Alaska Science Consortium

Late January Opportunities 2012

Opportunity #1
NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education
www.nsta.org/indianapolis
It is not secret that this conference delivers, as promised, the finest PD around. Nearly 2000 sessions, symposia, workshops, and presentations will bring inspiration and enhanced learning to your performance in the classroom. Covering major issues such as assessment, inquiry, next generation Standards, STEM, and ELL, thousands of teachers will join the discussion in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 29–April 1.

Professional Development Institutes are preconference ticketed events on Wednesday, March 28. These in-depth, full-day options provide rigorous instruction with follow-on pathway sessions during the conference. Here are a few to consider:
•   Engineering by Design: An Integrative STEM Solution for K–12
•   Using Cognitive Science to Improve Science Learning
•   The Literacy and Inquiry Connection: Instruction That Scaffolds and Enhances Scientific Thinking and Understanding
•   Conceptual Flow: Bridging the Gap Between Standards, Instructional Materials, and Student Learning
Save the most by registering before February 3, the early bird deadline.

Opportunity #2
Polar Education List: High School Student Opportunity! Joint Science Education Project in Greenland
http://www.arcus.org/jsep
High School Students are invited to apply today for the Joint Science Education Project - a summer research experience in Greenland. A limited number of high school students from the United States will join their peers from Denmark, and Greenland to spend three weeks this summer doing field science in and around Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and visit a research station on the Greenland ice sheet. Students work with Arctic scientists and with their peers on research projects in a wide variety of fields including biology, geology, climatology, chemistry and engineering.

This program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation'sOffice of Polar Programs in collaboration with the Joint Committee. Applications are due Feb 17, 2012.

Opportunity #3
Summer Research Experience for Teachers
http://eo.nso.edu/ret/
The National Solar Observatory seeks middle and high school teachers of science and mathematics who would be interested in participating in the Summer 2012 NSO Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Research Experience for Teachers Program supports active participation of K-12 teachers in research and education projects with the intent of facilitating professional development of K-12 teachers through strengthened partnerships between institutions of higher education and local school districts. The Observatory, with facilities in the Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico and at Kitt Peak insouth-central Arizona, has on-going research programs in solar physics, solar-terrestrial physics, solar-stellar physics and instrumentation. Prospective participants in the NSO Summer 2012 program could work on one or more of a number of projects.
A stipend of $875/week for up to 10 weeks will be provided. Travel funds are available, depending on need. Deadline for applications is February 20, 2012

Opportunity #4
Inspire Excellence in Science and Mathematics
http://www.intel.com/about/corporateresponsibility/education/soda/index.htm
The Intel Schools of Distinction Program honors schools in the United States that havedemonstrated excellence in math and science education. To be considered as an Intel School of Distinction, schools must develop an environment and curricula that meet or exceed benchmarks, including national mathematics and science content standards. Up to three schools at each level—elementary, middle and high school—will be named as finalists in the math and science categories. The 18 schools will receive a cash grant of $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a four-member team from their school and district. Six winners will be selected from the finalists and will receive an additional $5,000 cash grant for a total of $10,000. One of these winners will be selected as the Star Innovator and will receive an additional $15,000 grant for a total of $25,000. All five winning schools and the Star Innovator will also receive products and services from program sponsors. The deadline to apply is February 23, 2012.

Opportunity #5
Sustainable Future Challenge for Middle School Students
http://www.isweeep.org/3e-contest
The ISWEEEP 3E Sustainable Future Challenge is a national contest for middle school students that aims to create a platform for young researchers in which they present their innovative projects to take on today’s challenges in energy, engineering, and environment. Applications deadline February 24, 2012

Opportunity #6
Samsung – Solve for Tomorrow – Sharing the Wonder of STEM
https://pages.samsung.com/us/sft/home.htm
Your school can win a part of $1,000,000 in technology. Samsung and its partners are asking teachers to participate in its contest, which will address a key academic challenge in our country: to increase the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Applications deadline March 12, 2012.

Opportunity #7
Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
www.wecanchange.com
There is still plenty of time to register your team for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Join K–12 students and teachers nationwide in this exciting sustainability competition to solve environmental problems and win over $250,000 in prizes. The deadline for all entries is March 15, 2012. Finalists will be announced by April 23 and the national winners will be announced May 15.

Opportunity #8
Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers
http://www.nist.gov/iaao/teachlearn/upload/2012-SI-FFO-FINAL.pdf.The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invites applications for its Summer Institute for Middle School Science Teachers Program. The Summer Institute will provide selected teachers hands-on activities, lectures, tours and visits with NIST scientists and engineers at the NIST Campus in Gaithersburg, MD. Up to 22 awards may be made from an anticipated funding of $83,600. Eligibility is restricted to middle school teachers (6th-8th grade) at public school districts and accredited private educational institutions. Applications are due March 21.

