The STATellite (August 2012)

Contents

Volume 56, Number 3

August 2012

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Inside:

• CAST 2012 Sneak Peek: Get Your Geek On! • STAT Award Winners • A Framework for K-12 Science Education has Arrived!

• ...and much more!

1

The Official Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas

Contents

About Us We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas.

STAT is committed to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levels and in all science disciplines.

Calendar President’s Message

For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/positions

Musings of a Board Member

STAT is: o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school

teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated to

maintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools. o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Association. o Visit the NSTA site

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

STAT seeks to: o Serve as a unified voice for the science teachers of the state. o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in

science education. o Provide opportunities for members to examine technology, curriculum,

materials, and services. o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars

and workshops related to sciences. o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associations

in the promotion of teaching of science.

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

History: STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 during the 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching (CASMT). STAT membership is now more than 7,000 strong!

2

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Calendar..............................................................5 President’s Message .........................................6 Musings of a Board Member ........................9 On the Brink of Success ................................10 Framework for K-12 Science .........................12 Summer Science in Belize .............................14 Free Video Resources .....................................15 CAST 2012 Sneak Peek ..................................17 STAT Award Winners ....................................26 Call for Officer Nominations ........................27 STAT Contacts .................................................28 Elected Officers ....................................28 Appointed Positions ............................28 Standing Committees ..........................29 Affiliate Congress ................................30 Texas State Board of Education .........31

33

Contents

The TEA Approved SCIENCE TECHBOOK (FOR GRADES 5–8) AVAILABLE NOW FOR K–12 SCIENCE

Calendar President’s Message

» Custom built for Texas and 100% aligned to the TEKS and STARR

Musings of a Board Member

» Engages students with exclusive content from Discovery Channel, such as MythBusters

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education

» Deep literacy support, with lexiled reading passages and interactive text

Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources

» Accelerates transition to digital resources

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

» Dramatically lowers costs and increases student engagement

Officer Nominations Contacts To learn more about this comprehensive digital program that replaces traditional textbooks come to booth #104 or visit www.discoveryeducation.com/sciencetechbook

DiscoveryEducation.com

4

800-323-9084

Contents December December STATellite December 15

Your students February need STEM. February STATellite February 15

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

September CAST 2013 Planning Kickoff Party Click here to RSVP by email September 15, 10am - 12pm Harris County, Dept of Education Cast Early-Bird Deadline September 30 October CAST Housing Rates Cut-Off Date October 15 National Chemistry Week October 21-27 TSAAPT Regional Meeting October 25-27 Lubbock, TX CAST Registration Deadline October 31 November CAST 2012: Get Your Geek On! November 8-10 Corpus Christi, TX

We can help.

STAT Officer Elections February 15 Science Teachers Day at the Capitol February 21-22 Austin, TX STAT Board Meeting February 22-23 Austin, TX

March ISEA Annual Conference March 4-6 Port Aransas, TX

Content, tools, and services

STAT Officer Elections Ends to build an engaging STEM program for your 21st Marchcentur 15 y learners: the 2012 national April - Download STEM repor t NSTA National Conference - Get a free STEM whitepaper April 11-14 - Find resources and guides to make implementation a snap San Antonio, TX For more:

www.Learning.com/STEM

55

Contents

A Message from President Kamas I love this time of year the excitement of a new school year, the anticipation of meeting new students, the redesign of bulletin boards and classrooms, catching up with friends and colleagues and all that goes with the start of school. There is a buzz in the air - it is so energizing!

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education

After a very busy summer of delivering and attending professional development, it felt good to be back at work, officially. The STAT board spent nearly a week in Albuquerque, NM at the National Congress on Science Education hosted by NSTA, where the focus was the Next Generation Science Standards. During Congress, we met several times as a board to continue our work on the STAT Strategic Plan.

You have a hard-working board, dedicated to making STAT an organization that serves science educators well. We have several exciting events in the works for our members, beyond our yearly conference. Stay tuned-in to your STATellites and STATflashes for details!

Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Speaking of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the second draft is currently underway. You may wonder how that affects you. The easy answer is that the NGSS will not affect you directly, but there will be components that Texas science educators can use and learn from. In my opinion, the more important document for Texas is The Framework for K-12 Science Education. This document created the foundation for writing the new standards and should serve as a research-based guide for

6

teaching and learning science and engineering.

