Fun NASA Contest Winners...

I came across this today while reading the online edition of USA Today.  I wanted to share the essays and art that was recognized as winning entries.

http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-gallery/

The Shuttle Program is a generational marker for parents like me, and I will miss it.  I am grateful we took our kids several times to the Kennedy Space Center, and we even saw one of the Mars Rovers launch from Cape Canaveral in 2003.  I really need to convert my old photographs to digital...I could show you the cutest pix of my kids at KSC.

Junior High visits CSI Mini Cassia Center

Yesterday I hosted a 7th grade class from BJH in the MCC lab.  We did a microscope activity and they were able to see their own cheek cells, stained and 400x bigger than normal!  It was a great morning, and I am grateful for their teacher, Mrs. G, for having a passion for teaching science.  Keep it up!

Snake River AEYC Fall Conference

I think this looks like a great day for all early childhood educators. 

When:	Saturday, November 12, 2011 9:00am-4:00pm EST
Where:	College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls
What:	This conference will be filled with exciting information. Topics will include: the importance of immersing young children in nature, inquiry inside and outside of the classroom, and 100 nature resources.

For questions, or to register for the conference, please contact Jennifer Patterson at 208-732-6884 or jpatterson@csi.edu.

http://www.idahoaeyc.org/affiliatesmain.php?inner=sna

What a busy day!

I saw three exciting STEM activities in action today.

Four local classrooms submitted online applications for the e-instruction classroom makeover for new technology.  Their submissions were original and fun.  Good job and good luck to Burley High School and Declo Junior High.

I have a son participating in a FIRST FLL Robotics team, and their competition is next Saturday!  They are learning some great programming and teamwork skills, and I appreciate all the work this program requires of the team members.

Tonight is an Open House for the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge from 6:30-9PM in Burley.  They are working on a plan to improve the services and programs at the Refuge so my students and I are hopefully going to attend.

Cassini Scientist for a Day

This essay contest is just about over (submissions due tomorrow) but I wanted to share the website and challenge anyway.  There are so many opportunities for our students to pursue, but we as parents and teachers have to be aware first, then guide them towards topics that interest them.

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/scientistforaday10thedition/

I find out about NASA events by being registered with NEON...Nasa Educators Online Network.  I get weekly updates about student and teacher contests, PD opportunities, and other activities. 

If you are reading this blog and want more of a specific topic, please email me with your request.  I am writing this blog to share relevant STEM news with families in my community.  I am going to add some new features this week to emphasize how important parents are to their child's educational experience.  Most teachers would agreee that parent attitudes directly affect student achievement in class.  So let's get to it!

Soil Conservation District Speech Contest

As we finish National Forest Products Week in Idaho, I wanted to share this opportunity for high school kids in our area. The event is scheduled for next week, and there are cash awards!

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Epilogue Oct 25:  My son did a great job tonight and won first place for East Cassia District.  But this is a good example of how we need to help our kids participate in these kinds of events.  There were only 5 students in attendance, and the organizers were prepared to hand out 9 cash prizes!  I will continue to post activities like these that can benefit students. 

NY Times article and MORE outreach

Thanks to my parents who read the WSJ and NY Times daily, I get the best science articles sent to me.  This one is just another reminder that our job as STEM educators, regardless of the age of students we teach, is critical to prepare young adults for a more challenging work environment.  As parents, our job is to encourage our students to take the harder classes and look for opportunities outside of the classroom to explore STEM and other technical experiences.

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/the-rising-value-of-a-science-degree/

Also today, President Obama recognized 12 scientists for their discoveries...one from the Univ of UT...
http://desne.ws/r1LXz5

Today I am spending my time with junior high students who are taking an elective course called Science and Technology.  Along with the required classes in Life, Earth, and Physical sciences, these students are problem solving with technology.  Very cool, Mrs. G!