WSST Newsletter, Volume 65, #3

Driftless Wonders: 2024 Conference in LaCrosse

Marcia Gardner and Tim Sprain, Conference 2024 Co-Chairs

Registration is now open and we are excited to have you experience the wonders of the driftless region with us.

NEW this year is our Pre-Conference

Field Day on Wednesday April 17th for

those that are looking for a free adventure and site based, experiential science experience as you migrate to La Crosse. See page 6 for more details or click here

Make sure to sign-up for our luncheon keynote speakers each day - you will hear from our regional partners in science edu-

continued on page 4

From the President

WSST President, Kristin Michalski

As I reflect on my 32-year career as a high school science teacher, I think about the role that professional development had on my career. My growth and effectiveness as an educator was due to these opportunities. I participated in many different types of professional development through the years including workshops, conferences, online/in-person courses, and mentoring programs that were found through WSST, Wisconsin DPI, and CESA. These professional development opportunities were outside my district offerings and were based on my individual needs and interests.

There are many reasons to seek different professional development opportunities throughout one’s career as a science educator. First, professional learning

continued on page 4

Page

Page

Page

Page

Page

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers

Our Mission: Promoting, supporting and improving science education in the state of Wisconsin.

Our Vision: The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers will carry out its mission of promoting, supporting and improving science education in the state of Wisconsin by providing leadership, advocacy and programs to enhance the teaching and learning of science.

WSST Advertising Rates

Full page ads: $250

Half page ads: $150

Quarter page ads: $75

1” Bottom page banner: $40 Business card: $25

10% discount on two or more of identical ad in current volume

Advertising must be submitted to editor in camera-ready form or electronically, with check or money order (payable to WSST)

WSST Directory, 2023-2024

Kristin Michalski, President mickri@easttroy.k12.wi.us

Dennis Rohr, President-Elect drohr@seymour.k12.wi.us

Stephanie Baker, Secretary bakeste@wc.k12.wi.us

Kevin Niemi, Chief Financial Officer kjniemi@wisc.edu

Tammy Dymesich, Chief Operating Officer coo@wsst.org

Erik Duhn, District 1 (CESA 11 & 12) e00drik@gmail.com

Thomas Davies, District 2 (CESA 9 & 10) tdavies@dce.k12.wi.us

Jayne Ryczkowski, Dist 3 (CESA 7 & 8) jayneryczkowski@gmail.com

Jonathan Baker, District 4 (CESA 3 & 4) bakejon@wc.k12.wi.us

Sara Krauskopf, District 5 (CESA 2 & 5) district5@wsst.org

Teri Dillenberg, District 6 (CESA 6) teridillenberg@hasd.org

Stacey Strandberg, District 7 (CESA 1) strandbergs@dsha.k12.wi.us

WSST Committees

Awards/Recognition

Miranda Dahlke (co-chair)

Laura Ramthun (co-chair)

Tom Davies Nancy Smith Stephanie Bartels

Michelle Howe Jennifer Bault Karen Messmer

Sue Whitsett Megan Sprague

Document Review

Terry Schwaller (chair)

Dave Bergerson Sue Whitsett Darsha Olsen

Elementary Education

Shelly Petzold (chair)

Melissa Wimmler Teri Dillenberg Leah Alburt

Equity and Access

Kevin Anderson (co-chair) Kelly Steiner (co-chair)

Dennis Rohr Zach Pratt Kristin Michalski

Lalitha Murali Karyl Rosenberg Sara Krauskopf

Finance

Kevin Niemi (chair) Matt Lindsey Terry Schwaller

Foundation

Brian Bartel (President)

Denise McCulley (1st Vice-President)

Carol Ochsner (2nd Vice-President)

Dale Basler (3rd Vice-President)

Tracy Swedlund (Treasurer) Ray Scolavino (Secretary)

Higher Education

Joel Donna (chair)

Mike Beeth

Membership

Michelle Griffin-Wenzel (chair)

Ray Scolavino Tracy Swedlund Deanna McClung

Matt Lindsey

WSST Newsletter Archive

Visit www.wsst.org/newsletter to download past issues of the WSST newsletter. All newsletters are in Adobe PDF format.

Nominations and Elections

Kathy Biernat (chair)

Mary Ellen Kanthack Zach Pratt Dan Nelson

Professional Development

Chad Janowski (co-chair) Jamie Groark (co-chair)

Kevin Anderson Shelley Petzold Deana Johnson

Stacey Strandberg Sonja Gasper

Andrea Christianson Tom Davies

Publications

Brian Bartel (co-chair) - Newsletter Editor

Julie Fitzpatrick (co-chair) - Website

Sarah Adumat - Newsletter Copy Editor

Karyl Rosenberg - Historian

Tracy Swedlund Dan Nelson

Strategic Planning

Kevin Anderson (chair)

Dennis Rohr Ray Scolavino Kevin Niemi

Kristin Michalski

WESTA

Shannon Previte (chair)

Dennis Rohr Margaret Guderyon Ben Sanderfoot

Beth Allcox Ken Budill Chad Wilkinson

WSELA

Kevin Niemi (co-chair) Kevin Anderson (co-chair)

WSST Conference Chairs

Marcia Gardner and Tim Sprain, LaCrosse - April 18-20, 2024

Stacey Strandberg and Jamie Groark, Oshkosh - April 3-5, 2025

Terry Schwaller and Kristin Kyde, Appleton - 2026

Dennis Rohr and Chad Janowski, Green Bay - 2027

WSST Conference Director WSST Vendor Coordinator

Ray Scolavino Rodney Dymesich

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

To submit a letter to the WSST Newsletter, send your thoughts via e-mail to newsletter@wsst.org Content may be edited for length, clarity and appropriateness.

