Contents

Contacts
Volume 53, Number 3 August 2009
President’s
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming Inside:
Down
Childhood CAST:
Obesity • Where and When
• What to Do
CAST 2010
• How to Register
Helpful Back to School Articles

The Official Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas

 Remember
Contents the first time
you fell in love
with science?
Contacts
We do. It is the reason
we believe in hands-on
President’s scientific technology. It
Message engages students in a
meaningful way, develops

Calendar
keen analytical skills,
and awakens a love
for discovery.
Regional
Reports www.vernier.com
for product tours, training
videos, FREE sample
Affiliate News labs, and to look for
FREE workshops in

CAST your neighborhood.

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Ethics to Young
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Scientists
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DO

Slimming
DO (mg/L) Temp (ºC)

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Down
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Childhood
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2
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News • Course Workbooks

CAST Redefining the • Modular Workbooks

Teaching
learning experience! • Presentation Media
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Visit Biozone at C.A.S.T.
Slimming November 4-7 2009
Down
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Obesity Total value $75

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3
 Contents

Contacts About Us
We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas.
President’s
Message STAT is committed to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levels
and in all science disciplines.
Calendar
For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/news/position.php
Regional STAT is:
Reports o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school
teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated to
Affiliate News maintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools.
o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Association
CAST o Visit the NSTA site
o View the NSTA online calendar
Teaching
Ethics to Young STAT seeks to:
Scientists o Serve as a unified voice for the science teachers of the state.
o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in
science education.
Slimming o Provide opportunities for members to examine techonology, curriculum,
Down materials, and services.
Childhood o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars
Obesity and workshops related to sciences.
o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associations
in the promotion of teaching of science.
CAST 2010

History:
STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 during
the 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching
(CASMT). STAT membership is more than 6,000 strong!

4 4
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message
Contacts
Elected Officers ............................................6
Calendar Appointed Positions ....................................6
Regional Affiliate Congress ........................................7
Reports Regional Directors .......................................8
Affiliate News Texas State Board of Education..................9
President’s Message .......................................10
CAST
Calendar............................................................12
Teaching Regional Reports .............................................14
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Affiliate News ..................................................17
CAST Information ..........................................19
Slimming
Down
Teaching Ethics to Young Scientists ............36
Childhood Slimming Down Childhood Obesity..........39
Obesity CAST 2010 ........................................................41
CAST 2010

5
 Contents
Elected
Officers
STAT
Office
Contacts
Mailing Address:
President: Past President:
President’s 5750 Balcones Dr., Patsy Magee Michael Baldwin
Ste 201 (409) 617-5054 (956) 548-8246
Message Austin, TX 78731
pmagee@beaumont.k12.tx.us lbaldwin@rgv.rr.com
Phone:
Calendar (512) 491-6685 President-Elect: Treasurer:
Fax: Joel Palmer Laurel Frank
(512) 873-7423
Regional www.statweb.org
(972) 882-7388 (281) 232-2025
jpalmer@mesquiteisd.org lfrank@magnoliaisd.org
Reports stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Vice President: Secretary:

Affiliate News Ross Ann Hill Karen Jo Matsler
(806) 892-1900 (817) 483-7251
CAST rahill@idalouisd.net kjmatsler@gmail.com

Appointed
Teaching Positions
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Executive Director: Texas Science Teacher
Slimming Chuck Hempstead Editor:
(512) 491-6685 Joel Palmer
Down stat@bizaustin.rr.com (972) 882-7388
Childhood jpalmer@mesquiteisd.org
Obesity CAST Exhibits Manager &
Advertising Manager: STATellite Editor:
CAST 2010 Frank Butcher Jon Rodriguez
(281)424-1230 (512) 491-6685
frank.butcher@comcast.net stat@bizaustin.rr.com

TEA Representative:
Kenn Heydrick
(512) 463-1827
Kenn.Heydrick@tea.state.tx.us

6
 Contents

Contacts

President’s ACT ISEA

Message Associated Chemistry Informal Science
Teachers of Texas Education Association
Calendar
Rhonda Alexander Kiki Corry
rhondaalex@gmail.com kiki@corrywood.net
Regional
Reports
ISET TABT TAEE
Affiliate News Integrated Science Texas Association of Texas Association for
Educators of Texas Biology Teachers Environmental Education
CAST
Carole Henry Karen Hewitt Sally Wall
chenry1@satx.rr.com hewittkaren@yahoo.com swall@gccisd.net
Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists TCES TESTA TMEA
Texas Council of Texas Earth Science Texas Marine
Elementary Science Teachers Association Educators Association
Slimming
Down Michael Vu Diann Valentine Marolyn Smith
Childhood mv12@bcm.edu dvalenti@houstonisd.org marolyn.smith@yahoo.com

Obesity

CAST 2010 TSAAPT TSELA

Texas Section of the American Texas Science Education
Association of Physics Teachers Leadership Association

Hugh Henderson Terry Talley

Hugh_Henderson@birdville.k12.tx.us DrTTalley@comcast.net

7
 Contents

Contacts Region 6
Georgeanna Adams-Molina
Region 14
Gary Mabry
3332 Montgomery Rd. 2110 Marsalis St.
President’s Huntsville, TX 77340
E-mail
Abilene, TX 79603
E-mail
Message Region 7 Region 15
Donna Wise Jerita Taylor
Calendar 1909 N. Longview Street
Kilgore, TX 75662
P.O. Box 390
Bronte, TX 76933
E-mail E-mail
Regional Region 1 Region 8 Region 16
Reports Robert A. Soper
300 Hollywood Dr.
Bobbette Doerrie
13925 CR B
Edinburg, TX 75839 Vacant Booker, TX 79005
Affiliate News E-mail E-mail

Region 2 Region 9 Region 17

Lola Grundy Tanys Gene James Cathy Box
CAST 15222 Reales Drive 1625 Rodgers Dr. P.O. Box 698
Corpus Christi, TX 78418 Graham, TX 76450 Tahoka, TX 79373
E-mail E-mail E-mail
Teaching
Region 3 Region 10 Region 18
Ethics to Young Catherine W. Porter Bill Neal Martha Alexander
308 Welch 6231 Woodcrest Ln 5006 Castleford Rd.
Scientists Palacios, TX 77465 Dallas, TX 75214 Midland, TX 79705
E-mail E-mail E-mail

Slimming Region 4 Region 11 Region 19

Mary Ingle Becky Yarbrough James and Dusty Milson
Down 7145 W. Tidwell Road 3001 North Freeway 252 Viking
Childhood Houston, TX 77092-2096
E-mail
Fort Worth, Tx 76106
E-mail
El Paso, TX 79912
E-mail
Obesity Region 12 Region 20
Co-Region 5
Mike Hoke Jeanine Wolf Mary Poarch
CAST 2010 1802 W Rein
Orange, TX 77630
3680 CR 269
Oglesby, TX 76561
1425 Wilshire Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78209
E-mail E-mail E-mail

Co-Region 5 Region 13 Region 21

Roxanne Minix-Wilkins Dr. Barbara ten Brink Shari Hiltbrand
1130 Skipwith St. 1410 W. 29th Street 1330 Augusta #20
Beaumont, TX 77705 Austin, TX 78703 Houston, TX 77057
E-mail E-mail E-mail

8
 Contents
Gail Lowe, Chair William B. Travis Building
Lawrence A. Allen, Jr., Vice Chair 1701 North Congress Avenue
Terri Leo, Secretary Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Contacts

President’s SBOE District 1 - Rene Nuñez

1521 Upson Dr.
SBOE District 9 - Don McLeroy
9277 Brookwater Cir.
Message El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 351-9923
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 255-2538
(512) 936-4319 fax (979) 846-1174 fax

Calendar SBOE District 2 - Mary Helen Berlanga SBOE District 10 - Cynthia Nolan Dunbar
2727 Morgan Ave. 22123 Skyridge Ln.
Corpus Christi, TX 78405 Richmond, TX 77469
Regional (361) 881-1000
(361) 881-1028 fax
(512) 463-9007
(512) 936-4319 fax
Reports SBOE District 3- Rick Agosto SBOE District 11 - Patricia Hardy
205 N Presa, Ste B 200 900 N. Elm

Affiliate News San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 226-7106
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-2968
(210) 226-7104 fax (817) 598-2833 fax

CAST SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.

