New Jersey Science Teachers Association
  • Home
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Membership
    • Who are we?
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join or Renew Now
    • Update Contact Information
  • About NJSTA
    • History
    • Awards
    • Presidents
    • Constitution/Operating Policy
  • Programs
    • Simmons Institutes
    • Engineers-Teacher Mentoring
  • Resources
  • Photos
  • Contact Us

What We've Learned About Learning | Podcast Series

1/3/2019

0 Comments

 
from Michael Heinz, Science Coordinator, Office of Standards, New Jersey Department of Education

The following are thought provoking podcast based on recent research on learning. You members may find them thought provoking.
 
"What We've Learned About Learning" A CPRE/Kappan Miniseries

Acclaimed researchers and authors Maryanne Wolf, Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa and Pooja Agarwal discuss the latest in learning science, debunk common neuromyths, and offer tips and resources for teachers, researchers, and policymakers.
 
Part 1: Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
Neuromyths: What We Know About the Learning Brain

Part 2: Pooja Agarwal
​
Learning from Cognitive Psychology: Four Strategies for the Classroom
​

Part 3: Maryanne Wolf
Books, Tablets and Screens: The Science of Reading in a Digital Age


Visit the CPRE site: cprehub.org/
0 Comments

Best of the Earth Science Sites of the Week - Fall 2018

12/15/2018

0 Comments

 
Mark Francek from Central Michigan University regularly shares interesting science sites, especially earth science sites.  He has put together a "best of" list.  
Hi Everyone,

Enclosed find the "Best of the Earth Science Sites of the Week", organized by topic, for fall, 2018. 
 
I am indebted to the NESTA Twitter list from which I mined many sites and to our office assistant, Lauren, who helped compile the sites in the enclosed document. 
 
My best wishes to all for a restful, recharging, and relaxing holiday break.

Take care,
Mark

You can download the Word document now.
DOWNLOAD
Contact Mark directly in you want to be added to his distribution list.
​Mark.Francek@cmich.edu 
0 Comments

2019 Governor’s School of New Jersey

12/7/2018

0 Comments

 
DOWNLOAD MEMO or read below.
Picture
From: Zakiya Smith Ellis, Ed.D., Secretary of Higher Education, State of New Jersey

The selection process for the prestigious Governor’s School of New Jersey has begun, and we would like you to identify high-achieving high school juniors who may be interested in these rigorous and demanding STEM summer residential academic programs.
 
There will be two programs operating in 2019. The Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology will be hosted at Rutgers University from June 30-July 26, 2019 and the Governor’s School in the Sciences will be hosted at Drew University from July 14-August 3, 2019.
 
The Governor’s School is open to outstanding juniors who are selected by their high schools, and you all play an instrumental role in identifying and encouraging potential applicants for these programs. As always, this program is free of all tuition and fees.
 
The applications and information for the Governor’s School in the Sciences and Governor's School of Engineering and Technology can be found on the following links:
  • The Governor’s School in the Sciences (GSS) Application
  • The Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology (GSET) Application
 
Please note that applications are due by January 10, 2019.
 
High schools with up to 325 juniors may submit one application for each of the Governor’s School programs. If your high school has between 326 and 650 juniors, you may nominate two applicants for each of the two programs, and if your high school has 651 or more juniors, you may nominate three applicants for each program.
 
If you have any questions regarding application process or programs, please contact the respective program administrators listed below:
  • Governor’s School in the Sciences: Dr. Adam Cassano at govschool@drew.edu
  • Governor's School of Engineering & Technology: Mr. Jean Patrick Antoine at gsetrutgers@gmail.com
 
Thank you all for your continued interest and commitment to connecting students with supplementary academic enrichment opportunities.
0 Comments

Charting a Course for Success: America's Strategy for STEM Education

12/6/2018

0 Comments

 
From NSTA:
Picture
On December 4 the White House issued a five year strategic plan for STEM education based on the vision that "all Americans have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education and the U.S. will be the global leader in STEM literacy, innovation, and employment."
 
To achieve this vision the report presents three goals that stakeholders should follow:

Goal 1: Build Strong Foundations for STEM Literacy
Goal 2: Increase Diversity and Inclusion Through Broader Access to STEM
Goal 3: Prepare the STEM Workforce for the Future.
 
The report includes a strategy for how federal agencies should plan, coordinate, and scale up their programs for STEM over the next five years and includes solid recommendations that STEM stakeholders in states and districts nationwide can follow and emulate. Read the report here. 


