SAMEC E-news
03-16-07
Exploratory
Activity with the latest Mars images
BioME (Biology
from Molecules to Ecosystems): A new opportunity for
K-12 science
teachers
UA Science
Teacher's Colloquium Series
Science Education
Scholars Program
ACS Celebrates
Earth Day Illustrated Haiku Contest
Genes,
Biotechnology & the Environment
ARIZONA PROJECT
WET, Spring 2007 Workshops Schedule
2007 Toyota
International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands
“Arizona Conserve
Water Book”
Summary of the
Governor's P-20 Commission Recommendations, Emphasis
on Math and
Science
The University of
Arizona Annual Teaching Awards
Exploratory Activity
with the latest Mars images
NOAO has embarked on a Mars activity that incorporates the newest
images from the HiRise mission to examine the different surface
features and their comparison to features on Earth. This follows a
remote sensing activity we have developed for the Earth that NASA would
like to incorporate in their array of curricula, but the new Mars
activity is also a stand-alone activity. Ties to the science standards
are provided. We have an astronomer, an astronomer/science educator, a
couple of science teachers and a science education/ astronomy grad
student involved in developing the material and giving the teacher
workshop. Ties to a community of schools in the La Serena, Chile area
provide for an exciting videoconferencing experience where students
from both countries present their results. Both sets of students will
be using a remote controlled Mars rover as the next extension of this
project. Hispanic students and bilingual science teachers are
encouraged to participate. We are momentarily recruiting for a teacher
workshop on March 16 to introduce the activity. If you are interested,
please contact me (Connie Walker) at cwalker@noao.edu
or at 318-8535.
BioME (Biology from
Molecules to Ecosystems): A new opportunity for K-12 science teachers
BioMe, a new opportunity for K-12 science teachers to host a National
Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellow in their classroom for the
2007-2008 academic year, BioME brings University of Arizona life
sciences graduate students into Tucson K-12 classrooms. Biology is
ideal for heightening public interest in science; citizens can see how
science directly relates to them and the natural world around them
(“Bio and ME”). Funded by the National Science Foundation, BioME will
engage and excite students and teachers by giving them a glimpse into
real world biological research through the eyes of their BioME Graduate
Fellow. Together K-12 teachers and Fellows will bring a set of unifying
biological concepts encompassing ecology, evolution, genomics,
biodiversity, and biocomplexity into the classroom. Contact Mary
Bouley: marybouley@cox.net
(520-370-1900). Teacher Benefits Include: Having a resident scientist
support your science activities in your classroom, Credit for
recertification, Opportunity to participate at no cost in national and
international professional development activities, $1000 Stipend for
Summer Institute (June 25-30, 2007), Additional stipend for 07-08
collaboration with graduate fellow. Applications are due 3/30/2007 and
can be downloaded at http://www.bio5.arizona.edu/bioME/
Science Education
Scholars Program
A new opportunity for graduate study in science education at The
University of Arizona. Would you like to be part of the next generation
of science education researchers? If you are a highly motivated person
with an interest in science and you want to make a difference in the
teaching and learning of science in elementary and middle schools, then
the UA Science Education Scholars Program may be of interest to you. We
are UA faculty concerned with developing scholars who can contribute in
a significant way to solving practical problems facing science
education. We believe that all students should have access to ambitious
science instruction and the opportunity to learn complex science ideas.
To make this a reality, we aim to prepare doctoral students for sound
educational research and scholarship in culturally and linguistically
diverse elementary and middle school settings. The Science Education
Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for Fall 2007. We
are looking for candidates with a background in the sciences and a
strong interest in addressing important issues in science education,
especially with culturally and linguistically diverse student
populations. We will offer a variety of funding opportunities to
support your professional growth, including teaching and research
assistantships. Upon completion of the Ph.D., you will be prepared for
positions in university teaching and research, public and private
research, and school leadership.