4302 Grapevine
SBOE District 12 - Geraldine Miller
1100 Providence Tower West
Houston, TX 77045 Dallas, TX 75244

Teaching (713) 433-4643

(713) 556-7243 fax
(972) 419-4000
(214) 552-8560 fax

Ethics to Young SBOE District 5- Ken Mercer SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. Knight
Scientists PO Box 781301
San Antonio, TX 78278
PO Box 763337
Dallas, TX 75376
(512) 463-9007 (214) 333-9575
(512) 936-7319 fax (214) 339-9242 fax
Slimming
SBOE District 6 - Terri Leo SBOE District 14 - Gail Lowe
Down 23516 Twin Oaks Dr. RR#5 11 Chris Ave.
Spring, TX 77389 Lampasas, TX 76550
Childhood (281) 257-0832 fax (call first) (512) 556-6262
(512) 556-3278 fax
Obesity SBOE District 7 - David Bradley
2165 North St. SBOE District 15 - Bob Craig
Beaumont, TX 77701 PO Box 1979
CAST 2010 (409) 835-3808 Lubbock, TX 79408
(806) 744-3232
SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill (806) 744-2211 fax
61 W. Wedgemere Cir.
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 465-8095

Need to find your representative?

Search by zip code at:
http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

9
 Contents

Contacts

President’s A Message from President Magee

Message
The “lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer” are almost over! I know each of us begins
the summer with lots of plans. I hope you have taken some renewal time for yourself this sum-
Calendar mer. If you have not, now is the time to think about your personal renewal.
Your STAT Board was renewed in Miami at NSTA’s National Congress on Science Educa-
Regional tion (NCSE). We spent time in workshops to learn how to better facilitate and focus our state or-
ganization. We also spent time working in forums on science resolutions that will be the focus of
Reports NSTA as they work to improve science education nationally. Likewise each local chapter, Texas
included, will be expected to work toward
those same issues. Those issues included:
Affiliate News
ISSUES FORUM 1: Resources for retain-
CAST ing teachers
ISSUES FORUM 2: Supporting science
leaders
Teaching ISSUES FORUM 3: Meeting the needs of
Ethics to Young diverse learners
ISSUES FORUM 4: Components of a
Scientists support system for science teachers
ISSUES FORUM 5: Optimizing science
in the elementary grades
Slimming ISSUES FORUM 6: K – 8 integration of
Down science and mathematics
Childhood Continuing my professional renewal,
Obesity I have spent the last few days involved in
the very first trainer workshop at the Sally
Ride Institute in San Diego. An elementary
CAST 2010 science team from our district’s elementary
science teachers participated with me. Sal-
ly Ride was wonderful! She brings a won-
derfully refreshing view of diversity about
scientists to the table. What a wonderfully
renewing experience! The activities were
wonderful, but I think the most important
point that stood out for me, was the renewal

10
 Contents
Message from the President
(cont’d. from page 8)

Contacts of our elementary science team and focusing on Regional Mini-CAST’s we have across Texas. We
“Women in Science” and other diverse groups. It have great Regional Directors who spend an enor-
has been a while since I was involved in a science mous amount of time and energy to make those
President’s team learning experience. I had forgotten how ex- conferences both beneficial and renewing. I have
Nasco Kit Promotions Division
Message hilarating team interaction can be!
STATellite Newsletter
attended many and they are excellent!
My final renewal, on a personal note, began Don’t forget to “Catch a wave” to CAST
Aug 2009
with a trip to Wyoming. Growing up on the Gulf 2009 in Galveston, November 5th - 7th, another
Calendar STAT908
Coast left me in the dark about a lot of the Earth great way to renew your passion for science. The
Science concepts I was taught in college. Don’t get 2009 team has worked hard to make this the most
me wrong, the Gulf Coast has plenty of Earth Sci- outstanding CAST yet. I look forward to seeing,
Regional ence phenomenons to observe, it just wasn’t what meeting, and talking to you there!
Reports I was being taught in Geology classes. I was a Bi- Whatever you do until school starts, and I
ology major and loved the living sciences. I also know you will be incredibly busy, be sure to take
acquired an appreciation for the Chemistry and time to renew yourself and your science passion.
Affiliate News Physics that was associated with living organisms.
However, Earth Science was just something I tol- Welcome back to another great school year!
erated for 30+ hours as I worked toward a com- See you at CAST!
CAST posite science degree in college. I finally see what STAT908
the fuss is all about! As we flew into Jackson Hole,
Teaching the snow capped “Grand Tetons” were so beauti-
ful, it was like looking at a postcard. Everything
Ethics to Young we did was against that backdrop – unbelievably
Scientists beautiful! A trip through Yellowstone National
Park furthered my astonishment. The wildlife,
rivers, waterfalls, mountains, wildflowers, and es-
Slimming pecially the geysers, really intrigued me. Can you
Down imagine being one of the first Indian inhabitants
of that land and coming upon those geysers? By
Childhood the way, did you know that the different hues of
Obesity color in those geyser pools are due to the different
species of bacteria and algae that can survive at
hot temperatures? I have been reading and study-
CAST 2010 ing voraciously since I returned! I think this is the
most important renewal one can have. Each of
us probably had a passion for science and could
share that passion with others through teaching.
If you have not renewed your science passion –
you need to! It is truly exhilarating and will allow
you to better inspire your students because of that
passion.
As you look for ways to renew your sci-
ence passion, don’t forget about the wonderful

11
 Contents

Contacts December 2009

NSTA Area Conference
President’s December 3 - 5, 2009
Phoenix, AZ
Message
March 2010
Calendar NSTA National Conference
March 18 - 21, 2010
September 2009 Philadelphia, PA
Regional
16th Annual Panhandle Math and
Reports Science Conference October 2010
September 26, 2009 NSTA Area Conference
Canyon, TX
Affiliate News TMEA Workshop
October 28 - 30. 2010
Kansas City, MO
September 25 - 27, 2009
CAST Austin, TX November 2010
CAST 2010
October 2009
Teaching Rio Grande Valley Science
November 11 - 13, 2010
Houston, TX
Ethics to Young Association Conference
NSTA Area Conference
October 9 - 10, 2009
Scientists Mercedes, TX
November 11 - 13, 2010
Baltimore, MD
TSAAPT Joint Conference
Slimming October 22 - 24, 2009
San Marcos, TX
Down TAEE Conference
Childhood October 22 - 25, 2009
Junction, TX
Obesity NSTA Area Conference
October 29 - 31, 2009
CAST 2010 Minneapolis, MN

November 2009
CAST 2009
November 5 - 7, 2009
Galveston, TX
NSTA Area Conference
November 12 - 14, 2009
For a more extensive calendar, go to:
Fort Lauderdale, FL
www.statweb.org/calendar.php

12
 Contents

Teaching
Contacts
Physics or
President’s
Message Physical
Calendar Science
Regional
Reports
for the
Affiliate News
first time?
CAST

Teaching Become a member of the

Ethics to Young American Association of Physics Teachers.
Scientists
Get your FREE COPY of our bestseller,
Slimming Teaching Physics for the First Time.
Down AAPT is the #1 resource for physics or physical science teachers at the high school and college level.
Childhood To join, go to aapt.org and enter the promotional code STAT09 to receive your free gift, or bring this ad to the
Obesity AAPT booth at CAST 2009. (offer expires 11/15/09)

Be sure to visit booth #117 at the CAST Conference to explore the various AAPT resources and publications
CAST 2010 that will assist you with an entire year of physics instruction.