The Framework provides a description of the content and a sequence of learning, but you won’t see specifics in the Framework. What you will see are three dimensions in which science education should be built around. The first dimension is scientific and engineering practices, the second is crosscutting concepts, and the third being the core ideas in physical, earth and space, life, and engineering, technology, and applications of science. Crosscutting concepts will be familiar to most teachers since we have used unifying concepts for many years now.

The crosscutting concepts are very similar. Do systems, patterns, models, structure or function sound familiar? Those are a few of the crosscutting concepts that are also present in the TEKS. The practices are similar to our current process skills. See if you can find a few process skills found in the TEKS such as use models, analyze and interpret data, construct reasonable conclusions, plan and implement investigations, ask questions, in the Framework practices listed below: Framework Practices 1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Contents

Message from the President

(cont’d. from page 6)

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources

I have found that the Framework provides more detail and elaboration than the TEKS, but there are many similarities. The last dimension includes the core ideas in each of the disciplines, physical, earth and space, life, and engineering, technology, and the applications of science. These core ideas are meant to develop over time. Notice the emphasis on engineering and technology in the practices and in the core ideas. You will hear much more about the Framework and the NGSS as the year progresses. You can download a free copy of the Framework from the National Academies Press at www.nap.edu. Another great resource for getting familiar with the Framework is The NSTA’s Guide to A Framework for K-12 Science Education By Harold Pratt, available at www.nsta.org/ngss. The second draft of the Next Generation Science Standards is due out for public comment in late fall. STAT has taken an active role in participating in the public comment process.

On November 8th, 2012, Corpus Christi will welcome enthusiastic science educators from all over the state of Texas for another fantastic CAST. The field trips look sensational this year, well worth your time and there are many great speakers and presentations planned. Are you ready to “Get Your Geek On?” Registration opens again on August 15th. The CAST app was popular last year, but look for the new and improved app this year.

It may seem early, but CAST 2013 in Houston is already in the works. If you have never served on a CAST committee, it is not too late. All you need to do is e-mail and let me know. We will also have a CAST Kickoff Party on September 15th for all who want to be a part of making history. Don’t miss it!

Serving on the CAST Planning Committee is great fun. Check the STAT website and watch for email notifications.

Wherever your students learn science, they can use TI-Nspire technology. ™

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

lab and field. TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds are permitted on many college entrance exams and compatible with

© 2012 Texas Instruments

more than 50 Vernier Software & Technology™ data collection sensors. TI’s interactive science classroom also includes TI-Nspire™ Student Software for creating dynamic lab reports, powerful assessment tools and an

field

lab

Contacts

science learning experience every day in the classroom,

classroom

Officer Nominations

With TI, you can now offer every student a one-to-one

extensive library of free customizable online lessons.

Learn more at education.ti.com/us/science.

AD122.1CL

7

Contents Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Holt McDougal Texas Science

SCIENCE

hmheducation.com/tx/science

Texas Science Test Preparation Be Science STAAR–ready with our practice workbooks and professional development!

Calendar President’s Message

• Covers 100% of Readiness and Supporting TEKS tested on STAAR with INSTRUCTION and PRACTICE!

Musings of a Board Member

• Includes review of Grades 3–4 TEKS tested at Grade 5 • Practice tests are provided and aligned to the STAAR schematics on the TEA website: 60–65% Readiness Standards and 30–35% Supporting Standards - TWO complete practice tests for Grades 6–8 and high school - THREE complete practice tests for Grade 5 in ENGLISH and SPANISH

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education

• STAAR practice is organized by Reporting Categories so that teachers can easily determine strengths and weaknesses of students

Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Learn more at www.hmheducation.com/tx/science © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 07/12

800.225.5425 • hmheducation.com

8

Contents

Musings of a Board Member

By Kiki Corry, STAT Member-at-Large

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

I would like to thank you for

electing me to represent you on the STAT Board of Directors. As a board memberat-large (not a large board member – that’s entirely different), my responsibilities are to participate on committees and “duties as assigned”. It is an honor and duty that I do not take lightly.

