District News

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The following district directors have submitted news items for NCSTA members:

Not sure which district you are in? Check out the district map at the bottom of this page.

News from District 1
Director: Karen Dawkins

Thirty-five NCSTA members from Districts 1 and 2 gathered for a Drive-In Conference on March 15 at Goose Creek State Park. After coffee, pastries, and conversation, the day began with a key-note address by Samantha Barlow, Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, a teacher from Pitt County. Samantha described her work in Washington, DC, through the office of Representative Silvestre Reyes of Texas.

Sara Phelps and Chase Luker from the 4-H Center in Tyrrell County provided information about their new facility and opportunities for use by teachers. The following members led concurrent sessions in the morning and afternoon: Julie West, Shawn Reintjes, Leigh Apple, Kelly Hines, Deena Warwick, Tammy Smith, Linda Woolard, Karen Singer, and Ann McClung. Karen Dawkins met with high school teachers to discuss the possibility of organizing a Network of the East (NOTE). After lunch, Park Superintendent Kelley Thompson led a field trip through the park, describing the unique features of Goose Creek.

Ann McClung and Fanette Entzminger announced details about NSTA’s Regional Conference to be held on October 30 – November 1, 2008, in Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web of Science). The day ended with presentation of Door Prizes to lucky winners.

Special thanks to Tammy Lee and Linda Woolard as well as all session leaders. Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina (Eastern) with a fabulous group of science teachers. What fun!!!

News from District 2
Director: Rebecca Stanley

Bill Kawczynski, the UNCW SMEC Assistant Director for the past 12 years,
recently left to accept a position as a private contractor in the Green Zone
in Iraq. Bill wonderfully managed the Southeast Regional Science Fair, the
UNCW Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics program, the North Carolina Science Leadership Association's Fellows and so many other programs for SMEC. He is truly missed!

 

News from District 3
Director: Carrie Jones

In April we had our District 3 and 5 Drive In.  If you did not attend this year, you missed out!  Teachers enjoyed high-quality professional development, lots of free stuff, and everyone walked out with a major door prize such as a microscope, DVD, or gift certificate, as we had many donations.  If you didn’t make it this year, try for next year so you don’t miss out!

As summer is fast approaching, my wish to you is that you take time for yourself, as well as find one professional development experience that will make you a better teacher.  There are many museum, university, online programs, and conferences going on across the state.

I also challenge you to recruit one new member to NCSTA.  Some easy ways to do this are through a college graduation gift, a colleague’s birthday, or as you mentor your ILT/BT or student teacher.  I look forward to seeing you all at NSTA Charlotte this year!

District 3 and 5 positive comments

Very Informative!  Lots of useful strategies and information.  Awesome job!

All of the presentations were excellent and give me ideas and resources that I can use directly in my classroom!

The sessions were hands on with good demos, lots of sharing, and I learned about some good websites I can use in my classroom

News From District 4
Director: Ricky Flowers

Postponed District Drive-in to August.

Currently we have an elementary and middle school Weather workshop.
The Science House – Counter Top Chemistry/Physics from the Junk Drawer, and another session on Astronomy.
Fourier Systems will present the NOVA 5000.
National Geographic will have sample materials available.
Scholastic Books.
Newbridge Books.
CIBL Kits.
Delta Education
ETA Cuisenaire
More to come….

This Summer:

Elementary PD is focused on spiraling a goal from K thru 2 and from 3 thru 5.

High School PD is focused on Science Fair/Graduation/Honors Projects and Cultural Responsiveness Training.

Science Curriculum Topic Study is offered on an on-going basis.

Science Olympiad will host a summer camp at Terry Sanford High School.

Magnet School Assistance Program will focus on turning the EE Smith HS district into a Math and Science Magnet District. All of the elementary and middle schools will be part of the project.

Westover High School has an award winning robotic arm.

Cape Fear High School’s Astronomy class is piloting a Near Earth Object search program. They hope to export the process to other high schools nation wide.

Fayetteville State has a new Biotechnology program. It is lead by Dr. Muhammad Lohdi. They also are moving in to a new facility to house the program.

News From District 5
Director: Keri Randolph

Districts 3 and 5 Drive-In Workshop
On Saturday, April 19, the Districts 3 and 5 Drive-In Workshop was held at the Webster Center in Cary.  The conference was held from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.  We offered four strands:  two K-5, 6-8, 9-12 and a miscellaneous strand. Sessions included literacy strategies, technology in the science classroom, using animals in the elementary classroom, assessment and much more! Participants were very appreciative and one participant commented, “It is a shame that more people didn’t take advantage of this.”  Fisher Science Education and Carolina Biological donated door prizes including a GPS unit, microscope, and lab equipment.  NOAA and Wake County Solid Waste were also in attendance. Publicity materials for the NSTA Regional Conference in Charlotte were distributed.  For details on the Drive-In including a list of presenters, contact Keri Randolph, kerandol@chatham.k12.nc.us. Special thanks for all those presented and participated in the Drive-In.  We hope to see you next year!