Conference continued from page 1

cation and enjoy a wonderful meal.

Thursday’s luncheon features GROW La Crosse with Keynotes Kari BersagelBraley and Bonnie Martin. And don’t miss Friday’s luncheon with George Howe, the award winning producer of Decoding the Driftless.

Friday evening is our formal banquet and everyone is invited to hear the wonderful history of our organization, recognize our teachers and partners, and listen to our featured keynote speakerMatthew Brantner from the Wisconsin Conservation Corps - WisCorps and The Nature Place.

In the meantime - keep on teaching!

President

continued from page 1

opportunities allow you to stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in science education. This learning is essential for ensuring that your students are receiving the most effective and engaging instruction possible. With your new knowledge and skills, you can learn to innovate and implement effective teaching strategies to engage students, differentiate instruction, and integrate technology into the classroom. The second reason for professional development is it can help you develop new skills and strategies for teaching. You may get valuable classroom management techniques that can help you create a positive learning environment, address behavioral issues, and foster a sense of community in your classroom. These experiences can also help ensure equity by better meeting the needs of all students

by addressing the diverse needs of your students, including those with different learning styles, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Lastly, professional development can provide you with opportunities to collaborate with other educators where you can learn from each other. This learning can be a valuable source of support and inspiration, and it can help you feel more connected to your profession. Workshops, conferences, and collaborative activities in professional development create opportunities to network with colleagues. This exchange of ideas and experiences fosters a supportive professional community.

Here is what the research shows on how professional development can benefit science teachers and their students:

Teachers who participate in profes-

• sional development are more likely to use inquiry-based learning methods in their classrooms. Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach to learning that emphasizes active

engagement and problem-solving. It is a more effective way to teach science than traditional lecture-based methods. Teachers who participate in profes-

• sional development are more likely to use hands-on activities in their classrooms. Hands-on activities help students to develop their understanding of science concepts and to learn how to apply them to real-world problems. Teachers who participate in profes-

• sional development are more likely to use technology in their classrooms. Technology can be a powerful tool for teaching science. It can help students to visualize scientific concepts, conduct experiments, and communicate their findings.

Teachers who participate in profes-

• sional development are more likely to be effective in their teaching. They are more likely to have a positive impact on their students’ learning and to help them develop a love of science. Education and science are dynamic, where content, curriculum, policies, and student needs evolve. Professional development is an investment in you and helps you as the teacher adapt to these changes and nurture your own interests. This ensures you can meet the ever-changing demands of education, by developing new skills and strategies, and connecting with other educators.

Where can you find quality professional development by being a member of WSST? In addition to attending our Conference in LaCrosse this April, make sure to visit www.wsst.org/opportunities to find all of the opportunities offered by

WSST. Watch for the WSST Impact email distributed monthly to our membership to keep you up to date with science news from around the state, country, and world. Finally, Kevin Anderson puts together a list of professional learning opportunities through WI DPI Science Digest archived at https://dpi.wi.gov/science/social-media.

www.wsst.org

New to WSST! Pre-Conference

Field Day

Mark Your Calendars-

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Join us for 1, 2, or all 3 excursions!

Cost: FREE for all 3 events

Food and Transportation are on your own

For more information, please check the WSST Conference website: www.wsst.org/2024-conference

Register for the Field Day

HERE or Scan the QR code

Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC)

9 am - Noon

Meet at the Hixton/Alma Center KOA N9657 WIS-95 Hixton, WI 54611

The Silver Mound Archeological Site is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Midwest This Trek will begin with a history of the indigenous peoples in the area and be led by Jean M. Dowiasch from the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center. This is a more difficult hike.

WI Cranberry Research Station

2 pm - 4:30 pm

W8510 County Rd O, Black River Falls, WI 54615

The research station is the center of innovation for Wisconsin’s cranberry industry. Wade Brockman, the marsh manager, will lead this excursion where we will learn about recent advancements in the cranberry industry and tour the marsh. Learn about collaborations between farmers, industry leaders, and the UW-System.

Black River Falls State Forest Wolf Tracking and Elk Viewing

6:30pm - 9 pm

Meet at the Millston Cenex Gas Station W6575 County Rd O, Millston, WI 54643

Join us for wolf tracking and elk viewing led by Pat Arndt and Tim Sprain featuring wolf ecology time with Julie Fitzpatrick

Overnight Accommodations Available at Camp Salem Travel to LaCrosse or stay at Camp Salem, $20/Hostel Style – about 1 hour from LaCrosse Click HERE for more information or to Register for a spot at Camp Salem

Questions? Contact: Cindy Skinner skinnercyn@gmail.com Leigh Kohlmann leighakohlmann@gmail.com

All events are FREE and open to the public

Event website:

science.wisc.edu/science-expeditions

22nd Annual UW–Madison Science Expeditions Campus Open House 2024

WISCONSIN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

KEEP - Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program

LEAF - Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program

Attend KEEP & LEAF sessions! VisitKEEP & LEAFbooths!

