Kansas Association of Teachers of Science News

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: KSDE General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, KSDE, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-3201.

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

lindsay.stutzman@imaginelearning.com

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

...

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Short Webinar for K-8 KS/NGSS Curriculum

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:01:34 GMT

Please join me next week, Wednesday February 8^th from 11:30-12:15 to learn more about our Kansas/NGSS Aligned Core Science Curriculum, Twig Science. This short webinar will provide a high level overview of how our K-8 curriculum can support our students here in Kansas. Thank you,

Lindsay Stutzman, EdS ...more...

Lindsay Stutzman, Ed.S

Kansas Account Executive

Courseware: Edgenuity & Odysseyware

K-12 Core ELA, Math, & Science: EL Education, Ilustrative Math, Twig

Supplemental & Intervention: Imagine Lang. & Lit, Imagine Math, & MyPath

816.694.1312

Regional Science and Engineering Fairs

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 21:24:07 GMT

2023 Kansas Regional Science and Engineering Fairs

Students who are accustomed to compete in a regional science fair in Kansas may have to travel somewhat farther than they did last year. Regional science fairs in Kansas this year will be held in Wichita, Liberal, and Ozawkie only. As entry deadlines approach, it is important to note that signatures on required entry paperwork are required before experimentation begins. Dates and entry requirements follow.

The Wichita regional science fair will be held at the Exploration Place facility, located at 300 N. Mclean Avenue on Friday, March 3. The deadline to register for the 2023 fair is Friday, February 17. The fair is open to students is grades 1 to 12. Detailed information is available at Science & Engineering Fair | Exploration Place, Wichita, KS

In southwest Kansas, the regional event will be hosted by Seward County Community College in Liberal. Separate divisions are available for K-3 students, for grades 4-8, and for students in grades 9-12. Applications are due on February 20, 2023 and the fair itself will be held on March 4. Detailed rules application forms are available at the Seward Country Community College website. (Regional Science Fair - SCCC)

Ozawkie, on the shores of Lake Perry about 15 miles north of Lawrence, is the third regional science fair site in the state. The fair will be held on February 24 at the Keystone Learning Services site located at 500 Sunflower Blvd. in Ozawkie. The fair is open to students in grades 4-12. Registration is available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ccA97a19BCZSYY9_wrYwSaSR2coSSHiDkAHZ-kCm4Hs/edit Contact person Christine Twenhafel can be reached at 913-370-3927.

Each of the regional fairs provides a pathway to the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Wichita on March 24 and 25. Details of the state fair are available at KSSEF Home Page (google.com). As a final reminder, all fairs require that signatures on required paperwork be obtained before experimenting begins.

Wichita South Biology Teacher Wins $1000 Mohling Scholarship

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:39:30 GMT

Congratulations to Bryan Hernandez Rubero, Wichita South High School Biology Teacher, who received a $1000 check as the statewide winner of the 2022 Wendell G. Mohling Foundation Scholarship Award on November 10 th. The award was presented by scholarship founder Carol Mohling, Kay Neill, chair of the foundation, and Marlin Weyer, foundation board treasurer.

The $1000 award is given annually to a Kansas science teacher to be used to increase his/her professional development by attending a national or regional National Science Teachers Association Conference on Science Education. Mr. Hernandez completed an application essay to vie for the award, and has chosen to attend the NSTA National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22-25, 2023. The last sentence in his essay explains: “If more opportunities existed, like the one provided by the Wendell G. Mohling Foundation Scholarship, to help educators be exposed to a wider net of pedagogy information, outside of their immediate school districts, by attending national science conferences, then the entire education system would only benefit.”

This award also pays for his membership for one year to the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS). This membership will also provide him with numerous statewide opportunities for professional development.

The scholarship foundation was started by Carol Mohling in honor of her husband, Wendell G. Mohling, after his death eighteen years ago. Dr. Mohling was a former Kansas Association of Teachers of Science President and NSTA President, and was well known for his environmental education classes and outdoor lab that he designed as a teacher at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Dr. Mohling’s vision was for Kansas science teachers to experience the excitement of attending a national or regional science conference. The website explains that vision and provides a list of award winners since 2006.

January KSDE Newsletter Link

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:06:59 GMT

Hello!

Welcome back from winter break and to 2023! In this edition of the KSDE Science newsletter you will find the standard opportunities to connect, but, you will also find a video from me asking for help. There are a lot of potential changes on the horizon, which in turn means a lot of opportunities to get involved in them. I know time and capacity are both at a premium these days, but truly appreciate your consideration.

Competency Teams (LINK) and Unpacking the Standards (LINK)

Quarter 3 Regional PLCs coming to a town near you! Haven't been before and interested in seeing what they are all about? We'd LOVE you to join us!

Summer PL- Save the Dates!

Award opportunities and so much more!!!

Click here (LINK) to read the entire January edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

Please let me know if I can help in any way and thank you for all you do!

Meg

Science Ed Opportunity

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:31:41 GMT

patesc@miamioh.edu

Hello Kansas Association of Teachers of Science,

We recently contacted Kansas Association of Teachers of Science about our international Miami University grad courses. If you've had a chance to distribute the info below to colleagues and any others you think might be interested, thank you so much! If not, we hope you might consider sharing it now, as the due date to apply is January 28 at http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu. These courses offer firsthand experiences at critical conservation field sites in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to email me. Thank you very much,

Spencer C. Pate

Senior Program Assistant, Project Dragonfly

Miami University

111 Upham Hall

Bishop Circle, Oxford, OH 45056

T: 513-529-8576 | MiamiOH.edu

-----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Now accepting applications for 2023

Miami University’s Project Dragonfly is accepting applications for 2023 Earth Expeditions graduate courses that offer extraordinary experiences at global field sites in 15 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu

Earth Expeditions can build toward the Global Field Program (GFP), a master's degree that combines summer field courses worldwide with web learning communities so that students can complete the GFP master's part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. Applications are now being accepted until January 28. Courses begin in May 2023. http://GFP.MiamiOH.edu

Project Dragonfly also offers the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master's degree that combines web instruction from Miami University with face-to-face experiential learning and field study through several AIP sites in the U.S. Applications for Miami's 2023 cohorts are being now being accepted until February 28, with place-based experiences provided at zoos and botanical gardens in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and St. Louis. New for 2023: residents of the Detroit, Michigan, area can study at AIP's newest site, Detroit Zoological Society, and earn Miami's AIP master's degree. http://AIP.MiamiOH.edu

Graduate tuition for all programs is greatly reduced because of support from Miami University.

Project Dragonfly reaches millions of people each year through inquiry-driven learning media, public exhibits, and graduate programs worldwide. Project Dragonfly is based in the biology department at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Established as a state university in 1809, Miami is one of the eight original Public Ivies and has a distinguished record of excellence in research and teaching in science and science education.

