New Jersey Science Teachers Association News 2020-21

Certification Information

NJSTA — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:20:51 GMT

On March 23, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released its application for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to participate in the Limited Certificate of Eligibility (CE) and Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) five-year pilot program. Authorized by P.L.2021, c.224 (Chapter 224), this pilot program provides for the issuance of limited CEs and limited CEASs in an instructional area for candidates who meet certain requirements. For additional information on the program, please see the NJDOE’s March 23, 2022 broadcast memo.

Today, the NJDOE is sharing additional guidance for LEAs hiring limited CE or limited CEAS holders, and guidance for potential candidates applying for a limited CE or CEAS.

Applications are open through June 10, 2022 for the 2023 Class of Governor’s STEM Scholars!

NJSTA — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:19:46 GMT

The Governor’s STEM Scholars brings together New Jersey’s high-achieving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) students, from grades 10 through doctoral level, to connect with New Jersey STEM professionals and experts, learn about higher education and career pathways in STEM, participate in a STEM research project, and acquire important professional development skills. Learn how to apply at www.govstemscholars.com.

During the year, Scholars are introduced to New Jersey’s STEM economy through quarterly conferences focusing on government, academia, industry, and a commencement. They participate in field trips to laboratories, STEM master classes, and fireside chats with STEM leaders. Led by college-level team leads, and mentored through professional STEM advisors, each Scholar produces a viable research project.

Reach out with questions to info@govstemscholars.com.

Governor's STEM Scholars

NJSTA — Fri, 20 May 2022 15:09:09 GMT

Applications are now open for the Governor’s STEM Scholars, a program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey. This highly competitive program provides New Jersey STEM students with the state’s STEM economy through quarterly conferences, field trips and master classes, and research opportunities. The program is free of charge to all participants and applications are open at www.govstemscholars.com through June 10, 2022.

2023 Governor's STEM Scholars Flyer - Info Sessions.pdf

E3 Professional Learning Program

NJSTA — Wed, 18 May 2022 19:54:20 GMT

The University of Delaware's E³ Program is proud to announce its two week-long professional learning workshops for Summer 2022. Please see the attached flyer as well as the information below.

The E3 professional learning workshops are designed for high school STEM and engineering CTE teachers and are co-led by UD engineering and education faculty. All workshops run from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, at UD's Newark Campus. Registration costs are $500 per participant, and they include take-away materials and lesson plans.

Engineering Thinking (ET): This week-long workshop is centered on engineering estimation, mathematical and conceptual modeling, and systems-level thinking. The course may be of particular interest to Math, Chemistry, Integrated Science, and Environmental Science teachers who are looking to integrate engineering concepts into their courses. Participants will engage in real-world systems-level design challenges in chemical and environmental engineering and modify or create curriculum of their own that aligns to their course learning objectives.

July 11th - 15th, 2022 | Register Here | Contact: Prof. Haritha Malladi

Design of Design (DxD): This week-long workshop focuses on the engineering product design process and may be of particular interest to Physics, Physical Science, and Engineering CTE teachers. Participants gain a working knowledge of the engineering product design process through hands-on projects in an engineering makerspace, and they develop unique engineering design challenges tailored to their own classroom practice.

August 8^th-12^th, 2022 | Register Here | Contact: Prof. Jenni Buckley

Hurricane preparedness webinar for 3rd-8th grade classes- connect students with hurricane experts!

NJSTA — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:32:14 GMT

The Hurricanes: Science and Society Team at the University of Rhode Island's Inner Space Center, is pleased to again collaborate with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on a hurricane science and preparedness webinar. This free, one-hour event is scheduled for May 5th at 9am EDT, and is geared toward 3rd through 8th grade students (perfect for classrooms and homeschool families).

The NHC will be connecting live from the Hurricane Awareness Tour in New York City, and will talk about hurricanes, the weather hazards that come with these tropical systems, the job of a meteorologist, and how meteorologists get you the weather information you need before a storm. Participants will have the opportunity to ask forecasters questions.

Registration is required. Register at: https://hurricane2022.eventbrite.com

This event will take place on WebEx and will be live streamed on YouTube. WebEx and YouTube links will only be shared with individuals who are registered for the program.

Questions? Please contact Chris Knowlton (cknowlton@uri.edu)

Oceans Late Night Event at the Rutgers Geology Museum

NJSTA — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:28:07 GMT

May 4, 2022: Oceans Late Night Event at the Rutgers Geology Museum

6:00-7:30PM EST

Join us on Wednesday, May 4th for our Oceans Night Event! Tune in to learn all about how the ocean moves, why it is so important, and the organisms that call it home! This virtual, online event will include do-at-home educational activities, a trivia game, and a guest presentation! The event is free and open to visitors of all ages!

Online Event hosted by the Rutgers Geology Museum: https://go.rutgers.edu/latenight

NJSPN News

NJSTA — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:42:13 GMT

NJSPN News

April I CAN STEM NJ Role Model Inductee Announced

This month's I CAN STEM NJ Role Model is Kamuran Soydam. Kamuran is a STEM teacher and Coach for I-Learn Schools. We are honored to have him be an inductee of the 2022 I CAN STEM Class!