I thought you might like to know what I have done since I took office. I hosted the annual international Project WILD Coordinators’ meeting which took place in Galveston that very week this year. I do hope I represented Texas educators with your passion and expertise so that my counterparts from around the country went home saying, “Those Texans really do know their science and how to teach it!” I attended the STAT Board meeting at the National Congress for Science Education which was hosted by NSTA. We have an active, enthusiastic, and solidly grounded board focusing on both long-range strategic goals as well as the short-term, immediate work of preparing for CAST 2012 in Corpus Christi. (Get Your Geek On!)

In addition to meetings, I facilitated the writing of the Texas Natural Resources/ Environmental Literacy Plan. This plan will focus, support, and coordinate efforts across the state to help Texans understand and appreciate the natural systems that make Texas so great. I also attended the NSTA/NSELA Summer Leadership Institute in Austin. Science educators and educational leaders came from all over the country to learn about the Next Generation Science Standards and A Framework for K-12 Science Education. While Texas will always have our own standards and assessments, these two new documents – with their research-based backbone – will definitely influence science teaching in the future.

Please view me as a resource. I work at a science-rich agency with resources and biologists I only dreamt of when I was in the classroom. Education is mission-critical at Texas Parks and Wildlife. If I don’t know how to help you, I’ll find someone who does. Kiki Corry, Project WILD Coordinator, Texas Parks and Wildlife kiki.corry@tpwd.state.tx.us (512) 3894369.

Buzzword Bingo & Alphabet Soup Have you noticed how words can get tossed around and around and around until regardless of Merriam Webster they take on a meaning of their own? Or how about that flood of acronyms sprinkled into conversations until you are afraid to admit you don’t actually know what they are?

STAT – The Science Teacher’s Association of Texas: If you are receiving STAT Flashes and the STATellite, you are one of the 6500 or so members.

STAT is a non-profit with a board elected from you and by you, the members.

CAST – The Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching: This is the annual conference that STAT puts on for science educators in Texas.

NSTA – National Science Teacher Association: The national association of which STAT is the Texas state chapter. Headquartered in Washington DC, NSTA is a resource for publications and news about national science education.

NSELA – National Science Education Leadership Association: The national association of which Texas Science Education Leadership Association is the state affiliate. This is an organization of leaders in science teaching – both in the classroom and in administrative positions.

9

Contents

On the Brink of Success

By Barbara ten Brink, PhD

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Science, Grades 3-8

§112.10. Implementation of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Elementary, Beginning with School Year 2010-2011. The provisions of §§112.11-112.16 and §§112.18-112.20 of this subchapter shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2010-2011 school year and at that time shall supersede §§112.2-112.7 and §§112.22-112.24 of this subchapter.

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member

In this article, I have laid the grade levels side-by-side for the purposes of seeing the vertical progression of science education philosophy and science pedagogy articulated in the Knowledge and Skill sections of each tested grade level: Grades 3-8.

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education

A bolded Readiness Standard or Supporting Standard is included for each TEKS/SE tested on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™).

Summer Science in Belize

You may view the full report on the TEKS progression here.

Also included is a report on average STAAR™ results by ISD. which you may view here.

Free Video Resources

Charge your classroom with more AMPS!

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

(Aha! Moments Per Student)

Officer Nominations

We are proud to support excellence in science teaching. We’re also proud to offer Texas teachers effective TEKS–aligned K–12 science programs designed to engage students in active learning.

Contacts

For more information contact:

10

Grades K–8

Grades 6–12

Verne Isbell – Northern Texas 817-239-4493 verne.isbell@schoolspecialty.com Joan Lyles – Southern Texas 210-287-8263 joan.lyles@schoolspecialty.com

Sally Dudley 800-237-1371 sally.dudley@schoolspecialty.com

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

11

Contents

A Framework for K – 12 Science Education has Arrived!

By Kevin Fisher, TSELA Past President

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Implementation of the 2010 Science Texas

Essential Knowledge and Skills has brought several challenges to science educators as they meet the requirements of the document. The science processes are expected to be integrated with science content throughout the lesson. Student expectations are more rigorous than in previous documents. Educators have to prepare students for success on the STAAR assessment. Not to mention, students need to receive a 21st Century science education.

The National Research Council has recently published A Framework for K -12 Science Education.

