound is a program that involves classroom teachers in authentic planetary fieldwork side-by-side with NASA scientists. Teachers bring the experiences they learn from the field back to their classrooms and assist in the development of curriculum related to human exploration of remote and extreme environments. Some of the past field expeditions have included the Mojave Desert, Australia, Namibia, Pavilion Lake, Antarctica and North Dakota.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the 2013 Spaceward Bound - Idaho!

Dates: June 23rd - June 28th, 2013

We are going back to Southern Idaho and spending a significant amount of time at Craters of the Moon and Worswick Hot Springs. Also, Shoshone Ice Caves will be visited to collect data but very little time will be spent there.

The deadline to sign up is March 22, 2013. We will be selecting 15-20 teachers for this years expedition.

The ISGC has received funding to provide this experience to teachers for free. Your only financial obligation is to get yourself to our starting point on Sunday, June 23, 2013. At this point we are tentatively looking to start in Twin Falls, due to the location of the research sites. Two professional development credits will be given to each teacher who participate.

More information will become available soon.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/spacewardbound

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (208)885-6438 or by email at angelaf@uidaho.edu.

Funding for an Environmental Project

We have the opportunity to pursue another grant specifically for environmental projects in small communities in Idaho.  Thanks to the Idaho Environmental Educators Association for letting me know!

Youth Environmental Project Grant - Funds Available

Thanks to the generous support of US EPA, the Alaska Forum is offering a funding opportunity for youth (6th to 12th grade) to implement small projects in their communities. We have developed a detailed Request for Proposals which outlines the procedures and requirements for applying for funding up to $5,000. The program will support focused proposals from small communities (population of less than 5,000) across EPA Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington) where youth seek involvement in environmental stewardship efforts. Proposals will be selected where youth are matched with a local environmental professional or teacher who will mentor youth as they address a specific problem in the community and work to solve it. Non-profit organizations, middle schools and high schools serving communities with a population of less than 5,000 are located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington may submit proposals.

For more information, download the RFP at http://akforum.com/PDFs/RFP2012.pdf. Deadline for submittals is November 15, 2012.

Great Teacher Opportunity for PBL and AL

I am a fan of field trips, but adventure learning is even better because there is a higher expectation for student learning.  Here is a wonderful opportunity for teachers in the Magic Valley to work with a team at Craters of the Moon.

https://mail1.csi.edu/owa/WebReadyView.aspx?t=att&id=RgAAAAB2mE%2b8q%2f%2faQaiUVs7HAKrWBwAMK2X2tXzkQod1Y6PjMQkuAINQdza2AACGXJE0asl%2fQZrLbq%2b6NvU3AABI4ofKAAAJ&attid0=BAAAAAAA&attcnt=1&pspid=_1351280852396_639292256

I wish I could participate, but I hope you do!

I love MOSS!

Still on my teacher bucket list is to participate in a program at the McCall Outdoor Science School.   Those are some seriously cool people up there.    Congrats on the recognition by the Albertson Foundation.  I know you will use the $50,000 to help as many students and teachers in Idaho as possible!

http://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/newsevents/featurestories/moss-id21

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTW644em8AA&feature=player_embedded

iSTEM at CSI in the news!

State Pushes for Better Science, Math Education

It has been a great week with our teachers.  Our strand was called the Chemistry of Green Energy.  We taught the processes of Science using the black box, then we did lots of chromatography experiments.  We hit a tour of the Environmental Technology Program with the brand new trailer, we did fermentation, distillation, and extracted biodiesel.  We had fun in a very nerdy kind of way.  Megan, Ross, and I love iSTEM and we think the teachers do too!  Register next year by March 1!!

Climate Education Workshop Registration

Only 5 More Days to Register 2012 Northwest Climate Education Resource Workshop

What 3-day workshop, where my colleagues and I will work with you to figure out what you need to integrate climate science into your existing curriculum. When June 19-21 Bonus CAN’T COME TO MOSCOW? Sign up for virtual participation, through a live feed that will be available in real-time, and also be recorded and then made available on the workshop website.

Providing resources and climate expertise for educators in the Northwest June 19-21 at the University of Idaho, Moscow