Strengthening Physics Education

Supporting Physics Educators

aapt.org

13
 Contents
Regional Reports
Contacts Region I
by Bob Soper, Region I Director
President’s
Message
Under the direction of Susana Ramirez, Michael Sweet, and Shonie Castaneda a science sum-
Calendar mer camp for elementary girls was held June 22-27 at Reed-Mock Elementary School in the Pharr-San
Juan- Alamo ISD. The camp worked with 25 young ladies from around the Rio Grande Valley in order
to give them hands-on and field experience in science and encouragement to gain confidence in their
Regional abilities in science. The week-long camp was sponsored and funded by the Rio Grande Valley Science
Reports Association (RGV SA) with the host school providing the facilities. This was the RVGV SA’s first at-
tempt at a summer camp of this nature although we have sponsored workshops in past summers.

Affiliate News The RGV SA Annual Conference will be held this year October 9-10, 2009, at the South Texas ISD
high schools in Mercedes, Texas. Our featured speaker will present to students Friday morning and to
the community on Friday evening. Saturday will consist of workshops, exhibits, and updates of sci-
CAST ence initiatives in the state and nation. The RGV SA website: www.rgvsa.org has information and forms
for attending, exhibiting, and presenting workshops. A hot breakfast and hot lunch will be served and
Teaching at the end of the Conference, door prizes will be provided.

Ethics to Young SCIENCE TEACHER WORKSHOP

Scientists RADIATION AND HEALTH
A FREE 8-hour course in Radiation Science and Technology with Emphasis
Slimming On safety and health, Taught in Your Facility by Professionals of the South
Down Texas Chapter of the Health Physics Society.
Childhood (TEA Approved CPE Provider no. 501500)
Covers topics from TEKS paragraphs 112.43, 112.45, and 112.47
Obesity
Fundamentals of Nuclear Radiation, Exposure to Natural and Man-Made
CAST 2010 Radiation in Modern Life, Cellular Biology and Radiation Effects, Medical,
Industrial, and Power Production Applications, Radiation Waste
Management, and Radiation Safety Regulation.
Free Lunch, Geiger Counter, Lecture Notes, and CD.
Visit us at CAST 2009 Booth 1501
OR Sign up for the 6-hour class being given at CAST-2009 on Saturday,
OR Contact Albert E. Evans, albrtalev@aol.com, ph.1-281 937-9413
STCHPS Science Teacher Workshops Coordinator
14
 Contents
Regional Reports
Contacts Region XIII
by Barbara ten Brink, Ph.D., Region XIII Director
President’s
Message On the Brink of Success
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
Calendar 05/08/09 -- As approved by the State Board of Education on
March 27, 2009, for second reading and final adoption, with
Regional technical edits, as authorized by State Board of Education op-
erating rules. Not yet filed; will be subject to review for non-
Reports substantive, technical edits by Texas Register editors.

Affiliate News Elementary Science, Grades K-5

§112.10. Implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills for Science, Elementary, Beginning with School Year 2010-
CAST 2011. The provisions of §§112.11-112.16 of this subchapter shall
be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2010-
2011 school year and at that time shall supersede §§112.2-112.7
Teaching of this subchapter. Click here for more details.
Ethics to Young
Middle School Science, Grades 6-8
Scientists §112.10. Implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills for Science, Elementary, Beginning with School Year 2010-
Slimming 2011. The provisions of §§112.11-112.16 of this subchapter shall
be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2010-
Down 2011 school year and at that time shall supersede §§112.2-112.7 of this subchapter. Click here for
Childhood more details.

Obesity In this article, I have laid the grade levels side-by-side for the purposes of seeing the vertical pro-
gression of science education philosophy articulated in the Introduction sections of each grade level
CAST 2010 and science pedagogy articulated in the Knowledge and Skill sections of each grade level. Possibly
this tool will aid you in your preparation for science instruction 2010-2011 school year.

K-5 Spreadsheet
6-8 Spreadsheet

15
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

16
 Contents
Affiliate News
Contacts Texas Association for Environmental Education
President’s TAEE
Message by Sally Wall
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Calendar
2009 TAEE Conference
Rockin’ on the River
Regional
Reports October 22-25, 2009
Texas Tech University Center in Junction, TX
Affiliate News
Join us on the beautiful Llano River!
CAST More details on the conference coming soon in the TAEE
newsletter and on the website!
Teaching
Ethics to Young This year’s conference focuses on three themes:
• No Educator Left Inside
Scientists (field investigations/study techniques)
• OUT Standing in the Field
Slimming (EE Excellence/Professional Development)
Down • Sense of Place (place-based education)
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010 ® Science & Reading

by Rosemary Martin TEKS Correlated
Supporting Science, Inc.

Interactive manipulative activities & games

 Teach, review, tutor & assess
 Cover concepts & process skills
 Engage learners with visuals & color
 Differentiate for special populations

17
 Contents
Affiliate News
Contacts Texas Earth Science Teachers Association
President’s TESTA
Message by Diann Valentine
WOW - what a fantastic field trip several TESTA Please visit our booths, 1700 & 1702, at
Calendar members took June 13-22 to Iceland. Charles CAST to see our PowerPoint presentation of our
Swift worked with Holbrook Educational Travel travels. We have samples of Icelandic rock for
to create a once in a lifetime memorable experi- our rock raffle as well as our luncheon. Visit the
Regional ence. Our tour guide, Ari Trausti, was the ulti- TESTA link to read more details and see daz-
Reports mate escort. zling photos!
With over 20 published books, Ari is a Since more Earth Science is targeted on
leading expert in the fields of geology, volca- the TEKS, please join us in the TESTA strand.
Affiliate News nology, astronomy, environmental science and We will present 3 field trips, 4 short courses, 4
mountaineering. His guidebook, Focus on Ice- workshops, our share-a-thon, and our famous
land, included all of the highlights on our trip, rock raffle. Our luncheon features Dr. Alison
CAST and of course, he knew the information by heart! Henning, Rice University, presenting “Evolu-
After a long trip from Houston, the first day re- tion in Science and Society.”
Teaching vived our tired bodies with an uplifting experi- Finally, TESTA will be celebrating our
ence of soaking in the geothermal pool, the Blue 25th anniversary. Plan on helping us celebrate
Ethics to Young Lagoon. The blues of the water were breathtak- the wonders of the Earth. Please bring a rock or
Scientists ing and the beauty of Iceland was evident. mineral sample for our rock raffle. If you have
As our travels progressed we were sure an exciting Earth Science activity please share it
that it could not get any better than the last stop with teachers in our share-a-ton. We also will
Slimming but we were always wrong. Each waterfall was have an ad in the CAST program to help you
more beautiful than the last. Every volcano and plan for a great CAST. Contact me for more in-
Down mountain peak seemed more alluring. From formation about any of our activities. See you
Childhood hiking on glaciers to floating with icebergs while there!
we tasted 800-year-old ice, we
Obesity enjoyed exploring many facets
of this wonderful island. Dur-
CAST 2010 ing one day’s drive we were
on both the North American
tectonic plate as well as the
Eurasian plate as we crossed
over the Mid Atlantic Ridge.
Ari’s knowledge filled our
minds with the geology of Ice-
land as we traveled more than
2000 Km (1200 miles) during
our adventures.