Opportunity #9
Alaska Science Olympiad Set for March in Anchorage
www.alaskascienceolympiad.org
The Alaska Science Olympiad is being held March 31 at the University of Alaska Anchorage. For the past 28years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to nearly 6,200 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing event lineup provides a variety of career choices and exposure to practicing scientists and mentors.

Opportunity #10
2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
http://www.paemst.org
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching are still open for nominations. This year is the Elementary Cycle, which is open to K-6 teachers who have taught 5 or more years. Applications deadline May 1.

Opportunity #11
Other Invertebrates- The Natural History Museum in London
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/other-invertebrates/index.html
This Nature Online website is designed for those visitors who can't visit personally. Other Invertebrates offers visitors information about the world of the backbone-deficient, which comprise the majority of animals on earth. Make sure to check out many of the links to other information, including the deep ocean, natural disasters, reptiles, amphibians and fishes, and much more.

Opportunity #12
Sir Isaac Newton's Own Annotated Principa Mathematica
Goes On-line
http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=56812 http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/dec/12/isaac-ne wton-principia-mathematica
Check this out!

Opportunity #13
Rhythm and Math
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/the_rhythm_track/index.php
When students ask, "Why do I need math? I'm going to be a musician!”, introduce them to world-renowned drummer Ndugu Chancler. This six-minute movie contains amazing drumming, a breakdown of the mathematics of rhythm and a professional's opinion on technology and creativity. Watch the movie and download the classroom activity.

Opportunity #14
Scientist at the Smithsonian
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/scientist/index.html
Scientists in action online videos are now available. Students can watch and read about 21 scientists at the Smithsonian including a volcano watcher, a fossil hunter, art scientist, germinator, and zoo vet.

Opportunity #15
Expand Scientific Literacy and the Excitement of Discovery
http://www.bwbiotechprogram.com
The Amgen-BruceWallace Biotechnology Lab Program is an educational outreach initiative that aims to transform classrooms in middle and high schools by introducingstudents to the excitement of real-world science. The program integrates a hands-on, inquiry-based molecular biology curriculum that explores the steps involved in creating biotechnology medicines. In addition to intensive professional development for teachers, the program provides resources and materials that enable teachers to implement the curriculum in their classrooms. Each year, more than 35,000 students and hundreds of teachers have the opportunity to participate. Student Guides, in both English and Spanish, are free for students and faculty to download and print.

Opportunity #16
Applications are now being accepted for the Alaska Summer Research Academy (ASRA). ASRA is an intensive, two-week learning experience for students with an interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Students study one subject (module) and work in small teams participating in project based learning in a college-like environment.
Module sizes are small with an average of eight students and two instructors. Our instructors are faculty, graduate students and industry professionals. There are no grades, tests or homework. Modules are designed to be fun and engaging while offering challenging content.
Students in June attend classes during the day. Students in July live in UAF dorms, attend their module during the day and participate in a wide variety of fun activiites in the evenings and weekend.
In its 12th year, ASRA attracts students from throughout Alaska and the lower 48 states.
Applications are due by February 29, 2012.

Early January Opportunities

Opportunity #1
LAST CALL to Register for AVTEC’s Online High School CTE Courses! www.avtec.edu and click on Spring HS Registration link under HOT TOPICS.

Registration will close January 10th (Computer Skills) and Jan 19th (Nautical Skills) or earlier if the class maximum is reached.

Essential Computer Skills: IC3 Certification Prep Course
•Registration Deadline: Jan 10th, or sooner if class fills.
•January 16 – May 2nd via Elive (WebConference) & AVTEConline (powered by Moodle)
•Weekly live classes via Elive – day/time arranged by districts but historically Wed 10-11am.
•Description: IC3 is a globally recognized digital literacy program
that takes the user from the beginner level to intermediate level of
computer knowledge. Skills covered are computer hardware, operating
systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and
living and working with the internet.

Introduction to Nautical Skills
•Registration Deadline: Jan 19th, or sooner if class fills.
•January 23- April 20th via Video Teleconference (VTC) & AVTEConline
(powered by Moodle)
•Weekly live classes via VTC every Thurs, 8:30-9:30 (First Live VTC,
Thurs Jan 26th)
•Description: The AVTEC Maritime Academies Nautical Skills Class is
designed to introduce High School juniors and seniors to the maritime
industry and provide them with the tools they need to continue their
Maritime Education and earn Coast Guard approved certifications. This
course will cover a wide range of nautical concepts including time,
finding locations, navigation, familiarization with charts, knots,
tides, currents, nautical courtesy, basic rules of the road, and
boating/water safety. Taught by licensed andCoast Guard certified
instructors experienced in distance delivery.