Project Dragonfly, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056
GFP_Masters@MiamiOH.edu

Ottawa USD 290 Announces Middle School Openings

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 20:47:39 GMT

USD 290 - Ottawa is accepting applications for Middle School Science teachers. We have 2 openings.

Sincerely,

Jo Ann M. Nowatzke, SHRM-CP

HR Specialist

Ottawa USD 290

1404 S. Ash St.

Ottawa, KS 66067

785-229-8010, Ext. 1020

Ottawa USD 290 Job Information Page

2023 National Science Olympiad Set for Wichita

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:42:24 GMT

Kansas Science Olympiad:

Wichita State University will host the National Science Olympiad tournament for the first time in over twenty years! If you would like to register a competing team, the registration deadline is December 9th, 2022. Regardless, much of the tournament is open to the public. Visit soinc.org for more details.

2023 Science Olympiad National Tournament

Friday, May 19, 2023 - STEM Expo and Opening Ceremonies at WSU

Saturday, May 20, 2023 - SciOly National Tournament and Awards Ceremonies

Wichita State University is excited to host the 2023 Science Olympiad National Tournament! The public is invited to take part in the STEM Expo and attend the ceremonies and tournament. Over 4,000 people will be on campus for a high energy weekend!

Visit Soinc.org or email Jill Fisher (jill.fisher@wichita.edu) for more.

December KSDE Newsletter

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 20:40:57 GMT

Good Afternoon,

As we narrow the home stretch to the end of 2022, please know how thankful I am for your work this month and always.

We are almost there friends... and with that, I am excited to share the KSDE Science Newsletter with you. We some exciting things planned for the next month or so ; but please let me know if there are other things and opportunities you would like to see and start to mark your calendars for summer. I am here to support you in any way I can, so feel free to reach out if I can ever help!

Personalized Special PD Sessions

Quarter 3 Regional PLCs coming to a town near you! Haven't been before and interested in seeing what they are all about? We'd LOVE you to join us!

A reminder of the importance of teaching elementary science... every day.

Award opportunities and so much more!!!

Click here (LINK)to read the entire December edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

November KSDE Newsletter

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:30:49 GMT

Good Afternoon,

I hope this email finds you well with the promise of an extra hour of sleep this weekend OR the extra hour to dig into the KSDE Science Newsletter!

In all seriousness I am extremely thankful for you and the work you are doing with students this month. I know that October is historically one of the most challenging months and yet the promise of the holidays is right ahead. We are almost there friends... and with that, I am excited to share the KSDE Science Newsletter with you LINK. We have a lot of new opportunities we are trying this fall and I'm sincerely looking forward to meeting and working with more of you; but please let me know if there are other things and opportunities you would like to see. I am here to support you in any way I can, so feel free to reach out if I can ever help!

A differention discussion on leveraging the Cross Cutting Concepts

A Podcast full of talk about talk!

Content Specfic Virtual PLCs

Regional Professional Learning Communities

Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

Support and Nominations

And so much more!!!

Click here (LINK)to read the entire October edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

I greatly appreciate all you do for Kansas Students and Science,

Meg

Sign up Now for Second Quarter PLC Sessions

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:40:49 GMT

The KSDE Science team is excited to share dates and the topic for the Quarter 2 Science Regional PLCs.

Mark your calendars and register using the links below!

Quarter 2:

Navigating Science Shifts and Supporting Students

Description:

During this regional PLC, we will offer a look into how to navigate and change lessons with the "navigation routine" from our standards. This will help participants to see how the Science & Engineering Practices can be used to assess student understandings & build future curiosity. The morning will provide a scaffold for this approach & the afternoon will provide support for implementation in specific classrooms with collaboration from those in attendance.

REGION 1

K-STATE OLATHE

https://tinyurl.com/j3nhf59d

November 16th, 8:30-3:30

REGION 2

SMOKY HILL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER

https://tinyurl.com/5cnmhzpk

November 18, 8:30-3:30

REGION 3

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

https://tinyurl.com/mpydwd2x

November 14th, 8:30-3:30

REGION 4

ESSDACK REGIONAL SERVICE CENTER

https://tinyurl.com/2jmdr39t

November 16, 8:30-3:30

REGION 5

NORTHWEST KANSAS EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER

https://tinyurl.com/7u2z9fju

November 15th, 8:30-3:30

REGION 6

SOUTHWEST PLAINS REGIONAL SERVICE CENTER

https://tinyurl.com/8vm9mdx8

November 16th, 8:30-3:30

See October KSDE Science Newsletter Here

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:39:28 GMT

Good Afternoon,

The weather is cooling and the Bears are bulking. You read that right! Friends, Fat Bear Week is upon us!!! In a week where the ecosystems of earth science colide with the epic lipid energy storage systems. Where the worlds of physics and chemistry compete with biology for content command in this EPIC ENGERGY Phenomena encounter... I bring you both Fat Bear Week and the October edition of the KSDE Science Newsletter.

I sincerely hope this finds you well and am excited to share the KSDE Science Newsletter with you (LINK). We have a lot of new opportunities we are trying this fall and I'm sincerely looking forward to meeting and working with more of you. Also remember I am here to support you in any way I can, so feel free to reach out if I can ever help!

Included in this month's issue;

Content Specfic Virtual PLCs

Regional Professional Learning Communities

Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

Support and Nominations

Register for KATS at the Cosmosphere, October 15^th (Link)

American Association of Physics Teaching Conference, October 8th

And so much more!!!

Click here (LINK)to read the entire October edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

I greatly appreciate all you do for Kansas Students and Science,

September Science Newsletter from KSDE's Meg Richard

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:47:36 GMT

August 31, 2022

Good Afternoon,

It's been a big science summer, but this week and the anticipation of the Artemis Launch I am finding particularly stellar (or lunar as the case may be ). I hope you are finding a way to celebrate science and sense-making in your space, and it is beyond me that it is already September!

I am excited to share the KSDE Science Newsletter with you (LINK). We have a lot of new opportunities we are trying this fall and I'm sincerely looking forward to meeting and working with more of you. Also remember I am here to support you in any way I can, so feel free to reach out if I can ever help!

Regional Professional Development / Learning Communities
- College Credit and Professional Development Certificates Available

STEM Teaching Tools Resource Study
Lunch Series for Leaders
Save the dates for KABT and KATS
And so much more!!!

Click here (LINK)to read the entire September edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

Thank you for all you do for Kansas Students and Science,

Ad Astra Per Aspera

Meg

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Registration is Open for Cosmosphere Event Planned for Oct 15

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 19:01:08 GMT

President's Note--

We want teachers to have fun as scientists and experience the cosmosphere as well as have the opportunity to engage with pedagogy with their peers. The cosmosphere confirmed that these simulators & interactive exhibits are exclusive to school tour groups so it's very exciting that we get to experience them! The department head of our USD 383 (my school district) is making plans to pull their trailer up that Friday night and having a campout nearby. If you're interested let me know and we can try to add your tent onto the RV site.

