RI Science Professional Development and Student

Opportunity Bulletin
February 27, 2015
This bulletin will be sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you would like to share an event, quality resource, or
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NGSS News

Reminders:
URI Offers FREE Seeds To
Schools! Orders Accepted Until
February 28th
National Academy of
Engineering EngineerGirl Essay
Contest Submit by March 1st
Association of American
Educators Classroom Grants:
Application deadline March 1st
Bradley Stoughton Award for
Young Teachers Apply by
March 1st
$1000 Scholarships for Amazon
Rainforest PD Workshop Register by March 1st
Accepting Applications For 2015 MIT Science And Engineering Program For Teachers (SEPT)
Apply by March 1st
National Youth Science Camp: Application deadline March 1st
National Mole Day Foundation Hague Travel Grants: Application deadline
postmark March 1st
Engineering For You 2 Video Contest Enter by March 2nd
Webinar: NGSS in the Chemistry Classroom March 3rd at 7:00 PM
NEACT Presents Models-Based Chemistry Instruction on March 7th at Franklin High
School, Franklin, MA RSVP by March 3rd
New In This Bulletin
2015 Rhode Island Science Teachers Association Spring Conference March 7th
Dept. of Energy Seeks Educators for Spring 2015 BioenergizeME Infographic
Challenge Apply by March 20th
Job Opportunities:
2 FT Substitute Positions Available @ North Smithfield (RI) High School Positions Start April
6th & 27th
Short-Term Chemistry and General Science Substitute Position North Smithfield High School, North Smithfield,
RI North Smithfield High School is seeking candidates to fill a short term substitute position in Chemistry and general
th
science. The term begins April 6 and extends to the end of the school year.

Short-Term Biology and General Science Substitute Position North Smithfield High School, North Smithfield, RI
North Smithfield High School is seeking candidates to fill a short term substitute position in Biology and general
science. Applicants must hold a current certificate in the areas of Biology and general science. The term begins April
th
27 and extends to the end of the school year.
Interested applicants should send their resumes through www.schoolspring.com . Questions should be directed to
Robert Mezzanotte, Principal at rmezzanotte@nsps.us

Instructors Needed: Marine Science, Sailing & Adventure Sports

New England Science & Sailing (NESS) is seeking instructors who have experience working with kids, a strong
knowledge base of marine sciences and a contagious teaching energy for the summer of 2015, with the possibility of
extended work in the spring and fall. Our marine science curriculum has a strong STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts & math!) influence and we thrive at getting kids on and in the water. Instructors are responsible
for implementing an active, hands-on, experientially-oriented program including physically demanding work,
such as kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, body boarding, fishing, boat driving and some heavy
lifting. This is a high energy program where instructors spend long days working and teaching in a unique
environment. Our summers are extremely busy with ever-changing schedules due to weather, so we are looking for
instructors that are adaptable to change. We have high expectations in safety, curriculum development and of course
FUN!
Qualifications: Strong communication, decision making, logistical and organizational skills; outgoing and
enthusiastic personality; willingness to work long hours during season; BS or BA in marine science, biology,
oceanography, or related science; teaching experience; in-water supervision experience. Preference will be given to
candidates with USCG 6-Pack license, ARC waterfront lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First
Aid.
To apply: Download the position description and application from http://www.nessf.org/Employment/index.html and
mail, fax or email your resume and cover letter to Mike Smith, Program Director, msmith@nessf.org.

STEM News:
Tim Bajarin: Why Chevron Is Helping Fund STEM Education (TIME)
At the beginning of the new school year last fall, I visited a unique STEM program that the San Francisco 49ers, with
help from Chevron, created in their new stadium in Santa Clara, California. In a piece I wrote for TIME on the project, I
shared how the 49ers were bringing 60 students to the stadium each school day to run them through three distinct
activities related to STEM. I find the use of sports metaphors to explain physics, math and science a fascinating way to
bring these subjects alive for kids. Since then, Ive looked for other examples of how sports can be used to get kids
interested in STEM. The folks from Chevron shared another sports example with me a few weeks ago.

Tenn. to develop teachers as policy leaders

Tennessee is launching a 12-month fellowship program that will help to develop classroom teachers and instructional
coaches as leaders in national, state and local policy. The effort is a collaboration among the state's education
department and teachers' union and some advocacy groups. Chalkbeat/Tennessee (2/23)

February STEM Magazine

Be sure to check out this month's edition of STEM magazine, brought to you by Wayne Carley.
Read more here.

STEM School Study

Outlier Research & Evaluation at the University of Chicago was awarded a $1.8 million grant from the National
Science Foundation (NSF) to study the landscape of inclusive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) high schools across the United States. The final study findings were recently released. Questions
addressed are: What defines a STEM school? What do STEM schools do? How do STEM schools work? Where is the
STEM in S.T.E.M.? The website has an interactive grid of the common components of the STEM schools
studied. Explore the report.

NGSS News:
Wyo. Senate OKs budget amendment on science standards (AP)
The state Senate has adopted an amendment to its budget bill dealing with science education standards. The

amendment would allow the state Board of Education to consider the Next Generation Science Standards and any
other standards in order to develop science standards that are "unique to Wyoming." It was sponsored by Republican
Senate Majority Floor Leader Eli Bebout, of Riverton. The amendment mirrors another Bebout amendment the Senate
added to House Bill 23, which would repeal a 2014 budget footnote blocking the state board from considering the
Next Generation standards at all.

