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Monday, May 18, 2009

Quote of the Day
"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish."
Sam Walton

Topics in This Issue
01. Bylaws – Name-Change Vote Results
02. Elementary School Membership Reinstated in ITEA Bylaws
03. Engineering byDesign™ Updates
04. EPT Election
05. Presentation Opportunities
06. Green Special for the Month of May
07. Action Lab Presentations Now Available on the ITEA Website
08. Design Squad Webinar
09. Seeds From Barbara Morgan's STS-118 Mission Still Available – FREE!
10. Text Available From President Obama's Speech on STEM
11. House Committee on Science and Technology Approves Three Bills
12. Opportunities
13. Winners!
14. Need Funding?
15. State News
16. Going Green
 17. Technology Education Electronic Newsletters
18. Resources for Your Classroom
19. Opportunities From ITEA's Advertisers
20. Online
21. New Report From the Center for American Progress
22. NASA News
23. The Automation Federation and Piedmont Triad Partnership Present Technology Career Days
24. News From the JASON Mission Center
25. JETS/Ability One National Engineering Design Challenge (NEDC)

Bylaws – Name-Change Vote Results

ITEA’s recent bylaws name change vote resulted in ITEA’s name staying the same by a vote of 65% for and 35% against changing the name. A 66% majority is required to make a change to ITEA’s bylaws. What does the name change vote mean for ITEA and its future direction?

1.  Meeting Place.  Much like today’s students, ITEA members come in all sizes and shapes and with many philosophies about teaching and learning technological literacy. ITEA will continue to be the meeting place for ideas of how best to teach technology, innovation, design, and engineering. The variety and uniqueness of philosophies will be used as a catalyst to advance teaching as an art and a science.

2.  Pursuing Excellence.  The pursuit of educational excellence will continue. The advance of our technological world requires that the content taught in our classrooms be adaptable. The ability to design and redesign the human-made world will continue to be the center of our teaching focus. ITEA members will continue to have the goal of teaching how to design, invent, and innovate.

3.  Leadership.  Teachers grow professionally when they interact, network, and share. The best teachers are generous in terms of creating opportunities for others. ITEA will continue to be the hub of dissemination of knowledge and experiences. ITEA will grow as teachers seek to grow. The leaders of the profession will continue to lead through ITEA. Those who wish to expand their knowledge base will continue to join those leaders in moving the profession forward.   

Were there winners or losers in this name change vote? The short answer is, “No”! Regardless of its name, ITEA should continue to be a home to teachers who want to better themselves and help others teach and learn. Teachers, regardless of teaching philosophy, should be allowed to share their thoughts, influence others, and be influenced themselves. We should expect continued use of alternative names to describe our area of instruction.   

It would be a mistake for an association or educator to concentrate too heavily on a name change. Word definitions change with time, and we are often influenced by those changes as well as by our experiences. The real proof of a solid education occurs when the classroom door is closed and students are thinking, creating, designing, making, and innovating. We must be able to measure our teaching and learning successes in those ways. Our students are more concerned about what they are doing and learning. Our society wants future inventors and innovators, and it is our mission to continue to be the school subject that delivers in the teaching of technology and engineering education for ALL students.

Elementary School Membership Reinstated in ITEA Bylaws

The ITEA membership recently voted to add elementary school memberships to its Bylaws. Previously, the Bylaws granted benefits and services to elementary school members that differed from those available to individual members. This member type was removed from the Bylaws pursuant to a decline in participation. After a trial reinstatement approved by the ITEA Board, the elementary membership type has achieved sufficient numbers to merit reinstatement, which was then formally approved via the voting process.

Engineering byDesign™ Updates

EbDLabs™ a Huge Success in Louisville!
The EbDLabs™ in Louisville were an opportunity for many teachers to experience Engineering byDesign™ for the first time or receive a refresher on the courses. Many of these workshops were sold out during preregistration. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Watch for similar opportunities in North Carolina at next year’s conference in Charlotte.

Scheduling Summer Workshops for EbD™
This time of year is very busy as we schedule summer workshops for states, districts, and schools on the many EbD™ offerings. If you would like a Curriculum Specialist to present a workshop in your state, please contact Shelli Meade at smeade@iteea.org. Don’t delay—dates are filling up fast!