The framework is designed to provide resources to move all science education into the 21st century. The vision is that over multiple years of school, students will be actively engaged in science and engineering practices, apply cross cutting concepts, and deepen their understanding of core ideas in science and engineering fields. The vision also promotes two major goals for science education: (1) educating all students in science and engineering and (2) providing foundational knowledge for those who will become the scientists, engineers, technologists, and technicians of the future.

The framework has three dimensions: (1) Science and Engineering practices that are used to establish, extend, and refine knowledge. The practices are to be integrated with content. (2) Crosscutting concepts that are fundamental to understanding the different disciplines and serve as unifying themes within and across disciplines. (3) Disciplinary Core Ideas that represent the essential knowledge in each area.

The framework has several guiding principles: (1) Children are born investigators. (2) A limited number of core ideas to allow for deep understanding. (3) Understanding develops over time.

(4) Science and engineering require knowledge and practice. (5) Connecting to students’ interests and experiences. (6) Promoting equity.

The beginning of this article focuses on some of the challenges in the implementation of the Texas Science Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). From the brief overview of the framework that has been presented, it should be apparent that the framework and TEKS documents have complementary goals. Science educators in Texas should view the framework as a viable resource to enhance science presentations in classrooms across the state. The document allows educators to easily access to research based practices and resources that will increase student comprehension and involvement in science and engineering.

In the near future look for information from the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (TSELA) and the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) that will enable science educators to seamlessly integrate the frameworks into science instruction. The framework is a resource that can be added to your toolkit that will assist in development of exemplary science lessons.

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Introducing LabQuest 2

CAST 2012

Officer Nominations Contacts

ONLy

$329

The most powerful, connected, and versatile data-collection device available for biology education

Free Video Resources STAT Award Winners

NEW

®

Looking for iPad® and mobiLe device soLutions?

Collect, view, analyze, and annotate sensor data from a LabQuest 2 on an iPad®, AndroidTM tablet, or other mobile device that has a supported web browser. www.vernier.com/css Read the reviews at www.vernier.com/labq2-reviews

Our new Vernier LabQuest 2 interface puts scientific data-collection technology into your students’ hands and is compatible with your existing Vernier sensors and software. Explore science in the lab and in the field with full-color clarity, touch-screen ease, and breakthrough, versatile technology. Features include: • High-resolution touch screen • Perfect for both field studies and laboratory experiments • High-contrast screen setting makes it easy to see the screen while outdoors and in bright light • Wireless connectivity for mobile devices • Built-in GPS facilitates mapping data in Google Maps or ArcGIS through Logger Pro Go to www.vernier.com/labquest2 for complete details and to find free workshops in your neighborhood.

Vernier Software & Technology | www.vernier.com | Toll Free: 888-837-6437

Contents

Summer Science in Belize

By Lynn Seman

Who said that teachers take the summer off? Not me!

This summer I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a research project in Belize with a wonderful group of Math and Science teachers through the Texas Tech University MS2 program.

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Eleven teachers from all over Texas spent 10 days researching coral reef fish species thanks to a grant from the Greater Texas Foundation and Texas Tech. We were investigating whether the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is actually making a difference for fish species conservation. During the 10-day trip, we snorkeled areas outside of the reserve and then similar areas inside the reserve along the 2nd longest reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef which is part of the Mesoamerican reef. While snorkeling, we counted our assigned fish species including parrotfish, angelfish, grunts, and many more species.

Currently, we are working on the data analysis part of the research project with the expert guidance of Dr. Mark McGinley, Associate Professor of Biology with Texas Tech Honors College. We were able to experience “real” science firsthand and participate in an exciting night snorkel, night seining, and meet local children from the area. Some of the highlights of the trip include swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays, holding an octopus, witnessing sea turtles grazing on turtle grass, a visit from a pod of dolphins, and collaborating with each other on actual research techniques.

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

As we work on our reports from the trip, we are still in amazement from all that we experienced from this life-changing experience.

What better way to spend time off this summer?

To read more about the adventures the MS2 team had in Belize, check out the blog.