Research Brief: Designing an Assessment System that Measures Three-Dimensional

Science Learning
Many districts and states need an assessment system that aligns with the NRC Framework for K-12 Science
Education and NGSS to determine whether students are developing proficiency in science and whether students have
adequate opportunities for"three-dimensional" science learning that blends (a) science and engineering practices, (b)
crosscutting concepts, and (c) disciplinary core ideas. Assessments serve different purposes, so a system must
comprise many different kinds of assessmentsbut all of them should include tasks that integrate the three
dimensions.

Teacher Resources:
Astronomy Resource Guides
Prepare for the Great American Eclipse of the Sun in 2017 with educational resources from the Astronomical Society
of the Pacific (ASP). Compiled by Andrew Fraknoi, the Eclipse Resource Guide includes books, articles, and websites
exploring the science and history of eclipses, as well as resources related to the upcoming total eclipse. In addition,
Fraknoi has updated ASPs Good Astronomy and Physics: A Topical Index with reasonable (i.e., more or less accurate
science) astronomy and physics (organized by science topic).

Wells Fargo Excellence in Teaching Video Series

Get inspired and find ideas to incorporate into your classroom by watching innovative educators. Videos feature
wobbly thumbs strategies (high school chemistry, Rebecca Austin-Datta), greenhouse gases and the 5Es (high
school environmental science, Scott Sowell), math raps (elementary, Natalie Pelham), Paideia language in the
classroom (middle level, Apryl Shackleford), and more.

PEERx: Resources for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention from NIH

NIHs National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers middle and high school educators a free flash drive with fact
sheets, two Choose Your Path interactive videos, and other educational resources for preventing prescription drug
abuse among teens. In the interactive videos, students assume the role of the main character and must make
decisions about whether or not to abuse prescription drugs. These role plays give students practice in handling peerpressure situations. To obtain the flash drive, e-mail peerx@iqsolutions.com.

RIDE posts new professional development resources for mathematics educators

RIDE is pleased to announce the posting of several new mathematics professional development (PD) modules on our
website. Elementary-school educators will benefit from updated fraction modules that are now presented in a techbased, interactive format. Middle-school and high-school teachers can investigate the notion of function as
developed in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) or dig deeply into explorations with reflections, rotations,
translations, and dilations. All educators can benefit from PD installments addressing the use of PARCC tools to
develop and vet assessment materials. Follow this link and click on the Educators tab to access each of the modules
listed below:
http://www.ride.ri.gov/InstructionAssessment/Mathematics/CommonCoreStateStandardsforMathematics.aspx

CCSS Interactive Professional Development Fraction Modules:

Connecting the Standards for Mathematical Practice to Fraction Instruction
Implementing the Fraction Content Standards
Number Line Use with Fractions

Functions and the Common Core: Implications for Planning and Teaching

Formalizing the Concept of Transformations in High School Geometry

Using PARCC Tools to Develop Assessments in:

Grades 3 5
Grades 6 8
High School

MIT Haystack Observatory Has Complete Online Lesson Plans for Teachers
Since 1999, teachers in the National Science Foundations Research Experience for Teachers program at Haystack have

been creating hands-on, inquiry-based educational materials based on their summer projects. These materials are
tested in the classroom and revised before being distributed. Units focus on such subjects as black holes, climate
change, information content, astrochemistry, space weather, radio frequency interference, and the use of the Haystack
Very Small Radio Telescope (VSRT) and the Mesospheric Ozone System for Atmospheric Investigations in the
Classroom (MOSAIC) in their schools. Visit the Haystack web site

NOVA Elements App

Did you ever wonder why the periodic table is shaped the way it is, what gives each element its own unique set of
properties, or how elements combine to make everyday objects? With NOVA Elements, an app produced by WGBH
Educational Foundation primarily for middle and high school levels and now available for both Mac and Windows
platforms, users discover answers to these and other questions in an interactive way. The app lets students combine
elements to build a t-shirt, coffee, a watch, or a banana; explore an interactive periodic table; view video narratives
about each element; or watch Hunting the Elements, a NOVA science television special that explores chemistry
extremes.

Science Dump - http://www.sciencedump.com/

Science Dump is a new website that can be followed online, on Facebook, on Twitter or through e-mail; it aggregates
quotes, stories, videos, and other ways to bring back the fun, the art and the passion into Science. They have several
videos that help teach concepts related to the periodic table.
The New Periodic Table Song
An Animated Up Beat Ode to the Periodic Table of Elements
Even TED-Ed is reacting to what seems to be a recent flood of periodic table resources. TED-Ed launched an
interactive periodic table with a video for every element.
Some additional resources can be found on a new site produced by the American Chemical Society titled
Reactions. Reactions is a video series from the American Chemical Society that uncovers the chemistry in everyday
life. You can have their information show up on other social media as well. Find their Facebook page with the same
name.

