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!

 

Pi Day and Albert Einstein Birthday!

This is a  little late, but I did my part on Friday and celebrated Pi day with my staff.  Of course, that means we had Pie for a mid-afternoon snack.

http://www.piday.org/

This reminded me of a favorite website that I used a lot when I was a substitute teacher.  It was a site that calendered holidays and anniversaries of inventions and discoveries.  Any given day I could share a story of a scientist and we could talk about the impact of their inventions on our daily lives.  That is when the history of science comes alive to students today.  When we ask them, "Where are we now because of ..." and "How has your life improved because of..." they can understand the relevance of discovery.

http://www.todayinsci.com/

Actually, I found another site that brought back great memories!!  The Pacific Science Center in Seattle is awesome, and I have enjoyed visiting it on several occasions.  The first trip was during a DOE internship during the summer of 1988.  We spent the night in the museum and had a great time!!  There was one student from each state, and somehow I was chosen as "Miss Texas."  OK..."Miss Science Texas."  That was a great 2 week experience as we traveled the state visiting research sites and doing lab work with scientists.   I would love to track down a few of my friends I met, but I did find one... he is now a Biology professor and researcher in New Hampshire.  We had a fun connection because we both lived in Connecticut when we were young, and we knew the same people.  The world can be so small sometimes.

http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/calendar-of-science.html

COSMOS is back with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Last night I enjoyed the new COSMOS show hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson.  There were poignant moments and interesting stories.  I am not sure how I feel about the animated segments, but I understand why it is part of the show.  With Seth McFarlane as a producer, I knew to expect something in his favorite genre.  I hope there is plenty of discovery and great footage of the universe as we now understand it, and the opportunity to discuss a variety of theories in a civil way.  I was happy with the first show, because in the end, it was about the passion and compassion of Carl Sagan and how his legacy is worth sharing with a new generation.

http://www.cosmosontv.com/?gclid=CL3OyuGUiL0CFexcMgodFnIAig

CSI Herrett Center Science Camp-In

Explore Herrett: Science Camp In

The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is hosting a Science Camp-in on April 4 & 5, 2014 for grades 3^rd – 5^th . We hope  to encourage children in science by having fun with it.  This Science Camp-in is available to students from far and wide.  The hands-on workshops are taught by professionals in chemistry, archaeology,  health science, physics, astronomy, and more.  See attached registration form for list of workshops.

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in two workshops for more hands-on fun!  They will also attend a planetarium show in our new upgraded theater.  Campers will then have the chance to form social connections and gain team building skills with informal educational science activities.

Campers will then experience their own  “Night in the Museum” at the Herrett Center, under constant adult supervision. It will be a memorable night and an unique experience by spending the entire night in the museum where imaginations come to life!

It is first come, first served…so sign up now to ensure your child’s place for the classes of their choice.

Registration: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm  Friday, April 4^th

Parents will pick up their children 7:30 am - 8:00 am Saturday, April 5^th

The registration fee is $40 per camper and is limited to the first 72 campers who sign up. Participants are required to sign up before the registration deadline of Monday, March 24. Registration form is attached. No registrations can be taken at the door the night of the event. For more information or to sign up, contact Aaron Ursenbach at 732-6664 or at aursenbach@csi.edu

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.

 

IDEEA Conference Summary

This weekend I attended the annual Idaho Environmental Education Association Conference in Boise.  I have attended once before, and it was a meaningful experience so I was excited to return.  The theme was EE in the backyard and beyond, so I decided to submit a proposal to present about the Declo STEM Day.  I was pleased with the interest that teachers and nonformal educators showed in my message that parents can be so effective as partners at our schools.  I know I really don't have a classroom of my own, so I try to support other teachers by providing resources and energy that benefit our kids. 

The conference was great because we have some passionate educators throughout the state that share their stories and talents with us.  I went on a field trip to a Bird Preserve that a local Audubon Society chapter was working to improve and restore.   We took a night tour of the MK Nature Center.  We heard from retired Idaho teacher and astronaut, Barbara Morgan.  I saw good friends and met a few new friends.  I am grateful for the time I spent in Boise. 

A side trip was to Bonneville Point, where Captain Bonneville arrived in the Treasure Valley with his expedition, and when he saw the trees in the valley below, he said, "Le Bois, Le Bois" which translates into The Trees.  Or so the story goes...

A small group of us attended the evening trip to the MK Nature Center.  It is a great site in Boise...reminds me of my GHS Ecology Center so much!!

Idaho 2014 iSTEM Institutes Open for Registration Today!!

This year, the iSTEM institutes are scheduled to be at 6 different sites around Idaho in June.  This free opportunity for teachers in all grades remains very popular, so if you are interested in grabbing a spot, you need to sign up now.  The College of Southern Idaho institute remains a solid choice for teachers in the Magic Valley and beyond.

Teachers choose a strand to participate in all week, they receive tons of free materials and resources, and they stay very busy with activities, lectures, and networking opportunities.  I have been involved as a Strand Provider for three years, and it was a worthwhile week.

http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/istem/teachers/events.htm

We are pleased to announce 2014 i-STEM Summer Institutes for TEAMS of teachers, counselors, and administrators are being held at six of Idaho’s i-STEM Centers providing a choice of one location per participant and only at the institute in your educational region.

 

REGISTRATION is now open.

Go to http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/iSTEM/teachers/events.htm to register.

i-STEM Regional Institute Dates:

Lewis & Clark State College, Lewiston June 16-19

North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene June 16-19

Eastern Idaho Technical College, Idaho Falls June 17-20

Idaho State University, Pocatello June 23-26

College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls June 23-26

College of Western Idaho, Caldwell June 24-27

 

Educators and administrators from across the state of Idaho will have a unique opportunity to receive training, information, and hands-on activities to teach students about various science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related topics. The goal of the i-STEM Summer Institute is to support educators as they learn how to integrate STEM materials and lessons into their curriculum and schools. The 2014 i-STEM focus is integrated STEM, the practices of the Common Core Math Standards, and Next Generation Science (and Engineering) Standards.

 

 INSTITUTE CONTENT

Participants will explore research-based practices and cross-curricular applications along with specific STEM content provided by experts. The format of the institutes will be a combination of:

• Modeling best-practices around STEM curriculum including hands-on, project-based, inquiry-based, and design-based instruction, and pedagogy;

• Plenary sessions, with nationally recognized keynote speakers;

• 21st century skill-based curriculum and pedagogy;

• Leadership strategies;

• 20 hours of interactive curriculum and instruction linked to Idaho/national STEM education learning standards;

• Continuing education credit opportunities will be made available for individuals attending the 2014 i-STEM summer institutes.

 

2014 i-STEM summer institutes are supported in part by an Idaho State Department of Education Math Science Partnership grant and a variety of i-STEM business and industry partners. All participants will receive free tuition for continuing education credits, tools, resources, curriculum, a technology device, and material kits for use in your classroom or school, along with meals and connections to STEM Content experts. Please note we have fully adopted a “Place Based” model for the 2014 i-STEM summer institutes and participants are expected to attend the institute in or near their respective region. This change allows for greater local teacher participation, as we have now opened 6 institutes across the state.