STATellite - February 10

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Contacts

Message from thePresident

Calendar

Regional

Reports

Aliate News

CAST 2010 Callfor Proposals

STAT Ocer

Elections

What is the BestThing We Can

Teach OurStudents?

National Lab Day

Open Leer tothe SBOE andCommissioner

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ContinuingEducation

Contents

CAST Call for ProposalsSTAT Board NomineesNational Lab DayLeer to SBOE

Volume 54, Number 1 February 2010

TheOfcial Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas

Inside:


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STAT Ocer

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Teach OurStudents?

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About UsWe are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas.

STAT is commied to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levelsand in all science disciplines.

For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/news/position.php

STAT is:o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school

teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated tomaintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools.

o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Associationo Visit the NSTA site

STAT seeks to:o Serve as a unied voice for the science teachers of the state.o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in

science education.o Provide opportunities for members to examine techonology, curriculum,

materials, and services.o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars

and workshops related to sciences.

o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associationsin the promotion of teaching of science.

History:STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 duringthe 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching(CASMT). STAT membership is more than 6,000 strong!

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Calendar

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ReportsAliate News


STAT Ocer

ElectionsWhat is the BestThing We Can

Teach OurStudents?

National Lab Day


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ContinuingEducation

Contents

ContactsElected OcersAppointed PositionsAliate CongressRegional DirectorsTexas State Board of Education

Message from the President

CalendarRegional ReportsAliate NewsCAST 2010 Call for ProposalsSTAT Ocer Elections 2010

What is the Best Thing We Can TeachOur Students?National Lab DayOpen Leer to the SBOE andCommissioner Sco

Continuing Education

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President:Patsy Magee(409) [email protected]

Past President:Michael Baldwin(956) [email protected]

President-Elect:

Joel Palmer(972) [email protected]

Treasurer:

Laurel Frank(281) [email protected]

Vice President:Ross Ann Hill(806) [email protected]

Secretary:Karen Jo Matsler(817) [email protected]

Executive Director:Chuck Hempstead(512) [email protected]

CAST Exhibits Manager &Advertising Manager:Frank Butcher(281)[email protected]

TEA Representative:

Kenn Heydrick(512) [email protected]

Texas Science TeacherEditor:Joel Palmer

(972) [email protected]

STATellite Editor:Jon Rodriguez(512) [email protected]

STATOce

Mailing Address:5750 Balcones Dr.,

Ste 201Austin, TX 78731

Phone:(512) 491-6685

Fax:(512) 873-7423

[email protected]

ElectedOcers

AppointedPositions

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mailto:pmagee%40beaumont.k12.tx.us?subject=mailto:lbaldwin%40rgv.rr.com?subject=mailto:jpalmer59%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:lfrank%40magnoliaisd.org?subject=mailto:rahill%40idalouisd.net?subject=mailto:kjmatsler%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=mailto:frank.butcher%40comcast.net?subject=mailto:Kenn.Heydrick%40tea.state.tx.us?subject=mailto:jpalmer59%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=STATellitehttp://www.statweb.org/index.phpmailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=mailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=http://www.statweb.org/index.phpmailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=STATellitemailto:jpalmer59%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:Kenn.Heydrick%40tea.state.tx.us?subject=mailto:frank.butcher%40comcast.net?subject=mailto:stat%40bizaustin.rr.com?subject=mailto:kjmatsler%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:rahill%40idalouisd.net?subject=mailto:lfrank%40magnoliaisd.org?subject=mailto:jpalmer59%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:lbaldwin%40rgv.rr.com?subject=mailto:pmagee%40beaumont.k12.tx.us?subject=


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ACTAssociated Chemistry

Teachers of Texas

Rhonda [email protected]

ISEAInformal Science

Education Association

Kiki [email protected]

ISETIntegrated ScienceEducators of Texas

Carole [email protected]

TABTTexas Association of

Biology Teachers

Karen [email protected]

TAEETexas Association for

Environmental Education

Sally [email protected]

TCESTexas Council of

Elementary Science

Michael Vu

[email protected]

TESTATexas Earth Science

Teachers Association

Diann Valentine

[email protected]

TMEATexas Marine

Educators Association

Marolyn Smith

[email protected]

TSAAPTTexas Section of the American

Association of Physics Teachers

Toni Saucy

[email protected]

TSELATexas Science EducationLeadership Association

Terry Talley

[email protected]

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mailto:rhondaalex%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:kiki.corry%40tpwd.state.tx.us?subject=mailto:chenry1%40satx.rr.com?subject=mailto:hewittkaren%40yahoo.com?subject=mailto:swall%40ccisd.net?subject=mailto:mv12%40bcm.edu?subject=mailto:dvalenti%40houstonisd.org?subject=mailto:marolyn.smith%40yahoo.com?subject=mailto:toni.saucy%40angelo.edu?subject=mailto:DrTTalley%40comcast.net?subject=mailto:DrTTalley%40comcast.net?subject=mailto:toni.saucy%40angelo.edu?subject=mailto:marolyn.smith%40yahoo.com?subject=mailto:dvalenti%40houstonisd.org?subject=mailto:mv12%40bcm.edu?subject=mailto:swall%40ccisd.net?subject=mailto:hewittkaren%40yahoo.com?subject=mailto:chenry1%40satx.rr.com?subject=mailto:kiki.corry%40tpwd.state.tx.us?subject=mailto:rhondaalex%40gmail.com?subject=


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Region 1Robert A. Soper

300 Hollywood Dr.Edinburg, TX 75839

E-mail

Region 2Lola Grundy

15222 Reales DriveCorpus Christi, TX 78418

E-mail

Region 3Catherine W. Porter

308 WelchPalacios, TX 77465

E-mail

Region 4Mary Ingle

7145 W. Tidwell Road

Houston, TX 77092-2096E-mail

Co-Region 5Mike Hoke

1802 W ReinOrange, TX 77630

E-mail

Co-Region 5Roxanne Minix-Wilkins

1130 Skipwith St.

Beaumont, TX 77705E-mail

Region 6Georgeanna Adams-Molina

3332 Montgomery Rd.Huntsville, TX 77340

E-mail

Region 7Donna Wise

1909 N. Longview StreetKilgore, TX 75662

E-mail

Region 8

Vacant

Region 9Tanys Gene James1625 Rodgers Dr.

