AMSTI-Athens 4-8 Science

2011-2012 Module Cycle Dates

2011-08-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

Funding Opportunities

2010-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Check out these wonderful opportunities!

1. Wal Mart State Giving Program
Through the State Giving Program, the Wal Mart Foundation supports organizations with programs that align with our mission to create opportunities so people can live better. The State Giving Program awards grants starting at $25,000 to nonprofit organizations that serve a particular state or region. For complete details please visit http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8168.aspx

2. AIAA Grant for Math & Science Education
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. For complete details please visit http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

3. Toshiba Grant for Math & Science
Toshiba America Foundation (TAF) is currently accepting applications for grants to support innovative projects designed by math and science teachers to make their own classrooms more exciting and successful for students. Check out the deadlines for your grade level and download the application form and guidelines. Discuss your project ideas with your principal and call or e-mail TAF if you have questions about the process. NEXT DEADLINE: Applications for 7-12 Grants of more than $5000 are due August 2, 2010. For complete details please visit http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/home/default.jsp.
Congratulations to recent winners in GA and AL including Mountain Brook HS (AL) and Grovetown MS (GA), among others!

As always, free assistance with your proposals is available from Texas Instruments at http://education.ti.com/grants.

Engineer Your Life resources

2010-03-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Engineer Your Life (EYL) has FREE resources you can use to spark girls' interest in engineering.

What is EYL?

EYL breaks down stereotypes about engineering and encourages college-bound girls to consider it as a career option.

EngineerYourLife.org features ten great reasons to become an engineer, streaming video of inspiring women engineers, descriptions of dream engineering jobs, and advice for parents, educators, and engineers on how to talk to girls about engineering.

An independent evaluation shows that 78.5% of girls, after exploring the EYL website, listed engineering as their number one career choice.

Use EYL in your classroom:
Share www.EngineerYourLife.org with students, parents, teachers and counselors.
Order FREE brochures/postcards by sending an email to feedback@engineeryourlife.org.
Present EYL videos of inspiring women engineers to students and parents.
Incorporate EYL into your career exploration programs and curricula.
- Mary Schmitz, a geometry teacher in Missouri, gives her students the assignment of researching engineering careers on EYL’s site and posting their favorite on their class wiki. Mary comments:
“I just want to let the girls know what is available to them and maybe open up more opportunities for them. I think your site is wonderful and I get really good responses from my students after they have read about the different fields of engineering.”

Questions about EYL? Contact feedback@engineeryourlife.org with any questions or requests related to EYL.

And for additional classroom resources, check out the Engineering collection on Teachers' Domain.

Thank you!

New Educational Games Available at NASA.gov

2010-03-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

NASA has introduced four new educational games geared toward students in grades K-8.

Build Your Own Space Mission -- Grades K-2

In this interactive game, students choose a scientist, laboratory, spacecraft and destination as they design their own space mission. After packing the spacecraft into a rocket, they watch it blast off to their destination of choice.

http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/edu_game/

Astro-Matic 3000 -- Grades K-8

Use the Astro-Matic 3000 to learn how much you would weigh or how old you would be if you lived on another planet. Students also learn facts about each planet.

Astro-Matic 3000 supports the following national education standards and benchmarks:

National Science Education Standards: Objects in the sky.
National Science Education Standards: Earth in the solar system.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standard: Recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area and time.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Astro-Matic_3000.html

Let’s Fly Away Airplane Dodecahedron -- Grades K-8

In the interactive version, students click and drag the dodecahedron to see NASA aircraft. They also can read about the aircraft and print full color pictures or a coloring page. In the Build Your Own activity, students print, color and construct their own dodecahedron featuring 12 different NASA aircraft.

Let’s Fly Away supports the following national education standards:

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Identify, compare and analyze attributes of two- and three-dimensional shapes and develop vocabulary to describe the attributes.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Describe attributes and parts of two- and three-dimensional shapes.
National Science Education Standards: Science as a human endeavor.
Interactive Dodecahedron http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/clubhouse/Lets_Fly_Away.html

Build Your Own Dodecahedron http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Lets_Fly_Away.html

Put It Together Puzzle -- Grades K-6

In this interactive online game, students build online puzzles of NASA pictures.

