MnSTA
Newsletter Volume 55 No. 2 A Quarterly Publication of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association Inc.
MnSTA Position Statement on Teaching of Global Climate Change Science Adopted by the MnSTA Board of Directors, April 2018
Rationale The mission of the Minnesota Science Teachers Association is to stimulate, coordinate and improve science teaching and learning for all. Climate change is one of the great scientific challenges this generation of students and teachers will face. With this in mind, the Minnesota Science Teachers Association takes the following position regarding climate change and teaching about climate change: Climate Change Science The Earth’s global climate is not static but changes over geologic time scales in response to natural causes, or forcings, such as volcanic activity or sun luminosity. Over the past decades, scientific research has provided clear evidence that the Earth’s climate is currently warming due to anthropogenic causes. According to thousands of peer-reviewed studies, including the National Research Council (2001), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2013) and the U.S. Global Change Research Program (Melillo et al., 2014) the Earth’s global climate has warmed in response to increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. The concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are now higher than they have been for many thousands of years. There is a 97% consensus among climate scientists, that human activities (mainly greenhouse gas emissions) are the dominant cause of the rapid warming since the middle 1900s (IPCC, 2013). If the upward trend in greenhouse-gas concentrations continues, the projected global climate change by
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the end of the twenty-first century will result in significant impacts on humans and other species. These impacts are already being observed and documented in Minnesota, disproportionately affecting youth, low-income communities, and communities of color. Impacts in Minnesota include having one of the fastest warming winters in the nation, an increase in extreme rainfall events, and an increase in invasive species and disease-spreading insects. (Climate Central, 2017; Hansen, Soto & Ruedy, 2012) Climate Science Literacy is a Part of Science Literacy “Science, mathematics, and technology have a profound impact on our individual lives and our culture. They play a role in almost all human endeavors, and they affect how we relate to one another and the world around us. Science Literacy enables us to make sense of real-world phenomena, informs our personal and social decisions, and serves as a foundation for a lifetime of learning” (AAAS, 2013). As professional science educators we recognize that we have a responsibility to help K-12 students understand 1) the evidence, impacts, and possible solutions of climate change and 2) become climate-literate persons who: *Understand the essential principles of the Earth’s climate system * Know how to assess scientifically credible informa tion about climate *Communicate about climate and climate change in a meaningful way *Are able to make informed and responsible deci sions with regard to actions that may affect cli mate Teaching Climate Change and Resources In teaching about climate change, it is important to MnSTA position statement.........continued on page 6
President’ Message-Josh Tharaldson As we begin 2019, we look forward to new and exciting challenges and opportunities that await us both personally and professionally! Additionally, with every new year we look back to reflect on the happenings of the previous year. Most recently, the 8th annual Minnesota Conference on Science Education in November was a great success - engaging breakout sessions, motivational speakers and networking with colleagues from around the state were all highlights! As the new MnSTA President, one of the first tasks was to attend the National Congress on Science Education in Little Rock, Arkansas in July. “Speaking out for Science Education” was the theme of the congress with encouragement from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to use our teacher voices to advocate for our profession. Now, more than ever we need you to speak out and advocate for quality science education. In November, MnSTA members all around the state attended regional meetings to learn about and provide feedback to the first draft of the 2019 academic standards in science, which will include all of the necessary components of well-rounded education in science. A special thank you to our regional board members for hosting these sessions and thank you to MnSTA members who attended these meetings. There are tentative plans for additional opportunities around the state to comment and provide feedback once the second draft of the standards are released in February. Another major highlight for MnSTA came in April when the board approved the MnSTA Position Statement on Teaching of Global Climate Change Science. The document outlines the science of climate change, ideas how to teach climate change and many other great resources. I would encourage you to read it if you have not yet done so. Thank you to the members of the advocacy committee for this important work producing our latest position statement. With our new strategic plan as a roadmap, we look to continue moving our organization forward. The four main goals for MnSTA are: Goal 1: Strengthen science teaching and learning in Minnesota
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Teacher Feature Goal 2: Strengthen Leadership in Science Education in Minnesota Goal 3: Promote equity, inclusion and accessibility in science education Goal 4: Enhance MnSTA as a Professional Science Education Organization We ask that you help MnSTA continue to grow by asking your fellow teachers to join, so they too can benefit from all that is offered by our association. Most MnSTA members have one important thing in common - we love our profession! Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.