APP OF THE WEEK - Composer Pro

Create and publish professional-looking interactive ebooks. An ideal app for project-based learning classrooms.
What its like: Using Composer Pro, students can create and publish interactive ebooks. To start a new project,
writers choose portrait or landscape orientation and then add elements onto a blank grid-lined page. They can add
images, audio, animations, movies, and text, plus touch zones and hot zones to make the books interactive. Writers
can create an index, book cover, and master page, and add additional pages. Work is automatically saved and can be
easily edited by moving around pages, changing text, images, and features. Students can publish their work to the
Demibooks store, where professionals have published work, or share it more privately through Dropbox. Theres also
an option to submit ebooks for sale at the iTunes App Store, but that costs money.
Price: $9.99
Grades: 8-12
Pros: Features galore let writers publish professional-looking ebooks with interactive elements.
Cons: Students and teachers will need time to familiarize themselves with the tool.
Bottom line: Amazing resource is a must for PBL and writers workshops where kids create relevant, professionallooking products.

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

URI Offers FREE Seeds To Schools! Orders Accepted Until February 28th
Vegetable, flower, and herb seed packets are now available to order by schools, Boy Scout & Girl Scout troops,
4-H Clubs, community gardens, and educational/nonprofit groups for the price of postage. There is a $2.00
postage and handling for every 10 packets of seeds ordered.
~Order early for best selection! See order form for more details~
~The URI Free Seed Program is made possible through the generous donation of seeds by Ocean State Job Lot, and
through the efforts of the URI Master Gardener Association volunteers~
Click Here for OrderingForm: Orders will be accepted from now until February 28, 2015

Bradley Stoughton Award for Young Teachers Apply by March 1st

This award, offered by ASM International, recognizes a teacher of materials science, materials engineering, design,
and processing who has the ability to impart knowledge and enthusiasm to students. Nominees must be 35 years of
age or younger by May 15 of the award year and must be a member of ASM International. The award winner will
receive a check for $3,000 and a certificate. The annual deadline is March 1. Click here for more information.

$1000 Scholarships for Amazon Rainforest PD Workshop Register by March 1st

Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest + Machu Picchu
The July 1-11, 2015 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru is a cross-curricular professional
development workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators to learn and use:
21st Century Instruction: 5E Lesson Design ~ Inquiry-Based Exploration ~ STEM
Inquiry Protocols & Resources: Project Learning Tree ~ Cornell Lab of Ornithology ~ & More!
Global and Cultural Perspectives: Service Learning ~ Sustainability ~ Global Education
Join Al Stenstrup, Project Learning Tree (PLT); Lilly Briggs (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Christa Dillabaugh, Amazon
Rainforest Workshops; and Dr. David Pearson, Wildlife Travelers Guide to Peru; and work side-by-side with scientists
Dr. Steve Madigosky, Widener University; and Randy Morgan, Curator/Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo as you:
Participate in citizen science projects and inquiry based field studies on a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy
Walkway in one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet.
Spend a day in an Amazon village as you explore the complexities of sustainability and the role of education
in creating a sustainable future for Amazon children.
Work with fellow educators to explore strategies for using the Amazon as a vehicle for incorporating STEM
education, inquiry-based learning, and sustainability science education into your classroom.
PLT Certification, BirdSleuth resources and 50 ASU PD Hours included. Academic Credit and Machu Picchu Extension
optional. $1000 scholarship deadline March 1, 2015. Program cost is $1240 + air for scholarship recipients. Space is
limited! Register early to secure your spot!
Get the details and download a syllabus and scholarship application at: http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educatoracademy.html
Contact christa@amazonworkshops.com or 1-800-431-2624 for more information.

Accepting Applications For 2015 MIT Science And Engineering Program For Teachers (SEPT) Apply
by March 1st
Hello Teachers - We're happy to announce that applications are now available for the 2015 MIT Science and
Engineering Program for Teachers!
This year, SEPT will be held from Sunday, June 21 - Saturday, June 27, 2015
SEPT is a week-long residential program offered each summer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
since 1989. Each year, we accept 25 outstanding educators from secondary schools worldwide who teach a
range of subjects in science, technology, engineering, and math. The teachers who make the most of their
week at MIT tend to:
o Integrate technology in their classrooms - particularly technology that enables students to create;
and
o Demonstrate innovation in their teaching practice, and advancement through past professional
development or other extracurricular experiences.
To apply, download and fill out the application from the SEPT
webpage: http://web.mit.edu/scienceprogram. By March 1, return your completed form and essay to the
SEPT organizers (by email at the address sept@mit.edu), OR submit your application as directed by your
local sponsor.
Check out our website for more information (and look out for a website redesign this spring!), and feel free
to contact us with questions: Emily Martin, the SEPT Coordinator, can be reached at 617.253.4197
or sept@mit.edu.

National Youth Science Camp: Application deadline March 1st

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is a residential science education program that honors and challenges two
graduating high school science students from Rhode Island to join selected seniors from other states in this exciting
program. Scientists from across the nation present lectures and hands-on science seminars and linger to interact

informally with student delegates. Delegates are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical
sciences, art, and music with resident staff members. Opportunities are provided for delegates to present seminars
covering their own areas of interest and research. Delegates are required to participate in the camp program for its
entirety as the fast-paced activities and remote location make travel to and from the NYSC very difficult. More
information is available online at http://www.nysc.org/.
The NYSC will be held at a facility located in the Monongahela National Forest near Bartow in the eastern mountains
of West Virginia.
Delegates MUST be able to attend the entire NYSC program. Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on
Wednesday, June 17, 2015, and depart on Saturday, July 11, 2015.
The National Youth Science Camp is offered at NO COST to its participants so that selected delegates may attend
regardless of their financial status. Apply at https://nysc.fluidreview.com/