Put It Together supports the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standard:

Understand patterns, relations and functions.
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Put_It_Together.html

Science Notebooks as an Assessment Tool

2010-02-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

Here are two links to articles regarding the use of science notebooks that I have revisited in helping Charlene prepare for a workshop on Authentic Assessment. Hopefully, I will be preaching to the choir here, but they both have great refresher potential as well. Notebooks are not only great for teaching students the scientific method, organizational skills, and how to reflect on their own learning, but they are an amazing tool for assessment for the teacher!

Science Notebook Essentials

Five Good Reasons to Use Science Notebooks

Enjoy! Please feel free to post comments regarding your experiences with science notebooks in your classroom. Let's learn from each other!

Handling Live Animals in the Classroom

2010-02-16T15:22:00.000-08:00

Your Safety Training Notes from Flinn for February is entitled "Handling Live Animals in the Classroom." Having living organisms in a science classroom seems completely natural, however the types of organisms that are used, and for what purpose, may be controversial and potentially dangerous. This offers some general guidelines that should be considered before bringing animals into the classroom.

Anticipating problems and taking precautions to avoid them is a sensible strategy. For AMSTI kits with fish and frogs, remember to always prepare your habitats prior to the arrival of your living specimens. Tap water must be allowed to sit out for at least 24 hours and always use the conditioning drops that come in your kit.

It is also a good idea to space the arrival of your living specimens over time. This may increase the likelihood of 'fresh' animals for the students to investigate. Reorders take time to process and deliver.

You can print "Handling Live Animals in the Classroom" from Flinn Science by connecting to:http://www.flinnsci.com/Sections/Safety/Snotes/snotes.asp

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding living specimens for your AMSTI science modules.

Thanks!
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Developing Higher Level Thinking with Effective Questions

2010-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Teachers: One of our new specialists, Jana Byrd, shared a resource with us during her interview process that gives a multitude of questioning prompts for higher level thinking. It was originally written for mathematics, but can easily be adapted to science. These would be a great resource to have posted in your classroom to use during the Explore & Explain phase of your lessons. Enjoy!
Carrie

Developing Higher Level Thinking with Effective Questions

To help students build confidence and rely on their own understanding, ask…
• Why is that true?
• How did you reach that conclusion?
• Does that make sense?
• Can you make a model to show that?

To help students learn to reason, ask…
• Is that true for all cases? Explain.
• Can you think of a counterexample?
• How would you prove that?
• What assumptions are you making?

To check student progress, ask…
• Can you explain what you have done so far? What else is there to do?
• Whey did you decide to use this method?
• Can you think of another method that might have worked?
• Is there a more efficient strategy?
• What do you notice when…?
• Why did you decide to organize your results like that?
• Do you think this would work with other problems?
• Have you thought of all the possibilities? How can you be sure?

To help students collectively make sense of data, ask…
• What do you think about what _____ said?
• Do you agree? Why or why not?
• Does anyone have the same answer but a different way to explain it?
• Do you understand what _____ is saying?
• Can you convince the rest of us that your answer makes sense?

To encourage conjecturing, ask…
• What would happen if…? What if not?
• Do you see a pattern? Can you explain the pattern?
• What are some possibilities here?
• Can you predict the next one? What about the last one?
• What decision do you think he/she should make?

To promote problem solving, ask…
• What do you need to find out?
• What information do you have?
• What strategies are you going to use?
• Will you do it mentally? With pencil and paper? Using a number line?
• Will a calculator help?
• What tools will you need?
• What do you think the answer or result will be?

To promote problem solving, ask…
• What do you need to find out?
• What information do you have?
• What strategies are you going to use?
• Will you do it mentally? With pencil and paper? Using a number line?
• Will a calculator help?
• What tools will you need?
• What do you think the answer or result will be?

To help when students get stuck, ask…
• How would you describe the problem in your own words?
• What do you know that is not stated in the problem?
• What facts do you have?
• How did you tackle similar problems?
• Could you try it with simpler numbers? Fewer numbers? Using a number line?
• What about putting things in order?
• Would it help to create a diagram? Make a table? Draw a picture?
• Can you guess and check?
• Have you compared your work with anyone else? What did other members of your group try?

To make connections among ideas and applications, ask…
• How does this relate to…?
• What ideas that we have learned before were useful in solving this problem?
• What uses of mathematics did you find in the newspaper last night?
• Can you give me an example of…?

