Committees
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4/30/2008 by Brian Bartel
Join Wisconsin Public Radio as we welcome NPR's Ira Flatow, host of the popular radio show "Talk of the Nation - Science Friday," to Milwaukee for two days of events for listeners.
Thursday, May 15:
Family night at Discovery World Museum, activities include museum tours, movies, demonstrations, and a talk by Ira Flatow,
500 Harbor Drive, Milwaukee.
5:30 -8:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $15.00,* Children (up to 17 years old) $10.00.*
Friday, May 16:
Live national broadcast of “Talk of the Nation-Science Friday” from the Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee. Doors open: 12:30 p.m. Broadcast: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Reception: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Tickets $20.00,* includes admission to the museum, the radio broadcast, and the reception. Friday, May 16 VIP Dinner with Ira Flatow and WPR hosts at Mader's German Restaurant, 1041 N. Old World Third Street, Milwaukee. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. Tickets $50.00.* Limited seating. Mader’s famous German Buffet Dinner includes salads, Sauerbraten, Beef Goulash, German Potato Salad, Spaetzel, Red Potatoes, Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage, fresh fruit, Apple Strudel, coffee, tea, and more. Vegetarian options available.
Charge by phone: 414-227-2047
* The first 50 people to sign up for all three events will receive tickets to the “Body Worlds 1” exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Good for admission through May 31, 2008. Retail value $24.00 each.Visit http://www.wpr.org/regions/mke/flatow.cfm for more information.
4/22/2008 by Brian Bartel
For Earth Day, listen to our podcast with Bill Nye- comic, engineer, and science guy- and learn his thoughts on global warming and sustainable living. He even tells us about his new show- Stuff Happens- that will air on Discovery’s new channel: Planet Green (which debuts in June).
You can play the interview, view the show notes and subscribe to the podcast by visiting the sites below:
- Lab Out Loud on nsta.org: http://www.nsta.org/publications/laboutloud.aspx
- Lab Out Loud Host (with show notes) http://nsta.libsyn.com
Lab Out Loud is a Podcast sponsored by the National Science Teachers’ Association. Science teachers Brian Bartel and Dale Basler discuss science news and science education with leading scientists, researchers, science writers, and other important figures in the field. A selection of links and notes accompanies each episode, enabling the listener to dig deeper into the topics discussed.
4/3/2008 by Dale Basler
The International Wolf Center ( www.wolf.org) is holding a World Wide Wolves Essay Contest to celebrate the addition of two new wolf pups to their Exhibit Pack this Spring. The contest is for classes around the world. Entries will be accepted beginning 6/1/ 2008 with final submissions accepted at the end of Wolf Awareness Week on 10/25/2008.
- There is no cost to enter.
- Students are invited to learn more about wolves by observing the pups (beginning late May) via 24 hour webcam at www.wolf.org and read the online wolf logs describing the pup behavior and development.
- Contest is open to students ages 10-14 and 15-18.
- Some great gifts and prizes will be awarded including a free Distance Learning program for the class with the winning entry in each age category and the chance to see winning entries published on the International Wolf Center Web site and in the prestigious, International Wolf Magazine.
3/25/2008 by Dale Basler
Discovery Education and 3M have partnered up to promote interest in the sciences amongst students throughout the United States with the 2008 Young Scientist Challenge. In the past 9 years, more than 540,000 middle school students have been nominated to participate in the competition, an astonishing number to say the least.
This year, students will be challenged to create a 1-2 minute video about a specific scientific concept from the list provided by the judges. The theme of the challenge is, "The Science of Space." and all topics will relate to that. 10 finalists will receive a trip to Washington D.C. for the competition finals, consisting of individual and team challenges. In the end, America's Top Young Scientist will be awarded a $50,000 savings bond.