EPT Election
for New Member-at-Large Director Position

Epsilon Pi Tau is currently accepting nominations for a board member representing members-at-large. This director will serve a three-year term, may be reelected, and may serve no more than three consecutive terms or nine consecutive years.

Applicants must have been an active member for the past five years in order to run for the position. All members-at large will cast ballots in the election for the Member-at-Large Director. To nominate yourself, read on and forward the requested materials by June 8, 2009.

Submit the following three documents by email (embedded and/or as attachments) or by regular mail or by fax:

  1. A completed "Who's Who in Epsilon Pi Tau" form or updated resume.
  2. A brief (500 words maximum) statement of your philosophy and relevant professional experiences you believe will persuade your colleagues to vote for you.
  3. A brief statement (250 words maximum) that demonstrates that you are aware of and can fulfill the responsibilities of a board member and are able to attend the annual meetings of the Board of Directors, currently held in conjunction with the ITEA and ATMAE (NAIT) annual conferences.

Your statements will be reviewed to ensure that they are responsive and any that will be used in the election may be edited to produce a consistent presentation format. You are assured that the statements will be communicated as closely as possible to the content you intended.

I am looking forward to administering an election that will yield a Director who will join several new and excellent members of the Board of Directors. I also look forward to working with the Board to ensure the continuing success and contributions of Epsilon Pi Tau in advancing the professions in technology that we serve.

Sincerely,
Jerry C. Olson
Executive Director
ept@bgsu.edu

Presentation Opportunities

• Call for Presenters at the ITEA Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC, March 18-20, 2010
The presenter application process for ITEA’s 2010 Charlotte, NC conference is nearing completion. Presentations must address the conference theme, “Green Technology: STEM Solutions for 21st Century Citizens” and, specifically, one or more of the following three strands: (1) Designing the Green Environment, (2) Describing Best Practices Through Teaching and Learning STEM, and (3) Developing 21st Century Skills. Complete descriptions of the strands are posted at www.iteea.org/Conference/apptopresent.htm along with an online link to the Application to Present.
Hurry! The application deadline is June 15, 2009.

• Call for Elementary STEM Presentations at ITEA's Charlotte Conference, March 2010
ITEA’s Technology Education for Children Council (TECC) is now calling for elementary (K-8) presentations at the Annual Conference in Charlotte, March 18-20, 2010. TECC is looking for people who would like to share with their fellow elementary STEM educators the great things they are doing in their classrooms and in their states.

Presenters need to be ITEA members and must return the completed presenter form to Bob Claymier by May 22, 2009 (deadine extended from May 8). Contact Bob with any questions (technologyiselementary@yahoo.com). He looks forward to reading about the good things you are doing to promote and implement STEM into your classes. The application form is available at http://www.iteea.org/Conference/2010TECC-ConferenceProposalForm.doc.

• ICTE 2009 Call for Papers
The International Conference on Technology Education in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICTE 2009) is now calling for papers and invites submissions on any topics relating to technology education.

The conference, organized by the Industrial Technology Education Association, Taiwan, will be held November 11-13, 2009 at the National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei. The important dates are as follows:
June 1, 2009 – paper submission deadline
August 15, 2009 – early-bird registration deadline

To submit your papers or find further information about the conference, please visit the conference website: http://www.ite.ntnu.edu.tw/~icte2009. If you have any questions, please contact the Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr. Chi-Cheng Chang (email: samchang@ntnu.edu.tw)

• International Conference on Technological Learning and Thinking: Design, Sustainability, Human Ingenuity
Presented by PATT and NORDFO in conjunction with the University of British Columbia, and the University of Western Ontario Faculties of Education

June 17-21, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia (Site of the 2010 Winter Olympics)

Call for Papers/Projects
The conference organizing committee invites papers that address the educational determinants of technological ingenuity. Scholarship from the disciplines of history, philosophy, and sociology of technology, along with experience and research from the field of education are particularly welcome. The conference will feature an exposition of student and professional projects that serve as examples of sustainable development and design excellence. Project categories include: Indigenous Culture, Design and Problem Solving, and Robotics (specific design and project information will be available in advance of the conference).

For information, email the Conference Program Coordinator (hansen@uwo.ca). Paper/Project abstracts/designs will be due six months before the event.

