2011-2012 Module Cycle Dates

A new school year is quickly approaching! Emails were sent out today to all of my 4th-8th grade science teachers containing your cycle schedule, so please let me know if you did not receive that information. I'm posting the cycle dates here so that you can easily access them for pickup and delivery date reminders.

Cycle 1: August 15th-October 4th
Cycle 2: October 19th-December 14th
Cycle 3: January 13th-March 13th
Cycle 4: March 21st-May 16th

Remember that these are the dates that our warehouse sets for pickup and delivery. Your system may change these as needed due to transporation availability and to allow for distribution to the schools.

Please don't hesitate to contact me this year for assistance with module materials, a particular lesson, supplemental resources, or classroom assistance!

Looking forward to a great year!
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Back To School!

Welcome back to school everyone! I hope your summer has been full of adventure, although I can guarantee that it has been HOT!

As you get back into the daily routine of the classroom, know that you can contact me for any support you may need with your AMSTI science modules. We will be spending concentrated amounts of time in particular schools with ASAP (AMSTI Sustainability Action Plan) but have left at least one day per week open for other school visits.


Looking forward to hearing from you,
Carrie

AMSTI Science Module Schedules

An email has been sent to your administrator and science Lead Teacher that contains your school's science module schedule for the upcoming school year. Please contact me if you do not receive this helpful planning information soon and I will send it directly to you.
There are a few teachers scheduled for compressed training, so those modules are tentatively entered in the schedule pending attendance confirmation.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer vacation and I will see you in the classroom!
Carrie Lin

Cycle Schedules are available on AMSTI site

The 2010-11 Cycle Schedule is now available at www.amsti.org . All you have to do is:

Look under the "cycles" column and click on the Athens-AMSTI Detailed Schedule link,
then click on "open" in the dialog box,
then click on "save" in the dialog box,
then click on "save" again in the save box,
then click "yes" in the 'do you want to save?' box,
then click "open" in the download complete box

...yep just a few steps!!

It opens up to the "cycle dates" and then you can select the appropriate system tab to find your school.

Please let me know if you have any questions,
Carrie

Check out the new AMSTI website!

Take a moment to visit the recently updated AMSTI website at www.amsti.org. It has undergone several improvements which makes it user-friendly and easier to navigate.

Notice the link on the right side where you can obtain your cycle schedule for the upcoming school year. Just click on "Detailed Schedule" underneath AMSTI-Athens!

Contact information for all the site can be found after clicking on the particular site and choosing Contact Information at the top of the screen.

Under the Science tab, you will find several links to resources including GLOBE, FITH, Literacy Strategies, video clips, and AL COS correlations. Everything is at your fingertips!

Grant Opportunities

Here are some new exciting grant opportunities!

1. Best Buy
Best Buy grants are open to any group across the country planning to conduct an environmentally responsible consumer electronics recycling event. Priority will be given to not-for-profit groups, but any organization is welcome to apply.
Grants are designed to defray costs for events already planned and allow groups to do more with their budgets. Grants range from $500 - $1500 per event, depending on the size and scope of the events. Priority is given to electronics recycling events, but other types of events that include electronics recycling are considered.
Online applications are accepted year round. Applicants will be notified by Best Buy if they have been awarded a grant. Notification should come between one to two months after an application is submitted.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.e4partners.com/grant_info.htm

2. AIAA Grant
K-12 teachers who develop or apply science, mathematics, and technology in their curriculum may qualify for a grant of up to $200 per individual request to supplement their learning program. Each school is limited to up to $1,000 per calendar year.
Classroom grants may be used for demonstration kits and science supplies, math and science software, supplies for making flying objects (what kid can resist the chance to build and launch a rocket?), supplies for robotic programs, and other materials to help make science, mathematics, and technology come alive in the classroom. Preference is given to grants that align with the AIAA mission. Please note that grants will not be considered for computer hardware, printers, cameras, equipment and general math and science supplies not tied to a specific lesson plan.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

3. Toshiba America Grant
(2 winners from GA and 2 winners from AL last year!)
Toshiba America Foundation contributes to the quality of science and mathematics education in the U.S. with an annual grant budget of approximately $500,000. Teachers K - 12 are eligible to apply for grants ranging from up to $1,000 for grades K - 6 and $5,000 for 7 - 12.
Recent K - 6 grantees include a kindergarten class using their urban neighborhood as a laboratory for an introduction to geometry, and elementary students participating in hands-on activities at a National Wildlife Refuge. Some recipients in grades 7 - 12 are working on creating new science based classes, lesson plans or research laboratories for their schools.
Deadline for K – 6th grade programs is October 1st (may request up to $1,000). Grant Applications for 7th - 12th grade programs are accepted year round for grants under $5,000 and are due August 1st for grants over $5,000.
Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.toshiba.com/taf/


Good luck!

Thanks to Ned Colley from Texas Instruments for these links.

Hurray for Summer!

Now that you've closed out the 2009-2010 school year, I want to wish you a wonderful summer vacation full of rest, relaxation, and time with your family. Recharge your batteries and return in August ready to face the new crop of students that will eagerly enter your classroom.

We are not having a full AMSTI Summer Institute but there are compressed training opportunities for those of you who have changed grade levels since you were trained or for those who teach multiple grade levels (mainly middle school teachers). If you are interested in registering for these sessions, please contact our office at 256-216-6622 before the June 15 deadline. Registration forms were sent to your schools last month, but you are still able to sign up!

Please feel free to contact me this coming school year if you need any assistance with your science modules. We will be posting your kit cycles soon!

Thanks so much for all you do!
Carrie Lin