July 2008

Summer Safety Workshop

Level 2 Building a Sustainable Science Safety Program
July 27 – Aug 1, 2008 Downtown Raleigh Sheraton

Who Should Attend
LEA and School Personnel who have completed Level 1 Science Laboratory Safety Seminar taught in 2005, 2006 or 2007

Course Curriculum
This hands-on course is designed for Level 1 Science Laboratory Safety Seminar participants to apply their knowledge and skills using the Customized Comprehensive Science Safety Laboratory Program (C2S2LP) to develop a sustainable science laboratory safety program for their schools and LEAs. Middle and secondary school science laboratories will be assessed, Assessment Reports written, and a Needs Assessment Prioritization Plan developed for a school and LEA. Participants will be trained to make presentations to School and LEA personnel that are essential implementation and enforcement of the Chemical Hygiene Plan by the Chemical Hygiene Officer of the school and LEA.

Registration Fee $1250 per participant . Includes all course materials and hotel accommodations for participants. Payment / Registration due by June 20, 2008. Space is limited. No refunds.

OBSERVE Astronomy Workshops

WHO: High School Earth Science and Astronomy Teachers (maximum of 20 teachers)
WHEN: Monday, July 28, 2008 - Thursday, July 31, 2008
WHERE: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center on the campus of UNC - Chapel Hill
APPLICATIONS DUE: Monday, June 2, 2008

OBSERVE is a collaboration between MPSC and the UNC-Chapel Hill Physics and Astronomy Department. OBSERVE allows high school science students to become astronomers by:

* Planning an astronomical observation
* Submitting the observing proposal via the internet
* Allowing remote, robotic telescopes located in Chile to conduct the observation
* Retrieving and analyzing their images
* Presenting their results to their class and posting their results on the internet

The teacher training workshop for OBSERVE will be held in the summer of 2008, from Monday, July 28 through Thursday, July 31. Twenty earth and environmental science and astronomy teachers from across North Carolina will spend four days and three nights on the campus of UNC-CH using MPSC and and UNC-CH resources to expand their astronomy knowledge and train to implement Project: OBSERVE in their classrooms.

Housing and meals will be included in the workshop, and teachers will receive materials and educational tools to bring back to their classrooms.

Teachers will be supported throughout the school year through workshops and telephone/email technical assistance. Teachers are invited back to Morehead for two follow up workshops, one during the fall semester and one during the spring semester. Teachers will be given a $50 stipend for attending these follow-up workshops, and lunch will be included. To apply or for more information, contact jesse@email.unc.edu (or fax it to 919-962-1238)

AP Summer Institutes in Biology and Environmental Science

Summer institutes for teachers of AP Biology and AP Environmental Science will be offered again at NC State University this summer. AP Environmental Science will be offered July 14-18 and AP Biology for new and beginning AP teachers will be offered July 21-25. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a variety of classroom and laboratory activities as well as assistance with resource materials, planning, teaching tips, and testing student performance. For further information and application materials contact: Dr. Charles Lytle, Biology Outreach Programs, Box 7532, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7532,
919-515-3273 or e-mail lytle_bio@ncsu.edu.

Advanced ROV Building for Classroom Projects

The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center is announcing our summer institute for 2008- Advanced Remotely Operated Vehicle Building for Classroom Projects to be held July 21 -27. Throughout the week, educators will work in teams to design and build their own ROVs to complete a set of predetermined mission tasks. Educators will learn how to program a basic stamp to control sensors and motors on their ROVs. The participants will test their ROVs in a mini-competition at the end of the week.

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with undersea engineers, ROV pilots, and marine technicians to understand the technology and the work of these marine professionals. Instructors and experts for industry will provide information about ROVs and their uses and will conduct hands-on sessions. In addition to classroom and hands-on learning experiences, field trips around the Monterey Bay area, including a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) are planned. The knowledge provided in this workshop will provide the knowledge and skills to support their students to participate in MATE’s regional and National ROV competitions. Educators will also have the opportunity to network with other educators who have similar interests and to share best teaching practices.

There is no fee for participating in these institutes. Lunches and some dinners will be provided by the MATE Center as well as hotel accommodations for participants living more than 50 miles from Monterey.

For more information, visit the MATE website or contact Lani Clough, MATE Faculty Development Coordinator at 831-646-4011.

