RI Science Professional Development and Student Opportunity Bulletin

March 22, 2013

This bulletin will be sent on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If you would like to share an event, quality resource, or other opportunity, please follow the directions for doing so at the bottom of the newsletter. To SUBSCRIBE send an email to Peter.Mclaren@ride.ri.gov with SUBSCRIBE RISCI-MSHS in the Subject Line

Go To RIScienceTeachers - https://riscienceteachers.wikispaces.com/ for PDF copy of past issues

New In This Bulletin Prof. Development Student Opportunities Job Opportunities Web Sites News

New In This Bulletin:

Web Seminar on NGSS Crosscutting Concept of Systems and System Models April 16th (K-12)

Job Opportunities:
Chemistry Position Providence Public Schools
Providence Public Schools is seeking candidates with the appropriate amount of experience, a proven ability to positively impact our educational programs, and outstanding communication skills for a chemistry teacher position. Applicants must hold a current certificate in the area of chemistry. This is an immediate opening. Please apply online at www.ProvidenceSchools.org/careers

News:
Free Online PD Sponsored by the American Chemical Society
If you're teaching middle school or high school chemistry, log on to a free web seminar and learn about resources and strategies from the American Chemical Society that will invigorate your instruction. April 1: Solving the Smog Puzzle on Earth and from Space: Good vs. Bad Ozone. Learn how to present difficult chemistry concepts in the context of every-day experiences students can relate to using the story of scientists who discovered that everyday products were harming Earth's atmosphere. Get details on these web seminars, view the full calendar of upcoming programs, and register in the NSTA Learning Center

Free Seeds for 2013 Growing Season!

Vegetable, flower and herb seeds are now available for use by schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs, community gardens or any education-based or youth group for the price of postage! You pay $2.00 postage and handling for every 10 packets of seeds you order ...OR...avoid the mailing cost entirely! Arrange to come to the URI Outreach Center in Kingston to pick up your seed order in person. Pass the word around! Orders will be accepted from now through March 2013-order early for the best selection! Click Here for the Free Seed Order Form! This program has been made possible through the generous donation of seeds by Ocean State Job Lot, as well as through the efforts of URI Master Gardener volunteers. *Please note that seed orders can only be mailed within the New England region.

Web Sites Worth Exploring:

Problem-Attic - www.problem-attic.com
80,000 of the best questions from NY Regents, State Assessments, Academic Competitions, and more. Search by topic or exam. Select, arrange, and format questions the way you like. Create beautiful classroom materials in just minutes!

Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

RIDE Offers Professional Development (PD) on the Critical Areas Of Focus Within The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) In English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy
RIDE is offering professional development (PD) regarding the critical areas of focus within the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts (ELA)/Literacy. Each one day session will provide you with an understanding of the topic and familiarity with the tools/ activities that are provided within the modules currently on the website. The goal of this PD is for you to be able to share your learning with others in your school or LEA. Science educators would find value in the topics of: Text Dependent Questions, Writing an Argument and Academic Vocab sessions. All Sessions run from 8:00 3:00 PM

Day Saturday

Date March 23, 2013

Topic Writing an Argument

Location CCRI- Warwick

Watershed Science Workshops For Educators Sponsored by Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) and Narrow River Preservation Association (NRPA) March 23
Watershed Science Waters, Wetlands, and Water Quality Sat, March 23, 2013, 9 am to 3:30 pm at the URI Bay Campus, Narragansett What do students need to know about water? Find out during this 6-hour workshop based on the Active Watershed Education (AWESome!) Curriculum and the Watershed Science for Educators course. We will look at the different types of water bodies and wetlands in our area, as well as their ecology and their importance to society. Then we will look at anthropogenic impacts to water quality, focusing on current water quality issues in RI.