Opportunity #2
Planet Connect - 2012 Wildlife Conservation Youth Engagement Grants
Apply by February 1, 2012!
http://planetconnect.org/2012wcgrants
Environmental solutions for the future can begin with you!
Whether you’re in a city, rural area or a suburb, wildlife is all around you. In many places, that wildlife faces challenges. If you’re a high school student with a creative idea for conserving and protecting wildlife,Planet Connect is offering grants of $1,000 to implement a project in your local school or community. In addition, all grantees will receive funding to participate in a local summer internship focused on wildlife conservation or natural resources.

Here’s your chance to make a difference! Apply for a national Planet Connect Youth Engagement Grant today! Need some help brainstorming project ideas? Check out the grant projects and internship summaries from the 2011 student grantees at the following website: http://planetconnect.org/2011grantwinners

Opportunity #3
Applications Now Available for the Girls on Ice 2012 Expeditions!
http://girlsonice.org
Girls on Ice is a unique, FREE, wilderness science education program for high school girls. Each year a team of 9 teenage girls and 3 instructors spend 11 days exploring and learning about mountain glaciers and alpine landscapes through scientific field studies with professional glaciologists and mountaineers.

This year 2 expeditions are being offered:

Girls on Ice NORTH CASCADES is the original expedition in Washington State. Open to all girls age 15-18 (yes, international girls can apply!) The dates are July 29 to August 9, 2012

Girls on Ice ALASKA is a new expedition, geared toward Alaskan and Pacific Northwest girls. The dates are July15-25.

Applications are due March 1, 2012

This program is offered TUITION FREE to the girls through small grants, gifts from individuals, and generous support from the National Science Foundation and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Opportunity #4
Professional Development for K-12 Educators June 24-July 14, 2012
Crowcanyon.org
This is a three -week summer institute funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities in Cortez, Colorado. Twenty-five teachers will be learn about the history and culture of the Pueblo Indians. The application deadline is March 1st. Visit the website listed for more information.

Opportunity #5
Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center’s Research Experience for Teachers
http://www.mrsec.northwestern.edu/content/educational_ programs/ret.htm
An exciting summer development opportunity- Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center’s Research Experience for Teachers. Science teachers are invited to participate in eight weeks of laboratory research with some of Northwestern’s leading scientists. Research topics include a wide range of materials science, physics and chemistry areas such as ceramics, nanocomposites, photonics, nanoparticles, and molecular electronics. The program runs from June 18 through August 10, 2012 and carries an $8,500stipend. At the end of the eight weeks, the participants not only write a technical paper based on their research, but also develop a curriculum project that they can use in their classrooms. K-12 teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering are eligible; no prior research experience is necessary. Participants are eligible to receive graduate credits through the National Louis University. The application deadline is March 15, 2012.

Opportunity #6
SSA Resources Produce Seismic Shift in Learning
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~braile/indexlinks/educ.htm
Want to shake up education? Start with the Seismological Society of America (SSA), the international scientific association devoted to advancing seismology and applications in imaging Earth’s structure and understanding and mitigating earthquake hazards.
SSA, an AGI member society, offers a number of links to educational web sites, including geoscience activities related to seismic science and earthquakes. Sponsored by Purdue University, the site features seismic eruption models, wave animations, plate
tectonics simulations, information on tsunamis, and much more.
SSA also offers publications, information on seismology careers, a distinguished lecturer series, and an electronic encyclopedia of earthquakes. Learn more about
SSA online at http://www.seismosoc.org

Opportunity #7
Examine Critical Minerals In AGI’s New EarthNote
http://www.agiweb.org/environment/earthnotes/note.html?PublicID=8
What would you do without your cell phone, computer, or car? These technological marvels require dozens of elements, which come from a finite supply of minerals. In a new EarthNote, AGI looks at what makes a mineral “critical” and how a sudden loss of resources could impact the economy. Critical minerals are defined by their dollar value, availability of substitutes, and increasing demand. Green technologies such as wind turbines and electric cars, communications technologies such as computers and cell phones, and cutting-edge military systems all depend on critical minerals. Learn more in the new EarthNote.

Opportunity #8
Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Report
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13169.
The National Academies are pleased to announce the availability of a new National Research Council report entitled "Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean" published under the guidance of the Polar Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences,

Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Oceanremains one of the world's last frontiers. Covering nearly 14 million kilometers, Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest, and windiest continent on Earth. While it is challenging to live and work in this extreme environment, the region offers many opportunities for scientific research. Substantial resources are needed to establish and maintain the infrastructure needed to provide heat, light, transportation, and drinking water, while at the same time minimizing pollution of the environment and ensuring the safety of researchers.

"Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean" suggests actions for the United States to achieve success for the next generation of Antarctic and Southern Ocean science. The report highlights important areas of research by encapsulating each into a single, overarching question. The questions fall into two broad themes: those related to global change, and those related to fundamental discoveries. In addition, the report identified key science questions that will drive research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in coming decades, and highlighted opportunities to be leveraged to sustain and improve U.S. research efforts in the region.