For more than 25 years, KEEP has been working with teachers, administrators, and facilities managers to increase and improve energy education in Wisconsin schools. KEEP materials and support provide students of every grade level the opportunity to receive a comprehensive energy education.

For more than 20 years, LEAF has provided professional development to Wisconsin teachers and forestry curriculum to Wisconsin students. LEAF partners to promote forestry education in Wisconsin and has helped registered over 27,000 acres of school forest land.

Vendor Sponsorship

Thursday Vendor's Social Savvas

3-D Molecular Designs

FOSS

Thursday Membership Social

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Friday Snack Stations ECA Science Kit Services

Activate Learning

UW-Extended Campus

Wisconsin Science Festival

Apply for a $200 Front and Center Grant in LaCrosse!

From the WSST Foundation, Front and Center grants will again be open for application at the WSST Conference. Available to any WSST member registered for the conference, applications should describe ~$200 project in 500 words or less that showcases an innovative idea in the science classroom.

Plan ahead and have your proposal ready before you arrive at the conference. Applications open Thursday, April 18 at the Vendor Social and close Friday, April 19 at noon. Laptops will be provided at the WSST booth, and a link will be available online at wsst.org.

Some rules and restrictions may apply. Click here to find out more information about rules and restrictions, grant selection timeline, tips for writing a grant and rubrics for grant evaluation. Funds will be mailed to awardees after the conference concludes.

WSST Equipment

Adoption at the LaCrosse Conference

Do you have equipment and resources you no longer use in the classroom, but are still in good shape and working condition? Please bring them to the Equipment Adoption at the WSST Conference so they can find a new home and be used. The Equipment Adoption is a science flea market extravaganza. All items are free for the taking (and you are not limited to how much you take). You don’t even need to bring something to take items. So please save up your items and bring them to the WSST Conference. If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Rohr at drohr@seymour.k12.wi.us or Ray Scolavino at rscali3@yahoo.com

Texas Instruments

• University of Wisconsin Superior

• Midwest Renewable Energy Association

• Wards Science

• Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin

• McGraw Hill

• UWM School of Freshwater Sciences

• Nourish the Future

• National Geographic Learning/Cengage

• Focus on Energy

• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

• Capital Microscope Services & Science

• Supplies

WorldStrides

• University of Wisconsin River Falls

• Imagine Learning

• Civil Air Patrol

• Wisconsin Department of Natural

• Resources

ECA Science Kit Services

• UW-Madison Science Allliance

• Wisconsin Air National Guard

• Seeds of Change Research

• Wisconsin Forestry Center

• STEMscopes Science by Accelerate

• Learning Inc.

• MiniOne Systems

3D Molecular Designs

• UWL - Institute for Professional Studies

• in Education

University of Minnesota Rochester

• College of Natural Resources, UW-

• Stevens Point Studies Weekly

EAA

• Imagine Learning

• Wisconsin Science Festival

• Einstein Project, Inc.

• The University of Wisconsin - Stout

• Wisconsin Department of Public

• Instruction

Savvas Learning Company

• University of Wisconsin Extended

• Campus

Activate Learning

• WI Agriculture in the Classroom -

• Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation

Snapshot Wisconsin (Wisconsin

• Department of Natural Resources

E-Blox

• Lab-Aids

• Savvas Learning Company

• KEEP - Wisconsin's K-12 Energy

• Education Program

Trees For Tomorrow

• CAROLINA BIOLOGICAL SUPPLY CO

• miniPCR bio

• Engineering Tomorrow

• LEAF (UWSP)

• Wisconsin National Primate Research

• Center

• CAPP at UW Oshkosh

The College of St. Scholastica

• FOSS Science

• Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium School

• District of Waukesha Amplify

• Savvas

•

•

• PBS Wisconsin Education

• Capstone PebbleGo

FOSSILS, MINERALS, OR ROCKS GATHERING DUST?

GIVE THEM A NEW PURPOSE AND ROCK THE WORLD OF EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION! DONATE THEM TO THE WESTA (WISCONSIN EARTH SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION) ROCK RAFFLE.

TURN THOSE CLASSROOM GEMS INTO EDUCATIONAL GOLD!

WHY? BECAUSE EVERY PURCHASE SUPPORTS WESTA'S MISSION TO PROMOTE EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION AND PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS THROUGHOUT WISCONSIN. YOUR GENEROSITY ROCKS, AND SO DOES THE CAUSE!

WHERE?

JOINUS@WSST’SANNUALCONFERENCE,INLACROSSE. DURINGTHEVENDOR’SSOCIALFORTHEULTIMATEROCK EXTRAVAGANZA.

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE YOUR GOLDEN TICKET TO A WORLD OF SUPER-COOL ROCKS, FOSSILS, AND MINERALS.

GRAB 4 TICKETS FOR JUST $1 OR GO ALL-IN WITH 25 TICKETS FOR $5!