Graham, TX 76450E-mail

Region 10Bill Neal

6231 Woodcrest LnDallas, TX 75214

E-mail

Region 11Becky Yarbrough

3001 North Freeway

Fort Worth, Tx 76106E-mail

Region 12Jeanine Wolf3680 CR 269

Oglesby, TX 76561E-mail

Region 13Dr. Barbara ten Brink

1410 W. 29th Street

Austin, TX 78703E-mail

Region 14Gary Mabry

2110 Marsalis St.Abilene, TX 79603

E-mail

Region 15Jerita TaylorP.O. Box 390

Bronte, TX 76933

E-mail

Region 16Bobbee Doerrie

13925 CR BBooker, TX 79005

E-mail

Region 17Cathy Box

P.O. Box 698Tahoka, TX 79373

E-mail

Region 18Martha Alexander

5006 Castleford Rd.Midland, TX 79705

E-mail

Region 19James and Dusty Milson

252 Viking

El Paso, TX 79912E-mail

Region 20Mary Poarch

1425 Wilshire Ave.San Antonio, TX 78209

E-mail

Region 21Shari Hiltbrand

1330 Augusta #20

Houston, TX 77057E-mail

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mailto:soperbob11%40hotmail.com?subject=Region%201mailto:lolafii%40hotmail.com?subject=Region%202mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%203mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%204mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%205mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%205mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%206mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%207mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%209mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2010mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2011mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2012mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2013mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2014mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2014mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2015mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2016mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2017mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2018mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2019mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2020mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2021mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2021mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2020mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2019mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2018mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2017mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2016mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2015mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2014mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2013mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2012mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2011mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%2010mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%209mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%207mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%206mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%205mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%205mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%204mailto:[email protected]?subject=Region%203mailto:lolafii%40hotmail.com?subject=Region%202mailto:soperbob11%40hotmail.com?subject=Region%201


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SBOE District 1 - Rene Nuez1521 Upson Dr.El Paso, TX 79902(915) 351-9923(512) 936-4319 fax

SBOE District 2 - Mary Helen Berlanga2727 Morgan Ave.Corpus Christi, TX 78405(361) 881-1000(361) 881-1028 fax

SBOE District 3- Rick Agosto205 N Presa, Ste B 200San Antonio, TX 78205(210) 226-7106(210) 226-7104 fax

SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.4302 Grapevine

Houston, TX 77045(713) 433-4643(713) 556-7243 fax

SBOE District 5- Ken MercerPO Box 781301San Antonio, TX 78278(512) 463-9007(512) 936-7319 fax

SBOE District 6 - Terri Leo23516 Twin Oaks Dr. RR#5Spring, TX 77389

(281) 257-0832 fax (call rst)

SBOE District 7- David Bradley2165 North St.Beaumont, TX 77701(409) 835-3808

SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill61 W. Wedgemere Cir.The Woodlands, TX 77381(281) 465-8095

SBOE District 9 - Don McLeroy9277 Brookwater Cir.

College Station, TX 77845(979) 255-2538

(979) 846-1174 fax

SBOE District 10 - Cynthia Nolan Dunbar22123 Skyridge Ln.

Richmond, TX 77469(512) 463-9007

(512) 936-4319 fax

SBOE District 11 - Patricia Hardy900 N. Elm

Weatherford, TX 76086(817) 598-2968

(817) 598-2833 fax

SBOE District 12 - Geraldine Miller1100 Providence Tower West

Dallas, TX 75244(972) 419-4000(214) 552-8560 fax

SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. KnightPO Box 763337

Dallas, TX 75376(214) 333-9575

(214) 339-9242 fax

SBOE District 14 - Gail Lowe11 Chris Ave.

Lampasas, TX 76550

(512) 556-6262(512) 556-3278 fax

SBOE District 15 - Bob CraigPO Box 1979

Lubbock, TX 79408(806) 744-3232

(806) 744-2211 fax

Need to nd your representative?Search by zip code at:

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

William B. Travis Building1701 North Congress Avenue

Austin, Texas 78701-1494

Gail Lowe, ChairLawrence A. Allen, Jr., Vice Chair

Terri Leo, Secretary

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Well if you are in Texas crazy things have been going on! THE WEATHER! What iswith all the cold weather, rain, sleet and snow? I am ready for some sunshine and warm weath-er! How about you?

This past weekend I had the privilege of working withyour STAT Board. You will not nd a group more dedicated tothe advancement of science and concern for science teachers.Each member gave their time to come together and help makethoughtful decisions to help Texas science teachers. I hopeyou will thank them for their time and eort! This Board hasmade several decisions that will integrate more technology onthe STAT website and we think you will nd them powerfuland useful. Keep reading and watching the STAT website.We will be rolling them out soon!

The Board made decisions regarding future CAST sitesand will be pursing those facilities that can oer larger underone roof facilities like Houston. Larger cities that can oerthis will be a lile more expensive, but under one roof con-

ferences will allow for more activities and less distractions about moving from place to place.For your information the future sites at this time are:

CAST 2010 Houston George Brown Center

CAST 2011 Dallas Convention CenterCAST 2012 Corpus ChristiCAST 2013 Houston George Brown Center

As I returned from mid winter break, things began to step up in my District and I amsure yours too. TAKS science is not far away! AS we make it through this year, many ques-tions arise about science for next year. Juniors this year will be the rst group of high schoolstudents required to complete a 4th year of science and math on the recommended high schoolgraduation plan. What courses will you oer? Who will teach them and what are the certi-cation requirements? Do you have equipment and labs to teach them? Since we will begin to

teach the new science TEKS next fall when will we get new books to help implement? Whatwill be happening to the TAKS test? How will it change? How will students be tested next yearespecially 8th graders? What is all this I hear about End-Of-Course exams? When do we start

A Message from President Magee

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them? What will students be expected to do andhow will they be implemented? I have asked onlya few of the questions I hear on a daily basis frommy sta. How are you going to get these ques-tions answered? Of course you can always go theTEA website and search or you can nd all youranswers in one place. Where? CAST 2010 Hous-ton George R. Brown Convention Center.

The STAT Board and the CAST 2010 Com-miee have been busy to help science teachers asthey try to meet all the new science requirementswith CAST 2010. We are planning for the rst timein several years an opening session. I think youwill be as excited as we are to nd out that Dr. BobBallard, famed oceanographer and explorer, willbe the opening session keynote speaker! We arethrilled to have him as part of CAST 2010 courtesy

of The JASON Project! I was privileged to hearone of his presentations this past week. His en-thusiasm and passion for science is one messagethat all science teachers need to hear! We will alsopresent our Outstanding Science teacher Award-ees at the opening ceremony. We want everyoneto see, know and learn about them!