To encourage reflection, ask…
• How did you get your answer?
• Does you answer seem reasonable? Why or why not?
• Can you describe your method to us all? Can you explaining why it works?
• What if you had started with… rather than…?
• What if you could only use…?
• What have you learned or found out today?
• Did you use or learn any new words today? What did they mean? How do you spell them?
• What are the key points or big ideas in this lesson?

© 2006 PBS. All rights reserved.
The contents of this sheet were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
PBS TeacherLine
www.pbs.org/teacherline

eLearning Spring 2010 Semester Schedule

2010-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

AMSTI Educators:

E-Learning is offering FREE courses on-line with NO class attendance. Each 6-week course provides 30 contact hours credit (3.0 CEU’s).

The math and science courses:

The Complexities of Measurement
Life Science K-2
Life Science 3-5
Intro to Functions: Using Visual Models
Life Science 6-8

These were developed to deepen content knowledge and to provide avenues for teachers to learn how to integrate web-based resources into science and math teaching. Also, these courses provide teachers who have already attended both AMSTI Summer Institutes follow-up opportunities for additional science and math training.
THESE COURSE OFFERINGS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUE FOR THE YEAR ONE OR YEAR TWO AMSTI SUMMER INSTITUTES.

Also, those of you with administration certificates who need PLUs can get ACLD-approved PLUs with the EDU55xx courses listed below.

Please consider enrolling in one or more of these courses.

Spring 2010
Feb 3 – Mar 23

Click the Course Name below for a short course overview ... or sign is as a Guest to our Moodle website by clicking "Login as a guest" then clicking "Course Catalog..." at the lower right of the page to preview the courses in greater detail. By clicking this link, you can view a short Moodle Tutorial from our friends at EDC.

21st Century Classroom

EDU4401E Web-Enhanced Lessons
EDU4403E Virtual Field Trip
EDU4405E Best Internet Educational Resources
EDU4408E Teaching with Web 2.0 Tools
EDU4421E Data-Driven Decision Making
EDU4465E Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts, and Skype
EDU4499E Teaching Your First ELLs
EDU6611E Becoming an Online Facilitator (10 wks)

Elementary School

ELA2413E Teaching Writing ES
MTH2512E The Complexities of Measurement
REA2451E Reading First: Supporting Early Reading Instr
SCI3651E Life Science K-2
SCI3652E Life Science 3-5

Middle/High School

ELA3413E Teaching Writing MS
HIS3711E WWII - Using the Movies to Teach History
MTH3512E Intro to Functions: Using Visual Models
REA3455E Kids, Content, and Comprehension 4-12
SCI3653E Life Science 6-8

School and District Leaders

EDU5501E Data-Based School Reform
EDU5502E Planning for Curriculum Integration of Technology
EDU5503E Internet Safety in Schools
EDU5504E Smart Budgeting for Technology
EDU5505E Leading Schools in a Web 2.0 World
EDU5507E Special Students in Regular Classrooms: UDL

Those wishing to earn PLUs for the School and District Leaders courses above must follow a multi-step process:

They must use STIPD to register for one of the six EDU55xx courses above.
They must successfully complete and receive credit in STIPD for the course.
They must return to their school/district and plan for changes based on what they learned in the EDU55xx course. Those not in a position to make changes may formulate the plan as a proposal.
They must prepare a presentation that showcases their plan and results in an up-loadable format (PowerPoint, Photo Story, website, wiki, video, spreadsheet, etc.)
They must use STIPD to register for the corresponding 2-week PLUACLDxxx showcase course listed below 6-months after taking the EDU55xx course.
The PLUACLDxxx course requires them to:
Post their showcase on the course discussion forum.
Review all showcases posted by classmates
Comment on at least three of those showcases.

Upon completion of all these requirements, they will receive 1 PLU credit in STIPD.. eLearning can create STIPD accounts for those who do not have access to STIPD.

