February 2009

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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Mini-CAST Updates STAT Officer Nominees
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
About Us
We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas. STAT is committed to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levels and in all science disciplines. For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/news/position.php STAT is: o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools. o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Association o Visit the NSTA site o View the NSTA online calendar STAT seeks to: o Serve as a unified voice for the science teachers of the state. o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in science education. o Provide opportunities for members to examine techonology, curriculum, materials, and services. o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops related to sciences. o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associations in the promotion of teaching of science. History: STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 during the 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching (CASMT). STAT membership is more than 6,000 strong!
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Contacts Elected Officers ...................................................4 Appointed Positions ...........................................4 Affiliate Congress ...............................................5 Regional Directors ..............................................6 Texas State Board of Education ........................7 President’s Message ................................................8 Calendar ....................................................................9 Affiliate News ........................................................11 Regional Ramblings ..............................................18 On the Brink of Success .......................................22 Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? ..............................................................25 STAT Officer Nominees ........................................27 Continuing Education ..........................................37
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
A Message from President Baldwin
mendations for changes to the Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Educators who have reviewed these changes will find significant differences in the new TEKS. The Science Teachers Association of Texas has been working diligently to keep our members informed of this process through our website, newsletter and e-mail communications. It is our hope that all Texas science teachers have been closely monitoring this process. We have had representation at all the State Board of Education (SBOE) meetings and provided testimony. Although many educators have a keen interest in the actions of the State Board of Education, most of us find it difficult to attend these meetings which traditionally take place in Austin on either Wednesday or Thursday. In my message this month my aim is to provide a snapshot of the testimony that is taking place and why science educators need to be concerned with the outcome of this testimony and these discussions. The display of science misinformation and misunderstanding presented at the January State Board of Education Committee meeting should be of grave concern to all science educators. The whole event reminded me of a visit several years ago to the Roswell New Mexico Alien Research Center and Museum. I remember, as a science teacher, I was looking forward to seeing or experiencing some intriguing piece of information that would add mystery or challenge my understandings of nature and science. I remember searching through the museum for several hours. There was a wooden carved model by a local artisan of a “typical” alien, the plastic alien from the movie about the Roswell incident, and pieces of aluminum foil said to resemble metal found at the crash site, but no artifacts from the crash or any credible scientific artifacts. The most interesting thing about the whole museum was the lack of any real piece of evidence of anything extra ordinary. I remember being extremely disappointed and amazed at the lack of science in the displays. Roadside America.com (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11159) says this about the International UFO and Research Museum “This place has a long way to go to do justice to its futuriffic (sic) subject matter, with exhibits that are mostly paper displays hung on pegboard walls, and flying saucers made out of hubcaps hanging from the ceiling.”
Presently the State Board of Education is reviewing the Texas Education Agency recom-
(cont’d. on pg 20)
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June 2009
STARS Program June 8 - July 31, 2009 Dallas, TX TESTA Iceland Trip June 13 - 22, 2009 Iceland
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
March 2009
Region 5 Mini-CAST March 7, 2009 Beaumont, TX NSTA National Conference March 19 - 22, 2009 New Orleans, LA Texas Science and Engineering Meeting March 28 - 31, 2009 Austin, TX TMEA Meeting March 28 - 29, 2009 San Angelo, TX
October 2009
Rio Grande Valley Science Association Conference October 9 - 10, 2009 Mercedes, TX NSTA Area Conference October 29-31, 2009 Minneapolis, MN
November 2009
CAST 2009 November 5-7, 2009 Galveston, TX NSTA Area Conference November 12-14, 2009 Fort Lauderdale, FL
April 2009
Officer Elections Close April 1, 2009 Texas Science Olympiad April 24 -25, 2009 College Station, TX
December 2009
NSTA Area Conference December 3-5, 2009 Phoenix, AZ
May 2009
Board Meeting May 8-9, 2009 McKinney Roughs, TX
For a more extensive calendar, go to: www.statweb.org/calendar.php
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
just laminate & cut
by Rosemary Martin Supporting Science, Inc.
Science & Reading TEKS Correlated
Interactive manipulative activities & games Teach, review, tutor & assess Cover concepts & process skills Engage learners with visuals & color Differentiate for special populations
Contents Informal Science Education Association ISEA
by Tara Schultz ISEA Conference – Last chance to register! The Informal Science Education Association of Texas will host its annual conference February 25-27 at Sky Ranch. We are fortunate this year to be able to host the conference at beautiful Sky Ranch located in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas, 25 miles NW of Tyler and 90 miles from DFW airport. Keynote Speaker, John H. Falk, Ph.D. will speak on “Identity and the Museum Visitor Experience”. Why do people visit free-choice learning settings like science centers, zoos, natural areas and parks, what do they do during a visit and what memories and learning result from the visit experience? Dr. Falk will discuss the theory behind his new model as well as how professionals working in museum-like settings can use the model to improve how they think about and serve their visiting public. Dr. John H. Falk is known internationally for his expertise on free-choice learning. Dr. Falk is currently Sea Grant Professor of Free- Choice Learning at Oregon State University. Among Dr. Falk’s recent projects are a series of National Science Foundation and privately funded projects focused on understanding the role of identity-related motivations on the behavior and long-term learning of museum visitors. The Pre-Conference workshop, held Wednesday, February 25 is Project WET and Project Webfoot. Activities engage students with hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons that teach important concepts about water. Project Webfoot is an exciting partnership between Project WET and Ducks Unlimited. It promotes responsible wetland stewardship through conservation education. Receive certification in BOTH programs, curriculum guides, and lots of great resources! Conference Registration Deadline Feb 18 $25 registration fee includes lunch. (includes annual ISEA membership) Option A $150 (includes 2 nights lodging and 6 meals) Option B $130 (includes 6 meals) Registration form and online registration at: http://www.statweb.org/ISEA/conferences.htm. For more information contact Tara Schultz at tschultz@txstateaq.org.