Summer 2008 Biotechnology Workshops for Educators

Don’t miss this summer’s 2008 Biotechnology Workshops for Educators, sponsored by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Learn about activities that will engage your students while reinforcing State objectives. North Carolina educators receive a daily stipend, room and board, technology or regular CEUs, and access to the Biotechnology Center's Free Supplies and Equipment Loan Programs. Workshops are designed for high school teachers but middle school teachers and college faculty may also attend.

Introductory Biotechnology, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, July 21-25

Introductory Biotechnology, UNC – Asheville, July 28-August 1

Complete information about the workshops may be found on the Biotechnology Center's Web site. Space is limited, so register now at www.ncbiotech.org/summerworkshops/

Pisgah Forest Institute

Our workshops are open to any educator that works directly with students in grades K-12, both traditional and non-traditional educators. All of our workshops are FREE. Summer workshops include room and board. During the summer workshops participants stay on campus in the dorms at Brevard College in Western North Carolina, where we are based. There is a $50.00 refundable deposit required to hold your spot in the workshop. Your deposit check gets returned to you un-cashed when you show up for the first day of the workshop. The only way that you would lose your deposit is if you canceled within 30 days of the start date of the workshop. To pre-register go to our website, www.pisgahforestinstitute.org

July 20-25, 2008: Forest Ecology

This workshop offers participants an opportunity to learn about the important interrelationships in forests. Participants will discover how plants, animals, fungi, and microbes connect to each other to create forest ecosystems. The importance of abiotic features in determining forest type will also be examined, and the role of humans as agents of change will be addressed. The workshop will use the national forests of Western North Carolina as a classroom to teach participants about the unique organisms and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Topics include: types of forests, changes within the forest systems, and biodiversity. This workshop is designed for K-12 educators. Workshop participants are eligible to receive up to 4 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits based on 40 contact hours, as well as Criteria II credit in the North Carolina Environmental Educators (NCEE) certification program.

See NC from Mountains to Sea

July 20-26, 2008
Cost: $250 (includes transportation from Raleigh, camping fees, most meals, take-home materials, and kayak rental)
Spend a week traveling from the highest point in the mountains, the spruce-fir forest atop Mt. Mitchell, to the barrier islands along our coast. As we explore the diversity of North Carolina, we'll examine changes in the geology and ecology, including a close look at the characteristics and inhabitants of our streams, rivers and estuaries. We will camp our way across the state to experience the changes in local climates — from cool mountain air to salty ocean breezes. The Museum of Natural Sciences can provide most camping equipment; participants need to provide a sleeping pad and bag.

Contact Melissa Dowland (melissa.dowland@ncmail.net) or Mike Dunn (mike.dunn@ncmail.net) for more information.
Registration forms are on the web at:
http://www.naturalsciences.org/education/tt_reg_form.html

Linking Literacy to Environmental Issues and Agriculture

This is a workshop for 6th-12th grade teachers, July 21-23, 2008. It carries two renewal credits (one is READING). The subject is environmental issues in agriculture – and is designed for ANY TEACHER or administrator in middle school or high school. Field experiences and lessons shared will be appropriate for all subject areas. The flyer is at www.ncagintheclassroom.com – Click on Workshops at the top, then Statewide Summer Workshops and look for the dates, July 21-23, 2008 to view the flyer. This is FREE, 3-day workshop at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel just off I-40 between Raleigh and Durham.

NC Zoo Professional Development

Amphibian Alert!, Grades: K – 5
Monday, July 21, 2008, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Cost: $ 20

Come join us for the year of the frog, and leap into learning! This activity based workshop provides cross-curriculum activities, lessons, and environmental projects for K-5 classrooms. Find out about the valuable role of amphibians as bio-indicators, learn about their habitat, why amphibian populations are declining and the impact this has on the environment. Curriculum connections will be provided for all grade levels.

Polar Express!, Grades: 6 – 8
Monday, July 28, 2008, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Cost: $20

Earth’s Poles are on the fast track to being in hot water! This workshop, for the middle school classroom, introduces lessons, activities and environmental projects to further student knowledge and understanding on subjects such as global warming and our polar connections. Learn about the unique adaptations of wildlife that live in these regions, the challenges they are facing and the little things that we can do to make a big difference.

It’s Our Water!, Grades: 9 - 12 NC Division of Water Resources
Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 9:00am -3:30pm
Cost: $40

It's Our Water! is a NC-specific high school Earth/Environmental Science curriculum that covers the importance of water quality, monitoring and maintaining water quality and the impacts of individual choices and actions. The day will find you involved in classroom instruction, lively discussion, mapping and outdoor games and water testing activities - all of which are aligned with the NC Standard Course of study for high school Earth/Environmental Science.

