July 2010

July 2010


Earth Science USA
by Ardis Herrold

As summer progresses, many of us find time to catch up on favorite pastimes or get to that long-delayed "to-do" list. Two weeks ago, I was collecting zebra marble in Utah. All across our country we have many Earth Science treasures- and some are known only to a local few. In this newsletter, you will find numerous opportunities to share your knowledge and ideas with the NESTA community. Look below for opportunities:

You can also upload your favorite Earth Science summer photos to the NESTA web page galleries, and post notices of upcoming workshops or events in your area to our Calendar of Events. Contact your NESTA State Contact persons if you are traveling to a new area- maybe they will have some great suggestions for you!


Please Contribute Your Ideas for a new NESTA Logo!
by Roberta Johnson

NESTA leadership is asking for NESTA members for your ideas for a new NESTA logo. We feel that our current logo, which has served well for decades, is in need of an update. We would like to better capture the breadth of NESTA science, the scope of our membership (including Alaska and Hawaii), and also to have a logo that works at high resolution for publications. NESTA leadership will select a subset of the logos submitted and ask our members to vote on their choice for a new logo. Submissions are open through December 31, 2010.

Please keep in mind that the logo should be about the same dimensions as the current logo (it can be enlarged or made smaller, but should have about this same relative dimensions), and that it can be color or black and white. Please submit your entry online along with your name and e-mail, so we can contact you if we need to. The winning logo entry will earn a free 1-year print membership to NESTA.


Please Contribute Your Ideas for a new NESTA Logo!
by Roberta Johnson

NESTA leadership is asking for NESTA members for your ideas for a new NESTA logo. We feel that our current logo, which has served well for decades, is in need of an update. We would like to better capture the breadth of NESTA science, the scope of our membership (including Alaska and Hawaii), and also to have a logo that works at high resolution for publications. NESTA leadership will select a subset of the logos submitted and ask our members to vote on their choice for a new logo. Submissions are open through December 31, 2010.

Please keep in mind that the logo should be about the same dimensions as the current logo (it can be enlarged or made smaller, but should have about this same relative dimensions), and that it can be color or black and white. Please submit your entry online along with your name and e-mail, so we can contact you if we need to. The winning logo entry will earn a free 1-year print membership to NESTA.


Copy of Share Your Best Places to Go for Earth and Space Science Education
by Roberta Johnson

Vacations remind us that there are some places that are very special for Earth and Space Science across our beautiful country. A couple of weeks ago, Ardis Herrold (NESTA President) and Parker Pennington (Past President and Appointed Director) dropped by the NESTA office in Boulder (leaving some wonderful rock and mineral specimens for decoration - thanks so much!), and this reminded me of an idea that NESTA leadership has been kicking around for awhile - namely, NESTA's List of Best Places for Earth and Space Science across the country.

We would like to ask you, as a NESTA member (who by definition loves the geosciences), to share your favorite places in your state relevant to our field with other NESTA members. The following questions may help you think of the places we'd like to identify:

Our thought is that if we all share this information, we can then make it available on a map, with your brief descriptions of what is available there, for other NESTA members to use. In this way, over time, we will be able to build a valuable resources for the Earth and Space Science education community.

Please fill out an online form with which you can provide the name, location (either address or geographic coordinates), and a brief description of locations. Please remember to focus your responses on places that are within 500 miles of you, since for now we will rely on our distributed network to provide responses that cover the country. Don't forget to provide your name and e-mail, so we can acknowledge your contributions. Thanks so much, and we will keep you posted on this exciting project!


Share Your Best Places to Go for Earth and Space Science Education
by Roberta Johnson

Vacations remind us that there are some places that are very special for Earth and Space Science across our beautiful country. A couple of weeks ago, Ardis Herrold (NESTA President) and Parker Pennington (Past President and Appointed Director) dropped by the NESTA office in Boulder (leaving some wonderful rock and mineral specimens for decoration - thanks so much!), and this reminded me of an idea that NESTA leadership has been kicking around for awhile - namely, NESTA's List of Best Places for Earth and Space Science across the country.

