Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Interested in Digital Fabrication? MakeToLearn.org

http://maketolearn.org/explore/  


MakeToLearn.org provides an online space where teachers and students can come together virtually to explore digital fabrication, discuss it with like-minded colleagues, learn core academic content through lessons and curricular units, and discover new tools to facilitate digital fabrication in the classroom.

Additionally, MakeToLearn.org will be the online hub for sharing and downloading digital shapes and designs.

About Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication involves translation of a digital design into a physical object. While digital fabrication has been around for decades, only now has it become possible for teachers and students to take advantage of this powerful technology.


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Free CAD Software

Free CAD Software »Looking for free tools to teach engineering design? Energy3D Version 1.0 is now available. Funded by the National Science Foundation as part of our Engineering Energy Efficiency project, Energy3D is a computer-aided design and fabrication tool. Your students can easily design a dream home on the computer, then print and assemble a real model.- http://energy.concord.org/energy3d/?utm_source=The+Concord+Consortium+List&utm_campaign=28725bf68f-October_2012_Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Free Resource about the Common Core - Library of Congress

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is here and teachers are trying to figure out how to best integrate it into their tried-and-true lessons. They’re struggling to integrate technology to best augment CCSS. They are in desperate need of classroom materials that they can trust.
The U.S. Library of Congress has just  unveiled an enormous new (and free!) resource that’s all about the Common Core. It’s located at http://www.loc.gov/teachers  and worth checking out.



Monday, October 22, 2012

Interesting article - One Size Does Not Fit All: A Student’s Assessment of School,

The following is an excerpt of One Size Does Not Fit All: A Student’s Assessment of School, by 17-year-old Nikhil Goyal, a senior at Syosset High School in Woodbury, New York.


Can creativity be taught? Absolutely. The real question is: “How do we teach it?” In school, instead of crossing subjects and classes, we teach them in a very rigid manner. Very rarely do you witness math and science teachers or English and history teachers collaborating with each other. Sticking in your silo, shell, and expertise is comfortable. Well, it’s time to crack that shell. It’s time to abolish silos and subjects. Joichi Ito, director of the M.I.T. Media Lab, told me that rather than interdisciplinary education, which merges two or more disciplines, we need anti-disciplinary education, a term coined by Sandy Pentland, head of the lab’s Human Dynamics group.

“Today’s problems — from global poverty to climate change to the obesity epidemic — are more interconnected and intertwined than ever before and they can’t possibly be solved in the academic or research ‘silos’ of the twentieth century,” writes Frank Moss, the former head of the M.I.T. Media Lab.

Schools cannot just simply add a “creativity hour” and call it a day.

Principal at High Tech High, an innovative, project-based learning school in San Diego, California, Larry Rosenstock, points out, “If you were to hike the Appalachian trail, which would take you months and months, and you reflect upon it, you do not divide the experience into the historic, scientific, mathematic, and English aspects of it. You would look at it holistically.”

After indicating the problem at hand, scoop out the tools, research, networks, and people required to get it solved. Get out of your comfort zone.
“You can have students do laboratories and hands-on activities and learn nothing, because they are following the cookbook and going through the motions without having their brains on.”
In practice, this means the elimination of English, mathematics, history, and science class. Instead, we need to arrange the curriculum around big ideas, questions, and conundrums. What does learning look like in this model? Letting kids learn by doing — the essence of the philosophy of educator John Dewey. He wrote: “The school must represent present life — life as real and vital to the child as that which he carries on in the home, in the neighborhood, or on the playground.” Let kids travel to places, work with mentors, and inquire about the world around them.
(READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT)
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/10/why-learning-should-be-messy/

MIT BLOSSOMS “Back-to-School” Lesson Contest

MIT BLOSSOMS “Back-to-School” Lesson Contest


http://blossoms.mit.edu/home

High school level teachers are invited to submit their lesson designs for a new MIT BLOSSOMS lesson in Mathematics, Science or Engineering. We are looking for a lesson that you have taught successfully and that you think would work well with the MIT BLOSSOMS “Teaching Duet” pedagogy. We are also looking for lessons that cover essential high school curriculum topics, but approach those topics in a fresh, dynamic way. Also, a winning math lesson will be supportive of the new Common Core standards. Here are some important things to remember about a BLOSSOMS lesson:

• A BLOSSOMS lesson is not a lecture.