18
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching Galveston, Texas

Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

19
 Contents
CAST 2009 Sponsors
Contacts
Thank You for Helping Make CAST
President’s
Message
2009 Possible!
For more information on each sponsor, please click their logo.
Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

Want to be cool like these guys? You’re in luck, sponsorships are still available!
To find out more, go to http://www.statweb.org/cast/sponsors.php

20
 Contents
Ship’s Log
CAST ‘09
Contacts Cast Conference Highlights Chart a course for the Conference for
Click Here To Register the Advancement of Science Teach-
President’s Administrators’ Strand: Mike Klentschy will present on ing, CAST ‘09 to be held in
Message how administrators can increase student achievement Galveston, Texas on November 5-8th
and increase test scores. See the Administrator Log for at the Moody Gardens and San Luis
more information. Convention Centers. As the First
Calendar
Mate and Conference Chair for this
TEKS –Aligned Science Professional Development with
Conference I wish to welcome all sci-
Regional many workshops geared to inform educators on the
new Revised Science TEKS. Including up-dates from ence educators, science enthusiasts,
Reports the Texas Education Agency. exhibitors, and administrators. You
will find an incredible amount of
Field Trips, Short Courses, National Speakers, Lun-
Affiliate News cheons, Workshops, Special interest strands, and social
activities to keep you engaged and
enthused for your entire stay. Chart
events.
your course with some of the impor-
CAST tant information on this page.
Moody Gardens three day pass for only $30.00 will get
you into all the Moody Garden attractions for the cost
Teaching of a one day pass! Mike Baldwin, Conference Chair ‘09
Ethics to Young Huge exhibit hall with over 300 vendors and organiza-
Scientists tions showcasing resources and & new science products Registration Information
for educators and administrators.
The Moody Gardens is hosting the Exhibit Hall,
Slimming workshops, and special education sessions from
PASCO and Delta/CPO. It is also the staging
Down Conference Registration Details
area for field trips.
Childhood Early Bird Registration
(Before September 26, 2009)
$110.00 The San Luis Resort center will host the short
Obesity Advanced Registration
courses, workshops, and Affiliate strands. It is
$140.00 comprised of the Galveston Island Convention
(September 27- October 22,2009) Center, the San Luis Hotel, The Hilton, and the
CAST 2010 Late Registration
$155.00 Holiday Inn.
(October 22 –till the conference end)
Hotels are filling fast. Make your
API (Thursday only) $75.00
hotel reservations.
Saturday (1 day only) $50.00
Family Member $25.00 For details, please call the Housing Call Center:
Preservice/Student Teacher $25.00 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm, 409-797-5125.
Moody Gardens 3-Day Pass
(For Moody Gardens Attractions)
$30.00 CAST Registration is
online now!
21
 Contents
Program Primer
Contacts So, you’re getting ready to register for CAST 2009 in
Galveston. What should you look for? Does any- STRANDS - The printed conference program will
thing cost extra? What are your options? Here’s the identify different groups of programs as being af-
President’s scoop… filiated with a particular topic or Strand. These
Strand programs are open to all, but are labeled with
Message WORKSHOPS - There are 14 different Workshop “Strand Name Presents:” to help you identify their
sessions of 75 minutes each throughout the course of connection to other programs within the same theme.
Calendar the conference. Within each time slot you will find Strands may include workshops, short courses, field
40-50 different presentations that you can attend. All trips, and luncheons.
of these are included in your general registration fee.
Regional This year’s strands include:
Reports SPEAKERS - There are 3 Featured Speakers this
year: Mary Manheim, a forensic anthropologist; • ACT2 - Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas
Mike Everhart, a paleontologist; and Bernard Harris, • ISEA - Informal Science Education Association
Affiliate News an astronaut. Speaker presentations take place on • TABT - Texas Association of Biology Teachers
Thursday and Friday and are available to all confer- • TCES - Texas Council of Elementary Science
ence participants at no additional cost. • TESTA - Texas Earth Science Teachers
CAST Association
SHORT COURSES - There are two 3-hour Short • TMEA - Texas Marine Education Association
Teaching Course sessions each day with about 20 different
courses available during each time slot. There is also
• TSELA - Texas Science Education Leadership
Association
Ethics to Young one 6-hour Short Course session with a few different • TEA - Texas Education Agency
Scientists courses to choose from each day. Each Short Course
will have an additional fee associated with it. Fees
• Dana Center
• Administrators
vary by program and are not included in your gen-
Slimming eral registration. All fee-based programs (i.e. Short Courses, Field
Trips, Luncheons) can be selected during online reg-
Down FIELD TRIPS - There are 30-40 Field Trips available istration and will be added to your registration fee.
Childhood throughout the course of the conference. These ac- However, if you don’t decide on one of these until
tivities will take you off site to various locations in later, you will still have the opportunity to register
Obesity the greater Galveston area. Transportation for the and pay at the conference.
field trips is provided to/from the conference venues.
CAST 2010 A box lunch is also included in longer field trips. An Just keep in mind, participation in all programs is
additional fee is charged for each Field Trip. Fees first come, first served and spaces are limited.
vary by program and are not included in your gen-
eral registration.
Kelly Drinnen
LUNCHEONS - Many STAT affiliate organizations CAST 2009 - Galveston
offer a special group Luncheon on the last day of Program Chair
the conference (Saturday). You may purchase a lun-
cheon ticket for an additional fee. This is not includ-
ed in your general registration.

22
 Contents
A Natural Approach to Chemistry
takes a fresh new look at how
chemistry is used today, in and out
Contacts of the laboratory. It is a complete
learning system consisting of a text-
President’s
Nasco Kit Promotions Division
book, a full color lab manual, and an
equipment package which features
Message
STATellite Newsletter the LAB-MASTER system. It is a
Aug 2009 rugged, reliable, and spill-resistant
STAT908 unit that includes:
Calendar ● Test tube heater (boils 30ml
in 3 min.)
Regional Chemistry ● RGB spectrophotometer For More Information
and a Correlation to the
Reports For All ● Temperature probe TEKS, Contact:
● Voltage probe Oralia Gil
Students Phone: 281 528-6168
Affiliate News ● Powerful and easy to set-up Email: ogil@lab-aids.com
data collection system

CAST STAT908

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity The Greatest Adventure this Side of the Ocean Floor!
• ‘Hands-on’ Marine Adventure Camps Offered at Texas A&M
CAST 2010 University at Galveston
• Marine Biology! Marine Science! Marine Engineering!
And Much More!
• Residential (ages 10-18) and
Day Camps (ages 6-11) Available Every Summer

www.tamug.edu/seacamp
(409) 740-4525

23
 Contents
Green Science
Contacts “We’re Going Green!” How many times have you heard that phrase lately? As cliché as it seems, it’s
part of what science tells us we need to do--conserve our resources!
President’s So, CAST 2009 has decided to make Conservation an important part of our science conference. We’re taking
Message steps to be more thoughtful in our choices and procedures and we’d like you to help.