THE DRAWINGS KICK OFF AT 5:30 PM, SO BE THERE TO WITNESS THE UNVEILING OF YOUR POTENTIAL GEOLOGICAL JACKPOT.

BRING YOUR DONATIONS WITH YOU TO THE CONFERENCE OR IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND, CONTACT SHANNON PREVITE TO ARRANGE FOR PICK UP.

SHANNON.PREVITE@BADGER.K12.WI.US

Field Trips

Thursday AM Field Trips

La Crosse Exploratorium

Depart - 9:30 Return by - 11:30

$8.00 38 max

Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? “Destination Mars: The New Frontier” gives audiences a close-up look at the work being done globally to make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly through the International Space Station, explore the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and learn about the rockets and vehicles that will return humans to the Moon and, one day, on to Mars. Every show begins with a quick look at what you can see in the sky tonight. Then sit back for a full dome movie experience.

Genoa Fish Hatchery

Depart - 9:30

Return by - 12:00

$10.00 20-30 seats

The Genoa National Fish Hatchery, located on the banks of the Mississippi River 20 miles south of La Crosse, raises a variety of native fish, freshwater mussels, and dragonflies. This field trip consists of a tour of the Great River Road Interpretive Center and the buildings which make up the Hatchery, including a feeding of the fish.

Grow La Crosse

Depart - 9:30

Return by - 11:30

$5.00 25-30

GROW La Crosse is a community non-profit on a mission to connect youth with healthy food and nature through hands-on garden based experiences. With partnerships at Western Technical College and area schools, GROW has 10 years of experience helping students relate more fully to nature and the food they eat. This trip will tour the operations at Western Technical College and give participants a feel for the experiences available to local students.

*Kari Bersagel-Graley and Bonnie Martin of GROW La Crosse are the keynote speakers at Thursday’s luncheon.

Thursday PM Field Trips

La Crosse Exploratorium

Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$8.00

38 max

Begin your journey by shrinking down to enter a single redwood leaf, and discover that all life on Earth shares a common ancestry. Then travel through time to witness key events since the Big Bang—from the first stars to the formation of the solar system—that set the stage for life. Along the way, you will see two scenarios for the dawn of life on early Earth, and discover how our planet has changed since those microscopic beginnings. Narrated by Academy Award winner Jodie Foster.

Every show begins with a quick look at what you can see in the sky tonight. Then sit back for a full dome movie experience.

La Crosse Distilling Co. *Walking Field Trip

Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$10.00

45 max

Embark on a distillery tour at La Crosse

Distilling Co. for a scientific exploration of the intricate processes behind spirit production. During the guided visit, delve into the action of fermentation and distillation, observing the precise application of scientific principles. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where the scientific precision of the distillation process manifests in the nuanced flavors of the final products.

The Nature Place

Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$10.00

25-30

The Nature Place provides K -12+ programming in the La Crosse area with a mission to inspire and cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. This trip will tour the facilities in Myrick Park and give participants a feel for the experiences available to local students.

*Matthew Branter, Executive Director of

WisCorps and administrator for The Nature Place is Friday’s keynote speaker.

Friday AM Field Trips

Summit Elementary School Forest

Depart - 9:30 Return by - 11:30

$5.00

25 max

Summit Environmental School is a public school in the School District of La Crosse serving 285 students from 4K - 5th grade. Summit is located on French Island between the Black River and the backwaters of the Mississippi. The school is on a 10-acre campus with a frog pond, school forest, vegetable garden and natural playscape. The mission of Summit Environmental School is “to provide students with a solid educational foundation in the core academic areas with an environmental focus integrated throughout the curriculum.”

Join us for a tour of the school forest and school grounds to learn about how Summit students explore their outdoor classroom. LEAFWisconsin’s K12 Forestry Education and School Forest Program has been an important partner to Summit Environmental School. LEAF Staff will be present to answer questions about the Wisconsin School Forest and LEAF School Grounds programs. This field trip is recommended for elementary school educators, however, any registered conference participants may attend.

USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Depart - 9:30 Return by - 11:30

$5.00

20-25 seats

Take a tour of the newly renovated Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. The tour starts with an overview of the available resources produced by the USGS (science education, publications, maps, datasets etc.), and a walking tour of the center to learn about the science taking place in the region.

Kwik

Trip Distribution Center and Food Protection Lab

Depart - 9:30

$5.00

Return by - 11:30

25 seats max

Welcome to Kwik Trip! 98% of all the products sold at your neighborhood Kwik Trip are shipped from the KT Distribution Center. We will walk through the 7-football field-long facility and watch as hundreds of coworkers pull the orders for 850-plus stores. You will also go inside our famous banana room where we ripen roughly 48 million pounds of bananas every year.

From there, we will head to KT’s state-of-theart Food Protection Lab and get a behind-thescenes look at all of the things our experts do to make sure our products and facilities are safe. Kwik Trip is one of the only convenience stores in the nation with its own lab. Our team performs roughly 500 tests every day. The KT lab is also one of just 60 worldwide certified to perform PCR, a type of genetic testing.

Requirements/Miscellaneous:

• ammonia policy.

All guests are required to sign off on KT’s

Participants should wear comfortable cloth-

• ing and comfortable walking shoes. Pants and close-toed shoes are required. No

• skirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

• duction facilities.