If you'd like to learn more about the 2008 Discovery Education/3M Young Scientist Challenge, please refer to the attached press release or visit www.discoveryeducation.com
3/19/2008 by Dale Basler
If you are going to the NSTA National Conference next week, please join your colleagues from NSTA's District XII for a free reception. The reception will be hosted by Sue Whitsett, District XII Director, and supported by Bob Friedel with VWR. The reception will be on Friday afternoon, March 28th, from 3:00 - 4:30 in the Marriott Copley Place Presidential Suite, room 3810.
3/10/2008 by Dale Basler
Are you an ADVOCATE for the preservation and protection of Wisconsin's lakes and watersheds? Do you interact with young people to share your love of the environment and your knowledge of lakes, aquatic habitats and shoreland ecosystems?
Please JOIN US for a very special workshop on Thursday, April 17, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, WI.
Leave No Child Inside: Engaging Youth in Lake Issues
If you’re interested in educating students about our water-filled world, you won’t want to miss the interactive project ideas, helpful guidelines, and expertise offered in this workshop! Hear from four presenters what programs and activities have been successful for them and what Wisconsin DPI Standards for Environmental Education apply for each project. A roundtable discussion will offer participants the chance to collaborate and discuss how these projects complement the statewide environmental education goals. All participants will receive a packet of resources focused on providing students with active, hands-on learning activities.
Learn more...
3/7/2008 by Dale Basler
The 2008 convention committee is ready to celebrate 50 years of WSST at the Grand Geneva Hotel.
Take a look at the many sessions, workshops and field trips being offered.
Don’t forget, you can also get college credit for attending the convention.
I hope to see you in Lake Geneva!
2/29/2008 by Dale Basler
The Science Ambassador Program is an innovative career development opportunity for middle and high school science teachers. Selected teachers attend a 5-day workshop, where public health professionals, including epidemiologists and behavioral scientists lead discussions on current public health topics. Lectures are based on current research affecting public health worldwide. Previous topics include HIV/AIDS, teen dating violence, environmental lead exposure, and alcohol abuse.
Participants work with CDC scientists to develop and publish lesson plans in public health-related sciences.
Contact - For more information, please check out our website or contact the Science Ambassador Program by email at scienceambassador@cdc.gov or by phone at 404-418-7246.
Deadline - Applications are due by March 21, 2008.
2/28/2008 by Dale Basler
The American Society of Human Genetics Announces the 3rd Annual DNA Day Essay Contest open to Middle and High School Students.
Teachers of first place winners receive $2,000 to purchase classroom equipment!
Visit their website for complete information.
2/27/2008 by Brian Bartel
You are invited to attend the up
Where: Department of Chemistry, Room HS109, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
(Halsey Science Hall is #16 on this map: http://admissions.uwosh.edu/pdfs/map.pdf)
When: Monday 3rd March, 7pm
Abstract: Have you ever wondered about how beer is made and the role that chemistry or microbiology plays in the process? We will briefly discuss the basic process of beer fermentation from a small-scale perspective. From malting the barley and mashing the malt, through fermentation and conditioning, to packaging the finished product, particular attention will be paid to the role of chemistry in the development of regional beer styles and traditions. Connections will be made between steps in the process and results in the final product including color, bitterness, aroma, body, and taste. Many of these connections will illustrate the subtle, but important role that small chemical details can play.
Biography: Mark Thomson is currently an instructor of chemistry in the Department of Physical Science at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he teaches courses in general chemistry. He received his B.S. degree (1987) from the University of Utah in chemistry and his Ph.D. degree (1995) from Colorado State University in inorganic chemistry. He has been a homebrewer of ales, meads, and wines for 10 years, winning several ribbons at local and regional competitions. For the past 5 years he has also served as a Certified Beer Judge through the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). His current research interests include improving chemistry education, especially at the introductory college level through the incorporation of interdisciplinary perspectives and technology-based resources. His current recreational research interests include small-scale fermentation, especially as it relates to indigenous and native South and Central American fermented beverages such as Chicha (Peru) and Mavi (Puerto Rico).
