SAMEC E-News: Week of 05-12-06

You can also view an online version of the newsletter at:
http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/e-news05-12-06.html

1) Upcoming Professional Development for K-12 Science Teachers
2) Summer 2006 Science and Mathematics Courses for Teachers
3) Available Positions for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers
4) Opportunities for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers
5) Opportunities for K-12 Students
6) Opportunities for Faculty, Staff and College Students
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1) Upcoming Professional Development for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers

DISCOVER A WATERSHED: THE COLORADO WORKSHOP, June 1 & 2, 2006, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day, Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix, AZ. This workshop will be an engaging learning experience that will focus on the Colorado River Watershed and the Phoenix Valley.  Receive the Discover a Watershed: the Colorado Educators Guide which includes hands-on lessons and activities. The workshop will give participants tools to teach about the water resources of Arizona and the Phoenix Valley.  All activities have been correlated to the Arizona State Standards.    Receive Recertification Credits.  Sponsored by the City of Phoenix. To register visit:  http://www.ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER/wet/workshops.html. Cost:  Free thanks to the City of Phoenix.
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ADVANCED Water Education Workshop for Valley Educators, July 17 – 19, 2006 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day,    Arizona State University – Decision Center for a Desert City Brickyard Orchid House, 21 E. 6th Street, Suite 126-B, Tempe, AZ Recertification Credits Available.  Receive stipend of $150.00 for attendance. The future availability of water is a concern.  What can we do to educate the public about this concern – What can YOU do to become a better informed citizen.   Explore these questions as you meet researchers from ASU and the University of Arizona – hear from local water providers and adapt and create materials to enhance your current water education program. Specific Issues:  Climate Change, Drought, Reclaimed Water, Urban Water Issues. To Register: Include the following on school or agency letterhead: Name/address/phone/fax/email (home and school), Current grade or Focus Audience, Brief Statement of how you will use this training in your teaching. Limit your application to one page. Mail or fax to:  Charlene Saltz – Global Institute of Sustainability, Box 873211, Tempe, AZ  85281-3211 Questions: Kerry Schwartz – 520-792-9591x22, Email: kschwart@ag.arizona.edu Call Charlene Saltz – 480-965-1961; Email: charlene.saltz@asu.edu    
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11th ANNUAL SW ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER WORKSHOP on integrating toxicology literacy into secondary classes, June 5-9, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  You may register at: http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/events/teacher_events/2006/index.html
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CITY OF FLAGSTAFF WORKSHOP: Healthy Forests, Healthy Water, Healthy People, Arizona Project WET/Project Learning Tree Workshop, Focus:  on K-8 – home school and agency educators; June 27th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., June 28, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., June 29, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Location:  The arboretum at Flagstaff, Sponsored by City of Flagstaff and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Cost:  $25.00, Contacts:  Wade Albrecht  walbrech@ag.arizona.edu or 928.774.1868 x27; Angela Gelsino – agelsino@ag.arizona.edu or 520.792.9591x26; Josie Tanner – josie@cals.arizona.edu or 520.792.9591x27
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SAHRA INTEGRATING INQUIRY & WATER ISSUES (IWI) SUMMER WORKSHOP, June 19-30, 2006.  Please join us this year at Explora Science Center in Albuquerque NM, June 19th-June 30th for two hands-on weeks of science, water, inquiry and professional development. This year we are offering a $500 stipend to each participant. This two-week summer workshop for middle and high school teachers has been offered since 2001 in both Arizona and New Mexico. Participants will learn about regional hydrology, water and environmental issues as well as develop their skills in inquiry teaching at the exciting Explora Science Center. The content includes learning to use water quality testing kits and groundwater models, visiting a field site on the Rio Grande, and participating in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) exercise. All participants will receive professional development credit. A graduate credit option is also available. Who: In-service and pre-service grade 6-12 teachers (all content areas welcome). Graduate credit (up to 2 units) for this workshop is available through the Department of Hydrology and Water Resources. Unless you are already enrolled in a degree program at the University of Arizona, you must enroll at UA as a non-degree seeking student. Information about earning credit through the University of New Mexico is coming soon. SAHRA (Sustainability of semi-arid Hydrology & Riparian Areas) is a National Science Foundation Science & Technology Center at the University of Arizona. To register, please contact Carla Bitter at SAHRA, 520-626-8683 or cbitter@sahra.arizona.edu. For more information, please visit: http://www.sahra.arizona.edu/education/main/index.html
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DOLAN DNA LEARNING CENTER WORKSHOPS FOR COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATORS. The Dolan DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory will offer great workshops for college and high school educators this summer. Participation is free and each one comes equipped with a stipend. Workshops center on new labs and computer/bioinformatics exercises in molecular genetics in human, plants and nematodes.  Workshops range from one to three weeks and are offered at various locations in CA, NY, MS, NC, and OK.  For further information, brochures, and application forms, follow the link to Educator Training at http://www.dnalc.org. Faculty may want to pay special attention to the Faculty Fellowship Program. Teachers: check out the DNALC's Leadership Symposium!
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2) Summer 2006 Science and Mathematics Courses for Teachers