If you would like to learn more about the Science Education Scholars
Program, please attend one of our information sessions:
Tuesday, March 20, 2007: 12noon – 1pm, Chemical Sciences Building, Room
202
Thursday, March 29, 2007: 4:30-5:30pm, College of Education, Room 312
For additional inquiries about our program, please contact one of the
following faculty members: Dr. Bruce Johnson, Associate Professor of
Science Education, UA College of Education (520.621.7877, email:brucej@email.arizona.edu); Dr.
Vicente Talanquer, Associate Professor of Chemistry, UA College of
Science (520.626.8169, email:vicente@u.arizona.edu);
Dr. Norma Gonzalez, Professor of Language, Reading and Culture, UA
College of Education (520.626.2586, email:ngonzale@email.arizona.edu) Dr.
Christopher Harris, Assistant Professor of Science Education, UA
College of Education (520.626.9700, email: harriscj@email.arizona.edu
The Science Education Scholars Program is highly selective and will
admit a small cohort of up to 5 students in Fall 2007. We will provide
financial support packages to all admitted students. To apply: Please
visit the UA College of Education Website at http://coe.arizona.edu OR our
Science Education Website: http://coe.web.arizona.edu/pages/dep_tte/
phdscience.php
UA Science Teacher's
Colloquium Series
The Science Teacher's Colloquium Series is a forum for K-12 science
teachers to learn about cutting edge research taking place at The
University of Arizona (UA). From nanotechnology to Earth-sized virtual
radio telescopes, the Ice Age to gene science, The University of
Arizona is advancing in all areas of science as it reinforces its
position as one of the top national public research universities to
benefit the University, the community, the state and beyond. One
(1) hour of professional development credit is offered for attending
each seminar. This series is sponsored by The University of Arizona
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, The UA/NASA Space Grant Program, The
Space Imagery Center and the Science and Mathematics Education Center,
which provide funding for this program. For additional information
visit: http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/COLPL/
or http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu/k12educators/seminars.html
* March 27, 2007, 7:30-8:30
pm "New Views of Saturn," Bob Brown, Professor, Lunar and
Planetary Laboratory (Location: UA Kuiper Space Sciences Lecture Hall
Room 308) The Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) on the
Cassini Mission reveals images of Saturn as never seen before. VIMS has
several unique capabilities. It is able to identify the chemical
composition of a surface, atmosphere, or Satrun's rings by measuring
the visible and infra- red energy. VIMS is, in essence, a color camera
that takes pictures in 352 different wavelengths between 300 nm and
5100 nm, but its main strength lies in its ability to "see" objects in
the infrared potion of the spectrum where human eyes and ordinary
cameras can't see. The resulting views are not only breath taking, but
uncover phenomena in the Saturn system never seen before.
Before the talk, Dr. Brown will give a limited number of special tours
of the VIMS Operations Center. You will be given the chance learn how a
VIMS observation is planned and executed. Two newly released software
packages, Saturn 3D and BOID, or Band Overlay Image Demonstration, will
be available during the tour. Saturn 3D is an interactive software that
allows a user to tour the Saturn system in a 3D atmosphere. BOID allows
users to overlay three images from a VIMS cube to make a color image.
The 10-minute tours will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and will run until
7:20 p.m. The lecture starts at 7:30 p.m. Early arrival is recommended.
For more information about the VIMS instrument, visit: http://wwwvims.lpl.arizona.edu/
This talk is free and open to the public.
* April 24, 2007, 7:30-8:30
pm "Mars: Up Close and Personal,"
Alfred McEwen, Professor, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (Location: UA
Kuiper Space Sciences Lecture Hall Room 308
ACS Celebrates Earth
Day Illustrated Haiku Contest
As part of their Chemists Celebrate Earth Day Celebration, the American
Chemical Society is sponsoring an illustrated haiku constest for
students in grades Kindergarten-12. A haiku is a 3-line poem with 5
syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third.
Haikus typically do not rhyme. The theme for this constest is
"Recycling-- Chemistry Can". The deadline for submission is April 2.