Visit our I CAN STEM Page

NJ News

Wakefern and Simbe to test cutting-edge shelf-scanning robot technology

Keasbey-based Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S., is launching a pilot program together with Simbe to deploy robots, named Tally, to its stores this year.

Tally autonomously roams store aisles up to three times per day, leveraging computer vision technology to collect highly accurate shelf data that ensures products are in-stock, in the correct location, and accurately priced on the sales floor. The company reported that Tally detects up to 10 times more out-of-stock products versus manual shelf checks. In turn, the inventory management duties handled by the robot free up store associates to focus on more engaging tasks such as customer service.

MIT Scientists Reveal the Best Way to Twist Open an Oreo Cookie

The science is in: The creme filling in Oreo cookies is classified as "mushy," and it's very difficult to get it to stick to both sides when you twist one apart.

"I had in my mind that if you twist the Oreos perfectly, you should split the creme perfectly in the middle," MIT researcher Crystal Owens said in a statement. "But what actually happens is the creme almost always comes off of one side."

QUEST Professional Learning 2022

Register for QUEST by 4/15/22 for the discounted rate (Early Bird $250; after 4/15/22 fee is $300). Please see the exciting professional learning experiences being offered for K-12 STEM teachers through QUEST 2022 as we return to an in-person format this summer.

This summer's QUEST includes Machine Learning: Discovering the Rules of Life through Images (6/26-7/1), Weather and Climate (6/27-7/1), and Climate Change: Exploring Solutions to a Complex Problem (7/5-7/8).

View Flyers

TCNJ and HSMC PD

Join The College of New Jersey and the Hunterdon, Somerset, and Mercer County STEM Ecosystem on June 1 from 9am-3pm for this professional learning event available to Pre-K through 5th grade teachers.

Learn More & Register

Rutgers CS Hub Spring 2022 PD Registration Open!

The Rutgers CS Hub has a few upcoming teacher PD events that we wanted to share. Please send this information to anyone you know who might be interested in attending these workshops!

Each session will discuss the new NJ state standards and will offer fun and innovative ways to engage students with creative projects and activities. Please note, each session takes place over two Saturdays and both days are required to complete the workshop, so please only sign up if you can attend each! Stipends will be offered to those in attendance, and a bonus is available for contributing to the launch of a new lesson plan exchange!

Learn More & Register

Coding Challenge 2022

Partnering with NJ Makers Day, WeMake 4-H presents a coding challenge for elementary and middle school students in NJ!

Challenge Theme:
This current pandemic has made us realize that technology can really be used to help us stay healthy. We invite the students to use either Scratch or HTML to make a project on “TECH & HEALTH”

Scratch is a programming tool designed by MIT, which uses colorful, snap-together blocks to create programs that can do anything from simulating games to playing movies! Similarly, HTML is the standard markup language for web pages.

Eligibility:This contest is open to NJ residents studying in elementary/middle school in grades 3-8.

Winning projects will be contacted through email by May 31st, 2022

Learn More

NJCCIC Cyberstart 2022

New for 2022, the NJCCIC is launching a mini competition exclusively for NJ students participating in CyberStart America! With CSA-NJ, you'll develop key cyber skills playing the CyberStart challenges & win prizes from the NJCCIC.

Learn More

Integrating Engineering Across the STEM Curriculum: Challenges, Strategies and Impact

NJSTA — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:39:56 GMT

Did you miss the Theme of the Month Webinar?

Integrating Engineering Across the STEM Curriculum:

Challenges, Strategies and Impact

Recording now available!

Join the online discussion for this month's theme with the panelists about their work in integrating engineering into STEM curriculum. Share your own suggestions, experiences and questions. Discussion is open to those who attended as well as those who could not make it. Recording of the webinar and a transcript of the chat with resources are now available.

Sea, Sky, Stars: Three Interactive Science Activities Just in Time for Day

NJSTA — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:34:40 GMT

Earth Day is just around the corner! If you’re looking for resources for the classroom, we have an archived series of webinars with Smithsonian scientists that you might find out of this world!

Explore the possibilities of digital learning through hands-on interactives based on the work of three innovative Smithsonian women scientists. With this suite of resources, accompanied by educator-targeted conversations exploring how to use them, take your classroom on an underwater adventure, journey through the jungles of Panama, or travel lightyears into outer space!

The How to Be a Scientist: Smithsonian Women as Career Role Models project brings the stories and work of three contemporary Smithsonian scientists to your students through project kits of free, classroom-ready materials! Each kit highlights a scientist’s career journey and the importance of her work through educational resources including online interactives, 360° videos, classroom activities in a Smithsonian Learning Lab collection, and more. Use these suites of educational resources to bring the importance of climate change, the predator/prey dynamic, and the electromagnetic spectrum to your students!

Check out the recordings of our series of live, educator-targeted conversations with each scientist focusing on the project kits below. In each session, we demonstrated the suite of educational resources and ended with the featured scientist answering audience questions:

View the webinar recording here.
Visit the interactive Secrets of the Sea resources here.

