The STATellite (May 2012)

Contents Calendar President’s Message

Volume 56, Number 2

May 2012

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics

Inside:

• New STAT Officers • STAT Awards Nominations • Teaching Tips • Board Retreat Pics • ...and much more!

Contacts

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The Official Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas

Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

About Us

President’s Message

We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas.

New STAT Officers

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

Next Generation Science Standards

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

ACT2 Biennial Conference

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

STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President

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 techonology, 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.

CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources

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!

BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

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Calendar..............................................................4 President’s Message .........................................5 New STAT Officers ...........................................8 Next Generation Science Standards ..............9 ACT2 Biennial Conference ...........................10 STAT Awards Nominations ..........................11 Farewell from the Past President .................13 CAST 2012: Registration Open......................15 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning..16 Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics ...............19 STAT STAAR Resources ...............................20 Pictures from the May BOD Retreat............21 STAT Contacts .................................................26 ..........................26 Standing Committees Elected Officers.....................................27 Appointed Positions ............................27 Affiliate Congress ................................28 Texas State Board of Education..........29 33

Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

STEM that makes sense?

New STAT Officers

We’ll make it a snap!

Next Generation Science Standards

President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards

ACT2 Biennial Conference

ACT2 Biennial Conference

June CAST 2012 Presenters Notified June 8

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Award Applications Due June 15, 2012.

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

July NCSE CAAGS Conference July 11-14 Albuquerque, NM

CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

August CAST 2012 Registration Open August 15, 2012

STAT STAAR Resources

August STATellite Published August 15, 2012

BOD Retreat Pics

November CAST 2012: Get Your Geek On! November 8-10 Corpus Christi, TX

Contacts

4

CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Ready-to-go units, full year curriculum, or custom implementations.

Get a free national STEM report, download a free STEM Whitepaper, find out more about STEM, why your students need it and why implementing STEM is easier than you think.

www.Learning.com/STEM-ready

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

A Message from President Kamas

Change—we experience it every day of our lives.

Most of it happens and we don’t even realize it, until one day our favorite song gets played on the “oldies” station. Some change happens quickly and we react, adjust, and move on. Then there is the change that happens somewhere in the middle, the kind you know is coming and have time to prepare for, but have a hard time with it just the same. Along with changes, come all the associated emotions. The changes happening in education now may seem extreme or even unfair and they have definitely caused emotions to flare, but rest assured that change is here and we want students to flourish as a result.

I have had a remarkable year as President-Elect with many memorable moments, including a truly educational trip to Washington DC, two testimonies in front of the State Board of Education and one in front of state legislators at an Education Committee public hearing. I have also served our organization by chairing the Policies and Procedures Committee to overhaul the STAT Bylaws. We have been diligently working for our mem-

bers. For most members, STAT is known for three days of outstanding professional development at CAST, the best conference in the country. The Executive Committee is committed to increasing our member benefits and making us known for more than CAST. For example, we found that the experience in Washington DC was so insightful that we want to give our members opportunities to get involved in state legislation. We want to make sure teachers have access to the information they need to be successful in the classroom.

Science educators have such positive attitudes. I am fortunate to have had so many role models and mentors to help me stay positive and lend an ear to solve problems and stop any excuses I may come up with. When you start feeling angry or frustrated by the changes, find the person that inspires you and lifts you up and listen to what they have to say.

Find a way to reenergize yourself.

STAT is leading science educators through this time of increasing accountability, larger class sizes and demands on classroom teachers. Join us on Facebook and Twitter or contact a member of the executive committee to voice your needs, 55

Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message the events happening in your area, as well as your celebrations. We want to hear from you!

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards

In the meantime, I am eager to see what the next year brings and I can’t wait to “Get My Geek On” in Corpus. I am honored to serve the science educators of Texas.

ACT2 Biennial Conference

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012

Experiencing Physics

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Like us Follow us

Integrated Teaching Solutions from Physics, A First Course - Second Edition

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Physics A First Course, is an ideal approach to physics at the introductory, conceptual level. This program uses an inquiry-based approach. Students discover science concepts by investigating with hands-on equipment.