 

Action Lab Presentations Now Available on the ITEA Website

Click on www.iteea.org/Resources/actionlabs.htm to view the Action Lab presentations by PITSCO, PTC, the CAD Academy, Vernier, and Technology Education Concepts at ITEA’s Louisville conference.


Design Squad Webinar

Teachers, sign up for a free web seminar that will put science concepts into context with resources from NASA and PBS’ Design Squad! The web seminar will take place on June 4, 2009 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm ET.

Learn how six engineering activities from the “On the Moon” guide can help your students apply physical and earth/space science concepts learned in class. Concepts like the moon, force, energy, simple machines, Newton’s Laws, EM-spectrum measurement, and technology related to living and working on the moon will be addressed. The fun, open-ended challenges not only put science concepts in a meaningful context, but they show kids that the design process is a powerful way to develop solutions for problems.

Finally, you’ll see how easy we’ve made it to incorporate the activities into your curriculum. Each activity connects with topics taught in the Grades 3–12 curricula, maps to education standards, uses low-cost, readily available materials, takes one class period, and is easy to set up. Kids never had so much fun meeting a host of science, math, and technology standards, all while putting what they know into practice through tackling engaging engineering challenges.

For more information and registration go to: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/products/symposia_seminars/WGBH/Webseminar.aspx.

Seeds From Barbara Morgan's STS-118 Mission Still Available – FREE!

The method of distribution of seeds for the EbD™-NASA STEM Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber experience has changed. Packets of space-flown seeds and packets of seeds not flown in space are now available as part of the Seeds in Space Kit. The kit includes the following items:  

  • Five packets of seeds. Each packet includes one envelope of space seeds and one envelope of Earth seeds.
  • Liftoff to Learning: Plants in Space DVD.
  • The Ozone Monitoring Garden Lithograph.
  • The Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Bookmark.

The Seeds in Space Kit may be obtained from NASA's Central Operation of Resources for Educators, or CORE. Seeds are available as long as supplies last. http://corecatalog.nasa.gov/item.cfm?num=300.0-83B
 
For more information about the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber, please visit the website:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/home/index.html

NOTE: The Lunar Plant Growth Chamber STEM Design Challenges CD is available from ITEA through its 2009 Technological Literacy Product Guide (product number: P230CD - $9.50 + $2.00 shipping). The CD includes elementary, middle school, and high school units in both an interactive format and a print format. It also includes helpful additional resources. Call 703-860-2100 to order or visit www.iteea.org/Publications/productguide.htm to browse the full Product Guide.


Photo courtesy of www.whitehouse.gov.

Text Available from President Obama's Speech on STEM

In case you were not able to listen to President Obama’s April 27th speech on science, innovation, and STEM education at the National Academies, the text has been released. To read his speech, please click on the following link: www.pkal.org/documents/PresidentalAddressSTEMEducation.cfm


House Committee on Science and Technology Approves Three Bills
 
On April 29, 2009 the House Committee on Science and Technology approved three pieces of legislation. The bills aim to improve networking and information technology, improve international science and technology cooperation, and assist coordination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.  

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act of 2009 (H.R. 2020) aims to improve the NITRD program by strengthening its interagency strategic planning process and requiring input on the process from a wide range of industry and academic stakeholders.

The International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009 (H.R. 1736) recreates a committee under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to coordinate the international science and technology activities across our federal agencies and support the United States foreign policy goals as well as to identify opportunities for new international science and technology cooperative research and training partnerships.

The STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009 (H.R. 1709) strengthens and elevates an existing Committee under NSTC to coordinate STEM education activities across the federal government, including at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Education, and all other Federal agencies that have programs and activities in support of STEM education.

Article contributed by William Havice (WHAVICE@exchange.clemson.edu)

Opportunities

• NASA’s INSPIRE Program is Accepting Applications
NASA’s Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research and Education Experience, or INSPIRE, will encourage the next generation of explorers from the 9th through 12th grades to pursue an education and career in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

NASA INSPIRE is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 academic year from May 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009. Interested? Visit the NASA INSPIRE application site at: https://inspire.okstate.edu/index.cfm?liftoff=login.LoginForm& CFID=43825&
CFTOKEN=36527263&jsessionid=f030f62c4925e11b0631341116685733d122

• Greenovation Bright Green Dream School Sustainability Challenge
Lutron Electronics is now accepting submissions from schools featuring students’ dreams for a sustainable classroom of the future. The challenge asks students to dream of a more energy-efficient, sustainable classroom environment, how educators can use that environment to teach students about sustainable living, and how students can take that message to a broader community. The winning idea will receive a $15,000 sustainable classroom upgrade to make their Bright Green Dream come true.