Opportunity #9
New! Teacher TreeSource Page
http://www.holdenarb.org/resources/TeacherTreesources.asp
Why do leaves change colors, Are all evergreens pine trees? Do cones really have seeds in them?

The Holden Arboretum has the answer to these questions and lots of others about the plants we call "evergreens" on the most recent Teacher TreeSource webpage, a new informational site that puts content knowledge, activities, books and web sites at your finger tips. During the school year Holden will continue to add pages that will help K-12 classroomteachers find ways to include tree related activities in their classroom. At the site you already can learn a lot about diversity, adaptation and reproduction by studying evergreens. Find a better answer to the questions above along with activities and resources.

Opportunity #10
New MicroGravity Page for Educators and Students
http://www.nasa.gov/education/microgravity
NASAEducation has launched a new website for students and educators about NASA’s microgravity laboratories on Earth and on the International Space Station. Visit the new site to learn about the types of platforms that researchers use to study the effects of the microgravity environment. Watch and download video and multimedia features. Answer the question: What Is Microgravity? Shoot some hoops and test your basketball skills in gravity and microgravity in Free Fall Ball. Build a Do-It-Yourself podcast with video and audio clips from NASA. And stay in touch about opportunities for students and educators.

Educators can find lesson plans for the classroom and keep students in-the-know with up-to-date information about research on the International Space Station.

Opportunity #11
Part Two: Science on Mars, Systems Engineering
http://thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/mars_science_lab
One of the most vital and rewarding engineering disciplines is also the least understood. Show your students what it means to be a Systems Engineer with Part 2 of our video series about the Mars Science Laboratory. This mission to Mars, whichincludes a car-sized rover equipped with a jackhammer drill, is the most ambitious exploration of the red planet to date!

Opportunity #12
Atlas of the Cryosphere
http://nsidc.org/data/atlas/
This atlas allows visitors to explore and dynamically map the Earth's frozen regions. Viewed from a polar perspective, the available scenes include snow cover, sea ice extent and concentration, and more. The atlas also allows users to save custom maps for use as images in other documents and to view monthly climatologies to see how and where the cryosphere shrinks and grows over the course of a year.

Opportunity #13
Biologist in Training
http://www.fws.gov/southeast/fisheries/BiT/
This program from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is designed to guide students through a hands-on exploration of aquatic habitats. The BiT Activity Booklet has been designed with the needs of upper elementary science teachers in mind. Activities offer different means of collecting, organizing, and analyzing biological information, and focus on the students’ use of observation skills to make their own discoveries. Additional resources include the BiT Activity Card geared towards younger students, extension activities, and more. The activities correlate to National Science Education Standards, and were developed by a team of teachers and environmental education experts.

Opportunity #14
Polar Bears, Conservation, Research, and Education
http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/education
Polar bears are a perfect focal point for teaching all kinds of things-from biology to geography, from math to physics, from environmental science to cultural sociology. Polar Bears International (PBI) offers free teaching and learning materials created by teachers and zoo educators on a range of topics that support national literacy standards and learning outcomes for specificschool districts. The Polar Bears and Ecotourism

2011

Late December Opportunites

Opportunity #1
Start the New Year with an Online Graduate Course from AMNH
amnh.org
Seminars on Science connects classroom teachers to scientists engaged in current, real-world research. Authored by leading scientists in their fields, all courses are co-taught by an experienced educator and a researcher affiliated with the American Museum of Natural History. Courses include Climate Change; The Solar System; Genetics, Genomics, Genethics; Evolution; and more.
All courses run for six weeks and are fully online. Each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use. Affordable graduate credit is available for all courses (see website for details). Please see the website for the full course listing. Free sample resources for each course including essays, videos, and interactive simulation are available online.
Spring Session 1 runs January 23–March 4. Registration closes January 9. Register early for a $50 discount! For more information visit the website listed above or call 800-649-6715.

Opportunity #2
Travel Stipends Available to NSTA National Conference in Indianapolis
oceanservice.noaa.gov
The NOAA Climate Stewards Education Project (CSEP) is offering a limited number of travel stipends (~ $750-800) for participants to attend the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana (March 29-April 1, 2012).
An application is available for downloading. Applications should be submitted to bruce.moravchik@noaa.gov by Friday, January 13th, 8:00 PM Eastern Time. No applications will be accepted after this time. All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they have been funded by 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Friday, February 3rd.