Families are welcome! We're just asking that when you register, you pay for their lunch. There will be an option for that registration which is $10. The schedule will have options built in for family members. Recommended age for children to attend is 10+ though there are lots of fun things like a salt mine tour which are also in the area for the day.

KATS will have 4 sessions per the request of the cosmosphere. The Kansas Geological Survey has already signed up to be a presenter.

Sincerely,

Robert Hamilton

P.S. Here are the cosmosphere session descriptions again in case you're colleagues need some cajoling. I'm SUPER pumped for these!

Rube Goldberg 1.5 - 3 hours. Build a Rube Goldberg Machine that plants a flag into the lunar surface. 6 simple machines must be incorporated, and the machine with that runs for the longest time wins.
Past, Present & Future Missions to the Moon 1 hour. Mission control must communicate to the astronauts the solution to fixing the carbon dioxide filter. Based on the Apollo 13 disaster. Will you be able to fix it before time runs out?
Simulated space mission in the Astralis Capsule 30 minutes/team of 5 (we can only run up to 5 people at a time during a mission. For 20 people, this would take 2 hours). Run a simulated mission to low Earth orbit in our Astralis capsule.
Astronaut Training Simulators 1 hour. Train like an astronaut in our 4G centrifuge and feel the change in Gs that an astronaut would experience during a typical rocket launch. Feel what it would be like in an out of control tumble in a spacecraft in our Multi Axis Trainer. Learn some basic Russian and use the same Soyuz simulator used by former astronauts to train for their own missions.
Lunar Landers 1 hour. Build a model of a lunar lander that houses 6 astronaut marshmallows. Your goal is to design a lunar lander that will help these astronauts land safely on the surface after a very long drop.
Battery Challenge 1 hour. Experiment with building a battery using different types of metals and electrolytes. Test to see the best combination in a battery modeled after Volta's very first battery.
Battlebots 1.5 hours. Use EV3s to battle it out in the ring. Will you build an offensive or defensive robot? Last robot in the ring wins.
Museum Scavenger Hunt 1 hour. Take pictures and find clues in our museum to solve a puzzle.
Museum Tour 1 hour. Guided tour through our museum with a focus on the Space Race.
Drones 1.5 - 3 hours. Learn the basics of flying a drone, and practice drone photography.

$1000 Mohling Award Application Due on Sept 24

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:15:58 GMT

WENDELL G. MOHLING AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

Are you a K-12 Kansas teacher who currently teaches science? Would you like the opportunity to apply for funds so that you could experience attending a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference this year? In 2006, the Wendell G. Mohling Foundation began selecting a teacher each year to receive a $1000.00 scholarship award to attend a NSTA conference of their choice. The application deadline is Saturday, September 24, 2022, so you still have plenty of time to c omplete and send in your application. The application with requirements can be downloaded by going to the foundation website at www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com and click on “Apply” at the top of the page. If a teacher has questions, he/she can contact me at neill1703@gmail.com or by phone at 1-620-342-4677.

Kay Neill, Foundation Chair

KSDE August Science Newsletter Link

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 22:10:33 GMT

Good Afternoon,

I hope this finds you well and ready for a great new year- I'm excited to share the August KSDE Science Newsletter with you (LINK) we have many opportunities coming up this fall and I'm sincerely looking forward to more opportunities to meet many of you.

Regional Professional Development / Learning Communities
- College Credit and Professional Development Certificats Available

STEM Teaching Tools Resource Study
Lunch Series for Leaders
Save the dates for KABT and KATS
And so much more!!!

Click here (LINK)to read the entire August edition of the KSDE Science newsletter and please let me know if there is anything I can do to better support you.

Thank you for all you do for Kansas Students and Science,

Meg

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

https://ksde.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcod-6srjkvG9RHx0cfE-JiFT_nhZ_uDHDg

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Something New for New Teachers

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 03:01:52 GMT

The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science (KATS) and KSDE have teamed up to create a New Teacher PLC. Pre-service teachers and teachers in the first three years of teaching meet to build community, ask questions of experienced teacher leaders from around the state, and navigate the first years of school. Attendees who are in their pre-service and first through third year will be compensated with a "Coffee from KATS" at the conclusion of each meeting.

Meetups occur the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:00pm.

VP elected; Oct 15 event planned

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 22:21:38 GMT

Hello KATS!

The results of the Vice-President election are in! Wendy Calderwood has been elected by the membership with 37 of 39 votes in favor.

Congratulations Wendy!

In other news, please save the date for a KATS Fall event at the Cosmosphere on Saturday, October 15th. The KATS board has been hard at work this summer to bring the best professional development and networking opportunities to you this fall. The theme will be "Life in Space". The program has not been set, but look forward to some cosmosphere special activities and stellar (pun intended) presentations! We need 20 participants for liftoff so be sure to save the date!

The KATS Board of Directors will meet in a few weeks for our summer board meeting. Be on the lookout for updates of our meeting in the middle of August!

If you have questions or would like to reach out please contact Secretary@kats.org and CC: President@kats.org.

Your's in science,

Robert Hamilton, KATS President

Link to June KSDE Newsletter

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 02:38:13 GMT

Opportunities for Re-licensure and College Credit
- KSDE Summer Academies: https://www.greenbush.org/ksde-summer-academies/
K-2 Science SEL/Careers Pilot with the DeBruce Foundation
- June 9th Link: (Link) June 16th Link: (Link)

Click here (LINK)to read the entire June edition of the KSDE Science newsletter and please let me know if there is anything I can do to better support you.

--Meg Richard

Lt. Governors encourage K-12 public, private and tribal schools to apply for up to $1,000 to support STEM-related activities for students by the May 31, 2022, deadline

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:18:26 GMT

[Covington, KY] (May 3, 2022) – The National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) has opened the application period for the first annual Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program, sponsored by ACT, to award up to $1,000 to 12 schools nationally to support STEM-related activities for youth. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2022, with award recipients announced and funded in Summer 2022.

“The lieutenant governors and seconds-in-command in state and territorial government are uniquely poised to lead on STEM Education,” said NLGA Director Julia Brossart. “By supporting STEM-related activities in schools across the country, lieutenant governors can encourage a long-term interest and passion in STEM education in America’s youth, while building the workforce of the future.” NLGA will award three scholarships to states and territories in each of the four NLGA regions in 2022, for a total of 12 scholarships worth $10,000 total. The Scholarship Program is administered by NLGA, the nonpartisan, nonprofit association for the nation’s seconds-in-command, and sponsored by ACT, the education and career readiness nonprofit.

“As the only major college admissions test provider to include a science assessment, ACT believes that a high-quality STEM education is important to enable all learners, including and especially young people from underserved populations, to graduate high school ready to succeed in a STEM career,” ACT Chief Executive Officer Janet Godwin said. “We are proud to sponsor this program and equip all students for the economy of today and tomorrow.” Teachers in all public, private, and tribal schools in the 50 states and five U.S. territories are invited to apply at nlga.awardsplatform.com. Funding will be awarded to schools to support STEM-related activities, programming, curriculum, equipment, and other expenses.