​FREE STEM Teaching Tools Just a Click Away 

Looking for highly-usable Open Education Resources (OER) that will support STEM teaching? The STEM Teaching Tools website—funded by the National Science Foundation--is a research and development initiative of the University of Washington Institute for Science+Math Education.
0 Comments

American Modeling Teachers Association News

12/4/2018

0 Comments

 
This is a brief summary of upcoming activities from the American Modeling Teachers Association.
 
2019 Summer Modeling Workshops
AMTA is working with Modeling Workshop hosts and leaders to plan 2019 workshops. Workshops are open to current and new Modelers and we hope you share this information with interested colleagues who have not yet attended their own workshop. Please visit the website to search workshops by content area https://tinyurl.com/AMTA19content or by location https://tinyurl.com/AMTA19location.
 
2019 Distance Learning Courses
Online courses have been a hit over the past few years. AMTA will again offer courses in the Spring and graduate credits are available through Dominican University for $100 per credit hour (up to 3 credits). Visit https://modelinginstruction.org/spring-2019/ for more information about Introduction to Modeling (for people new to Modeling Instruction), Chemistry II, and Advanced Modeling Instruction: Cognition and Instruction in STEM.
 
Webinars
Each month, AMTA offers webinars for members. These presentations cover a variety of topics of interest to the Modeling community.
 
*A special webinar for members and non-members will take place on January 15th, 2019 from 7-8 pm (ET). Join us for a chat with Bruce Wellman for Engineering-Activity Dreaming: Share your ideas & dreams on what would make an awesome engineering activity for your class! Register in advance with the link below:
https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/calendar/event?event=1998&date_id=64430
 
*New* Online Learning Modules
If you prefer your distance learning in more bite-sized chunks, AMTA will soon begin offering short modules in 2019. Modules will be 3-hour sessions delivered on weekend afternoons. The first two modules will be on January 19th - Creating a Modeling Classroom Environment - and February 28th - Computational Modeling Physics First. More modules are in development and will be scheduled soon. Fees are $25 for members and $50 for non-members. Register at the link below: https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/calendar/event?event=1993&date_id=64404
0 Comments

2019 National STEM Scholar Program

12/4/2018

0 Comments

 
The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) partners with The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Science and Mathematics and The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University (WKU) to fund ten scholarships each year for middle school science teachers working to transfer a passion for science to students in this age group. Research shows that students who get excited about STEM subjects in middle school are the ones who are most likely to take those courses in high school and major in them at the college level. 
 
National STEM Scholars receive advanced education in the development of STEM projects for classroom implementation, spend a full day with a national thought leader in STEM education and build a national network of colleagues for information sharing.
               
Scholars are selected based solely on the merit of questions answered in the application. The selection committee is not provided with names or locations of teacher applicants.
 
In 2019, we will graduate our fourth cohort of National STEM Scholars. Each scholarship recipient receives the following:

  • Advanced education and leadership training on the campus of WKU June 2-8, 2019. All expenses – travel, lodging, meals – are included
  • A notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration
  • A credit of up to $2,500 for technology and supplies to implement a classroom Challenge Project
  • Sponsored attendance at the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Conference in Boston in April 2020. All expenses – registration, travel, lodging, meals – are included
  • Year-long mentorship and support provided by Western Kentucky University faculty
 
Applications are open now at https://www.wku.edu/gifted/nss/.
 
Click here to learn more about the National Stem Cell Foundation.
0 Comments

Picturing Science and Engineering

11/19/2018

0 Comments

 
From The MIT Press

Picturing Science and Engineering
Picture
A guide to making scientific photographs for presentations, journal submissions, and covers, featuring step-by-step instructions and case studies, by an award-winning science photographer; illustrated in color throughout.

By Felice C. Frankel, an award-winning science photographer whose photographs have appeared in many publications. A research scientist in the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT, she is the author of 
Envisioning Science (MIT Press), No Small Matter (with G. M. Whitesides), On the Surface of Things (with G. M. Whitesides), and Visual Strategies (with Angela H. DePace).
​More about the book: mitpress.mit.edu/books/picturing-science-and-engineering

Photographer's website: www.felicefrankel.com/
0 Comments

Six Star Science Online Teacher PD Program

11/19/2018

0 Comments

 
SIX STAR SCIENCE ONLINE TEACHER (OT) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – $1,400 STIPENDS PAID (for completed work)

This program is a 10-month online pedagogy-based professional development that focuses on the three Dimensions in the Next Generation Science Standards: Scientific Practices; Cross Cutting Concepts (especially “Cause and Effect” and “Structure and Function”), and Core Ideas (Life Sciences) and on expanding teacher skills in three major areas: 1) Updating Teacher Content and Pedagogy Knowledge; 2) Understanding the Research Process; and 3) Applying Six Star Science in the Classroom. Fellows receive stipends for completion of their online work. 