PLUACLD020 PLUASIL 1 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5501E
PLUACLD038 PLUASIL 6 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5502E
PLUACLD039 PLUASIL 6 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5503E
PLUACLD040 PLUASIL 6 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5504E
PLUACLD021 PLUASIL 6 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5505E
PLUACLD041 PLUASIL 6 ACLD, e-Learning for Educators, EDU5507E

School Counselors (4 week courses)
Each course will be run during each of three
mini-sessions beginning Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7
(you can take all three at once or in any sequence)

CCTI101E Building a College-Going Culture for All Students
CCTI202E College, Career, and Academic Planning
CCTI303E Financial Aid and College Applications

National Board (Jan 13 - Mar 23)

NBCT202 Building Writing and Video Skills (9wks)

Keys to Success Taking eLearning Courses

The courses are structured in weekly sessions (one orientation week plus six academic weeks) - each week begins on Wednesday. Each session has assignments for you to complete ... readings, activities, discussion questions. After you finish the reading assignments (days 1 and 2), sit back and reflect on what you’ve read. Complete the activities (days 2 and 3) and spend some more time reflecting on what you already knew and what you may have learned from the readings and activities. On days 3 and 4 contemplate your original post (thread) to the discussion question. On days 4 and 5 post your thread and read those of your classmates. Reply to the one or two that appeal to you. That's how the learning is done. No need to be online at any given time on any given day - but you should spend about 3-4 hours a week reading, doing activities, reflecting, composing, posting, replying. You must complete the weekly assignments in the assigned week – you may, with approval from your facilitator, work ahead or fall behind one week. You must successfully complete 6 of 7 weekly assignments AND complete the course project to receive credit for the course – course projects are due within 30 days of the course end dates (extensions can be granted on a case-by-case basis).

Registration Procedures

You can register online through STI PD for any of our online teacher professional development courses by following these simple instructions (or contact us if you do not have STI PD access):

Go to https://pdweb.alsde.edu/pdweb/ for the STI PD registration page.
Enter your USERNAME (you can obtain it from your central office).
Enter your PASSWORD (you can obtain it from your central office).
Choose the correct LEA from the drop-down list.
Select the PD TITLES tab from those across the top of the page.
Select the link SEARCH THE PD TITLE CATALOG.
Enter the course number in the box along the right margin labeled PD TITLE NUMBER then click the SEARCH NOW button at the bottom of the page.
After the course description appears, select the link LIST under VIEW SCHEDULE along the right hand margin.
Scroll down the list of sessions until they find the session you wish to enroll in.
Select the ENROLL NOW button associated with your chosen session.

If you have any questions, contact Ben Hicks at bhicks@ALSDE.edu

Thanks!
Carrie

Environmental Education Association of Alabama Conference

2010-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Environmental EducationAssociation of Alabama (EEAA) Conference registration materials are now available at www.eeaa.us. Together we will be "Soaring to New Heights" in environmental education at Lake Guntersville State Park, March 4-6th.

There are scholarships opportunities available for our members and for classroom teachers. (And STI-PD hours too!) This conference promises to be an extra special one with children's author Brian "Fox" Ellis impersonating John James Audubon, providing a workshop on combining scientific inquiry and storytelling, and presenting a concurrent session on nature journalling. We'll also have a bird watching field trip, a presentation on the ellusive Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, a search for luminescent lichens plus much more!

Heather L. Montgomery
Science and Nature Writing for Kids
www.heatherLmontgomery.com
www.dragonflyeeprograms.com
256-426-5871

Carolina Biological Discount

2009-12-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

Carolina Biological is offering a $25 discount of your next order of $150 or more. Simply include promotion code DY with your phone, fax, or mail order. You may also use it with online orders by entering the promotion code during online checkout. This offer expires February 28, 2010.

Enjoy your discount!

Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching

2009-12-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

Email from ASTA regarding Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching

Please nominate any Alabama K-6 teacher who exhibits strong and exemplary leadership with colleagues and teaching math and science in the classroom!

Forward this information with your faculty as some may want to nominate a fellow teacher.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is now accepting K-6 nominations with an application deadline of May 3, 2010.

Visit the site to complete the nomination form at www.paemst.org and view the guidelines.

Workshop registration is now open through STIPD (https://pdweb.alsde.edu/pdweb/) for January 29, 2010 which will lead nominees through the application process. I will provide assistance and mentorship through their completion.

PD-075-2010Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Jan 29, 2010

Please let me know if I can answer any questions from you or your faculty regarding this prestigious national award which comes with $10,000 for the state winners, one each in science and math!

Thanks!!