To register for these workshops contact Carolyn Brown, Education Specialist, 336 879 7714

Earth System Science Institute for Educators, June 23-27, 2008

In this workshop you will learn about earth systems, participate in hands-on activities that can be used in the classroom, and obtain FREE materials, maps, curriculum guides, and books correlated to the National Science Education Standards. The program is open only for high school science teachers. Preference will be given to those teaching at least one section of Earth Science.

Participants will be encouraged to become engaged with the content and inquiry based materials and design classroom experiences that relate to Earth Systems Science

Topics covered include: causes of earthquakes, plate tectonics, propagation of seismic waves, seismographs, earthquake locations in Africa, statistics and seismology data, Earth’s interior structure beneath Africa, earthquake hazards and local seismicity in Africa, climatological processes from the global scale down to the microscale, understanding the nature of climate and the role that it plays,and the development of lesson plans from the vast NOAA data archives.

To register, contact Sheila McDaniel sdmcdan1@ncat.edu or visit http://noaaiset.org
Registration deadline: April 30, 2008
Stipend: $250/day Meals and refreshments will be provided. Transportation subsidy will be provided up to 200 miles.

See NC from the Mountains to the Sea

Location: Various natural sites around NC
Date: Sunday, July 20–Saturday, July 26, 2008
Cost: $250 (includes transportation from Raleigh, camping fees, most meals, take-home materials and kayak rental)

Spend a week traveling from the highest point in the mountains, the spruce-fir forest atop Mt. Mitchell, to the barrier islands along our coast. As we explore the diversity of North Carolina, we'll examine changes in the geology and ecology, including a close look at the characteristics and inhabitants of our streams, rivers and estuaries. We will camp our way across the state to experience the changes in local climates — from cool mountain air to salty ocean breezes. Most camping equipment can be provided by the Museum; participants need to provide sleeping pad and bag.

For more information or to sign up, email Melissa Dowland.

August 2008

DataStreme Graduate Courses

The American Meteorological Society is offering *two graduate courses* in North Carolina. These 13-week courses use electronically transmitted data and learning materials combined with Study Guide readings and investigations and offer *free graduate credit* through the State University of New York at Brockport. These courses are delivered online in weekly installments, all materials and texts are provided at no cost to participants, and there are three required face-to-face meetings (here in NC) each semester.

Additional information and applications can be found at www.ametsoc.org/amsedu.

DataStreme Atmosphere focuses on the teaching of science, mathematics and technology using weather as a vehicle, across the K-12 curriculum. If you're interested in DataStreme Atmosphere, contact Fanette Entzminger, entzmif.fchs@pitt.k12.nc.us

DataStreme Ocean explores the ocean featuring the flow and transformations of water and energy into and out of the ocean, the internal properties and workings of the ocean, and interactions between the ocean and the other components of the Earth system. If you're interested in DataStreme Ocean, contact Terri Kirby Hathaway, terrikh@csi.northcarolina.edu

Air Quality Workshop for Elementary, Middle and High School

Thursday, August 7, 2008
9:00 am – 4:30 pm (Registration begins 8:30)
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs NC (Wayne County)

Come spend a day at a beautiful State Park and learn about the air we breathe. Participants will learn about air pollution – what it is, how it’s formed, and how it affects our health and the environment. A variety of classroom activities will demonstrate the physical properties of air, simple field tests for ozone and particle pollution, air quality stewardship actions, and other aspects of air quality. Climate change information and resources will also be presented.

With pre-work, this is a 10-hour workshop providing Criteria I credit toward Environmental Education Certification. Participants will need to complete approximately 3 hours of “pre-work”, which will be sent in advance, to qualify for Criteria I credit. Homework will not be required. Participants will need to bring lunch. Light snacks/refreshments will be provided.

RSVPs are required by July 31, 2008. Please RSVP or direct questions to Milli Hayman, North Carolina Division of Air Quality, milli.hayman@ncmail.net or (919) 715-6267. Please include mailing address and daytime phone number with RSVPs. Pre-work will be sent as RSVPs are received, so early RSVPs will allow more time for pre-work review.