We would like to ask you, as a NESTA member (who by definition loves the geosciences), to share your favorite places in your state relevant to our field with other NESTA members. The following questions may help you think of the places we'd like to identify:

Our thought is that if we all share this information, we can then make it available on a map, with your brief descriptions of what is available there, for other NESTA members to use. In this way, over time, we will be able to build a valuable resources for the Earth and Space Science education community.

Please fill out an online form with which you can provide the name, location (either address or geographic coordinates), and a brief description of locations. Please remember to focus your responses on places that are within 500 miles of you, since for now we will rely on our distributed network to provide responses that cover the country. Don't forget to provide your name and e-mail, so we can acknowledge your contributions. Thanks so much, and we will keep you posted on this exciting project!


Comment on New Science Education Framework!
by Roberta Johnson

The National Research Council (NRC) Board on Science Education is asking for YOUR feedback on a draft conceptual framework for new science education standards. The 190-page document lays the foundation for what core science ideas, cross-cutting concepts, and scientific practices all students need to succeed in science, and is the first major step in the development of the next generation of science standards.

NESTA Leadership is working on a response from our organization to this draft conceptual framework. In addition, individual science educators and other stakeholders have until August 2 to review and comment on the framework. All teachers can have input on this draft framework. Please forward this message to your science teacher colleagues or to listservs in your state or school. Take a moment NOW to review the draft framework document and answer the online questionnaire.


Copy of Obscure Earth Science Word of the Day Contributions
by Roberta Johnson

Now that Windows to the Universe has moved to NESTA, the website redesign team is working away and coming up with some fun ideas to engage people interested in the Earth and Space Sciences, as well as to provide resources for educators (in the classroom, and elsewhere). One of the new elements we are developing will be a section of the website dedicated to an Earth and Space Science "Word of the Day".

We would like you, as a member of NESTA and a leading Earth and Space Science educator, to contribute your favorite few obscure Earth and Space Science words (say, three to five) to form the basis for this collection. Please don't forget to provide not only the words, but their definitions, in the following online form - please also provide your name and e-mail, so we can acknowledge your contributions!


Obscure Earth Science Word of the Day Contributions
by Roberta Johnson

Now that Windows to the Universe has moved to NESTA, the website redesign team is working away and coming up with some fun ideas to engage people interested in the Earth and Space Sciences, as well as to provide resources for educators (in the classroom, and elsewhere). One of the new elements we are developing will be a section of the website dedicated to an Earth and Space Science "Word of the Day".

We would like you, as a member of NESTA and a leading Earth and Space Science educator, to contribute your favorite few obscure Earth and Space Science words (say, three to five) to form the basis for this collection. Please don't forget to provide not only the words, but their definitions, in the following online form - please also provide your name and e-mail, so we can acknowledge your contributions!


Astronomical Society of the Pacific Annual Meeting
by Ardis Herrold

This meeting, sponsored by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
 in partnership with the Geological Society of America
, will take place July 31-August 4, 2010
 at the University of Colorado in Boulder. It will focus on education and outreach in Earth and Space Science at many levels and settings. There will be two simultaneous symposia: one for astronomy and Earth Science teachers and one for EPO professionals and informal educators. Inexpensive hotel and campus residence hall accommodations have been arranged.

Some of the specific events are:

  • Cosmos in the Classroom 2010 -- A Hands-on Symposium on Teaching Astronomy to Non-science Majors (Aug. 2 - 4)
  • Earth & Space Science: Making Connections in Education and Public Outreach (Aug. 2 - 4)
  • Galileo Teacher Training Program: A Workshop for Teachers in Grades 3 -12 (and Those Who Work With Them (July 31 - Aug. 1)
To learn more go to: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/meeting.html

 


National Fossil Day Events
by Lisa Sarah Alter

Here is advance notice of a fall event—National Fossil Day. National Fossil Day arose from a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the American Geological Institute. Details found at: http://nature.nps.gov/geology/nationalfossilday/. Over 224 NPS sites around the country contain fossils.

This celebration to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational value, will be held October 13, 2010 during Earth Science Week. More information may be found at http://www.earthsciweek.org/. Check the Fossil Day website to see if there is an event planned that you, your students and families can attend.