Submissions are accepted online until midnight September 25, 2009, and five finalists will be announced on September 30, 2009. Lutron will announce the grand prize winner during the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. Submissions may be in any format that can be uploaded to a website. Examples include video, digital presentations, written submissions, etc. To submit dreams for the challenge, view the judging rubric, and for a complete set of contest rules, visit the 2009 Bright Green Dream School Sustainability Challenge website at www.greenovationnation.com/dream.

• Lowe’s Kicks Off Tough Tools for Cool Schools Program to 515 SkillsUSA Chapters
Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools in partnership with SkillsUSA are helping the next generation of skilled trade professionals through their new Tough Tools for Cool Schools program. Lowe’s is donating approximately $300,000 worth of Kobalt tools to more than 500 SkillsUSA building and construction trades programs across the country for use in their classrooms. For more information, visit http://www.skillsusa.org or http://www.Lowes.com/community.

• U.S. Students to Compete in International Skills Competition
Sixteen students from the United States will travel to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, September 1-7, 2009 to compete in the prestigious 40th international WorldSkills Competition against more than 1,000 young people from 51 countries in occupational trades. The United States team, called “WorldTeam,” will compete before the public in contests that are run and judged by industry experts using demanding international standards. Considered “the best of the best,” the contestants will compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction, and services. For more information about the competition, go to http://www.worldskills.org.

Winners
ExploraVision Winners Envision Innovative Energy Solutions, New Lifesaving Medical Treatments, and More

A group of young inventors from Kindergarten to 12th grade have envisioned a future in which a tiny portable device would help solve the problem of illegal steroids in sports; asphalt roads would generate electricity from the sun’s rays; a new type of “paint” would help keep people safe; and a special music stand could even help musicians learn to play their instruments better! These are just a few of the winning student projects announced May 4 by the 17th annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program.

The annual ExploraVision Awards Program, the world’s largest K-12 student science and technology competition, is sponsored by Toshiba and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). ExploraVision challenges students to research scientific principles and current technologies as the basis for designing technologies that could exist in 20 years. In light of President Obama’s recent speech before the National Academy of Sciences and his promise to devote more energy and funds to scientific research and development, the ExploraVision program is a great example of how an educational program can contribute to our nationwide effort toward scientific and technological progress. With its multi-level, imaginative, and fun approach to learning, ExploraVision appeals to a broad range of students of all interest, skill, and ability levels, encouraging education in vital STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. The program has become so popular as a learning and motivational tool that many teachers now use it as part of their regular science and technology curriculum.

For more information or an application for 2010, visit www.exploravision.org or email exploravision@nsta.org.


Need Funding?

• Foundations that give to Educational Projects:
Check the individual foundation websites for their guidelines. 

• From the IdeaGarden – Some interesting grants/awards to think about…

  • GreenWorks! – Grants engage Project Learning Tree educators and their students with their local community in "learning-by-doing" environmental projects. Student leadership, service-learning, and community participation are the cornerstones to GreenWorks! projects. These grassroots action projects enable schools and youth organizations across the country to make a positive impact on their communities. www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html
  • Intel Community Grants – Intel provides grants for programs that advance science, math, and technology education, particularly for women and underserved populations. The company is also committed to the responsible use of natural resources, and funding for environmental programs is considered. Priority is given to programs with educational and technological components. Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis each quarter. The quarterly submission deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year. For more information, visit www.intel.com/community/grant.htm.
  • Unsung Heroes Educational Awards – These awards are given to K-12 educators pioneering new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes award by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its (1.) innovative methods; (2.) creativity; and (3.) ability to positively influence students. All K-12 education professionals are eligible. Specifically, these individuals must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the United States and be full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified staff with effective projects that improve student learning. www.ing-usa.com/us/aboutING/CorporateCitizenship/Education/INGUnsungHeroes/index.htm
  • AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant – This is a competitive grant program to educate students about math, science, technology, and engineering. Grant applications must fulfill one or more of those missions. Grant recipients must be current AIAA Educator Associate members or AIAA Professional members actively engaged as K-12 classroom educators. www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=244

State News

• New York State This We Believe Statement
As of April 24th, 2009, New York’s "This We Believe" statement was unanimously approved by the NYSTEA 46th Representative Assembly, the NYSTEA Executive Board, and the NYSTEA Advisory Council. These approval votes took place during the 46th Annual NYSTEA State Conference, entitled "Reaching Across the Curriculum," that was held in Lake George, N.Y. at the Fort William Henry Conference Center.