STAT STAAR Resources

SCIENCE 5–12

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

• Covers 100% of Readiness and Supporting TEKS tested on STAAR with INSTRUCTION and PRACTICE! • 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 • STAAR practice is organized by Reporting Categories so that teachers can easily determine strengths and weaknesses of students

CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Foundations of Physics - Second Edition

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Foundations of Physics, is a friendly, readable, conceptual approach to physics that is accessible to every student. This program includes successful STAAR strategies and a focus on mathematics for conceptualized physics.

STAT STAAR Resources

Features of CPO Science Teaching and Learning Systems

BOD Retreat Pics

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Holt McDougal Texas Supplemental Science

BOD Retreat Pics

Learn more at www.hmheducation.com/tx/science

• Student textbooks and Investigation manuals • High-quality equipment included with minimum purchase

Contacts

Contacts

• Teacher resources and professional development

6 6

www.cposcience.com STATellite_Ad_CPO.indd 1

• Digital and online learning products

Sally Dudley, Regional Sales Manager 800-237-1371 or 972-825-6588 sally.dudley@schoolspecialty.com 2/14/12 12:26 PM

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Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

New STAT Officers

New STAT Officers

The Votes Are In!

Next Generation Science Standards

Congratulations to the new STAT Executive Committee.

Officers will take their positions June 1, 2012.

ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

President

Sharon Kamas

Past-President

Ross Ann Hill

President-Elect

Donald Burken

Vice President

Lola Henning

Secretary

Jo Anne Jackson

Treasurer

Terry Ward

Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

STAT STAAR Resources

Member At Large

Kiki Corry

STAT STAAR Resources

BOD Retreat Pics

Member At Large

George Hademenos

BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

Member At Large 8

Denise Hill

Next Generation Science Standards The First Public Draft of the Next Generation Science Standards is Ready for Review!

The NGSS have been written as student performance expectations grouped by topics, and can be viewed in the topical groupings or individually. The draft performance expectations are composed of the three dimensions from the NRC Framework. These draft performance expectations describe how students will demonstrate their understanding. Click on the links to the left to learn more about the standards, and choose one of the buttons below to explore and provide comments on the standards.

Feedback collected during the comment period will be organized and shared with the leading states and writing team members. After the feedback is considered, a feedback report will be issued that will explain how feedback was handled and why.

Click Here to Read and Provide Comments For More Details, View the NGSS Site

Contacts

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ACT2 Biennial Conference

Contents Calendar President’s Message

Chemistry Makes the World Go Round

When: June 24-28, 2012 Where: The University of Baylor Mary Hardin in Belton, TX

(173 miles from Houston, 140 miles from Dallas, 61 miles from Austin, 140 miles from San Antonio)

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics

Cost: $250 includes registration, all meals from Sunday night through breakfast Thursday, and lodging in a dorm room from Sunday night until Thursday. (or $125 for registration and all meals except breakfast-no lodging) This is early bird pricing until May 25th!!!! After May 25th the price will increase $50 (so it will be $300 or $175) Presenters: We still need presenters for the conference. Your willingness to share is what makes a great conference. To help entice you remember that presenters save $50 off the above prices!!! We will be accepting proposals until June 4th.

Schedule of events: Breakfast Sun 12-4 registration/check in Wed 7:30-8:30

8:30-11:30 Sessions 4-5 Dinner 11:30-12:30 Lunch 5-6:00 Welcome 6:00-8:00 Chemistry Games 12:30-4:30 Sessions 6:00-9:00 Banquet

Thur 7:30-8:30 Breakfast Mon 7:30-8:30 Breakfast 8:30-10:30 Sessions 8:30-11:30 Sessions 10:30-12:30 closing plenary 11:30-12:30 Lunch 12:30-4:30 Sessions 4:30-5:30 Dinner 5:30-7:00 Make n Take 8:00-10:00 Demos in the Dark Tue 7:30-8:30 Breakfast 8:30-11:30 Sessions 11:30-12:30 Lunch 12:30-4:30 Sessions 4:30-5:30 Dinner 5:30-7:00 Show and tell 7:00-9:00 Chemistry Movies/clips

Contacts

10

Where can I go to register and submit proposals? https://sites.google.com/site/act2tx/

Contents Calendar

STAT Award Nominations

President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

It’s time to nominate yourself, a friend, colleague, or mentor for a 2012 STAT Award.

Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2012.

Show your appreciation for an excellent teacher who deserves recognition!

Please Note: Only current STAT members may be nominated.

Click Here to go to the online awards page.

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Contents

Contents

Farewell from the Past President

by Ross Ann Hill

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

New STAT Officers

New STAT Officers

Next Generation Science Standards

Email Data

Graphical Analysis for iPad

Next Generation Science Standards LabQuest Viewer

ACT2 Biennial Conference

ACT2 Biennial Conference

Vernier Data Share

STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President

• High-resolution touch screen • Built-in data-collection software

CAST 2012

• Quick response to touch, curve fits, and modeling

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

• 5 built-in sensors—including GPS • 100,000 samples per second • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity • Collect, view, and analyze data on ANY device with a compatible web browser.

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

• Show students how to use LabQuest by projecting your LabQuest screen in the classroom. (LabQuest Viewer sold separately.)

STAT STAAR Resources

• Collect, view, and analyze data with Graphical AnalysisTM for iPad®.

Simultaneously provide access to data for the entire lab group.

(Sold separately.)

BOD Retreat Pics

STAT Awards Nominations

Introducing LabQuest 2 ®

NEW oNLY

$329

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

Collect, view, analyze, and annotate data on LabQuest 2 or on any device with a compatible web browser—iPads®, AndroidTM devices, iPhones®, and other mobile technology Go to www.vernier.com/labquest2 for complete details, and to find frEE workshops in your neighborhood.

Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

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

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Wow, how time has flown! With an enormous sigh of relief followed by a plethora of conflicting emotions, I leave the office of STAT President.

Although it has been an incredible run, it isn’t yet over.

Once again, I encourage all of you to become involved in the Science Teachers Association of Texas. Over the last several years, our membership has grown tremendously, indicative of the exciting and stimulating yet challenging actions transpiring within our organization.

Recognizing the ever-changing political atmosphere in our future, each of you becomes an important ambassador for science education. This next year when the legislature is in session, we will have a new State Board of Education. The STAT executive board has planned several events that will address our critical issues and assist us to become better advocates for science education. How thrilled I am that the STAT board is expanding our role in aiding science education while asking those in power to help, not hinder, us.

register for CAST now and get the Extra Early Bird Discount of $115.00 (certainly not birdfeed to science teachers). The housing site is now accepting reservations also. CAST is one of the largest, if not THE largest, gathering of science teachers in the entire nation.

However, we pride ourselves on presenting a conference especially targeted for the Texas science teacher. Addressing our TEKS and STAAR is unique to our convention, for example. If you need professional development in one of those areas or others, “Get Your Geek On” and attend CAST! Also, the STAT award site is currently taking nominations and information for the numerous awards presented during CAST. Please take the time to nominate an outstanding science educator, or simply encourage him or her to apply since we recognize those in our profession who exemplify the best in our organization. (http://www.statweb.org/awards) Remember, the award nomination site closes June 15th.

Serving as your President has been one of the highlights of my life. The friends I have made, the mentors I have met, and the advocates for our subject matter have enriched me tenfold. Thank you for this exceptional opportunity.

As my role changes to Past President, my focus has shifted to a more singular goal, the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) in Corpus Christi November 8-10. Currently hundreds of proposals for ingenious and creative workshops and short courses are being reviewed. You can 13

Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

New STAT Officers

New STAT Officers

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

ACT2 Biennial Conference

ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012

CAST 2012

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

STAT STAAR Resources

STAT STAAR Resources

BOD Retreat Pics

BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

Contacts

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CAST 2012 Registration

Click Here to Register for CAST 2012!

Also Be Sure to Get a Jump on CAST Housing 15

Contents

STEM Strategies: Project Based Learning in Earth/Space Systems

Contents STEM Strategies: Project Based Learning (cont’d.)

by Terry Talley, EdD Calendar President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

I had the pleasure of working with the eighth grade students in Mrs. Melanie Burnett’s classes at La Marque Middle School using Project-based Learning (PBL) and integrating the Engineering Design Process into their learning. Their current unit of study is in Earth Systems in which they explained the processes that cause the phases of the moon, the seasons of the Earth, as well as tides.