Association of American Educators Classroom Grants: Application deadline March 1st

Association of American Educators Classroom Grants provides grants of up to $500 for various projects and materials
including books, software, calculators AV equipment and lab supplies. http://bit.ly/LC3Evc

National Mole Day Foundation Hague Travel Grants: Application deadline postmark
March 1st
The National Mole Day Foundation Hague Travel Grants helps young chemistry teachers attend the annual ChemEd
conference. Three grants of up to $750 are available. Funds may be used for registration, lodging, meals, workshops
and travel, Applicants must be members with at least two to six years of chemistry teaching. http://bit.ly/13LsFyh

Engineering For You 2 Video Contest Enter by March 2nd

Throughout history, engineering has advanced civilization from the way we connect with each other, to the way we
heal, to how we get around, and simply have fun. But society still faces major obstacles. The National Academy of
Engineering has outlined 14 game-changing opportunities for the 21st century called the Grand Challenges for
Engineering. We want you to review the 14 Grand Challenges, and then create and submit a 1 to 2 minute video that
shows how achieving one or more of the NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering will lead to a more sustainable,
healthy, secure, and/or joyous world!
The Grand Prize of $25,000 will go to the most inspiring 1-2 minute video. We hope that you will participate in the
contest and also encourage those in your communities to enter as well!
The E4U2 Video Contest is open for video submissions from January 5, 2015 to March 2, 2015.
Visit http://www.e4uvideocontest.orgto learn more!
For any additional questions, please email mailto:E4Uvideocontest@nae.edu.

Webinar: NGSS in the Chemistry Classroom March 3rd at 7:00 PM EST

The NGSS in the Chemistry Classroom webinar will help you to learn how to integrate the three dimensions of
NGSS into your chemistry classes. Experienced teacher Cece Schwennsen and ACS textbook editor Michael Mury will
share activities that incorporate NGSS and help you figure out how to tweak activities you already have. March 3 at
7:00 pm EST.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.teachchemistry.org/content/aact/en/professionaldevelopment.html .

NEACT Presents Models-Based Chemistry Instruction on March 7th at Franklin High

School, Franklin, MA RSVP by March 3rd
NEACT invites you to take part in an introduction to models-based instruction! NEACT is proud to present
presentations from two veteran modelers for the NEACT Southern Division meeting.

Sue Klemmer of Camden, Maine, and Thomas Pfeiffer of Fairfax, Vermont will bring their whiteboards to southern
New England to share with us the joys and pitfalls of modeling.
NEACT Program Schedule
8:00
Registration & Coffee
8:30 - 9:30
Sue Klemmer, Students. Understanding of Particle Models
9:30 - 10:00
Coffee Break
10:00 - 11:30
Tom Pfeiffer, Modeling Instruction in Chemistry
11:30 (optional)
Tour of Franklin High School (Facility opened this year)
Please RSVP by March 3, 2015 to Shawn Kenner at shawn5678@gmail.com
NEACT thanks our generous sponsor for their support of this meeting:
American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA). There is no fee to attend. NEACT membership ($25/year) is
encouraged.

NEW!!! 2015 Rhode Island Science Teachers Association Spring Conference March 7th
th

Please join us for the 2015 RISTA Spring Conference on Saturday, March 7 at the New
England Institute of Technology - East Greenwich Campus. This years theme is Building a
Framework to Support NGSS. The conference will run from 8:00 am-2:00 pm.
This years keynote will be Dr. Stephen Pruitt. Stephen L. Pruitt is senior vice president at Achieve. For the
past several years, he has been leading the development of the Next Generation Science Standards.
Stephen began his career as a high school chemistry teacher in Georgia, where he taught for 12 years. In
2003, he joined the Georgia Department of Education as program manager for Science. Until 2010, he
held various roles in the agency culminating with him being named Chief of Staff to State School
Superintendent, coordinating the work of the agency.
In addition to his state-level work, Stephen also served as president of the Council of State Science Supervisors and a member of the
writing team for the College Board Standards for College Success science standards. He also served on the National Academies of
Sciences Committee on Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards, which developed A Framework for K12
Science Education.

Breakfast & Lunch Provided. 12 Breakout sessions designed for all levels and disciplines.
A list of the breakouts are available here

Registration (includes 2015-2016 membership): $55

Registration for conference only (no membership renewal):

o $35 (non RISTA member) $30 (RISTA member)
To register online click here or visit www.rista.us

Models-Based Chemistry Instruction: Franklin High School, Franklin, MA March 7th

Join us for an introduction to models-based instruction! We are delighted to have presentations from two veteran
modelers for the NEACT Southern Division meeting.
Sue Klemmer of Camden, Maine, and Thomas Pfeiffer of Fairfax, Vermont will bring their whiteboards to southern
New England to share with us the joys and pitfalls of modeling.
NEACT Program Schedule
8:00
Registration & Coffee
8:30 - 9:30
Sue Klemmer, Students Understanding of Particle Models
9:30 - 10:00
Coffee Break
10:00 - 11:30
Tom Pfeiffer, Modeling Instruction in Chemistry
11:30 (optional)
Tour of Franklin High School (Facility opened this year)
Please RSVP by March 3, 2015 to Shawn Kenner at shawn5678@gmail.com