• Indiana News
Ready for some good news from Indiana? Here’s the link: http://www.doe.in.gov/octe/technologyed/goodnews.html

And what have they been up to in Indiana, anyway? Check it out: http://www.doe.in.gov/octe/technologyed/SMC_media.html

Going Green

• It's All...Green
According to a new report, consumers who face tough choices in a tough economy are more apt to focus on sustainability when evaluating possible purchases. How then can sustainable thinking change design? To find out, visit: http://greenerbuildings.com/podcast/2009/04/16/how-sustainable-thinking-can-change-design
Source: IDSA’s Design Bytes. 4/20/2009

• Online Environmental Social Network
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. Planet Connect, a component of Classroom Earth, is an online social network where high school students can learn about current environmental issues, funding opportunities, green colleges, and environmental careers. Students can also share and exchange ideas about how they are playing a critical role in solving today’s environmental issues.http://www.planet-connect.org/

• Students Recycle Over Two Tons of Batteries in Massive Earth Day Battery Swap
In an overwhelming display of environmental awareness, nearly 3,000 students at Las Vegas’ Centennial High School, many dressed in “Go Green” and “Love HER (Earth)” t-shirts, demonstrated that they are indeed the “Green Generation” when they collected more than 2 ½ tons of alkaline batteries for recycling. The April 22 “Battery Swap” was part of a school-wide celebration of Earth Day, featuring contests, prizes, giveaways, and “Go Green” banners, including one designating Centennial High as the “First School in America to Go Green to the MAX.” To watch a video and complete slideshow of the Battery Swap, please visit www.greenfuji.com/presskit.

• Environmental Column
Earth Day 2009 has come and gone, but public interest in the environment remains at an all-time high. Are you on the lookout for information, ideas, and resources that can help you both "green up" your lifestyle and better understand the many global-impacting environmental issues we face today? EarthTalk is a unique and timely question-and-answer column on the environment from the editors of E - The Environmental Magazine. EarthTalk covers all the key and emerging environmental issues—from recycling to climate change, and from the global village to our own backyards.The column provides practical information on such topics as healthy and organic foods, hybrid cars, earth-friendly products, environmentally minded investments, green house and home ideas, "eco-travel" and more. Contact information is included at the end of every column so that readers can research topics further if they so choose. EarthTalk also addresses the many "big" issues that require collective effort—global warming, ocean pollution, biodiversity concerns, chemical pollution, endangered species, water scarcity—what’s being done about them, and what readers can do to make a difference. http://www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/earthtalk_letter.html

Technology Education Electronic Newsletters

Want to stay connected with what others are doing in the field of STEM education? Check out these newsletters:

• t-news is published by the Technology Educators of New Zealand.
t-news is published eight times a year and emailed to all TENZ members and to those who apply to subscribe. Issues are also published on the TENZ website at www.tenz.org.nz. A few of this month’s topics from TENZ: Celebrating Student Success; Robotics winners heading to U.S.; Student Learning Opportunities – The 2009 BP Zoo Challenge; What’s New on TEch link; Resources for Teaching – Think Tech; and Futureintech News.

• The New Jersey Technology Education Association publishes NJTEA Update.
The latest edition, NJTEA Update #23, offers the following topics: NJTEA Future Technology Educator Scholarship Winners Announced; NJTEA College Student Excellence Award Announced; PSE&G Sponsoring 2-Day Summer program for NJ MS Science & Technology Teachers; NJIT Hosting Guidance Counselor Workshop; Rowan University Summer Institute on Materials Science; NASA SOAR – Summer Opportunity in AeRonautics for High School Scholars; and TCNJ Offer FREE C-Stamp Course. Contact njtea@njtea.org for information.