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contents Texas Association for Environmental Education TAEE
by Sally Wall The past year has been very exciting and dynamic for TAEE. There have been many changes and exciting things happening. We have a new president Haily Summerford. We miss our past president, Tracy Hollis who has been a force for environmental education and a leader in our organization for the past few years. Standing on the shoulders of giants Haily has hit ground running and has been picking up the torch that Tracy has carried for the group and is making her own mark. TAEE has officially become a 501(c)(3) this year, meaning it has a nonprofit status. This will be beneficial for us in many ways. We also received an $17,000 grant from our national affiliateThe North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE) to promote diversity and capacity building. One of the ways we have done this is through our new Web site. The most outstanding news we have is winning the outstanding affiliate award from NAAEE. This was a great honor and reflected the hard work our organization has put in this past year. We were chosen above the other state affiliates in the U.S. and Canada. Our fall conference (October 9-12) outside of Austin was a great success. Kathy McLaughlin, executive director for National Project Learning Tree was our guest speaker. She was updating and promoting the nationwide movement of “No Child Left Inside”. Our retreat in January was a busy one - planning our fall conference, October 22-25, 2009 in Junction Texas at Texas Tech University Outdoor Facility on the Llano river. The theme for the conference will be “Rockin’ on the River”. We hope to see you there! For more information about TAEE, visit www.taee.org.
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contents Texas Council of Elementary Science TCES
by Vanessa Westbrook Imagine the salty air touching your face and the sound of the waves as you walk from your suite to the hotel lobby to join colleagues from across Texas for breakfast at the TCES Leadership Symposium. January 16-18, 2009 were the dates for the 12th annual symposium designed to bring together educators who focus on science education at the elementary level. A combination of concurrent sessions, share-a-thons, small group discussions, and a field experience provided professional development opportunities for the group attending this year’s event. Three informal science institutions: Texas Memorial Museum, Texas State Aquarium, and University of Texas Marine Science Institute engaged symposium participants in workshops, hands-on investigations, and a marshland nature walk. Symposium participants also had an opportunity to discuss the revisions of the science TEKS as facilitated by Barbara ten Brink, TCES Founder; engaging in Professional Learning Communities as lead by Barbara Taylor from the Charles A. Dana Center; and design a plan for implementing a science leadership role at the school, school district, regional, or state level. Under the direction of Vanessa Westbrook, TCES Treasurer and Symposium Co-Coordinator, designed plans for leaderships was collected and will be sent to attendees on the first of February as reminders. Texas Council of Elementary Science has been incorporated for over 25 years. The organization is one of five elementary science focus organization in the United States; one of two elementary focus organizations with a current website, professional development activities , and an associated group of the National Science Teachers Association. The membership is rich with presidential awardees, state and national leaders from the science education area, and a membership list that includes informal educators, university professors, master teachers, and educators who work with students from Pre-kindergarten to college level. The membership is diverse with educators from across Texas who represents the ethnicity, geographic areas, and years of experiences (students teachers to 30+ year veterans). TCES has an award winning website, a quarterly newsletter for the membership, and popular yearly publication, Hands Across Texas (H.A.T.S) which provides classroom tested activities and investigations for the teaching and learning of science. Visit our website: www.statweb.org/TCES
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contents Texas Earth Science Teachers Association TESTA
by Diann Valentine 2008 was a year of many surprises for all. The biggest, of course, was Hurricane Ike. Many schools from the Beaumont/Galveston corridor had major damage. Those further inland suffered secondary delay from the power outages. Even though class time was lost from this disaster, we are obliged to help our students through rough times. We sometimes forget how intertwined we are. In closing, TESTA would like to say thanks, again, to those that contributed to our rock raffle and door prizes for our luncheon during 2008. Please consider patronizing the following: the Dallas and Houston Gem and Mineral Associations, AmberWay Jewelry, Bitterroot Rocks and Fossils, Fantastic Stones and Accessories, Stone Crystals, Earth Works, The Rare Earth Trading Company, Blue Caribe Jems, H&P Minerals and Gems, Crystal Monster, Lone Star Meteorites, Gilligan’s Isle Our economy has certainly affected all of Brazil Treasures, The Geode Gallery, Carved Opal us. As school budgets suffered some were not al- and Obsidian, San Juan Gems, Geoblox, Lonestar lowed to benefit from the wonderful professional Learning, Dynanotes, Geoblox, McDonald Obserdevelopment that CAST offers. Hopefully those vatory, US Forestry Service, Wards, and all of our that could not attend our CAST conference in 2008 members and supporters for their generous donawill join us for the Galveston Conference Nov 3-7, tions to our organization. 2009. Turn in your budget request now for next year and help with the Galveston recovery! TESTA urges everyone to begin making plans to attend the 52nd Anniversary CAST to be Our parent organization, NESTA (National held in Galveston at Moody Gardens! AdditionEarth Science Teachers), will start off the National ally, if you did not attend CAST this year or did Science Teachers Conference in New Orleans with not renew your TESTA dues, please do so today so a field trip on March 18. The field trip is entitled we can continue to offer earth science services and “Katrina Devastation and New Orleans Water- programs. ways”. There is online registration on the NESTA’s website. If you need to contact me, Diann Valentine - TESTA President, please email me at On March 20, the Geology, the Oceans and dvalenti@houstonisd.org. Atmospheres, and Space Science Share-a-thons will be held. On March 21, the National Hazards and the Environment Share-a-thon as well as the exciting rock and mineral raffle will be highlighted. You can also check out the entire Earth Science strand on the their website: www.nestanet.org/php/ conferences.php.
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contents Texas Marine Education Association TMEA
by Nathan Veatch
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
for “A river runs through it,” The Colorado River and its tributaries Join The Texas Marine Educators Association in San Angelo for the first part of a multipart workshop to study the movement of water through the Colorado River watershed system from its headwaters down to where it empties into Matagorda Bay. This workshop is designed to help teachers of all disciplines gain a better understanding of how we impact the world of water in many ways. The first stop of this tour will develop an understanding of the ecology, history, usage, and problems of water in West Texas. The tour group, with the help of the UCRA, will explore the Concho River, a tributary of the Colorado River, and Lake Nasworthy. We hope to see you there! To register for this workshop, check our website: http://www.statweb.org/TMEA/ Cost: $35; Nonmember $45. Registration deadline: March 6th. Maximum participants: 30.