Teacher Feature
Our featured teacher for this issue of the MnSTA newsletter is Lee Filipek. Lee has been teaching in the Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount school district for the past 25 years. For the past 22 years he has been teaching 5th grade at Southview Elementary. Lee enjoys teaching life science. It is his personal favorite and he enjoys sharing the information and experiences with his students. Some of his favorite activities are taking his students outdoors doing science. There are three lakes within walking distance of his school which also includes a wooded area. He incorporates a water quality unit where students take water samples, temperature, and collect macro and microorganisms. He also uses an annual fishing trip to extend the learning in their life science unit. The wooded area provides his students experiences in data collection and sampling. The use of field guides provides the opportunity to identify trees and observe different ecosystems. He feels it is very important to connect his classroom learning with the outside world. Lee claims to be an easy-going teacher. He likes to give students the space to explore the topics but also their own interests. He tends to spend less time talking, giving the students more time to work while he is answering questions and providing individual help. He also likes to give projects his students work on over time. Lee states, “Teaching them to manage their time and work together are valuable skills as they head into middle school.” Lee believes in providing opportunities for students to learn. He believes he needs to provide the structure, but students should be able to learn and make sense of the learning on their own. He thinks because he teaches fifth grade, the year prior to middle school, he needs to give his students many opportunities to build independence and self-responsibility.
MnSTA Newsletter
Teacher Feature Lee always liked working with kids. Before and during college he volunteered to work with elementary age students. Out of college, he worked in the pet care industry. When he left that career, he got a job working as a classroom assistant in Special Education. He found he enjoyed that so much it inspired him to go back to school and pursue a teaching career. Lee enjoys spending time outdoors. He loves taking photographs outdoors of animals and nature. His classroom does not have any windows, so he hangs some of his photographs in his room to “pretend” he and his students can see outside. He also enjoys fishing. Growing up he spent time fishing in Minnesota and Canada. He has taken that love of fishing and passed it on to his students. Every spring he takes the fifth graders fishing at a local lake. He first takes his class and teaches them how to fish. He then takes the other classes and his students become the teachers. He states, “It is always so rewarding to see kids catch their first fish ever!” His principal, Christine Evans, stated, “ I have the great pleasure of working with Lee as his building principal. He has proven himself to be an effective teacher and leader who is respected and admired by students, staff, parents, and colleagues. Lee is approachable and relatable with strong relationship skills. He is flexible, passionate about learning, and always does what is best for students. He connects with students and forms relationships with them that are long-lasting. He often receives letters and visits from students long after they’ve been in his classroom letting him know what an inspiration he has been for them. He supports his team and other teachers in our building as they deepen their understanding of science and technology. Lee is deeply committed
to helping and mentoring staff, in a kind, generous, and non-threatening way. Nothing rattles Lee! Taking care of the numerous animals in his fifth grade classroom is one of many highlights of fifth grade for his students. He has written and received grants that enabled us to get forestry and fishing equipment. Lee has been part of our district curriculum review committee for elementary science. Lending his expertise in this way has helped students and teachers throughout our school district deepen their understanding develop a love of science. Lee’s classroom was selected to be Southview’s pilot classroom for our district’s 1:1 iPad mini initiative. His students have been active, inquisitive learners and problem solvers while they have learned to use this tool for learning. They are engaged in authentic, hands-on learning which is integrated throughout the day. He is our school technology lead and has spent countless hours designing and developing our school website. His dedication and passion for science and technology inspire Southview students to see themselves as 21st century learners and scientists. We are so lucky to have him at our school!”
Lee Filipek with his 5th grade students
The MnSTA Newsletter is published four times each year by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association, Inc. Articles, opinions, book reviews and other information pertinent to Minnesota teachers are welcome. Please limit submission to 1 typed page, e-mail preferred (text file please). Deadlines for submission of articles are: Fall ............... August 1st Winter ............. November 1st Spring ........... February 1st Summer....................April 1st Send all correspondence regarding the newsletter to: Jerry Wenzel 22002 100th Ave Randall, MN 56475 e-mail: jerrywenzel@brainerd.net The MnSTA Newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the back page. Materials found in the newsletter may be reprinted without charge.
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MnSTA, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) (3) Charitable Educational Corpora-tion, incorporated as a tax exempt, non-profit organization with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Donations and dues are tax deductible charitable contributions for itemized deductions on IRS form 1040 Schedule A. The newsletter is an exempt program service provided to the membership. A membership form is found on the last page.