NEACT thanks our generous sponsor for their support of this meeting: American Modeling Teachers Association
(AMTA). There is no fee to attend. NEACT membership ($25/year) is encouraged.
For more information including abstracts and directions: http://www.neact.org/event/southern-division-meeting-0

Project-Based Learning Conference at Providence College March 10th

Announcing the third annual Project Based Learning Conference to be held at Providence College on March
10th from 8:00 AM 3:00 PM.
The conference will feature Suzie Boss, a journalist, consultant, a member of the national faculty for the Buck
Institute and a blogger for Edutopia. In addition, students from Rhode Island elementary, middle and high
school will present their Project Based Learning units.
The intent of this conference is to more fully familiarize educators with Project Based Learning through handson collaboration that will raise their understanding of this approach. Participants will work collaboratively, and
with our experts, to develop Project Based Learning concepts that align with their curriculum goals.
Please click on the link for complete information and registration information/procedure:
http://franklocker.com/. Then follow the Project Based Learning 5.1 Providence College, RI tab in the lower left.
Conference and registration flyers are here:

http://franklocker.com/pbl5.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference-5.1.pdf
http://franklocker.com/pbl5.1/Project%20Based%20Learning%20Conference-5.1-REG.pdf
Please share this email with your faculty and students. We hope you will send a strong delegation to learn the
promise and the practical aspects of this important classroom delivery.
Thank you.
The Project Based Learning Team at Providence College
Questions: Contact Bill Oehlkers at woehlker@providence.edu

DiscoverE Educator Awards Application: Application deadline March 16th

The DiscoverE Educator Awards recognize educators who are inspiring tomorrow's innovation generation. Nominate
an educator who is helping students discover engineering. http://www.discovere.org/our-programs/awards-andrecognition/awards-program-overviews

Webinar: Modeling Instruction In Your Chemistry Classroom March 18th at 7:00 PM EST
Learn how to implement or refine Modeling Instruction in your chemistry classroom with experienced HS chemistry
teachers Brenda Royce and Larry Dukerich of the American Modeling Teachers Association; on March 18 at 7:00 pm
EST.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.teachchemistry.org/content/aact/en/professionaldevelopment.html.

American Meteorological Society/US Navy/NOAA Project Maury: Application deadline

March 20th
Summer Workshop for Precollege Teachers of Oceanographic Topics July 12 - 24, 2015 United States Naval Academy,
Annapolis, Maryland. The Maury Project is a two-week teacher professional development workshop designed for
precollege teachers and supervisors of science who teach, or supervise the teaching of, units with significant
oceanography content. http://bit.ly/1wJrsz8

NEW!!! Dept. of Energy Seeks Educators for Spring 2015 BioenergizeME Infographic
Challenge Apply by March 20th
The Department of Energy recognizes the importance of engaging and educating young people now to ensure the
U.S has a variety of energy choices, as well as energy leaders, in the future. To do so, the Bioenergy Technologies

Office has created a technology-rich, relevant challenge to engage high school students in learning about bioenergy
benefits and challenges. We are recruiting at least 20 educators from across the United States to participate in the
Spring 2015 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge pilot, which culminates the week of Earth Day. Please could you
share this invitation with your network of educators to assist in these education efforts and increasing energy literacy
in your state.
Please find the information for the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge below:

Link to a page on our website about the competition:

http://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/infographic-challenge

100 word description on the competition:

The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge to
engage 9th12th grade students in learning about bioenergy and educating their peers. In this
challenge, student teams research, interpret, apply, and then design an infographic that responds to
one of four bioenergy topics. Selected infographics are promoted nationally on the BioenergizeME
Infographic Challenge Map and via social media. Visit the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge for
more information!
To sign up or ask questions, email BioenergizeME@ee.doe.gov with the following information:

Educators Name

Educators Email

School or Organization Name

School or Organization Location (City, State, and Zip Code)

Infographics must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on March 20, and the National Bioenergy Social Media
Campaign will take place from April 13 23.

Judges Needed for RI Science and Engineering Fair March 21st

Please consider serving as a judge for the Rhode Island Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, March 21,
2015. On this day hundreds of students in grades 6-12 from across Rhode Island will gather at CCRI in Warwick to
exhibit their science projects. These students have devoted many hours of work to their research and analysis and to
the presentation of their results. They are excited to have been selected to represent their schools at the statewide
science and engineering fair, and they are enthusiastic about science. Participation in the science fair should be a
memorable positive experience for these students that will influence them to study science further and perhaps
continue to a career in this field. In order to provide such a positive and enriching experience for the participants, we
need a large number of judges who are themselves enthusiastic and knowledgeable about science.
Registration for judges can be completed online. Please go to the website listed below, complete the form and click
Submit Registration. You will receive an acknowledgement that your registration has been recorded. Please select
categories that best fit your scientific background and training. Go to http://www.ric.edu/risef to sign up.
If you have friends or coworkers who are qualified and might be interested in judging, we would appreciate it if you
could forward this message to them and encourage them to participate. As in the past, we will email you detailed
directions to CCRI and information about specific times, etc. about a week before the fair, but you should plan to
arrive at about 11:30 and stay for most of the afternoon.
For more information please contact Elaine Magyar at emagyar@ric.edu or by phone at 401-456-9747

The Geological Society of America Northeastern Section Meeting: March 23-25 Registration
Now Open
The GSA Northeastern Section is celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2015, and to do so it is returning to the OmniMount Washington Resort by popular demand. The resorts graceful atmosphere, magnificent scenery, and cordial
staff will again furnish an extraordinary venue in which to share this special occasion. As those who attended the
section meeting in 2013 already know, the venue is unlike any other, and with this, the 2015 meeting is again shaping
up to be an informative, unusual, and not-to-be-missed occasion for professionals and students alike.