Photography is not allowed inside our pro-

Friday Afternoon Field Trips

Grow La Crosse

Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$5.00 25-30

GROW La Crosse is a community non-profit on a mission to connect youth with healthy food and nature through hands-on garden based experiences. With partnerships at Western Technical College and area schools, GROW has 10 years of experience helping students relate more fully to nature and the food they eat. This trip will tour the operations at Western Technical College and give participants a feel for the experiences available to local students.

*Kari Bersagel-Graley and Bonnie Martin of GROW La Crosse are the keynote speakers at Thursday’s luncheon.

Mississippi Valley Archeology Center

Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$10.00

30 max

The Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC) at UW-La Crosse has been researching, preserving, and teaching about the archaeological resources of the Driftless Area for over 40 years. Join us for a tour of the MVAC lab to view exhibits focused on the archaeology of the region: projectile points from the four earliest Native cultures in Wisconsin, pottery, bone tools, and displays of finds from recent excavations, along with 3-D replicas of area rock art. The basement portion of the lab tour will cover such topics such as processing artifacts, curation, and viewing artifacts that are not usually available to the general public. Tours are provided by staff archaeologist who will be avail-

able to answer questions you may have about why we dig in certain locations, the most common types of artifacts recovered, and how the available natural resources affected the lifestyles of the early people of Wisconsin.

*Please note that the basement of the lab is not usually open to the public, and is therefore not handicapped accessible.

La Crosse Distilling Co. *Walking Field Trip Depart - 1:30 Return by - 3:30

$10.00

45 max

Embark on a distillery tour at La Crosse Distilling Co. for a scientific exploration of the intricate processes behind spirit production. During the guided visit, delve into the action of fermentation and distillation, observing the precise application of scientific principles. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where the scientific precision of the distillation process manifests in the nuanced flavors of the final products.

RUnnInG FOR DISTRICT 5: PATRICK E. MOOTZ, DEFOREST

Position Statement and Vision: I am honored to express my candidacy for the position of District Representative with the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers. As a passionate educator, I am committed to advancing key principles that form the bedrock of effective science education: inquiry-based learning, collaboration, inspiration, and equity.

I firmly believe in the power of inquiry-based education to foster a deep understanding of scientific principles. By encouraging students to question, explore, and investigate, we not only enhance their knowledge but also instill critical thinking skills essential for their future success.

I am dedicated to championing inquiry-based methodologies that empower students to be active participants in their learning journey. Collaboration is the heartbeat of a thriving educational community. I envision a learning environment where students are not just recipients of

knowledge but active collaborators in their educational experience. Additionally, I am committed to facilitating collaboration among fellow educators. By sharing insights, resources, and best practices, we can collectively elevate the quality of science education in our district.

Inspiration is the catalyst for a lifelong love of learning. I am dedicated to creating an engaging and stimulating atmosphere where every student is inspired to explore the wonders of science.

Through dynamic teaching methods, real-world applications, and interactive experiences, I aim to spark curiosity and passion that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.

Ensuring equitable access to quality science education is at the forefront of my vision. I am committed to advocating for resources and practices that address the unique needs of all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can break down barriers and provide every student with the opportunity to excel in the field of science.

In summary, my vision for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers revolves around

WSST Voting Districts

District 1 (CESA 11 & 12)

District 2 (CESA 9 & 10)

District 3 (CESA 7 & 8)

District 4 (CESA 3 & 4)

District 5 (CESA 2 & 5)

District 6 (CESA 6)

District 7 (CESA 1)

WSST Elections · February/March 2024

promoting inquiry-based education, fostering collaboration, inspiring young minds, and championing equity. If given the opportunity to serve as District Representative, I am committed to advocating for policies and practices that advance these principles, contributing to the collective success of both educators and students in our state.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Background Education

BS in Biology from UWSP, Minor in Coaching

Present Teaching Assignment or Employment

Deforest Area High School

Professional Activities

WSST Conference Co-Chair 2023, DAHS

Numeracy Team Member

Professional Organizations

WSST Member, NSTA Member

Interests

Coaching- wrestling, track and field (throws), rugby, the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking)

RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 6: TERI DILLENBERG, HORTONVILLE

Position Statement and Vision

I feel WSST is a wonderful organization to share resources with other teachers, and learn about new ideas and how to implement them. Educators become connected and can share science celebrations and concerns.

Background Education

I graduated from Hortonville High school in 1988, went to UWO, graduated spring of 1994.

Present Teaching Assignment:

I took a position with Hortonville Area school District fall of 1994. I was hired to teach extended day kindergarten, their version of head start at that time. A few years later I chose to move to a first grade position, opted to join third grade, where I have been happily teaching ever since. I am currently employed at North Greenville Elementary.