Project Wet Sat, April 27, 2013, 9 am to 3:30 pm at the USF W Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Charlestown This 6-hour workshop is based on the Project Wet (Water Education for Teachers) and WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands environmental education programs. These nationally recognized guides are packed with over 100 activities that educators can use in their classrooms to help students learn about water and its impact on our lives. Participants will receive both activity guides FREE through the RIDEM Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Education Resource Program. These free workshops are made possible by a grant from the RI Rivers Council. Educators may sign up for one or all four by registering at www.wpwa.org/events. Professional development credits are available.

The Green Strides Webinar Series: For All Schools Moving Toward the Pillars
The Green Strides Webinar Series acquaints school communities with the tools to reduce their schools environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach effective environmental literacy, including STEM, green careers, and civic engagement. Find more sessions for educators, facilities managers, and advocates weekly. Apr. 3, 2013, 2-3 p.m. The Three Ts of Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools (EPA) Apr. 3, 2013, 7-8 p.m. 21st C. Tools for Environmental Learning (NEEF/ Green Teacher) Apr. 10, 2013, 4-5 p.m. Pathways to Green Jobs and Careers in Natural Resources (USDA) April 16, 2013 at 4-5 p.m. Greening STEM: Taking Technology Outdoors (NEEF/ EPA) And many more scheduled through fall 2013!

RI Science Teachers Association Spring Conference - March 23rd (K-12)

Please join us for the RI Science Teachers Association Spring Conference on March 23rd at LaSalle Academy. We are pleased to announce that our keynote speaker will be Loree Griffin Burns, author of several books that explore and encourage participation in science endeavors as "Citizen Scientists." She has a background in science, having graduated from WPI with a BS and UMass with a PhD in Biochemistry. In her keynote address, Loree will review and recommend a variety of nationally organized and freely available citizen science projects to help teachers promote inquiry in their science classrooms and encourage students to recognize the importance of observation of the world around them. We have a great selection of sessions dealing with science education at all grade levels. Come get some great ideas about incorporating more games and music in science. The conference will include sessions on data collection and use of technology, as well as how science can support writing instruction and lead to deeper understanding of science topics. Breakfast and lunch are included. There will be representatives from local science organizations and vendors will be on hand with new books and supplies. Cost for the day is $30 for just the conference, or pay $50 to attend the conference and renew your RISTA membership for the 2013-14 school year. Please feel free to forward and/or share the attached registration information. Registration can also be completed online at www.rista.wildapricot.org Please feel free to email me with any questions. Mrs Carolyn Higgins, President RI Science Teachers Association higginsc@warwickschools.org 401-734-3375

May 28th Seal Watch FREE to RISTA Members Register online

Save the Bay is providing a SEAL WATCH to RISTA members on March 28th. This will be a great pd opportunity

for RISTA members, and it's FREE! We will depart the dock in Newport at 4 pm. Don't miss the boat, register for this event today at www.rista.wildapricot.org

RIDE Seeks Educators to be part of Academy for Transformative Leadership - Applications Due March 29, 2013
As part of RIDE's Academy for Transformative Leadership, a statewide RTTT-funded initiative that will train and support leaders to transform Rhode Island's identified schools, RIDE is working with the NYC Leadership Academy (NYCLA) to recruit, select and train educators. The Aspiring Turnaround Leaders Program is seeking eight educators to participate in a year-long intensive program, including a fulltime, compensated school-based residency that will prepare them to become principals of identified schools in fall 2014. The program will begin in July 2013 with a three week summer intensive training prior to residency placement. Applications are due on or before March 29, 2013. Access the application and additional information here.