Here are the some of the ways we’re trying to be more resourceful (or should that be resource-less?):
Calendar
• Placing recycling receptacles throughout conference areas
• Slimming down the conference program
Regional • Printing on recycled paper
Reports • Sharing more information electronically
• Reusing leftover conference bags from last year
• Purchasing nametag wallets made from recycled materials
Affiliate News • Keeping reusable items generic enough to carry over to next year’s conference
• Making handouts and presentation files available online after the conference
CAST • Minimizing waste on field trip lunches

If you have any additional suggestions, we’d love to hear them!

Teaching Just email us with the subject “Green Science.”
Ethics to Young
Scientists CHECK THE CAST
PROGRAM OR STOP BY

Slimming BOOTH 517 FOR

WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMES,
Down OR JUST TO SAY “HOWDY”

Childhood WHAT MAKES A GOOD WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP SHORT COURSES:

Obesity GREAT?
● A DYNAMIC PRESENTER FROM TEXAS
● INFORMATION CORRELATED TO TEKS
SC110 A Natural Approach to Chemistry - Focus on
Atomic Structure and Chemical Reactions
SC125 A Natural Approach to Chemistry - Focus on

CAST 2010
AND TAKS Electrochemistry
● IDEAS THAT CAN BE EASILY IMPLEMENTED SC315 SEPUP - Engaging
IN YOUR CLASSROOM Students in the
● CONCEPTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT WILL Process
ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING AND
ACHIEVEMENT
WORKSHOPS:
INVEST AN HOUR –
WS 2021 SEPUP Erosion
DIVIDENDS
DIVIDENDS FOR A CAREER!
and Deposition
CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION: WS 2053 Chemistry of Materials from SEPUP
Oralia Gil WS 2117 SEPUP Body Works
Texas Region Manager WS 2302 Force and Motion from SEPUP
Phone (281) 528-6168
Email: ogil@lab-aids.com

24
 Contents

Join Us For
Contacts
The Administrators and Policymakers Institute (API)
President’s as part of CAST 2009 in Galveston!
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News
Focus on continuous school improvement, learn how to enhance teaching
CAST strategies and improve science achievement for all students.
Teaching This half-day program, available to you for only $75, will include breakfast and a special pre-
Ethics to Young sentation, 10 mini-educational sessions, and luncheon featuring TEA Science Director, Kenn
Heydrick, and former superintendent Mike Klentschy, science reform expert and author of
Scientists Scaffolding Science Inquiry Through Lesson Design.
Slimming Student success depends on quality instruction, so please remember to send your teachers to
Down CAST 2009, November 5 -7 to learn about the new TEKS initiatives and science education re-
quirements. Your teachers will have access to more than 650 workshops, short courses and field
Childhood trips. Take advantage of the $110 early bird registration rate by registering before September 26.
Obesity
For your convenience, hotel rooms are now available.
Go to www.statweb.org/cast/housing.php to make your reservations today.
CAST 2010
Registration for API and CAST opens August 17.
For More Information, Please Visit:
www.statweb.org/cast/
 Contents

Contacts
Ship’s Log
CAST ‘09
President’s
Message Weigh anchor in the beautiful city
of Galveston, Texas. The CAST Crew
has worked diligently to make sure
Calendar that CAST attendees have the best
rooms at a price that teachers and
Regional schools can afford. Galveston is one Galveston, TX
of the premier beach resorts in Texas
Reports with many beautiful attractions, res- Galveston has everything conference goers can expect
taurants and interesting locations to from the beautiful beach resort of Galveston includ-
ing beautiful hotels, entertainment, shopping, and 32
Affiliate News explore. Conference-goers can explore
the Moody Gardens Aquarium and miles of Gulf Coast beaches. With semitropical Island
IMAX Theatre, all three days for only weather, visitors can enjoy walking on the 13-mile Sea-
CAST $30.00, the cost of a one-day pass. wall or shopping along the Strand National Historic
On the other side of the Island, those Landmark District. Pier 21, off Harborside Drive, offers
staying at the San Luis Resorts can shops, portside restaurants and a maritime gallery.
Teaching enjoy the night life, try the many Three blocks from the Strand is the newly fixed up
Postoffice Street Arts & Entertainment District which
Ethics to Young fine restaurants, or just stroll along
has various art galleries and shops.
the beach.
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010 Moody Gardens
Looking for some fun close to the exhibits and all the
workshops? Try visiting the Moody Gardens attrac-
tions. For only $30.00 (the cost of a one-day pass) You
can spend as much time as you like all three days of
the conference. Delve into the oceans depths at the
Aquarium Pyramid® to see penguins, sharks and
thousands of tropical fish, cruise aboard the Colo-
nel Paddlewheel Boat, or experience the action of the
IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm theaters.
San Luis Resorts and Convention Center
Come ashore to luxury at the San Luis Resorts and
Convention Center. Most of our short Courses and
Affiliate strand workshops will take place here as well
as our affiliate luncheons. About half or more of the
conference hotel rooms will also be here or close by.
Attendees staying at this location will have easy ac-
cess to the beach and to many of fine restaurants lo-
cated along the sea wall. Enjoy!

26
 MOLU_OEC StateliteAd 7-09:Layout 1 7/3/09 8:44 AM Page 1

presents
Contents
The Mobile Offshore Learning Unit (MOLU)
The Mobile Offshore Learning Unit (MOLU) is
a $1.2 million dollar engaging traveling exhibit.
Contacts It features six self contained learning centers with
curriculum-based, hands-on activities about energy
President’s and the technologies and sciences involved with

Message the oil and gas industry. The curriculum for each
of the 24 activities is based on national and Texas
state standards (TEKS). Although the MOLU is
Calendar geared for 5th grade students, it is also appropriate
for other age groups. The MOLU is sponsored by
Regional Teachers will need to accomplish
the following prior to the visit:
Following the visit, teachers are asked to:
■ Review and correct answers in the
Devon, Dominion, ExxonMobil, Halliburton,
Reports ■ Administer pre-test
■ Have students view 2 complimentary DVDs,
MOLU Pass booklet with students
■ Administer post-test
Marathon Oil Company, and Schlumberger.
OEC’s The Offshore Story ■ Score pre/post tests and mail to OEC
and API's Fuel-less For more information about the MOLU
Affiliate News ■ Have students complete a
■ Complete online teacher evaluation form
A pre-visit package containing all
and to download a MOLU Request Form,
Career Interest Profile form
necessary materials will be sent to the please visit www.oceanstaroec.com
school prior to the MOLU visit.
CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Presents Project E³: Expanding Energy Education Workshops
Slimming At Ocean Star Museum in Galveston – 20th Street at Harborside Drive
Down Knowledge Box Grades 6-12
2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 W O R K S H O P D AT E S
Playing with Petroleum Grades K-5
Childhood Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Obesity Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010 Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010 Saturday, April 10, 2010
CAST 2010 Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010 Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010 Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010 Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, November 20, 2010 Saturday, November 13, 2010
Participants will receive a light breakfast, lunch, the Project E³: Expanding Energy Education Book (a $35.00 value), and a $25.00 travel stipend. Mail checks to:
A $35.00 check along with the registration will hold your place. This will be returned to you upon completion of the 7 hour workshop which begins at Offshore Energy Center
9:00am. Each participant will also receive 6 CPE hours and will be entitled to reserve a Knowledge Box or Playing with Petroleum Kit for up to 30 days 200 N. Dairy Ashford, Suite 6220
to untilize in their classrooms at no charge. (Free pick-up and delivery within the Houston area.) Houston, Texas 77079
Ask about workshops outside of the Houston/Galveston area. (281) 544-2435 Fax: (281) 544-2441
For more information about the workshops, visit our website: www oceanstaroec.com
or contact Doris Tomas, Education Director, oeceducation@aol.com