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Presidential Award Finalists The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest distinction for teachers in these areas. It is awarded to two teachers from each state, generally one math and one science. The award includes professional activities in Washington DC., a reception with the president or his representative and a cash award of $10,000. The award is given to secondary teachers in odd numbered years and to elementary teachers in even numbered years. The application includes a video of instruction and discussion of the content, instruction, and assessment plus a description of professional development and leadership. Up to three Minnesota science finalists are selected by a local committee and forwarded to the national organization for selection of the awardees. The White House will announce the Awardees. Here are our 2018 Minnesota Science Finalists: Dan Gruhlke teaches at the Eastview Education Center in Monticello, where he is the STEM specialist for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. He is frequently involved in leading professional development and involvement with advisory committees, including Project Learning Tree, Code Savy, and Engineering is Elementary. Dan strives to make is instruction relevant to his young students and hence presented a lesson on how trees respond to winter. It was full of observations, wonderings and developing explanations. One strength of his application was his use of education research to justify his instructional practices. In his reflection on the lesson he notes “the students’ enthusiasm toward observation, discovery, discussion and sharing of ideas.” Bonnie Laabs is a science specialist teacher at Hamline Elementary School in St. Paul where she teaches 22 classes of grades K-5. In her past she was a church youth director. She has produced several academic papers and presentations. Bonnie’s application presented a third grade lesson on observations and classification of rocks and minerals. She motivated them with a video about the work of geologists and had them wonder about the rocks they commonly see. Then she engaged the students in using geology techniques to investigate the properties of the rocks so they and see the difference between these kind of properties with those of the game Monopoly. “A quote that describes her approach: “I strive to connect student’s lives, background and past learning experiences by eliciting background knowledge, making relevant connections to their interests, and creating a variety of options to share experiences and viewpoints.”
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MnSTA Teaching Award David McGill is a science specialist for grades 1 - 5 at Capitol Hill Gifted and Talented School in St. Paul. In a typical day he teaches five classes per day, one at each grade level, plus remedial reading. In his past he was tennis teaching pro. David presented a lesson on light and seeing. He sparks their curiosity by having put their heads in a blacked-out box where they are unable to see a vase of yellow flowers. They move to other observations and develop scientific models of who light and vision work. He states that his goal is to “create a safe sharing environment where students can share solution without being judges and are allowed to explore, defend, disagree, or offer other solutions with confidence.” This summer Jim Schrankler of Como Park Elementary School received the Presidential Award for 2016 and participated in award ceremonies and professional activities in Washington DC. The Finalists from 2017 are still awaiting word from the White House about who the Awardee will be. They are Stacy Bartlett of Stillwater High School, James Lane of Mahtomedi High School and Marta Stoeckel-Rogers of Tartan High School. The application period for secondary teachers is open until May 1st. You are encouraged to nominate an excellent teacher, including yourself. It is a great professional learning experience working through the application.
Presidential Award finalists David McGill, Bonnie Laabs and Dan Gruhlke
MnSTA Teaching Award
The MnSTA Science Teaching Award, is presented each year to honor exemplary teachers at two levels: elementary and secondary. To demonstrate their qualifications for the award, the applicants must provide a description of their teaching practice, a listing of their teaching and professional activities, and a proposal for use of the funds. Each awardee receives a fund of $1000 for a project that benefits their students. Recipients of the award are expected to share the results of their project with other teachers. The judges for the award are members of the MnSTA board of directors. The award for an elementary teacher goes to Carrie
MnSTA
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MnSTA Teaching Award Ehn, a fifth grade teacher at the School of Engineering and Arts in Golden Valley. This school in the Robbinsdale School District has a STEAM focus, where the A stands for Arts. Carrie puts a strong emphasis on active learning in her classroom. She has ongoing projects in her class including raising Trout and having observations of chickens. Carrie has develop a Science Showcase as a culmination event in which they transpose their notes into a slideshows that they share with younger grade levels. Ms. Ehn states that “my students have learned to be actively involved in their own learning and deeply developed in their understanding of how to take charge of their learning.” The award funds will be used purchase science tradebooks and the materials to carry out investigations inspired by the books.
MnSTA president Josh Tharaldson presenting the MnSTA secondary teaching arward to Nora Gathje at MnCOSE
MnSTA president Josh Tharaldson presenting the MnSTA elementary teaching arward to Carrie Ehn at MnCOSE
The award for a secondary teacher goes to Nora Gathje from Chatfield High school, where she teaches Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science and Environmental Science. Some of the approaches she uses in her teaching are: - interdisciplinary instruction using real world problems such as analyzing the ethanol that can be generated from corn, - focusing on skills development to prepare students for future careers that may not exist now, and - making learning relevant to students, for example using sports and their smart phones for investigations. Nora’s will use the award funds to purchase recycling stations to implement programs of the student Green Team that she started this year.