2013 K-5 Earth Science Teacher Leadership Academy Sponsored by ExxonMobil and American Geoscience Institute Applications Due March 31 (Elementary Teacher Teams)
ExxonMobil Exploration and the American Geosciences Institute are pleased to announce that they will be holding the fifth annual Leadership Academy in Earth science for elementary school teachers in Houston, Texas, June 23-28, 2013. The program starts with a reception and dinner on the evening of the 23rd and concludes at noon on the 28th. The Academy will provide teachers with Earth science content, hands-on activities, resources and field experiences that they can use with their students in the classroom and with their colleagues in professional development settings. The program will be residential in Houston, and all travel, lodging and subsistence costs will be covered by a grant from ExxonMobil. We have space for 24 participants, and encourage teams of four to attend from each state or school district (although this is not a requirement). Topics covered during the 40 hours of the workshop will include: Introducing Earth system science to students; Teaching Earth science with an inquiry approach; Investigations to help students understand the Nine Big Ideas in Earth Science (from the Earth Science Literacy Principles) and the Next Generation Science Standards; Hot topics in Earth science; Resources for learning and teaching Earth science (K-5 GeoSource website, Investigating Earth Systems, Nine Big Ideas videos and many others); The work of geoscientists in the energy industry; Using learning centers in classroom and workshop settings; Planning, conducting and evaluating successful Earth science workshops. We encourage science supervisors and principals to nominate teachers for the Academy by the deadline of March 31, 2013. We are looking for teachers who already are, or who have the potential to become science professional development leaders in their home school districts. Please send names and e-mail contact information for nominees to Dr. Ann Benbow, Director of Education and Outreach, American Geosciences Institute, at aeb@agiweb.org. We will be asking the nominees to send us three items: 1. a current curriculum vita or resume that includes their contact information, degrees, teaching and other work experience and any professional development training they have received and/or experience in conducting workshops;

2. 3.

a letter of commitment to attend the Academy, if selected; a letter of recommendation and commitment from their principals stating that the teachers will be permitted to conduct professional development workshops for their peers.

We will be sending out more detailed information about travel and hotel in future messages to the teachers selected to attend.

NEW!!! Web Seminar on NGSS Crosscutting Concept of Systems and System Models April 16th (K-12)
Don't Miss April 16 Web Seminar on Crosscutting Concept of Systems and System Models Register now for the next web seminar in a series of seven exploring the crosscutting concepts described in A Framework for K12 Science Education. The free event for science educators will focus on systems and system models and will be held on April 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Ramon Lopez will help teachers learn more about systems, why it's important to learn about it in school science, what we want students to learn, and what instruction might look like in the classroom. The Framework, published by the National Research Council (NRC), describes the major practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas that all students should be familiar with by the end of high school and is being used to guide the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Attend all web seminars in the series or just one. To register for these free events, visit the NSTA Learning Center. Mark your calendar for more web seminars in this series, including Energy and MatterFlows, Cycles, and Conservation (April 30) Structure and Function (May 14) Stability and Change (May 28)

SAVE THE DATE - "Strategic Workforce Development Summit" at the RI STEM Center April 26, 2013 Friday, April 26, 2013 - 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Alger Hall, Room 110 Rhode Island College Keynote speaker - Mr. Norman Augustine Mr. Augustine is the retired Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, former Chairman and Principal Office of the American Red Cross, former Chairman of the National Academy of Engineering, and former under-Secretary of the Army. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Review of the US Human Space Flight Plans Committee. Reports exist that highlight both issues and action steps for workforce development in Rhode Island. Short-term proposals are underway. This summit addresses the "intermediate" term - preparing the workforce of 2020 and beyond. For a low-cost investment of time, attendees can take advantage of the opportunity to impact career choices and preparation of future employees. ******** Registration link at: http://www.ric.edu/stemcenter Please select the registration link for School Districts. School Districts need to register as a team of two. Each team should include an administrator involved with the district's curriculum development and a classroom teacher. Space at the conference is limited. For more information contact: Mary M. Sullivan, Ed. D. Director, RI STEM Center Henry Barnard School, 2nd floor Rhode Island College 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue Providence, RI 02908 401-456-2799