27
 Contents
CAST Speakers Ship’s Log
CAST ‘09
Contacts
While ashore, make time for the
Dr. Mary Manheim,
distinguished Keynote Speakers at
President’s Forensic Anthropologist CAST ’09. We have an exciting vari-
Message Sponsored by:
ety of speakers that are sure to please
everyone in attendance. STAT has
Ward’s Natural Science sailed the salty seas and searched the
Calendar and American 3B far-corners of the United States to
bring the best science speakers on the
Mary H. Manheim is a planet to Galveston. Become a CSI
Regional forensic anthropologist at Expert with Mary Manheim, Learn
Reports Louisiana State University about the monsters that roamed the
at Baton Rouge, and her in-land sea over 80 million years ago
tales about her experiences with Dr. Mike Everhart, and discover
Affiliate News helping various law en- the miracles of space with former As-
forcement agencies identify tronaut, Dr. Bernard Harris.
human remains (mostly
CAST Dr. Mary Manheim
skeletal) is fascinating and Door prizes will be drawn at the end
Thursday 2-3 p.m.
exciting. of each presentation.
Moody Gardens
Teaching Salon D & E.
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Dr. Bernard Harris, Mike Everhart,
Former Astronaut, Paleontologist
Slimming Physician, and
Down Businessman
Childhood
Bernard A. Harris, Jr., Mike Everhart has the
Obesity M.D. currently serves as well known website
president of The Har- Oceans of Kansas. He
CAST 2010 ris Foundation, Inc., a
non-profit organization
was the major consul-
tant on the National
he founded in 1998 to Geographic movie Sea
develop math/science Monsters and has pub-
education and crime lished several books on
prevention programs cretaceous marine fos-
for America’s youth. sils of the North Ameri-
Dr. Bernard Harris Mike Everhart
Friday 10-11 a.m. can Inland Sea. Thursday 7-8 p.m
Moody Gardens Moody Gardens
Salon D & E. Salon D & E.

28
 Contents
Administrators and
Policymakers Institute
Ship’s Log
Contacts CAST ‘09
The Administrators and Policymakers
Institute will be held on Thursday from
President’s 8:00 – 1:30 p.m. API is a ticketed event.
Message Dr. Michael Klentschy District Captains and School Admin-
Luncheon Speaker and istrators will find valuable strategies
Presenter and planning tools for improving sci-
Calendar ence instruction and raising student
achievement.
Michael is the former Su-
Regional perintendent of Schools
This year we have the former Superin-
Reports for the El Centro School
District in El Centro,
tendent of El Centro School District, Mi-
chael Klentschy to share his strategies
California. He received
for raising district, school, and student
Affiliate News his doctorate degree in
achievement. We are also privileged to
assessment and evalua-
have a special breakfast presentation by
tion from the University
CAST of California, Los Ange-
TEA Science Director, Kenn Heydrick.
les. He has demonstrated through practice that district
Teaching leaders using research-based instructional strategies
and hands-on science can create systems where student Administrators and Policymakers Institute
Ethics to Young achievement dramatically increases. Thursday, November 5
Scientists 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hear Dr. Mike Klentschy discuss school reform. $75.00 registration.

Slimming
Dr. Kenn Heydrick
Down API Breakfast Speaker
Childhood
Obesity Dr. Kenn Heydrick, STAT Past President, is the Science
Director of the Texas Education Agency. His depart-
ment assists districts across the state in implementing
CAST 2010 the new science TEKS and helps adopt science instruc-
tional materials.

Kenn is also presenting workshops at CAST about how

teachers can implement the new science TEKS in their
classrooms.

29
 Contents
Meet the Scientist &
Celebrate TESTA’s 25th Anniversary
Contacts

President’s Get the most out of this outstanding CAST program by

Message joining us for the reception after STAT’s first guest lecturer,
Mike Everhart. His presentation, “Paleontology of the West-
ern Interior Sea”, details the late Cretaceous marine fossils of
Calendar western Kansas. He has extensive expertise on the early his-
tory of paleontology in Kansas. His work has also been re-
cently featured on the History Channel (Prehistoric Monsters
Regional Revealed) and on the Discovery Channel.
Reports
Here is the time to personally meet Mike and ask questions.
Throughout the reception we will be showing his contribu-
Affiliate News tions to the National Geographic’s “Making of Sea Monsters”
in a PowerPoint presentation. You can peruse books that he
CAST has authored as you gain more Earth science content knowl-
edge. Mike will also be at the TESTA booth at select times
during the conference.
Teaching
At this time, you can help the Texas Earth Science Teachers Association (TESTA) celebrate its 25th an-
Ethics to Young niversary. This affiliate organization of STAT was conceived at a CAST conference in 1984. With the
Scientists new TEKS, Earth Science curriculum is again emerging in Texas.

As you plan your professional development agenda, please see our Earth Science strand of content
Slimming filled fieldtrips, workshops and short courses being held in the San Luis Resort. Make sure you in-
Down clude a visit to our famous Rock Raffle Friday afternoon to add new specimens to your classroom.
Saturday mornings Share-a-thon is a must attend session where you can pick up several teacher-made
Childhood activities. The TESTA luncheon follows with our keynote speaker, Rice University’s Dr. Alison Hen-
Obesity ning discussing “Evolution in Science and Society”.

Again, don’t miss this opportunity to interact with Mike and other colleagues in a relaxed and casual
CAST 2010 setting. Let’s conclude the first day of our conference by giving Mike Everhart a warm and friendly
Texas thank you!

