SAMEC E-News:  09-29-06

You can also view an online version of the newsletter at:
http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/e-news09-29-06.html

1) Upcoming Professional Development for K-12 Science Teachers
2) Fall 2006 Science and Mathematics Courses for Teachers
3) Available Resources for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers
4) Available Positions for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers
5) K-12 Science and Mathematics Teacher Opportunities
6) K-12 Student Opportunities
7) UA Faculty, Staff and College Student Opportunities
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1) Upcoming Professional Development for K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers

Earth Science Days, October 11 and 12, 2006 — Earth Science Days will be held at the Pima College Northwest Campus on October 11 and 12 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you are interested in participating or know of someone who could provide their students with advising information, handouts, brochures, posters, that includes educational opportunities, demonstrations, etc. for their campus community, please contact Dr. Denise Meeks, Science & Mathematics Department Chair, Pima Community College, Northwest Campus, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  Dr. Meeks can be reached at 206-2247 or dmeeks@pima.edu. Tables and tents will be provided.
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"Global Climate Change" Lecture Series" begins October 17, 2006 — UA's  College of Science is proud to present seven lectures that will discuss how climate interacts with our biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and will offer ways to mitigate global climate changes through technology and policy. The first of the series begins on October 17 with Malcolm Hughes, Professor of Dendrochronology. All lectures begin at 7 pm and are free to the public. Call 520.621.4090 for more information or visit their website at:  http://cos.arizona.edu/climate/
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Earth Education Workshop, October 28, 2006, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, AZ,  — If you are someone who recognizes that we need a serious educational response to our environmental crisis, believes in providing direct contact with the natural world through adventuresome learning experiences, wants to help people develop a better relationship with their home planet, then join us for a full day of stimulating sessions and demonstration activities introducing you to an exciting educational response to our environmental crisis. Earth education programs help learners understand basic ecological processes, develop positive feelings about being in the natural world and use their new understandings and feelings to change their own lives. How does the earth function ecologically and how am I personally dependent upon these life support systems? What are the rewards for immersing myself in the sights, sounds, smells and touches offered by the natural world? What daily choices could insure my personal well-being and that of all earth’s creatures? In an Earth Education Workshop you will receive: 1) An overview of the history and philosophy of earth education; 2) A look at how environmental education went “astray”; 3) An introduction to the components of effective concept building; 4) Exposure to dynamic leadership styles that captivate and motivate students; 5) An overview of a model earth education program; 6) Firsthand participation in components from several earth education programs.

The cost of $45.00 (lunch included) will include both indoor and outdoor sessions. Sonoran Desert Branch of IEE & Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation are sponsoring this event. For more information please contact: Mike Mayer at 520-795-6637 or Mmayer4667@cox.net or Bruce Johnson at 520-621-7889 or brucej@email.arizona.edu.
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2) Spring 2007 Science and Mathematics Courses for Teachers

Microscopy for Teachers BIOC 597c Section 1 — 1-unit of graduate credit, 4 Saturdays, Exact Dates TBA, 9 am- 1 pm, Marley 101B, University of Arizona Main Campus.  Instructors are Dave Bentley and Patty Jansma. This 1-unit, graduate-level course will cover the basics of light and electron microscopy. The format will be hands-on laboratory exercises, including time on both the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Alignment, adjustment and maintenance of light microscopes found in the classroom will be covered also. The goal of this class is to incorporate hands-on microscopy into your classroom curriculum. The Electron Microscopy Facility staff will be available during and following the course to assist you in executing this goal. Other forms of microscopy and their applications will be discussed, and handouts will be provided.  This class may be taken whether you're in a degree program or if you're taking it as a non-degree student. Class size is limited to 8 persons. To enroll, contact Ellie Warder via email warder@u.arizona.edu or call (520) 621-5903. To avoid late penalties, you must be enrolled and have paid all your registration fees by January 10, 2007. Cost: $326 (sorry, no scholarships available).   
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3) Available Resources for K-12 Educators