Charlene Dindo
Alabama Science Teacher Elementary Director
National Academy of Sciences Teacher Advisory Council
Fairhope K-1 Center
Pelican's Nest Science Lab
990-2230/cdindo@bcbe.org

Toyota TAPESTRY Grant deadline approaching...

2009-12-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

The deadline to submit applications for the Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program is fast approaching. K–12 science teachers with innovative project ideas that enhance science education in their school and/or school district are encouraged to apply. Fifty large grants and a minimum of 20 mini-grants totaling $550,000 will be awarded this year.

Individual science teachers or a team of up to five teachers can submit proposals in one of three categories: physical science application; environmental science education; and integrating literacy and science.

Additionally, all awardees will receive a $500 stipend to use for travel expenses or registration to attend the NSTA National Conference in Philadelphia.

Don’t delay, apply now! Visit the TAPESTRY website for complete details. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, January 18, 2010 to be considered.

NASA Invites Schools to Apply for Free Space Shuttle Artifacts

2009-11-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

NASA invites eligible educational institutions, museums and other organizations to register, screen and request potential space shuttle artifacts. Included are small items such as astronaut helmets, gloves, and boots, and large items such as shuttle Motion Based Simulators and Crew Compartment Trainers.

NASA will retire the Space Shuttle Program at the end of 2010 and is eager to share the wonders of space exploration through donations to museum and library exhibitions. This is your opportunity to own and display Space Shuttle artifacts!

In order to receive an ID and password to access the web site, schools and universities must register using their IPED or NCES number. Information on registering and links to find the IPED and NCES numbers are available on the U.S. General Services Administration website.

The artifacts are free, but recipients must cover shipping and special handling fees.

For the latest information about NASA shuttle transition and artifacts, visit www.nasa.gov/transition.

EngineerGirl Essay Contest

2009-11-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Every year the National Academy of Engineering sponsors an engineering essay contest on the EngineerGirl website for students across the nation. The contest for this year is entitled “Survival Design Challenge". Students in grades 3-12 can compete for cash prizes, and we would like to get the word out to as many young people as possible!

You can find the announcement, guidelines, and related information about the contest on the EngineerGirl website: http://www.engineergirl.org/CMS/Contest.aspx

The deadline for this year is March 1, 2010.

Great News from Carolina Biological!

2009-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the good news? You can now receive living material orders from Carolina Biological on Mondays & Tuesdays! This could make lesson planning with those critters somewhat easier to manage.
If you are ordering online (www.carolina.com/livingform), use the Notes field to enter that you want your order to arrive on Monday or Tuesday. Give the specific date as well so there is less chance of confusion.
If you order by fax or phone, simply tell the customer service representative.

They have also supplied us with a VIP phone number to avoid the automated menu you have to go through when calling. The VIP number is 866-938-5245 and will connect you directly to a customer service representative who is familiar with AMSTI orders. Way to go!!

Happy ordering!
Carrie Lin

Leonid Meteor Shower 11/17

2009-11-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Leonid meteor shower peaks on Nov. 17th with a sprinkling of meteors over North America and a possible outburst over Asia.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/10nov_leonids2009.htm?list1281984

Free Learning Opportunity from NSTA

2009-11-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

FREE SciPack – The Ocean's Effect on Weather and Climate, for Elementary and Middle School Teachers

If you’d like to polish your content knowledge to help your students understand this topic correlated to state standards, take advantage of this 10-hour online learning experience. Teachers can access NSTA’s online Learning Center (open a free account) and explore concepts related to Earth’s weather and climate. The focus is on standards and benchmarks related to weather and climate, the water cycle, climate change, and the role of solar energy and its affect on the atmosphere and oceans. The unique role oceans play in defining Earth’s weather and climate patterns is also specifically addressed. In addition to comprehensive inquiry-based learning materials tied to Science Education Standards and Benchmarks, the SciPack includes the following:
Pedagogical implications addressing common misconceptions, teaching resources and strand maps linking grade-band appropriate content to standards.
Access to one-on-one support via e-mail to content “Wizards.”
Final assessment which can be used to certify mastery of the concepts.

Visit the NSTA Learning Center at http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/scipacks.aspx?lid=exp for all details.

New PBS series--Design Squad

2009-11-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Design Squad, PBS' engineering reality competition series, has a new Teacher's Guide. Order your free copy today!