Opportunity #3
The Society for Science and the Public (SSP) Fellows 2012 Program
http://www.societyforscience.org/outreach
The application period is now open. This is your chance to be one of ten high school teachers competitively selected from across the country.
The SSP Fellowship, with generous support from Intel, provides teachers of under-resourced students financial and trainingresources to support and inspire the success of their most enthusiastic science students. SSP Fellows guide students to produce project-based research of the highest quality, such as is selected for SSP’s premiere science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search.
The 2011 SSP Fellows will each receive up to $8,500 as well as training and resources to start a high quality scientific research program in their schools. Included in that training is a one-week fully paid trip to attend the SSP Fellows Institute in Washington, DC worth two graduate credits. The application deadline isJanuary 15, 2012.

Opportunity #4
Host a Real Time Conversation with Crewmembers Onboard the International Space Station
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/teachingfromspace/students/ariss.html
NASA is now accepting proposals from U.S. schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations to host an Amateur Radio on the InternationalSpace Station, or ARISS, contact between July 15, 2012, and Jan. 15, 2013. To maximize these radio contact opportunities, NASA is looking for organizations that will draw large numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan. Proposals are due Jan. 30, 2012.

Using amateur radio, students can ask astronauts questions about life in space and other space-related topics. Students fully engage in the ARISS contact by helping set up an amateur radio ground station at the school and then usingthat station to talk directly with a crew member on the International SpaceStation for approximately 10 minutes. The technology is easier to acquire than ever before. ARISS has a network of mentors to help you obtain the technology required to host this once in a lifetime opportunity for your students.

Interested parties should contact Teaching From Space, a NASA Education office, to obtain complete information including how the technology works, what is expected of the host organization and how to obtain the proposal/application form by sending an email to JSC-TFS-ARISS@mail.nasa.gov or by calling 281-244-1919.

Opportunity #5
Grosvenor Teacher Fellow – NationalGeographic Education
http://www.expeditions.com/forms/grosvenor/
National Geographic Education Programs and Lindblad Expeditions are pleased to announce the 2012 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow program. This professional development opportunity, named in honor of Chairman of the National Geographic Society Education Foundation Gil Grosvenor, gives current K-12 classroom teachers and informal educators from the 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico the opportunity to extend Grosvenor’s legacy of excellence in geographic education. Selected educators will travel aboard the ship National Geographic Explorer in June or July 2012 to Norway andArctic Svalbard. While aboard, Fellows will share the importance of geo-literacy with fellow travelers, develop activities to bring back to their classrooms, and have an adventure of a lifetime in the “land of the ice bears.” Prior to the expedition, all 2012 Grosvenor Teacher Fellows will travel free to Washington, D.C. to participate in a workshop sponsored by Google, NationalGeographic, and Lindblad Expeditions.

Through this program, exemplary educators are recognized for their commitment to geo-literacy and are given a professional development opportunity to be actively engaged in finding new ways to bring geographic awareness and ocean stewardship to their classrooms or informal learning environments through afield-based experience.
The deadline for completed applications is January 31, 2012.

Opportunity #6
Japan-US Teacher Exchange Program
http://www.iie.org/esdteacher
The application is now available online for the 2012 Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for ESD. Up to 24 teachers from the U.S. will be selected to participate in 2012.
The Japan-U.S. Teacher Exchange Program for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) will provide up to 24 U.S. K-12 teachers and administrators with the opportunity to travel to a conference in San Francisco and to Japan to learn about ESD efforts and strengthen ESD curricula in both countries. The program is fully-funded with the exception of some meals. ESD is “a vision of education that seeks to balance human and economic well-being with cultural traditions and respect for the earth’s natural resources,” according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Up to 24 educators from Japan will travel to the U.S. in late April, and up to 24 educators from the U.S. will travel toJapan in June. At the end of the program in each country, all 48 educators will gather for a few days of joint collaboration. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2012.

Opportunity #7
Google Science Fair Returns
http://www.google.com/sciencefair
In January 2012, Google will launch the second annual Google Science Fair. The Google Science Fair is an international competition that encourages students between the ages of 13 to 18 to be curious, ask questions, and perform science experiments to answer those questions. In partnership with CERN, National Geographic, LEGO and Scientific American, Google invites these students to post their science projects online so thatthey may compete for prizes, scholarships and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Interested students and teachers should visit the website to register to benotified when the competition opens.

Opportunity #8
2012 National Youth Science Camp Competition Open
Applications due by February 17, 2012
nysc.org
The 2012 National Youth Science Camp competition is now open to Alaskan Seniors who who will graduate by June 30, 2012. The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) is a residential science education program that honors and challenges two graduating high school science students from each state and others from selected countries around the world. Scientists from across the nation present lectures and hands-on science seminars and linger to interact informally with student delegates. Delegates are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical sciences, art, and music with resident staff members. Opportunities are provided for delegates to present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research. A visit to Washington D.C. permits delegates to visit some of the nation’s premier scientific, governmental, and cultural facilities. The NYSC experience includes overnight excursions into the Monongahela National Forest, featuring backpacking, rock-climbing,caving, mountain biking, and kayaking opportunities. Delegates are required to participate in the camp program for its entirety. Delegates must arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, and depart on Saturday, July 21, 2012.
A complete application consists of an original and one copy of the following:
1.    Delegate Application Cover Sheet (please print or type),
2.    A letter detailing your qualifications and reasons for applying (must be typed),
3.    A resume detailing your academic achievements and extra-curricular activities,
4.    A recent academic transcript (including standardized test scores when possible),
5.    A letter of support from a teacher or research mentor.
Mail or ship your complete application directly to your selection coordinator (bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov) so that it is received no later than February 17, 2012.