www.ric.edu/stemcenter

STEM DIGITAL Summer Institute, June 24 28, 2013 Applications Due April 1, 2013 (MS
HS Teachers) STEM Digital Images in Geoscience Investigations: Teaching Analysis with Light Monday to Friday, June 24 - 28, 2013 at UMass Amherst Funded by the National Science Foundation Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers Teams of science and computer teachers encouraged Participants MUST bring a digital camera, and are encouraged to bring a laptop computer $75/day stipends ($375 total), materials, parking, lunches Housing and meals for those outside the commuting radius 3 to 6 graduate credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's (Professional Development Points) STEM DIGITAL will use the AnalyzingDigitalImages software which provides free, easy-to-use tools for spatial, temporal, spectral, and intensity measurements. It will show how digital image analysis can be applied to environmental quality issues in ways that can readily be introduced into STEM courses, engaging students and encouraging them to think about related careers. The program will develop research agendas that will employ a variety of image analysis tools. Application forms and more information: www.umassk12.net/digital. Contact: msilver@umassk12.net. Voice: 413-545-0734, fax: 413-545-3697

Summer Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Program Apply By April 1st
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is soliciting applications from middle and high school teachers for the summer RET program. Up to six teachers will be selected to participate in research at the Silvio O. Conte Center for Polymer Research. Participants will gain experience under the guidance of an established research group by investigating a topic from a broad spectrum in chemistry, physics or engineering of polymers. Examples of projects under consideration are: nanomembranes, crystallization in confined geometries, sensors, and polymer deformation. Please visit the Research Groups page for information on current MRSEC funded research, the principal investigators involved and potential areas of research for RETs. The program begins the last full week of June and has a flexible duration of 6-8 weeks. Benefits include a competitive $800/week stipend, up to $1,000 to defray relocation expenses, six graduate credits, and 135 PDPs. For more information on the program and application process please visit the Program's website: http://www.pse.umass.edu/mrsec/RET-Program/index.html

Earth And Space Science Summer Course For Middle And High School Teachers Apply by April 1st
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, August 6 - 8, 2013 at U Mass Amherst 9:00 to 3:30 Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9:00 to 12:00 Thursday $150 stipend and materials provided to each teacher Free PDPs (no graduate credit) Earth and Space Science will develop an understanding of planetary accretion and evolution and the place of the Earth in the solar system.

Making a planet: From elements to dust to planetesimals Why there are volcanoes What shapes the crusts of planets; what do we see in NASA photos? Comparative planetology using maps What is the lifetime of a planet? Along the way we will cover pertinent topics in mathematics, including: Units and converting units Scale and dimensional analysis Scientific notation and significant figures Application process: Teachers should prepare: a one-page narrative statement of how they intend to use the information in their classroom; a recent resume a letter of support from their school principal or superintendent. These three items should be emailed as pdf documents to Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton at ltelkins@dtm.ciw.edu. Applications are due by April 1, 2013. Late applications will be accepted if there is space. For more information, contact Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington DC: ltelkins@dtm.ciw.edu.

Presidential Award For Excellence In Mathematics And Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nominations Now Open Nominations Due April 1, 2013 (Grades 7-12 Teachers)
Are you or do you know an outstanding secondary (grades 7-12) mathematics and science teachers that you should be recognized for their talents? The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest honor that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. What better way to acknowledge excellence of our colleagues than to nominate the teachers who exemplify their profession. The process to nominate teachers is a simple one. Simply go to the PAEMST website at www.paemst.org and fill in the on-line form. Once the nomination is submitted the nominated teacher will then be notified and provided information about the application process. The following are eligibility criteria for nominees. Candidates must: Teach mathematics or science at the 7-12th grade level in a public or private school. Hold at least a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time. Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to the 2012-13 academic school year. Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category. Rhode Island has many wonderful teachers, and those you nominate could be state or national Presidential Awardees for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science for 2013. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 222-8454 or by email at peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov. Thank you for your continued support for mathematics and science education.

