January 18, 2008
WSGC Newsletter for Educators
The Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium's electronic newsletter for teachers provides curriculum ideas, Internet links and other resources to help you better meet the Washington EALRs and the National Science Education Standards.TABLE OF CONTENTS
-- A SCIENCE OF LEARNING TALK
-- VENTURE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD
-- ALLIANCE FOR SCIENCE ESSAY CONTEST (9-12)
-- THINK SMALL THIS SUMMER (6-12)
-- AAIS LEADERSHIP AWARD (9-12)
On Jan. 31, Dr. Andrew Shouse of the National Academies appear at a special talk for tachers, "Incorporating the Science of Learning in Science and Mathematics Teaching and Learning." The presentation will include a range of classroom-based case studies that illustrate three cross-cutting themes from current research on learning: new definitions of proficiency in mathematics and science, new insights into prior knowledge and its role in learning, and the role of metacognition in learning.
The talk is being hosted by UW Bothell and held at the Boeing Theater at the Future of Flight Aviation Center. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations should be made by January 21 to 425-352-5411 or
On January 25, the Exploratorium will be talking live with scientists at McMurdo Station and the South Pole. The Ice Stories: Dispatches from Polar Scientists site lets students meet penguin biologists, glaciologists, cosmologists, geologists, and marine scientists working in Antarctica and the Arctic.
In celebration of the International Polar Year, the researchers were given cameras and asked them to document their adventures, in real time, so the public can follow their research, ask questions, and share in their discoveries as they occur. Photos, live feeds, archived video, and blogs are available at
Throughout the ages, the earth has undergone major climate change and the human race has struggled to feed itself. For The Alliance for Science's second annual high school essay contest, students are invited to tackle the topics of either climate and evolution or agriculture and evolution.
The first place student receives $300; the winner's sponsoring teacher will receive an incentive award of $150 for teaching materials and classroom supplies. The contest deadline is February 29. For more information, go to
BioNano 2008 and the UW Center for Nanotechnolog's Research Experience for Teachers (NNIN RET) offers middle and high school teachers three opportunities to immerse themselves in a nanoscale science/technology lab this summer and develop educational materials to take back to the classrooms.
Two sessions BioNano are being offered: July 14 - August 8 (four weeks) and July 28- August 8 (two weeks). NNIN RET also runs from July 28- August 8. Participants will receive a money for supplies and a stipend upon successful completion of the project. University credits or clock hours will be provided.
The application deadline for the NNIN program is March 3; the deadline for BioNano 2008 is May 1. For more information on BioNana, visit
To apply for NNIN RET, go to
The new AAAS Leadership in Science Education Prize for High School Teachers will recognize top U.S. teachers for the development and implementation of innovative methods for teaching and encouraging the next generation of scientists.
A $1,000 prize will be awarded. Self-nominations are not permitted. The nominations must be received no later than March 2. For more information, go to
Ideas, comments and Web sites of interest to other teachers should be sent to Irene Svete, newsletter editor, at
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