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MnSTA position statement.........continued from page 1
focus instruction on the science concepts and evidence behind climate change to help avoid political debate. Debates over what should be done to alleviate the consequences of climate change are appropriate and can encourage students to be innovative and solutions focused. Suggestions and resources for teaching about climate change include: *Make it relevant: provide evidence of local changes using information from the Minnesota climatology office and include opportunities for students to gather authentic data. Highlight local solutions focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, and ask students to innovate their own solutions. Examples may include school-wide composting, rain gardens, school-wide energy efficiency audits and plans, recycling, conservation, and making a proposal to the school or district to invest in alternative energy. *Build historical links: Show the historical development of the science behind climate change and the people involved (Alley, 2011; Hansen, Sato & Ruedy, 2012; Keeling, et al., 1976; Solomon, et. al, 2010). *Build awareness as how we all contribute to climate change: Build an understanding with students about how our actions as individuals contribute to climate change. *Develop an interdisciplinary lens: Science literacy in global climate change does not just lie in earth science and weather/climate or historical geology. Climate change concepts and challenges may be integrated within biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, informal education and the humanities. *Make it hopeful: Integrate the science understanding with solutions. Highlight progress that has been achieved such as recycling, conservation, and alternative energy. (Adapted from National Center for Science Education: Teaching Climate Change: Best Practices: https://ncse.com/library-resource/teachingclimate-change-best-practices ) Resources Climate Central: Researching and reporting the science and impacts of climate change: An independent organization of leading scientists and journalists about our changing climate and its impact on the public. http://www.climatecentral.org/ Climate Generation Climate Change and Energy Curricula: Includes curriculum links & information about professional development opportunities. https://www.climategen.org/what-we-do/education/ climate-change-and-energy-curricula/
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Includes information regarding climate change in Minnesota. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/climate/climate_change_info/index.html National Center for Science Education: A national organization devoted to defending the teaching of climate change in public schools. Their website lists resources for teachers looking for information on climate change and suggestions for how to address challenges to climate change. https://ncse.com/climate National Climate Assessment: Climate Change Impacts in the United States: Summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States, now and in the future from a team of more than 300 experts, which was extensively reviewed by the public and experts, including a panel of the National Academy of Sciences. https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Essential Principles of Climate Literacy: Information deemed important to understand about Earth’s climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches to adaptation or mitigation. https://www.climate.gov/ teaching/essential-principles-climate-literacy/essential-principles-climate-literacy National Science Teachers Association Climate Science Resources: NSTA position statement, NGSS connections to climate change, books available and links to other organizations to learn more. http:// www.nsta.org/climate/ NOAA Toolbox for Teaching Climate and Energy: Provides supporting resources and programs for those who want to teach climate and energy science, including a pathway teachers can follow to educate students about climate and energy science, develop the skills to take action. https://www.climate.gov/ teaching/toolbox-teaching-climate-energy The Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change: Paleontological Research Institution. This book provides both the basics of climate change science and perspectives on teaching about climate change, mostly from the secondary teacher perspective. It is available as a free download at http://www.priweb. org/index.php/pubs-special/pubs-spec-5813-detail References https://www.mnsta.org/position_statements.html#safety
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MnSTA Newsletter
Department of Education After the first draft of the Science Standards, what are the next steps?