Based on my doctoral research into Inquiry Learning and the book How Students Learn Science by the National Research Council, the use of models and the design process have been shown to be highly effective in students initially knowing how these systems work and in dispelling misconceptions they may have about the affects of Earth being closer to the Sun during certain times of the year.

The students began their study of rotation and revolution with the construction of spinning tops. The PBL challenge was presented through an entry document in the form of a letter from a fictitious company called “Our Tops are Tops!” seeking a model of a top that could spin for 20 seconds and cost no more than $70 in materials. It needed to appeal to children between the ages of 10 and 14. In addition to the creation of a spinning top, the team also needed to plan a marketing campaign strategy designed in a manner as to gain a market share of toys for their age group. After dividing into design teams, and assigning roles, students began previewing the materials available and drawing two possible prototypes. After discussing the pros and cons of each, they were given a budget and told they could “purchase” any item available from the supply store. Items such as pencils for spindles were $10 each and paper plates of many sizes and material were from $20 to $30 each. Additional materials such as pennies for weights, paper clips for stability, marking pens for designs, masking tape, and rubber bands provided options that could enhance the performance of their tops but also added to their bottom line.

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Students worked in their design teams diligently for 30 minutes, Burnett and I were available as consultants; never directly answering questions, but asking questions about their rational for selection of materials as well as sharing the principles of momentum, inertia, center of gravity, balance and rotation as a way to move the student along in their understanding of how the spinning top works as a system and how to improve their models.

The following day, students made oral presentations featuring their models and their marketing campaign, which included an explanation of why their top was able to sustain a spin as well as the benefits of the added modifications.

Calendar President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President CAST 2012

facts and definitions.

As part of the reflection about the Tops Design Experience, students completed two rubrics.

One rubric was to evaluate the quality of their product and the other to self-evaluate their collaboration in their team effort. Although each group of student worked on their own model, through the design teams’ presentations and explanations of the models created, all students were equally knowledgeable and prepared for the content-based objective assessment, which will be given at the close of the Earth/Space System Unit. When asked for feedback about the activity, students shared the following comments, “This was fun.” “I can see how to improve our top by adding more pennies for momentum like their group did.” “I’ll bet ours would spin longer if we would have lowered the base for a lower center of gravity.” “Our top spun like the Earth on its axis.”

As evident from the above descriptions, Project Based Learning has many benefits which increase levels of student achievement. Hands-on learning, student directed inquiry and research, designing and building models for development of concepts, as well as student-generated scientific discourse are all strategies that lead to high levels of engagement.

As highlighted in Project-Based Learning (Capraro & Slough, 2009), when actively engaged in PBL, ”No matter whether schools have low achieving students or high achieving students, a high percentage of students find working with real-world projects to be exciting, engaging, fun, satisfying, and meaningful.” When students are actively engaged in their learning and are asking questions about what they want to know – a rich learning environment is created.

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

The contract was awarded to multiple teams, in each period. Those who came in under budget, met the specifications of the entry document, and were able to clearly explain the processes of the system were provided actual tops and similar toys that used rotation or revolution for their movement.

In each class, through the design experience, model building, and presentations, students demonstrated that they were able to express their understanding of rotation and revolution in a way that showed a depth of knowledge - not just the memorization of

STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

The follow-up activity which addressed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) content standards was grounded in the construction of models of the earth/space system of their choosing using Project Based Learning and the Engineering Design Process. Mrs. Burnett and I collaborated on the design and instruction of that unit as well.

When compared to this same unit taught in a traditional approach (a lecture enhanced with a PowerPoint presentation, a teacher demonstration using a model, students recording notes, the teacher asking comprehension questions, assigning vocabulary to be defined, student completion of an assignment – either a worksheet or questions and problems from the book, and finally taking a quiz or test over the material to show mastery), STEMbased instructional strategies may be the needed

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Contents

Contents STEM Strategies: Project Based Learning (cont’d.)