Emerging Environmental Topics in Education

Course Description: Emerging Environmental Topics in Education is a synchronous, distance education course for students across the state of North Carolina that will cover emerging environmental topics facing the citizens of the state and the world, such as global climate change, land use, air and water quality. Students will gain resources, contacts, and knowledge to use in formal and non formal educational settings.

This course will meet on campus on Mondays, from 6PM to 9PM, from August 25, 2008 through December 1, 2008, and will broadcast on the web via Rich Media. DE students will be required to have high speed internet capabilities.

This course will be offered for undergraduate and graduate credit.

There will be two presentations per session. Scientist and experts will provide an overview of current environmental topics such as environmental ethics, human impacts and interactions, land use, and air and water quality. Education experts will present a range of applications that include scientific content, resources, and techniques for use by formal and non formal educators.

For more information about the course and registration, please go to: http://distance.ncsu.edu/courses/fall08/EMS.html

Field Study in Natural Science

Learn, hands-on, about ecology, life sciences, and physical sciences using the coastal marine ecosystem, marine mammal biology, the organisms that inhabit the coastal environment and techniques related to marine field research. Food chains, Life and Physical Science, basic oceanographic concepts, animal behavior, general research methods, data assimilation and analysis, and technological applications to education will be studied. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn elements of navigation, bathymetry, and wildlife photography while participating in a long-term study in marine mammal research with an established research organization. No prior knowledge in marine sciences is needed -- just the desire to learn.

Ecology Online and Field Courses for Science Teachers from the University of Wisconsin

• "Rainforests and Coral Reefs" online course, Sept. 29 - Dec. 12, a virtual exploration of the world's most diverse ecosystems with up-to-date science to bring to your classroom!
• "Trees of the Midwest" - a 2-week online and field course, Aug. 11-28, teaches how to identify common trees of the upper midwest.
• "Field Methods in Ecology" - a 3-week online and field course, Sept. dates T.B.A., learn techniques for ecological inquiry in the field.
  For more information on these and other courses visit: http://www.wisc.edu/wistep/2008courses.html or contact Catherine Woodward at cwoodwar@wisc.edu

Ground-level Ozone, Advanced Air Quality Workshop

August 5 and 6, 2008, Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The workshop will cover: the formation of ground level ozone, the cause and effects, identification of symptoms of ozone damage in plants using the ozone garden and in the field, and visits to air quality monitoring stations.

The workshop is an Office of Environmental Education approved Criteria I workshop for those seeking their Environmental Education Certification. Most school administrators also will approve this class for Continuing Education Units.

To register or for more information contact Keith Bamberger 828-296-4500

Making Superfund Relevant to Students

Monday, August 4th, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lake Crabtree County Park, Morrisville, NC
Sponsored by The UNC Superfund Basic Research Program and Lake Crabtree County Park.
Statewide media attention has spurred interest in the Ward Transformer Superfund Site and its effects on Lake Crabtree. Educators will hear from an engineer working on the site cleanup and will learn how to incorporate this local environmental issue into their curricula using hands-on materials and activities. This workshop is geared toward both informal and formal science and civics educators who work with middle and/or high school students. Participants can receive 10 hours CEU credit or Criteria II or III for EE Certification program (8 contact hours and 2 hours of homework). Registration deadline is Friday, July 25.

Learn more online or for more information call 919-460-2723 or email Colleen.Bockhahn@co.wake.nc.us

Project WET and Project Webfoot (from Ducks Unlimited)

August 7th and 8th, 9:00 -- 2:00 at the Education Center - 3215 Broad St., Clyde
Bring a bag lunch - morning refreshments will be provided along with 1 CEU/EEU

You will receive 2 curriculum guides: Project WET and WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands.

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an award-winning nonprofit education program and publisher. Project Webfoot comes from Ducks Unlimited, which has partnered with Project WET. In your kit you will find the educator's guide WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands, recommended by the National Science Teachers' Association as the "most comprehensive guide available on wetlands today."

To register, email Gail at gail.heathman@nc.nacdnet.net

Bringing the Forest to the Classroom

A free workshop being held on Monday, August 11, 2008 from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The workshop will feature presentations including introduction to the resources available to teachers through the Forest and Nicholas School, as well as hands-on activities with the Forest History Society and researchers in the field.

Registration includes parking, lunch, materials, and transportation in the Forest. Additionally, participants will be eligible for 8 hours of Criteria III NCEE credit! For more information or to register, visit the Forest’s website at www.dukeforest.duke.edu or call Marissa Hartzler at 919-613-8115.