30
 Contents
CAST Socials
Contacts
Ship’s Log
CAST ‘09
President’s
Message Permission granted to take some shore
leave and have fun at CAST ‘09. The
CAST Crew has outdone themselves
Calendar planning fun social events for all the
salty sailors and landlubbers at-
Regional tending this year’s conference. At-
tendees can learn how to dance with
Reports the help of professional dance instruc-
tors and the music of a live band. If
Affiliate News that doesn’t shiver your timbers try
visit the strand to lay claim to some
good ‘ol fun on your own, or for the
CAST more sophisticated sailor, visit the
Haak Winery to savor a fine dinner,
and enjoy up to four complimentary
Teaching glasses of wine.
Ethics to Young
Scientists
Haak Winery Dinner and Social
Slimming A short twenty minute trip will transport you to an-
Down other place in the world; definitely not Texas! You and
your friends can experience a unique and memorable
Childhood evening while dining amongst the vineyards. Tour
Obesity the Haak Winery estate, which is the first and only
winery in Galveston County, and get a “Taste of the
Old World.” You can plan on having a relaxing time
CAST 2010 meeting fellow educators and tasting different types
of wine from all parts of the world. An elegant buf-
fet dinner will be set in an outdoor pavilion with the
stars gazing down on you. If weather is working in
our favor, local astronomy club members will bring
their telescopes and we can view the heavens. The pa-
vilion is rain proof, so there is no chance on cancelling
this outstanding evening. If you are a lover of wine,
you will not want to pass this opportunity up!
Dinner, Dancing, and Live Band
6:00pm-11:00pm
Moody Gardens Hotel/Convention Center
Includes dinner, dance instructor, and band – cash bar
available
Starting at 6:00pm, it is Fiesta Time! Dine on a meal fit
for Pancho Villa himself. Then, get ready to shake your
groove thing. Dance lessons start at 6:30pm and will
get you ready for a wild night. Practice your two-step,
line dance your boots off, and get ready to boogie! Dif-
ferent dance styles will be shown so you can brush off
the rust and get your bodies moving! At 7:15pm, The
Chaparral Band will take the stage. Yes, stage! Real
band, real stage, no karaoke here but, you can get on
stage, live, with the band. The Chaparral Band is well
known in these parts and is incredible! Dance with
your friends, eat, drink and relax. A cash bar will be
available. Transportation back to your hotel will also
be available. Use this time to unwind, hang out with
friends, meet new people and just have fun! You de-
serve it!
Kemah Boardwalk Dinner and Sightseeing
Be on your own with your friends and enjoy every-
thing Kemah has to offer; dinner, sitting out on the
local boardwalk, carnival rides, shopping, and relax-
ation. You are able to choose from great restaurants
such as the Aquarium, Salt Grass, Joe’s Crab Shack,
The Chart House, The Flying Dutchman, Red Sushi,
Landry’s Seafood, Cadillac Bar and Babin’s Seafood.
Once you are finished with dinner, take a trip up
the Boardwalk Tower and see the surrounding land-
scape. At night, the lights of Houston are spectacular!
You can even visit Stingray Reef and look at our local
marine wildlife. This is a time to enjoy yourself and
live it up!
31
 Contents 


Contacts

President’s
Message
• Free summer internships at Sea Camp for
Calendar educators!
• Earn SBEC credit while learning and having
Regional fun!
• Sea Camp workshops and field trips available
Reports
at CAST 2009!
Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

32
 Contents
CAST Events Ship’s Log
CAST ‘09
Contacts Special Events
Plan a course of adventure at this
Administrators and Policmakers Institute year’s CAST Conference. We have a
President’s Thursday, 8:30-1 p.m. wide variety of activities and events
San Luis A&B.
Message Featuring Mike Klentchy and Kenn Heydrick
for all interests and budgets. First
time attendees should make plans
to attend the First Time Attendees
First Time Attendees Coffee & Orientation
Calendar Sponsored by Sargent-Welch
Coffee to receive important informa-
tion about the conference. Those on a
Thursday 7a.m. -8 a.m.
budget will not that there are several
Regional Moody Gardens Salon D & E.
world class speakers, and the recep-
(Free)
Reports tion and First Timers Coffee are free.
Opening Ceremony & Exhibit Hall Opening Valuable door prizes will be awarded
Thursday 1-1:30 p.m. at the finish of each Key Note Speaker
Affiliate News Moody Gardens CC Exhibit Hall Presentation. The more adventure-
(Free) some should check out the field trips
and those with special interests should
CAST CAST 2009 Reception (Snacks and Iced Tea)
investigate the affiliate strands.
Sponsored by Delta/CPO
Thursday, 5-7 p.m.,
Teaching Outside Exhibit Hall, Moody Gardens
Ethics to Young Convention Center Strands, Short Courses, and Field Trips
(Free)
Scientists (See Conference Schedule for more information)
Regional Directors & STAT Committees Breakfast Strands:
Sponsored by Three Rivers Foundation CAST hosts a number of strands. These linked ses-
Slimming Friday, 7:30-9:00 a.m. sions are hosted by organizations and affiliates based
Down View Finders Terrace, Moody Gardens on particular interests. You can identify a strand by
(Invitation Only) looking for a session title beginning with “Organi-
Childhood zation Presents.” Strands may include workshops,
STAT Award Luncheon
Obesity Friday, 1-3 p.m. short courses, field trips, and luncheons.
Galveston Island Convention Center
(Ticketed Event) Short Courses:
CAST 2010 Informative Short Courses on everything from
TESTA Rock Raffle hands-on science, scientific inquiry, to improving
Friday. 3:45- 5:00 p.m. student achievement will be offered at a variety of
San Luis-East and West Mainsail times.
Past Presidents & Honorary Members Breakfast
Sponsored By Pearson Field Trips:
Saturday, 7:30-9:00 a.m. A variety of low-cost field trips that explore every-
Moody Gardens- View Finders Terrace thing from sharks, marine ecology, prairie ecology
(Invitation Only) to the features of the moon will be offered.

33
 Contents
Nominate a STAT Officer
Contacts
The STAT Nomination Committee needs your help! If you know someone who you
President’s think would be a great addition to the STAT board, let us know.
Message
Each officer serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Com-
mittee. Below is a listing of the offices and the duties of each office:
Calendar
President-Elect:
Regional The President-Elect assists with conference planning, serves as the interim President
Reports in the absence of the President, and works with the Regional Directors on membership
development and regional Mini-CASTs. The President-Elect serves as President the fol-
lowing year (June 2010-2011).
Affiliate News
Vice President:
CAST The Vice President coordinates and nominates CAST Presiders and serves as the liason
for the affiliate organizations.
Teaching
Treasurer:
Ethics to Young
The Treasurer serves as the Chief Financial Officer, supervising financial transactions,
Scientists maintaining accurate records, and provides monthly reports to the Board.

Slimming Secretary:
Down The Secretary keeps accurate minutes of the Board and Executive Committee meetings,
provides regular reports of the minutes to the Board, and writes correspondence on be-
Childhood half of the Board.
Obesity

CAST 2010 You may nominate yourself or others for multiple offices. To nominate someone for
STAT Office, please complete the nomination form. Nominees will be sent a nomination
packet to complete and return to the Nomination Comittee in order to be considered for
election.

The deadline for nominees is October 1st, 2009.

34
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message

Calendar

Regional
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

35
 Contents
Teaching Ethics to Young Scientists:
The Most Important TEK
By Ron Scott, EdD, JD, MA, PT
Contacts
Nothing in science is as critically important as
President’s conducting oneself ethically. This truism must be
interwoven into every curricular thread in every
Message elementary and secondary science program, and
instructed and reinstructed to young scientists
Calendar from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The news media today is inundated with
Regional stories about scientists breaching their ethical du-
ties, with tragic consequences to themselves and to
Reports society. From falsifying research data and results
to “ghostwriting” biased journal articles about
Affiliate News pharmaceuticals to patenting exclusive control of
the human genome to profit-making companies at
patients’ expense, the very integrity of basic sci-
CAST ence is seemingly at stake.
Scientists are more than positivist agents,
Teaching meticulously carrying out scientific experiments
Ethics to Young through randomized controlled studies. They are
also fiduciaries to the human race and to the plan-
Scientists et, bearing the strongest of responsibilities to “do
the right thing.” In so many ways – from forensics
Slimming to medical research – they are catalysts for life, lib-
erty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Down
Childhood All human beings are constrained in their
lives by personal morals and by legal obligations.
Obesity Professionals, including scientists, have an addi- Students need to develop a framework for
tional duty – to conform their official conduct to ethical decision-making – in science, and in gen-
eral. One easy-to-use model is the systems model,
CAST 2010 standards of ethical behavior.
with its four steps:
Every young scientist learns the steps in
the scientific method, and the importance of sci-
entific rigor in experimentation. Precise method-
ology yields accurate, useful results. What may
be stressed less often are the potential adverse
consequences of negligent or fraudulent data col-
lection and analysis and dissemination of results.
Human lives and their well-being often hang in
the balance.
36
In 1989, the National Academy of Science
first published a monograph titled “On Being
a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research.”
Now in its second edition, this booklet surveys sa-
lient ethical issues in scientific research, including:
the scientist in society; social foundations of sci-
ence; experimental techniques and the treatment
of data; conflicts of interest; publication, author-
ship and allocation of credit; negligence and in-
tentional misconduct in science; and responding
to and reporting violations of ethics. This guide
is foundational for scientists, including elemen-
tary and secondary science students. Its concepts
should be included in every science curriculum in
the United States.
Ethical problems, issues and dilemmas and
acceptable resolutions can easily be introduced
into science instruction – especially through ex-
periments. For example, students might be asked
whether it is OK to extrapolate, or fill in, missing
data, when time constraints disallow them from
completing a classroom experiment. They also
may be asked to opine about the ethics of using
animals for experimentation and dissection. There
are a myriad of possibilities – as many as there are
experiments.
1) Identify an ethical problem, issue or di-
lemma;
2) Ascertain facts and unknowns about the
problem, and make relevant assumptions;
3) Determine realistic solutions to the prob-
lem and implement the optimal one; then,
4) Monitor the chosen course of action for ef-
ficacy, and modify or discard and replace it if
it is unworkable.
 Contents
Teaching Ethics to Young Scientists (cont’d.)
By Ron Scott