• The Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) produces the Pre-Engineering Times E-Newsletter.
Get the latest news on engineering careers, JETS activities, and JETS partners by subscribing to the electronic newsletter, The Pre-Engineering Times. This dynamic and refreshing newsletter provides a web of quality content, up-to-the-minute resources, and spotlights the inside story of engineers on the progressive side of the industry. Best of all, the Pre-Engineering Times is FREE! Go to http://www.jets.org/newsletter/signup.cfm to subscribe.

Resources for your Classroom

• Teachers’ Domain from WGBH
Since September, Teachers' Domain has offered over 2,000 media resources in science, math, social studies, language arts, and art, thanks to our collaboration with various public television partners. Here are just a few:

  • Celebrate Poetry Month –The collection is located at: http://www.teachersdomain.org/special/pe08-ex/
  • New Additions To Our Polar Sciences Collection – To celebrate International Polar Year, take a flying tour over McMurdo Station in Antarctica and delve into the geology and ecosystems of this vast continent with three new resources in our award-winning Polar Sciences Collection that celebrate International Polar Year. 
  • Discover the New Media Upload Feature on Teachers' Domain! – Do you love to access resources using Teachers’ Domain folders? Do you or your students create videos, interactives, presentations, or lesson ideas? Did you ever wish you could add the material you create or find? Now you can! The new upload feature allows all nonstudent account users to upload files to their folders. And stay tuned for other fun, new features coming this summer that will give you more opportunities to customize and share your experience with Teachers’ Domain!
  • Inquiry-Based Science in Action – See inquiry classrooms in action, learn science concepts through online WGBH Teachers’ Domain Professional Development (TDPD) courses, and earn graduate credit. Digital media from award-winning public television programs is a part of every course. All Teachers’ Domain courses include rich digital media.
  • More Professional Development News – Are stimulus funds for professional development trickling down to your school? Learn how your district can run Teachers' Domain K-12 online science courses by contacting Carolyn Jacobs at carolyn_jacobs@wgbh.org or 617-300-3640. Visit PBS Teacherline and choose from seven Teachers’ Domain courses offered this summer beginning June 25th: http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/.
  • Environmental Resources from PBS – THE GREENS is a PBS website for kids on sustainability encouraging them to take action wherever they can. A new Activity Guide for educators includes hands-on activities for recycling and campaigns to reduce junk mail and get drivers to stop idling cars. Order FREE print copies by putting “THE GREENS” in the subject line of an email to: wgbhmaterialsreq@wgbh.org. Additional information is available at: http://www.meetthegreens.org/.

• TeachEngineering Digital Library
The TeachEngineering digital library offers teacher-tested engineering content for K-12 teachers to use with existing science and mathematics curricula, and these hands-on activities are now aligned with content standards from all 50 states. See www.teachengineering.org. (Source: NSTA Reports, Vol. 20, No. 8, April 2009)

• Learning About Alternative Fuels
At her Surfing the Net With Kids website, syndicated columnist Barbara J. Feldman shares her recommendations on the best educational resources available online. To see her five favorite sites for learning about the benefits of alternative fuels, visit www.surfnetkids.com/alternative_fuels.htm. (Source: NSTA Reports, Vol. 20, No. 8, April 2009)

• Construction Activity
Building With Wonderful Junk, a sample activity from the After-School Science PLUS program, has students work together to assemble a structure using clean, recyclable trash; they learn about balance, gravity, and symmetry as they practice problem-solving and creative-thinking skills. The 13-page packet, found at www.edequity.org/files/After-School%20Science%20%20Plus%20Sample%20Activity.pdf, includes information on related careers, biographical sketches of two role models (an environmental scientist and an astronaut), and suggested literacy activities. (Source: NSTA Reports, Vol. 20, No. 8, April 2009)

Oportunities From ITEA's Advertisers

• TEC to Host 15th Annual Accredited TEC Summer Institute for Educators
Hands-on Professional Development for Educators Featuring CAD, Laser Technologies, and Rapid Prototyping

Tech Ed Concepts, Inc. (TEC) is excited to host its 15th Annual TEC Summer Institute (TSI) July 8-10, 2009 at the Grappone Conference Center, Courtyard Marriott in Concord, NH.