Teacher Magazine "the Technology Issue" is now available online. Look for stories on Web instructional tools, on-line lesson plans, a high-tech learning lab, and more at http://www.teachermagazine.org
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School Effectiveness Science Standards-Based Best Practices
http://www.ade.az.gov/SBTL/sdi/science.asp
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Free preview copies of state student assessment tests are available — Do you have students working below grade level? Would some of your students like extra practice at or above grade level? Then these ungraded math and science workbooks are for you! Students can work in these books without feeling left behind or out of place! Each workbook provides over 100 pages of math problems. Multiple-choice questions are similar to questions found on state assessment tests. Open-ended questions provide an opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. Chapters in these books closely follow strands tested on state assessment tests. Teacher Editions provide correct answers to multiple choice questions and responses to open-ended questions. Get your students ready for state competency assessments! http://www.qworkbooks.com/newcatalog.html
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4) Available Positions for K-12 Science and Mathematics Educators

Superior JHS/SHS School District needs four math/biology/physics teachers. The district is located at the mouth of Queen Creek Canyon, home of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  Student teachers are invited to apply.  If interested, please contact Mr. Paul Hatch, Principal, at phatch@superior.k12.az.us or 520-689-3100.  
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5) K-12 Science and Mathematics Teachers Opportunities

Foundation Educator Achievement Award — Every two years, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation recognizes up to seven outstanding educators for their accomplishments in exciting K-12 students about math and science and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow's technologies. To nominate an outstanding K-12 educator visit their website at:  http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=217
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6) K-12 Student Opportunities

Phoenix Mission Science Operations Center Open House — The Phoenix Mars Mission Science Operation Center will open its doors to the public for its first Open House on October 21, 2006 from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm. The Phoenix Science Operations Center (SOC) located at 6th and Drachman is mission control for the next NASA Mars mission, the Phoenix Mars Lander. Scientists and engineers are training for Martian surface operations in this facility using a lander model and simulated Martian soils. The public is invited to view the Payload Interoperability Testbed lander perform tasks and check out two exhibits built by Tucson’s Pima Air & Space Museum that focus on the Phoenix Mars Mission and the search for water throughout our Solar System. The day will include: Phoenix Mission Control Tours, Spacecraft robotic arm demonstrations, Presentations by Peter Smith, Phoenix Mission Principle Investigator, Exhibits, Kids activities, Mars animation, Meet NASA scientists. For more information keep checking back at: http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/events
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7) UA Faculty, Staff and Student Opportunities