For further information contact Gino A. Romeo Jr., Ph.D. at gromeo@pima.edu or 520-206-6394. Entries
may be submitted to Dr. Romeo at Science & Technology Department,
Center for Learning Technology, Community Campus, Pima Community
College, 401 N. Bonita Ave. Tucson, AZ 85709-5065
Genes, Biotechnology
& the Environment
In recent years, the study of biology has been transformed by the
development of new laboratory techniques in biotechnology: controlled
reactions using enzymes and processes that occur in living cells. By
using these techniques to reveal the information encoded in DNA,
researchers have gained amazing insights into disease processes, human
history, and never-before-seen microbial diversity in soils, water, and
even our own bodies. These same techniques are now also being applied
to criminal forensic investigations and the development of many new
medical, agricultural, and industrial products. In this intensive short
course, students will have the opportunity to learn some of these
laboratory techniques and be introduced to the areas of genetics and
gene function, molecular biology, evolutionary genetics,
bioinformatics, and computational biology. High school students,
teachers, and teachers-in-training will work in small groups using
state-of-the-art equipment and methods to learn and apply basic
molecular biology skills, in the context of research questions
developed within the class. Course held at Tucson High Magnet School.
Teachers: weekdays, 9:30-4:00, July 9 - 27. Registration deadline is
July 2. HS Students: weekdays, 9:30-4:00, July 10 - 25. Application
deadline is April 2. Class size is limited. For more information visit:
http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/moran/HSbiotech06.htm
ARIZONA PROJECT WET,
Spring 2007 Workshops Schedule
Register for workshops at: http://www.cals.arizona.edu/azwater/wet/
workshops.html
Thanks to generous support from our sponsors, each participant will
receive the National Project WET Curriculum & Activity Guide, and
the Arizona Water map. Lunch provided. Recertification Hours,
Professional Development Hours provided.
CITY OF TUCSON WORKSHOPS:
* Saturday, March 10, 2007 – Arizona Project WET Workshop, Time: 8:00
a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Location: Tucson Water Department
* Saturday, April 14, 2007 – Arizona Project WET Healthy Water, Healthy
People Workshop, Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, Location: Aqua Caliente
Park, Tucson,
* Monday June 18 & Tuesday, June 19, 2007 – 2 day Workshop (16
hours) –Arizona Project WET “Discover a Watershed: The Colorado
Workshop. Location: Central Arizona Project Office – Marana Fun indepth
training for all teachers interested in increasing their knowledge of
watersheds and the waters of Arizona. Thematic teaching. Excellent for
Social Studies and Science. Great for Teachers Grade 6-12. To register,
visit: http://www.cals.arizona.edu/azwater/wet
Questions: Call Josie Tanner at 792.9591 x27.
CITY OF PHOENIX WORKSHOPS:
Each participant will receive the National Project WET Curriculum and
Activity Guide, and the Arizona WET Activity Guide, thanks to the City
of Phoenix Water Conservation Department. These are sponsored by the
City of Phoenix and Lunch is provided!
* Saturday, March 3 & 10, 2006, Arizona Project WET “Waters of
Arizona” Workshop 8:00: 1.m. -4:30 p.m. each day Location: TBD,
* Saturday, May 5 & 12, 2006, Arizona Project WET Workshop 8:00
a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day. Location: TBD
* Thursday, June 21, 2007, Arizona Conserve Water Workshop 9:00 a.m –
6:00 p.m. Location: Maricopa County Extension Office
Option: There will be a guest speaker following the Workshop.
Galapagos Marine
Ecology ECOL 496O/596O(3-6 units) Summer 2007, July 7th - August 2nd
Dr. Kevin Bonine (kebonine@u.arizona.edu) will be the 2007 instructor
for this popular summer field experience. The course begins with a
service project on San Cristobal Island in the local school teaching
marine biology, ecology, research methodology, and English.