JOIN US IN SAN ANGELO MARCH 28, & 29, 2009
TMEA at CAST - Fort Worth
November 6-8th, 2008 TMEA President, Mark Stamp led another great marine geology fieldtrip with 38 participants eagerly grubbing fossils and rocks from the marine strata in the Fort Worth area. Some even suggested camping out so they could get an early start on the outcrops the next day. The TMEA Strand contained a full complement of workshops. TMEA Strand presenters were Greg McDonald, Gina Diseldorf, Marolyn Smith, Rick Tinnin, and John Williams. Many “old salts” manned the TMEA Affiliates booth in the exhibit hall. Special thanks go to Cindy Ross and Mark Stamp for transport, design, and set up of the TMEA booth in the exhibit hall. They were assisted in the set up by Jack Clason and Luz Tellez. A big thanks to all those members who spent time manning the booth, signing up new members and passing out over 300 copies of the Dolphin Talk Special Edition. Forty members joined or renewed their membership through registration for CAST. Fifteen more joined or renewed at the booth. At the annual business meeting and luncheon, Trish Lowe assumed the office of President, Marolyn Smith was elected as President-elect, and Luz Tellez was re-elected as Treasurer. Jill Veatch will serve as Secretary for one more year. Mark Stamp was thanked for his contributions during the past two years.
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Contents Texas Marine Education Association TSAAPT
by Hugh Henderson The Fall 2008 Joint Meeting of the Texas and Four Corners Sections of the American Physical Society along with the Texas and New Mexico Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers was held at the University of Texas at El Paso on October 17-18, 2008. Plenary sessions included talks on nanotechnology, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiments, semiconductors, and math and science education. Over 220 sessions were presented in the areas such as astrophysics, high energy physics, condensed matter, nuclear physics, nanoscience, and physics education research. The after dinner talk was given by Thomas Calligaro, art restoration physicist at the Palais de Louvre in Paris. Workshops for teachers were also offered in the areas of video analysis and mechanics. The Texas Section of AAPT also offered a strand of seven sessions at CAST November 5 – 8, 2008 in Ft. Worth. Sessions included astronomical mysteries, how to survive your first 5 years of teaching, using video analysis, radioactive decay, plasma physics, circular motion, and Quarknet. TSAAPT is currently putting together a strand for sessions at CAST 2009 in Galveston, November 5 – 7, 2009. The Joint Spring 2009 Texas Section Meeting of the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the Society of Physics Students will be held at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas April 2 – 4, 2009. Contributed papers from any area of physics are welcomed and encouraged; however, areas of emphasis for the meeting include Astronomy and Space Science, Innovations in Physics Teaching, Undergraduate and High School Student Research, and Applications of Accelerators. Workshops for physics teachers will also be offered. Invited talks include topics on plastic electronics, physics teacher preparation, physics education research in advanced physics classes, and more. More information can be found at http://www.math. tarleton.edu/conference/main.htm.
Left:
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Evelyn Restivo shares her experiences as a teacher–researcher at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland at the TSAAPT luncheon at CAST.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Contents Region 4
by Mary Ingle Region 4 Director On February 21, 2009 Region 4 Education Service Center will hold its first annual Science Conference: Preparing 21st Century Citizens for Science Literacy from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sessions are available for all grades and courses. The conference has a wide selection of topics that include T-STEM, ELL Strategies, Integrating Technology with Chemistry and Physics, Genetics, Inquiry Strategies for Biology, Science Notebooks, Fun with Physical Science, Junior Master Gardener, Lab Management for Elementary, Connecting with NASA’s Digital Learning, Erosion and Weathering, and much more. The conference fee is $80 and includes a box lunch. Register online at http://www.escweb.net/ tx_esc_04/default.aspx with the session ID: 321701. If you have any questions about this science conference, please don’t hesitate to contact Mary Ingle at mingle@esc4.net.
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Region 10/11
by Terry Talley This Regional Mini-CAST has become a tradition for metroplex elementary and secondary science educators. Educators from ESC Regions 10 & 11 and surrounding areas are invited Saturday, February 21, 2009, from 8:30 am - 3:45 pm to participate as presenters and/or attendees. Pre-registration is closed, but take advantage of on-site registration, which is available from 8:00 am - 8:30 am. This one day conference is designed to support the work of science educators by providing interaction with other educators, professional training, informative workshop sessions and an opportunity to see commercial products on exhibit. E-mail Kevin Fisher for details or call him at 469-948-8083.
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Contents Region 13
by Dr. Barbara ten Brink Region 13 Director Two Texas teachers have been named finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematices and Science Teaching (PAEMST). A state panel of master teachers, specialists, and administrators reviewed the applications and chose the outstanding science and mathematics teachers for the National Science Foundation to consider for state finalist status. Teachers honored for the PAEMST awards are identified from schools in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity. Each year, after an initial selection process at the state or territorial level, a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators recommends about 100 teachers to receive the award from a pool of these talented finalists. The National Science Foundation, under the direction of the White House, approved the Texas candidates as finalists for the national PAEMST The 2008 PAEMST awards recognize kin- award. If chosen as a national winner, the state fidergarten through sixth grade science and math- nalists will receive $10,000 and an all expense paid ematics teachers whose innovative methods bring trip for two to Washington D.C. for ceremonies teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas finalists that include recognition from the president of the in elementary science are Amanda Santana from United States at the Capital. Houston and Candy Ellard of Austin. Santana has Next year, outstanding certified mathematbeen teaching for 18 years and is currently teaching elementary science at The Rice School in the ics and science teachers in grades 7-12, with five Houston Independent School District. Her princi- years or more of teaching experience, are eligible. pal is Kimberly Hobbs and her superintendent is If you would like to nominate an outstanding mathematics or science teacher, nomination forms Abelardo Saavedra. are currently available at http://www.paemst.org. Candy Ellard, a 27-year veteran, is currently a fifth-grade teacher at Pillow Elementary School in Austin ISD. Her principal is Tonya King Austin ISD also hosted over 8000 children at the Zilker Botanical Gardens exhibit of Dinosaurs. and her superintendent is Pat Forgione. Ms. Ellard was nominated for the award by STAT Regional Click here for the news link. Director, Dr. Barbara ten Brink.