A variety of high-profile events, activities, and educational resources are being planned to make the most of this unique opportunity. Paleontology crosses many disciplines. It includes evidence of not only past life, location of fossil fuels, but evolution and global climate change as well. Partnerships have been formed with government agencies, natural history museums, professional organizations of geologists and Earth Science teachers, and other interested groups.

If you have any Paleontology activities to share - please e-mail Lisa Alter at: alterL@yahoo.com . I am looking forward to developing a “Geology Rocks” workshop around this theme as well.


NSTA Roll Call
by Ardis Herrold

Are you giving a session or coming to one of the NSTA Area Conferences this fall? If so, we would like to hear from you. President-Elect Missy Holzer (mholzer@monmouth.com) will be creating a list for each conference to indicate NESTA members that will be presenting at sessions in addition to the regularly-scheduled NESTA events. Contact Joe Monaco, our Volunteer Coordinator, at monacoj@aol.com if you would like to help at any of the conferences.

We also are in need of Receivers for the three Area Conferences. Receivers are people who live close to the conference area who volunteer their home or school address as a point for shipping of NESTA materials such as publications, merchandise or rocks for the raffle. The NSTA Area Conferences this year are in:

  • Kansas City - Oct. 28-30
  • Baltimore - Nov. 11-13
  • Nashville - Dec. 2-4
If you would like to volunteer to be an Area Conference Receiver, contact Joe Monaco at monacoj@aol.com.

 


Online Resources from the American Museum of Natural History
by Michael Passow

It's practically a birthright for any kid in the NYC region to enjoy a visit to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and a lot of you enjoyed the glimpse of what happens there after dark in a certain movie. But did you know that you can access many of the AMNH's resources online?

You can take courses through Seminars on Science. These six-week courses provide you the opportunity to explore a variety of topics through distance learning programs created by AMNH research scientists and educators. Among topics available currently are: Earth: Inside and Out; The Link Between Dinosaurs and Birds; The Ocean System; Space, Time and Motion; Evolution; and The Solar System. Courses change each term during the academic year and summer, but all provide excellent enhancement of your content knowledge. Graduate level credit is available from several colleges and universities.

The AMNH Education web pages also provide information about Curriculum Topic Study courses, Educator Evenings, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. There are also online reports about past projects. For example, you can learn a lot about helping non-English speakers through the English Language Learner Earth Science Initiative .

Of course, you can find out online about the AMNH's permanent displays, including the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, Ross Hall of Meteorites, the world-famous fossil halls, and many others. You can learn about temporary exhibits, such as the current "Race to the End of the Earth" about Scott and Amundsen's rivalry. The web site's "Science" section provides insights about the research conducted behind the scenes in the non-public areas. The text, images, and videos available through the American Museum of Natural History are guaranteed to amaze you and your students.


An Array of Activities from the Deep Earth Academy
by Michael Passow

"Deep Earth Academy" provides students, teachers, and others with access to much of what has been learned about our ocean floors through scientific drilling aboard the JOIDES Resolution and its predecessor, the GLOMAR Challenger. Scientists, teachers, and other educators have combined to create a plethora of online resources about the discoveries made through probing the sea floors for more than 40 years.

For example, you can learn about the game-changing finding that the oceans basins formed at different times--key to proving the theory of Plate Tectonics--through Nannofossils Reveal Seafloor Spreading Truth. This is one of dozens of activities developed to share the valuable insights obtained through the efforts of the thousands of scientists, engineers, and ship's crew over the past four decades.

As you read this, the "JR" is studying the hydrogeology of the Juan de Fica Ridge off the Pacific Northwest. You can learn what's happening at http://joidesresolution.org/. There's much for your students and you to enjoy in the "Fun and Games" section, including "Tales of the Resolution", a scientific graphic novel!

Opportunities often come up for you to sail aboard the "JR" as part of the "IODP School of Rock" or as a teacher-at-sea. So check out the "Deep Earth Academy" website now and go back frequently.