Contacts In health science, the definitive trend in attempting to contain health care costs is to demand that
patient care tests, measurements, and interventions be evidence-based (6), that is, grounded in gener-
President’s ally-accepted scientific research. If underlying health-related research is flawed because of scientists’
breach of ethics, then patients suffer and die. The unacceptability of this outcome applies with equal
Message force across the spectrum of scientific endeavors – from the elementary school classroom to the most
prestigious academic research centers of excellence.
Calendar
It is up to us as teachers to instill values and respect for professional ethics in our young school-
based scientists. Practice makes perfect. Create and consistently use relevant and engaging examples
Regional to challenge them, and to build good character. It will pay off in better student comportment and con-
formity to ethical standards, and in greater respect in generations to come for scientists and for science
Reports itself.

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming

We can help!
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010 Region 5 Educational Solutions

for Lesson Planning and Curriculum
Web based interactive systems • TEKS & TAKS aligned
Administrative components • Fully integrated systems package available
for more information:
Region 5 ESC - (409) 923-5444 or www.texastcept.net - www.texasclc.net

Come see us at Booth 417!

37
 Growing
This outstanding
professional
Contents opportunity includes:

their Gifts
A choice of more than
280 informative breakout
sessions sharing great
Contacts instructional strategies

President’s Featuring a track of Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented
Message more than 20 sessions Annual Professional
specifically for teachers
of science Development Conference
Calendar December 2 - 4, 2009 in Houston, TX
Visit with more than George R. Brown Convention Center
Regional 125 exhibitors offering Hilton Americas - Houston
Reports products and services to
the Gifted and Talented America’s future top scientists, gifted and talented
Community
Affiliate News children, are in your classes today. Are you making a
difference with these exceptional learners?
Full-day institutes on
CAST targeted topics KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Thinking Big About Gifted Education
Teaching More than 3000 Jan Davidson, founder,
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Ethics to Young parent and professional Age-based learning is not working, particularly for the
attendees
Scientists gifted. In today’s world of individualized services, the
education system should fit the curriculum to each student, rather
National speakers with than making each student fit into an age-based curriculum. Learn
Slimming noted qualifications and how to think big with unique approaches and strategies.
Down expertise on timely gifted Among the science-specific sessions are the following:
& talented topics
Childhood 

Making the Math/Science Connection--It Really Does Add Up
What’s Under Our Feet? Exciting Ways to Teach Earth Science
Obesity Affordable registration


Top Hits: Infusing Creativity and Critical Thinking into Science Instruction
Reach G/T Students Through Interdisciplinary Units for Middle School Science
fees and convenient  Moving from Content to Concepts with Inquiry-Based Science
CAST 2010 hotel accomodations at


Using Brain-Based Teaching Strategies in Life Science Class
Exploratory Labs for Middle School Science
the conference site  Content+Creative Expression=Interactive Science Notebooks for GT Learners

Mark your calendar

and plan to be where the action is!

For more information, visit

w w w. t x g i f t e d . o r g / 2 0 0 9 a c
38
 Contents
Slimming Down
Childhood Obesity
By Patricia Hernandez
Contacts
Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. Over the past 30 years, the number of children diag-
President’s nosed as being overweight has increased by over 100% (Hannon, Rao and Arsianian 2005). Overweight
children are predisposed to becoming obese adults. In a study conducted by Freedman and others
Message (2001), 77% of the children who were obese as children remained obese as adults. Among normal
weight children, only 7% were obese as adults. Another critical consideration is the cumulative effect
Calendar of obesity. It may predispose children to health issues later in their lifetime. These include type 2 dia-
betes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

Regional Weight loss intervention in obese children may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus and
coronary artery disease later in life. It is imperative that children and families be educated in incorpo-
Reports rating healthy habits that will have long lasting effects. One way is by teaching them how to calculate
the true fat content from a food label.
Affiliate News
The Cartoon Network created a rap song, Spot the Block, to grab the attention of young people
and to teach them how to read food labels. After identifying the total calories and fat calories for one
CAST serving, they are taught how to calculate the true percent fat using base ten blocks. We applied this
procedure to food labels the children brought in and to restaurant menus. We found that most of the
McDonalds breakfast menu items are fifty percent fat. In the future, I would like to duplicate this les-
Teaching son in a combined student/parent setting. Together, parents and children may make wise food choices
Ethics to Young that will help improve the quality of life.
Scientists Click here to read the full paper.

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010

39
 Contents
Call for Nominations
Contacts

President’s
Message

Calendar
Do you know a teacher who
Regional
Reports has made notable or significant
Affiliate News
contributions to science education
in Texas?
CAST

Teaching Nominate them for a 2009 STAT Award:

Ethics to Young
Scientists
Click here to nominate an outstanding teacher.
Slimming Click here to nominate a long-standing STAT member for the
Virginia Woods award.
Down
Click here to view the nomination form for all other
Childhood awards.
Obesity

CAST 2010 The deadline for nominations is

September 3rd, so act fast!

40
 Contents

Contacts

President’s
Message Get a Jump Come See
Calendar Start on Us at
Regional CAST 2010 Booth 1710
Reports

Affiliate News

CAST

Teaching
Ethics to Young
Scientists

Slimming
Down
Childhood
Obesity

CAST 2010
 Contents

Contacts Want to be published?

President’s
E-mail us your letters and articles!
Message
STATellite Due Dates
Calendar Due dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are:

Regional Submission Deadline Publication Date

Reports February 1 February 15
June 1 June 15
Affiliate News August 1 August 15
December 1 December 15
CAST
Text files or Microsoft Word documents are preferable, but InDesign,
Teaching PageMaker, or QuarkXPress files are also acceptable.
Ethics to Young
Please send pictures and text separately.
Scientists
Mail or e-mail your submissions to:
Slimming
Down Jon Rodriguez, Editor
Childhood The STATellite
Obesity 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201
Austin, TX 78731
CAST 2010 stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Changing your e-mail address? Let us know!

Send us an e-mail with your name and your new e-mail address.

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