Summer Session I runs June 5-July 6; Summer Session II runs July 10-August 9 (instructors may allow you to finish early if you have an early back-to-school report date).

GENETICS FOR TEACHERS (BIOC 650) Assuming no knowledge of molecular structure or chemistry, we will explore the nature of the genetic material and the qualities that make the key players (DNA, RNA, Protein) ideal for their roles. Along the way, we will pay close attention to the very simple but awe-inspiringly clever experiments that cracked the genetic code and illuminated its characteristics. We will build functioning bases out of Tinkertoys and Velcro and investigate on-line activities that recapitulate key explorations. As time permits, we will examine how a series of simple-minded machines achieve mind-blowing accuracies in copying and translating the code. MWF 9-11:50 am (3 units of credit), Koffler 510. A limited number of $350 scholarships will be available to in-service middle/high school science teachers. Cost: $755.73. Instructor: Lisa Elfring, Ph.D.  Course is designed for teachers with a good background in biology (a minimum of 18 units at the graduate and/or undergraduate level). For more information, or to request an application packet online, visit <http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/Appform.htm> or call (520) 621-5903. Email: warder@u.arizona.edu
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BIOLOGY UPDATE 1 (BIOC 623a) This course will focus on recent advances in the understanding of basic biology and on new applications in cellular and molecular aspects of biology. A limited number of $250 scholarships are available to in-service middle/high school science teachers. Offered in SSI, TTh 9-11:50 am, Koffler 510 (2 credits). Cost: $509.23; Instructor: Jim Ware, M.S.  Secondary Biology Laboratory Curricula (BIOC 633) What are the characteristics that most great instructional activities share?  How can you modify an existing activity to increase student involvement, interest, and understanding?  How can you make use of current events to communicate with students about the fun and complexity of doing science? And how do national and state science standards drive your curricular choices? In this three-unit class, we will explore these ideas by using and discussing exemplary curricula taken from a variety of sources. The emphasis will be for teachers to adapt classroom activities to reflect the results of research on teaching and learning in science, and to promote greater student understanding in biology. One unit of Independent Study is required for this follow up. A limited number of $350 scholarships are available to in-service middle/high school science teachers. Offered in SSII, MWF 2-4:50 pm, Koffler 510 (3 credits). Cost: $755.73; Instructor: Lisa Elfring, Ph.D.  Course is designed for teachers with a good background in biology (a minimum of 18 units at the graduate and/or undergraduate level). For more information, or to request an application packet online, visit <http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/Appform.htm> or call (520) 621-5903. Email: warder@u.arizona.edu
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BIOLOGY UPDATE 2 (BIOC 623b) This course will focus on recent advances in the understanding of basic biology and on new applications in genetics, ecology, evolution and systematics. Weekend fieldtrips may be required. A limited number of $250 scholarships are available to in-service middle/high school science teachers. Offered in SSII, TTh, 9-11:50 am, Koffler 510 (2 credits). Cost: $509.23; Instructor: JodyLee Duek, Ph.D.  Recombinant DNA Techniques (BIOC 597a) Meet the molecules and tools used by researchers to make recombinant foods, sequence the human genome, and analyze stains on cocktail dresses! You will learn the techniques of modern molecular biology, gain comfort with "biology as a second language," learn ways to teach about biotechnology using manipulatives and lab activities, and bring biotechnology into your classroom. A $250 scholarship is available to in-service middle/high school science teachers. Class meets MWF 8am-12:50 pm, July 10-28 only, Koffler 510 (2 credits). Cost: $509.23; Instructor: Nadja Anderson, Ph.D.  Course is designed for teachers with a good background in biology (a minimum of 18 units at the graduate and/or undergraduate level). For more information, or to request an application packet online, visit <http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/Appform.htm> or call (520) 621-5903. Email: warder@u.arizona.edu
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GALAPAGOS MARINE ECOLOGY FOR TEACHERS (ECOL 596o) This is an incredible opportunity for secondary school science teachers to study in the Galapagos Islands. You will engage in a service project with a local school on San Cristobal Island, view the blue-footed boobie nesting sites, visit the tortoise sanctuary, see highland habitats, the El Junco volcano, snorkel with sea lions, and go tide-pooling with marine iguanas. You will see the Darwin Research Station on the island of Santa Cruz, the land iguanas of Santa Fe, and penguins on the active volcanic island of Isabela. Housing and food, plus major trips covered at fantastic rates compared to commercial enterprises. Special dates: July 2-28; 3 units of credit. Instructors: Katrina Mangin, Ph.D. and Dave Gori, Ph.D. Contact Tom Lutz at (602) 995-0670 or tomvlutz@hotmail.com for more information or to register.   Course is designed for teachers with a good background in biology (a minimum of 18 units at the graduate and/or undergraduate level). For more information, or to request an application packet online, visit <http://biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/Appform.htm> or call (520) 621-5903. Email: warder@u.arizona.edu
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FOR H.S. TEACHERS & H.S. STUDENTS: GENES, BIOTECHNOLOGY & THE ENVIRONMENT, an intensive summer lab course in biotechnology. Teachers: July 17-August 3; Students: July 18-August 1. Learn to use the latest lab techniques for studying DNA and genes and to discover how genes affect survival and reproduction. Teachers will have 3 extra days to discuss research-based teaching methods and for developing classroom activities and modules. This is a 2-credit course for teachers, and tuition can be waived. The course is FREE to high school students entering sophomore, junior or senior year in fall 2006 with one year of high school biology (some exceptions may be made for honors students without previous high school biology). Info: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/moran/hsbiotech06 or 520-621-5903.
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3) Available Positions for K-12 Science and Mathematics Educators