“The need for increased educational opportunities in STEM is bipartisan and an area of consensus for the nation’s lieutenant governors,” said NLGA Associate Director Kellie Rittershausen. “NLGA has adopted STEM Education as a pillar of work for the association on behalf of Members, who see the importance of educating students in STEM to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Applications will be reviewed in June 2022, with award winners announced at the NLGA Annual Meeting, July 20-22, 2022. Additional information on the STEM Scholarship Program, including instructions for applying, can be found at https://nlga.us/strategies/nlga-state-strategies-in-stem/.

###

Julia Brossart, Director

National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA)

525 W. 5^th St. Ste. 226 – Covington, KY - 41011

(859) 283-1400

www.nlga.us

Grad credit for $200 from KSU

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:13:07 GMT

Still available if you attended KATS Kamp: Earn 1 hour Graduate of Kansas State University credit for $200 Details

PD Opportunity-Plus stipend

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:04:47 GMT

Twenty-four teachers will be selected to attend an exclusive From Lab to Classroom Professional Development Workshop, presented by Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom July 26-27. Details:

https://ksagclassroom.org/happenings/pro_workshop/

Kamp Vendor Promotions

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:13:15 GMT

Scientific Specialties.biz - Serving Kansas' schools with quality science & STEM resources since 1987!

I will have a Conference Special for the lines I represent.

1.) Microscopes & Balances = Buy 5, Get A 6th Free! - You can promote this if you wish.

2.) Onsite Microscope & Balance Service (free quote)

3.) Science Safety Resources & Training (free upon request)

4.) Science Essentials Funding Inventory (free upon request)

5.) ESSER Funding for Your Science & STEM program (free proposal upon request)

KSDE April Newsletter -- Meg Richard

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 15:26:53 GMT

I hope this finds you well and in celebration of Spring. It's a wonderful time to get students (and teachers) outside to marvel at the changes in the world around them. The bees are beginning to buzz, we can anticipate the flowers blooming, the promise of summer brings joy... and gearing up for the KSDE Summer Academies!

I'm excited to share the April KSDE Science Newsletter with you (LINK).

Included in this month's issue;

KSDE Summer Academies and Teacher Treks
- Academies: https://www.greenbush.org/ksde-summer-academies/
- Treks: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSE_m5olrx83W-Em6g7OcCO4kUuYH1syczz6ygBkyw2Tca_A/viewform?usp=sf_link
Kansas Association of Teachers of Science Conference
- https://kaotos.wildapricot.org/2022-KAMP
State Assessment- CALL FOR REVIEWERS
- https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cvIlDB74lFWjWJM
And much more here.... https://sites.google.com/ksde.org/ksde-stem-newsletter/science/22-april
Click here (LINK)to read the entire April edition of the KSDE Science newsletter and please let me know if there is anything I can do to better support you.

Thank you for all you do for Kansas Students and Science,

Meg

Substantial KSDE CTE grant available--Application due March 31

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 02:49:00 GMT

From Meg Richard, KSDE

Good afternoon,

I am very excited to share this KSDE Perkins Secondary Reserve Fund (Grant) application with you. This grant is intended to provide stipends to teacher teams who meet the criteria to develop lessons / units for an elective STEM course alligned to CTE / Work-based pathways.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Meg

------------------------------------------------------

Middle School: Searching Career Opportunities through Research and Exploration (SCORE) Grant #06080

The approved Kansas State Plan for Career and Technical Education (CTE) includes a Perkins Secondary Reserve Fund, established to provide support for innovative CTE programs, program delivery and/or CTE program expansion to meet critical workforce development needs. Reserve funds are distributed through a competitive grant

process, with the total amount available for FY 2022 at approximately $22,000 and must be expended by June 30, 2022, Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March31, 2022.

This grant will provide funds for the specified teacher groups to develop course supports that align, integrate and elevate multiple career pathways and work-based connections.

Full application is available here.

Information Webinar Link: March 24th , 3pm-4pm:

https://ksde.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuivqD4rE90OAtxLhctQXXZPZSFXU0Dc

Samples of intended outcomes will be provided at the offered webinars.

Attachments area

Mohling Silent Auction Returns

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:06:35 GMT

THE WENDELL G. MOHLING SILENT AUCTION RETURNS TO KATS KAMP

The Wendell G. Mohling Foundation will be hosting its annual Silent Auction at KATS Kamp in Olathe on Saturday, April 23. The auction will be open from 10:00am-1:00pm. All proceeds benefit The Mohling Foundation. The Foundation awards one K-12 Kansas science teacher $1000 to use to attend an NSTA conference of their choice in the year they win. Since 2006, these scholarships have been awarded to a KATS member. The award is named in honor of Wendell G. Mohling, a Kansas high school biology and student naturalist teacher, who was also president of KATS and NSTA. He received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math in 1983 and the NASA Teacher in Space from Kansas and Space Ambassador in 1985 plus numerous other awards. But he never forgot his Kansas roots or his love of teaching science and valued the experiences he gained attending national science teacher conferences. When you come to KATS KAMP in April, if you have contributions for the auction, please contact Carol Mohing. As usual, you are encouraged to “bid high and bid often”. As always, there are a variety of items to bid on, including a 2 night stay in an Alaskan Cabin, wood bowls by Mike Erickson, jewelry from Carol Mohling, original paintings, and Betsy Betros’ “Butterfly Identification Book”. You must be present to pay for and pick up the item(s) you win between 1:30-2:00pm after the auction closes. There will also be a direct sales table where you can purchase Kim Poor Space Prints, Mohling Foundation limited edition wine glasses, and jewelry. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

However, a 4% transaction fee for credit card purchases is charged to cover The Foundation’s fee.

Keep in touch via : Facebook: Wendell G Mohling Foundation. Website: wendellmohlingfoundation.com Email: mohlingfoundation@gmail.com. 785-764-9625 Carol Mohling

KU to Host Telescope Night --Switch to Virtual Thurs Mar 10

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:15:23 GMT

Our luck finally ran out. Because of the snow storm, there will be no in-person telescope viewing this Thursday, March 10th. However, Mindy Townsend has agreed to give her talk, “Mess-ier Around and Find Out: A Guide to Astronomy’s Most Sought-After Treasures" through zoom. Please see the information below to join the zoom at 6pm this evening (3-10). If you have passed the previous flyer for this month’s meeting along to anyone, please let them know of the update.

Thank you.

https://kansas.zoom.us/j/94670173890

Meeting ID: 946 7017 3890
Passcode: 1234

Messier Objects are the Target for KU Telescope Night this Week --Poster

March KSDE Science Newsletter

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 15:22:19 GMT

Good afternoon,

We hope this March edition of the Kansas Science Newsletter finds you well. A promise of spring is in the air and with that opportunities and dreams of summer! There is a lot of information in this month's Science newsletter but I want to draw your attention to a couple of important opportunities below involving FREE Professional Learning, the state assessment and a Grant opportunity.