14

Contents

Educate Students About Water for Wildlife

By Cappy Smith, Aquatic Resource Education Specialist, Texas Parks and Wildlife

dents about our natural resources and the complex processes that create healthy ecosystems. As an informal educator and board member of the Informal Science Education Association, a STAT affiliate, I depend on your efforts and value the partnership that we share in creating science literate citizens. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) is offering resources to assist you in the task of understanding Texas’ water, our most valuable natural resource.

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member

Over the past six years, TPWD has produced “The State of Water” documentary series exploring the crucial issues facing water for Texas, including allocations for wildlife and aquatic habitats.

This series was shown on PBS stations around the state. Our recent drought, continued population growth, and increasing demands on limited water resources make this topic more important than ever. In an effort to continue to utilize these wonderful documentaries and educate others about these issues, we are encouraging schools to use these videos in their classrooms and in extended learning opportunities such as after-school clubs and family science “movie nights.”

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

As science teachers you play a vital role in educating stu-

Videos include: “Texas: The State of Water,” “Finding a Balance,” “The State of Springs,” “The State of Flowing Water,” and “The State of the Gulf: America’s Sea.”

The “State of Water Video Screening Toolkit” is available on-line to assist you in using videos or hosting a screening. The toolkit has questions to encourage discussion and “Save Water For Wildlife” pledge cards to encourage wise water use by the participants following the screening. The toolkit includes fillable publicity flyers and a media release to make publicizing the event a snap.

If you aren’t familiar with the videos, learn more at the website: http://www.texasthestateofwater. org/ The latest video, “The State of the Gulf: America’s Sea” can be seen on the website. The State of Water Video Screening Toolkit and related forms can be found at http://www.texasthestateofwater.org/

screening/index.php

Interested? Contact Cappy Smith at cappy.smith@tpwd.state.tx.us or 512-389-8060 for additional information or to receive the videos. There is no charge for the videos, but supplies are limited. Most high school libraries already have the set so please check first. Only one set per campus.

15

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

16

CE EN

XA S

I SC

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

CAST 2012 Registration

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Click Here to Register for CAST 2012!

17 17

S

I SC

CAST Agenda

XA

EN

CE

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Wednesday, November 7th 8:00 am – 4:00 pm 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

TSELA Meeting Registration & Tote Bag Pickup

Thursday, November 8th

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Friday, November 9th 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:30 am – 9:30 am 9:00 am – 7:00 pm 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 10:00 am – 11:00 am 11:30 am – 12:30 pm 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

18

7:00 am – 8:00 am 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:30 am – 9:30 am 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 10:00 am – 11:00 am 11:30 am – 12:30 pm 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

First Time Attendees Coffee Hour Registration & Tote Bag Pickup CAST Information Booth Open Field Trips Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 1 Short Courses Exhibit Hall Opens Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 2 Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 3 Short Courses Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 4 Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 5 Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 6 Free Social Event: The Great Planet Earch Debate Live Rock Band and Multimedia Educational Event

Registration & Tote Bag Pickup CAST Information Booth Open Field Trips Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 7 Exhibit Hall Opens Short Courses Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 8 Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 9 Short Courses Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 10 Keynote Speaker: Danny Forster Free Social Event: Special Film Screening of The Revisionaries with Director Scott Thurman

Saturday, November 10th 7:00 am – 10:00 am 7:00 am – 4:00 pm 8:00 am – 1:00 pm 8:00 am – 3:30 pm 8:30 am – 9:30 am 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 10:00 am – 11:00 am 11:30 am – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Registration & Tote Bag Pickup CAST Information Booth Open Exhibit Hall Opens Field Trips Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 11 Short Courses Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 12 Workshops & JAM Sessions - Session 13 Short Courses Workshops - Session 14 Workshops - Session 15

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

Open Your Eyes and Home to the Wonderful World of ICES International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) is seeking local families interested in hosting International High School Students, ages 15-18, from Europe, Asia, Latin and South America for the 2011 – 2012 School Year. Students have their own spending money and insurance, and a local Area Representative provides supervision and support. Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding way to experience another culture without ever leaving home! In addition, ICES Host Families are eligible for a tax deduction.

“Think global, act local.” Become a host family.

For more information please contact us: at 1.888.887.9915 or email at jread@icesusa.org or go to our website www.icesusa.org

TMA Rewards Outstanding Science Teachers!