Professional Activities

NGES SEL team, Wellness Committee, and Farm to School

Professional Organizations

WSST Interests

Gardening, crocheting, and binge watching action thrills or sci-fi

RUNNING FOR DISTRICT 7: STACEY STRANDBERG, MILWAUKEE

Position Statement and Vision

Becoming involved with a network of science teachers locally and globally has allowed me to express my passion to my students and peers in a more effective manner for the past seventeen years. Involvement in WSST and NABT yearly has given me the resources to bring new ideas and technology to my students which makes them more active learners in their education. I love sharing ideas and talking through curriculum ideas with teachers and peers that have a similar passion for the classroom. For example, reading AP Biology exams for over forty hours in one week is not fun, but the level of learning I receive from reading the tests gives me a better understanding of a typical student’s misconceptions and therefore helps me to be a better teacher for my students. Talking with teachers at the AP reading leads me to build relationships with other teachers and to ensure that I keep up with trends in education and science. Sharing my summer workshop experiences with students allows them to understand that their education does not end when they graduate but should continue throughout their lifetime. As the Biology department coordinator and department chair, I also encourage my peers to become involved with furthering their education and with engaging their students with a variety of science scenarios. My desire is for my students and peers to see how engaged and passionate I am and how I continually look for ways to make a lesson or unit more interesting. I want to be the teacher that allowed students to think outside of the box, the teacher that celebrated her students for not having the answer but instead wanting to go and find the answers to questions they did not even know they had. My vision as a

WSST Elections · February/March 2024

District Director for WSST would be to collaborate with more science teachers in my region to give them the support they need and the opportunity to grow in their science leadership positions within their schools and communities.

Background Education

• Miami University (Graduate school) MAT Biology, Oxford, OH, 04/2019 – 12/2021

• UW Oshkosh BS Biology, 09/1990 – 01/1995 Oshkosh, WI

• St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, 08/2005 –01/2007

Present Teaching Assignment or Employment

• College-Prep Biology, AP Biology & 105 Dual Credit Biology teacher

• Science Department Chair

• Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Milwaukee, WI

Professional Activities

• WSST District 7 Director CESA 1

• College Board/ETS AP Biology Reader

• Introductory to Biology Task Force (IBTF)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase MD

• Praxis Biology National Advisory Committee (NAC) Chauncy Conference Center, Princeton, NJ

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Field tester of Biointeractive resources

Professional Organizations

• WSST membership (2008 – Present)

Attends annual conference every year. Vendor coordinator 2016 & 2017. Vendors volunteer 2014. Conference planning committees volunteer for 2019.

• NABT membership (2010 – Present)

Attends annual conference in the fall. Published a lesson plan for ABT (American Biology Teacher)

• Model Teacher for 3DMD

Demonstrates and explains the use of modeling to teachers and students.

• WSST PD Committee Member

Attended Science Futures 2017, WINGS 2022, WINGS PD committee 2023.

Presented for the WSST Book club 2023 and will present for current book club February

2024

• WSST Equity Committee Member

Collaborated with writing mission statement. Interests

I have a love for traveling/exploring new and familiar places. When I am traveling the curiosity to learn or know more about the area/community will have me researching weeks to months in advance. Farmers markets are intriguing to me. I love to see and taste different produce that is not currently available in Wisconsin. As a family we go camping, boating and engage in cooking big family meals or baking desserts together.

RUNNING FOR SECRETARY:

STEPHAINE M. BAKER WONEWOC-CENTER

I've proudly served as WSST's Secretary for five years, cherishing every moment. WSST's legacy as a science education advocate inspires me to continue nurturing science education in Wisconsin as Secretary. My goal is to give back to an organization that's enriched my knowledge, improved my methods, and introduced me to countless dedicated teachers.

Vision for WSST

• Advocacy: WSST's voice must remain influential in shaping Wisconsin's science education landscape. I pledge to strengthen our advocacy efforts by collaborating with policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. Together, we'll ensure science education retains its prominence in our state.

• Professional Development: WSST's strength lies in providing resources and professional development for educators. I'll expand these offerings, granting members access to innovative teaching strategies, curricula, and technology tools. By encouraging idea-sharing and best practices, we'll enhance teaching quality.

• Community Building: WSST thrives as a supportive community for science educators. I'll promote networking events, mentorship programs, and interactive platforms for knowledge exchange. Fostering a strong community

WSST Elections · February/March 2024

empowers teachers to excel.

• Why I'm the Right Choice

With a Bachelor of Science from UW-La Crosse and a Master of Arts in Instruction from Saint Mary's University, I bring a solid educational foundation. My experience teaching middle school science and technology at WonewocCenter Schools has exposed me to the field's challenges and opportunities.

As WSST's Secretary since 2019 and my participation in science workshops and mentoring roles, my commitment to science education is evident. Membership in professional organizations like ISTE and MESTA showcases my dedication to staying current.

In conclusion, I'm passionate about WSST's mission. If elected as Secretary, I'll passionately advocate for science education, provide valuable resources, and foster a strong community of science educators. Together, we'll inspire Wisconsin's next generation of scientists and innovators.

Thank you for considering me for Secretary of WSST. I eagerly look forward to continuing to serve Wisconsin's science education community.