Abstract submissions are invited that highlight novel and unique pedagogical practices in geoscience courses. We
invite contributions that include techniques promoting a deeper understanding of geoscience concepts. These
techniques may vary in geoscience content, format (online or traditional), and audience.
Abstract submission deadline: 11:59 PM, Central Time, 9 December 2014 Details at:
https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2015NE/cfp.epl
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions: Jennifer (jhanselman@westfield.ma.edu)

Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST): Deadline March 31st

OEST awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the precollege level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their
students is eligible. http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest-nom.html
The deadline for submitting nominees is March 31, 2015. Nominations are made online at
http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest-nom.html. Submit the completed document before March 31, 2015. Use OESTA in
the subject line of the message and attach the requested information. Selection of the regional awardees will be
made by NAGT in the spring.

National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award Complete Application

Due April 1st
National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award is presented for outstanding work and
leadership in any aspect of marine education. A complete nomination form, along with any recommendation letters
and all other supporting materials, must be received on or before April 1, 2015. All award recipients will receive a
one-year NMEA membership and an engraved award. For more information and a nomination form, go to
http://www.marine-ed.org/?page=awards.

Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Nominations for 2015: Deadline for nomination April
1st
The National Association of Biology Teachers invites nominations for the Rhode Island Outstanding Biology Teacher
Award for 2015. All biology/life science instructors (grades 7-12) with at least three years teaching experience in
public, private, or parochial schools are eligible. The criteria for the award include teaching ability and experience, cooperation and involvement in school and the community, inventiveness, initiative, professionalism, and studentteacher relationship. The winner will be honored at the awards ceremony at the NABT conference on November 14,
2015 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Enter Your Students for the Robot Block Party on April 11th
Are your students learning with robots or related technology during the school day or after school? Exhibit their
creations and projects at the Robot Block Party on April 11, 2015. A partnership between Rhode Island Students of
the Future and the Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative at Brown University, the Robot Block Party is a community
outreach event that showcases the cool robotics projects and programs happening in Rhode Island. Participants
include Hasbros Animatronics Lab, Yushin America, igus, inc., 3D Printing Providence, Brown University, RISD, URI,
Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, Providence Childrens Museum and dozens of K-12 schools
including Providence Career and Technical School, Mt. Pleasant High School, Lincoln School, Nathan Bishop Middle
School, Wheeler School, Martin Middle School, Riverside Middle School, Pier Middle School and more.
Be part of the Robot Block Party on April 11, 2015!
To Register go to http://www.risf.net/robot-block-party/registering-for-the-robot-block-party/
For more information go to RISF/Robot Block Party Website
G+ Photo Gallery of the Robot Block Party 2014
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Rhode Island Students of the Future is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that inspires young people to
explore science, technology, engineering, math and manufacturing through youth robotics. We provide
infrastructure for hands-on, inquiry based STEM outreach programs including FIRST LEGO League.

The Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative is a group of Brown University faculty, students, and affiliates dedicated to
robotics as a means to tackle the problems the world faces today. Beyond pursuing the goal of technological
advancement, we want to ensure that these advancements are applicable and beneficial economically and socially.
We are working across many disciplines to document the societal needs and applications of human-robot interaction
research as well as the ethical, legal, and economic questions that will arise with its development. Our research
ultimately aims to help create and understand robots that coexist harmoniously with humans.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize: Entry deadline April 15th

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a youth award for a water-related science project. High school students submit
their research papers online. As a first step, state winners and their science teachers win a trip to the U.S. competition
in Virginia. http://www.wef.org/sjwp/

Dorothy Stout Professional Development Grants to Earth Science Educators: Deadline

April 15th
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers awards grants to K-12 teachers and faculty and students at two-year
colleges. The grants support professional growth in, or classroom teaching of, Earth science. Grants of $750 will be
made annually in three categories. Community college faculty, K-12 teachers who teach one or more Earth science
courses, and community college students actively pursuing a career in the Earth sciences are encouraged to apply for
these awards. http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/stout.html#apply

McCarthey Dressman Academic Enrichment Grants: Application deadline April 15th

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation partners with individuals to expand educational opportunities for
Americas youth that inspire students by nurturing their curiosity about the world and their place in it. Funding
includes Academic Enrichment Grants, Teacher Development Grants, and Student Teaching Scholarships.
http://www.mccartheydressman.org/

VOYA Unsung Heroes K-12 Class Project Awards: Deadline April 30th
VOYA Unsung Heroes Program's Class Project Awards
Each year, one hundred K-12 educators are selected to receive awards of $2,000 each to help fund their innovative
class projects. Of the one hundred finalists, three will be selected for additional financial awards. All awards must be
used to further the projects within the school or school system. Apply by visiting
https://unsungheroes.scholarshipamerica.org/