Online Teacher (OT) Fellows participate in a dynamic and interactive virtual learning community that focuses on exploring effective teaching strategies, understanding the research process, and enhancing classroom materials. 

Application deadline: January 31, 2019

More info on the program and an application can be found at: www.frontiersinphys.org

DOWNLOAD FLIER
0 Comments

Panasonic Student Eco Citizenship Project

11/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Panasonic Corporation of North America and the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning are pleased to present the 2018 – 2019 Student Eco Citizenship Project. This exciting project will guide 5th-8th-grade students in New Jersey as they:
  1. Define environmental issues
  2. Create actions to help solve the issue
  3. Apply actions in their community to help solve the problem
  4. Evaluate actions conducted and share the results
Student teams will be able to submit an Eco Picture Diary into the statewide competition. Winners will receive recognition and prizes provided by Panasonic.

Website: www.foundationforimpactliteracyandlearning.org/ecocitizen/


0 Comments

Data Literacy Series - Rutgers University

11/18/2018

0 Comments

 
​Want to integrate data literacy skills into your teaching?
 
Join us as the Data Literacy Series (December 2018 – April 2019), at the New Brunswick Rutgers University campus.
Picture
Through a series of short, 3-hour, workshops we will dive into six common areas that trip up students when working with and learning through data. Each workshop includes tips and tricks of integrating data literacy into what you already do, hands-on activities, and time to modify activities for your classroom that address the data literacy skill.
 
The workshop is open to science, math, and social studies teachers in grades 4-12 that are interested in pursuing more successful ways to integrate data into their teaching. To learn more about the series, click here. In essence, we will unpack what is involved in teaching with data!
 
When It Occurs & What to Expect
Each evening we will dive into data literacy concepts that all students need to be successful in the 21st century. Join us for all, a couple, or just one of the 3-hour workshops. Dinner and materials will be provided at every workshop. Come network with colleagues and other data-interested educators.
 
The series includes:
  • Create & iterate data visualizations (Thursday, December 6th 6:00pm-8:30pm) - How can I use graphs to explore the data? Which is the best graph to use? How can my students make those graphs?
  • Identify & explore variability in your data (Thursday, January 17th 6:00pm-8:30pm) - What does the variability teach us? When should I use averages vs all data? How do we teach the probability of it all?
  • Identify patterns & relationships in your data (Thursday, February 7th 6:00pm-8:30pm) - How can they see the overall pattern? What is the best way to see relationships? How can my students find these trends?
  • Use statistical thinking with & evidence from data (Wednesday, March 6th 6:00pm-8:30pm) - How does statistical thinking help? How can we reason from evidence in data?
  • Draw conclusions & make inferences from data (Thursday, April 4th 6:00pm-8:30pm) - What can I say from my data? What can I not say from my data? How can I best draw conclusions?
 
At the end of each hands-on workshop you will have new skills and tips for exposing your students to data skills and bringing real world data into your classrooms. As a learning community, we will develop strategies to successfully implement these data literacy skills into our classrooms.
 
To apply: You must be a 4-12th grade classroom science, math, or social science teacher, as well as be willing to dive into data.
 
Click here to apply now & bring data to your students this year!
Preference is provided to those that apply for each workshop at least a week in advance.
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance and additional information the Thursday before each event.
Space is limited for this run of the Data Literacy Series, apply today!
0 Comments

Become a 2019 CDC Science Ambassador

11/18/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
July 15-19, 2019
CDC Headquarters, Atlanta Georgia


Middle and High School STEM Teachers
Learn curriculum design and teaching strategies that engage students in math and science using real-life epidemiology and public health examples.
  • Attend a free** professional development course at CDC
  • Participate in outbreak case studies with CDC Disease Detectives
  • Tour CDC headquarters
  • Collaborate with CDC scientists throughout the year to publish public health lesson plans
  • Pilot lesson plans in your classroom
  • Present at teacher conferences

Submit your online application by: 
January 15, 2019

www.cdc.gov/careerpaths/scienceambassador
Apply Early!