Left to Right: Dr. Kenn Heydrick, Amanda Santana, Candy Ellard, Irene Pickhardt
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I don’t wish to criticize the museum and possibly it has changed in the fifteen years since I visited; After all, it was entertaining and I did get a coffee mug! My experience at the last SBOE meeting was very similar to my experience at Roswell in that again I was amazed at the lack of real scientific information presented by many of the attendees and witnesses. Although in the case of the SBOE meeting, the stakes for our children are much higher. I couldn’t help but become very concerned as several well meaning individuals, one right after another, provided incorrect or simplistic misinformation about basic science concepts. “So when we agree or disagree with evolution we are not talking about microevolution we are talking about the next stageorigin of life and do we have a relationship to a primate.” (SBOE member)
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Consistently certain State Board of Education members and nonscientists testified about a non-existing conflict between microevolution and macroevolution. For biologists there is no meaningful difference between microevolution and macroevolution. Both are the same process that takes place in the same way under similar circumstances. When biologists use the terms microevolution and macroevolution they use them for descriptive purposes. Biologists consider evolution One of the main topics brought up by SBOE to occur over a continuum from small changes that board members and lay members of the public was take place over relatively short periods of time to perceived difference and controversy between mi- large changes that take place over long periods of croevolution and macroevolution as demonstrat- time. Much of the testimony involved using this vocabulary incorrectly. These individuals were ed by some of the following statements: taking the terms microevolution and macroevolution which have specific and limited meaning and “The question is not micro but macro ‘the changing of one species to another is that using them in a broader and incorrect manner. The testimony indicated an artificial and incorrect is where the questions are at’ –is that not true?” (SBOE member) division between these two terms that does not exist. Basically evolution is a change in the genetic “Failure to distinguish between micro code and there is no scientific reason why small changes cannot become large changes. For more and macro evolution and by abandoning information on microevolution vs. macroevolua commitment to strengths and weaknesstion visit: http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/CB/ es in TEKS will be detrimental to sound education as well as reliable science.” CB902.html, and http://evolution.berkeley.edu. (Testimony) “Using the strengths of microevolution to support macroevolution that has no support.” (Testimony) “Macroevolution (is) the transmutation of one species to another.” (Testimony)
For biologists there is no meaningful difference between microevolution and macroevolution.
Another piece of misinformation perpetuated at the State Board of Education meeting was an assertion that there are major gaps in the fossil record that put the theory of evolution in jeopardy. Two examples from the latest SBOE meeting
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would be the following two statements: “Would you consider the gaps in the fossil record to be a scientific weakness to the theory of evolution-the missing transitional fossils? “The transition fossils are not there despite aggressively looking for them for well over 100 years.” “Follow up on the Piltdown man the missing link skull. The missing link the skull, was that an evolutionary fraud?” As most biologists would explain, questions about the fossil record in relation to human evolution have very little relevance to the overall theory of evolution. Even so, the fossil evidence for the evolution of man is very convincing and well documented. Click on the links for more information on the Piltdown Man and human evolution.
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
First scientists have found many transitional fossils, but more importantly, scientists know that Other discoveries such as such as the many tissues, organs and organisms don’t fossilhominid discoveries in Africa soon ize well. Scientists predict that there will be gaps in the fossil record. The fact that we have found so replaced the Piltdown man as credible many transitional fossils and continue to find spefossil evidence of the accent of man. cies as would be predicted by evolution continues to strengthen the theory rather than weaken it. For Most science educators will note that these more information on this topic, a simple explana- arguments presented at the State Board of Education can be found at http://evolution.berkeley.edu/ tion are old creationist arguments for the inclusion evosite/misconceps/IICgaps.shtml. of religion in classrooms and are of little scientific merit. What is probably most disappointing Testimony quoted below refer to the fa- about the whole process is that big issues about mous Piltdown hoax, which although important the quality and scope of our science standards are in its time, does little to discredit the theory of evo- denigrated by a focus on old arguments that scilution. In 1912, the Piltdown man was believed to entists have dismissed long ago. The big concern be the “missing link” between apes and humans for science educators is that the SBOE will require by the majority of the scientific community but textbooks to include misinformation and incorrect it soon lost its credibility. Other discoveries such science in the textbooks based on a requirement as such as the hominid discoveries in Africa soon that the books present “strengths and weaknessreplaced the Piltdown man as credible fossil evi- es” of scientific theories such as evolution. I urge dence of the accent of man. SBOE testimony in- all educators to continue to be vigilant and proaccluded: tive in addressing their concerns to both the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Educa“We find a piece of a skull fragment we tion. claim that’s evidence yet that there’s a dismissal of that claim years ago yet it doesn’t Information on contacting your State Board of hit the front page of the newspaper.” Education members is available on our website at www.statweb.org.
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Statewide Elementary Science TAKS Analysis1
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
By Barbara ten Brink, PhD
On the Brink of Success:
Procedure
Why statewide testing? And once we spend all that energy taking the test, why analyze the data? We are fortunate in Texas to have a statewide test that is perfectly aligned to our state’s standards. Indeed, committees convened by the state, simply voted on which Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to be included as Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). To our State’s credit we began with the primary premise that instructional standards and assessment must be aligned. If teachers are teaching the TEKS, then they are automatically covering the TAKS. Then, with the TAKS data given to us by the Texas Education Agency, we have insight into the effectiveness of our teaching. Did our lessons teach the concept to the rigor and relevance required by the standards and measured Analysis by the test? Can we use the data to identify gaps Using the Statewide Science TAKS Data Over Time in the cycle of Curriculum, Instruction, Learning, charts on the following pages, we see our students’ and Assessment? progress in each TAKS objective and each tested
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Using TAKS Item Analysis and TAKS Answer Keys2, I mapped TAKS performance over time. Using these maps, we can see trends in the number of items missed per objective (1); TEKS tested and missed each year (2); number of items missed for each of the elementary grades tested (3); improvement per objective even at the higher passing rates (4); and improvement overall at the higher passing rates (5). Included in this article are TAKS data analysis charts entitled, Statewide Science TAKS Data Over Time2. I created charts of the tested TEKS, sorted by TAKS objective, and inserted the data from the Item Analysis and Answer Keys. These charts map statewide performance of the 285,000 fifth graders tested each year from 2003 through 2008. Contributing to this work is the Elementary Science TAKS Blueprint. Blueprints were established by TEA for each content area tested. They add consistency to our data analysis. The Blueprint mandates the elementary TAKS have forty items: thirteen items test the Nature of Science; nine items test Life Science; nine items test Physical Science; nine items test Earth Science. Notice that each TEKS is not tested every year. Items are selected from a pool of piloted and benchmarked items and the test is constructed according to the Blueprint. The State Board of Education set the passing standard at 60% in 2003; 67.5% in 2004; 75% thereafter. For the purposes of this article I have used the passing standards set by the SBOE and will not address the post-equating that may figure into the passing standard nor have I map the statewide performance of the Spanishlanguage test takers.
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By Barbara ten Brink, PhD
On the Brink of Success (cont’d.)
as outlined by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and as measured by the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.
1Statewide
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TEKS. The value of the charts is that educators and researchers can see which TEKS have been tested, how students have done on each tested TEKS, how students have improved over time in each of the four elementary TAKS Objectives, and how students have improved cumulatively on the test as a whole. Researchers may examine each objective by highlighting the items missed according to the passing standard for that year.