A big step has been completed on the way to new science standards. The first draft of the 2019 Academic Standards in Science was published November 9th and was open for feedback by online and in-person meetings. There were John Olson is the science specialist 231 responses to the for the Department of education. survey, 73 attendees He will keep us updated on science education. in the MnSTA newsletter. at the Minn. Dept. of Education Open Houses and 156 participants at MnSTA meetings or sessions at the fall conference. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the draft and put energy into providing thoughtful feedback. This is an important component of the standards development process. The Standards Review Committee at their December meeting read all the comments and analyzed the patterns in the responses. As expected, there was a wide range of responses. The majority of the responses favored the major organization of having standards based on Science and Engineering Practices and having Benchmarks as three dimensional statements that combine Practices, Core Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts. The committee affirmed this direction, but wants to make some adjustments for the second draft. The Review Committee assigned writing teams to look carefully at some of the following items: • Improving clarity of statements and potential inclusion of examples • Making equity more visible • Format of the standards and benchmarks that makes the progression of core ideas (content concepts) easier to track. • Assignment of core ideas in elementary grades to provide continuity to current topics whenever possible and yet preserve learning progressions. • Addition of chemistry and physics standards to support the graduation requirements. The second draft will be published February 14th and available for feedback until February 28th. Watch for announcements of feedback meetings and the online survey at http://bit.ly/MNSciStds . The final
draft will be available in May and there will likely be a three or four year period to phase-in the standards and benchmarks. Additional comment: Many comments about the first draft noted the frequent use of the practice of model development. Some also indicated an incomplete understanding of that practice as it is being used in the standards draft. I suggest that you look at this quick video, introduction to model development https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=Gn26g5RFXpQ by Paul Anderson of Montana, who was a keynote presenter at one of our recent MnSTA conferences, and this NSTA Article http://nstahosted.org/pdfs/ngss/resources/201203_ Framework-KrajcikAndMerritt.pdf on Modeling
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Second Draft of the Minnesota Science Standards The Science Standards Review Committee is analyzing data and making revisions in preparation for second draft which will be published Feb. 14. It will be available for feedback until Feb. 28. Watch for information about feedback meetings and the online survey in the February update and on the MDE Science page https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/stds/sci/. Additional information about the feedback and the plans for the second draft are at the MnSTA Science Standards page https://www.mnsta.org/MN_Science_Standards.html. The final draft will be published in May with full implementation of the standards and a new version of the MCA exam in three or four years.
Teacher Events and Workshops
MN Earth Science Teachers Conference, Feb. 1, Plymouth
The annual Minnesota Earth Science Teachers Assn. conference features: Keynote: Annette Lee, director of the Native Skywatchers program and Astronomy Professor at St. Cloud State University. The presentation will focus on crosscultural, interdisciplinary, and STEM/STEAM resources for authentic astronomy education engagement. Concurrent sessions: • Skywarn Storm Spotting and Severe Weather • Authentic Learning and Assessments • Story Maps with FREE ESRI mapping products • Bedrock Geology and Hydrological Challenges of Southeast Minnesota And don’t miss the fabulous door prizes. The Thursday evening pre-conference session features the Como Planetarium and dinner at Gabe’s by the Park.
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Department of Education Opportunities Inspiring Investigations through Citizen Science
This new online course through the Cornell Lab Bird Academy will help you explore inquiry-based learning and scientific investigation, especially as inspired by outdoor observations and citizen-science. Through case-studies, practice activities, standards alignment, and reflection, this course will prepare you to weave inquiry-based learning into your students’ lives in ways that will build their confidence and motivation to engage in science. You’ll also participate in discussion boards and learn from other educators as well as your Cornell Lab facilitators. We’ll encourage you to get outside and explore, and to think about applications for and implementation in your own program or classroom. Finally, quizzes and assignments will help you test your knowledge and understanding. The enrollment fee is $59.95. To register go to https://academy. allaboutbirds.org/product/inspiring-investigationsthrough-citizen-science/
Green Schools Conference & Expo, April 8 -9, St. Paul
This national event brings together all the players involved in making green schools a reality. And it is coming to the River Center in St. Paul. This year GSCE is co-located with IMPACT, the leading event for sustainable development in the Midwest. The conference offers engaging educational sessions, case studies, hands-on workshops and lectures from today’s green school experts. GSCE provides an unmatched opportunity for green school advocates nationwide to collaborate and learn from one another — all with a vested interest in making a positive difference in our children’s futures. Check out the conference website http://greenschoolsconference.org.
2019 National STEM Scholar Program, June 2 – 8, Kentucky
Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 class of the National STEM Scholar Program, a program designed specifically for middle school teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers nationwide. National STEM Scholars receive advanced education in the development of STEM projects for classroom implementation, spend a full day with a national thought leader in STEM education and build a national network of colleagues for information sharing. The application deadline in Feb. 1. https://www.wku.edu/gifted/nss/
Amazon Rainforest Educator Workshop, July 1 – 11, Peru
Scholarships and Grant funds are available for the 2019 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru, a cross-curricular professional development workshop for formal and informal science educators. Highlights include: • Inquiry Protocols & Resources: Vernier Technology and Celestron Digital Micro scopes • Global and Cultural Perspectives: Service Learning ~ Sustainability ~ Global Education • NEW! A specialized track for HS bio and environmental science educators with a focus on sustainability, conservation, and field work with the Maijuna indigenous commu nity • Work side-by-side with scientists and re searchers on citizen science projects and field studies. • Explore the ¼ mile long ACTSPeru Rain forest Canopy Walkway in one of the world’s most biologically diverse environments. The application deadline is February 1.