View the webinar recording here.
Visit the interactive Predator VS Prey resources here.

View the webinar recording here.
Visit the interactive Journey through an Exploded Star resources here.

New Jersey Science Convention

NJSTA — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:48:50 GMT

Save the Date and Program Proposals

46th Annual New Jersey Science Convention

Date: October 18 & 19, 2022

Princeton Marriott at Forrestal

Featured Speaker

2022 Annual Banquet features Dr. John Wilkin, Oceanographer

Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

https://www.njscienceconvention.org/2022-banquet-speaker.html

Date: Tuesday Evening, October 18, 2022

Calling All Presenters

NJSC 2022 Theme: Helping All Students Find Their Voice

You are invited to submit a program proposal, especially programs that address:

Creating a Culturally Responsive Science Classroom
Promoting Equity and Inclusion in the Science Classrooms
Engaging Students in Climate Change Through Research, Discourse and Problem Solving
Engaging Students in the Explanation and Exploration of Local Problems
Interactive Three Dimensional/NGSS Lessons that Address K-5 Science, Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

We also welcome sessions that address the integration of technology and the latest information on classroom resources.

Priority scheduling deadline to submit a program is June 15, 2022

We will continue to accept proposals after that date if space permits, but there will be limited time slots available, so we suggest you submit your proposal as soon as possible. All proposals should be submitted online, using the link below.

Submit Program Proposal

Please share information with colleagues interested in presenting

Additional convention information on our website at:

http://www.njscienceconvention.org

Attendee Registrations Opens April 2022

Exhibitor Registration Opens March 2022

Questions about program proposals may be addressed to:

NJSC Office Services

present@njscienceconvention.org

See you in October!

Angela Best and Lola Szobota

Convention Co-Chairs

Women's History Month

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 22:29:46 GMT

Women's History Month Resources

March is Women’s History Month.

Why support women and girls in science and technology? The Untold History of Women in Science and Technology is a good starting place for resources. Visit the Library of Congress website for the Women in Science and Technology primary resource set. Another resource is Women's History Month: 50+ Women in Science and Engineering to Learn More About from Science Buddies.

Want to become more involved in NJSTA? Take a look at how!

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:06:31 GMT

1. Come to our Spring Meeting and NJSTAChats Sessions! Keep an eye out for dates coming soon!

2. Do you have additional resources on any science education topics that you would like to share? Please use this Google Form to share resources and ideas with us! We are currently accepting submissions of ANY topic however, we are specifically looking for great resources for the following topics:

Climate Change Resources
Resources that Promote Diverse Scientists

3. NJSTA is also always looking to share science education professional learning opportunities. If you are aware of a workshop or webinar, please add it to our Tockify calendar for inclusion on our Regional Event Calendar. Please submit events using HERE.

NJ Climate Change Standards - #NJSTAChats Overview

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:05:09 GMT

New NJ Climate Change Standards

On January 25th, NJSTAChats welcomed Michael Heinz, NJDOE Science Coordinator, to discuss the New Climate Change Standards and the teaching resources provided by the New Jersey Department of Education. The New Jersey Climate Change standards are a part of every academic subject, including health, physical education, art, world languages, and social studies. Heinz stated that “education is at an evolution point” and that standards have been tweaked to create more culturally responsive and relevant learning to promote science for all, “preparing all students for life.” The new Department of Education website for climate change presents information by grade level including enduring understandings and performance expectations. Heinz emphasized that the website is titled as climate change and not climate science because climate change is interdisciplinary and is more than just a focus on science. The Department of Education Climate Change website can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/education/standards/climate/

Members can view the recorded webinar on the #NJSTAChats 2021-2022 webpage at https://njsta.org/page-18281. You must be logged in as a member to access.

In addition to the New Jersey Climate Change Standards, there are a variety of resources available for climate change education. A high quality resource in a series of briefs is available at STEM Teaching Tools - Climate Learning.

Submit a Program Proposal for NJSC

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 14:25:02 GMT

New Jersey

Science Convention

Call for Proposals

NJSC 2022—Helping All Students Find Their Voice
October 18 & 19, 2022
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal

We cordially invite you to submit your proposals for the 46th Annual New Jersey Science Convention.

To create the best professional development opportunities for our NJSC 2022 attendees, we are especially looking for proposals that address the following:

NJSC 2022 Main Focus:
Helping All Students Find Their Voice

You are invited to submit a program proposal, especially programs that address:

Creating a Culturally Responsive Science Classroom
Promoting Equity and Inclusion in the Science Classrooms
Engaging Students in Climate Change Through Research, Discourse and Problem Solving
Engaging Students in the Explanation and Exploration of Local Problems
Interactive Three Dimensional/NGSS Lessons that Address K-5 Science, Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

We also welcome sessions that address the integration of technology and the latest information on classroom resources.

Priority scheduling deadline to submit a program is June 15, 2022
We will continue to accept program proposals after that date if space permits, but there will be limited time slots available, so we suggest you submit your proposal as soon as possible.