Elementary Science TAKS Analysis 2003-2007, published in Leaders of Learners, Texas ASCD, January 2008.
2http://www.tea.state.tx.us
Conclusion
Science educators have access to the Campus Item Analysis delivered to their campuses every year and Answer keys from the TEA web site. Using the Statewide TAKS Data Over Time charts that follow, educators can substitute their campus’s performance and analyze their campus trends. Do your students perform at or above the statewide average? Does your district curriculum include the TEKS? Did your teachers deliver instruction in the tested TEKS to the rigor and relevance required by the TEKS? Are there gaps in your district’s science curriculum or in the delivery of instruction? Do your students retain science instruction delivered in grades 2, 3, and 4? Having access to the TAKS items for 2003, 2004, and 2006, educators will want to use specific items to analyze why the students missed them. Was it a lack of math, visual, or scientific literacy? Is your instruction delivered at the lower levels of thinking while the TAKS items are testing at a higher level? Have you found and analyzed trends that I have missed? The purpose of analyzing the TAKS data is to align our curriculum and instruction at the campus level with the standards adopted by the state. In this way, students and teachers progress toward a common goal: Science literacy for all students
Barbara ten Brink, Ph.D. is a science specialist for Austin ISD. She has served as president of the Council for Elementary Science International and Texas Science Education Leadership Association. She can be reached at btenbrin@austinisd.org. For a spreadsheet of the data referenced in this article, please go to: http://www.statweb.org/State TAKS Analysis 03-08.pdf.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
By Kevin Fisher
Does Expelled Belong in the Science Classroom?
because they support ID. However, as many items in this issue show, the “facts” on which these claims rest are misconstrued. The “martyrs” of ID are not participating in the process of scientific research, and so the scientific research community has not accepted their ideas. The film promises to explain “intelligent design” and detail supporting evidence. The film also boasts that it will show fatal flaws in the evidence for evolution. Similar claims and promises made many times before have turned out to be false. Does Expelled really have something new to offer, or are the same old half-truths repeated and embellished here?
so it is now widely available and easily accessible for classroom use. Most states’ science education standards require that the science curriculum should include discussion of the role of science (and scientists) in our society and the impact of scientific ideas. So, it is reasonable for science educators to ask whether viewing the film in science classes would be a valid learning experience for students. The quick answer is a resounding “No!”; however, that answer is not simply an uninformed bias against “intelligent design” but the result of considering issues of academic integrity, scientific accuracy, and, most important, the education of the students entrusted to us in our classrooms.
Expelled was released recently on DVD,
Accuracy
The “martyrs” of ID are not participating in the process of scientific research, and so the scientific research community has not accepted their ideas.
Integrity
The most astonishing and insulting part of the film occurs when atheistic evolution is given as the reason for the Holocaust.
The first half of the film examines the cases of several individuals who were allegedly fired by the institutions that employed them — for nothing more that supporting “intelligent design” or merely questioning “Darwinism”. Although these cases make for interesting viewing, there is nothing here that either explains ID or shows any evidence in its support. This is the first warning bell for a science educator: where is the science that the film promises to deliver? The second half of the film denigrates scientists by portraying them as atheists. But, none of the 40% of scientists who profess a religious faith were interviewed; nor were their perspectives mentioned. Furthermore, there was no discussion of the numerous religious denominations that reject ID, but accept evolution within the context of their doctrinal or theological foundations. But, if ID is a scientific — and not a religious — proposition with its own scientific evidence, then why is atheism even an issue?
The film failed in the first category even before it was filmed: participation by scientists was secured under false pretenses. Scientists who were interviewed for the film were told it was going to be a documentary entitled Crossroads and would examine conflicts between science and religion. But, it turns out that the domain name used for the film (http://expelledthemovie.com) was secured before these interviews were arranged, so it is clear that the producers had already decided that the movie would be different from that described in the original agreements with scientists. The film also fails because it claims that legitimate scientific research is being blocked by “Darwinists” and that proponents of :”intelligent design” are being unfairly excluded from universities, research centers, and public discourse on the sciences simply
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By Kevin Fisher
Does Expelled Belong in the Science Classroom? (cont’d.)
Still undecided?
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
The most astonishing and insulting part of the film occurs when atheistic evolution is given as the reason for the Holocaust. In this powerful emotional presentation, the film overlooks one basic historical fact: German soldiers had the phrase, “Gott Mit Uns” (God is with us), on their belt buckles. Where is not the tie-in to evolution or atheism in that phrase?
Effects on students
What will students understand if they watch this film in school? Expelled implies that a controversy exists as to whether evolution can produce complexity and diversity of life. In fact, whatever controversy exists about evolution revolves around the competing models that contribute to evolutionary change and their roles in particular cases. This can be the subject of stimulating, late-night discussions, but it is usually outside the scope of a K–12 science classroom — mostly because none of those alternative models would change the content taught in these classrooms or how it was presented. A science educator buying into this “teach the controversy” ploy would give students the false impression that evolution itself was in question, when the disagreement is about the details of evolutionary change.
Consider the potentially catastrophic effect of these attacks on science education. In Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America’s Soul (Viking, 2008), NCSE Supporter Ken Miller writes: “the choice we face is whether we will continue to be the world’s scientific leader or quietly watch as the torch of discovery is lifted from our hands. The message that these attacks send is that proven scientific processes, methods, and well tested theories are not to be trusted; an entire generation of students will reject all of science, not just certain tenets.” It is offensive — and dangerous — when a false controversy is manufactured for the purposes of subverting sound science education. Students deserve nothing less than a 21st-century science education, which scientists uniformly agree includes evolution, presented in an uncompromised fashion. Expelled would push science education back into the 30’s — the 1530’s.
It is offensive and dangerous when a false controversy is manufactured for the purposes of subverting sound science education.
Expelled is delivered in a polished, professional manner. This does not look like a propaganda film produced in someone’s basement. This slick “sales pitch” enhances the false credibility of the film. The film claimed it would define “design,” present evidence for design, and offer a devastating rebuke of evolution. The film fails to deliver on all counts. Instead, the film will deliver a muddled, distorted vision of science, scientists, and evolution that will only confuse and mislead students.
“The message that these attacks send is that proven scientific processes, methods, and well tested theories are not to be trusted; an entire generation of students will reject all of science, not just certain tenets.”