Exclusively designed for educators, TSI provides 24+ instructional hours of hands-on training, classroom materials, and innovative curriculum designed to assist technology educators by increasing their knowledge of CAD, Laser Technologies, and Rapid Prototyping. The three days of hands-on training are taught by certified professional instructors. Course offerings feature Envisioneer™ 3D Architectural, Interior & Landscape Design software, KeyCreator™ CAD/CAM software, Laser Technologies with GCC Lasers, as well as Rapid Prototyping with Z Corp. 3D Printers. Educators who participate also have the opportunity to earn graduate credits accredited through the University System of New Hampshire. 

TSI for Educators has been featured in Tech Directions Magazine as one of the “Terrific Ten Training and Certification Programs.” For additional information regarding the 15th Annual Accredited TEC Summer Institute for Educators, contact TEC at 1-800-338-2238, visit www.TECedu.com or email: info@TECedu.com. Online registration is also available on the TEC website.

• PITSCO Catalog Spotlights Green Projects, Engineering Curriculum for Schools
Everyone wants to be greener—from recycling to living off the grid. Helping students understand recycling, sustainable energy, and other green topics has never been more timely.

To help teachers find classroom resources, the Pitsco Education 2009 Big Book catalog features a greened (green education) icon and a section on sustainable energy featuring all Pitsco’s best solar, wind, maglev, and fuel cell projects as well as supplemental books and DVDs. These activities were developed to foster excitement for STEM subjects and sustainable energy. For a free copy of the 2009 Big Book, visit www.shop-pitsco.com.

Online

• New Teacher Survival Central – from Discovery Education
Includes: New Teacher Blogs and Basics, Classroom Tools, Tutorials, Resources
http://discoveryeducation.com/survival/

• The "No Boundaries" project, developed by NASA and USA TODAY Education
No Boundaries helps students explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while learning about NASA—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Working at NASA is like exploring space. If you have the curiosity, creativity, determination, and problem-solving skills necessary, the opportunities are limitless. 
http://www.noboundaries-stemcareers.com/

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Microsite Takes Guesswork out of Title I Funding
As educators scramble to understand the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), questions arise about its link to classroom learning. Curriculum Associates, a leading publisher of research-based supplemental curriculum materials and tools for today’s diverse classrooms, has launched an ARRA microsite dedicated to answering these questions by providing helpful, up-to-date guidance on the recently-signed ARRA and its effect on education and education reform. The site can be found at www.CurriculumAssociates.com/ARRA.

• Weekly Reader Brings the World into the Classroom with New Digital Resources!
This fall, educational publisher Weekly Reader is launching exciting new online resources designed to help this generation of media-savvy students explore their world. These enhanced, digital versions of Weekly Reader's award-winning magazines incorporate cutting-edge technology and engage kids directly in literature, current events, science, and writing. The first two multimedia offerings to debut will be the WR Digital Editions and the READ Great Authors series. 

The WR Digital Editions incorporate cutting-edge technology that enables educators to integrate text, sound, video, and animation right into their lessons, creating a compelling and immediate learning environment. Among the regular features are embedded video and audio clips, a pop-up dictionary, cool zoom tools, slide shows, animated learning activities, and a ton more.

And this is just the beginning! Special digital editions of many other Weekly Reader titles will be rolling out very soon as well, including Current Science and Current Events. For the upcoming school year, seven publications will have electronic expressions, and the program will grow even more in 2011. Information is available at www.weeklyreader.com/.

New Report From the Center for American Progress

• Education Entrepreneurship—Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Education
The Center for American Progress, the American Enterprise Institute, New Profit, Inc., and Public Impact—with the support of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation—released a new and important report May 5, 2009 entitled Stimulating Excellence: Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Education. The new report calls attention to the ways in which a new generation of education entrepreneurial ventures such as The New Teacher Project, New Leaders for New Schools, and the KIPP Academies, are expanding the boundaries of traditional education models by creating innovative frameworks for schooling. These innovators have introduced new philosophies, methods, and expectations for the education of our nation’s students. Stimulating Excellence also reveals how federal and state regulations and policies can support, rather than hinder, promising innovations in public education to better serve American students.