Calendar President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference

by Ryan Reardon Calendar

alternative. As many teachers are seeking increased student achievement, increased student motivation to learn, and decreased student apathy towards preparation for future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the integration of these STEM strategies may make the difference. These differences ultimately may manifest themselves as: (1) significantly changes appear in academic achievement results that teachers are seeking and (2) differences in more students choosing a STEM career pathway that strengthens our future economy.

Dr. Terry Talley is Co-Director for Education Outreach and Instruction at the UTMB SRT-STEM Center.

For more information about the SRT-STEM Center and the Office of Education Outreach, you are invited to visit our website at www.utmb.edu/TSTEM. Dr. Talley can be reached email: tktalley@utmb.edu.

President’s Message New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CONGRATULATIONS!

CAST 2012

2012 REGIONAL FINALISTS

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Over $160,000 have been awarded to the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards’ teacher, principal and district finalists and their schools. And at the statewide competition on May 6th, they will compete to win an additional $5,000 to $100,000!

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Be sure and visit

STAT STAAR Resources

heb.com/education for the complete list of finalists and to learn more about the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards program.

BOD Retreat Pics

CAST 2012

©2012 HEB, 12-2844

Abstract

This report describes a novel, inquirybased learning plan developed as part of the GENA educational outreach project. Focusing on mitochondrial genetics and disease, this interactive approach utilizes pedigree analysis and laboratory techniques to address non-Mendelian inheritance. The plan can be modified to fit a variety of educational goals and is now commercially available.

Educational outreach by college and university faculty has been shown to have tangible benefits for participating students (National Science Foundation, 2007). In an effort to increase these activities, the American Society of Human Genetics partnered with the National Science Resources Center in 2006 to establish a professional development/research project called

GENA (Geneticist-Educator Network of Alliances; http://www.ashg.org/education/gena.shtml), which was funded by the National Science Foundation.

This initiative sought to promote educational outreach on a national level by establishing rigorous, long-term partnerships between university geneticists and high school biology teachers.

The field of genetics was deemed an appropriate focus of this project because of the explosive growth of this discipline in recent years and its anticipated impact on healthcare in the future, making this an important area of educational emphasis. Here, we describe the results of one GENA partnership, a novel high-school-level learning plan focused on mitochondrial genetics and its important role in human disease.

Read the Full Article Here!

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Contacts

Hands-On Kits Just in time for your Spring & Summer Professional Development.

Contact your Texas sales reps for kit contents and pricing.

Dallas/Fort Worth tom_avery@vwreducation.com Central/South Texas chuy_garcia@vwreducation.com Houston/Texas Coastal Bend/El Paso deborah_linscomb@vwreducation.com

STEMscopes Kits are available exclusively through

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Contents

STAT STAAR Resources

Calendar

Are You Lost in the Mess of STAAR-Related Materials?

President’s Message New STAT Officers

Contents Calendar President’s Message New STAT Officers

Next Generation Science Standards

Not sure what to believe, or where to turn?

Next Generation Science Standards

ACT2 Biennial Conference

Visit our compilation of the most important STAAR Links @

ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012

CAST 2012

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

www.statweb.org/staar We’re trying to make the transition easier on you, so you can spend more time teaching and less time worrying.

Have a helpful tip or article that you’d like to share?

Send it to stat@bizaustin.rr.com and we’ll put it up on the STAAR page.

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STAT Board Retreat Pics

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

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Contents

STAT Board Retreat Pics

Calendar

Contents Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

New STAT Officers

New STAT Officers

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

ACT2 Biennial Conference

ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012

CAST 2012

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

STAT STAAR Resources

STAT STAAR Resources

BOD Retreat Pics

BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

Contacts

22

STAT Board Retreat Pics

23

Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

New STAT Officers

New STAT Officers

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

ACT2 Biennial Conference

ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations

STAT Awards Nominations

Farewell from the Past President

Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012

CAST 2012

Don’t go to the polls unprepared!

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Click Here for the Voting Guide

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

STAT STAAR Resources

STAT STAAR Resources

BOD Retreat Pics

BOD Retreat Pics

Contacts

Contacts

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Don’t Forget to Vote Remember, this year is an election year and it’s up to all of us to make our voices heard!