More obvious is the outrageous claim that scientists suppress new ideas that do not agree with mainstream science. In fact, any new idea is subjected to scientific testing and peer review. If it survives, it will become a part of the scientific consensus, and only then will it enter textbooks and classrooms. The nonDarwinian models now common in K–12 texts and curricula are clear evidence that science is open to new ideas that have the research record to back them up.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Decide Who Will Represent Texas Science Teachers
Click HERE to vote, or go to: www.statweb.org/election.php
STAT Needs Your Votes!
The Nominees
President-Elect
Joel Palmer Lisa Leach
Vice President
Ross Ann Hill Susanna Ramirez
Secretary
Diann Valentine Karen Jo Matsler
Treasurer
Laurel Frank Lola Grundy
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
President-Elect
Joel Palmer
It is with some trepidation that I run for STAT president-elect, mostly because of the awesome responsibility. As president elect I would serve for three years on the STAT board during the implementation of the revised Science TEKS. I have served as an appointed member of the STAT board for 12 years as editor of The STATellite and the TST. I have had the opportunity to watch as the STAT board worked tirelessly to have a positive impact on science education. I am very aware of the importance of this organization to the teachers and students of Texas. For most teachers STAT is CAST, the premier staff development opportunity for science teachers in the state of Texas but STAT is much more. STAT is the combined efforts of numerous science educators. STAT has 10 affiliates composed of individuals with a wide variety of interest and focuses. These affiliates have a voice on the STAT board as the Affiliate Congress. Serving as president of this organization is an awesome honor and responsibility. I have taught in a wide variety of educational situations, a rural school in Louisiana, an inner city school in Dallas as well as a Dallas Magnet School and a large suburban school in Mesquite, Texas. I have taught polylingual classes at Spence Middle school and, some of the brightest students in DISD at its Academically Talented and Gifted Magnet Middle School. I have taught inner city kids, suburban kids and rural kids. I have taught Honors Physics and Physical Science (long before there was IPC). I also have taught both pre-service and in-service science teachers. All that teaching has taught me a few things that I can bring to this role with STAT. What is my vision for STAT? I want to make sure that STAT keeps doing what we do well. STAT’s greatest contribution is CAST. We need to make sure it gets better and better. We need to reexamine our communication conduits. The STAT web portal needs to be the “GO TO” resource for science teachers in Texas. Our two periodicals need to have a clearer focus. The STATellite, needs to focus on none-breaking news, listings of professional growth opportunities and instructional materials for educators. The TST should continue to focus on science education research. We need to look into publishing books on instructional strategies. I know that there are groups and individuals in Texas trying to get important works published and would love to do so under the STAT umbrella. STAT needs to become proactive in establishing position statements on a number of issues that Texas science teachers can use for leverage to advocate for best practice in science instruction. We need position statements addressing lesson design, number of students per class, safe laboratory practice and others. I believe my classroom experience and curriculum coordinator combined with my vision prepares me to lead STAT.
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President-Elect
Lisa Leach
All children have the right to understand science. Every aspect of my career as a professional educator has focused on this fundamental fact. It is our job to provide students with this opportunity. My heartfelt passion is, and has always been, science education. The current TEKS revision is tremendously important for the future of the state of Texas. I believe I can provide leadership that will support the delivery of a curriculum that is scientifically sound and conceptually focused. As a science education community, each of us has a responsibility to ensure we are providing the most powerful learning opportunities possible for all Texas students. In my present position as Assistant Superintendent, I am responsible for district-wide curriculum, instruction and assessment. Our district has been identified as a high-performing, high-poverty district. Seventy percent of the student population is economically disadvantaged and 11% live in residential Children’s Protective Services (CPS) foster care facilities. Despite demographics that could potentially impair student performance, our achievement levels remain consistently high across all demographic groups. In a recent Texas A&M University study, we were ranked 1st in the state in the educational success of Latino students (Melton, 2009). We can provide solid evidence that students’ backgrounds and ethnicities need not predict achievement levels. An awareness of quality instruction, combined with a systemic, aligned curriculum across grades K-12, is critical to student success. Prior to my current position, I served for ten years as the Science Education Specialist and then the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction at Region 17 Education Service Center. Earlier, I taught high school science for ten years. Closing in on thirty years as a professional educator, I am more determined than ever to intercede on behalf of the children who are depending on us for their very futures. My priority for STAT is to provide leadership and support for teachers. Texas has outstanding science teachers who are committed to the academic and personal success of our challenging student populations. Teachers need full administrative support, encouragement, resources, and professional development in order to do their jobs effectively. All students can indeed learn when provided with a clear systemic focus, high expectations, strong instructional support, and frequent assessment to help bridge achievement gaps. I pledge to work within STAT to draw on and to strengthen the collective body of knowledge, expertise, and commitment that is so abundant among the state’s science education community. I would be honored and humbled to serve you as President-Elect of STAT. Science educators have always been a force to be reckoned with and our voice is needed now more than ever to ensure the future of our students and our state.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Vice President
Ross Ann Hill
One of the major issues facing science educators today is the relevance of science education and how to best prepare our students. Science education increases students’ critical thinking and problemsolving skills. We as science teachers must find ways to incorporate science and technology in a way that will best benefit our students. Today’s students are saturated with technology – it is what they know and take pleasure in. Teachers must continually keep up with technology from iPods to digital portfolios to not only keep students interest levels high but to also prepare them for a technologically advanced world. Teachers must find a way to not just use technology to be more productive but to actually use the equipment to build thinking and analytical skills in their students. Virtually every employment opportunity that our students will face will use technology and most will use it in a way that is beyond the mundane. I believe that STAT is a driving force behind the need for academic collaboration in this area. As leaders in the state, STAT members should restructure and enhance their expectations of themselves and of the students. Billions of dollars have been spent on technology in schools. Technology has improved our communication and access to information. It has facilitated remediation and put the whole universe within our reach. However, we must continue to strive to integrate science and technology in a suitable way to students that will teach them to think critically and solve real world problems. STEM education is vital to our students and teachers in an increasingly competitive global economy that will depend in a large way on our ability to better educate our students in math, science and engineering. STAT is innovative and essential organization that will help to better prepare its members for the coming challenges. Today, an understanding of scientific and mathematical principles and problem solving skills are necessary for most jobs. Therefore, STEM education is an enormous and imperative need.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Vice President
Susanna Ramirez