Opportunity #9
ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships
http://www.cgcs.org/cms/lib/DC00001581/Centricity/Domain/19/ExxxonMobil%20%202012%20Scholarshiip%20Application.pdf
The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship is an opportunity especially for African American and Hispanic students. Named for the first African American to walk in space. ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships are available to 2012 graduating high school seniors in school districts represented by the Council of the Great City Schools.
Four scholarships for two males and two females of $5,000 eachwill be awarded to two African American and two Hispanic students on behalf of the former NASA astronaut, physician and businessman, Dr. Bernard Harris. The application submission deadline isApril 2, 2012.

Opportunity #10
Teaching for a Smarter Planet
www.nsrconline.org
Each of the three Smithsonian Science Education Academies is a week-long immersive science experience, including content sessions to deepen your understanding of key concepts, and behind-the-scenes access to Smithsonian collections and cutting-edge science at world-class research facilities. Three optional graduate-level credits are available for each Academy. There is an early bird registration deadline of May 14, 2011.

Opportunity #11
Encounters: Radio Experiences in the North
www.encountersnorth.org/wildexplorer
This is is a nationally-distributed public radio show about natural history in the North. Hosted by cultural anthropologist and award-winning writer Richard Nelson. And former NPR senior correspondent Elizabeth Arnold, the show mixes western science and native knowledge with
unusual natural sound and a first person experience. Now, the program has expanded its website to include information for teachers and student researchers. It is a carefully researched, reliable, multi-media source for students and teachers looking for information on everything wild in the north - polar bears, moose, grizzlies, and more.
There are slide shows, videos, short sound clips and of course the full length radio programs (29 minutes) that make excellent teaching tools. And it's free!

Opportunity #12
Use Water Wisely
http://www.discoverwater.org
The Project WETFoundation’s new Discover Water website is a free online resource for students and teachers about water and water-related topics, including water on Earth, the water cycle, oceans, fresh water, watersheds, water conservation and protection, direct and indirect water use, and water and health.

Opportunity #13
Citizen Science Opportunity
http://php.scripts.psu.edu/dept/psarc/index.php?page=citizen-science-project
The Astrobiology Research Center with Pennsylvania's NASA Space Grant program is piloting a citizen science project to study microbial diversity in household water systems. They are currently recruiting 3 households from every state, including DC and PuertoRico, to acquire a water sample from their kitchen tap and answer about 20 questions. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about astrobiology.

Opportunity #14
Gr PK-5: Take Me Fishing for FREE
http://discoverylake.discoveryeducation.com/ and
http://exploretheblue.com/
The Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Discovery Education invite all kids to experience the joy of America's lakes, rivers and streams. Explore the Blue is a comprehensive program that provides you with classroom resources to lead the way. From 28 cross-curricular, standards-aligned lesson plans to Discovery Streaming videos, a regional U.S. habitat map, and Thrill of the Catch, an interactive fishing game.

Opportunity #15
Information to Share with Parents - Myths About Science
Myth #1: Science teaching is better left to the science teacher.
A parent is a child's first and most important teacher. Whether you know it or not, your child has been learning from you since the moment he or she was born. Many parents, however, would rather leave science teaching to the teacher. Parents play a very important role and have the ability to significantly increase achild's interest and performance in science. With a little creativity, you can work science into your child's everyday life and find many opportunities for you and your child to explore and learn together.

Myth #2: Science is difficult.
It would be difficult to know all the facts of science. But science isn’t just facts. It’s a way of seeing the world around us and solving problems. Doing science is for everyone! That’s why “being scientific” is a great family activity.

Myth #3: I'm not a scientist and don’t know enough about science to help my kids.
You do not have to be a scientist to help your children learn science. The majority ofparents in this country are not scientists, but it doesn't mean they can’t help their children learn science. Questions like Why is the sky blue? Why does ice float? Or how does a Frisbee soar through the air? are just a few examples of science questions you can explore with your children. The most important starting point is to ask: “Why?”

Myth #4: I have to know the answers to all of my child's questions.
It's okay to say, “I don't know.” As a parent, you're probably familiar with the questions “Why?” and “How come?” Children by nature are very inquisitive and interested in the world around them. We wouldn't be telling the truth if wesaid we could answer all of their questions. But herein lies the opportunity for them to explore, alone or with you, and have fun discovering the answers.
Myth #5: Science is all about facts and not very interesting.