• A BLOSSOMS lesson presents a topic from an unusual, interesting angle.

• The video segments should be 3 minutes or less, and never more than 4.

• The first segment needs to be no longer than 2 minutes and must excite the interest of both teachers and students.

• With video technology, segments can be filmed in interesting locations. Stay away from the classroom as much as possible!

• A lesson must provide challenging, thought-provoking classroom activities for the video breaks.



Important Contest Deadlines:

• Monday, December 3, 2012 – Teachers must submit the completed MIT BLOSSOMS Concept Template for their lessons, available here.

• Monday, January 7, 2013 - Finalists will be announced and asked to complete the MIT BLOSSOMS Architecture Template for their lessons, available here.

• Monday, January 28, 2013 – Finalists must submit the completed Architecture Template for their lessons.

• Monday, February 4, 2013 – Winners will be announced



The winning teachers will be invited to travel to MIT—all expenses paid—to film their lessons during either their Winter or Spring vacation weeks.

For further information, contact blossoms@mit.edu.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Siemens Competition and Resources

http://www.siemensstemacademy.com/

STEM Academy -Teacher Resources


Join your fellow educators by sharing your favorite lesson plans, tips, tricks, ideas, presentations, websites, videos and other STEM related resources that may prove useful for others who want to expand their classroom materials. Looking to grow your own library of resources to inspire your students? Browse this intriguing and ever-broadening collection of resources already submitted.

http://wecanchange.discoveryeducation.com/

What Is The Challenge? Become Agents of Change!


The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is the premier national environmental sustainability competition for grades K-12 students. Through project-based learning, students learn about science and conservation while creating solutions that impact their planet. Beginning September 13, 2012 through March 5, 2013, teams from across the country will be challenged to create sustainable, reproducible environmental improvements in their local communities.
To date, more than 62,000 students have participated in the Challenge. Give your students the opportunity, tools and inspiration to make a difference and become agents of change. Click on a grade band below to get started.




Monday, September 17, 2012

Cubist Science Education Leadership Award

Cubist Science Education Leadership Award
Cubist is once again seeking nominations for the Science Education Leadership Award program, which honors innovative science teachers in middle and high schools in New England. This is the fourth straight year that Cubist has teamed up with the New England Patriots Radio Network, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and its 36-station radio network to recognize science teachers during the Patriots season.

Throughout the season, a “Teacher of the Week” will be announced during the New England Patriots radio broadcast. At the end of the season, one of these teachers will be selected as the recipient of the Cubist Science Education Leadership Award and win $5,000 for the teacher’s school science department. The award winner will also have a special meet-and-greet with Patriots broadcasters at the CBS Scene in Foxboro at the final home game of the season, and a Patriots alumni player will make a special appearance at the teacher’s school.
Consider nominating a teacher today at www.cbsboston.com/contests . Teachers will be selected based on their innovative efforts to engage their students in the classroom.

OpenCourseWare brings reality TV to OpenCourseWare

Step into my lab: MIT OpenCourseWare brings reality TV to OpenCourseWare


A new series of videos to be published this fall follow fourteen MIT freshmen through their introduction to hands-on science.

Each year, groups of MIT freshmen are introduced to MITs laboratory environment through a four-week January course called 5.301 Introductory Lab Techniques. The stakes are high—students who pass the class are guaranteed a job in an MIT research lab. This fall, MIT OpenCourseWare will follow a group of fourteen students as they face the challenges of learning Chemistry the MIT way through a unique series of videos called ChemLab Boot Camp.