CAST 2010 proposal website is now on-line. Please consider submiing a proposal. Due

to the increased number of teachers in Galvestonthe 2010 commiee was dedicated to increasingthe number of workshop opportunities availableat each session. We plan to max out the Brownfacility. We also plan to add several large of in-terest to all sessions in larger rooms TEA, STATAliate science and specialty demonstrations,Science strategies that work, etc. Watch for thehousing online, its coming! Registration will also

be online soon and you will want to get the earlybird registration fee of $115. Those who want tooer eld trips will now do that proposal also onthe website. More and more technology!

CAST 2010 will continue to move toagreener conference. We like the idea of leav-ing as small a footprint as possible since weare all scientists. We will eliminate more paperby asking the workshop presenters to place theirinformation and handouts on a special place onthe STAT website. You will be able to get the in-formation you want, simply by going to the STATwebsite and downloading it.

You will notice a greater visibility of theSTAT Aliates. We plan to make an Aliatesrow right up front so that as a science teacher youcan join a science organization that will help youaccording to what you teach. This is a great op-portunity to get involved with other science edu-cators in your eld!

Keep watching the STAT website. Every-thing is being updated and made easier for scienceteachers to get what they need. None of thesetechnology advances could have been implement-ed without the hard work of STATs ExecutiveDirector, Chuck Hempstead, and his sta. Theyhave been involved in researching and helping toimplement all the new technology ideas we havebrought to them. Help me to thank them for allthey do for Texas Science Teachers!

Science teachers, we need your help! TheSTAT Board is always trying to think about whatwould be best for you. We need people to stepforward to participate, join and run for oces inthe STAT organization. Science teachers are theheart of this organization and we need more ofyou to help! We need science teachers to applyfor the STAT awards. We want to recognize you!

Science teachers are the most fabulous group ofteachers STEP UP! Finally we need articles forthe Texas Science Teacher and STATellite. Each ofyou do wonderful things in your classes each dayand many of you have great research information


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Message from the President

that needs to be shared. Please take the time and do it now. It is dicult to do a publication when thereare fewer and fewer articles.

There are so many new things coming I cant begin to name them all this is only a start. I hopeyou will nd what we have done helpful and useful.

On a nal personal note, this year our family will have a wonderful rst. Our rst grandchildwill be born! Macee Kay will arrive around March 18th and we just cant wait! One more great thingto add to the excitement of new things to come!
http://k12summerinstitute.mdanderson.org/


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March 2010

ISEA Annual ConferenceMarch 3-5, 2010UT Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas

TSAAPT Annual MeetingMarch 18 - 20, 2010Austin, TX

NSTA National ConferenceMarch 18 - 21, 2010Philadelphia, PA

TMEA WorkshopMarch 26-28, 2010Matagorda, TX

April 2010

TESTA Spring ConferenceApril 10, 2010

Sonora Caverns, Sonora, TX

June 2010

TSELA MeetingJune 18, 2010

San Antonio, TX

TABT Conference

June 27 - July 5, 2010

Alaska

July 2010

TESTA Iceland TripJuly 19 - 25, 2010

Iceland

August 2010

BCCE Conference on ChemicalEducationAugust 1-5, 2010Denton, TX

September 2010

TAEE Annual Fall ConferenceSeptember 17-19, 2010Burnet, TX

October 2010

Rio Grande Valley Science ConferenceOctober 9 - 10, 2010Mercedes, TX

NSTA Area ConferenceOctober 28 - 30. 2010

Kansas City, MO

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Region IVby Mary Ingle, Region IV Director

The second annual Region 4 Science Conferencewas held on February 20, 2010 at the WilliamMcKinney Conference Center at Region 4 from

8:00 am3:30 pm. The conference theme wasGaining Momentum in Science Literacy. Ses-sions were available for all grades and sciencecourses in elementary school, middle school, andhigh school.

Presentation Themes:

Biology

Chemistry

Earth ScienceEnvironmental Science

Life Science

Physics

General Science

Instructional Strategies

Science Process Skills

Science, Technology, Society

Special Populations in ScienceStatewide Assessment

Regional Reports

Pursue one of Texas Techs Master of

Science in Multidisciplinary Science

degrees - MSCI or MS2

mind&

www.de.ttu.edu/cast

world!

Expandyour

expand their

MSCI focuses on high school science with

fall/spring coursework available online and

summer sessions at TTU Junction.

MS2 focuses on middle school math and

science with fall/spring coursework available

online and summer sessions in Lubbock.
http://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/casthttp://www.de.ttu.edu/cast


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Region X & XIby Kevin Fisher

The Metroplex Mini-CAST was held onJanuary 23, 2010 at Heritage High School in Col-leyville, Texas. This is the 15th consecutive year

for the Metroplex Mini-CAST sponsored by theMetroplex Area Science Supervisors group. Onceagain the event was a resounding success. Ap-proximately 700 people aend the event includ-ing 525 aendees, 106 presenters, 41 vendors, and30 volunteers from the Metroplex Area ScienceSupervisors group. This Mini-CAST is larger thanmany state science conferences.

Throughout the day, over 100 dierent ses-

sions were presented. Between sessions, aendeesperused vendor booths to see the latest oerings.Lunch was provided to all aendees, vendors,presenters, and volunteers. One of the highlightsof the Metroplex Mini-CAST is the various doorprizes. This year the door prizes included fourscholarships to aend CAST in Houston. Fourlucky individuals will be aending CAST cour-tesy of the Metroplex Mini-CAST. This years win-ners were True Austin, Shawn Mondlach, Lauren

Avery, and David Downing. In addition to infor-mative sessions, vendor exhibits, door prizes theMini-CAST recruited 178 new members to STAT.

The purposes of the Mini-CAST are to pro-vide the latest in instructional methodology, cre-ative activities, networking opportunities, andmost importantly, supporting STAT by recruitingnew members. These goals were all accomplished.We hope to see even more people at the 2011 Me-

troplex Mini-CAST.

SincerelyKevin FisherDirector

Regional Reports

STAT1002
http://www.enasco.com/sciencehttp://www.enasco.com/science


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Region XVby Jerita Taylor

At Regional, the 1st place team was Linsey

Arellano and Garre Rogers.

Second place was Jorge Rostro, Luke Sheldon andBailey Smith.

At Area, since Garre and Bailey failed, the teams

consisted of Linsey Arellano, Erika Sheldon as1st place with Luke Sheldon, and Jorge Rostro insecond place. The boys missed by 1 point.

Also at Regional one of my elementary teamswon 1st place. The team consisted of MahewCurry, Kaleb Torres, and Trace Oleksiuk. Thiswas their rst time in Robotics.