NJSC Proposal Invitation Page

Call for Applications - Middle and High School STEM Grant Program

NJSTA — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:33:25 GMT

The Foundation for Health Advancement is accepting applications for the next cycle of its Middle and High School STEM Grant Program.

Grants of up to $2,500 will be provided to support innovative STEM programs in middle and high schools throughout New Jersey that increase students' knowledge and experiences in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.

We understand how important it is for students to continue to learn and stay motivated during the pandemic. The Foundation for Health Advancement hopes that teachers will utilize this grant program to fund initiatives that build excitement for STEM topics and careers.

Who Can Apply?

STEM faculty members and STEM clubs supported by faculty members at public or private middle and high schools in New Jersey are eligible to apply. Note: Schools must have a 501(c)(3) foundation in order to accept the grant.

Easy Application Process!

The online application is short, simple and limited to a maximum of 500 words. Click here for the program guidelines and grant application.

Important Dates:

Application deadline: March 1, 2022

Selected projects will be announced by March 31, 2022

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2023

The Foundation for Health Advancement supports New Jersey researchers and students who are developing cures for diseases and solutions to health-related needs. Our programs grow new science-based businesses in collaboration with New Jersey-based research institutions and inspire students to pursue STEM majors and careers.

Submissions are open for Species on the Edge 2022!

NJSTA — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:29:52 GMT

The Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest empowers 5th grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece.

Simple, Fun, and Free to Enter!

Students may enter the contest with their class,

or on their own at home!

One winner from each county in New Jersey will be selected.

Open to all New Jersey fifth grade students.

Entries are being accepted through February 14, 2022.

Download the 2022 Contest Kit

Visit the Species On The Edge webpage

I am a Scientist Project (FREE ONLINE RESOURCE)

NJSTA — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:42:22 GMT

I am a Scientist Project (FREE ONLINE RESOURCE)

By Megan Maddalena

If someone asked you to describe what a scientist looks like, what are some of the first things that come to your mind? When I asked my students this question, many of their answers were very similar. If I were to summarize their responses into one it would be, “An older white male wearing a long white lab coat that sometimes has crazy white hair working in a lab.” This is a common stereotype of what scientists look like and I would wager that your description was probably not very far off from the ones my students gave me.

There are many issues with this stereotype and two of them stand out to me as being particularly detrimental to young students who are learning about different scientific concepts. One is implicitly telling students that if you want to work in science then you will always be cooped up in a lab researching and performing tests. The other, which is arguably more detrimental especially with ongoing calls for more diversity and inclusion in STEM careers, implies that most if not all scientists are white males.

As a science teacher, I know that not all of my students will go into STEM careers, however, it is my goal to let my students know that careers in STEM fields are not closed off to them simply because of their race or gender identity. I also want to broaden my student’s idea of what a workday in the life of a scientist can look like and it does not always involve working in a lab. Scientists that are currently working in all different scientific fields are more diverse than students might expect, but they need to be exposed to that diversity of people and research topics in order to realize that. This is where the “I am a Scientist Initiative” comes in.

The objective of the initiative is to “bring the science and stories of real-life researchers to classrooms nationwide”. This initiative has an amazing website full of FREE resources to help teachers introduce students to diverse, practicing scientists, in all different fields of research in STEAM careers. The site highlights individual scientists and goes into some detail about their childhood, schooling, hobbies & interests that they have outside of science, and of course what they research. The website alone has many great resources that can be used to create lessons for your students. I have come up with 3 different example lessons or projects you can do with your students that highlight this website. There is also a bonus example that can be used for young elementary grade levels. I myself have done examples 1 & 2 with my classes during previous school years and am continuing to do so this year. Example 1 was early on in the school year and Example 2 was right before and after winter break. All of the examples are great options or you can utilize the resources in any way that works best for you & your students in your classroom!

Example Lesson 1: Breaking the Stereotype & Exposure to the Scientists

When I first introduced the students to the I am a Scientist website it was really a 1-day lesson just to get them to recognize the stereotypes of scientists when portrayed in the media or even the ones that are talked about in our history. I showed them this video to kick off the lesson. It got them thinking about the stereotypes around scientists and it also got them to realize they did not really know of any current practicing scientists.

I then showed students the Scientists Story Kits on the website and how to navigate between the different scientists. “The Slides” is a great option for students to use when looking at any one scientist in particular as it breaks down that scientist’s life story and what they research in a simple and digestible way.

After I showed them how to navigate through the different scientists I gave them some time to browse the ones that stood out to them to read more about them. Before they started browsing, I made sure they knew their goal was to read about at least 3 different scientists and decide to highlight 1 that stood out to them the most.

I had students complete a Google Form reflection to tell me about the scientists they read about, who stood out to them the most and why, and if anything was surprising about any of the scientists they read about. You can also have students share out in small groups so students can hear about other scientists or can share together if they read about the same one.

Example Lesson 2: What do they study & Who stands out to you?

This example is a 1-day class activity that leads into a small project. The project can be scaled up easily for higher grade levels or if you want the project to last a longer length of time.