Professional development opportunity for 6th and 7th Grade ES Teachers

SRI International’s Center for Technology in Learning, a non-profit educational research organization, is conducting a study on how student learning in Earth Science can be improved when teachers decide what to do based on evidence from classroom assessments. SRI invites Earth Science teachers who are using the Rocks and Landforms and Our Dynamic Planet units from the Investigating Earth Systems curriculum to participate in research activities. Research activities include: attending a few hours of training and meetings during early fall 2010, teaching both units in the 2010-11 school year, completing brief weekly online update on study activities, and administering student pre-tests and post-tests according to the timelines provided.

Participating teachers will receive $300 per day for up to 8 days, a laptop computer, and a class set of “clickers” (student response systems). Teachers will also receive clicker questions and other resources developed for these units. If you would like to participate or have questions about the project, contact Carolyn Celio at (650) 859-3386 or e-mail carolyn.celio@sri.com.


How Can I Renew My Membership?
by Bruce Hall

Electronic renewal notices are now automatically e-mailed to each member. They will be sent at 4, 2, and 1-week intervals before your membership expires. If you have not received a renewal notice, and think you should have, please contact me.

NESTA members can renew their membership and edit their Personal Information by going online:

  1. Go to the NESTA Home Page
  2. Click on Member Login
  3. Welcome to  your User Account Complete Username -  Password - If you do not know your password click on the “Request new password” tab.
  4. MY NESTA Here you will find your:Account settings and personal information (under edit you can change your password)
  5. Membership Expiration Date 
  6. Renew Now
  7. If you do not wish to use a credit card you can renew by check or money order. Click on Download Renew Membership application  Mail the completed form to the address indicated. Your expiration date is listed on the address label of The Earth Scientist.

If you wish further information regarding membership please contact Bruce Hall, the NESTA Membership Coordinator, at brucehall42@gmail.com


Calendar of Events

Improving the College Introductory Astronomy Survey Course for Non-Science Majors Through Active Learning: A Tier I (Introductory) Special Topics Workshop Focusing on Teaching Astronomy Effectively Using Technology
07/18/2010 , Portland, OR

The Center for Astronomy Education announces a series of educator workshops for astronomy educators. Advanced workshops are available for participants who have taken part in previous CAE workshops.

Global Climate change Issues and Impacts Workshop
07/19/2010 - 08/13/2010 , OR

I will be teaching an on-line workshop on global climate change through Oregon State University E-campus this summer. The course will provide information geared for teachers and general audiences about climate change and impacts of warming that are being expressed in various bioregions of the world.

Hurricanes, Science and Society: Weeklong Summer Institute for Teachers
07/26/2010 - 07/30/2010 , URI Bay Campus, Narragansett, RI
The Office of Marine Programs (OMP) at the University of Rhode Island (URI) is accepting applications for a 1-week Summer Institute for teachers on hurricane science and hurricane impacts on society. The Institute is open to middle and high school science teachers from the Southern New England region.

NOAA OE Teacher Professional Development Workshop
07/27/2010 - 07/28/2010 , The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Professional Development Workshop for Science Teachers Grades 6-12
A Module of Five Lessons for Middle School and High School Focusing on Learning Ocean Science through Ocean Exploration

Parts I and II – Two Days

Teachers Have Opportunity to Learn about Puget Sound Estuaries and Marine Life
08/10/2010 - 08/12/2010 , Olympia, WA

Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and other organizations are offering a free workshop for 4th, 5th and 6th grade teachers about the Puget Sound estuary. South Sound Estuary Association (SSEA) and Taylor Shellfish are working alongside Padilla Bay Reserve to host and organize the workshop.

Join the JOIDES Resolution on the CORKS cruise!
09/03/2010 - 09/19/2010 , Victoria, British Columbia

Deep Earth Academy, the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) and the Consortium for Ocean Leadership are pleased to announce…

School of Rock 2010 Cascadia Cores and CORKS, a Hands-on, Research-based Expedition for Earth and Ocean Science Educators During IODP Expedition 328 (Cascadia Subduction Zone ACORK Observatory)

CSTA 2010 in Sacramento
10/21/2010 - 10/24/2010 , Sacramento, CA
The California Science Teachers Association is actively seeking classroom science teachers to present one-hour workshops and three- or six-hour Short Courses at the 2010 California Science Education Conference, October 21-24 in Sacramento, CA.

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