They kind of learned a lesson this year in do notmess with something that works. They thoughtthey needed to improve their robot and did notplace at area.

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Region XV Robotics Competition


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As far as State, all four of my secondary teams qualied.

The teams are:

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3(Mix of Jr. & Sr. High)

Team 4(Strictly Jr. High)

Linsey ArellanoErika Sheldon

Garre Rogers*

Jorge RostroLuke Sheldon

Bailey Smith*

James RobertsDrew Davis

Zachary Sanchez

Tristen HildebrandJ. R. Aldridge

Mason Hill*If a passing grade is maintained

Sponsored by: Celeste ServiceDenise RobertsSandy Sawyer

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Texas Association of Biology TeachersTABT

by Karen Hewit

TABT had a great turnout at CAST 2009.Our strand workshops were full. Our shortcourses were sold out. Thanks to our present-

ers Debbie Richards, Jennifer Jordan-Kaszuba,Gina Disteldorf, Joy Killough, Eugene Chiap-pea and Robert Dennison for their hard workand support of the TABT strand. We are current-ly looking for strand presenters for CAST 2010in Houston. If you are interested in presentinga workshop or short course in the TABT strand,please contact Karen Hewitt or Sarah Anderson.

Robert Dennison spoke at the TABT lun-cheon on his experiences as Charles Darwin.Robert has had some interesting experienceswhen he is portraying Darwin, including be-ing given full access at Down House, Darwinshome. Robert was also a part of the DarwinHouston 2009 program.

TABT is planning a trip to Alaska June 27 July 5, 2010 through Holbrook Tours. The fully

guided adventure is designed to highlight on themost naturally beautiful regions in the country,allowing for an up-close and personal Alaskanexperience. Explore the Copper River Delta andpass under the branches of old-growth hemlockand spruce on a walk through Chugach Nation-al Forest on the edge of Prince William Sound.Land pricing is $2029 for double occupancy and$1889 for triple occupancy. These are land pricesonly. If you are interested, you can check it out

on the TABT website or contact Holbrook(www.holbrooktravel.com) 1-800-451-7111.

Click here to view the yer.

Also in the news, Alton Biggs recently re-turned from a trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hepresented a sta development for about 130 sci-

ence supervisors from Saudi Arabia and somefrom the Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan.He thought the workshop participants were likeour department chairs or district supervisors,but he later found out they were more like statesupervisors and his workshop was an interna-tional conference. Because he had to have aninterpreter for the sessions, the pace was slow.Everything he said had to be translated to theaudience and their comments had to be translat-ed back to him. One day was spent on strategiesfor dierentiating instruction, one day on cor-rection of preconceptions and misconceptions inbiology, one day modeling an eective lesson,and one day on problems in the classroom. Hereports he received a standing ovation on thelast day from both the men and the women whowere in separate rooms. The women viewed himon television. The Under Secretary to the Minis-

ter of Education told Alton he had heard onlygood things about his work during the week,and he was going to invite him back next year.

Afliate News
mailto:hewittkaren%40yahoo.com?subject=mailto:sarah.joy.anderson%40gmail.com?subject=http://www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/TABT/http://www.holbrooktravel.com/http://www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/TABT/TABTAlaska2010.pdfhttp://www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/TABT/TABTAlaska2010.pdfhttp://www.holbrooktravel.com/http://www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/TABT/mailto:sarah.joy.anderson%40gmail.com?subject=mailto:hewittkaren%40yahoo.com?subject=


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Texas Earth Science Teachers AssociationTESTA

by Diann Valentine

As we continue to celebrate our 25th An-niversary, the Texas Earth Science Teachers,TESTA, would like to invite you to help us make

this an even more stellar year for the comebackof Earth Science to our educational curriculum.Participation and contribution are vital elementsin the success for our students. You can makea dierence in your knowledge as well as shareyour insights during this year.

To increase your eld base experience,TESTA is oering a spring conference Texas Underground! It will be held April 9-11 at theSonora Caverns. Arrive Friday night to stay atthe Days Inn to visit with new and old friends aswe begin the conference the next morning. Clickhere for a conference yer.

The four Saturday sessions include: Underground Classroom Cavern Forma-

tion & Speleology, Preservation, Cave Biol-ogy, Texas Geology, and Fossils.

Orienteering Compass and Map reading,Pacing, GPS Technology, Geo-caching, andTopographic Mapping.

Hydrology Groundwater, Texas Aquifers,Water Testing, and Conservation.

Caverns of Sonora Tour of the spectacularcaverns and photo opportunities.

Sunday morning activities include TEX-AS Rocks! Geologic Puzzles, Stenos Laws,

Relative Dating, Road Cuts and Fossil Collect-ing. (Texas Room & Road cuts between Sonora& Junction. To maximize and personalize yourexperience these optional activities are oered:

Discovery Challenge (Maximum of 8 partici-pants) for O trail caving and rapelling 4hours - $125.00/person

Single Rope Technique and Cave Safety As-cending and Climbing - $7.00/person

Eaton Hall Wildlife Sanctuary self guidedtour. (free)

Conference fee of $150 includes twonights hotel - double occupancy, all meals onSaturday and Sunday morning, and all confer-ence activities except optional Sunday activi-ties. Transportation is not included. Visit ourwebsite for registration form. Contact KathrynBarclay at 281.460.2026 for further information,TESTA looks forward to seeing you there.

Also TESTA is oering again IcelandJuly 19-25, 2009! We were lucky to have the re-nowned Ari Trausti sign on again as tour guide.He did an outstanding job for those of us thataended last year. It is a trip of a lifetime for ge-

ology lovers. Call Charles Swift at 806.535.6017for the latest information. Also check our web-site about both of these professional develop-ment opportunities.

Afliate News
http://hunstem.uhd.edu/TESTA/2010ConferenceFlyer.pdfhttp://hunstem.uhd.edu/TESTA/2010ConferenceFlyer.pdfhttp://hunstem.uhd.edu/TESTA/2010ConferenceFlyer.pdfhttp://hunstem.uhd.edu/TESTA/2010ConferenceFlyer.pdf


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Texas Science Education Leadership AssociationTSELAby Terry Talley

The February 19th meeting of TSELAhad a great turnout for its Winter Meeting. Withabout 100 science supervisors, science education

leaders, science teachers, and interested members in aendance, Susan Mundry of WestEd,conducted a challenging and insightful session ofthe new WestEd game called Building Systemsfor Science Literacy. Thank you to Sally Dudleyof CPO Science for providing breakfast. Partici-pants learned of the most eective sequence forgaining student achievement through selectingvarious professional development opportuni-ties to gain Instructional Leadership, ScienceBackground Knowledge and Quality Teachingpoints, all with a limited budget. From the feed-back and self evaluations submied at the closeof the session, quotes such as I wish I wouldhave known this 3 years ago, and This haschanged the way I am going to approach profes-sional development! it was judged successful.Thank you, Susan, for a full day of invigoratingand challenging professional development at

the supervisor level!

