2 great new opportunities for the math and science classroom

1. NASA’s Learning Environments and Research Network and the Georgia Institute of Technology have teamed up to create the ePDN, a new initiative dedicated to preparing K-12 teachers to engage their students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the use of NASA-developed learning materials and resources. If you are looking for a way to enhance your instructional skills, meet your professional development goals, or find new and exciting resources to use in your learning environments, apply to one of these free courses today! Applications are now open for courses starting this fall:
   
   Observations, Experiments & Two Variable Data: This course will help teachers implementing the new Common Core high school math standards to brush up on statistics content. Participants will examine two-variable data relationships using scatter plots, time series and two-way tables. Attention will be given to measuring the strength of association, modeling of associations and explaining variability. The target audience is high school mathematics teachers without AP statistics backgrounds. 
   
   Getting Started in Robotics:  During this first course in the Using Robotics to Enhance STEM Learning, participants will learn how to program the LEGO NXT Mindstorms robot. Participants will become familiar with LEGO vocabulary and parts of the LEGO Mindstorms kit as they build structural components of a robot and use math, science and engineering principles to design, build, test and operate their robots.
   
   Vodcasts: In this course, participants will learn how to use audio and video editing tools to create new content for vodcasts that can be used in classroom lessons or created by their students. Participants will create vodcasts using NASA materials and resources.
   
   For more information on the ePDN and the resources it offers to K-12 teachers, please visit www.nasaepdn.gatech.edu.

2.  US teachers who order Galileoscopes using a school e-mail address and school mailing address can obtain 1-5 Galileoscopes for the cost of shipping.

5 will cost $27 and the regular retail cost is $30 for one, plus postage.

More information is available at the Galileoscope website. Look for this special offer for teachers of elementary, middle, and high schools.

For more info and how to order please visit https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/products

Summer Grant Opportunities

1. Best Buy

Best Buy grants are open to any group across the country planning to conduct an environmentally responsible consumer electronics recycling event. Priority will be given to not-for-profit groups, but any organization is welcome to apply.
Grants are designed to defray costs for events already planned and allow groups to do more with their budgets. Grants range from $500 - $1500 per event, depending on the size and scope of the events. Priority is given to electronics recycling events, but other types of events that include electronics recycling are considered.
Online applications are accepted year round. Applicants will be notified by Best Buy if they have been awarded a grant. Notification should come between one to two months after an application is submitted.

Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.e4partners.com/grant_info.htm

2. AIAA Grant

K-12 teachers who develop or apply science, mathematics, and technology in their curriculum may qualify for a grant of up to $200 per individual request to supplement their learning program.  Each school is limited to up to $1,000 per calendar year.
Classroom grants may be used for demonstration kits and science supplies, math and science software, supplies for making flying objects (what kid can resist the chance to build and launch a rocket?), supplies for robotic programs, and other materials to help make science, mathematics, and technology come alive in the classroom.  Preference is given to grants that align with the AIAA mission.  Please note that grants will not be considered for computer hardware, printers, cameras, equipment and general math and science supplies not tied to a specific lesson plan.

Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=216

3. Toshiba America Grant  (2 winners from GA and 2 winners from AL last year!)

Toshiba America Foundation contributes to the quality of science and mathematics education in the U.S. with an annual grant budget of approximately $500,000. Teachers K - 12 are eligible to apply for grants ranging from up to $1,000 for grades K - 6 and $5,000 for 7 - 12.
Recent K - 6 grantees include a kindergarten class using their urban neighborhood as a laboratory for an introduction to geometry, and elementary students participating in hands-on activities at a National Wildlife Refuge. Some recipients in grades 7 - 12 are working on creating new science based classes, lesson plans or research laboratories for their schools.
Deadline for K – 6th grade programs is October 1st (may request up to $1,000). Grant Applications for 7th - 12th grade programs are accepted year round for grants under $5,000 and are due August 1st for grants over $5,000.

Complete details and how to apply available at http://www.toshiba.com/taf/

Good luck!