The 1-day activity portion of this example is a jigsaw lesson to have students investigate what each of the scientists on the website actually studies. Some students might find what a particular scientist studies to be quite interesting, however, they might not realize it without taking a look first. This activity is meant to have students work together and divide and conquer.

All students should receive a copy of a worksheet (digital or physical) that lists all of the different scientists’ names and the short term used to describe their research field on the main Scientist Story Kits Page. For example, the first person on the list is Noor Al-Alusi and she is an Epidemiologist. Some students might know what an epidemiologist is depending on the grade level but a majority likely have no idea that she studies the spread of diseases in communities (quite relevant to everything currently going on in our world right now).

Each student should look up a few different scientists (this will vary depending on your individual classes and the grade level of your students). Once students have filled in the scientists they were responsible for they will come back to their group and share their answers. By the end, all students should have a complete worksheet that lists each scientist and a simple explanation for what they study.

This can then lead to a small project. You can have students select 1 or 2 scientists from the list they are the most interested in. I had my students select 2 scientists. The first was to be chosen because they found what that scientist studied interesting and the other could be anyone they wanted, chosen for any reason. If you don’t want the project to take as long or if you need it to be longer you can have students select more scientists or only 1. With their scientist(s) selected, students then had to answer these 5 questions for EACH scientist they chose.

1. If you could meet this scientist what are some questions you would like to ask them?

2. Did you learn anything that surprised you about this scientist?

3. What do you have in common with this scientist? Or perhaps talk about how you are different.

4. Describe the scientist’s research field. Go into detail about what they study.

5. What questions do you have or problems do you see in the world that this type of science could help you address?

I gave my students choices for how they wanted to answer the questions. They could have longer written responses in a Google Doc, Shorter responses that included visuals in Google Slides, and a Video recording of them answering the questions out loud. You can give students more options or fewer options as you see fit.

An optional extension is to have students share out in small groups about the scientists they chose. This was an opportunity to get the students to engage with each other about their projects and also continue to learn more about other scientists they did not choose.

Example Lesson 3: Biography of a Scientist Presentation

This example could be if you wanted students to take a deeper look at one scientist in particular. This could be paired with the 1-Day activity from example 2 (above) but it is not required. The idea is that you would have students select 1 of the scientists that they are going to take a deep look into.

Students will prepare a presentation that they will share with the class about their scientist’s life, their hobbies, what their schooling was like, what they have researched in their career, and what they are currently researching now. I would recommend having students utilize “the slides” and more specifically have them look at the slide titled “His/Her path to science” to help guide students with this. The slides for each scientist can be accessed by clicking on them from the Scientist Story Kits Homepage.

For older grades, students can be tasked with taking an even deeper look at what the scientist studies beyond the information provided on the I am a Scientist Website. Students would then present to the class or perhaps you could have them practice by presenting in small groups first. Students could give peer feedback before their final presentation. This is all up to your own discretion.

Bonus Example for Young Elementary Grades:

In young elementary grades, teachers can set some class time aside to show students one of the scientists from the website. Perhaps it could be a once a month activity for the students to see and hear about a scientist. Teachers can use the Scientist Story Kits to show students about the specific scientist for that day. If teachers utilize “the slides” that go along with each scientist they can tell students about that scientist’s life, what they study, what hobbies they have, and the students would also be able to see what that scientist looks like from their photo.

One Scientist that could be a great starting point is Noor Al-Alusi because she is an epidemiologist which means she studies the spread of diseases in communities which is quite relevant to everything currently going on in our world right now which would likely resonate with your students.

Teachers can just have students listen and view the resources. They can also have students come up with or even practice writing questions they would want to ask the featured scientist if they were to meet them. Students can also come up with scientific questions (at an age-appropriate level) about what that scientist studies.

Elementary Teachers can also show students this video during the first session of highlighting a scientist to help them realize the importance of seeing diverse scientists and hopefully seeing a path for themselves to possibly pursue STEM in the future.

Resources:

Homepage for the I am a Scientist Initiative: https://www.iamascientist.info/

Vision for the Initiative: https://www.iamascientist.info/vision

Scientist Story Kits Homepage: https://www.iamascientist.info/collection

Resource Library: https://www.iamascientist.info/resource-library

Breaking Down Stereotypes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ZFXUpZ0-Y&feature=emb_title

New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Science (NJSLA-S) Committee Recruitment

NJSTA — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:40:31 GMT

New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Science (NJSLA-S) Committee Recruitment

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) annually convenes several science assessment committees to assist in maintaining the quality and integrity of the development of the science portion of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA). To continue this effort, the NJDOE is seeking nominations from school districts for a diverse and experienced pool of educators and curriculum supervisors to participate on the science assessment committees for the NJSLA-Science program for grades 5, 8, and 11. The NJDOE asks that Chief School Administrators nominate qualified educators and/or curriculum supervisors by Wednesday, December 22, 2021. Districts may request an extension to Friday, January 7, 2022 by emailing John.Boczany@doe.nj.gov.