DESERT VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, Tucson, AZ needs to hire two Biology teachers and one Ecology/Earth Science teacher for next year. For additional information please contact Geri Fisher at GeraldineF@susd12.org
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DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS POSITION AVAILABLE AT TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.  The Tucson Children’s Museum is seeking an energetic, highly organized and creative professional to be Director of Exhibits and Programs. This individual will be responsible for the research and planning of exhibits, both permanent and traveling; the maintenance and management of the permanent exhibits, and the educational programs and the interpretation of the Museum’s exhibits to its audiences. Qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree in education, science, art or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. At least two years of administrative and managerial experience in educational programming and/or museum exhibits. Strong communication (written, verbal and interpersonal), conceptual, strategic planning, creative and coordination skills along with the ability to initiate and implement projects. Spanish speaking preferred but not required. General understanding of shop equipment, simple construction and fabrication preferred. Understanding of design software. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours and days.  Starting salary is $32,000 plus benefits. If interested, please send a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references to: Director of Exhibits and Programs Search, Tucson Children's Museum, P.O. Box 2609, Tucson, AZ 85702. Please no phone calls but for more information about the Tucson Children's Museum, visit us online at http://www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org  The position closes May 12, 2006.
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4) Opportunities for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers

SONORAN DESERT DIGITAL LIBRARY PLANNING MEETING, May 18,  9 am – 11 am, University of Arizona. The Tree of Life, a web project hosted by the UA Libraries and the UA College of Life Sciences, invites University of Arizona faculty and students, local educators, and science and conservation organizations to discuss a collaborative project to assemble an interactive digital library of information about Sonoran Desert organisms. At the meeting we will present our ideas, and the The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM) and the Rincon Institute will present on related projects. Our vision of the Sonoran Desert Digital Library is to build an open-access online project that creates, consolidates and disseminates information about Sonoran Desert organisms as an active collaboration between partner organizations, k-12 schools and the general public. Where: University of Arizona, Main Library, 3rd Floor Room A313-314. Free parking will be available for off-campus meeting participants in the Second Street Parking Garage. If you need parking, please let us know by May 15, so we can order a parking voucher for you. Please RSVP so that we can add you to the list of attendees. Feel free to share this information with other people who may be interested in the project. if unable to attend, a summary of the meeting's outcomes will be available at the website. You can post feedback on the blog associated with that page. Please contact us at sddl@tolweb.org with any questions that you may have. The agenda and additional information is available at: http://sonorandesert.tolweb.org
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TEACHER APPRECIATION NIGHT, ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM SONORAN SEA AQUARIUM, August 5, 2006, 5:00-10:00 pm. Join education staff members from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Sonoran Sea Aquarium as they preview educational program offerings for the 2006-07 school year.  In a night dedicated especially for educators, Museum and Aquarium staff will showcase their most popular K-8 grade programs using mini-presentations, live animals and hands-on exhibits. Teachers will receive special discounts at Museum restaurants and gift shops to be used on that night only.  In addition, teachers will receive discounts for all classes booked that night for the upcoming school year!  Activities will take place in the Gallery between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00p.m. Advanced registration is required. Please go to www.desertmuseum.org and follow the link to Teacher Appreciation Night.  Registration will close July 29, 2006.  Guests accompanying teachers can pay the regular Saturday Summer admission of $5 adults and $2 children 6-12, after 5:00 p.m.