The videos shot in a style that mixes the geek fun of open educational resources with the immediacy of reality TV, brings viewers closer to the experience of being an MIT student than ever before. Follow the students as they struggle to master the intricacies of working with solvents and compete to create the largest crystals. The videos are part of a broader effort funded by the Dow Chemical Corporation to foster interest in science and engineering careers.

The episodes will be released on each week though the fall, starting in September.

Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1fMW_bUWjU

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

MIT BLOSSOMS Announces Lesson Contest for High School Teachers

MIT BLOSSOMS Announces Lesson Contest for High School Teachers


With school opening for the 2012/2013 academic year, BLOSSOMS is inviting high school teachers to submit lessons in Mathematics, Science or Engineering that they believe would make excellent video lessons. Submissions are due by Monday, December 3rd, 2012, and winners will be announced by Monday, February 4thth, 2013. Winning teachers will travel to MIT with all expenses paid to film their new BLOSSOMS lessons. For contest details, read more.

http://blossoms-newsletter.mit.edu/whats-new/september2012.html



Tuesday, July 31, 2012

101 Websites for Science Teachers

101 Science Web sites you might find of interest


Posted by Erik Schreefel in Educational Technology, Web 2.0 Tools on Jul 25, 2012. 2 Comments


Boldly go where no science teacher has gone before!


Your continuing mission: to discover useful new sites, to integrate them into your lesson plans and to giggle at this corny Star Trek reference.



Wednesday, June 27, 2012

FREE STEM Sunday Family Event at Northeastern July 8

Join us for CMMI's FREE family day at Northeastern University on July 8, 2012.

Families of K-8 students will have the opportunity to participate in fun interactive demonstrations and science and engineering activities at Northeastern's Cabot Phyiscal Education Center (building 41 on the Campus Map) .


Participants will have the opportunity to build a city of the future, draw a science mural, take home a garden kit, learn about whales, and more!

Visit http://sciencesunday.weebly.com/ for more information.

STEM Sunday is presented by Northeastern University's Center for STEM Education in collaboration with the National Science Foundation's CMMI Engineering and Research Innovation Conference, Cambridge Science Festival and Science on the Street,  Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Maker Faire, Boston Children's Hospital, NStar, American Society of Civil Engineers and the Northeastern NUTRONS.
Space is limited, families must REGISTER HERE and be entered for a raffle!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

LEGO@ DNA Learning Center - Masterin Molecular Biology - May 15th - Registration required

Please email Bob Rochlin at rrochlin@comcast.net if you are interested in attending.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

STEM Graduate Course Offerings

This is a notice announcing the opening of registration of graduate-level courses for science and math teachers that will be offered this summer at no cost to teachers (with the exception of a $50 registration fee).
 
Course 1 - Earth Science II: Solid Earth
Dates: July 16th–July 27th Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: Northeastern University

Instructor: Professor Malcolm Pringle and Bruce Kamerer

To register for this course please complete the on-line application at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EarthScienceII

This course will focus on the characteristics that describe and the processes that govern the solid earth. Basic earth and planetary science concepts will be emphasized including the study of the properties of rocks, minerals, and soils; the dynamics of plate tectonics; surficial processes and landforms; fossils and the fossil record; and geography and the principles of mapping. The course will help middle school teachers train students in the fundamental concepts of Earth Science (as outlined in the Massachusetts State Science Frameworks) by illustrating how these learning standards can be used to address current environmental issues (natural disasters, natural resources, and urban planning) that may elicit and engage the interests of students.


Course 2 - Energy I: Integrating the Sciences through Energy

Dates: June 28-29, July 2, 3, 5, 6, and July 9-13th Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Instructors: Professors Malcolm Pringle, Christos Zahopoulos, Steven Untersee, and Michael Clinchot

To register for this course, please complete the on-line application at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EnergyI

This course is designed to deepen teacher knowledge of energy concepts and how to connect energy concepts across content areas. This class is well suited to help elementary and middle school teachers use energy as a theme to connect their curriculum throughout the year and for high school teachers to connect it to prior and future learning. Participants will develop research-based strategies for communicating with students, especially English language learners and students with other special needs.