New Additions to EEdNews

NJSTA — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:37:58 GMT

EVENTS/CONTESTS

Peak Foliage at Woosamonsa Ridge and Other Nearby Preserves

New Jersey State Science Day

NJDEP Events

November Raritan News

Caring for the Earth: Opportunities for Religious Institutions to Protect Clean Water for Healthy Communities.

2022 STEAM Tank Challenge - New Jersey School Boards Association

This Week in the New Jersey Skylands

COA's Virtual Cape May Student Summit

EMPLOYMENT, INTERNSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join MOM's Organic Market's Mission to Save the Planet!

NJSACC is Hiring + new Afterschool Jobs in Mercer County - learn more here | November 15, 2021

Mercer County job posting

To: EE Job Seekers (or Friends of...): October 25, 2021

DEP Job Opportunities

FUNDING, GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

NOAA Announces new Environmental Literacy Program Funding Opportunity

EPA Seeks Applicants for 2021 Environmental Education Grants

PRESS RELEASES

Camden Invincible News

Conquering the climate crisis one step at a time

Treehugger: Good COP or Bad COP?

What Technology Could Reduce Heat Deaths? Trees.

52 Climate Actions That Can Change Behavior

Family, School, & Community Engagement Newsletter: Presidential Memo Issued on Reopening Schools Safely

Your Actions at Work: Pebble Mine Blocked

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & CLASSROOM MATERIALS

ANJEE: Climate Change Mini Series---Winter Conference Call for Presenters

The Project WET Warehouse Sale Starts Now

Green Ninja Team News and Lessons

Cloud Institute: Useful Resources for Educators

Introducing GSNN's Updated GreenPrint

NY/NJ PURPLE AIR LOAN RFP NOW OPEN + EPA Region 2 Citizen Science Bulletin - November 9, 2021

NJ Watershed Ambassadors offer Workshops for Classrooms

Rutgers University Announces Updates to the NJADAPT Suite of Climate Planning Tools

SubjectToClimate: Check out our updated website!

WSGN Newsletter: Winter Garden Lessons

NJ Audubon News

Project WET News

Project Learning Tree Updates

Stossel in the Classroom

NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program's Annual Conference

National Academies Resources

Nature Explore

WSGN: Fruit Trees at School

Free Resources for Teaching How Science Works

OCSCD Programs, Projects & News

The 9 Best Eco-Friendly School Supplies of 2021

Drop a Raindrop on This Magical Map and Watch Its Journey to the Ocean

Boost Your Child's Nature Education with 'Outdoor School' Book Series

NOW AVAILABLE: Motivating Local Climate Adaptation and Strengthening Resilience

Your Inside-Out Fall Lineup: A workshop, networking with Richard Louv and a call for presenters

15 Free Activities to Support Family Engagement in Your Outdoor Classroom

i-Tree Update Coming

SubjectToClimate: 500 Ways to Make Change

Save the Date: NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program Annual Conference

Hooked on Fishing Leadership Training

WEB LINKS

Finding Nature: Social change requires systems change

CWFNJ: Explorations November E-News 2021

Earthday.org News

Gardener News 2021 E-Newspaper

NPSNJ: Hudson News, Book Club, Secret Seed Exchange and more!

EPA: November Sustainable Materials Management Updates

NPSNJ: Enjoy our Fall E-News

NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program News

OCSCD Programs, Projects & News

Green Schools Network News

USEPA Links & News

Sustainable Jersey News

Cornell Lab of Ornithology News

Connecting Through Health, Wellness and Nutrition!

Water Pages eNewsletters!

U.S. Department of Education: Green Strides and ED Review

CIRES Education & Outreach Newsletter

These women are shaping the future of agriculture at Duke Farms

Children & Nature Network Digests

Water Pages eNewsletter!

Finding Nature: A safer return to school could be just a step (outside) away

Finding Nature: Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx leadership in the outdoors

NAS: Fall Migration is Here | Lawsuit Victory | Heat Waves

Go to EEdNews for full details!

New Jersey Department of Education Launches Resources to Help Schools Teach Climate Change Across K-12 Classrooms

NJSTA — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:31:20 GMT

The New Jersey Department of Education announced that it has made available extensive online resources that school districts and educators can use to incorporate climate change education across K-12 classrooms beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.

In June of 2020, First Lady Tammy Murphy announced that the New Jersey State Board of Education adopted her initiative to make New Jersey the first state in the nation to incorporate climate change across its revised state K-12 learning standards. The NJDOE establishes the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), which determine what schools are required to teach in nine content areas across each grade level. With the adoption of the 2020 NJSLS, climate change education will be incorporated across seven content areas—21st Century Life and Careers, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages. The two remaining content areas, mathematics and English language arts, have not yet been eligible for review under the Murphy Administration given the five-year review cycle. The resources announced today will help educators meet the new climate change requirements so they can prepare students to understand how and why climate change occurs, the impact it has on our local and global communities, and to respond to climate change with informed and sustainable solutions.