As always, I greatly appreciate the work you are doing for Kansas science students. Please take a moment to look at the entire newsletter here (Link) and don't hesitate to reach out if I can support you better in any way.

Meg

---------------------------------------------

In order to better support the needs of Kansas Science teachers we are so pleased to announce the opportunity of science content based VIRTUAL PLCs. These Professional Learning Communities are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about how to best implement the NGSS routines. Come once, or come every month.
Biology: (Register Here) Chemistry: (Register Here)
Physics: (Register Here) New Teacher: (Register Here)

KSDE STEM Grants
Middle School Perkins Reserve Grant: Searching Career Opportunities through Research and Exploration (SCORE) Grant #06080. This grant will provide funds ($22,000) for the specified teacher groups to develop course STEM based unit supports that align, integrate and elevate multiple career pathways and work based connections. A total of 10 districts will develop 3 units a piece with the intent of making 30 STEM units widely available for statewide use at the completion of the projects.

Link to Grant Application / Information (Link)

Information Webinar Links:
March 9th, 3pm-4pm: (Registration Link)
March 24th, 3pm-4pm: (Registration Link)

State Assessment- CALL FOR REVIEWERS

Have you ever been curious how assessment items are developed? Have you ever wondered how you might help make sure they are aligned? THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!

This paid opportunity, the KAP External Review of Items and Passages for Science is planned to be a live event held in July 25-29 in Lawrence.

We are looking for participants who
- have experience working with a wide variety of students and student needs.
- are current practicing educators, former educators, community members, scholars, or professional representatives of diverse populations.
We want to ensure we have
- representation from each of the 10 Kansas educational districts.
- a mix of urban and rural districts represented.
- a demographically diverse group of participants.
- a cadre of educators with experience teaching science content, as well as educators with experience teaching EL students, students with disabilities, and students with diverse experiences.
- If you are interested in participating in one or more of these events, select the following link to complete the interest survey by Friday, April 15, 2022.
  
  2022 KAP Summer Interest Survey
  
  Once we have collected information from interested individuals, KSDE staff will select participants and KAP staff will notify you by email using the kap@ku.edu email account. Thank you for your interest in KAP events!
  
  Email kap@ku.edu if you have any questions.
  Best regards,
  KAP Staff
  785-864-006

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

Details for Chemistry Teaching Position for 2022-23 in Ottawa, KS

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Ottawa Chemistry Position Filled 3-30

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 02:42:47 GMT

Position Filled 3-30-2022

STEM Advocate Opportunity

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:38:56 GMT

Help inspire STEM confidence in middle school and high school students from underrepresented groups!

Dear STEM Educator, Mentor, or Youth Advocate,

We invite you to apply for the Society for Science Advocate Program, which provides a $3,000 stipend and training to an individual (teacher, scientist, counselor, or mentor) who agrees to serve as an advocate for a minimum of 3 additional students from traditionally underrepresented groups to transition them from conducting scientific or engineering research (science fair-type) projects to completing applications to STEM research competitions. There are four different types of Advocates, which allow both beginners and more advanced applicants to further expand their capabilities to support student research competition participation.

Many students doing science research are not aware of the myriad of opportunities that are attainable by submitting their work to competitions. Just completing the rigorous application process can inspire confidence in their scientific abilities and lead them to consider a STEM career. Many competitions provide monetary awards for post-secondary education and can boost a student's chance of acceptance into the college or university of their choice. Too few students from traditionally underrepresented groups are presented with these opportunities and often lack the know-how to successfully enter.

For eligibility information and to apply for the Advocate Program, click here. Advocates must already have a formal role with students completing research projects. This program is sponsored by Arconic Foundation, Intel, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, National Geographic, and Regeneron.

Application Deadline: March 6, 2022

Please send any questions to advocates@societyforscience.org.

Sincerely,
Caitlin Sullivan — Director of Outreach & Equity Programs
Emily Freeland — Outreach & Equity Programs Specialist

Society for Science
Society for Science is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. In addition to running the top science research competitions in the world (Regeneron Science Talent Search, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and Broadcom MASTERS), the Society also publishes Science News magazine and Science News for Students online.

KAMP Registration is now active.

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:14:28 GMT

Registration for the 2022 KATS KAMP to be held on April 23 in Olathe is now open. See details at the 2022 KAMP tab on the main menu above.

Make a Presentation at KAMP

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:10:33 GMT

If you are willing to be on the April 23 KAMP program by making a 45 minute presentation which is open to the conference attendees, you are encouraged to do so. Please sign up here.

KSDE February Newsletter Link

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:28:39 GMT

Fourth Grader Falls for Science
Professional Development/Collaboration
National Youth Cybereducation Program
Free Professional Learning Communities
and much more!!
See the entire newsletter here.

Ad -- Liacos Learning Materials

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:17:01 GMT

Dear Science Teachers,

Hope you’re well!

Looking for great resources that will help your students learn Science?

Then join the literally millions of teachers and students around the world who have used the Shedding Light series of videos, worksheets, and practical activities to make teaching and learning Science easier, more effective, and more enjoyable!!

· Each Shedding Light series (there are eight in all) covers an entire unit of work, but each program is a fully, self-contained lesson! They cover Chemistry, Light, Motion, Sun and Earth (Climate Science), Heat, Energy, Acids and Bases, and Electricity.

· Each program comes with an outstanding worksheet, many now in Google Doc format! Check them out here!!

· Each worksheet comes with answers!

Each video makes it easier for teachers to teach and easier for students to learn. The outstanding explanations, animations, and demonstrations will

· improve your students’ grades;

· drive positive engagement in Science and;

· allow all students to maximize their learning.

The worksheets are structured in sections that match the sections in each video. They

· promote critical-thinking skills;

· enhance literacy and numeracy and;

· provide a strong sense of accomplishment as students complete them.

Best of all, the Shedding Light videos are available for free right now on

Learn360, Films on Demand, SAFARI Montage, and ClickView.

The video resources and the worksheets can be used both in the classroom and at home! If a student is absent, he or she can still keep up with the rest of the class!!

So, if your school has one of these services, you can head straight there! However, if you don’t have these services, you can get hold of the programs from our website.

Full transcripts for each program are also on the Liacos Educational Media website, so students can use them as an online text book. Check them out. You will also find the worksheets on the website.

Follow the links below to preview each series. They are available for free right now on Learn360, Films on Demand, SAFARI Montage, and ClickView.