Course 3 - Chemistry I: The Particulate Nature of Matter
Dates: June 28, 29, July 2, 3, 5, 6 and July 9, 10, 11 & 13 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Professor Thomas Gilbert

To register for this course, please complete the on-line application at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ChemI

This is a contextualized chemistry content graduate level course offered to give both in-service and pre-service teachers the in depth scientific background necessary to teach chemistry effectively. This course offers an in depth exploration of fundamental principles of chemistry and will focus primarily on the particulate nature of matter, mechanisms of energy transfer, gas laws, chemical periodicity, and the use of scientific evidence to develop theories to explain nature.


Course 4 - Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics—A Human Approach
Dates: July 16th-20th and 23rd–27th Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: UMASS Boston

Instructor: Professor Rachel Skvirsky
To register for this course, please complete the on-line application: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BiologyI

In-depth exploration of the biological principles, content knowledge, and pedagogical strategies needed for teaching cell and molecular biology and genetics at the middle and high school levels. The course takes a human biology approach to these areas, using activities and examples drawn from the human body. Content is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework and the National Science Education Standards. The course consists of explanation of concepts, laboratory activities, problem-solving exercises, classroom discussion, readings, and other assignments. Emphasis is placed on gaining a rich understanding of biological concepts, while modeling the use of hands-on, inquiry-based teaching strategies.


Please note – a $50 registration fee is required. Participants will receive a $650 stipend upon completion of each course. The cost for graduate credit for each NU course is: $650 + $50 registration, making the final out-of-pocket cost $50. Teachers from all districts may pay for this course with a tuition check in the amount of $650 (made out to Northeastern University) on the first day of class, or elect to be billed by the university directly at a later time.


For more information, visit our website at: http://www.stem.neu.edu/gbsssp/gbsssp.htm or contact Feby Kiragu at 617-373-5154 or email: f.kiragu@neu.edu  if you have questions.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Physics Summer Content Institutes

Physics Summer Content Institutes
 Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary  Education
 ______________________________________________________
 Physics I:  Mechanics and Energy
 Physics II: E&M and Waves

 - No Cost to Massachusetts Teachers
 - Great Activities
 - $500 Worth of Equipment
 - 67 PDPs
 - Optional Graduate Credit

 Contact:     Mark D.Greenman
 E-Mail:       mgreenman2@verizon.net
 Phone:       781-248-4952
 WEB Site:
 http://mhs.marbleheadschools.org/teachers/page/greenman/Prof_Development
 ______________________________________________________
 Physics I: Mechanics & Energy
 Investigations will involve the study of motion, change in motion,  force, work, energy and power.
 Dates:       July16-20 and July 23-26 (9-days), 8:00 A.M. to 3:00
 P.M.
 Follow-up: September 22, 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
 Location:   (Tentative) Boston University, Boston, MA
 ______________________________________________________
 Physics II: E&M and Waves
 Investigations will involve the study of electricity, magnetism and  waves.
 Dates:       August7-10 and August 13-17 (9-days), 8:30 A.M. to 3:30
 P.M.
 Follow-up: September 29, 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
 Location:   UMASS Lowell Olney Hall, Lowell, MA
 ______________________________________________________
 Course Overview: These will be collegial, hands-on laboratory-based  courses that are especially relevant to physics teachers in grades 7  through 12 and special education staff supporting students who are  learning physics concepts.  These physics courses will help you  develop more competencies in physics and increase your comfort in  using technology resources in support of practices that align with  the National Research Council -A Framework for K-12 Science
 Education:  Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas+ and  teaching concepts and content related to the Massachusetts state  frameworks standards in high school and middle school physics.

 We will use a mix of traditional equipment and computer probe-ware to  gather and analyze data to facilitate -learning from nature.+  The  -minds-on+ pedagogy of Interactive Laboratory Experience (ILEs) and
 - Interactive Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs), developed at The Center
 - for Science and Mathematics Teaching at Tufts University, will be
 - modeled throughout the institute. Teachers will leave this
 - institute with classroom activities, written resources and an
 - assortment of supplies and equipment to support a technology
 - enhanced physics curriculum.