Native Skywatchers Workshop, July 18-19, St. Cloud
This two-day workshop is designed for all educators & persons interested in increasing their knowledge of Ojibwe and D(L)akota Star Knowledge. A new focus this year will include: Earth and Sky, and interdisciplinary STEM connections. The workshop includes multiple hands-on activities so participants will be able to experience the culture and the science in the most authentic and meaningful way possible. Learn more here http:// www.nativeskywatchers.com/educator-workshops/
Code.org Computer Science Workshops, St. Paul
Designed to support middle and high school teachers before and during their first year teaching Computer Science Discoveries or Computer Science Principles, the Code.org Professional Learning Program begins with a five-day, in-person summer workshop followed by four additional sessions throughout the year. Best of all? No previous experience teaching computer science is needed. We welcome elementary school teachers to sign up year-round for our no-cost, high-quality one-day professional development workshops for Computer Science Fundamentals courses from an experienced computer science facilitator. Full scholarships are available for all Minnesota teachers. Contact Hadi Partovi for details. hadi_partovi@ code.org
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Department of Education Opportunities Teacher and School Awards and Opportunities
Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching
Celebrate great teaching! Nominate a colleague or yourself for the Presidential Award, which brings state and national leadership opportunities and $10,000. Two teachers from each state receive this award from the White House. This year applications are sought from secondary teachers with a deadline of May 1. Information and nomination site https:// www.paemst.org
School Programs and Instruction
Physic Force demonstration shows, January, Minneapolis; May, Rochester
Science teachers of all ages - did you know that the University of Minnesota’s Physics Force performs for free 12 times every January at Northrop Auditorium on the U of MN campus and in Rochester in May? Did you know that the Force will help subsidize your transportation fees if you are at a high-poverty school? Well, we do. This year’s shows are better than ever, with live fire, lightning, a crushing barrel, and a performer falling from a tower. Sign your classes up for the free tickets! Your kids will see large-scale physics demonstrations done by trained professionals paired with comedy done by total amateurs. Information and registration https:// physicsforce.umn.edu/news/announcing-2019-winter-and-spring-shows
Student Programs, Awards and Competitions
Young Scientists Roundtable, Jan. 26, Plymouth
Keeping Bees on their Six Feet is the presentation by Dr. Marla Spivik, a honeybee researcher at the University of Minnesota. She will talk about research related to diseases and remedies. This presentation and roundtable discussion for students is at 7:00 at Central Middle School in Plymouth. More information at https://www.wayzataschools.org/ces/programs/ysr
SkyNet Scholars, starting Jan. 26
Skynet Scholars is a program of the Bell Museum for middle and high school students that puts them in the driver’s seat to conduct their own scientific explorations of the universe. Scholars learn how to access a global network of research-grade telescopes that serve professional astronomers and students alike
over the internet. They will get to experience handson astronomy and STEM based activities including the use of robotic telescopes to take their own astronomical images. http://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/ skynet-scholars/
National Youth Science Camp, June 27 – July 20, West Virginia
Teachers of seniors, encourage your students to apply. We often get very few Minnesota applicants! Two graduating seniors from Minnesota will be chosen for this prestigious FREE science camp in the mountains of West Virginia. The NYSCamp is a residential STEM program designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising STEM leaders. At the NYSCamp, STEM professionals present lectures and lead small-group directed studies on a broad array of STEM topics; some delegates are able to conduct research at the nearby Green Bank Observatory. The NYSCamp experience also features excursions into the Monongahela National Forest including backpacking, rock-climbing, caving, kayaking and mountain biking. Delegates are required to participate in the NYSCamp program for its entirety; the fast-paced activities and remote location simply make travel to and from the NYSCamp very difficult. The NYSCamp is offered to selected participants at NO COST so that talented students may attend regardless of their financial ability – transportation included. Minnesota uses the NYSCamp’s online application system. For more information contact john.c.olson@state.mn.us, Minnesota coordinator. The application deadline is February 28 http://apply.nyscamp.org
Lake Superior Youth Symposium May 16-19, Duluth