I have been an educator for a total of 9 years, 7 of which have been in 5th grade Science. Throughout my teaching career I have had the great opportunity of being able to acquire a love and passion for Science. My passion has allowed me many professional opportunities within my school district, campus, and region. At my campus level, I am the Science Specialist, who oversees the Science curriculum implementation across grade levels and trains teachers in any area of need. At the district level, I represent my campus at all Science meetings and train teachers across the district during professional development days and after school hours. I have been a member of the Region One Science Collaborative since 2004 and the University of Texas Pan American Science Collaborative through which I received my Masters in Education with an emphasis in Science. The collaborative have given me the knowledge to help my students to succeed and the ability to present and help other teachers pursue their goals in Science. For this major reason, I joined the Rio Grande Valley Science Association in 2004 and was able to become a presenter soon after joining. My greatest accomplishment in giving back to the community of educators is being the current president of the Rio Grande Valley Science Association. Through my active participation in RGVSA I have been able to make valuable connections in Science across the valley and across the State of Texas and bring some of those connections down to the Rio Grande Valley to present at our annual mini CAST. I am now seeking the office of Vice-President for STAT, in which I strongly believe that the experiences I have had as an educator and as president of RGVSA, which encompasses the Rio Grande Valley from Laredo to Brownsville, have prepared me for. Being an advocate for Science in my campus, district, and region, I would like to be given the opportunity to reach teachers across Texas and make connections with the teachers in our area. Through my involvement in STAT, TSELA, TCES, and Txess Revolutions, I have had the opportunities to network with other teachers across this great state of ours and feel that I am a good spokesperson for the area of Science. My goal has always been to show my students and teachers that Science is fun, exciting and can open the door to build curiosity about the real world. The connections they make between science and the real world are those they can internalize for the rest of their lives.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Diann Valentine
“Explore Our World” is the theme of my classroom. As a classroom teacher for 29 years, I want our future adults to have an understanding and appreciation for our earth. With a good foundation of science, our students can make a positive impact on our planet with the limited resources that are at hand. Over the years I have participated in many traditional educational and field experiences, which have enriched my life as well as enriched the lives of my students. From my adventures in “exploring my world” from rural, mountain, seashore or city dwellings, I have embraced conservation of all natural resources as well as stressed fiscal responsibility. STAT is an organization that allows teachers to share their experiences with one another to aid in the growth of our future. We need to model for our potential citizens the need to “Walk and live lightly on our Earth”. Besides committing to my students, I will commit to serving the science teachers of Texas. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve as secretary for STAT as we continue to promote and provide excellence in science education.
Secretary
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Karen Jo Matsler
There is no higher calling than teaching which shapes the lives, goals and dreams of future generations. Someone had to teach the doctor to read, the technician to analyze and the accountant to add. Teachers are like gardeners in the diverse fields of education. We plant seeds, cultivate, wait for the harvest, and sometimes replant. Some years the harvest seems hardly worth the effort, yet, as educators, we believe in people. We believe they want to learn and that all people can become productive members of society. Consequently, we continue the cycle of preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, and nurturing while maintaining high expectations of the end result. Eventually, we see the fruits of our labor. Some blooms are large and ostentatious and some are so small you have to look closely to see them, but none are insignificant. Some plants have thorns, some are aromatic, some need pruning, and some need extra care and attention. Sometimes there are droughts (days, years) and sometimes we enjoy a garden that is absolutely stunning. As we move forward with new challenges and opportunities, as educators we must ask: “What seeds are we planting, what type of garden will we have in the future, and how can we be the best gardener?” I believe the best is yet to come as we work together to redefine and improve education in Texas. We must continually work to improve ourselves so we can help our students bloom and be productive. As an officer of STAT, I will work with the board, affiliates and members of the science community to advocate the continued progress of science education.
Secretary
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Treasurer
Laurel Frank
As the current treasurer for the Science Teachers Association of Texas, it has been my pleasure to serve the science teachers throughout the state. What an exciting time to be a science teacher! We’re facing many challenges, but we also have many opportunities to make a significant difference in landmark decisions impacting not only the students and teachers of Texas, but the state as a whole. Our science standards (TEKS) are currently in the revision process, new science textbooks are on the horizon, and high school End of Course assessments are being piloted. Your choice to be an active member of a keystone organization like STAT shows your commitment to stay informed and to join forces with thousands of other science educators across Texas. Just as voting for President gives you a national voice, your membership in STAT and your vote for STAT officers gives you a voice in state educational decisions. Time is not slowing down. We struggle to find time to fit in the TEKS each school year, to prepare students for the next test, and to complete a lab before the bell rings. STAT values your time by allowing you to stay informed about current science events including action at the State Board of Education in Austin, giving you the opportunity to attend a high quality state conference, and providing professional resources through online and paper documents. There’s no subject I’d rather teach and no state I’d rather teach in. One of my favorite quotes is from Katharine Graham of the Washington Post. She says, “To love what you do and feel that it matters—what could be more fun?” When lesson plans include measuring a Mentos & Diet Coke geyser, launching a bean bag with a trebuchet, or dissecting a frog, science becomes fascinating and engaging to students as well as the teachers who teach them. And while fascination is wonderful, how much more wonderful it is when we also give students the words and concepts to explain the science activity and, more importantly, to explain the world around them. I would be proud to represent science teachers once again as the treasurer of STAT. I love what I do, I feel that it matters, and yes, I’m having fun! What could be better?
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Treasurer
Lola Grundy
As a veteran of 25 years in the profession of teaching, I have watched this profession grow into an occupation that requires true commitment (in the face of adversity), continuing education (to enhance our own understanding and skill), and growth (as we mature into a consummate professional). With the onset of the “No Child Left Behind” Law, we are challenged daily to meet the needs of children with diverse family backgrounds, multiple learning disabilities, and attitudes toward learning that we are expected to overcome or enhance, dependent upon the readiness of the children in our classroom. Science education is the platform within the schools that has the power to ignite a child’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. We are the catalyst that can cause a child to become interested in a scientifically based profession. We are also challenged to teach children the “how” to learn and think about situations and possible occupations that we don’t even know exist at this point in time. STAT has the voice to influence science education by: 1.working with the Texas Education Agency to provide input that shapes the foundation of science education in our state 2.provide leadership through ongoing professional development at the state and regional levels within the state and 3.providing new teachers with support and a personal contact that can serve as a mentor. Without all of these foundational structures in place and supported, we will continue to see students drop out of school at an alarming rate and we will see beginning educators become discouraged and leave the profession for “greener pastures.” Please allow me to serve in a leadership role and support this organization as it strives to provide ongoing leadership to meet the various needs of science educators in our state.
