Published by Brunsell on 25 Jan 2012
Science Matters in Wisconsin 1(20)
Welcome to this week’s issue of Science Matters in Wisconsin. Please share this with a colleague!
– Professional Development
Find out strategies for improving science instruction for diverse learners! Making Sense of SCIENCE: Going Deep to Go Far by Linking Science and Literacy Instruction
Wednesday, February 8
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
Come hear a WestEd curriculum developer and a district science coordinator share facilitation strategies that all teachers and teacher educators can use to support science learning with all students, including those who are English learners or initially low achievers.
We encourage you to attend the live webinar to interact with the presenters and other participants about this important topic. Please send any advance questions to eventquestion@wested.org .
To sign up for this webinar, please visit http://www.schoolsmovingup.net/webinars/mss
– Science Spotlight
Lost Grey Monkey Found! Scientists working in the dense jungles of Indonesia have "rediscovered" a large, gray monkey so rare it was believed by many to be extinct. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9027856/Found-The-lost-grey-monkey-so-rare-it-was-thought-to-be-extinct.html
The National Center for Science Education has spent the last 30 years fighting political attacks on the teaching of evolution in public schools. They have NEVER lost a court battle!
NCSE announced last week that they are expanding their efforts to fight attacks on the teaching of climate change. http://scienceblogs.com/tfk/2012/01/ncse_takes_on_climate_change.php
Speaking of climate change, the global average surface temperature for 2011 was the ninth warmest since 1880. Nine of the 10 warmest years have occurred since 2000. This animation shows global surface temperature by year compared to a mid-20th century baseline. http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/2011-temps.html
– Website of the Week
The State of Wisconsin introduced the new Common Core State Standards for Literacy in All Subjects in mid-September, with a new resource page available for educators was made available in early October. General information regarding this initiative can be found at the agency website at: http://dpi.wi.gov/standards/disciplinaryliteracy.html .
Also called “disciplinary literacy”, this increases concentration on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and performing in all content areas, from kindergarten through twelfth grade as a way to enhance learning of specific content and concepts. This not only strengthens reading, writing and communication skills, but also increases comprehension in subject areas. Originally part of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts, Wisconsin is a front-runner in expanding these standards for all areas and grade levels.
– Student Opportunity
Free Engineering Summer Camp at UW-Milwaukee
ASM-Milwaukee chapter (a Materials Engineering technical society) is sponsoring a 4-day summer camp in June, 2012 at UW-Milwaukee. Materials Science and Engineering is the study of the relationship between the structure of materials at atomic scales and their macroscopic properties. The field uses a combination of chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology to further advance various areas of science and engineering.
The day camp will utilize hands-on learning principles of applied math and science. It is a very unique, team-based, intensive problem solving science experience under the direction of world-class faculty and industrial mentors. The course will consist of a combination of demonstrations, product design projects, materials testing, and field trips. High school students who have shown strong abilities in math and science, and who will have completed their sophomore through senior years by spring 2012, are encouraged to apply. The strongest applicants will also show a strong interest in applied science, and will demonstrate a desire to pursue a college major and career in engineering and/or materials science. Attendance is free, but selective. The application deadline is April 16, 2012. The application form and instructions are available at: http://www.asm-milwaukee.org/ (click on Application).
– Video of the Week
This video from the Washington Post describes the impact of the recent large solar flare and coronal mass ejection – including decreased GPS accuracy, rerouted airline flights, and beautiful Northern Lights. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-solar-flares-impact-on-earth-153/2012/01/24/gIQAtJFdOQ_video.html
– Contact
To subscribe to Science Matters in Wisconsin, please visit - http://bap.nsta.org/Content/Home/BecomeAContact/Default.aspx
For questions about Science Matters in Wisconsin, please contact me:
Eric Brunsell, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh brunsele@uwosh.edu