White-tailed Deer Management: The Basics and Beyond

August 13 & 14, 2008 at the Pinebridge Inn in Spruce Pine, NC
For details and registration visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/feop/wildlife/deer.html

NC Aquatic Wild

Saturday, August 30, 9am-4pm
This 6-hour workshop introduces participants to the Aquatic WILD K-12 educator guide. The N.C. WILD Aquatic workshops are open to all interested educators including classroom teachers, environmental educators, resource agency staff, park and nature personnel, teaching fellows, college students and faculty, and youth leaders. Credit for the NC Environmental Education Certification program is available with the completion of a homework assignment.

Durant Nature Park, located in North Raleigh is offering the following workshop. All workshops are FREE, however pre-registration is required. To request a registration form, please contact Karen Berry at (919) 870-2871 or email karen.berry@ci.raleigh.nc.us

September 2008

Ecology Online and Field Courses for Science Teachers from the University of Wisconsin

• "Rainforests and Coral Reefs" online course, Sept. 29 - Dec. 12, a virtual exploration of the world's most diverse ecosystems with up-to-date science to bring to your classroom!
• "Trees of the Midwest" - a 2-week online and field course, Aug. 11-28, teaches how to identify common trees of the upper midwest.
• "Field Methods in Ecology" - a 3-week online and field course, Sept. dates T.B.A., learn techniques for ecological inquiry in the field.
  For more information on these and other courses visit: http://www.wisc.edu/wistep/2008courses.html or contact Catherine Woodward at cwoodwar@wisc.edu

Project Learning Tree Workshop

Agapé Center for Environmental Education near Fuquay-Varina
Friday, September 12, 2008, 4:00-8:00 p.m. AND
Saturday, September 13, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
This 10-hour Workshop provides credit for both NC EE Certification and CEU upon completion. (No homework!)

All PLT materials are free to workshop participants. Thanks to a generous grant from PLT, there is no fee for this workshop. There is an option to purchase food service or you can bring a bag supper Friday and a bag lunch Saturday. Food service for dinner Friday: $8.40, lunch Saturday: $7.50. If needed, lodging is available at our campground for $15.00/night (4 person per site max.).
PLT is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators working with students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. This workshop focuses on the activities from the preK-8 activity guide. At the workshop, educators will receive a free PLT Activity Guide that is chock full of interdisciplinary instructional activities that use the forest as a “window” into natural and built environments. PLT is also one of the required workshops for individuals working to complete their Environmental Education Certification in the state of North Carolina.

To register email ACEed@agapekurebeach.org

Project WET Workshop

Agapé Center for Environmental Education near Fuquay-Varina
Friday, September 19, 2008, 4:00-8:00 p.m. AND
Saturday, September 20, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

This 10-hour Workshop provides credit for both NC EE Certification and CEU upon completion. (No homework!)

$15 covers facility use to workshop participants. Thanks to a generous grant from the NC Project WET office, guides are being provided free of charge. There is an option to purchase food service or you can bring a bag supper Friday and a bag lunch Saturday. Food service for dinner Friday: $8.40, lunch Saturday: $7.50. If needed, lodging is available at our campground for $15.00/night (4 person per site max).

This Project WET workshop is geared toward teachers, scout leaders, and other youth leaders interested in teaching about water. The goal of Project WET is to facilitate and promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of North Carolina’s water resources.

Monarch Larva Monitoring Program Citizen Scientist Training

Thursday, September 11, 9am-3pm
If you are passionate about monarchs and nature and want to share your enthusiasm with others, come to the Monarch Larva Monitoring Program (MLMP) Citizen Scientist Training instructed by NC State Park Ranger Brian Bockhahn. This training encourages citizen participation through monitoring monarch populations and fostering monarch habitat conservation. Data collected by volunteers participating in the MLMP is sent directly to monarch research scientists to aid in understanding how and why monarch populations vary. Participants attending this training will learn about monarch biology, monitoring protocols, and each participant will be given materials needed to conduct monitoring on their own or with a group. This training will also introduce you to tagging monarchs through Monarch Watch and the new Monarch Health program! This workshop will count towards criteria II requirements of the NC Environmental Education Certification program.