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5) Opportunities for K-12 Students

TOX-START SUMMER PROGRAM,  June 19-23, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This is a week-long academic enrichment program for any Arizona high school freshman or sophomore student interested in science or a health career. For more information and registration materials, visit: http://coep.pharmacy.arizona.edu/events/student_events/toxstart/index.html
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FOR H.S. TEACHERS & H.S. STUDENTS: GENES, BIOTECHNOLOGY & THE ENVIRONMENT, an intensive summer lab course in biotechnology. Teachers: July 17-August 3; Students: July 18-August 1. Learn to use the latest lab techniques for studying DNA and genes and to discover how genes affect survival and reproduction. Teachers will have 3 extra days to discuss research-based teaching methods and for developing classroom activities and modules. This is a 2-credit course for teachers, and tuition can be waived. The course is FREE to high school students entering sophomore, junior or senior year in fall 2006 with one year of high school biology (some exceptions may be made for honors students without previous high school biology). Info: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/moran/hsbiotech06 or 520-621-5903.
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THANK RESEARCH 2006 DIGITAL POSTER CONTEST. States United for Biomedical Research and the Science National Honor Society announce a poster competition for high school juniors and seniors. Cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 will be awarded to winning students. In addition, the teacher of the first-place winner will be awarded a cash prize of $250. Topic Focus - Students are asked to focus on a topic that relates to the value of medical research and its benefits to people and/or areas of need. Entries should address the importance of biomedical research and how animal models contribute to medical breakthroughs. Deadline for entries: September 29, 2006. For the contest flyer, entry form, and a Teacher Packet, visit http://www.statesforbiomed.org/programs.html
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6) Opportunities for Faculty, Staff and College Students

DOLAN DNA LEARNING CENTER WORKSHOPS FOR COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATORS. The Dolan DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory will offer great workshops for college and high school educators this summer. Participation is free and each one comes equipped with a stipend. Workshops center on new labs and computer/bioinformatics exercises in molecular genetics in human, plants and nematodes.  Workshops range from one to three weeks and are offered at various locations in CA, NY, MS, NC, and OK.  For further information, brochures, and application forms, follow the link to Educator Training at http://www.dnalc.org. Faculty may want to pay special attention to the Faculty Fellowship Program.
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FIRST ANNUAL FAIR FOR EDUCATORS, June 21, 2006. The FAIR for EDUCATORS is for Non-Profit or For-Profit exhibitors and will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, 5151 East Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona.  The Conference is scheduled from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.  You can begin setup as early as 8:00 AM.  For additional information please visit:
http://www.schools.pima.gov/FAIR/Fair.htm or http://www.schools.pima.gov/default.htm If you have any questions please contact Vaughn E. Croft at 520-740-3018 (office).
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This information was sent to approximately 3068 science and mathematics educators and is posted at the SAMEC website:
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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