NCSLA Spring Meeting in Chapel Hill
On Thursday, April 24, the North Carolina Science Leadership Association held its spring meeting at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.  Edd Dunlap,  K-12 science section chief from the Department of Public Instruction, was the night’s speaker.  The Michael C. Jackson Distinguished Service Award was presented to Beth Snoke Harris.  President-Elect Elaine Franklin and newly elected District directors, Lisa Mackey and Keri Randolph, were installed.  Max Dass was also installed as the new president of the organization.  The fall meeting of NCSLA will be held in Charlotte in conjunction with the Regional NSTA Conference.  For more information on NCSLA, go to http://www.ncsla.net.

Morehead Planetarium
The Planetarium has many new programs running including extension programs like “Paddling Under the Stars” at Jordan Lake, summer camps for kids, and professional development opportunities for teacher. Go to  http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/ for more details.

MSEN Professional Development Opportunities
The Mathematics and Science Education Network is offering several professional development opportunities this summer in our district through UNC-Chapel Hill , UNC-Greensboro, and Winston-Salem State University.  SITE training is available for: K?]2 Science,3?]5 Science, 6?]8 Science, Biology,Content Area Reading in Science and Mathematics (CARSAM).  For more information, go to the MSEN website at http://www.unc.edu/depts/msen/.

SciWorks
SciWorks in Winston-Salem has a new exhibit called “SpaceSpot” which allows kids of all ages to explore space including its scale, planetary paths and gravitational forces.  In addition, SciWorks has many other permanent science exhibits including an environmental park and exhibits on sound and health.  The center also features special events.  For a list and more information, go to  http://www.sciworks.org/.

News From District 6
Director: Heather Edmisten

Start making plans now to attend the NSTA/NCSTA PDI in October!  It will be a great experience.  It is not often that we have an opportunity to attend a National Science Conference so close to home! 

We need you (and your teacher friends)!  If you would like to be a contact person for your school or district to help spread the happenings of District 6 please email Heather Edmisten at hedmiste@cabarrus.k12.nc.us  We need to continue to get the word out on the great things NCSTA is doing for our district. 

We are currently in the planning stages of a drive in for our district.  If you would like to present or have any ideas for your drive in please email them to me as soon as possible.  Any ideas for great instructional strategies, interactive lesson plans, or just fun science lessons would be a great addition to the drive in!  I look forward to hearing from you.  Please let me know what you would like to see our district work on in the upcoming year.  Thanks for all you do..for NCSTA, for your students, and for the education.  Have a great summer!

News From District 7
Director: Elizabeth Bustle

Greetings to District 7 members and friends!  We had a great Drive-In Workshop on March 8 at Patton High School in Morganton, NC.  Special thanks to all who attended and for their feedback about the first Drive-In Workshop completed by districts 7 and 8 directors.  We hope to offer more in the future!  Special thanks to Mr. Devon Vance, science department chair at Patton High School, and the Patton High School administration for letting us use their facilities.

Congratulations to the following middle and secondary school teams and first place overall winners in District 7 who competed in the state Science Olympiad, April 4-5.  Full teams that competed Brawley Middle School, Ashe County Middle School, Heritage Middle School, Mill Creek Middle School, Freedom High School, Patton High School, St. Stephens High School, and Fred T. Foard High School.

I am so proud of all of you and thank you for representing the district so well during the weekend.  Special thanks to coaches, team parents, volunteers, and event leaders from District 7 who made the weekend run smoothly.

Congratulations to Steve Ahn, Science Teacher at Watauga High School in Boone, who was the winner of the 2008 NSTA/Vernier Technology Award.  Steve’s students will study the microclimates found on the Watauga High School property.  Each winner received $1,000 in cash and $1,000 in Vernier products.

Upcoming Events:

The Mathematics and Science Education Center (MSEC) in Boone, NC is offering Statewide Institutes for Teaching Excellence (SITE) at Appalachian State University this summer.  They have offerings in Biology (June 16-20, 3 CEU’s); Grades 3-5 Science (June 16-20, 3 CEU’s); and Grades 6-8 Science (June 16-20, 3 CEU’s).  The registration fee is $540.00 for each class.  Contact Vickey Isaacs at isaacsve@appstate.edu for more information on how to register (828-262-3185).   MSEC is also offering a workshop on Green and Micro-Scale Chemistry on July 31 and attendees will receive a $75.00 stipend and 0.5 CEU’s (no registration fee).  Contact Vickey Isaacs to register for this day workshop, too.

The Catawba Science Center has great summer science camp offerings for children ages 4 – grade 6 this summer, June 6-August 22.  Check out the numerous offerings and registration fees at the center’s website events page: www.catawbascience.org/events-calendar.asp .