Durant Nature Park, located in North Raleigh is offering the workshop. All workshops are FREE, however pre-registration is required. To request a registration form, please contact Karen Berry at (919) 870-2871 or email karen.berry@ci.raleigh.nc.us

October 2008

Project Learning Tree

Saturday, October 4, 9am-4pm
Project Learning Tree is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary, environmental education workshop for adult teachers, scout leaders, 4-H leaders, nature center staff or anyone working with youth. PLT uses trees and forests to educate about various environmental topics. Credit for the NC Environmental Education Certification program is available with the completion of a homework assignment.

Durant Nature Park, located in North Raleigh is offering the workshop. All workshops are FREE, however pre-registration is required. To request a registration form, please contact Karen Berry at (919) 870-2871 or email karen.berry@ci.raleigh.nc.us

Educator Workshops in the Smokies

Educator workshops are offered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fees for all workshops are covered by a grant from the NC GlaxoSmithKline Foundation so they are either FREE or come with a small stipend. Contact Susan Sachs (Susan_Sachs@nps.gov) with any questions.

Got Elk!: Fall Research in the Smokies - October 24-26
Spend a weekend in Cataloochee Valley with the recently reintroduced elk and participate in other fall research projects with easy application to your classroom. Participants will receive transportation, lodging and classroom materials. Register through the NC Museum of Natural Science at www.naturalsciences.org. $45 fee will cover transportation costs.

The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy

Attend the 2009 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy and improve your math and science teaching skills. Students can nominate teachers from Grades 3, 4, and 5 or urge them to apply for an all-expense paid trip to the Academy’s math and science professional development program by logging on to www.sendmyteacher.com, an interactive website.

Developed in conjunction with the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions, the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy enables teachers to hone their science and math teaching skills, enhance their curricula, and discover innovative new ways to inspire students.

The teachers will spend five days next July at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ, deepening their understanding of mathematics and science content, building expertise in facilitating student learning through problem solving and inquiry, and using links between math and science that support student learning and understanding in the classroom.

Teacher applications are due by October 31, 2008. The National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will convene a panel of math and science experts to evaluate the entries and announce the selections in February 2009. To nominate a teacher or to learn more about the program, visit www.sendmyteacher.com.

November 2008

The Alcohol Pharmacology Education Partnership

APEP is a national project to develop and share teaching materials for high school biology and chemistry teachers. We are looking for creative minds to participate in a professional development workshop and field-test. Learn how to integrate pharmacology topics on alcohol into your teaching of basic high school biology and chemistry concepts, and then field-test the APEP modules in your science classes.

This professional full-day workshop will take place at the Southern Area NSTA Conference in Charlotte, NC (Nov 1, 2008). Teachers will receive registration to attend the conference, course materials, including a teacher’s guide, a video, and web access to APEP. Substitute
reimbursement available. Upon completion, teachers will receive an honorarium.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2008 For more information and an application to join our team, go to: www.rise.duke.edu/APEP

Environmental Educators of North Carolina 18th Annual Conference--"Sand, Sea, and EENC"

Environmental Educators of North Carolina's annual conference will be held on November 6-9 at NC Baptist Assembly at Fort Caswell. Learn more at www.eenc.org

The School Science and Mathematics Association National Convention

The SSMA national convention will be in Raleigh-Durham this year during November 13th-15th. SSMA strives to be an inclusive professional community bringing together researchers and teachers to promote research, scholarship, and practice to improve school science and mathematics and to advance the integration of school science and mathematics. Learn more at www.ssma.org/

December 2008

The Cosmic Lesson Competition

High School and Middle school teachers and their students are invited to participate in a unique, year-long learning adventure and the opportunity to win a Digital STARLAB Planetarium system valued at $58,000!

Using a team approach, participants will be challenged to create a dynamic lesson using Starry Night® software for ultimate presentation in the Digital STARLAB Planetarium. Incorporating outside images, video and data, teams will attempt to create the most effective and impressive lesson possible.

Competition Timeline
The competition teams will gain proficiency with the software during the spring and summer months of 2008. On September 01, 2008, the specific subject, which the lesson must address, will be announced to all participating teams. The subject will have an earth and space science focus. Teams will then have the period of September 01 through December 31, 2008 to create their actual Cosmic Lesson. The completed Cosmic Lesson entries must be submitted by December 31, 2008.

The first place team will receive for their school a complete Digital STARLAB Projection system with 5-meter portable dome powered by Starry Night software valued at $58,000. Additional prizes include two telescope packages.
To learn more or to register, go to www.cosmiclesson.com.

January 2009

February 2009

Online Learning for Elementary and Middle School Science Teachers

NASA LIVE

JASON Academy