	The 8-part Shedding Light on Atoms series Show them periodically… How do we know about atoms if they’re too small to see? This series covers not just what we know about atoms but also how we know what we know about atoms. We discuss atoms, atomic structure, the periodic table, bonding, and a whole lot more!
	The 8-part Shedding Light on Motion series Get your students up to speed… Using brilliant live-action footage, this series makes it easy to teach speed, acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and a whole lot more!
	The 6-part Shedding Light on Light series Let your students see it… This series looks at color, reflection and mirrors, refraction, lenses, the eye, electromagnetic waves, and a whole lot more!
	The 3-part Shedding Light on Energy series Make the change… This series looks at forms of energy, energy transformations, efficiency, human energy intake and expenditure, and at the two simple rules for weight loss; that’s right, there are only two!
	The 6-part Shedding Light on Heat series Hot stuff… This series covers heat energy, temperature, temperature scales, changes of state, thermal expansion, heat transfer, and how humans maintain a constant core temperature regardless of the conditions.
	The 5-part Shedding Light on the Sun and Earth series Essential Climate Science… The Sun illuminates and warms our precious planet. This series introduces students to the basics of climate science. We examine what causes seasons, how the movement of the sun across the sky affects the renewable-energy industry, and a whole lot more.
	The 4-part Shedding Light on Acids and Bases series They’ll get a great reaction… Acids and bases play a huge role in every aspect of our lives. They can be found everywhere, from our farms to our kitchens and from our power stations to our industrial plants. This series explains what acids and bases are and how the chemical reactions they undergo are a part of our everyday life.
	The 5-part Shedding Light on Electricity series The Shocking Truth… The Shedding Light on Electricity series exposes the shocking truth about electricity. Yes, positively a bad pun to begin with, but we promise to conduct ourselves really well from now on. This series teaches students watts of stuff (sorry, couldn’t resist) about electricity including how it’s produced, how it’s used in our homes, how it’s controlled, and how we keep ourselves safe from nasty shocks. Currently the best video series available. Ohm my goodness, this series is without parallel.

We wish you, your colleagues, and your students all the very best for the rest of the school year and invite you to click this link to the LEM website now!!!

Kind Regards,

Spiro Liacos,

Science Teacher,

Liacos Educational Media

https://www.liacoseducationalmedia.com

Investigating Motion Practical Activities: How fast can you run? As fast as a leopard…

High Altitude Balloon Workshop

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:45:59 GMT

Still a few spots left for this Workshop register today!

HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON WORKSHOP

to promote Student Research Engagement with NASA for Grades 3—12

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION INSTITUTE FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

Teacher in-service Workshop delivered virtually (February 22, 23 March 1, 2, 2022 at 4:30-5:30 pm)
Face to face Teacher Workshop and Flight with Arduino Coding and payload construction (March 12-13, 2022)
Individual school-based work by student/teacher research teams (late March/early April 2022)
Virtual mentoring of students and teachers by FHSU HAB team
Analysis and sharing data through a virtual poster session prepared by student teams (April 2022)
Teacher participant stipend $800
Teacher lodging and travel stipend $400
Workshop materials and supplies will be provided for student payload design
Limited to first 12 registrants
Deadline to register February 9, 2022
Registration fee $20 (non-refundable)

For more information and to register online please go:

https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/high-altitude-balloon/

Cari Rohleder, coordinator

FHSU

Call for Presenters at April 23 Conference

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:10:17 GMT

Kansas Association of Teachers of Science is calling for presenters that would engage teachers at our yearly KATS Kamp. The theme of this year's KATS Kamp is: "Surviving and Thriving"

Please complete the form linked here if you are interested in presenting a session at the upcoming KATS conference (April 23) at Olathe.

Presentations will be 45 minutes in length. Proposal acceptance notifications will be sent no later than March 15, 2022.

Contact Betsy Lawrence at 913.515.4888 or president-elect@kats.org with questions. This is a volunteer opportunity to share your teaching ideas with educators across the state of Kansas.

2022 KAMP Set for Olathe on April 23

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:21:00 GMT

The Kansas Association of Teachers of Science annual conference (KATS KAMP) has been scheduled as an in-person event for Saturday April 23, 2022 at the Olathe campus of Kansas State University. Please mark your calendars.

KATS Board to Meet Jan 22

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:28:06 GMT

KATS board members have been asked to set aside time on Jan 22 to attend the virtual meeting which will focus on planning the annual spring meeting of the KATS organization. Meeting details are available on the "Board Resources" tab of the web site.

All KATS members are encouraged to communicate your ideas and questions to board members in the next few days to increase the productivity of the meeting. Board members are listed on the "About Us" tab of the web site.

--Randy Brull, webmaster

KSDE Jan 2022 Newsletter

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:14:44 GMT

Click here (Link) to read the entire January edition of the KSDE Science newsletter, or find some high lights below...

Newsletter Headlines

- Collaboration Meetings
  - Science Curriculum Leaders Collaboration
    January 18th , 4pm (Registration Link)
  - Science Teacher Collaboration,
    January 19th, 4pm (Registration Link)
- Administration / Leaders Lunch Book Study
- The Instructional Leader's Guide to Implementing K-8 Science Practices
- This book study is targeted for those who support educators in their implementation of K-8 Science. The book includes a review of the NGSS standards, strategies for supervision, observation, feedback and professional development.
  
  Meetings will take place via zoom on Thursdays in February from 12-1 CST. Registration will be confirmed with a link to access materials. (Registration Link)

K-8 Teacher Book Study
What's Your Evidence? Engaging K-8 Students in Construction Explanations in Science
Join other educators in this study around the implementation of K-8 Science. The book includes a review of the NGSS standards, strategies for classroom discussion and using evidence to support student claims.
Meetings will take place via zoom on Thursdays in February & Early March from 7-8pm CST. Registration will be confirmed with a link to access materials.
(Registration Link)

Click here (Link) to read the entire January edition of the KSDE Science newsletter.

Paid PD for math & science teachers at the University of Kansas: Apply by Jan 31, 2022

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:17:40 GMT

Paid Professional Development for Math and Science Teachers!

Want to expand your knowledge of engineering and NGSS teaching strategies?

And get paid for it, too?

Now’s your chance. The University of Kansas is offering an exciting summer program for high school science and mathematics instructors to learn about engineering design and how to incorporate these concepts into your classes.

We invite talented teachers from diverse backgrounds to participate in this 6-week summer program. Educators of all science and math subjects for grades 9 to 12 are encouraged to apply, especially pairs of teachers from the same school teaching different subjects.

Participants will work in teams to do real-world, water-themed research in engineering labs at KU. And, they will translate that research into lesson materials to take back to their classrooms.

Your students will thank you! All participants will receive supplies to support their new curricula offerings to enhance student learning and raise student awareness of career paths in STEM.

Click here to learn more

Application deadline: January 31, 2022

Program dates: June 13 - July 22, 2022 (July 4 off)

Benefits: $8,000 for the six-week summer program PLUS supplies to implement new lesson materials in your classroom. Housing is available for a limited number of participants.

Funding for this program is provided by the National Science Foundation.

What are other teachers saying about the program?

See videos about the RET program on our website.

------

Have questions? Contact:

Tess Seuferling

Interim Education Coordinator, tseuf@ku.edu

The University of Kansas Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC)

What is CEBC?