Developed for middle school science and technology teachers, Design Squad's latest guide blends hands-on engineering challenges with 3 core science concepts:

Force - students build their own blimps

Electricity - students design electronic games

Sound - students make and play instruments

The challenges use low cost, readily available materials and are linked to national science and technology standards.

To learn more about the guide, register for the NSTA webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 4th.
For additional classroom resources from Design Squad, check out Teachers' Domain.

NASA Announces the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge

2009-10-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

NASA is inviting students in grades 5-8 to participate in the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge. The challenge uses real-world scenarios that meet science and mathematics content standards. Students can participate in a formal, informal or home-school setting.

Teams of up to six students will design a water recycling system for the unique environment of the moon. Teams will then test their system on a simulated wastewater stream. Proposals and results are due Feb. 1, 2010.

The winning teams will be announced in May 2010. The top three teams will receive awards. The first place team will receive an expense-paid trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the winning team's visit to Kennedy, students will gain firsthand knowledge about NASA's missions, receive behind-the-scenes tours of NASA's launch facilities, and learn about future aerospace and engineering careers.

For more information and contest rules, please visit http://wlmr.nasa.gov/.

On Oct. 28, 2009, Dr. Jay Garland will be hosting a webcast tutorial for educators on the WLMR design challenge from 4-5 pm EDT. The presentation will provide an overview of the contest objectives and schedule, demonstrate methods students will use to create and analyze the wastewater, and answer questions from the audience. The webcast can be accessed at http://dln.nasa.gov.

Also available online is the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge Educator Guide. This guide is a starting point for middle school students to research and answer the challenging questions of how to maintain human habitations on the moon and other planets in the solar system. The guide focuses specifically on the need for water recycling. The guide includes background information on topics relating to the moon, Earth’s water cycle and water recycling. Several basic classroom activities on water recycling are also included.

The guide is available for downloading at http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/WLMR_Guide.html.

Questions about the Waste Limitation Management and Recycling Design Challenge should be directed to Jay Garland at jay.l.garland@nasa.gov.

Great Science Web Site!

2009-10-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Tammy Carter at Hayden Middle School shared a great site with me this past week. She is using one of its interactive activities on DNA with her 7th graders. After just a few minutes exploring the site, I found so many cool experiments and online lessons that will interest you all! Many of them would be wonderful with those new SmartBoards so many of you are receiving!

Try Science

This link will take you directly to the "Find Activities" page directed towards teachers. The lessons are sorted by type, age, or topic to save you some time hunting for what you need.

Thanks Tammy!

The Wonders of YouTube!

2009-10-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Kim Cole at Fairview Middle School shared these links with me during a recent classroom visit and she thought it would be a great idea to post them here for everyone to use. We all know that you have to be careful with YouTube, but there actually is a tremendous amount of useful video there for teachers.

Most of these clips are aimed for 7th grade Organisms: Macro to Micro but they will also carry over into 3rd grade Plant Growth & Development and 1st grade New Plants.

Parts of a Flower
WOWBug Grooming
Life Cycle of a Butterfly
A Plant's Story
Fast Plant's Life Cycle

Have a great week!
Carrie Lin

Physics Central PhysicsQuest Program for Grades 6-9

2009-10-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Attention Middle School Science Teachers!

Have you heard of PhysicsQuest, a science competition program sponsored by Physics Central? Nancy Caffee from Cleveland High School shared this site with us at a recent compressed training session. Register your classes at this site to receive competition materials and information that will allow your students to participate in this year's competition.

Here is a description from their site:
"PhysicsQuest is a middle school competition that consists of four physical science experiments centered on a mystery. The experiments are designed to be done by small groups in a classroom or after school setting. Each of the experiments gives students a clue that they need to solve the mystery. Classes can submit their answers online and be entered into a random drawing for prizes. PhysicsQuest kits are provided free to registered classrooms."

Sounds like a great opportunity!

Grant Resources

2009-10-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

During several of my recent classroom visits, teachers have asked about grant resources to acquire funding for classroom projects. I've compiled a list of a few that were recommended to me by previous grant recipients and some others that came up in my searches. In our current times of proration, we could all use a little (or a lot) of help! It never hurts to submit a grant proposal--the worst that could happen is a polite "No".