News of the EOC and STAAR were pre-sented to the TSELA membership through an in-formative and timely presentation by Irene Pick-hardt, Assistant Director of TEA Science. A copyof the PowerPoint is available on the TSELA Af-liate page, on the www.statweb.org website. Theminutes of the business meeting are posted onthe TSELA page as well.

The new TSELA board will be installedat the June 18th meeting. President VanessaWestbrook, President Elect Kevin Fisher, Sec-

retary Sharon Story, and Treasurer Lisa Web-ber. The outgoing board will be recognized atthe November meeting before CAST in Hous-ton. Thank you to Peggy Carnahan who will behosting the meeting at Our Lady of the Lake, inSan Antonio, TX. Please continue to check theTSELA page on the STAT website for registra-tion and luncheon reservations.

At this time Vanessa is seeking proposalsfor the TSELA strand at CAST. These strandswill center on Instructional Leadership for theimplementation of the 2010 TEKS. We are specif-ically seeking presentations to assist Science Su-pervisors and Science Specialists in helping theirteachers in this new and challenging task. If youare interested in presenting a session throughTSELA on Friday of CAST, please send yourproposal information to Vanessa Westbrook at

[email protected] before submiing it toSTAT online.

As always we are looking forward to see-ing all of you at the TSELA meeting prior toCAST. Registration for the meeting and lun-cheon will be available on the STAT website. Asa convenience to our membership, you can payyour annual membership dues at that time.

Afliate News
http://www.statweb.org/mailto:vwestbrook%40mail.utexas.edu?subject=mailto:vwestbrook%40mail.utexas.edu?subject=http://www.statweb.org/


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Project E: Expanding Energy Education WorkshopsAt Ocean StarMuseum in Galveston 20th Street at Harborside Drive

Presents

Knowledge Box Grades 6-12Saturday, January 30, 2010

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Friday, November 20, 2010

Playing with Petroleum Grades K-5Saturday, January 16, 2010

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

2010 WORKSHOP DATES

Participants will receive a light breakfast, lunch, the Project E: Expanding Energy Education Book (a $35.00 value), and a $25.00 travel stipend.A $35.00 check along with the registration will hold your place. This will be returned to you upon completion of the 7 hour workshop which begins at9:00am. Each participant will also receive 6 CPE hours and will be entitled to reserve a Knowledge Box or Playing with Petroleum Kit for up to 30 days

to untilize in their classrooms at no charge. (Free pick-up and delivery within the Houston area.)

Ask about workshops outside of the Houston/Galveston area.

Mail checks to:

Offshore Energy Center

200 N. Dairy Ashford, Suite 6220Houston, Texas 77079(281) 544-2435 Fax: (281) 544-2441

For more information about the workshops, visit our website: www oceanstaroec.comor contact Doris Tomas, Education Director, [email protected]

presents

The Mobile Offshore Learning Unit (MOLU)The Mobile Offshore Learning Unit (MOLU) is

a $1.2 million dollar engaging traveling exhibit.It features six self contained learning centers with

curriculum-based, hands-on activities about energy

and the technologies and sciences involved with

the oil and gas industry. The curriculum for each

of the 24 activities is based on national and Texas

state standards (TEKS). Although the MOLU is

geared for 5th grade students, it is also appropriate

for other age groups. The MOLU is sponsored by

Devon, Dominion, ExxonMobil, Halliburton,

Marathon Oil Company, and Schlumberger.

Teachers will need to accomplishthe following prior to the visit:

Administer pre-test

Have students view 2 complimentary DVDs,OECs The Offshore Storyand API's Fuel-less

Have students complete aCareer Interest Profile form

Following the visit, teachers are asked to:

Review and correct answers in theMOLU Pass booklet with students

Administer post-test

Score pre/post tests and mail to OEC

Complete online teacher evaluation form

A pre-visit package containing allnecessary materials will be sent to theschool prior to the MOLU visit.

For more information about the MOLU

and to download a MOLU Request Form,

please visit www.oceanstaroec.com
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Think you have what it takes to take science education to the next level?

Do you know how to engage, enlighten and inspire your students?Are you ready to share these methods with colleagues from all over Tex-

as?! Then we want you to help make this CAST the BEST ever!!

The time has come to send in science from your city to be a part of Sciencein the City CAST 2010!

We are now accepting proposal applications for

workshops, short courses and eld trips.

Submit your ideas from now until April 16th for the chance to be an impor-tant part of CAST 2010.

To apply, head over to the application website and create a username andpassword. You can then login to access the online application. Please makesure to ll out your application as accurately as possible, so that we havethe best information with which to make our decision and to schedule your

course, if you are chosen to present.

Thank you for your interest in being a part of CAST 2010! We look forward

to hearing all of your great ideas.

Call for Proposals
http://hempsteadassociates.com/stathttp://hempsteadassociates.com/stat


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President-Elect

Ross Ann Hill Todd Crump

Vice PresidentCynthia Ontiveros Tony Zahn

Secretary

Monica Mata Deidre Parish

TreasurerLaurel Frank

STAT Needs Your Votes!Decide Who Will Represent Texas Science Teachers

Online Elections will be open online to members by April 1.

The Nominees


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During the last two years, I was privi-leged to be elected and serve as STAT Secretaryand also STAT Vice President, a rewarding and

motivating experience because of my beliefsthat teachers can make a dierence and teach-ers need to provide a leadership voice in qualityeducation. I value the opportunity to representeducators in science education, and I take myelected position seriously!

As science educators, we embrace newopportunities and challenges with science edu-cation in Texas with modications of the TEKSand their implementation. Curriculum and in-struction at the secondary level should be in-formed by the College Readiness Standards aswell. As stakeholders in quality science educa-tion, we understand the importance of strongpartnerships to accomplish our goals. We alsoencourage foundations for educators that wefeel are critical to assure the learning our stu-dents are required to demonstrate as they pre-

pare for college and careers in the twenty-rstcentury. Teachers require a deep understandingof content, expertise in pedagogy and technolo-gy, combined with an understanding of studentdevelopment and how students learn. STATprovides leadership to support these needs forquality education by providing the networkthat is critical for our voice in science educa-tion. I believe that STAT should provide oppor-tunities for teachers to learn about the national

standards being developed in science and urgeTexas policy makers to join the 47 other states in-volved in developing these standards. Likewise,

STAT should support the participation of Texasin competing for the $4.3 billion in grants thatwill be awarded to those states.