Participants will spend about half of each day working with the local
students; the remainder of the day is available for exploration and
individual small-research projects. The course then moves to several of
the most fascinating islands. We will visit blue-footed booby nesting
sites, the giant-tortoise sanctuary, highland habitats, and the
volcanoes that gave rise to the islands themselves. Highlights include
snorkeling with sea lions, tide-pooling with marine iguanas, and the
opportunity to scuba dive and kayak. Participants will also visit the
Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, watch land
iguanas feeding on Santa Fe Island, and delight in the speedy antics of
the Galapagos penguin on the volcanically active island of Isabela.
APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/
courses/galapagos/
2007 Toyota
International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands
The application is now available for the 2007 Toyota International
Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands, a unique professional
development program for secondary school teachers. This is a special
chance for educators to visit these remote islands; the inspiration for
Darwin and home to unique ecosystems found no where else on Earth! This
year the program is open to classroom teachers of all disciplines in
grades 7-12, who teach full time in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. Twenty eligible applicants will be selected in May to
participate on this fully funded program. The deadline for application
is April 23, 2007; only a few months away, so your help in spreading
the word will be greatly appreciated. We need associations to help us
contact eligible teachers who might never hear of this program
otherwise. Please feel free to use the attached flier when reaching out
to educators and schools. Please send us an email if you know of any
additional ways that would more effectively help us reach out to
teachers in all classroom disciplines in your area; be it websites,
listservs or newsletters. We would also be happy to provide brochures
or posters about the program to help in further outreach. Thank you for
considering this request to help publicize this professional
development opportunity among your members. If you have any questions
or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me by
email at toyotateach@iie.org or by phone at (toll-free) 877-832-2457
Hopefully, through this program, the Galapagos can continue to inspire
new generations of explorers to expand their understanding of the world
and people around them. The application is now online at http://www.iie.org/toyota
“Arizona Conserve Water
Book”
The new “Arizona Conserve Water Book” is now being edited for
publication! What will this mean to you? Up-to-date
information regarding Arizona’s Water! Why would you want this
information? To educate yourself, students and others. Arizona Project
WET continues to grow statewide. Prescott AMA recently hosted a
Facilitators Training in Prescott, and many new facilitators were
trained to become educated educators and professionals in the ways of
water workshops are being held across the state! Are you interested in
learning more about the water in Arizona? If so – please visit our
website at www.ag.arizona.edu/az/water/wet
Summary of the
Governor's P-20 Commission Recommendations, Emphasis on Math and
Science
A summary of the Governor's P-20 Commission recommendations is
available at: http://www.scottsdaleparentcouncil.org/
A longer summary is available at: http://www.governor.state.az.us/P20/
The University of
Arizona Annual Teaching Awards
We congratulate the recipients of The University of Arizona annual
teaching awards who will be honored at the Awards of Distinction
reception and ceremony on April 17, 2007.
Department
of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (College of
Science): Provost's Award for Meritorious Departmental
Achievement in Undergraduate Instruction
Edward
Prather, Lecturer, Department of Astronomy and Staff Scientist,
Steward Observatory (College of Science): Provost's General Education
Teaching Award
Vicente
Talanquer, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry (College
of Science): The University of Arizona Foundation, Leicester &
Kathryn Sherrill Creative Teaching Award
Educational E-Journal
Links
* Carolina Biological online tips: http://www.carolina.com/tips/
* CONTINUUM (The first edition of the Governor's P-20 Council
newsletter): http://www.governor.state.az.us/P20/
* Education News and Research Reports: http://www.queuenews.com/AZnews
* Education Week: http://www.edweek.org/
* No Child Left Behind: http://www.ed.gov/nclb/
* NSTA Express: http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2006_10_23.htm
* NSTA Science Class (High School Edition): http://science.nsta.org/
enewsletter/2006-11/member_high.htm
* NSTA Web Seminars: http://institute.nsta.org/web_seminars.asp
* Physics Teacher Online: http://phy.ilstu.edu/jpteo/
* Teacher Magazine: http://www.teachermagazine.org
This
information was sent to approximately 3000 science and mathematics
educators: http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/e-news.html
The SAMEC e-newsletter is provided to you by The University of Arizona
Science and Mathematics Education Center, Lunar and Planetary
Laboratory, http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu
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