If anyone has other opportunities that we can benefit from, please feel free to share here.

CBS 42 One Class at a Time Grant

Toolbox for Education

Kids Gardening Grant

Donors Choose

Class Wish

Target Stores Community Outreach

Alabama Wildlife Grants

Thanks so much for all you do,
Carrie Lin

Be Safe Out There!

2009-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Safety in the science laboratory may be a totally new concept for many of your students, especially the younger ones. Before now, in other classes, safety may not have been a serious issue. However, if safety rules are not followed in science class, students may be exposed to materials and procedures that could cause injuries.

Getting students to comply with safety rules and teaching them proper lab techniques are two of the most important responsibilities of every science teacher. Students depend on you for safety training and for teaching the topics they need to learn.

A valuable resource for science safety information is Flinn Scientific Inc. Follow this link to their September issue of Science Safety Notes which is focused on ways to help students comply with lab safety rules including this little gem:

The Goggle Song
(The “Goggle Song” is sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)

I’m a little chemist, short and stout.
Here are my goggles, here are my eyes.
When I don’t wear my goggles, my teacher shouts,
PUT THEM ON OR YOU GET OUT!

The ending is a bit harsh, but gets the point across that you take science safety seriously.....

Implementing Science Notebooks

2009-08-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

The use of science notebooks is an integral part of implementing AMSTI. All too often teachers get bogged down in one specific aspect of the notebook training and see the notebook as a hurdle to overcome instead of the learning tool that it is. Speaking personally from my experience after attending my first Science Notebooks workshop, I couldn't get past the idea that it HAD to be a composition notebook. My supply list at school did not call for composition notebooks, and I was unable to request additional supplies. So I felt that I was unable to go any further. I continued with my usual system of a 3-ring binder with tabbed sections, feeling that I had failed at science notebooks.

At my next Summer Institute, I found out that many of my peer teachers had fully implemented the science notebook concept into their class--most without the use of that infamous composition notebook. It works beautifully with a 3-ring binder, a pocket folder, a spiral notebook, etc.. I came to the realization that it was not the physical structure of the notebook that was so important--it was the contents inside! Were my students using the components (problem, prediction, plan, data, conclusion, new questions)? YES! Were my students creating a chronological log of their learning? YES! Were we using the notebooks as an assessment tool? YES!

A side benefit of science notebooks is the amount of copies you can save. Due to proration, many of you are limited in the number of copies you can make. As the students use the notebooks and become accustomed to writing the question, hypothesis, and describing their results on their own, you will find that the handout masters lose their usefulness. The process becomes second-nature with guidance and practice.

Another key point is that every notebook entry will not follow the basic six components. Some lessons are meant as observations, reflections, or content reinforcement. Do you still record those lessons in the notebook? YES! They are a step in the students' progression through the module and contain vital information for you and them.

Remember, it needs to work for you and your students. Science notebooks are a tool to promote process skills and problem solving. If anyone has had an Aha! moment that you would like to share regarding your science notebooks, please post a comment here. We are a team and can learn from each other's experiences.

Have a great week,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Ordering Living Materials

2009-08-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Many questions regarding living materials have come up this week so I wanted to address them here so that others may benefit from the same information.
The following AMSTI modules have living materials that are an integral part of the unit:
1st grade: Animals 2x2
2nd grade: Soils, Organisms
4th grade: Animal Studies
5th grade: Microworlds, Ecosystems
7th grade: Organisms-Macro to Micro

When you receive your kit, you will find a Living Materials Letter packed inside. It includes care instructions, ordering information, and a coupon for each shipment that is provided with your kit.

To order your living materials, go to www.carolina.com/livingform . You will enter your shipping address as well as the Control Number found on the top right of each coupon. You will also choose the date you want the shipment(s) to arrive. Deliveries are only made on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. You must also give 10 days from order date to delivery. Plan ahead!

For modules with multiple coupons, it is best to space your orders apart so that you can focus on the investigations with each organism. Plan your orders/deliveries to follow your progression through the unit.

Let your office staff know that you are expecting a delivery so that you can open the package immediately to acclimate the animals to their new surroundings. If there are any problems with your order upon arrival, call the customer service department at Carolina Biological at 800-334-5551. You will need your Control Number handy so that they can process any reorders.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

More Compressed Training Opportunities!