Real World Science: Summer Teaching Seminar July 19th through 24th Apply by March
6, 2015
REAL WORLD SCIENCEYESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
How Necessity Creates Innovation in Science and Technology
July 19-24, 2015 in New Orleans, LA
The National WWII Museum is excited to announce a week-long professional development opportunity to take place
in the summer of 2015 for middle school science teachers. Twenty eight teachers from across the country will come to
New Orleans to experience hands-on how necessity, knowledge, perseverance and skill lead to inventions, innovation,
and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), just like in World War II.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: The seminar application is open to any science teacher (public, public charter, private, and
parochial) with between 2 and 10 years of teaching experience in 5th-8th grade science, and who will be teaching a
science course to students in the same age group in the 2015-2016 school year. Applications will be evaluated
through a competitive process that will include information on teaching experience, a short written statement, and
two letters of recommendation.
COST: This seminar is supported by a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. Teachers will receive free room
and board in New Orleans, a travel stipend, and all seminar materials free of charge.
IMPORTANT DATES:
JANUARY 5, 2015: Application period opens

MARCH 6, 2015: Application period closes

APRIL 1, 2015: Seminar participants selected and notified
JULY 19-24, 2015: Summer Teacher Seminar in New Orleans
SEPTEMBER 2015: Citizen Science Project begins
For more information, visit: http://www.nationalww2museum.org/realworldscience

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Nominations

Open Nominate by April 1st, 2015
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor the United
States government bestows for K12 mathematics and science teaching. Up to 108 teachers may be recognized each
year. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President, a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a
series of recognition events, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). PAEMST's most recent
cohort of awardees even had the opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama.
The PAEMST program is pleased to announce that the 20142015 nomination period for grades 712 mathematics
and science (including computer science) teachers is now open! Please consider nominating a talented teacher using
the PAEMST website today. Applications open November 1, 2014. The nomination deadline is April 1, 2015, and the
application deadline is May 1, 2015.

National Marine Educators Association's Marine Education Award Apply by April 1st
The award is presented for outstanding work and leadership in any aspect of marine education at the local, regional,
or national level. It can be awarded to a member or a non-member of NMEA, for current or past accomplishments.
Documentation describing the nominee's career accomplishments in marine education, such as national and/or
regional impact, leadership, programs, etc., should be detailed in nomination package.
A complete nomination form, along with any recommendation letters and all other supporting materials, must be
received by the awards committee chair on or before April 1. All award recipients will receive a one-year NMEA
membership and an engraved award.

UMass Nanotechnology 2015 Summer Institute Apply by April 1st

Monday to Friday, July 13 - July 17, 2015 at UMass Amherst

Funded by the National Science Foundation
Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing
Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers
$75/day stipends ($375 total), materials, parking, some meals
Housing (new air conditioned dorms) for those outside the commuting radius
3 graduate physics credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's(Professional Development Points)
Ongoing partnerships with UMass Faculty

Nanotechnology deals with materials on the scale of nanometers. A nanometer is one-millionth of a millimeter, or
about 10 atomic diameters. Such materials can have surprising and useful behaviors and properties. Applications of
this rapidly growing field include regenerative medicine, fabrics and construction materials of unprecedented
strength, ultra-high performance computers and data storage, more efficient solar photovoltaic cells, and much more.
Activity in this field cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and involves chemistry, physics, biology, and
engineering.
The UMass Nanotechnology Summer Institute will explore the basic science and engineering concepts of this exciting
new field, and will illustrate how they may be integrated into the usual math, science and technology courses in
middle schools and high schools. The content and pedagogy will be aligned with the Massachusetts Science and
Technology/Engineering Framework.
During the institute, participants will begin to develop curriculum units for their own classes. They will implement
these in the fall and report on their progress and results online. Three graduate credits will be available for the
institute and curriculum unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee. PDP's will be available at no cost.

Application process: An application form and additional information are available at www.umassk12.net/nano.
Teachers should also prepare a narrative statement of how they intend to use the institute materials in their
classroom, and include in their application package a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal
or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1,
2013. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

Apply for the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science and Leadership Academy for High Students
and Teachers Apply by May 4th
The TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy is an annual one-week, cross-cultural science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exchange and leadership program for 16 high school students and eight
teachers from Japan and the United States In August, program participants from both countries will collaborate in
Tokyo to design a disaster-resilient, smart community of the future. With counsel from Toshiba engineers and a visit
to the Toshiba Smart Community building, the students and teachers will work in teams to develop proposed
solutions to problems using learning experiences that are central to the NGSS and the engineering design process.
Learn more.