“For a long time, many viewed climate change as an abstract problem, but here in New Jersey, we are already experiencing its devastating effects, including extreme flooding from recent storms,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “This generation of students will feel the impact of climate change more than any other, and beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, our students will be the first and only in the nation to have climate change education incorporated at every grade level. By providing these resources to our educators, we are in turn equipping the leaders of tomorrow with the critical tools they will need to face the real-life challenges of climate change.”

“New Jersey’s groundbreaking academic standards, and the accompanying resources that we are releasing today, will give educators, parents, and other stakeholders greater tools and information on the impacts of climate change,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Students throughout New Jersey will enhance their understanding of how climate change poses a threat to our environment, and actions necessary to mitigate the threat.”

The NJDOE’s Climate Change webpage provides resources such as:

Instructional resources – such as webinars, instructional strategies, literature, and standards-based lessons – by grade level and by subject;
Links, videos, highlights and news stories to innovative lessons on climate change occurring in New Jersey schools;
Activities and projects for students in and out of the classroom;
Opportunities for students to take part in community engagement;
A link to the First Lady’s climate change webpage; and
A portal for educators and other stakeholders to share their stories, feedback and resources.

Educators and other members of the public can obtain more information the NJDOE’s Climate Change Education Resources website.

CSSS/NSELA Sponsored Webinar on Preschool through Elementary Science and Engineering

NJSTA — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:23:28 GMT

November 30, 2021
12:00 – 1:00pm ET

The Board on Science Education of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is partnering with the Council of State Science Supervisors (CSSS) and the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) to host a webinar on the role of leadership in supporting elementary science and engineering learning and teaching. The webinar will be based on the newly released report Preschool through Elementary Science and Engineering: The Brilliance of Children and The Strengths of Educators (#BrillianceAndStrengths).

Join and engage in conversation with Betsy Davis (University of Michigan) and Tiffany Neill (Oklahoma Department of Education) as they highlight key findings and recommendations from the report for leaders.

Register Today

New Podcast: Lost Women of Science Initiative

NJSTA — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 17:17:02 GMT

The Lost Women of Science Initiative is a non-profit educational organization with the overarching goal of inspiring girls and young women -- especially those from communities chronically underrepresented in the STEM professions -- to embark on careers in STEM. The Initiative’s flagship is its Lost Women of Science podcast, producing four multi-episode seasons per year. As a full, mission-driven organization, the Lost Women of Science Initiative plans to digitize and archive our research efforts and make all primary source material available to students and historians of science.

For every Rosalind Franklin, Hedy Lamarr or Katherine Johnson whose story has been told, there are dozens more whose stories remain unknown to the public at large, or even to contemporaries in their field. We’re talking about scientists who made tremendous contributions to their field but, for reasons of time and place and gender, have gone largely unrecognized. We believe it is imperative – now more than ever – to tell the stories of women who shifted our understanding of the world around us but have been lost to history.

The Lost Women of Science podcast series is an exemplar of top-notch journalism, training a lens on forgotten but heroic women of science. Each multi-episode season will focus on a different female scientist and will be told as a deeply reported, scripted, and scored audio narrative.

Lost Women of Science is paying it both ways – forward as well as back. That is, as much as it revisits history, Lost Women of Science will also inspire young women working their way through the STEM pipeline.

On-demand and free: Exploring the connection between STEM and SEL

NJSTA — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:20:36 GMT

Supporting Student Accessibility

The November 2021 issue of Tech & Learning focuses on equity and accessibility, particularly in the areas of literacy, digital inclusion, English language learning and speakers of other languages, and special education. Read it free here

Don't miss this opportunity to get fresh ideas and hear about new programs. Register for free today to view the sessions from our annual SmartBrief STEM Pathways Virtual Summit on-demand. Topics include SEL driving STEM education; STEM and STEAM for early learners; nurturing the STEM educator pipeline; crashing the barriers of equity and diversity; helping students see themselves in STEM career fields; developing the next-generation of entrepreneurs and creativity and design.

National STEAM Day

NJSTA — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:19:29 GMT

Did you know yesterday was National STEM/STEAM Day? I'm sure you had it marked on all your calendars!

We have a new Empire State Building video about Sustainability that is amazing! It would be wonderful if you could share with other STEM teachers and post on any sites. Is there a FB page for Environmental Science teachers? This is perfect for it.

How does a building as big as the @EmpireStateBldg use #innovation & #sustainability to make the impossible possible? @jasonlatimer from @impossiblescience takes a tour of the iconic building to learn why it’s considered a leader in sustainability and performs an impossible magic trick at the end!

https://youtu.be/7lWmKswmkf0

NJ State Science Day

NJSTA — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:25:40 GMT

Hello science educators!

NJSTA is excited to share with you a new and improved New Jersey State Science Day competition. Please share this with your 9-12th grade students. Informational webinars begin Nov 30th and submissions are due Feb 7th. All info can be found on the website https://bit.ly/NJStateScienceDay.