In my role as a middle school scienceteacher in Idalou, Texas for the last 26 years, Ihave embraced opportunities to grow as an edu-cator to assure students could benet throughmy professional development. I wanted a dif-ference for students. Through my experiences,provided by STAT, my school and valued part-nerships in education, my vision grew. I wantedopportunities for students, but I also wanted op-portunities and the required support for teachersto provide these opportunities. I was honoredto be selected as the STAT Outstanding MiddleSchool Teacher of the Year in 2004 because of in-novation and leadership encouraged throughthe support of my district and my community.

STAT is an innovative and essential orga-nization that has the opportunity to beer pre-

pare its members as we prepare teachers andstudents for exciting new challenges. As an or-ganization we have the charge of providing vi-sion, leadership, and opportunity.

I am honored to provide leadership in thescience community as well as represent thosewho elected me, and I want to be your voice forscience education as the President for STAT.

President-ElectRoss Ann Hill

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STAT and many of its members havepositively impacted my career in science edu-cation over the years; I am seeking the oce of

President-Elect because I believe it is importantto give back to the organization that has pro-vided me many opportunities to be successful.Serving on various community boards and com-miees in a leadership capacity has aorded memany learning opportunities which I will utilizeto lead STAT to be an even more successful or-ganization for the science education communityof Texas. My extensive experience with orga-nizational leadership, public aairs, consensusbuilding, duciary responsibilities, and projectmanagement would also serve me well in thisposition.

As a classroom teacher, I used science asa vehicle for teaching many other content areas.My students were always more successful inreading and writing when the lesson incorporat-ed scientic concepts that piqued their curiosity,

such as where their hair color came from or howbats see in the dark. Most importantly, scienceprovided opportunities for my students to think.My philosophy of science education was shapedby the idea that Carl Sagan expressed when hewas addressing a group of primary and second-ary science teachers You teach them how tothink, and well teach them the pey details lat-er.

Texas has made signicant progress inbuilding a strong science education program forour children, yet we still face many challenges

implementation of the new TEKS, new assess-ments, and a long overdue textbook adoption,as well as the need for classroom equipmentand solid professional development in a time ofgrowing budgetary constraints. Leading STATto strengthen the network of the science educa-tion community teachers, university faculty,informal science organizations, etc. will benecessary to be overcome these hurdles. TheScience Teachers Association of Texas collabo-rates as a community to help achieve all that isnecessary to ensure our students are successfullifelong learners, and I would be honored to leadthe organization in these endeavors. When ourteachers are successful, our children are success-ful.

President-ElectTodd Crump

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Vice PresidentCynthia Ontiveros

Mrs. Ontiveros has a passion for teaching science and is dedicated in support-ing her teachers and students. Her goal is to become the Vice President for the Science

Teachers Association of Texas so that she can represent the far west region of Texasand bring forth the issues that maer most to educators in the area. Mrs. Ontiveros isrespected by her peers and is a proven leader in her District as well as the region. Sheis extremely motivated and driven and will support educators to her fullest potential.

Her philosophy is that every student and teacher has the ability to do beer, toimprove or enhance no maer the circumstance. According to Carol Dweck, there aretwo views when it comes to intelligence; there is the xed mindset and the growthmindset. The xed mindset refers to intelligence as stable or constant; individuals

either have it or dont have it. That is, their mind is set and do not have the capabil-ity to grow or expand or learn something new. The growth mindset looks at intel-ligence as ever expanding and can increase with eort. With practice and persever-ance, individuals can grow and reach new levels of cognition by experiencing higherordered or rigorous activities. (Dweck, 2000)

With that said, Mrs. Ontiveros believes that we can build a community of learn-ers at all levels. Through practice, dedication, and providing engaging/rigorous ac-

tivities, individuals have the ability to grow and change their mindset. If all stake-holders practiced and lived by this theory we would truly support learning to thehighest degree. The belief that all individuals can learn and grow, will help moveschools and districts to the next level.

Mrs. Ontiveros looks forward to the opportunity to serve and represent her colleaguesat the state level.

Dweck, C. (2000). Theories of intelligence create high and low eort. In Essays in Social Psy-chology. Self Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development (pp. 3944).Philadelphia: Taylor and Francis group.

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In the 21st Century it is more important than ever that we teach our studentsto truly understand science. With an all-time low in STEM graduates that rivals thepre-Sputnik era, its essential that science programs lead students to deep conceptualunderstandings. Curriculum models that compel students to do science and knowscience will fall short until they purposefully lead students to understand science.Understanding science on a conceptual level can be achieved so that the students oftoday will be able to use science to solve the problems of tomorrow.

Vice PresidentTony Zahn

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As a member who has beneted greatly from the work of the STAT community, Mrs. Matabelieves that it is an obligation to serve and support the journey of our colleagues. STAT has beena support structure for her as she searched for reliable resources, professional development and

current information to help improve her craft. The time has come in her professional experience togive back to the community by serving as STAT secretary. It is her goal to maintain and eectivelyutilized the tools for clear, concise communication. This component of the work will be criticalas science teachers as they transition from the old to the new standards. This can be achievedthrough the utilization of the most current technology avenues and thus expanding the opportu-nities for communication amongst our members.

Life-long learners are also life-long educators, for nowledge is a gift of great value and it isthe responsibility of the learner to share this wealth. This is her philosophy, which is applicableto all members of a community. It is what we see in highly functioning schools, as knowledge isshared from administrators to teachers, teachers to students and students to family. Applyingthis philosophy to the teaching of science unfolds when campus administrators understand theequipment and resources science teachers and student need; teachers improve the quality of theirinstruction for students; and students deepen their understanding of science concepts. Once thesecomponents are in place, students can practice doing science and thinking science.

As a community of science educators, we have made great strides in how we teach science.We will continue to make progress as we implement the new TEKS, which founded on the con-ceptual construct of descriptive, comparative and experimental investigations in science. Students

will be thinking and performing science as a single process. With this progress will come a deeperlevel of learning and replace the learning of facts one day followed by a disconnected experienceof conducting a laboratory experiment. It is an exciting time in our science community, whereteachers develop the minds of students into critical thinkers of science. Mrs. Mata understandsthat it is an honor to serve during these times of great accomplishments.