Download the full report (pdf):
www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/05/pdf/education_entrepreneurs.pdf
Download the executive summary (pdf):
www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/05/pdf/education_entrepreneurs_execsumm.pdf
14 Education Entrepreneurs Who Are Making a Difference:
www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/05/education_entrepreneurs_profiles.html

NASA News

Free NASA Exploring Space Lecture Series – Attend in D.C. or View Online
NASA’s 2009 Exploring Space Lectures will feature world-class scholars discussing astronomy, the vastness of the universe, the search for Earth-like planets, and our unpredictable sun. The lectures will be held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. and are free to attend. Tickets are required. If you are unable to attend the lectures, they will be webcast live for free viewing online. Lecture videos will also be archived.

  • Are We Alone? Searching for an Exoplanet Like Home
    For thousands of years people have wondered, "Are we alone in the universe?" Join Dr. Sara Seager, planetary science professor at MIT, as she discusses the race to discover a planet very similar to Earth and answer ancient questions about other worlds. The lecture will take place on May 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Come early for a free film screening and to meet the lecturer. For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=1218 .
  • Our Sun: Is It a Steady Performer?
    Join solar astronomer Dr. Alan M. Title for a discussion about the sun. Get to know the sun a bit better, if only to appreciate that it is a more violent, and largely unpredictable, place than ever thought possible. The lecture will take place on June 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Come early for a free film screening and to meet the lecturer. For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=1219 .

Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Shuttle Servicing Mission, and the International Year of Astronomy Educator Conference
Join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Education Office for an education conference being held May 30-31, 2009 near Pasadena, CA. The conference will celebrate the Hubble Space Telescope, the STS-125 space shuttle mission to Hubble, and the International Year of Astronomy.

The Hubble Space Telescope launched on a 15-year mission to explore the universe. Now, just past its 19th birthday, the telescope is getting a new lease on life. Space shuttle mission STS-125 is currently on a mission to replace and repair Hubble’s science instruments, computers, batteries, gyroscopes, and blankets. This final Hubble servicing mission should allow the telescope to operate as a fully operational, enhanced astronomical observatory for many more years.

2009 is also the International Year of Astronomy. This event is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture. IYA marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. The aim of IYA is to stimulate interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme "The Universe, Yours to Discover." Conference attendees will learn about IYA 2009 events and activities and about ways to promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of astronomy.

The conference is designed for all formal and informal educators and students in high school and above. Students under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration is due by May 22, 2009. Preregistration is required. For more information, visit http://education.jpl.nasa.gov/events/conf-20090530.html. If you have questions about this event, please call the JPL Education Office at 818-393-0561.

The Automation Federation and Piedmont Triad Partnership Present Technology Career Days

In the southeast, the Automation Federation worked with the Piedmont Triad Partnership (PTP) in organizing the first Technology Career Days event for high school students in the twelve counties comprising the Piedmont Triad region, which took place March 24 -25. Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, North Carolina was the site for this inaugural Technology Career Days event. Hundreds of students from 16 high schools took part in this two-day event, visiting 35 exhibits that highlighted automation and technology and provided hands-on learning activities. The students had the opportunity to discuss design, manufacturing, and logistics careers in fields from product design to automation to transportation. At each exhibit, students were offered information to help them better understand the importance of math and science in automation profession and technology fields.

More information about the Automation Federation’s Workforce Development efforts can be found at www.automationfederation.org.

News from the JASON Mission Center

Reach for the Top, with the JMC Leaderboard
Now your students can compete with each other and others around the world for high scores in JASON video games. The Operation: Resilient Planet game, Coaster Creator, and StormTracker all have leader boards where the best scores are displayed for everyone to see! In addition, students' scores are tallied across the games so they can "show what they know" in a variety of science topics. Can your classroom rise to the top? Visit the Digital Labs & Games page to find out!
NewArgonaut Challenge Open!
Ready to help save an ecosystem in your area? In the Operation: Resilient Planet Argonaut Challenge, your team of students will record a public service announcement (PSA) about saving a local ecosystem and post it in the JASON Mission Center! Visit the Argonaut Challenge page to learn how to craft your submission, which accompanies the Field Assignment in Mission 5 of Operation: Resilient Planet.

Source: The JASON Project Electronic Newsletter, May 2009

Submissions to Inside TIDE

To submit news or calendar items to Inside TIDE, email: kcluff@iteea.org.

End of Inside TIDE, Monday, May 18, 2009
 
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