SCIENCE IS FUN! Science teaching today is a lot different than it was years ago. Today's emphasis is on inquiry, which means children are encouraged to explore their own natural curiosities about the world around them. Science museums and centers are sprouting up around the country because they allow children to conduct independent investigations on their own … and children have a lot of fun!

Myth #6: Science requires equipment.
Science is everywhere! The skills of science can be practiced in any environment, including the kitchen or the park. The best way to begin is through conversation. Parents who ask open-ended questions (ones that don’t have just one “right” answer) and who listen patiently to their children’s responses are modeling the most essential skills for young scientists.

Myth #7: Science skills should wait for reading skills.
To encourage the “whole child,” parents and teachers should join together to foster early science experiences along with opportunities for reading. In many ways, preschoolers’ developmental skills are more suited to doing science than reading. Learning about science also can motivate kids to read.

Early December Opportunites

Opportunity #1
K-12: Apply now for the Gustav Ohaus Award
http://us.ohaus.com/us/en/home/markets/education-world/gustav-ohaus-award.aspx
For over 40 years, Ohaus Corporation has been sponsoring this program, which is designed to recognize innovations which have the potential to improve science teaching at the primary, secondary and college levels. These innovations may be in the form of curricula design, teaching strategies, administrative and/or organizational patterns, and laboratory utilization with emphasis on measurement activities.

The Gustav Ohaus Awards Program offers one award winner a trip to the NSTA National Convention, a cash prize of $1500, a personalized Gustav Ohaus award plus other benefits.

Ohaus will also recognize the awardees' school, which will receive Ohaus product (up to $1000) and a school plaque for display at their location.

Winners will be presented their award each year at the National Science Teachers Association's National Convention during an all expense paid dinner with corporate representatives from Ohaus. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2011.

Opportunity #2
Are You an Eco-Hero?
http://www.actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards
Action For Nature is proud to honor the work of young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have done creative environmental projects. The winners of AFN’s International Young Eco-Hero Awards program receive a cash prize and a special certificate, as well as public recognition on our Web site and elsewhere. This is a great chance for you to share your environmental activism and creative work. We look forward to again supporting young people from all around the world working to save our planet. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2012

Opportunity #3
Biology Competition Opens for High School Students
http://www.usabo-trc.org
The USA Biology Olympiad is open for registration to February 3, 2012. There is a $75 fee per school, with no limit on the number of students who participate. Contact Kathy Frame at kframe@cee.org for more information.

Here’s how it works: After two rounds of difficultexams, twenty finalists are invited to a residential training program where they learn advanced biological concepts and exacting lab skills at Purdue University. Ultimately, four students earn the right to represent the U.S. at the International Biology Olympiad, a competition involving student teams from roughly sixty countries.

Opportunity #4
New SSEP Mission 2 Flight Opportunity
http://ssep.ncesse.org
SSEP Mission 2 to ISS includes an experiment design competition March though May 2012, with selected flight experiments flying to ISS aboard Soyuz 32 in September 2012 – a great way to start the new school year. All communities interested in participating in Mission 2 should contact the center as soon as possible.
SSEP is the first pre-college STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education program that is both a U.S. national initiative and implemented as an on-orbit commercial space venture. SSEP is enabled through NanoRacks LLC, which is working in partnership with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory.
About NCESSE
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) creates and oversees national initiatives addressing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, with a focus on earth and space. Programs are designed to provide an authentic window on science as a human endeavor. Central objectives of the Center’s programs are to help ensure a scientifically literate public and a next generation of U.S. scientists and engineers – both of which are of national importance in an age of high technology. NCESSE is a Project of the Tides Center. http://ncesse.org
About NanoRacks, LLC
NanoRacks LLC was formed in 2009 to provide quality hardware and services for the U.S. National Laboratory onboard the International Space Station. NanoRacks now has two research platforms onboard the U.S. National Laboratory that can house plug and play payloads using the Cube-Sat form factor. Our current signed customer pipeline of over 50 payloads, including domestic and international educational institutions, research organizations and government organizations, has propelled NanoRacks into a leadership position in understanding the emerging commercial market for low-earth orbit utilization. Visit us at www.nanoracks.com and @nanoracks
Media Contact
Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Center Director, NCESSE
301-395-0770 jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org

Opportunity #5
2012 Kavli Save the World Through Science and Engineering Video Contest
http://www.usasciencefestival.org/2012festival/contests/kavli-video-contest
The Kavli Foundation is challenging Grades 6-12 students across the world to brainstorm and share their ideas! This year's contest theme is inspired the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges. The NAE recently asked some of the world's leading technological thinkers to identify what needs to be done to make people and our planet thrive.