2009-08-25T11:30:00.001-07:00

There are many of you that have changed grade levels since your AMSTI training or you may be one of the lucky ones to teach multiple grade levels each day. Either way, you are in need of compressed training so that you will receive those science modules. Please follow the link below to print out a registration form for compressed training opportunites offered through AMSTI-Athens State and AMSTI-UNA. The sessions available at ASTA are also found on this form.

Compressed Training Registration Form

Please return your registration to us by FAX at 256-216-6623 by 9/4/2009. If you have any questions, you can contact me by email or call our office at 256-216-6622.

They have left the building!

2009-08-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

With the exception of a few Cullman County schools, all systems have picked up their kits from our warehouse and delivered them to your classrooms. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your science modules or GLOBE kits. Our materials manager is Debbie Phillips (debbie.phillips@athens.edu).

Remember that GLOBE kits stay at your school and are not returned to AMSTI-Athens. Many schools choose to store the GPS kit in the library or computer lab where teachers have access to check out the units as needed. Individual grade level GLOBE kits can also be stored in a central location or with a Lead Teacher for that particular grade. Make it work for your faculty!

Carrie Lin

carrie.lin@athens.edu

Speaking of ASTA...

2009-08-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

ASTA is seeking session proposals for the upcoming convention in Birmingham on October 20th. If you are interested in presenting, follow this link for a proposal form. Deadline for submissions is September 1st. Each of you has an area of expertise, skill, or knowledge that you can share with fellow science teachers from across the state!

Proposal Form

We'd love to see your there,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

K-5 Science Compressed Training

2009-08-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to find information regarding Year 1 Science Compressed Training that will be offered at the 2009 ASTA Convention in Birmingham on October 19th. Feel free to print and share with others in your faculty who may be interested. Qualifications and registration information can be found on this document. If you qualify and are interested in attending, contact Joyce Waid (joyce.waid@athens.edu) for approval before you send in your registration for the convention.

ASTA K-5 Science Compressed Training

Thanks!
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Welcome Back to School!

2009-08-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here they come! As the new school year QUICKLY approaches, we all have begun to hit "panic mode". Many busy days are spent getting the classroom ready and preparing our materials for the new crop of students to enter the door on the first day. I would like to wish all of you a great year and to remind you that I am here to help you in anyway I can with AMSTI science.
Thanks for all you do,
Carrie Lin
carrie.lin@athens.edu

Science Cycle Dates

2009-08-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the Cycle Dates for your science modules for 2009-2010.

Cullman Co, Lawrence Co, Limestone Co, & Morgan Co.
Cycle 1: August 17-October 15
Cycle 2: October 23-December 18
Cycle 3: January 11-March 12
Cycle 4: March 24-May 21

Athens City, Blount Co, Oneonta City
Cycle 1: August 14-October 16
Cycle 2: October 23-December 18
Cycle 3: January 11-March 8
Cycle 4: March 22-May 18

Please let me know if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you to schedule a visit with your classes!

2009-2010 Cycle Schedules

2009-07-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

You should have received an email containing your AMSTI Science Module cycle schedule this past week, sent to the address you submitted at registration. This will help you plan your units for the upcoming school year as each cycle corresponds with the four 9-week grading periods. For example, Cycles 1 & 2 fall within first semester and Cycles 3 & 4 are within spring semester.
Cycle 1 begins on August 14th for Blount County, Athens City, and Oneonta City.
Cycle 1 begins on August 17th for Cullman County, Limestone County, Lawrence County, and Morgan County.
Your kits will be marked with the return date on each crate.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: carrie.lin@athens.edu

Summer Institute 2009

2009-07-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

We survived AMSTI Summer Institute 2009 with only a few bumps and bruises!! Honestly, it went very well, considering all the grade level/teacher changes we had leading up to it. Two sites over an hour apart is crazy, but hopefully we won't be doing that again. Thanks to all the math and science trainers at both Hayden and Cedar Ridge who did a phenomenal job!! I look forward to working with my teachers at the Year 2 schools as they enter a year where some things are familiar and others are brand new. That 's how we grow as educators! For the Year 1 schools, we can all relate because we've been in their shoes. But in the end, the real winners are the students across our region who will see math & science in a different light.