Ned

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Ned Colley

Texas Instruments

Educational Technology Consultant

Legacy Workshop

Legacy/EEAA Herpetology Workshop

Legacy has partnered with EEAA to provide six member workshops around the state focused on reptiles and amphibians. The workshop includes content information and current research from a herpetologist, hands-on experience with live animals, and classroom activities relating to the animals, habitat and conservation. Lunch will be provided for all workshop participants. After the workshop, participants may choose to participate in an optional field trip to look for these incredible animals.

June 26, 2010 Workshop Application

July 10, 2010 Workshop Application

October 2, 2010 Workshop Application

go to www.legacyenved.org for the application.

Field trip

Hey Teachers:  when planning field trips please remember the Anniston Museum of Natural History. January 29, 2011 through May 22, 2011, unwrap the magic of Chocolate, The Exhibition, where your students will explore the plant, the products, the history and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of botany, ecology, anthropology, economics, conservation, and popular culture.

http://www.annistonmuseum.org/pages/?pageID=43

AMSTI Summer Workshops

All workshops are listed on the JSU InService Center Website.  Link to Register http://inservice.jsu.edu/

Alphabet Soup

Making sense of ARMT, SAT10, ASA, AHSGE and AMSTI.

Teachers should bring their course of study, AMSTI teacher guides, ARMT specs, SAT10 compendium, traditional  textbook, pacing guide and ASA specs and they produce a document so they can know where everything is and that help them make sure they are teaching what they need to teach before the ARMT, AHSGE, and SAT10. Bring Thumb Drives and lap tops if possible.

Target audience,  K-5 math, 5th and 7th science, and 6-8 math.

June 9 - Saks Middle School for Calhoun County School System - (9-12 math teachers too)

June 29 Oxford Middle School - open to all AMSTI teachers

June 30 Glencoe Middle School - open to all AMSTI Teachers

July 1 Jacksonville High School - open to all AMSTI teachers

The following workshops are held at the JSU InService Center located on McClellan.

Date	Title	Time	Who is involved? Target Audience
14-Jun-10	Differentiate Instruction - Strategies that work in EVERY classroom	8:30-11:30	K-12
15-Jun-10	GLOBE and Math go together like Milk and Oreos	8:30-11:30	K-8 math and science
15-Jun-10	Got GLOBE, now what?	12:30-3:30	Grades K, 3 and 6 science
16-Jun-10	Got GLOBE, now what?	8:30 - 11:30	Grades 1, 4, and 7 science
16-Jun-10	Got GLOBE, now what?	12:30 - 3:30	Grades 2, 5, and 8 science
16-Jun-10	Math Strategies	8:00 - 11:00	K-2 math
16-Jun-10	Math Strategies	12:00 - 3:00	3rd - 5th  math
17-Jun-10	What's My Line K -5 Geometry Activities	8:00 - 11:00	K-5 math
17-Jun-10	Making Sense of Numbers	12:00 - 3:00	K-5 math
28-Jun-10	"E's" on Down the Road, Inquiry in Math and Science	8:3-0 - 11:30	K-8 math and science

Science workshops

Slots are still available for ALL of these GREAT SUMMER WORKSHOPS!