SecretaryMonica Mata

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Exposure. Options. I believe that our students have the opportunity to nd and to experi-ence science that interests them. We have standards wrien by teachers that encompass all realmsof science and the possible combinations of student classes can be customized for individual career

aspirations. What a great time to be a student in Texas and what a great time to be a teacher!

Exposure must begin early so we must continue to support the elementary teachers witheasy hands-on activities that engage the students. Exploration in middle school science facilitatesmore in depth learning by making the connections through the grade levels that support scienticthinking. As teachers, we have the responsibility of guiding our students and helping them becomeall that they can be.

As the STAT Secretary, I want to be an active participant in an association that promotes safelab conditions, science curriculum options for high school students, and equity for all students in

Texas. By providing support and information for teachers, together we can achieve scientic lit-eracy for our students. Hands-on, engaging science promotes and empowers education. Scienceteachers hold the key.

SecretaryDeidre Parish

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Think about marathon runners whoare well-equipped for the race. They train formonths or even years to be ready to conquer the

course. And while the runners are the reason forthe event, there are an amazing number of peo-ple who contribute in obvious and subtle waysto make the marathon a success.

Science teachers are much like those mar-athon runners, completing the rewarding butsometimes daunting task of preparing the stu-dents across the state of Texas to become scien-tically literate citizens and perhaps even loversof science. STAT is an unwavering partner forthose who are daily charting the course of sci-ence education.

Just as someone marked the course andcleared the roads to make way for the runners,STAT keeps an eye on upcoming science eventsincluding the TEKS adoption and implementa-tion process, new state testing requirements,

graduation plan information, textbook adop-tion procedures, and State Board of Educationpolicies to be able to serve as a clearinghouse ofinformation to science teachers and administra-tors across the state.

Just as someone set up water stationsalong the course to keep the runners performingat their best, STAT organizes CAST, one of thelargest science conferences in the nation to help

teachers perform at their best. CAST is a tru-ly remarkable opportunity for science teachersfrom all corners of Texas to share and network

with one another and get information from anamazing number of publishers and vendors.

And as with any great event, there arethose who take care of the administrative de-tails so the athletes are able to run the race. Iveserved as STAT treasurer for the past two yearsalongside other dedicated volunteers who givetheir time to impact Texas science education.I would be honored to serve as treasurer for athird term. So let me take care of some of thoselile details so you can get out there and run therace for our students!

TreasurerLaurel Frank

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What is the Best Thing We Can Teach OurStudents?By Joel Palmer, STAT President-Elect

One of my favorite quotes is, May you livein interesting times. It had always been arib-uted to being an ancient Chinese Proverb/Curse.Unfortunately, there is no evidence to supportthat claim. (for information see http://everything2.com/title/May+you+live+in+interesting+times).

Be that as it may, we are living in inter-esting times. Anyone who is involved in science

education in the state of Texas and who has beenlistening to the information owing out of Austinknows that we are living in interesting times. Asscience educators we have a daunting responsi-bility. In the Demon-Haunted World: Science Asa Candle in the Dark, Carl Sagen explains thathumans are nely-tuned inference machines.Humans constantly search for cause and eect.Unfortunately we humans are not really good va-lidity machines. This actually makes sense from

an evolutional stand point. A primitive humanwho infers that the rustle in the bushes is the pres-ence of a predator and keeps away has few if anynegative impacts if the inference is incorrect, buta great negative impact if he/she does not makethe inference and walks into a tiger and gets eaten.While there are exceptions in primitive societies,most incorrect inferences of cause and eect arenot harmful, while failure to make inferences ofcorrect course and eect can be fatal. This has cre-ated an evolutional pressure to make inference.(Note to Evolutionary Biologists: I probably havedone a terrible job of explaining this. If so do mea favor and write an article for the Texas ScienceTeacher with a beer explanation. To the rest ofyou if you need clarication read Dr. Sagens book.) Unfortunately, the habits of mind thathave been developed by scientists to investigatethe actual cause and eect relationships are subtle

and at times extremely dicult and are not innatein human beings.

Few of our students do not live in primi-tives societies. In modern societies, inaccurate in-

ferences are seldom benecial but can be harmfulor at least costly. All you need to do is to look atthe back of any popular science magazine and youwill see numerous advertisements for NEW sci-entic breakthrough of dubious validity. I haveseen everything from secret Pheromone co-logne additives that drive women wild to an En-ergized Water system that is touted to cure allyour ailments. Our responsibility is to educate our

student population to be informed members of amodern society. As important as it is to teach spe-cic science content, it is more important to teachthe process of science.

I do not mean the ve steps of The Scien-tic Method. That is the source of a whole otherarticle and discussion. As a curriculum coordina-tor, I constantly discuss the nature of the varioussubject areas as being content-based or process-

based. Usually we agree that Math is process-based. It is about teaching students the processesused in mathematics to manipulate numbers tosolve problems. We lump Science and Social Stud-ies as content-based. In other words, we primarilyteach stu. Language Arts usually ends up some-where in the middle. They teach the skills of read-ing and writing and some content in literature.I am wondering if we are mistaken is it possiblethat the most important thing we can teach stu-

dents about science is not the stu but the process.

It is the process of sciences, the habits ofthe mind, that helps us debunk false claims andbecome skeptical of every claim we see. This maybe the most important thing we can teach our stu-dents. We can give them the habits of the mindthat will serve them in the modern technologicalworld.

So the next time you go to plan a lesson andyou examine the TEKS deciding what to teach,make sure you take time to consider the ProcessTEKS just as much as the Content TEKS.
http://everything2.com/title/May+you+live+in+interesting+timeshttp://everything2.com/title/May+you+live+in+interesting+timeshttp://everything2.com/title/May+you+live+in+interesting+timeshttp://everything2.com/title/May+you+live+in+interesting+times


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ContentsNational Lab Day

By Francis Eberle, NSTA Executive Director

On November 23rd, 2009 President Obamaannounced National Lab Day as part of the Ad-ministrations Educate to Innovate campaign. Na-tional Lab Day (NLD) is an eort to bring moreauthentic, hands-on, discovery-based lab experi-ences to students.

This years National Lab Day will culmi-nate in a series of events and activities at the lo-

cal, regional and national level during the rstweek of May 2010. But it is more than just a day.It is a nationwide movement to support science,technology, engineering, and math (STEM) edu-cation in our schools. It is teachers working withcommunity volunteers and communities rallyingaround teachers and scientists and other STEMprofessionals donating their time and expertise toour schools. National Lab Day seeks to foster part-nerships between teachers, schools, STEM profes-

sionals, volunteers, federal agencies, and profes-sional organizations that will continue long afterthe rst National Lab Day.