Students worldwide are invited to submit entries to the 2012 video contest, with cash awards and prizes for the top entries. The best videos will be shown at the Festival Expo during April 27-29, 2012, where hundreds of thousands of science fans are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. The first place winner will also receive a travel stipend to attend the Expo. The deadline to enter is March 1, 2012.

Opportunity #6
Polar Science Weekend at Pacific Science Center (March 1-4)
http://bit.ly/sEWWWw.
The 7th annual Polar Science Weekend (PSW) brings student, teachers and families face-to-face with active scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth, to learn first-hand about Arctic and Antarctic research in a fun and informal setting. PSW consists of many hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and exhibits about current polar research, presented by the researchers themselves. PSW highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA E/PO for Earth and Space Science.

Opportunity #7
The Juneau Icefield Research Program
http://www.juneauicefield.com/
This is a program for high school students that will be held June 23-August 18, 2012. Applications are due April 15, 2012.

Opportunity #8
PK-12: Design Squad Nation: Build Big Competition Results
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/contest/index.html
Design Squad Nation recently challenged viewers to choose an activity from the DSN website and SUPER SIZE it in a Build Big Competition! Watch some of the amazing submissions and be inspired to build your own BIG design.

Opportunity #9
K-12: Build an Efficient Recycling Business
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/garbage-dreams/game.html?THEBIGDEALBOOK=634542712648781250
On the outskirts of Cairo lies the world’s largest garbage village, where 60,000 Zaballeen—Arabic for “garbage people”—have survived for centuries by recycling nearly 80 percent of Cairo’s waste. Can your students build a recycling business as efficient as the Zaballeen’s? Students can try their skill in Garbage Dreams, a recycling game sponsored by the PBS series Independent Lens.

Opportunity #10
Watch Student Excitement Blast Off with NASA Science Activities
http://education.ti.com/calculators/downloads/US/Activities/Search/Keywords?k=nasa
Together, NASA and Texas Instruments’ (TI) have created 30 new classroom-ready science activities on space exploration.

Opportunity #11
New Freebies from Sid and Dinosaur Train
http://pbskids.org/sid/
Many preschool and kindergarten teachers use the PBS Kids series Dinosaur Train and Sid the Science Kid to encourage scientific curiosity in their students. Now as part of a special, limited-time offer, teachers can sign up to receive new free educational materials connected with these popular programs.

The Dinosaur Train educator toolkit can engage young children in paleontology, life science, and natural history. Each toolkit contains episode clips, music videos, lyric sheets, and preK–Kindergarten lesson plans from the series. On the same request form:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&pli=1&
formkey=dHFSWll5cjBjMTZUQ2dYLW1UWGxQTEE6MQ#gid=0
sign up to receive a Dinosaur Train Nature Tracker poster! The front shows a full-color image of Buddy and his siblings, while on the back, teachers will find tips for safety and science fun outdoors.

In addition, teachers can sign up to receive Sid the Science Kid posters for their young scientists! The front of the poster features a full-color image of Sid, his friends, and teacher Susie at the science center; the back contains tips for engaging young children in science and interacting at a science center or museum. Please visit:
http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/

Opportunity #12
Use Technology to Observe Animals
http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/animals/index.jsp?
The Secret Lives of Wild Animals looks at new technologies being used to observe animals in their natural environments. Students can view video clips and read stories about tracking white-tailed deer, ocelots, agoutis, dragonflies, zebras and seals.

Opportunity #13
Tour the Solar System
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/tour-solar-system.html?utm_source=
Facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=pbs&Your students can explore the planets, visit the moon and gaze at the stars in this 3-Dinteractive model of the solar system. With one click, they can visit Saturn, Venus or the other planets and then spin and explore them in three dimensions. The interface uses NASA calculations to precisely position all celestial bodies. Students click to watch the positions of the planets and moon change as time passes. If they’re impatient, they can click ahead to see how the stars align in the year 2100.

Opportunity #14
Leaps and Flutters – Game Ages 7-9
http://1.usa.gov/sR91E5.
This is a “Chutes and Ladders” type game. As players land on squares, depending on the described action, they either “leap” frog ahead if they help the environment, or butterfly “flutter” back if they do not. There is a short explanation as part of the game as to why we should care about frogs and butterflies, as well as some facts about the activities on the game board and why they are good or not good for the environment.

Opportunity #15
Gr 6-8: GRAIL MoonKAM
https://moonkam.ucsd.edu/home
On September 8, 2011, NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory, or GRAIL, mission launched to the moon. This mission will use twin spacecraft in a tandem orbit to measure the moon's gravity in unprecedented detail. The GRAIL Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students, or MoonKAM, project is an exciting opportunity that allows middle school students to take pictures of the lunar surface from cameras mounted on the twin spacecraft. Visit the site to register, find student activities, teacher guides and related educational resources. Observations will begin in March 2012.