2/3/2008 by Brian Bartel
Saturday, February 9th @ 7:00 PM
Lawrence University; Appleton, WI
Science Hall, Room 102
Please join us for this special Darwin Day event on Saturday, February 9th at Lawrence University. This event is designed to celebrate Darwin’s birthday and contributions to science. All students, educators and scientists are welcome. Food and door prizes will be provided.
Event Schedule
7:00 PM Keynote Presentations & Discussions (below)
8:30 PM Movie: Flock of Dodos
10:00 PM Social at the Viking Room on campus
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Genetics and Speciation
Beth De Stasio, Raymond J. Herzog Professor of Science
& Associate Professor of Biology, Lawrence University
Using one or two recent examples, we will explore the connection between genetic change, phenotypic change, and speciation. Advances in our ability to dissect the genetic component of complex traits such as an organism’s morphology and color have allowed scientists to understand the changes that have led to reproductive isolation and subsequent speciation within particular populations. We will discuss the importance of reproductive isolation to speciation and mechanisms by which organisms can be isolated even when living in the same environment. Two examples will be explored.
Evo-devo and its contributions to Darwin’s legacy
Brigid O’Donnell, Postdoctoral Fellow of Biology, Lawrence University
Evolutionary developmental biology (or “evo-devo”) is a relatively new field of biological inquiry that elegantly illustrates both common ancestry and descent with modification in organic beings as envisioned by Charles Darwin. Evo-devo has provided us with a powerful perspective to explore the proximate mechanisms underlying the genesis of form as well as the evolutionary “tinkering” of developmental pathways across multiple scales of biological organization (from genes to entire structures!). I will highlight two specific case studies that have supplied exciting insights into the origin and evolution of the phenotype: the origin of body plans and the developmental basis of eyespot patterns in butterfly wings.
Coevolution of hosts and their parasites
Judith Humphries, Assistant Professor of Biology, Lawrence University
The coevolution of parasites and their hosts is often described as an “Arms Race”, where for example, the parasite evolves to increase the probability of infecting its host but in response, the host coevolves to better defend itself against the parasite. This is consistent with the “Red Queen Hypothesis” where both host and parasite must continually evolve in order to maintain fitness relative to each other. The relationship between parasitic brood birds such as cuckoos, and their hosts is often used to exemplify this hypothesis.
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Please respond to president07@wsst.org if you plan to attend
Sponsored by Lawrence University and
The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers
1/5/2008 by Tammy Gerend
Gunther von Hagen's Body Worlds: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies will be presented by the Milwaukee Public Museum
BODY WORLDS features authentic human specimens preserved through a revolutionary process called Plastination. This remarkable preservation technique replaces bodily fluids and fat with reactive plastics, thereby preserving human tissue in its natural state. Visitors who embark on this amazing journey below the skin's surface will view an extensive collection including more than 200 authentic organs, systems and whole-body displaysCheck out the Milwaukee Public Museum web site for more information
Link
12/28/2007 by Brian Bartel
In order to provide leadership in science education, NSTA prepares position statements that represent the organization’s official stand on issues important to the teaching and learning of science.
This summer, NSTA released a position statement on the “Principles of Professionalism for Science Educators.” This document establishes expectations and principles that should guide the professional conduct of all science educators so that all students receive the best science education possible.
As WSST is a chapter of (NSTA), we adopt their position statements as our own. It is therefore important to acknowledge these expectations and guidelines. You can access the full document at tinyurl.com/2t96xn, but I will provide a brief summary for you.
Principle 1: Promoting the Growth of All Students. Besides the obvious message, one of the underlying points of this principle explains the need to use “empirically based evidence from the natural world” in scientific discussions. As we may encounter many conflicting ideas from the political and religious realm, it is important that we remember our job us to represent the actual science of the matter.
Principle 2: Taking Personal Responsibility for Professional Growth. This principle highlights the need for lifelong learning. As science can be so dynamic, we must stay current in science literature and pedagogy so that we can be relevant and up to date in the classroom.
Principle 3: Being Leaders in the Profession. This is a fairly self-explanatory principle. It includes collaboration among colleagues, mentoring, and working with parents and the community at large. But it also suggests the need to become leaders in professional organizations; keep in mind that WSST always needs good leadership on the board and on its committees.