UMass Nanotechnology 2013 Summer Institute Apply by April 1, 2013 (MS and HS Math, Science, and Technology Educators)
Monday to Friday, July 8 - July 13, 2013 at UMass Amherst Funded by the National Science Foundation Sponsored by the STEM Education Institute and the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing Middle and High School Science, Math, and Technology Teachers $75/day stipends ($375 total), materials, parking, some meals Housing (new air conditioned dorms) for those outside the commuting radius 3 graduate credits available at reduced cost; free PDP's(Professional Development Points) Nanotechnology deals with materials on the scale of nanometers. A nanometer is one-millionth of a millimeter, or about 10 atomic diameters. Such materials can have surprising and useful behaviors and properties. Applications of this rapidly growing field include regenerative medicine, fabrics and construction materials of unprecedented strength, ultra-high performance computers and data storage, more efficient solar photovoltaic cells, and much more. Activity in this field cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and involves chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. The UMass Nanotechnology Summer Institute will explore the basic science and engineering concepts of this exciting new field, and will illustrate how they may be integrated into the usual math, science and technology courses in middle schools and high schools. The content and pedagogy will be aligned with the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Framework. During the institute, participants will begin to develop curriculum units for their own classes. They will implement these in the fall and report on their progress and results online. Three graduate credits will be available for the institute and curriculum unit; the cost will be $300 plus a $45 registration fee. PDP's will be available at no cost. Application process: An application form and additional information are available at www.umassk12.net/nano. Teachers should also prepare a narrative statement of how they intend to use the institute materials in their classroom, and include in their application package a recent resume and a letter of support from their school principal or superintendent. The application package can be submitted by email, fax, or US mail. Applications are due April 1, 2013. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

SAVE THE DATE - "Strategic Workforce Development Summit" April 26, 2013
"Strategic Workforce Development Summit" at the RI STEM Center April 26, 2013 - 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Alger Hall, Room 110 - Rhode Island College featuring, as keynote speaker, Mr. Norman Augustine Mr. Augustine is the retired Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, former Chairman and Principal Office of the American Red Cross, former Chairman of the National Academy of Engineering, and former under-Secretary of the Army. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Review of the US Human Space Flight Plans Committee. Reports exist that highlight both issues and action steps for workforce development in Rhode Island. Short-term proposals are underway. This summit addresses the "intermediate" term - preparing the workforce of 2020 and beyond. For a low-cost investment of time, attendees can take advantage of the opportunity to impact career choices and preparation of future employees.

Registration link at www.ric.edu/stemcenter

SENEME and the URI Graduate School Of Oceanography Present: Oceans A La Carte: A Workshop For Educators - Saturday, April 27, 2013
Join us at URIs Bay Campus for a full menu of oceanography, marine, and environmental science presentations and workshop sessions for formal and informal educators. Choose from a variety of presentations by leading scientists, hands-on activities, and content information sessions. Keynote presentation by Dr. Steve Carey, Geological Oceanographer, URI Graduate School of Oceanography Journey into the Crater of a Submarine Volcano Dr. Carey is an internationally recognized expert on explosive volcanism. During the past three decades he has studied volcanoes in 10 different countries including Mt. St. Helens in the US, Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, and Krakatau in Indonesia. Recently he has been working with Dr. Robert Ballard aboard the E/V Nautilus on several cruises to the Mediterranean Sea. His current research projects include the study of underwater volcanoes in the Aegean Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and Straits of Sicily. Featured presentations and workshops will cover topics including: Sound in the Sea Ocean Exploration Arctic Environments Hurricanes Next Generation Science Standards Incorporating Art & Science Extreme Animals in Extreme Environments In addition to the keynote, presentations and workshops, an opportunity to tour the many research facilities on the Narragansett Bay Campus will be available. Registration will be available early February and more information will be posted to www.seneme.org in the coming weeks.

FREE 5 day ASM Teachers Materials Camp, July 8 12 (MS and HS Teachers)
Attend a 5-day professional development workshop in Materials Science in the Summer of 2013 at no cost to you! Who should attend? High school general science, chemistry,physics, math and technology teachers Middle school physical science teachers Why attend? Learn how to engage your students using simple, low-cost experiments that you can integrate into your existing lesson plans Help your students discover career opportunities in science & engineering Learn the basics of Materials Science, an exciting branch of physics and chemistry Everything is FREE: 4 CEUs, course materials, lunches & snacks. The course will include one visit to an industrial site, and a session on an electron microscope: each participant can bring a sample! Graduate credits available! Two (2) graduate credits are available at $250. (This is optional.) To apply online & view the complete 2013 ASM Materials Camp schedule, visit: www.asmfoundation.org Venue: Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA Date: July 8-12, 2013 Questions?