You can make a world of difference by changing how chemicals are manufactured. This is why CEBC was created: to invent cleaner, safer, renewable, energy-efficient chemical processes that protect the planet and human health. To make sure innovations move from lab to marketplace, CEBC partners with chemical companies—to date, 22 total. Learn more at: www.cebc.ku.edu

KSDE November STEM Newsletter

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 22:32:09 GMT

Included in this month’s science newsletter (Link) are

Collaboration Meetings

Science Curriculum Leaders Collaboration
November 16th , 4pm (Registration Link)
Science Teacher Collaboration,
November 17th, 4pm (Registration Link)

Professional Development Opportunities

To CERs and Beyond- Arguing from Evidence in the Secondary Classroom
November18th at 4 pm (Registration Link)
Test Talk! Let's Talk About the Fifth Grade Science Assessment
November 22nd at 4:30 pm (Registration Link)

Did you know monthly PD sessions are recorded? Find recordings here: (Link)

Body Venture Thematic Unit

Join KSDE STEM, Health and Child Nutrition & Wellness in a professional development centered around elementary science, nutrition and fitness. The virtual Body Venture opportunity will be paired with FREE lessons and kits (as supply allows) that can easily be tailored towards elementary classrooms that want to eat smart and play hard.

Help science come alive in your classroom with the living body as it's guide!

Join us for a kick-off on Tuesday October 12th at 4 pm to learn more OR register for a training today

November 5th from 8-noon, (REGISTRATION LINK)
November 10th from 12:30 - 4:30 (repeated presentation) (REGISTRATION LINK)

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is pleased to announce that nominations and applications for the 2021–2022 application cycle are open. Please consider nominating a teacher for this prestigious honor. The nomination deadline is January 7, 2022, and the application deadline is February 6, 2022. To nominate a teacher visit: https://www.paemst.org/nomination/nominate

And much more!

Thank you so much for all you do,

Meg & Stephen

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

https://www.facebook.com/events/1039152509901912

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

Robotics Webinar by Fishertechnik Oct 21

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:11:37 GMT

Robotics competitions are exciting, popular & an excellent tool to get students involved, hands-on, with core STEM areas like electronics & programming. Explore curriculum-based, robotics competition solutions. Register Now

Standards-Focused, Curriculum-Based Robotic Competitions
Learn how teachers can use the fischertechnik Education Robotics Competition set to introduce the topic of robotics to the classroom, or to create a meaningful and education focused afterschool activity. This webinar is recommended for any teacher looking to start a robotics competition at the school level, and also those looking to have students participate at the national or international level.

Robotics Competitions with fischertechnik Education
Date: October 21st (Thursday)
Time: 3 - 4 PM Eastern
Sign Up Now

Exploring and Understanding Technology
fischertechnik Education is used by thousands of schools in the United States. Offerings available with comprehensive, standard-based curriculum specifically developed to address the most current academic standards. Each program was created by noted STEM educator, Tom White, to align with a variety of recognized standards.

These curricula meet the following standards:

College & Career Readiness Standards: Math, Science, Reading & Writing
NSES Content Standards
Standards for Technological Literacy
ISTE Standards
Next Generation Science Standards

Studica, Inc. | 2326 Lockport Road | Sanborn, New York 14132
www.studica.com
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No longer wish to receive these messages? Unsubscribe.

A Grant, A Contest, and Teacher Stipend from WSU

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:58:28 GMT

I have a few things that can be shared with KATS teachers: KAS Educator Grant Extension, Patch Design Contest for NASA CubeSat Mission, Space Exploration Activities Research.

The Kansas Academy of Science is extending the deadline for their new K-12 Educator Grant. This grant is meant to provide means to purchase materials needed for a classroom scientific project or lesson. The new deadline for submission is November 15. Multiple grants are available. Check out the website for more info and the submission form: http://www.kansasacademyscience.org/educator-grant.html.

Wichita State University and Ad Astra Kansas Foundation are partnering to present a CubeSat Mission Patch Contest for an upcoming NASA space mission to study solar neutrinos and particles. This contest is open to students in grades 6-12. Submission deadline is November 12. The entry form, which includes patch design requirements, is available on the Ad Astra website: http://adastra-ks.org/.

Teachers and classrooms are needed to continue a grant that is investigating students’ interest in space science through a series of activities. These activities are designed for middle school classrooms, but other grades are welcomed to participate if the teacher feels they fit with their curriculum. Stipends are available for teachers (if allowed by the district) and to help cover materials costs. For more information and to view the activities, contact Jill Fisher (jill.fisher@wichita.edu). Resources from the related teacher workshop last July are available on the WSU website: https://bit.ly/3iYXUQj.

Thank you for sharing!

Jill Fisher

LAS Community Outreach Coordinator

Wichita State University

1845 Fairmount Street

Wichita, KS 67260

Second Annual Art Auction...Wendell G Mohling Foundation -- Nov 6

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:48:08 GMT

Second Annual Art Auction...Wendell G Mohling Foundation

Fundraiser

The Wendell G Mohling Foundation is hosting the second annual

Art Auction Fundraiser, November 6, 2021, will be held at The

Barn at Kill Creek Rd., 9200 Kill Creek Rd., DeSoto, KS. All

proceeds benefit the Foundation, whose mission is to support

science education in Kansas by awarding an annual scholarship to

a K-12 Kansas Science teacher to use in attending a National

Science Teaching Association conference.

Bidder registration and item viewing begins at 2pm. Auction

begins at 3:00. Approximately 25 items of original or limited

edition art will be offered, including: watercolor, oil, acrylic,

photography, textiles, jewelry, turned wood, wood carvings and

collectible prints. Our New limited quantity collectible wine glass,

commemorating the Wendell G Mohling Foundation will be

showcased and offered for sale at this event. Wine by Davenport

Orchard and Winery.

This auction is a live auction. In addition we will also have a

direct sale table with a few choice items which you can purchase

without bidding.

For additional information, visit our website:

wendellmohlingfoundation.com. In addition, see Facebook event

to view auction items:

To contact the Foundation, mohlingfoundation@gmail.com or

785-764-9625

--from Carol Mohling

Grad Study Opportunity

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:37:28 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Now accepting applications for 2022

OXFORD, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2021) – Miami University’s Project Dragonfly is accepting applications now through early 2022 for graduate courses and master's degrees that offer extraordinary experiences through zoos and botanical gardens in the United States and in 15 countries throughout the world. http://ProjectDragonfly.MiamiOH.edu

Earth Expeditions are study abroad courses that take place online and in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Americas. Earth Expeditions courses can be taken as stand-alone graduate credit, or they can build toward the Global Field Program (GFP) master's degree. The GFP combines summer field courses worldwide with web learning communities, and students can complete the GFP master's part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu; http://GFP.MiamiOH.edu

Project Dragonfly also offers the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master's degree that combines web instruction from Miami University with experiential learning and field study through AIP Master Institutions in the U.S. Applications for Miami's 2022 cohorts are being accepted now with place-based experiences provided through Master Institutions in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Jacksonville, New York, San Diego, Seattle and St. Louis. http://AIP.MiamiOH.edu

Graduate tuition for all programs is greatly reduced because of support from Miami University.