The Alabama Wildlife Federation and our conservation education partners are providing a wide variety of educator workshops this summer. We hope you can join us! Click on the workshop name below for more details including a registration form.
Discovering Our Heritage through the Outdoors (June 14-17 at AWF's Headquarters in Millbrook just 10 miles north of Montgomery): Receive hands-on training in a variety of quality resources such as Project WILD, Project Learning Tree and Discovering Alabama at this four-day workshop. Cost is only $40 per person, and includes all lodging and meals provided by the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
Introductory Ponds for Kids Workshop (June 23 at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Decatur): Workshop participants will learn how to construct a water garden through the Ponds for Kids Program and learn how to use it as an educational tool. This workshop is a requirement for all schools who wish to participate in the PFK Program and receive technical assistance from Vought Water Gardens. The only cost for this one-day workshop is $10 for Subway lunch unless you bring your own, then the workshop is FREE.
Discovering Alabama's Archaeological Past (June 28-30 at AWF's Headquarters): Learn about history and the people who lived it as we explore the past utilizing a variety of hands-on activities at this three-day workshop. The cost is only $40 per person, which includes lodging and meals provided by the AWF.
Discovering Alabama's Biodiversity through Wildlife Habitats (July 13-15 at AWF's Headquarters): Learn about Alabama's rich biodiversity as we discuss native wildlife and schoolyard wildlife habitats at this three-day workshop. The cost is only $40 per person, which includes lodging and meals provided by the AWF.
Discovering Alabama's Natural Wonders through Nature Journaling, Photography and the Arts (July 20-22 at AWF's Headquarters): Learn how to bring nature into the classroom through writing, photography and art activities that utilize the outdoors as the source of inspiration and investigation at this three-day workshop. The cost is only $40 per person, which includes lodging and meals provided by the AWF.
Teacher Conservation Workshops from Alabama Forestry Association (June 22-24 in Tuscaloosa &/or July 12-15 in Auburn): Each year the AFA sponsors two workshops for teachers to help them learn ways to teach about forestry and the environment in their classrooms. These workshops use a combination of hands on activities, field trips and lecture to help teachers understand the importance of managing our natural resources.
Outdoor Alabama Summer Workshops (All Summer at different locations): The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering multiple one-day workshops for Project WILD, Project WET, and their new Growing Up WILD (for Pre K-2nd grade) at different locations across Alabama. Visit their website for details.
Legacy Partners in Environmental Education's Summer Institute (July 18-23 at Birmingham Southern College): Legacy's Summer Institute is a comprehensive, hands-on training course for teachers interested in learning about environmental topics and issues. The participants are trained to integrate topics, such as pollution prevention, ecology, waste management and natural resources into their classroom curriculum.
We hope to see you this summer!

April & Doyle

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email: keasade@aces.edu and aprilwaltz@knology.net

phone: 1-800-822-9453

web: http://www.alabamawildlife.org

Graphing Calculator Care

TI Graphing Calculator Care

As we approach Summer break I thought the following information would be helpful. The proper maintenance and care for TI graphing calculators will help ensure the highest quality of performance. Each of the titles below are also links for additional details. As always, your best resource for support is to contact our support folks by calling 1-800-TI-CARES.
Cleaning a TI graphing calculator:
•	Use a cloth, lightly dampened with water, to clean the graphing calculator's screen.  Never use solvents or other cleaning liquids.
•	Avoid applying pressure to the screen/display.
•	Keep foreign objects from penetrating the connectivity ports on the unit.
•	Keep liquids from getting inside the unit.
Storing a TI graphing calculator:
•	Place the slide case over the front of each unit.
•	If the unit is being stored for more than 6 months, remove all four (4) of the AAA batteries.
•	Store the unit in temperatures from 50 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit and with the relative humidity not exceeding 85 percent.
•	If one battery in a set has a leak, discard the entire set of batteries.
Troubleshooting a TI graphing calculator:
Calculator won’t turn on? It may be something as simple as adjusting the contrast of the screen. Find other troubleshooting tips.
•	Make sure you have updated your calculator with the most recent operating system (OS) for the best performance.
•	If you are receiving error messages or unexpected results, visit the TI Knowledge Base for answers to basic questions and common issues.
Battery Information Conservation
•	Store handhelds in a dry, temperature-controlled area because extreme temperature ranges can reduce battery performance.
•	Use non-rechargeable Alkaline batteries for improved performance and safety.
•	Avoid mixing new batteries with old batteries, and different types and makes of batteries.
•	Do not remove both the graphing calculator’s “AAA” and lithium batteries at the same time. The round lithium (or button) battery provides auxiliary power while “AAA” batteries are being replaced. This will protect data stored in the unit’s memory.
•	Update your handhelds with the most recent Operating System (OS) to provide the best battery life possible.
For help and information on how to prepare your calculator for testing, please visit: education.ti.com/go/testprep

Have a safe and enjoyable Summer!

Ned

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