Background Information

-Bachelor of Science from UW-La Crosse

-Master of Arts in Instruction from Saint Mary’s University in Winona

-Reading Specialist 317

Present Teaching Assignment

Middle School Science at Wonewoc-Center Schools, grades 6-8 in earth, life, and physical science, Technology teacher

Professional Activities

• WSST Secretary (2018- present)

• Regional Promotions Director for Driftless Wonders Conference

• ALOT of Science (UW-La Crosse) physical workshop (2012-2014, 2015-2016)

• iTEAMS physical science workshop (20172018)

• TAP mentor teacher (2009-2012)

Professional Organizations

WSST, ISTE, MESTA (Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association)

Interests

Hiking, camping, reading, yoga, biking, travel, spending time with my family

Listen to Lab Out Loud

Listen to Wisconsin’s own Brian Bartel and Dale Basler discuss science news and science education with leading scientists, researchers, science writers, and other important figures in the field. A selection of links and notes accompanies each episode, enabling the listener to dig deeper into the topics discussed. Listen to and download episodes of Lab Out Loud at www.laboutloud.com

Questions, comments or suggestions should be submitted via laboutloud.com/contact/

SCIENCE NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Free Resources from Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education

Did you know that the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education has free resources to teach about energy and forestry, including hands-on kits that can be checked out for free to use with students across Wisconsin? Put in your requests now for kits during the spring and summer. See below for some of our most popular kits, or go online for the full collection at www.uwsp.edu/wcee/wcee/kits/

Energy Kits include:

Energy Audit Kit – all the tools you

• and your students need to do a school energy audit.

Pedal Power – an incredible way to

• catch students’ attention and interest them in the effort it takes to generate electricity. While the kit must be picked up in person, there are additional kits hosted elsewhere around the state.

Solar Tilt Kit – this kit lets students

• experiment with solar installation skills as they test how the angle of a solar panel affects its production. Sun Oven – now with a second Sun

• Oven available in Milwaukee, try cooking a meal in this oven powered purely by the sun (cookbook and pans included!)

• your own blades to test wind turbine configurations with the two included KidWind turbines.

Wind Kit – new and improved, create

Hand-Crank Generator – interested in

Forestry Kits include:

• the Pedal Power kit but need a kit that can be shipped? The Hand Crank Generator lets students compare the difficulty of lighting an incandescent bulb versus an LED by turning a crank.

Solar Load Kit – our newest kit and a

• great way to demonstrate the power of renewable energy. Test out how to run motors, pumps, and lights from solar panels.

Forest Exploration Toolkit – picture

• books, guides, and hands-on resources for exploring forests with young children.

Forestry Education Kit – perfect for

• high schoolers, this kit has tools to facilitate teaching tree identification and management, plot investigations, and navigation using compasses. Forest Health Kit – learn about dis-

• eases and invasive species that impact the health of a forest with real sam-

ples.

• variety of products that come from forests and some associated careers.

Forest Products Kit – explore the wide

Grade Band Kits – perfect for use

• with LEAF curriculum, these kits contain books, materials, and printed lessons and handouts – everything needed to run the lessons for a given grade level.

Bat Kits – with three kits covering

• different age ranges, these kits include a fun mix of books, posters, and hands-on resources about bats.

• preserved Emerald Ash Borer larvae and a beetle, along with bark samples and educational materials.

Emerald Ash Borer Kit – examine real

Wildlife Tracks Kit – dozens of resin

• tracks of North American wildlife can supplement your lessons on ecosystems, develop creative art projects, or enhance animal information sheets.

Wildland Fire Kit – equipment that

• models what professional wildland firefighters use in the field.

General Environmental Kits include: Enviroscape – demonstrate water pol-

• lution and stormwater management with the Enviroscape model of a watershed.

Even better, kits ship for free to Wisconsin educators during the 20232024 school year! With only a handful of exceptions for our most delicate kits, any educator too far away from Stevens Point to pick up a kit in person can instead request the kit be delivered straight to their school. Kits can be checked out for up to four weeks at a time, and reserved up to a year in advance. Our most popular kits get reserved quickly, so make sure to plan ahead and make your requests as soon as you know when you’ll need a kit!

Wisconsin’s Forestry Education Program work-

shops

from LEAF

Step Outside Into Learning

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., May 1st, 2024

UWSP at Wausau | Wausau

Fee: $25 Registration link

Contact: Jonathan Ismail

Description: Harness the benefits of the most interactive instruction possible: learning on school grounds, outside the four walls of the classroom. Conducting class outside offers many academic, social and emotional benefits for students. Studies link outdoor learning to improvement in attitudes toward school, increased student achievement, higher attendance, increased social development, and physical health benefits. This workshop is designed for K-8 teachers who are new to conducting class outside and are looking to boost their skills with beginning level resources.

Healthy Forests - Healthy Waters

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., June 11th, 2024

Nicolet Union High School | Glendale

Fee: $50

Registration link

Contact: Steve Schmidt

Description: Water health and forest ecosystems go hand-in-hand, and school forests provide many opportunities for engaging students in learning about this relationship. Whether in urban environments or the Northwoods, water is directly linked to trees and forests and connects these different parts of our state. Get inspired to teach about water at your school forest or other local site.

Apply for an OST Grant

Do you have an interest in starting or continuing an afterschool program in STEM? There may be after school educators in your community who want to lead STEM, but don’t have the skills or resources. Maybe you have students who may not be flourishing in school time but may find success in a less structured environment of afterschool, interacting in STEM activities? Recent research has shown that students’ interest in and success in STEM and their development of a STEM identity depends as much or more on experiences outside of the school day as in classroom science learning. Some students who struggle with STEM in the classroom experience success and excitement for STEM in the less structured, choice-based out of school time environment.