For more information, visit:
www.cdc.gov/careerpaths/scienceambassador

E-mail: scienceambassador@cdc.gov

DOWNLOAD FLIER
0 Comments

Adjuncts – Science Education - Rowan University

11/18/2018

0 Comments

 
Rowan University:  The College of Education and the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Movement Education (STEAM) is searching for qualified and experienced adjuncts in the area of Science Education.  All positions require availability during the regular school day. 

​The appointment consists of supervision of science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Physical Science) teacher candidates.  The successful candidate will demonstrate a constructivist based theoretical framework centered on a philosophy that is a grounded in social justice. 

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Issam Abi-El-Mona at abi-el-mona@rowan.edu. 

​The application must be submitted through Rowan University’s online applicant tracking system: http://jobs.rowan.edu/cw/en-us/listing/. 

0 Comments

Thomas Edison Pitch Contest 2019

11/14/2018

0 Comments

 

You are challenged to participate in the 
​8th Annual Thomas Edison Pitch Contest!

Thomas Edison once said "There's a better way to do it - find it!" We are extending this challenge to you, your children, and your students. Through STEM-based innovation, research, and team work, students will create their own inventions to solve problems that they see in the world today. The top 6 teams will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of professionals for a special event at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park Museum.

Read more about last year's contest and student inventions here!

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2019

Although January may seem like a long time from now, we encourage teachers to begin talking to their students about the contest putting together their teams ASAP. We have put together an info sheet that you can distribute to students and parents (Find it here!). Teachers will receive a $300 stipend for your time after the contest is completed!

To learn more about the contest and what is expected of each team go to thomasedisonpitch.org.
Picture
0 Comments

Girls Who Code Offers Free Clubs in New Jersey

11/14/2018

0 Comments

 
Girls Who Code, a leading national non-profit with the mission to close the gender gap in technology, offers free after-school Clubs for 3-5 and 6-12 grade students to join our sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world. To start a free Club, visit www.girlswhocode.com/Clubs.
Picture
6-12 Grade Clubs
Using our online curriculum, students engage in fun online coding tutorials, build community through coding and learn about inspiring role models.  No CS experience is required to run a Club.  Using their new CS skills, Club members work together on a project to impact their communities.  We offer grant funding and for students in 11thgrade and up, we also offer our alumni network, #HireMe.  We provide ample resources, access to our community, and no big commitment is necessary, just the desire to learn code in a fun, supportive setting.
 
3-5 Grade Clubs
Students learn basic CS principles with our unplugged Clubs. Guided by the NY Times bestseller Learn to Code and Change the World (we provide 5 free copies per Club), students read, discuss and work on activities, encouraging learning and bravery.  Clubs can be run entirely offline, with optional online activities. No CS experience is required to run a Club and we offer grant funding. The time commitment is entirely flexible.
 
To join our 200+ Clubs in NJ or for more information contact Eve Balick at eve.balick@girlswhocode.com.

DOWNLOAD FLYER.
0 Comments

Apply to Join Achieve's Science Peer Review Panel

10/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Achieve is thrilled to announce it is seeking applicants for the Science Peer Review Panel!
 
Achieve's Science Peer Review Panel ("Science PRP") is an elite group of educators who work to evaluate and share high-quality lesson sequences and units that are designed for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Members of the Science PRP are part of the solution to a persistent problem in the science education field: not enough examples of high-quality instructional materials designed for the NGSS.
 
Join the Science PRP by filling out this online application and connect with a network of educators across the country committed to advancing science education for all students, develop your expertise in the NGSS, and work to make better science instructional materials more widely available to the science education field. This opportunity includes free, valuable professional learning experiences designed to deepen your understanding of the NGSS and the evaluation process for instructional materials. 
 
Here are a few things current Peer Reviewers have to say about participating in the Science PRP:
 
"I have been able to collaborate and discuss with people across the nation, and connect with some of the best thinkers in the field.  I have grown in my understanding of NGSS and what good science instruction looks like.  I have had my views challenged, and have been able to develop confidence and my own voice to share ideas about good science instruction."
 
"The professional growth I am experiencing is at such a higher rate than I have ever experienced before. This has been extremely valuable."
 
"The best thing about being a PRP member is the team.  It is truly amazing experience of being part of this group.  The professional learning network that has been created is very valuable to improving my practice."
 