Jeane Deatherage, Administrator of Foundation Programs jeane.deatherage@asminternational.org ; 1-800-336-5152, X5533; or PeterJepson, jepjepjeppo@gmail.com , 978-462-1175.

Science Enrichment/Challenge Opportunities for Students

Girls STEM Summit SE - Saturday, April 13, 2013 (Females Grades 8 - 12)
Hosted by Jr.Tech and held at Massachusetts Maritime Academy Saturday, April 13, 2013 - 8am - 4pm $40 per person. Enroll at http://www.juniortech.org Girls STEM Summit is designed for high school girls who love Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) and would like to learn more about emerging careers in these fields. At each summit we aim to: Bring 100 female students in grades 8 -12, who have expressed a strong interest in pursuing higher education careers in STEM, together with female STEM career professionals and educators for a full-day program that features emerging STEM careers with hands-on workshops taught by female role models working in STEM careers. To impact and bridge the gap between girls passion for the topics, and helping them find their way to successful STEM careers in an otherwise male-dominated field. To enlighten and inspire them to make educated decisions when faced with high school curriculum choices and bring awareness of emerging STEM fields. To fulfill an important gender gap in STEM jobs today. To connect leading women working as experts with high school girls interested in pursuing higher education and careers thru hands-on workshops and keynote address. To provide hands-on sessions highlighting key STEM industries. To present the material in a way that makes STEM seem interesting, relevant to career paths and approachable. Enjoy guest speakers, hands-on breakout career tracks, female role models instructing breakouts, lunch, giveaways and so much more! For more information contact: Phyllis Russell, President and Executive Director Jr.Tech, Inc Member of the Advisory Board for the Southeastern Mass STEM Network 774-994-2097 phyllis@juniortech.org www.juniortech.org

U.S. Coast Guard Academy's AIM Application Now Open Apply By April 15 (HS Juniors)
The Academy Introduction Mission (AIM) is a challenging summer program for high school juniors interested in serving their country and exploring technical degree programs. For six action-packed days in July, students will be immersed in Coast Guard tradition and Academy life in the classroom, engineering lab, playing fields, and on the water. Students compete in a water based robotics project as they interact and learn from cadets, faculty and Coast Guard professionals. Applications are now open to high school juniors. Please have your students visit

www.uscga.edu/AIM to apply prior to April 15.

FREE ASM Materials Camps: May 6th at WPI and May 13th at Boston Univ. High School Sophomores or Juniors
ASM is offering a FREE educational event for High School sophomores and juniors. The ASM Materials Camp has been held at WPI for the past 8 years. ASM brings groups of sophomores and juniors through eight learning stations relating to aspects of materials science and engineering. ASM will be hosting students, FREE of charge, on two occasions this year: On May 6 at WPI and on May 13 at Boston University. Students from any geographical area are welcome to apply to the date/location of their choice. You can find some information on the events, including a flyer and links to application forms, on the ASM Boston website, http://asmboston.org/asm_materials_experience/2013_registration_info For more information contact: Patrick Hogan, 2013 ASM Materials Experience New England Planning Chair pathogan1@gmail.com

Hurricanes: Science and Society Webinar for 5th Grade Students May 8th and 9th
The Hurricanes: Science and Society (HSS) team at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography (URIO/GSO) is excited to announce that it is again partnering with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to offer hurricane preparedness webinars for 5th grade students in U.S. regions that are impacted by hurricanes. During these 1-hour webinars, students will hear from NHC scientists and forecasters, as well as NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) officers that fly into hurricanes. A presentation on region-specific hurricane science and preparedness will be given with interactive questions prompting student responses. Classroom questions will also be collected in advance of the webinar; as many of these questions as possible will be answered by the hurricane scientists. Many videos, visualizations, graphics, and other media will be included to engage students. Groups will also receive a virtual tour of the National Hurricane Center. We hope your classes will take advantage of this exciting opportunity! Webinars will be organized regionally (U.S. Gulf Coast, Southeast Atlantic Coast, and Northeast Atlantic Coast). Dates and times are listed below. Schools/classes wanting to participate MUST REGISTER in advance. Please visit the National Hurricane Center: 2013 5th Grade Webinars page in the Resources section of the Hurricanes: Science and Society website for more detail and registration information. Please note that registration will close one week in advance of each webinar. If you have any questions, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin@mail.uri.edu).