Youth in grades 8-12 will experience the science, art, culture and challenges of protecting one of the greatest bodies of freshwater on the planet - Lake Superior. Activities will include hands-on workshops, research, field trips in the Duluth area, dynamic speakers and a final night pizza party and dance at the Great Lakes Aquarium! Work with scientists, engineers and artists to explore the many ways you can engage with the environment and pursue your passions. Internationally known speaker and 2013 CNN Hero Chad Pregracke is slated for the keynote address to talk about his career cleaning up rivers which started when he was 17. Start planning now for your group to come to UMD and be part of this amazing experience. The registration fee is $200 per participant and includes hous-
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Department of Education MnCOSE ing meals and activities. Scholarships to low-income students will likely be available. Visit the symposium website for more information https://scse.d.umn.edu/ lsys-2019
Science and Engineering Competitions
Sharing Environmental Education Knowledge environmental education resources https://www.seek.state. mn.us
Minnesota Academy of Science: Science Fair, Science Bowl and other competitions
• Minnesota Science Olympiad http://www. http://www.mnmas.org minnesotaso.org Mn DNR Education website: Curriculum, professional • Science and Engineering Fair and Science development, posters, etc. Bowl http://www.mnmas.org http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/education/index.html • FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Robotics https://hightechkids.org/ • Supermileage Challenge https://www.mteea. net/index.php/competitions/supermileage • Real World Design Challenge http://www. realworlddesignchallenge.org • Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision www.ex ploravision.org • NSTA Angela Award – girls grades 5 – 8 https://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx • MN Scholars of Distinction – high school https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/gifted/ sod/ Lake detective Steve McComos speaks to the MnCOSE • National Youth Science Camp – two Minne participants on lake and stream ecology sota Delegates http://www.nysf.com/w/pro grams/nysc/
Minnesota Programs and Competitions
Many competitions, out-of-school programs and field trip opportunities are posted at the Mn-STEM website http://mn-stem.com/stem/ and listed in the Reach for the Stars Catalog of Programs and Activities https://synergyexchange.org/synergy/media/ reach/2018/reach-2018.pdf.
MDE Science Contacts:
John Olson, Science Content Specialist, john.c.olson@ state.mn.us Jim Wood, Science Assessment Specialist jim.wood@state.mn.us Judi Iverson, Science Assessment Specialist judi.iverson@state.mn.us Send submissions for the Science Update to John Olson john.c.olson@state.mn.us Other Minnesota Links: Minn. Dept. of Education Science Page http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/stds/sci/ Minn. Science Teachers Association mnsta.org Frameworks for MN Science and Mathematics Standards http://scimathmn.org/stemtc/ Get – STEM Connections between schools and businesses https://getstem-mn.com Mn-STEM STEM programs and resources for families, schools and community http://mn-stem.com/stem/
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Conference attendees had opportunities to visit the many vendors at MnCOSE in St. Cloud on Nov. 9.
Participants in Joe Cossette’s session working on building an escape room.
MnSTA Newsletter
Opportunities
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MnSTA Board Directory Below, you will find information about your MnSTA Board Members. The listing includes the board member’s school (or organization), mailing address, work phone, FAX number, and e-mail address. The board wishes to make itself as accessible as possible for our members. Please feel free to contact your discipline representative, regional representative, or executive board members if you have ideas, concerns, or wish to help with the mission or operation of MnSTA. We are always looking for members who wish to serve MnSTA as Board Members, Non-Board Service Chairs or Members, and as Committee Chairs or Members.
Executive Board:
Exec. Secretary Vacant President Past-President
Josh Tharaldson
Marshall County HS
301 W. Minnesota Ave.
218-847-7225
jtharaldson@mccfreeze.org
Michele Koomen
Gustavus Adolphus College 800 W College Ave.
Newfolden, Mn 56738 St. Peter, MN 56082
612-669-2319 mkoomen@gustavus.edu
Treasurer
Joe Reymann
Retired
e: joereymann@comcast.net
DOE Science Specialist
John Olson
Dept.of Education
john.c.olson@state.mn.us 651-582-8673
Discipline Directors: Biology
Mark Peterson 320-275-3800
mpeterson@bsmschool.org
Chemistry
Angela Osuji
Washburn High School
612-668-3400
Angela.Osuji@mpls.k12.mn.us
Earth Science
Haley Kalina
Alexandria Public School
320-762-7900
hkalina@alexschools.org
Elementary/Greater MN Amy Bodin Elementary/Metro Higher Ed Informal Ed Alternative Ed.