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At Ocean
Star Museum in Galveston – 20th Street at Harborside Drive
2009 WORKSHOP DATES
Playing with Petroleum Grades K-5
Saturday, January 10 Saturday, February 14 Saturday, March 7 Saturday, April 4 Tuesday, June 9 Tuesday, July 14 Tuesday, August 4 Saturday, September 12 Saturday, October 3
PE³: Expanding Energy Education Workshops
Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Please Print Name: Circle one:
Knowledge Box Grades 6-12
Saturday, January 17
Presents
Saturday, February 21 Saturday, March 28 Saturday, April 25 Thursday, June 11 Thursday, July16 Thursday, August 6 Saturday, September 26 Saturday, October 17
Participants will receive a light breakfast, lunch, the Project E³: Expanding Energy Education Book (a $35.00 value), and a $25.00 travel stipend. A $35.00 check along with the registration will hold your place. This will be returned to you upon completion of the 6 hour workshop which begins at 9:00am. Each participant will also receive 6 CPE hours and will be entitled to check out the Knowledge Box for a 30 day period or the Playing with Petroleum Kit for a 14 day period to utilize in their classrooms at no charge. (Free pick-up and delivery within the Houston area.) Our workshops have been approved for 6 hours of TEEAC credit. � I will need a sticker.
Mail checks to:
Offshore Energy Center 200 N. Dairy Ashford, Suite 6220 Houston, Texas 77079 (281) 544-2435 Fax: (281) 544-2441
Administrator
Teacher
Preservice Teacher
Home School
Other
School Name and Address: Home Address: School District: Home Phone: Email Address: Grade Level(s)Taught: Subjects Taught: Work Phone:
Workshop Date:
Choice #1 _________________________
Choice #2______________________________
Kindly make cancellations 3 days prior to the workshop in order to receive a refund. "No shows" will be billed $35.00 or your submitted check will be processed.
For more information about the workshops, visit our website: www.oceanstaroec.com or contact Doris Tomas, Education Director, oeceducation@aol.com
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NSTA News
Testing in science is coming. Are you sure your students will perform well enough to meet requirements? If you need to build your skills, learn new content, and develop new strategies to raise performance, the National Science Teachers Association can help. The NSTA National Conference on Science Education is happening in New Orleans, March 18-22, 2009. Join 10,000 science educators at this premier event and take advantage of expert-led workshops on critical topics, presentations by renowned speakers, and sessions for every discipline and grade band. Take advantage of our advanced deadline extended to Feb. 20 for the best savings. For additional information, visit: www.nsta.org/conferences. With nearly 2000 sessions to choose from, you’ll surely find what you need most. Here is just a sample of what you can expect in professional development: • Scientist, comedian, teacher, and author Bill Nye the Science Guy, one of the original founders of The Planetary Society will present on studying the planet from space. • Renowned ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin will speak on “Rain Forests, Medicine Men, and Google Earth: Curing the Incurable and Saving the Amazon in Six Dimensions” • Detecting, Diagnosing, and Coping with Students’ Chemistry and Physics Misconceptions (High School) • Developing Literacy and Addressing Content Standards Through Issue-oriented Science (High School) • Hopping Into Math and Science Integration (Elem-Middle) • The Inquiry Carnival: A Potpourri of Activities to Identify, Discuss, and Define Process Skills Used in Inquiry-based Science (Middle) • Innovative Technology in Science Instruction (Middle-High) • Science Fair Projects for Elementary Students (Elem) • Phenomena of Nature: Developing, Classifying, and Answering Investigative Science Questions in the K–8 Classroom (Elem/Supervision) • Assessing the Effects of Professional Development on Teacher Pedagogical Knowledge (Supervision) There is a lot more to consider including Day Long Programs i.e. Informal Day, Professional Development Institutes (ticketed) that are comprehensive and focused study sessions, field trips, and the Exhibition Hall where you can view new products and bring home hundreds of freebies for the classroom. Graduate credit can be earned by attending 12 hours of conference programs. As a member of the NSTA Board of Directors, I hope to see you in New Orleans. Vanessa Westbrook, NSTA Multicultural/Equity in Science Education Division Director and fellow TEXAN!
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State Fish Art Contest
Deadline for entering the Texas State-Fish Art Contest is March 31. Students and teachers should take time now to review the contest rules and regulations. Texas students who enter the contest can win prizes of up to $1,000. Entries are judged in three grade-level divisions: 4—6, 7—9 and 10—12. Thanks to funding from the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, the three first-place winners from Texas receive financial assistance for travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to compete in the national competition. “It’s important that entries be prepared in the format specified in the rules,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, Texas coordinator for the contest. “For example, artwork must be the proper size and have the entry form glued to the back. The complete set of rules is posted on our web site, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart. Links on that page contain everything you need to know to prepare entries and enter the contest.” Stinchcomb noted that a poster teachers can use to promote the contest to students can be found on the contest page as well. “However, home-schooled students are also eligible to enter the contest,” she said. The State-Fish Art Contest is a program of Wildlife Forever, a multi-species non-profit conservation organization that works to preserve America’s wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and scientific management of fish and wildlife species. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded more than 800 conservation projects in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Do you know a teacher who has made notable or significant contributions to science education in Texas?
Nominate them for a 2009 STAT Award:
Click here to nominate an outstanding teacher. Click here to nominate a long-standing STAT member for the Virginia Woods award. Click here to view the nomination form for all other awards.
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
It’s not too early to start looking forward to CAST 2009 in Galveston.
The proposal site for workshops is now open! To submit a proposal, go to: www.hempsteadassociates.com/CAST2009/ The deadline is May 1, so get yours started today.
For the CAST safety guidelines, go to: www.statweb.org/Minimum Safety Guidelines.pdf
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Contacts President’s Message Calendar Affiliate News Regional Ramblings On the Brink of Success Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom? STAT Officer Nominees Continuing Education
Want to be published? E-mail us your letters and articles! STATellite Due Dates
Due dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are: Submission Deadline
January 15 May 15 July 15 November 15
Publication Date
February 15 June 15 August 15 December 15
Text files or Microsoft Word documents are preferable, but PDF, InDesign, PageMaker, or QuarkXPress files are also acceptable. Please send pictures and text separately. Mail or e-mail your submissions to: Jon Rodriguez, Editor The STATellite 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731 stat@bizaustin.rr.com
Changing your e-mail address? Let us know! Send us an e-mail with your name and your new e-mail address.
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