NHC 2013 5th Grade Webinar Series: Northeast Coast Webinar(s): Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday May 15, 2013 (10am ET) *Northeast Coast states include: NJ, PA, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, & ME

A Biology Competition For Students in New England: Essay, Poster or Webpage Deadline May 10th (Grades 7-12)
Each year for the past 21 years, the Mass. Society for Medical Research has conducted a Student Competition on research breakthroughs in biomedical research. MSMR is the creator and sponsor of What A Year! and the Competition follows a What A Year! theme. This year, the Competition opened on January 7th and continues to May 10th.

The Competition announcement is here. The Competition is open to all students in grades 7 - 12 in New England - public, private, parochial, home-schooled. The only requirement is that the students reside in New England and carefully follow the instructions in the Student Packet and Entry Form. Last year's winners came from six different schools in two states and we'd like to make sure that students throughout the region know about the Competition. Please encourage your own students to enter and please pass this information along to your colleagues and to members of your state science teachers and biology teachers associations. Here's the announcement link. Contact Information What A Year! is a service of the Massachusetts Society for Medical Research phone: 978-251-1556 fax: 978-251-7683 On the Internet at www.MSMR.org

Harvard Medical School Medscience Program Summer Science Program for High School Students
Harvard Medical School Medscience Program is offering (3) one week sessions this summer. We accept 12 students per course and the program incorporates a hands-on, experiential pedagogy using patient simulators (a life-like mannequin that doctors train on) integrating basic science and clinical judgment under the guidance of Harvard Medical School faculty mentors. During the one-week intensive course, students use the simulator as their patient. The students are organized in small groups for interactive case-based sessions including individual and group feedback. The curriculum is centered around three seminal medical cases (Asthma, Heart attack and Diabetes) that serve to illustrate the role of basic and clinical biomedical science in modern healthcare. Students are exposed to concepts from physics, biology, and chemistry, and they are taught - through personal experience - the principles of teamwork, problem solving, and communication. During the programs, students will receive a Basic Life Support certification, reflecting their acquisition of a crucial life skill. OUR SPECIFIC AIMS: To provide practical scientific knowledge. To inspire interest in STEM. To motivate for academic achievement. To increase self-efficacy. To make health professions attainable. To introduce role models. To practice real-life problem solving. To bring science to life. To train the next generation of scientifically literate citizens. If you have questions or would like an application please contact Julie Joyal, Program Director at medscience@hms.harvard.edu. Additional information on our web site www.hmsmedscience.com and FB page: HMS MEDscience.

Please note: attachments will not be sent. Most information will be posted online or included here to reduce the size of this message. Thank you.
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If you know of something that you feel is a quality resource, event, or opportunity (e.g., grant), please send a newsletter-ready blurb to peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov containing the following information by

3:00pm on Thursday to be included in the Friday newsletter (subject to RIDE review and approval): 1. Type (e.g., grant, event, resource) 2. Name / Title of Event / Opportunity 3. Source or Event Sponsor 4. Web site, and/or contact name(s) and email address(es) 5. Description 6. Grade level(s) and/or intended audience 7. Deadline (if applicable) for time-sensitive submissions or event RSVPs THIS NOTICE IS DISTRIBUTED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. R.I Department of Education does not have any affiliation or responsibility to promote this information. Peter J. McLaren
Science-Technology Specialist Office of Instruction Rhode Island Department of Education 255 Westminster Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 401-222-8454

peter.mclaren@ride.ri.gov