Principle 4: Upholding Personal and Professional Ethics. As science educators we are leaders and role models in the classroom. It is therefore imperative that we uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior so that we are such role models.
Principle 5: Support for Professional Teachers of Science. While it is obvious that we need support from our school, district and community to be effective, it is sometimes difficult to express that need to these groups. It is therefore important that science educators advocate this need to obtain and sustain this support, whether it translates into safer classroom sizes or attendance at conferences.
Please take some time to review this document and reflect on your own position. I am sure that you will find that success in science education is congruent with these principles of professionalism.
12/13/2007 by Brian Bartel
Designed for working professionals, this degree will:
- Strengthen your understanding of subject-matter content
- Sharpen your teaching skills
- Train you in the very latest classroom technology
You can specialize in either the teaching of physics and physical science, or in earth and space science. Courses are conveniently offered during the school year and summer. Most courses are taught online or in a blended (semi-online) format. Courses that meet in-person will be held on the UW Oshkosh campus. The MSE program has been carefully designed to meet state and national content and professional development standards.
Applications are currently being accepted for classes beginning in 2008. For more information about the Master of Science in Education in Secondary Science Education program, please visit us at: www.phys.uwosh.edu/lattery/mse/mse.htm, or call (920) 424-2477.
12/2/2007 by Tammy Gerend
If you are looking for a great book to add to your holiday wish list I found one you should add. Check out the book That's Not in My Science Book by Kate Kelly.
Book Description
This follow-on to the best selling That's Not in My American History Book explains in every-day language both the ordinary and the bizarre, technological marvels that we take for granted and laws of nature that serve as the baseline for life on earth. Beginning with clear and entertaining descriptions of the important discoveries that form the basis of our scientific knowledge-the book goes on to tell scientific stories that are lost between the pages. These include the discovery of the periodic table of elements (and why it matters), the development of miracle drugs such as aspirin and penicillin, the invention of television, the prospects for earthquake prediction, and the genesis of the Internet.
11/11/2007 by Dale Basler
With the help of a $29,000 state grant, Joe Van Groll is ready to sell licenses to use his yeast-based technology that makes ethanol from cheese whey.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
We talked to Van Groll (owner of Grand Meadow Energy in Stratford, Wisconsin) in August of 2006 about his process.The research could help save dozens of small cheese plants struggling with high operating costs. Whey, once regarded as a waste product from cheese plants, has become a popular ingredient in packaged foods such as cake mixes, candy and nutrition bars. Finding another use for whey could help the plants make ends meet... [full story]
Listen to the interview.
11/2/2007 by Tammy Gerend
This course explores the ocean in the Earth system with special emphasis on 1 the flow and transformations of water and energy into and out of the ocean, 2 the internal properties and workings of the ocean, 3 interactions between the ocean and the other components of the Earth system, and 4 the human/societal impacts on and response to those interactions. This approach is inquiry-based and consistent in methodology and goals with the National Science Education Standards. DS Atmosphere offers a 3 credit distance learning graduate course for teachers through Local Implementation teams in the state. Check out the web site for more information.
Wisconsin Local Implementation Team Leader: Joe Moore, Cleveland
e-mail j36rm54@wildblue.net
10/30/2007 by Tammy Gerend
Here is an opportunity for you to earn graduate credits via the American Meteorological Society. The classes are offered free to Wisconsin teachers. Applications are available for the Water in the Earth System course at the attached link. To get to the application click on "teachers participate" and then click on "apply to program" your application should be forwarded to Bruce Smith at bsmith733@new.rr.com
10/10/2007 by Tammy Gerend
In the October issue of NSTA Reports was a link to a web site that had "Retro science songs online". There are a number of songs you can download to use in your classroom. I found one I could use today! Check it out.
10/10/2007 by Tammy Gerend
Check out the web site for countertop chemistry. This site includes several experiments that use common supplies. The site also includes a link for inquiry activities.