Officer Nominations Contacts

Winning teachers and their schools receive generous cash prizes!

Make sure your community is represented by applying today!

Visit the program Web site at www.tmacares.com to apply by December 29, 2012.

For more information, call TMA at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1600.

Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching

19

S

I SC

XA

EN

CE

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Registration and Housing

REGISTRATION The Early Bird gets the worm!

Visit the CAST Registration Site for full details.

Calendar President’s Message

Early Bird Registration (August 15 – September 30): $120

Musings of a Board Member

Advance Registration (October 1 – October 31): $150

On the Brink of Success

Regular Registration (November 1 – November 8): $165

Framework for K-12 Science Education

Family Member (w/ purchase of full registration): $50

Summer Science in Belize

Saturday Only: $55

Free Video Resources

Student: $30

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

HOUSING The Omni Bayfront is the Official Host Hotel of the CAST 2012 Conference.

Officer Nominations

You may book there, or with any of our partner hotels on the CAST Housing Site.

Contacts

When you book through the Housing Site, you will be guaranteed that your hotel will be on the CAST 2012 hotel shuttle route, receive lower rates through STAT’s room block, and stay at official CAST hotels, which have been inspected by staff prior to booking; we only book with hotels we have reviewed. You will also help future hotel contract negotiations. CAST is able to keep rates low if more attendees book within our designated hotels.

20

CE EN

XA S

I SC

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Keynote Speaker Sponsored by

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

TM

Danny Forster

Chief Architecture and Engineering Expert, Discovery Education Host, Science Channel’s Build It Bigger

Full Bio

Building Our World Through STEM Education

Friday, November 9th - 3:45pm American Bank Center Level 1, Selena Auditorium Danny Forster, chief architecture and engineering expert for Discovery Education and host of the SCIENCE series Build It Bigger, will share his experience traveling the world in search of incredible feats of architecture and engineering and discuss the science behind the structural design of buildings from around the globe. He also will discuss the importance of STEM education to develop the curiosity, critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to meet the technology challenges that lie ahead in the world.

Officer Nominations Contacts

21 21

S

I SC

XA

EN

CE

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Free Film Screening with Director, Scott Thurman Friday, November 9th - 5:30 PM American Bank Center Level 1, Selena Auditorium

Calendar President’s Message

Fifteen people influence what is taught to the next generation of American children. Once every decade, the highly politicized Texas State Board of Education rewrites the teaching and textbook standards for its nearly 5 million schoolchildren. Texas is ground zero for the textbook wars across the country. Our film confronts the critical issue and key players in the Texas State Board of Education’s textbook standards revision process and how this impacts the entire US education system.

Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kino Lorber

“My fifth grade science teacher created this energy, sparking my imagination and interest in science and so I sought to produce a short portrait of a science teacher in Texas that’s also moving minds with an intense and electrifying message. At the time, I discovered a survey stating that half of the American public did not accept the theory of evolution and so I decided to focus my film on a Biology teacher and the lessons on evolution.”

-Scott Thurman, Director

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

The goal of THE REVISIONARIES is to illuminate the political wrangling behind the board that has gone on since the 80’s, and bring attention to this largely overlooked, yet vitally important group of people. The Texas State Board of Education is a modern, moral battleground in the national debate between conservatives and liberals in this country. THE REVISIONARIES gives a face and a personality to these political fights.

Officer Nominations Contacts

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kino Lorber

“[A] gripping and important film for anyone who cares about the future of public education.”

-Chris Vognar, The Dallas Morning News

22

Coming to Theaters this Fall www.therevisionariesmovie.com

Contents

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

23

CE EN

XA S

I SC

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Call for Volunteers Get Your Geek On by Lending a Helping Hand at

Calendar

CAST 2012

President’s Message Musings of a Board Member

Sign up to be a volunteer!

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources

The success of CAST depends on our hundreds of dedicated volunteers who step up each year to give their time back to the conference they love. Sign up for just one hour, or even ten! We sincerely appreciate your time and effort.

If you love science, people, and are comfortable in fast-paced environments, then we’d love to have you as a volunteer during CAST! The following is a list of available positions: Registration (badge printing, info booth) Workshop/Short Course Runners Badge Checkers

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

IEN

XA S

SC

STAT

TE

CE

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

Additional opportunities may be available.