“New Opportunities & New Dimensions," October 5, 2006, 3:00-5:00 pm — Designed to foster collaboration and provide first class research and interaction spaces, the UA Chemistry Department invites you to participate in “New Opportunities & New Dimensions”, a celebration of the opening of their new state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facility in the Chemical Sciences Building.  Speakers will include UA president Dr. Robert Shelton, College of Science Dean Joaquin Ruiz and representatives of the Chemistry Department and the State of Arizona. Following the formal program, guests will have the opportunity to explore the 87,000-square-foot facility. The building contains over 35,000 square feet of research space and specialized labs including a Clean Room, Glass Blowing, X-ray and Surface Analysis laboratories. This historical moment will commemorate innovation, new technology and an environment to promote scientific education and practical training for the leaders of tomorrow. Exploring scientific arenas have earned the researchers in this department international recognition and awards for the Chemistry department and The University of Arizona. Guided Tours will begin approximately at 3:50 pm in the lobby of Chemical Science Building (CSB). Please RSVP by calling 520.621.6354 or rsvp@chem.arizona.edu. http://iiewww.ccit.arizona.edu/uamap/staticLarge/44.html
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Phoenix Mission Open House Need Volunteers — Volunteers are needed for The Phoenix Mars Mission Science Operation Center Open House on October 21, 2006. The Phoenix Mars Mission Science Operation Center (SOC) located at 6th and Drachman in Tucson, Arizona is mission control for the next NASA Mars mission, the Phoenix Mars Lander. Scientists and engineers are training for Martian surface operations in this facility using a lander model and simulated Martian soils.  If selected, lunch and a T-shirt will be provided. If interested, please respond no later than October 16th to Jessie Cornia at jcornia@lpl.arizona.edu
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UA Student Showcase 2006, November 10-11, 2006 — Student Showcase is an exhibition of undergraduate and graduate projects in all areas of academic study within the University of Arizona community.  Student Showcase provides both graduate and undergraduate students with an opportunity to win prizes to help support their education and bring recognition to their work. Last year, Student Showcase featured a record 123 exhibits.  More than $10,000 in prizes were awarded last year to students who presented exceptional projects.  These awards were based on results of the judging process.  Concluding the two-day event is an awards ceremony, which recognizes the students for their outstanding performance within their respective fields.  Each year, the winners are invited to present their projects to legislators at the State Capital in early February 2007.  While only students are permitted to enter exhibits in the Showcase event, participation of faculty advisors, staff, administrators and community members is actively encouraged. Please help us demonstrate The University of Arizona’s strength as a student centered research institution by encouraging students to participate in this year’s student Showcase.  Encourage your college students to feature their research and creative projects in Student Showcase 2006.  The deadline for applications is October 6th, 2006. Applications are available online at http://www.gpsc.arizona.edu/  For more information about Student Showcase, please contact Amanda Brobbel at 626-7526 or gpsc@u.arizona.edu or visit http://www.gpsc.arizona.edu/sections/events/eventSubsection/studentShowcase.php  
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UA Student Showcase looking for volunteers — Teams of faculty members, students, staff, and community members judge the student projects.  The judges' time commitment involves a lunch from approximately 11:30 AM -1:00 PM in the Ventana Room on Friday, November 10th, followed by the judging under the tents in front of the library, approximately 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.  More information about judging: The judging panels view each exhibitor's presentation (in a particular category) and rate it according to overall display, clarity of presentation, and the exhibitor’s ability to field questions concerning their project. The students are also judged on the academic merit and the value of their project to the community. If you are interested in judging, or have more questions, please contact Amanda Brobbel at gpsc@u.arizona.edu or 626-7526 by October 20th.
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Summer 2007 FBI Honors Internship Program deadline is October 10, 2006 —Each summer, a special group of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students are selected to participate in the FBI Honors Internship Program in Washington, D.C. The program offers students an exciting insider's view of FBI operations and provides an opportunity to explore the many career opportunities within the Bureau. At the same time, the program is designed to enhance the FBI's visibility and recruitment efforts at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Due to the very selective and highly competitive nature of the Honors Internship Program, a limited number of internships are awarded each summer. Only individuals possessing strong academic credentials, outstanding character, a high degree of motivation and the willingness to represent the FBI upon returning to their respective campus will be selected. To apply submit the following forms to the WINS program office before the deadline. For more information please visit: http://www.american.edu/wins/apply.html
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Teaching Teams Program Faculty Development Workshop Series — Are you frustrated that your students lack fundamental skills, your students are not engaged in their learning,  you don't have the time to incorporate anything new into your curriculum? Then come to a workshop or two in the Teaching Teams Program Faculty Development Workshop Series. This series of faculty development workshops is sponsored by the Teaching Teams Program, University Learning Center, University Libraries, University Teaching Center, and The Writing Program. They are designed to help you help your students become more able and responsible learners, rethink the traditional faculty and student roles, and explore alternative delivery methods. A light lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to ttp@u.arizona.edu The complete schedule and additional information can be found at:  http://teachingteams.arizona.edu/ep/workshops.htm or by contacting us at the above email address. The remaining schedule is as follows:  Workshop 6—Friday, October 13, 2006, 12:00-2:00 pm, "Getting Your Students to Do and Understand the Readings," Kuiper Space Sciences Room 351; Workshop 7—Friday, October 20, 2006, 12:00-2:00 pm, "Ensuring Equitable Access to Learning in Your Class," Kuiper Space Sciences Room 351; Workshop 8—Friday, November 3, 2006, 12:00-2:00 pm, "Why can't I just use the internet?! Research, Plagiarism and Your Students," Kuiper Space Sciences Room 351
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This information was sent to approximately 3080 science and mathematics educators and is posted at the SAMEC website:
http://samec.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/e-news.html
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