May 15th is Endangered Species Day

May 15, 2015 is the 10th annual, national Endangered Species Day, offering teachers an ideal opportunity to
educate students about the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species. To find out more and
participate, go to http://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/

SAVE THE DATES - 2015 Annual Conference of the National Marine Educators Association
(NMEA) in Newport , RI: June 29 July 2, 2015
SouthEastern New England Marine Educators (SENEME; http://seneme.org) is proud to be the host of the 2015
Annual Conference of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA). The conference will be held June 29
through July 2 at the Newport Marriott, located in the center of downtown, historic, Newport, Rhode Island.
This event will be filled with a variety of sessions and plenaries led by dynamic speakers versed in the latest trends in
marine science and education (including STEM education and the Next Generation Science Standards). Unique,
regional field trips will include explorations of local flora and fauna, tours of historic mansions, learning about the
sailing tradition of Newport, and much more!
The NMEA Annual Conference is attended by formal and informal educators, scientists, and students from across
the U.S. and around the globe. Conference participants include those from public and private institutions,
aquariums, for profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as local and federal government agencies. Attendees can
choose the days they would like to attend participate in the conference for one day to concentrate on one session
track, or attend the entire event and absorb the full scope of information presented during conference lectures,
workshops, and other experiential learning opportunities in the Newport area.
Please mark your calendars and join SENEME in Newport, RI, June 29 to July 2, 2015! Stay tuned for future conference
updates- more information about the 2015 NMEA Conference can be found online at the NMEA website:
http://marine-ed.site-ym.com/general/custom.asp?page=NMEA_2015

Student Competitions and Grant Opportunities

Naval Academy Seeks Summer STEM Applications for the 2015 Naval Academy Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Program (Grades 9 11)
The US Naval Academy Seeks Summer STEM Applicants Applications for the 2015 Naval Academy Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Program are now being accepted at
usna.edu/admissions/STEM . This annual program is designed to expose young people to STEM concepts and
technologies and to encourage students in grades 9-11 to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology
throughout high school, college and beyond. Session dates include June 1-6 for rising ninth graders; June 8-13 for

th

those entering 10th grade; and June 15-19 for incoming 11 grade students. The aim is to integrate STEM-focused
concepts across the curriculum and pave the way for students to succeed academically in mathematics and science
and help put them on a path toward successful careers. The program will showcase the latest in technological
advances in a wide variety of science and engineering topics to include energy and light, infrastructure,
transportation, cybersecurity, environmental challenges, flight and fluids, automation, simulation and modeling,
biometrics and robotics.

RI Audubon Summer Camp: Connecting Kids with Nature: Registration Begins February
9th
Early Registration for Audubon Members - February 1-9, 2015
Get All Your Camp Information Here
Audubon's Summer Camps gets kids ages 3 to 14 outside exploring our local environment - fields, forests, ponds,
streams, and the coast of Narragansett Bay.
Our camps are conveniently located at three of our wildlife refuges in Bristol, Smithfield, and Seekonk. It's the perfect
environment for adventure, exploration, learning, and loads of fun! It's what summer camp should be!
Audubon provides a safe environment for plenty of outdoor fun in a variety of natural habitats. Kids get outside, learn
about the environment, make new friends, and have tons of fun.
Not a Member? You can join today ... and sign up for camp
Join Audubon While Signing Up for Camp ... Click Here
Camp Registration for all opens February 9th

National Academy of Engineering EngineerGirl Essay Contest Submit by March 1st

The National Academy of Engineering is pleased to announce this years annual EngineerGirl Essay Contest on the
EngineerGirl website!
Students (both boys and girls) in grades 3-12 are invited to write an essay about how engineering has influenced a
favorite sport. Cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 are available for the best essays in each of 3 age categories.
Submit your essays by March 1, 2015 at 6:00 pm EST.
Find out more at www.engineergirl.org/GetThere/Contest/2015contest.aspx

The DuPont Challenge Elementary Division Enter by March 15th

How can we make the world a healthier, safer, better place for ourselves and for future generations? The DuPont
Challenge Elementary Division is calling on all young scientists in grades K-5 to find out! Using a combination of
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills and creativity, classrooms are asked to create their
own science story that provides an answer to a Challenge that is facing their community.
Each grade level has three Challenge options to choose from, based on the Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS). With the help of their classroom teacher, students will research, observe, analyze, and discover their answer,
presenting their findings in a science story book or presentation. Learn more at:
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/elementary/challenges/

Foster an Innovator: New Science Challenge for Internet of Things (IoT) Submissions Due
March 25th
The IoT World Forum (IoTWF) Young Women's Innovation Grand Challenge is a global innovation challenge open to
young women between the ages of 1318 to come up with innovative uses for Internet of Things technologies.
With the advance of the Internet of Things, there will be an increased need for a STEM-ready workforce. The Young
Women's Innovation Grand Challenge seeks to foster girls' interest in STEM as they grow to join the increasing ranks
of women who are becoming entrepreneurs, innovators and executives.
Entrants will be asked to submit original ideas based on new opportunities and technologies that better people's lives
or increase efficiencies in the areas of education, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, retail, transportation, or smart
cities. Entrants will be judged on originality, creativity, and feasibility of the solution.
The IoTWF Young Women's Challenge will run through March 25. Visit http://cs.co/iotgirls.

ITEEAs Childrens Council Offers Paper Engineering Contest for Students of Grades PreK
6 Enter by April 24th, 2015
ITEEAs Childrens Council is sponsoring a paper engineering contest for all PreK-6 students in the United
States. The contest supports two of the Childrens Councils goals: to promote childrens creativity, ingenuity, and
design-based problem-solving skills and to promote the study of technology and engineering as a vital aspect in
every elementary school. The contest will consist of four divisions: PreK-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. Click here for full contest
information. Questions? Email Bob Claymier.
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If you know of something that you feel is a quality resource, event, or opportunity (e.g., grant), please
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Name / Title of Event / Opportunity
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Source or Event Sponsor
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THIS NOTICE IS DISTRIBUTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. R.I Department of Education does
not have any affiliation or responsibility to promote this information.