If you have a specific talent you feel would be helpful, please let us know!

Email us at stat@bizaustin.rr.com.

24

CE EN I SC

S

President’s Message

XA

Calendar

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

CAST Sponsors

Thank You for Helping Make CAST 2012 Possible!

For more information on each sponsor, please click their logo.

Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success

TM

Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Want to be cool like these guys? You’re in luck, sponsorships are still available!

To find out more, go to the sponsorship site.

25 25

CE EN

XA S

I SC

STAT

TE

Contents

TE

AC

OF

HE

RS

ASSOCIATION

STAT Awards Winners

Congratulations to Our STAT Award Winners!

Rookie - Outstanding Science Teacher Calendar President’s Message

Kelsey Slaughter Frenship High School; Frenship ISD

Musings of a Board Member

Elementary School - Outstanding Science Teacher

Jennifer Wright Regina-Howell Elementary School; Beaumont ISD

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Middle School - Outstanding Science Teacher

Aimee Ayers OL Slaton Middle School; Lubbock ISD

Free Video Resources

High School - Outstanding Science Teacher

Lara Holbert Frenship High School; Frenship ISD

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Distinguished Leadership in Science Award

Becky Lindsey Secondary Science Curriculum Coordinator; Crosby ISD Skoog Cup

Dr. Louis Jacobs Southern Methodist University

26

Contents

Nominate a STAT Officer Make your voice heard and make a difference for science teachers in Texas by taking a leadership role with STAT.

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member

Each officer serves as a voting member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Below is a listing of the offices and the duties of each office: President-Elect: Assists with conference planning, serves as chief executive officer in the absence of the STAT President.

Vice President: Chairs Membership Committee.

On the Brink of Success

Treasurer: Serves as chief financial officer, supervises financial transactions, maintains accurate financial records, and provides monthly financial reports to the STAT Board of Directors.

Framework for K-12 Science Education

Secretary: Keeps accurate minutes of the STAT Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings, provides a regular reporting of the minutes to the Board, and writes correspondence as directed by the Board.

Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

Member at Large: Performs ad hoc responsibilities at the discretion of the President.

To nominate someone for STAT Office, please visit the nomination site and email the nomination form to stat@bizaustin.rr.com, or send to our address listed. Nominees will be sent a packet, which must be completed and returned to the Nomination Committee in order to be considered for election.

The deadline for nominations is September 15th, 2012.

Officer Nominations Contacts

27

Contents Elected Officers

STAT Office Mailing Address: 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731

Calendar President’s Message

Phone: (512) 491-6685

Musings of a Board Member

Fax: (512) 873-7423

On the Brink of Success

www.statweb.org stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

President: Sharon Kamas 281-328-9200 ext. 1234 president@statweb.org

Past President: Ross Ann Hill (806) 892-1900 pastpresident@statweb.org

President-Elect: Donald Burken (713) 723-0273 presidentelect@statweb.org

Treasurer: Terry Ward (817) 305-6741 treasurer@statweb.org

Vice President: Lola West (806) 677-5187 vicepresident@statweb.org

Secretary: Jo Anne Jackson (806) 766-1162 secretary@statweb.org

Members At Large: Kiki Corry George Hademenos Denise Hill

kiki@statweb.org george@statweb.org denise@statweb.org

Appointed Positions

Free Video Resources CAST 2012

Executive Director: Chuck Hempstead

STAT Award Winners

(512) 491-6685 stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Officer Nominations Contacts

TEA Representative:

Irene Pickhardt Science Curriculum Division (512) 463-9581 irene.pickhardt@tea.state.tx.us

Assistant Executive Director: STATellite Submissions: Lauren Swetland (512) 491-6685 lauren@statweb.org

CAST Exhibits Manager: Frank Butcher (281) 424-1230 frank.butcher@comcast.net 28 28

(512) 491-6685 publications@statweb.org

Advertising:

(512) 491-6685 marketing@statweb.org

Contents

STAT Standing Committees Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member