"Every time I review a lesson or come to a PRP meeting, I grow as a professional"
 
Those who are accepted to the Science PRP will receive recognition on the Achieve website, a sample press release for your district or organization announcing your acceptance to the Science PRP, and at the end of the year-long commitment, peer reviewers will be recognized with a certificate of excellence.

Any materials that are determined to be high-quality by the Science PRP will be publicly shared on nextgenscience.org/hqngss so educators and curriculum developers across all states and districts can benefit from these materials. Apply to join the Science PRP here, and learn more about it here.
 
APPLICANTS
 
Ideal applicants for this program will have a solid foundation in A Framework for K-12 Science Education, are comfortable navigating the NGSS across content areas (including the Appendices), and will have experience using the EQuIP Rubric for Science. Applicants will be selected based on their ability to make consistent, criterion-based evaluations using the latest version of the EQuIP Rubric for Science and communicate that evaluation clearly.
 
Achieve is committed to building a diverse panel and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants from a mix of rural, urban, and suburban communities will be accepted.
 
As we expand the Science PRP, we are looking for more representatives from the 6-8 and 9-12 grade bands in particular, but all are welcome to apply.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
  1. Interested individuals must complete this online application, which includes links to  grade-banded science lessons to evaluate with the EQuIP Rubric for Science (Version 3) (Application period is Oct 31, 2018 - Dec. 12 2018)
  2. Applicants must submit their completed EQuIP Rubric reviews for consideration. (Due no later than Dec. 12, 2018)
  3. Accepted applicants will be invited to join the Science PRP as a peer reviewer. (By  Dec. 21, 2018)
  4. Selected peer reviewers must confirm their commitment and interest. (No later than Jan. 7, 2019)
THE COMMITMENT
 
The responsibilities of the peer reviewers will include:
  1. Convening in person at least twice in the calendar year, starting with a two-day new member kickoff meeting March 6-7, 2019 in Washington, DC. Achieve covers the travel costs for these meetings.
  2. Completing a quality review process for up to ten assigned reviews per year, including submitting written, criterion-based feedback in a timely manner, participating in a consensus call with other reviewers, and developing a final consensus report.
Read more about what to expect as a peer reviewer here. While peer reviewers are committing to a one-year term, there may be opportunities to extend their involvement. A more detailed description of responsibilities will be provided to selected peer reviewers in the kickoff meeting March 6-7, 2019.
 
For answers to common questions, check out the Science Peer Review Panel website.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
Achieve thanks Arconic Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Bayer Foundation, and Pisces Foundation for their generous support of the Science PRP, EQuIP Rubric for Science, and for working to ensure all students have access to a quality science education.
 
Please contact vwolbrink@achieve.org for additional questions or comments.
 
Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our monthly newsletter to get all of the latest NGSS updates.
0 Comments

Color Blindness TEDx Talk

10/31/2018

0 Comments

 
It’s Not Easy Seeing Green: The Complexities of Color Blindness | Bryan Kett | TEDxPasadena

NJSTA received this from the speaker:  We hope you find it of interest and useful.

Hi,

My name is Bryan, and I am a former science educator from Chicago. Over the past year, I had the privilege of writing (and rewriting and rewriting) a TEDx talk on the complexities of colorblindness. In it, I delve into the genetics behind the condition as well as the social and philosophical implications of perspective--a valuable insight for students and staff alike.

This talk embodies my years as an educator and serves as a valuable tool for any science educator to use in their classroom, and I wanted to share it with the NJSTA. You can see the talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdNN5GrD5cM

If you're at all interested, please feel free to disseminate the talk however you see fit. I'd be happy to talk more and help facilitate anything however I can.

Thank you for all you do. It matters a great deal.

Bryan
0 Comments

2019 Earth Expeditions

10/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Shared by NJESTA:

OXFORD, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2018) – Miami University’s Project Dragonfly is accepting applications for 2019 Earth Expeditions graduate courses that offer extraordinary experiences in 16 countries throughout the world. http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu
 
Earth Expeditions can build toward the Global Field Program (GFP), a master's degree that combines summer field courses worldwide with web learning communities so that students can complete the GFP master's part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. http://GFP.MiamiOH.edu
 
Project Dragonfly also offers the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master's degree that combines web instruction from Miami University with experiential learning and field study through AIP Master Institutions in the U.S. Applications for Miami's 2019 cohorts are being accepted now for the AIP master's that includes place-based experiences at zoos in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, New York, San Diego and Seattle. New for 2019: St. Louis-area residents can earn the AIP master's and study through the Missouri Botanical Garden, AIP's newest Master Institution and first dedicated botanical garden. http://AIP.MiamiOH.edu
 
Graduate tuition for all programs is greatly reduced because of support from Miami University.