The Iredell County and Davie County 4-H Programs also have excellent “Summer of Fun” science day classes and morning / day camps for students ranging from grades 2-8.  Check out the program closest to you at: http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu (Iredell) or http://davie.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=youth4h (Davie).

MOST IMPORTANTLY, consider nominating your fellow colleagues for one of NCSTA’s awards(Outstanding Student Teacher in Science Awards; District Outstanding Science Teacher Awards; and Distinguished Service in Science Education in North Carolina Awards)by July 31, 2008.  The nomination form(s) are online at http://www.ncsta.org/awards/index.html and each nomination requires a completed nomination form, a short narrative about the nominee, and two letters of support (one of which must be completed by a principal or supervisor).  NCSTA LOVES TO PRESENT LOTS OF WONDERFUL AWARDS, so nominate an excellent science educator today!

And last but certainly NOT least . . . you may begin registering for the NSTA regional conference in Charlotte, NC (October 30 – November 1) on May 19.  Go to the National Science Teacher’s Website (www.nsta.org) to register for this event.  Please remember that North Carolina will not host its annual PDI in Greensboro this year in lieu of the NSTA conference.  The Charlotte conference will feature program strands in:
Biotechnology as an Economic Engine
Fearlessly Teaching Physical Science in the Elementary Classroom
Assessment for Understanding
Join me and other NCSTA members for a great Halloween weekend in Charlotte (they even offer a trip to “Scarowinds”).

Have a great summer vacation and feel free to email me (bustlee@davie.k12.nc.us) with any summer events, news, or updates.  Thank you for all you do for science education.

News From District 8
Director: Teresa Cowan

SPRING has definitely SPRUNG. It is upon us. Can you believe we are only weeks away from the close of the 2007-2008 school year. I know everyone is counting the days until…. EOG’s and EOC’s, and do not forget the end of the year mayhem. But what does it all mean? Hopefully, for all involved, it means another successful year in the development of young scientists across District 8.

Have a great summer; keep in touch; see you in Charlotte for the National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference. Look for more information below.

Now for the news:

Congratulations Local Award Winners!
  • Beth Snoke-Harris was recently awarded the Michael C. Jackson Distinguished Service Award by NCSLA. This annual award is given to the person who has performed a great service to science education in North Carolina. The award is sponsored by Fisher Scientific Education and is presented at the Spring Meeting. Check out http://www.ncsla.net/awards/distinguished.html for more information. Congratulations to Beth. You represent our State and our district well.
  • This is a great time to remind everyone that it is never to early to nominate a NCSTA member for an award. Please check out the website and nominate a colleague. Awards will be presented in Charlotte.

District 8 Drive-In

  • March 8, 2008….A date to remember. It was the first successfully hosted Drive-in Workshop for a district of NCSTA. District 7 & 8 hosted a physics workshop at Patton High School in Morganton. We would like to thank the presenters (Dr. Ruiz from UNCA and Hr. Hoyle from the National Parks Service), the participants from districts 7 & 8, and various organizations for making donations (Arboretum, Colburn Museum, and WNC Nature Center).
  • Great workshop sessions, delicious snacks, professionalism among participants, and lunch in Morganton combined for an awesome experience.
  • Watch for future Drive-In workshops. Don’t miss out.

Science Olympiad News

    • District 8 Science Olympiad winners at the March event held at UNCA.

The event includes 12 middle school teams and 6 high school teams. Thanks to UNCA for an amazing job, once again.

  • Division B winners: Evergreen Charter (1st), AC Reynolds MS (2nd), Cane Creek (3rd), and Polk County MS (4th).
  • Division C winners: Polk County HS (1st), AC Reynolds HS(2nd), 

CD Owen HS (3rd) and Carolina Day (4th).

  • These teams represented our region at the state tournament hosted by NC State University. The April event was a first for some and a repeat experience for others. Either way various Olympians from the region brought home state medals. Congratulations for representing us well.
  • Check out SCIENCE OLYMPIAD for your students. It is a tremendous vehicle to teach and engage students. Go to http://soinc.org/ for more information.

National Board Certified Teachers

Congratulations to the 2007 NBCT in Science:
Science- Adolescence and Young Adulthood

  • Kathleen Brown
  • Alexsandra Lawson
  • Laura Lawrence
  • Linda Hall
  • Thomas Savage
  • David Spisak
  • Amy Zalevskiy

Science- Early Adolescence

  • Cari Kennedy
  • Sara Miller

Hope I have not missed anyone. If so, please let me know. Congratulations and welcome to the ranks.

For your Information

 

Current Issue | Archives | NCSTA

The Science Reflector
Newsletter of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association
P.O. Box 33478, Raleigh, NC 27636
Elizabeth Snoke Harris, Editor