Let WSST help you develop your own out of school program or collaborate with after school educators/programs in your community with the Out of School Time Partnership Grant. The grant amount is $1500 and funds can be used for stipends for educators to meet, collaborate and develop plans for STEM programming and lead PD, costs to conduct professional development: food, materials, stipends for participants, and STEM materials and curricula. The grant application can be accessed at www.wsst.org/singlepost/apply-for-an-out-of-school-time-partnership-grant-by-april-30. If you have questions, please contact Dolly Ledin at daledin3@gmail.com or Kristin Michalski at president@wsst.org.

“I am so impressed and so happy with Meet the Lab. This is difficult material for my 8th graders and this resource makes it VERY doable and VERY interesting and VERY grade level applicable."

Help your students apply STEM learning to real-world challenges!

Feeding and Fueling the World

June 24–25, 2024 elkhorn, WIsconsIn

Get equipped to bring science to life in your classroom—register for this 2-day immersive workshop on the science of food production and sustainable fuels.

How can we feed an ever-growing population and establish food security?

Every student deserves inquiry-driven learning that engages with real-world challenges. The unique Feeding and Fueling the World workshop will help middle and high school science teachers gain a deeper understanding of the impact of food production on environmental issues and nutrition around the world.

• Opportunity to network with industry experts

• Experience biotechnology in agriculture during an industry field trip

You’ll receive:

• $300 of classroom materials

• NGSS-aligned curriculum

• Hotel stay and meals

Feeding and Fueling the World is brought to Wisconsin by Wisconsin Corn and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.

Limited spots are available for this free experience—register today!

Nourish the Future is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers that connects students to modern agriculture.

The program is generously sponsored by National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board.

Constant Companions:

Circumpolar Constellations, Part I

By Kat Troche

Winter in the northern hemisphere offers crisp, clear (and cold!) nights to stargazers, along with better views of several circumpolar constellations. What does circumpolar mean when referring to constellations? This word refers to constellations that surround the north and south celestial poles without ever falling below the horizon. Depending on your latitude, you will be able to see up to nine circumpolar constellations in the northern hemisphere. Today, we’ll focus on three that have gems within: Auriga, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Minor. These objects can all be

spotted with a pair of binoculars or a small to medium-sized telescope.

The Pinwheel Cluster: Located near the edge of Auriga, this open star cluster is easy to spot with a pair of binoculars or small telescope. At just 25 million years old, it contains no red giant stars and looks similar to the Pleiades. To find this, draw a line between the stars Elnath in Taurus and Menkalinan in Auriga. You will also find the Starfish Cluster nearby.

The Owl Cluster: Located in the ‘W’ or ‘M’ shaped constellation Cassiopeia, is the open star cluster known as the Owl Cluster. Sometimes referred to as the E.T. Cluster or Dragonfly Cluster, this group of stars never sets below the horizon and can be spotted with binoculars or a small

The counterclockwise circumpolar constellations Auriga, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Minor in the night sky, with four objects circled in yellow labeled: Pinwheel Cluster, Starfish Cluster, Owl Cluster, and Polaris. Credit: Stellarium Web

telescope.

Polaris: Did you know that Polaris is a triple star system? Look for the North Star on the edge of Ursa Minor, and with a medium-sized telescope, you should be able to separate two of the three stars. This star is also known as a Cepheid variable star, meaning that it varies in brightness, temperature and diameter. It’s the closest one of its kind to Earth, making it a great target for study and conceptual art.

Up next, catch the King of the Planets before its gone for the season with our upcoming mid-month article on the Night Sky Network page through NASA’s website!

This article is distributed by NASA’s Night Sky Network (NSN). The NSN program supports astronomy clubs across the USA dedicated to astronomy outreach. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov to find local clubs, events, and more!

A black and white image from the Hubble Telescope of the Polaris star system, showing three stars: Polaris A, Ab, and Polaris B. Credit: NASA, ESA, N. Evans (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA), and H. Bond (STScI)

WSST Newsletter

192 Depot Road

Cambridge, WI 53523

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Volume 65, No. 3

Published in Appleton, Wisconsin

Editing & Layout: Brian Bartel

Publisher: Kevin Niemi

DUES EXPIRE ON DATE PRINTED

Submissions to the Newsletter

If you wish to contribute to the WSST Newsletter or place an advertisement, please forward items to Newsletter Editor, Brian Bartel, Morgan Building, 120 East Harris St, Appleton, WI 54911. The preferred method of submission is by e-mail at newsletter@wsst.org. Please send as text or Microsoft Word Document.

For advertising rates, visit www.wsst.org/newsletter

Join us or check your account

Stay informed and get connected with the largest professional society for teachers of science in Wisconsin. Regular Membership in WSST is only $25 per year, Retired teacher annual membership is $15.00, and Student annual membership is $10.00. Visit www.wsst.org/join to join today.

To check on your WSST account, change your address or school, visit www.wsst.org and click on My Account.

Fall:

Winter*: Friday, November 17, 2023

Spring*: Friday, January 26, 2024

Summer*: Friday, April 26, 2024

*These will be digital issues only