The Texas League of Women Voters has created a nonpartisan Texas Primary Election Voting Guide which includes important information about all of the candidates including their position statements.

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Contents

Contents

Calendar

STAT Standing Committees

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards ACT2 Biennial Conference

STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President

CAST 2012 STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics STAT STAAR Resources

STAT Office

Calendar

President’s Message

Awards Committee

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

Nominations Committee

Chair – Susan Talkmitt susan.talkmitt@ttu.edu

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

CAST Committee

Chair – Ross Ann Hill rahill@idalouisd.net

Membership Committee

Chair – Donald Burken donald.burken@springbranchisd. com

Archives Committee Chair – Karen Hewitt hewittkaren@yahoo.com

Policy & Procedures Committee

Chair – Sharon Kamas kamas.sharon@gmail.com

President’s Message Mailing Address: 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731

New STAT Officers Next Generation Science Standards

Phone: (512) 491-6685

ACT2 Biennial Conference

Fax: (512) 873-7423 www.statweb.org stat@bizaustin.rr.com

STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

Contacts

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

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

Vice President: Lola Henning (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

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

TEA Representative:

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

Assistant Executive Director: STATellite Submissions: Lauren Swetland

STAT STAAR Resources

Contacts

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

Executive Director: Chuck Hempstead

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

BOD Retreat Pics

President: Sharon Kamas (281)-604-7000 president@statweb.org

Appointed Positions

CAST 2012

BOD Retreat Pics

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Elected Officers

(512) 491-6685 lauren@statweb.org

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

CAST Exhibits Manager & Advertising Manager: Frank Butcher (281) 424-1230 frank.butcher@comcast.net 27

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Contents

Contents

Calendar

Calendar

President’s Message

President’s Message

ACT

New STAT Officers

Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas

Next Generation Science Standards

Amiee Modic

ACT2 Biennial Conference

amodic@sbcglobal.net

TABT

STAT Awards Nominations

Texas Association of Biology Teachers

Farewell from the Past President

Matthew Wells

mwells@springisd.org

CAST 2012

TESTA

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

TAEE

Texas Association for Environmental Education Sally Wall

swall@gccisd.net

TMEA

Texas Earth Science Teachers Association

Texas Marine Educators Association

Gail Gant

Marolyn Smith

ggant@sjs.org

marolyn.smith@yahoo.com

ISEA

Informal Science Education Association Amy Moreland

amy.l.moreland@gmail.com

TCES

Texas Council of Elementary Science Deborah Rang

deborah_rang@roundrockisd.org

TSAAPT

Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Paul Williams

pwill@austincc.edu

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

New STAT Officers

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

Next Generation Science Standards

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

ACT2 Biennial Conference STAT Awards Nominations

SBOE District 12 - George Clayton

SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.

SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. Knight

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

SBOE District 5- Ken Mercer

CAST 2012

P.O. Box 781301 San Antonio, TX 78278-1301 (512) 463-9007

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

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

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

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

SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill

BOD Retreat Pics

Texas Science Education Leadership Association

STAT STAAR Resources BOD Retreat Pics

SBOE District 9 - Thomas Ratliff

Contacts

Kevin Fisher

Contacts

STAT STAAR Resources

TSELA

kfisher56@msn.com

900 North Elm Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 598-2968 (817) 598-2833 fax

SBOE District 3- Michael Soto 2034 W. Kings Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 685-8378

Farewell from the Past President

P.O. Box 99 Georgetown, Texas 78627 (512) 966-6771

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

61 W. Wedgemere Circle The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 465-8095 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 2828

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Contents Calendar

Want to be published?

E-mail us your letters and articles!

President’s Message New STAT Officers

STATellite Due Dates

Next Generation Science Standards

Due dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are:

ACT2 Biennial Conference

Submission Deadline February 1 May 1 August 1 December 1

STAT Awards Nominations Farewell from the Past President

Publication Date February 15 May 15 August 15 December 15

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

CAST 2012

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

STEM Strategies: Project-Based Learning

E-mail your submissions to: The STATellite stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Teaching Mitochondrial Genetics

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

STAT STAAR Resources

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BOD Retreat Pics Contacts

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