On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

Awards Committee Chair – Ross Ann Hill rahill@idalouisd.net

Nominations Committee

Chair – Patsy Magee magee@beaumont.k12.tx.us

Legal/Legislative Affairs Committee Chair – Sandra West sw04@txstate.edu

CAST Committee

Chair – Ross Ann Hill rahill@idalouisd.net

Membership Committee

Chair – Lola Henning lola.henning@esc16.net

Archives Committee Chair – Karen Hewitt hewittkaren@yahoo.com

Policy & Procedures Committee

Chair – Donald Burken donald.burken@springbranchisd.org

29

Contents

ACT2

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success

TABT

Framework for K-12 Science Education

Texas Association of Biology Teachers

Summer Science in Belize

Matthew Wells

Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations

Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas

Informal Science Education Association

Jamie Flint

Amy Moreland

jamie.flint@springbranchisd.com

amy.l.moreland@gmail.com

TAEE

TCES

Texas Association for Environmental Education Lisa Brown

Texas Council of Elementary Science Deborah Rang

mwells@springisd.org

lob002@shsu.edu

deborah_rang@roundrockisd.org

TESTA

TMEA

TSAAPT

Texas Earth Science Teachers Association

Texas Marine Educators Association

Lexy Bieniek

Marolyn Smith

lexyb@consolidatedisd.net

Contacts

ISEA

marolynsmith@yahoo.com

Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Paul Williams

pwill@austincc.edu

TSELA

Texas Science Education Leadership Association Kevin Fisher

kfisher56@msn.com

30

Contents Barbara Cargill, Chair Bob Craig, Vice Chair Mary Helen Berlanga, Secretary

Calendar President’s Message Musings of a Board Member On the Brink of Success Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize Free Video Resources CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners Officer Nominations Contacts

SBOE District 1 - Charlie Garza

SBOE District 10 - Marsha Farney

SBOE District 2 - Mary Helen Berlanga

SBOE District 11 - Patricia Hardy

12453 Tierra Cipres Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 (915) 630-2427

2727 Morgan Avenue Corpus Christi, TX 78405 (361) 881-1000 (361) 881-1028 fax

P.O. Box 99 Georgetown, Texas 78627 (512) 966-6771 900 North Elm Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 598-2968 (817) 598-2833 fax

SBOE District 3- Michael Soto

SBOE District 12 - George Clayton

SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.

SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. Knight

2034 W. Kings Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 685-8378

2130 Vermillion Oak St. Fresno, Texas 77545 (713) 203-1355

SBOE District 5 - Ken Mercer P.O. Box 781301 San Antonio, TX 78278-1301 (512) 463-9007

SBOE District 6 - Terri Leo 23516 Twin Oaks Dr. RR#5 Spring, TX 77389 (281) 257-0832 fax

SBOE District 7 - David Bradley 2165 North Street Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 835-3808

526 Tiffany Trail Richardson, Texas 75081 (972) 834-3618 6108 Red Bird Court Dallas, TX 75232 (214) 333-9575 (214) 339-9242 fax

SBOE District 14 - Gail Lowe

11 Chris Avenue Lampasas, TX 76550 (512) 556-6262 (512) 936-4319 fax

SBOE District 15 - Bob Craig

P.O. Box 1979 Lubbock, TX 79408-1979 (806) 744-3232 (806) 744-2211 fax

SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill 61 W. Wedgemere Circle The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 465-8095

SBOE District 9 - Thomas Ratliff P.O. Box 232 Mount Pleasant, TX 75456 (903) 717-1190

Need to find your state legislators?

Search by zip code at:

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us 31 31

Contents

Want to be published?

E-mail us your letters and articles!

STATellite Due Dates

Calendar President’s Message

Due dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are:

Musings of a Board Member

Submission Deadline

On the Brink of Success

February 1 May 1 August 1 December 1

Framework for K-12 Science Education Summer Science in Belize

Publication Date February 15 May 15 August 15 December 15

Text files or Microsoft Word documents are preferable, but InDesign files are also acceptable.

Free Video Resources

A minimum of one picture to accompany each article is required.

CAST 2012 STAT Award Winners

E-mail your submissions to: The STATellite publications@statweb.org

Officer Nominations Contacts

The views of the columnists in The STATellite do not necessarily represent the views of STAT or its Board members.

Changing your e-mail address?

Login to your statweb.org user account and update your information.

If you’ve forgotten your password, visit the main page and select “Request New Password” under the User Login section.

32