Sustainable Jersey Grants Program

NJSTA — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:43:57 GMT

2021 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Cycle Funded by NJEA

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, December 4! There is now even more time for you to apply for funding for your school sustainability project. Awardees will still be notified in mid-February and awards distributed in mid-March. This cycle will award:

Ten (10) $10,000 grants to fund school and district sustainability projects
Forty (40) $2,000 grants to fund school sustainability projects or support green teams

Learn more about this cycle here. This funding cycle for schools is less competitive than others due to the larger amount of funding available ($180,000) and the number of grants we give out, so the chance of getting at least a $2,000 grant is high, so we highly encourage you to apply. Note that schools can apply for both a $10,000 and $2,000 grant, but will only be eligible to receive one.

Need help? Feel free to reach out to staff or browse our actions for project ideas. To view the list of potential projects that our staff presented during the informational webinar, click here.

Student Climate Challenge

NJSTA — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:41:01 GMT

Are you looking for ideas to engage middle or high school students in your course content or club activities? Consider participating in the New Jersey Student Climate Challenge. It is free and open to all New Jersey public schools serving students in grades 6 to 12. Teachers register to participate and integrate the Climate Challenge into their classroom or club activities. Students identify and complete a school or community project to address a cause or impact of climate change. The students then create a short digital story video to highlight what they have accomplished. To support and inspire student action, educational sessions will be offered for students and teachers.

Student Sessions

New Jersey experts and student activists will discuss case studies of local climate action and share the resources available to support student action.

Teacher Professional Development

Expert teacher educators will guide teachers from across content areas on ways to identify the big ideas of climate change and to integrate those climate concepts into the curriculum using high-quality (and free) educational resources.

Get Recognized

Schools with first, second and third place winners will receive a grant ranging from $2,500 to $500 to advance their climate education initiatives. The students and their teachers will be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by the Drumthwacket Foundation with the New Jersey Governor and First Lady.

Less than one month away! Join us for NJSC October 19 & 20

NJSTA — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:43:44 GMT

The New Jersey Science Convention is less than one month away!

Make sure to register to join us and come to the NJSTA membership meeting!

https://www.njscienceconvention.org/

Rutgers Seminars from the Earth and Planetary Sciences

NJSTA — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:42:11 GMT

Wednesday September 22^nd at 7:00 PM as EPS hosts Dr. Sean Gulick of University of Texas Institute of Geophysics. His talk is titled

Life and Death by Impact: Drilling for Clues

Sean was the lead scientist that drilled and recovered the rock/sediment record from the Chicxulub impact crater. He has been involved reconstructing the geologic processes, environmental effects, and habitability that resulted from the Cretaceous-Paleogene Chicxulub meteor impact.

*Upcoming Seminars*

https://geology.rutgers.edu/eps-events/upcoming-colloquium

September 29, 2021 - 11:30am

Common Era sea-level budgets along the US Atlantic coast

Jennifer Walker – Rutgers University

October 6, 2021 – 7:00pm

From Apollo to Artemis and beyond: A future as bright as the Moon

Juliane Gross – Rutgers University

New Jersey Science Teachers Association News 2020-21

Certification Information

Applications are open through June 10, 2022 for the 2023 Class of Governor’s STEM Scholars!

Governor's STEM Scholars

E3 Professional Learning Program

Hurricane preparedness webinar for 3rd-8th grade classes- connect students with hurricane experts!

Oceans Late Night Event at the Rutgers Geology Museum

NJSPN News

NJSPN News

April I CAN STEM NJ Role Model Inductee Announced

NJ News

Wakefern and Simbe to test cutting-edge shelf-scanning robot technology

National

MIT Scientists Reveal the Best Way to Twist Open an Oreo Cookie

Don't Miss Out!

QUEST Professional Learning 2022

TCNJ and HSMC PD

Rutgers CS Hub Spring 2022 PD Registration Open!

Coding Challenge 2022

NJCCIC Cyberstart 2022

Integrating Engineering Across the STEM Curriculum: Challenges, Strategies and Impact

Sea, Sky, Stars: Three Interactive Science Activities Just in Time for Day

New Jersey Science Convention

Women's History Month

Want to become more involved in NJSTA? Take a look at how!

NJ Climate Change Standards - #NJSTAChats Overview

Submit a Program Proposal for NJSC

New Jersey

Science Convention

Call for Proposals

Call for Applications - Middle and High School STEM Grant Program

Submissions are open for Species on the Edge 2022!

I am a Scientist Project (FREE ONLINE RESOURCE)

New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Science (NJSLA-S) Committee Recruitment

New Additions to EEdNews

Go to EEdNews for full details!

New Jersey Department of Education Launches Resources to Help Schools Teach Climate Change Across K-12 Classrooms

CSSS/NSELA Sponsored Webinar on Preschool through Elementary Science and Engineering

November 30, 2021 12:00 – 1:00pm ET

New Podcast: Lost Women of Science Initiative

On-demand and free: Exploring the connection between STEM and SEL

National STEAM Day

NJ State Science Day

Sustainable Jersey Grants Program

Student Climate Challenge

Less than one month away! Join us for NJSC October 19 & 20

Rutgers Seminars from the Earth and Planetary Sciences

November 30, 2021
12:00 – 1:00pm ET