Please note that the sharing of this information by NJESTA is not an endorsement of the program.
0 Comments

Video Teleconferences with Polar Scientists at Palmer Station, Antarctica

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Your students can participate in a real-time video teleconference (VTC) with a scientist at the Palmer LTER Station in Antarctica. Students will learn about Antarctic food web ecology and how scientists are conducting long-term experiments and observations to understand our changing climate.
Picture
All VTC's will take place in Winter 2019. We invite you to apply for one of the limited number of spots. Applications are due December 1, 2018.
Please refer to the Polar-ICE web site (click the blue button below) for more information including dates, topics and grade levels.
Application Information
0 Comments

Survey - PocketLab

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
From PocketLab:​

Free up your hands and focus on the Science
We've received a grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a PocketLab prototype that can operate with voice commands - letting you run experiments hands-free! The primary application is to make science labs accessible for students with visual impairments. We also think voice assisted labs will be engaging for all students.
 
Help us develop the best possible product by taking our two minute survey!  
Take Survey
0 Comments

"SCIENCE FAIR" Documentary | Resources

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
From picturemotion:

Hope you’re having a wonderful day! I’m reaching out on behalf of National Geographic’s inspiring documentary SCIENCE FAIR. We would love to connect with New Jersey Science Teachers Association to share this inspiring film directly with teachers and community members for free during our November screening tour!
 
Hailed by critics as “immensely likeable,” “brilliant and quirky” and an “ode to the teenage science geeks on who our future depends,” SCIENCE FAIR follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries, setbacks and, of course, hormones, on their journey to compete at The International Science and Engineering Fair. Watch the trailer here.
 
If you’re interested in free DVDs and educational materials, please fill out this Google Form and we’ll get back to you shortly: http://bit.ly/ScienceFairScreening. Feel free to pass along our email to other colleagues nationwide - we’re really excited to share this opportunity. Also, if you’d like a preview link of the film, please let me know and we’re happy to coordinate.
0 Comments

Frankenstein200

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
From Arizona State University:
Picture
I wanted to share a project from Arizona State University and the National Science Foundation that may be of interest to you and your readers, especially around the season for Halloween and “spooky science.”

In honor of the bicentennial anniversary of Frankenstein, we created Frankenstein200, a free, interactive blended learning experience that uses Mary Shelley’s classic tale of monsters and mayhem as a way to engage the public around STEM topics and the ethical challenges of emerging technology.

The experience features an episodic online story game paired with fun, hands-on science activities related to robotics, genetic engineering, and electricity. By teaching a robot how to draw, experimenting with simple machines, or even bringing their own “creature” to life, learners can encounter the same questions Mary Shelley experienced when writing her most famous novel, while developing important 21st century skills of their own related to exploration, discovery, and critical thinking.

These materials are adaptable to home, in class, or after-school activities and can be scaled to individual, small group, or full classroom-based lessons. We were very excited to have Frankenstein200 featured in School Library Journal and Science Friday and hope you will find these resources useful for your community of students and educators.
Download Flyer
0 Comments

NJAMLE Call for Presenters

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
The New Jersey Association of Middle Level Educators (NJAMLE) is getting excited about our state conference being held at Kean University in March.  With Rick Wormeli as our keynote speaker, we are anticipating an incredible turnout. Please consider joining us and sending a team or representative to present and to connect with your middle-level educators.  
 
Link to the Call for Presenters Form: https://goo.gl/forms/nfVfYUeeChXGsYag1
0 Comments

AMTA Courses for 2019 Spring & Summer

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
​The American Modeling Teachers Association is pleased to offer these  courses for Spring and Summer 2019.