Monday, March 5, 2012

2013 InvenTeams

http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html Applications for the 2012-2013 InvenTeams are being accepted.All deadlines are 5:00 p.m. ET.

Apply for 2013 InvenTeamsProcess

Applying for an InvenTeam grant is a two-step process. The initial application is available online each fall and due in the spring (for grants awarded the following academic year).

Youth Involvement

Educators often begin the application without youth participants. Youth input is encouraged for the initial application and required for the final application. Many educators recruit youth early to create a richer proposal for the initial application.

Invention Ideas

InvenTeam projects span many fields from assistive devices to environmental technologies and consumer goods. Applicants are encouraged to consider needs of the world's poorest people (those earning $2/day) when brainstorming invention ideas. Some InvenTeams pursue inventions that also augment STEM curriculum such as Project Lead the Way. See former InvenTeams and their invention projects. Selection
A panel comprising inventors; educators; InvenTeam student alumni; and MIT faculty, staff, and alumni reviews the applications. Diversity is considered among school settings, demographics, and projects. Up to 35 finalists are selected from the initial applications to continue to the next step. Excite Awards
Selected finalists receive Excite Awards: These educators attend EurekaFest, a multi-day celebration at MIT in June. Finalists meet current InvenTeams, see their inventions, and attend invention workshops, which count toward Professional Development Points (PDPs). Excite Award winners must attend EurekaFest in order to submit a final InvenTeam grant application. Travel, food, and lodging are provided. 2013 InvenTeam Application Timeline

(Grants for the 2012-2013 academic year)
Early feedback deadline: March 1, 2012
Initial application deadline: April 6, 2012
Excite Award recipient notification: April 20, 2012
EurekaFest 2012: June 20-23, 2012
Final application deadline: September 7, 2012 2013
InvenTeams announced: September 28, 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THE KAVLI SCIENCE VIDEO CONTEST

Grades 6-12 students compete for the chance to win $2000 (first prize) and a travel stipend to Washington DC to attend the festival. The winners are also honored in an awards ceremony, hosted by Bill Nye, as part of the festival.

Our central theme, or driving question, is how to "Save the World through Science and Engineering". Students make a short video (:30-:90) that shows how scientific discoveries and inventions can improve our lives and change our world, either right now or in the future. Enter by March 21, 2012.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Flying WILD Workshop for Educators

Middle school educators interested in helping students understand the importance of migratory birds and their conservation should attend this workshop! Participants will learn about teacher led classroom activities, volunteer and student led festival activities, and service learning projects focused on using birds as a hook for getting interested in studying the environment.

This workshop is extremely interactive and hands-on. Educators will learn to implement the Flying WILD program (www.flyingwild.org) and learn how to become a City Partner.

This workshop takes place Tuesday, March 13 from 9 am - 3:30 pm in Newburyport. The fee is $15, and light refreshments will be served. Please bring lunch, a mug, and clothing for indoor and outdoor activities.

Contact Pam Landry at Mass Wildlife with any questions at (508)-389-6310 or pam.landry@state.ma.us.

Registration information is below.

-------------------------------------------------

Flying WILD Workshop Registration Form
Name:__________________________
Organization/Affiliation:_____________________________

Mailing address:_____________________________
City/State/Zip:_________________________

E-mail:___________________________________
Phone:_______________________________
What is your interest in attending the workshop?