Benilde-St. Margaret
2501 MN-100 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 1500 James Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411 510 McKay Ave. Alenandria, MN 56308
Myers-Wilkins Elementary
1027 North 8th Ave. E. Duluth, MN 55805
218-269-5221
amy.bodin@isd709.org
Jill Jenson
Glacier Hills Elem School of Arts &Sciences
651-332-2185
jill.jensen@district196.org
Diana Fenton
College of St. Benedict/St. Johns U
320-363-5968
dfenton@csbsju.edu
David Grack Garret Bitker
huntinggirl01@msn.com 3825 Glacier Rd. Eagan, MN 55123
jill.jensen@charter.net 37 College Ave. S. St. Joseph, MN 56374
david.grack@charter.net ZED ALC
630 1st Ave. NW Byron, MN 55920
507-775-2083
gbitker@zumbroed.org
Physics
Thomas Tomashek
Minnetonka High School
612-401-5700 tom.tomashek@minnetonka.k12.mn.us
Private Schools
Matthew Inman
Shattuck-St. Mary’s School
507-333-1537
minman@s-sm.org
18301 Hwy 7
Minnetonka, MN 55345
1000 Shumway Ave.
Fairbault, MN 55021
Region Representatives: Region 1&2: North
Katherine Melgaard
Marshall County HS
218-874-7225 ext. 116
kmelgaard@mccfreeze.org
310 W. Minnesota Ave. Newfolden, MN 56738
Region 1&2: North
Michael Urban
Bemidji State University
218-775-3782 murban@bemidjistate.edu
Region 3: Northeast
Jennifer Gagner
218-729-8214 jgagner@proctor..k12.mn.us
1500 Birchmont Dr.
Pike Lake Elementary
Bemidji, MN 56601
5682 Martin Rd Duluth, MN 55811
Region 4: Westcentral Vacant Region 5: Northcentral Lisa Pingrey
National Joint Powers Alliance
202 12th St. NE Staples, MN 56479
307-624-0627 lisa.pingrey@sourcewell-mn.org
Region 6: Southcentral Jeremy Brady
Montevideo High School
1501 William Ave. Montevideo, MN 56265
16 MnSTA Newsletter
MnSTA Board Directory
320-269-6446X1122
jbrady@montevideoschools.org
Region 7: Eastcentral
Karen Bengtson
St. Cloud Area School Dist. 472
320-253-9333
karen.bengtson@isd742.org
Region 8: Southcentral Jeremy Brady Region 9: South Region 10: Southeast
Montevideo High School
320-269-6446X1122
jbrady@montevideoschools.org
David Borslien
St. Peter High School
507-943-4212 ext 6028
dborslien@stpeterschools.org
Denine Voegeli
Plainview-Elgin-Millville Schools
507-867-2521 Ext. 3631
1000 44th Ave N. St. Cloud MN 56303 1501 William Ave. Montevideo, MN 56265 1221 Broadway Ave. St. Peter, MN 56082 701 1st St SE
Elgin, MN 55932
dvoegeli@isol2899.k12.mn.us
Region 11: Metro
Cathy Kindem 651-423-7911
Rosemont-Apple Valley-Eagan cathy.kindem@district196.org
Region 11: Metro
Claire Hypolite
Edison High School
612-668-1300X34110
612-24207333
3455 153rd St. W
Rosemont, MN 55068
700 22nd Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55418
claire.hypolite@mpls.k12.mn.us
Ancillary Positions: Database
Mark Lex
marklex@umn.edu
Webmaster
Eric Koser 507-387-3461 x 322
Mankato West H.S. F: 507-345-1502
1351 S. Riverfront Dr. e: ekoser@chartermi.net
Newsletter
Jerry Wenzel
Retired
:jerrywenzel@brainerd.net
Mankato, MN 56001 W:
NSTA Dist. IX Director
Brenda Walsh 952-975-6726
Conference Coordinator Mary Haberman
Eden-Prairie High School brenda_walsh@edenpr.org
17185 Valley View Rd Eden Prairie, N 55346
Minnesota Valley Area Learning Center 1313 E Blackk Oak Av. Montevideo,MN
320-269-7131 mhaberman@montevideoschools.org
Events Calendar If you have events you want placed on the calendar, send them to the editor - see page 2 for deadlines, address, etc.
Conferences / Workshops 2019 MnSTA Conference on Science Education November 8-9, 2019 This annual event of MnSTA will be held at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center and the Courtyard Mariott in St. Cloud, MN. Future MnCOSE Conferences: 2020 Nov. 12-14 Duluth 2021 Oct. 28-30 Mankato 2022 St. Cloud MESTA Conference Feb. 1 2019
Winter 2019
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