Chemistry II (for people who have taken first semester chemistry already)
Brenda Royce and Larry Dukerich will lead the class, which runs from 1-22-2019 till 4-10-2019, from 7 to 10 pm EST. 
For details and registration: https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/rsvp-signup/apply?record=1234

Intro to Modeling (Designed as a first Modeling Course)
The course will meet twice a week; on Monday and Wednesday January 15- April 25, 2019, with  leaders Janelle Hollingshead and Matthew Kennedy . 
For details and registration:  
https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/rsvp-signup/apply?record=1236

Advanced Modeling Instruction: Cognition and Instruction in STEM
The seminar is meant for Modelers and will be led by Colleen Megowan-Romanowicz. The class meets from 01/17/2019 - 05/02/2019.
For details and registration:
https://www.eweblife.com/prm/AMTA/rsvp-signup/apply?record=1235
 
The 2019 face-to-face Modeling Workshops are posted on the website as we receive the information. Workshops have been planned for Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts and Ohio:
https://modelinginstruction.org/professional-development/upcoming-workshops/summer-2019/ . Workshops are scheduled for physics, chemistry, biology, middle school and physical science.
0 Comments

Free Resources from AACT

10/25/2018

0 Comments

 
In celebration of National Chemistry Week (NCW) AACT is sharing a collection of cross-disciplinary resources that make connections between chemistry and this year's NCW theme, Chemistry is Out of this World.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Activity: Aliens Activity
Activity: Planet P-10
Activity: Electromagnetic Spectrum Book
Demo: Emission Spectrum from a Candle Flame
Lab: Mystical Fire Investigation
Demo: Flame Test (Rainbow Demo)
Activity: Chemistry is Out of This World
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity: The Universe of Elements
Lab: Mass of a Gas
Lab: Build a Spectroscope
Lab: Spectral Detective
 
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Lesson Plan: Alien Invasion
Lab: Rocket Challenge
Lab: Alka Seltzer Rockets
​
0 Comments

EQuIP Rubric and Quality Review Training Session December 13-14, 2018

10/24/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Subject: Evaluating the coherence of science lessons and units with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science.

Description:
This two-day workshop is designed to train teachers how to use the Educators Evaluating the Quality of Instructional Products (EQuIP) Rubric for science to measure the degree to which lessons and units are designed for the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science.

The purpose of the rubric and review process is to: (1) review existing lessons and units to
determine what revisions are needed; (2) provide constructive criterion-based feedback and suggestions for improvement to developers; (3) identify examples/models for teachers’ use within and across states; and (4) to inform the development of new lessons, units, and other instructional materials.

This workshop is a cosponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education, Liberty Science Center, and Achieve. There is no cost to attend.

Audience: This workshop is most appropriate for K-12 science teachers, building administrators,
and informal educators.

Workshop Dates & Times:  December 13-14, 2018 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Important Details:
There is no cost to participate in the training. Registration, parking, and a box lunch are
provided for day fee for parking. Participants are responsible for their own snacks, beverages, and lunch. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the Café Skyline, located on the second floor of the LSC.

Registration for New Jersey Educators: https://tinyurl.com/EQuIPNJ2018

Registration for New York Educators: https://tinyurl.com/EQuIPNewYork2018

Print this Information
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Astronomy
    Awards
    Biotechnology
    Chemistry
    Earth Sciences
    Energy
    Environment
    Featured Articles
    Job Opportunities
    Life Sciences
    Modeling
    NGSS
    NJDOE
    NJSTA
    NSTA
    Research
    Resources
    Robotics
    STEM
    Student Opportunities
    Teacher Opportunities
    Webinar

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017

    Have News?

    Send your article about science education news to
    Adela Dziekanowski
    njstawebmaster@gmail.com
    ​
    ​
    Please submit your news about science education events  through the Calendar page.

    To submit an article or new for the NJSTA Newsletter, contact our Editor, ​Megan Stamer.
    ​
​By registering for an NJSTA event, you grant permission to NJSTA to take and use your photo in marketing and promotion pieces for an indefinite period of time.  Marketing and promotional pieces include, but are not limited to, printed brochures, reports, postcards, flyers and materials, as well as online uses such as postings on the NJSTA website, online newsletters and email blasts.  NJSTA shall own all rights, including copyrights, in and to the photos.

NJSTA is a 501(c)(3) organization.
© njsta.org 1996-2019   |   NJSTA 1905-2019
Report website concerns to the 
Webmaster.
  • Home
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Membership
    • Who are we?
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join or Renew Now
    • Update Contact Information
  • About NJSTA
    • History
    • Awards
    • Presidents
    • Constitution/Operating Policy
  • Programs
    • Simmons Institutes
    • Engineers-Teacher Mentoring
  • Resources
  • Photos
  • Contact Us