Intended audience: scouts? after school? general public?
urban youth? classroom ? other (please specify) ______________________________

Please mail completed registration along with a $15 check payable
to MA Wildlife Federation/ProjectWILD to Pam Landry, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westboro, MA 01581. Registration & payment must be received by March 1, 2012.
Confirmation & directions will be sent after registration deadline.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Aquatic WILD - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

For Educators of Students in Grades K-12
When: Saturday February 11, 2012       Time:  9:00-3:30
Location: Girls Inc., Lynn
Hosted by:  Northeastern University Marine Science Center Beach Sister Program
To Register: Contact Sarah Gillig, AmeriCorps Massachusetts Promise Fellow, (781) 581-7370 x 373 or s.gillig@neu.edu

What to bring: Water, mug, a bag lunch, clothes & shoes for any weather. Plan to be outside!
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to receive training from the award winning, nationally recognized program Aquatic WILD!  It is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students in kindergarten through high school.  The program emphasizes aquatic wildlife because of their intrinsic, ecological value, as well as their role in teaching how ecosystems function. Through the use of balanced curriculum materials and professional training workshops, Aquatic WILD accomplishes its goal of developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment. This results in the making of informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive action concerning wildlife and the environment.
The program guide (Aquatic WILD) contains over 50 activities for educators of youths in grades K-12. Workshop participants will receive copies of the guide, and a certificate of completion. This is an award winning nationally recognized program that is hands-on, easy to use, and has dynamic applications for school teachers, scout leaders, nature center teachers, home educators, after care teachers, etc. 
Project WILD is sponsored in Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (www.masswildlife.org). To learn more about Project WILD or Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children contact MA Project WILD Coordinator Pam Landry at pam.landry@state.ma.us.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Applications Now Available

The Research Experiences for Teachers Program (RET) is a comprehensive six-week summer research program at Northeastern University that offers teachers a wonderful opportunity to participate in active research projects in professional laboratory settings. Teachers are encouraged to make real connections between the research experience and their classroom curricula as well as create research-based curriculum units that are aligned with local, state, and national frameworks, as well as their own research experience. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in weekly research seminars, special training sessions, professional development meetings, field trips, and network with other district teachers and university faculty.

Please click here for the 2012 application.

The deadline for submission is March 20, 2012. For more information and/or questions on RET, please contact Claire Duggan, Program Director, at c.duggan@neu.edu and/or visit the RET web site at http://www.ret.neu.edu/ .

Tentative program dates for the RET are June 25th – August 2, 2012. 

RET participants will be required to attend several Saturday morning sessions prior to the start of the summer program.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Web based Lab - spongelab

Looking for a Web based Lab to supplement your biology and anatomy courses?

http://www.spongelab.com ..lots of lesson plans...and game based activities.

Monday, January 9, 2012

BioBuilding Curriculum Workshop @ MIT for Middle School Teachers

http://openwetware.org/wiki/BioBuilding_Curriculum_Workshop_@_MIT

Professional Development Workshop @ MIT


If you are a middle school teacher interested in bringing current research and novel inquiry-based curriculum to your students, then we want to work with you!
You are invited to apply to the BioBuilding Curriculum workshop @ MIT. This two and a half day professional development class will prepare middle school educators to bring engineering into their science classrooms and laboratories. Faculty from MIT will work with participating teachers to develop middle school curriculum based on the engineering of biology using the successful activities at www.BioBuilder.org. The workshop will include

* close interactions with high school teachers already teaching the BioBuilder curriculum

* lectures that connect the engineering/science/math and technology aspects of synthetic biology

* small group work with other middle school teachers, high school teachers and MIT’s faculty

* lunchtime seminars

This workshop will run from August 1st-3rd, 2012. Attendees will receive lunch each day, parking validation and 35 PDPs. Attendees should plan to carry out a BioBuilder activity in the 2012-2013 academic year, and provide feedback on the effort.


Who should apply?

This workshop is intended for Middle School science teachers, especially those who are


looking for new ways to teach science content

engaging their students with design challenges and inquiry-oriented activities

eager to bring current research topics into their classrooms

excited by curriculum development

energized by a challenge and comfortable as life-long learners

How to apply?

Send a copy of your CV and a completed application to the following address: Dr. Natalie Kuldell

Department of Biological Engineering, MIT

77 Mass Ave, 16-325

Cambridge, MA 02139