NLD Partners

National Lab Day is a partnership betweenfederal agencies, foundations, professional societ-ies, and other STEM-related organizations. TheNational Science Teachers Association is a found-ing partner of NLD. The National Institutes ofHealth, the National Science Foundation, andthe Department of Energy are among the federalagencies providing support and expertise. The Jack D. Hidary, Bill and Melinda Gates and theMacArthur Foundations are joining with industryto nance the eort.

Geing Started

Its a simple process to join National LabDay. Teachers register on the National Lab Daywebsite and describe the project they want or need

in their classroom. Whether its additional labequipment, personal mentoring from a scientist, avisit to a working lab, technology support, intern-ships, help with a lesson plan, up-to-date careerinformation, help with a science fair project, orjust an extra set of hands for a class project, teach-ers know best what is needed to improve their stu-dents hands-on learning experiences.

NLD is teacher driven. After posting theirprojects and requests, teachers will be matchedwith a list of local volunteers. These volunteers--university STEM students, local scientists, engi-neers, STEM professionals and other membersof the community who have also joined the NLDhub--will form a local community of support,helping the teacher to achieve desired objectives.The NLD website will also connect teachers to theresources, funding opportunities, and informa-

tion on relevant programs and events that theyneed. Teachers can also use the site to connect withvolunteers, raise funds, and schedule face-to-facemeetings and events.

The Role of Volunteers

Volunteers will be able to browse teacherrequests and will be automatically notied of anymatches to teacher requests. Volunteers can re-

spond to specic teacher requests or they can oergeneral expertise, resources, and/or assistance.

Learn more about National Lab Day atwww.nationallabday.org , and join the scores of teacherswho have already signed up to bring more handson learning to their students.
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Open Leer to the SBOE andCommissioner Sco

Dear Texas State Board of Education andCommissioner Scot:

Thank you for your service to Texas stu-dents. The Science Teachers Association of Texasrepresents more than 6,000 Pre-K-12 science teach-ers and supervisors. We have repeatedly urged

the SBOE to keep IPC as an option for the Recom-mended High School Program (RHSP). Scienceteachers across the state continue to request thatIPC remain an option on the RHSP. Universitiescontinue to accept IPC as meeting their entrancerequirements.

Senator Shapiros oce explained that theEOC exams legislation was a result of the SBOEsdecision to phase out IPC as a RHSP option.

Therefore, with the science and science educationcommunities urging, we once again request thata way be found to put IPC back into the RHSP.

IPC is a viable course to prepare studentsfor success in the signicantly more rigorousnew TEKS in Chemistry and Physics. There is agreater emphasis on calculation-based StudentExpectations in Chemistry and Physics in the newTEKS. IPC is a good transition course to Chem-

istry and Physics. One problem that hinders stu-dent success in science is the lack of math skills orthat the math that is needed in the science courseis not taught until later in the year in the mathcourse. For example, the 6th grade science teach-er cant teach the physics concepts that requireunderstanding ratios until the second semesterafter ratios are taught in math. The new Chem-istry TEKS require signicantly more math back-ground and many are predicting a high failure

rate in the Chemistry EOC. Even with the formerChemistry TEKS, the Algebra needed in Chemis-try was taught by the chemistry teacher before itwas taught in the Algebra class.

Low teacher certication standards contin-ue to play a role in quality of instruction. QualityCounts (Education Week, Jan 14, 2010) gives Tex-as a grade of C for The Teaching Professionin accountability for quality in traditional teacherpreparation programs, partly because we do notrequire substantial coursework in the content.Furthermore, many Alternative Certication (AC)programs have much less rigorous standards thanthe tradition programs that received the C andmore than 50% of the new teachers in Texas arefrom AC programs.

Moreover, allowing a low rigor course likeFood Science as a fourth year science option onthe RSHP and the Distinguished Graduation Pro-gram is not consistent with the explanation for the

removal of IPC from the college preparation re-quirements.

We are condent that with all of our eortstowards planning Excellence in Science Educationin a collaborative, systematic and creative man-ner, our students can move forward successfullytowards college and workforce readiness.

By Sandra West


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Continuing EducationEvolution in the Fossil Recordand Variation, Selection and Inheritance

Professional Development Series for Teachers

TheTexasNaturalScienceCenterispleasedtoannouncetwo,fivedayprofessionaldevelopmentprogramsinwhichteachersworkwithUniversityofTexasscientistsandscienceeducatorstoinvestigateevolutionaryconceptsutilizingtechniquesfromDNAanalysistointerpretingthefossilrecord.

These workshops target educators who teach evolution as part of their science curriculum and plan to

teach during the 2009-2010 school year.

Workshop Dates:

EvolutionintheFossilRecordJune14-18,2010 Variation,Selection,andInheritanceJune21-25,2010

In these sessions, educators will work with University of Texas at Austin scientists to:

integrateinquirypracticesintotheclassroom, investigatelinesofevidenceforbiologicalevolution, extractandsequenceDNA, investigategenotypicandphenotypicvariation, observeanddocumentchangesoverlongperiodsofEarthshistory, compareandcontrastthemorphologyofhumansandtheirclosestlivingrelatives, investigateantibioticresistanceandrapidevolution,

andmuchmore!Participants will receive:

a$250stipend multiplecurriculumguideswhichincludeactivitiescoveredintheworkshop fieldtripstomultiplecollectionsfacilitiesandlaboratories 36hoursofprofessionaldevelopment(CPE)credit housingisavailabletoalimitednumberofoutoftownparticipants

Spots are limited and educators must apply to participate in the program.

Formoreinformation,pleasecontactChristinaCidat512.232.5509or

[email protected]

For more information about the Texas Natural Science Center, visit

www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org
http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.texasnaturalsciencecenter.org/http://www.statweb.org/cast/http://www.statweb.org/cast/index.php


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Want to be published?E-mail us your leers and articles!

Publication Due DatesDue dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are:

Submission Deadline Publication DateFebruary 1 February 15

June 1 June 15

August 1 August 15

December 1 December 15

Due dates for publication of articles in The Texas Science Teacher are:

Submission Deadline Publication DateApril 1 April 15

October 1 October 15

Submission Guidelines for The Texas Science Teacher

Text les or Microsoft Word documents are preferable, but InDesign, PageMaker,or QuarkXPress les are also acceptable.

Please send pictures and text separately.

Mail or e-mail your submissions to:

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Changing your e-mail address? Let us know!Send us an e-mail with your name and your new e-mail address.

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