COVID-19 Info and Curricular Innovation

Spencer C. Pate

Curricular Support Assistant

Project Dragonfly, Miami University

Oxford, Ohio 45056

patesc@miamioh.edu

http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu

Ad Astra Forum--“ARTEMIS and BEYOND” event scheduled for October 24

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:04:44 GMT

Ad Astra Kansas Galaxy Forum--“ARTEMIS and BEYOND” event scheduled for October 24

The theme of the annual Ad Astra Galaxy Forum on Saturday, October 24, at the Cosmosphere will be The Artemis Program--NASA's plan to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. A hybrid event, it will include both in-person and virtual presentations. The Forum will feature an overview of NASA's program by Artemis-connected speaker and native Kansan Michael Staab; also, a closer look at our only natural satellite, plus an update on the next rock on our space exploration bucket list—Mars. And more.

Information flyer

Speaker bios

Teacher information

The event will be 1-2:30 at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. Attendance can be either in-person or virtual. Due to social and mask requirements, in-person seating is limited and registration is needed. Do so at contact@adastra-ks.org. If you would like to attend virtually, it will be LIVE on our Ad Astra Kansas Foundation Facebook page. No registration needed.

Sponsored by the 501c3 Ad Astra Kansas Foundation to promote science education in Kansas.

Jeanette Steinert
Ad Astra Kansas Foundation
316-722-3503
jeanettesteinert@att.net
www.adastra-ks.org

KSDE Oct Newletter

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:45:28 GMT

Good afternoon,

We hope this finds you well. We are pleased to share the October newsletters from the KSDE STEM team.

A link to each content area’s newsletter may be accessed here (Link) and I have included some science highlights below.

Science-

Included in this month’s science newsletter (Link) are

· Professional Development Opportunities

o Modeling in Secondary Science
October 11th at 4 pm (Registration Link)

o FALL into Phenomena with a Great Book! (Thematic Elementary Science)
FREE BOOKS for first 10 participants
October 21st at 4:30 pm (Registration Link)

o A Thematic Unit Adventure with Body Venture (4^th grade)
Join KSDE STEM, Health and Child Nutrition & Wellness in a professional development centered around elementary science, nutrition and fitness. The virtual Body Venture opportunity will be paired with FREE lessons and kits (as supply allows) that can easily be tailored towards elementary classrooms that want to eat smart and play hard.
Help science come alive in your classroom with the living body as it's guide!

Join us for a kick-off on Tuesday October 12th at 4 pm to learn more OR register for a training today
November 5th from 8-noon, (REGISTRATION LINK)
November 10th from 12:30 - 4:30 (repeat) (REGISTRATION LINK)

KSDE Stem Team

Classroom Grants Announced by Kansas Academy of Science

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 02:47:52 GMT

KAS is happy to announce a new grant opportunity: we are funding K-12 classroom grants for the 2021-22 school year. Individual science teachers or teams of teachers are encouraged to apply before the September 30 deadline. Full set of instructions and application can be found at our website. http://www.kansasacademyscience.org/educator-grant.html.

Information from Jill Fisher at Wichita State University

KSDE September 2021 Newsletter

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:21:07 GMT

In the September issue:

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)- K-6 Cycle
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is pleased to announce that nominations and applications for the 2021–2022 application cycle are open.
Nominate a teacher here: (Link)

Fall Book Study- Ambitious Science Teaching
Starting September 9, 6-7 pm CT, College Credit available! PD Credits available! To register: (Link)

Call for KSDE Teacher Leaders!
A teacher leader has demonstrated expertise with strategies, methods, and trends in education in Humanities and/or STEM. The teacher leader is collaborative, knowledgeable, and evidence based. Additional skill in dynamic presentation is a plus. Link to interest form: (Link)

Fall Conferences- Save the dates and more!
Reminders for Collaboration:
Science Curriculum Leaders Collaboration, September 21st, 4pm (Registration Link)
Science Teacher Collaboration, September 15th at 4pm (Registration Link)

Mohling Art Auction Set for Nov 6 at Desoto

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:52:27 GMT

Art Auction Fundraiser—November 6, 2021, 1:00-3:00pm at The Barn at Kill Creek

Farm, Desoto, Kansas

Proceeds will go to the Wendell G. Mohling Foundation to be used to support Kansas

Science Teachers.

Kay Neill, President

Mohling Teacher Grant -- Application Deadline is Sept 24

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:27:45 GMT

Are you a K-12 Kansas teacher who currently teaches science? Would you like the opportunity to apply

for funds so that you could experience attending a National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Conference this year? In 2006, the Wendell G. Mohling Foundation began selecting a teacher each year,

to receive a $1000.00 scholarship award to attend a NSTA conference of their choice. The application

deadline is September 24, 2021, so you still have plenty of time to complete and send in your

application. The application with requirements can be downloaded by going to the foundation website

at www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com and click on “Apply” at the top of the page. This year there

will be 2 national NSTA conferences to choose from: March 31-April 3 in Houston, Texas and July 21-24

in Chicago, Illinois.

If a teacher has questions, he/she can contact me at neill1703@gmail.com or by phone at 1-620-342-4677

Kay Neill, Foundation Chair

KSDE August Newsletter

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:28:06 GMT

We hope this newsletter (Link) finds you and yours well. This month features back to school safety, opportunities, collaboration and more!

Also included in the August issue:

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)- K-6 Cycle
- The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is pleased to announce that nominations and applications for the 2021–2022 application cycle are open. You are a part of over 5,100 award-winning educators and we need your help to continue to grow this network!
  
  To nominate a K–6th grade teacher for this award, complete the nomination form available on the PAEMST website and submit the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. You are welcome to submit multiple nominations if you know more than one teacher deserving of this award. The nomination deadline is January 7, 2022, and the application deadline is February 6, 2022. PAEMST awardees are one of the best sources of future nominations!
Fall Professional Development
- 3D Classroom Assessments- Where to Start?- MS & HS, August 23rd at 4pm (Registration Link)
- Clay Circuits and Lightbulb Moments- Elementary (Repeat of August 2 Session), August 30th at 4pm (Registration Link)
Fall Book Study- Ambitious Science Teaching
- Starting August 26, 6-7 pm CT
- Free books available for the first 20 participants who register! College Credit available! PD Credits available!
- To register or get additional information: (Link)
Call for KSDE Teacher Leaders and Introducing KSDE STEM
- Recently organizational changes have occurred within the Career Standards and Assessment Services (CSAS) at the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE). Multiple disciplines are being reorganized into Humanities and STEM. The disciplines, standards, assessments, and support of great classroom instruction will continue. KSDE will continue to do what the agency has always done -- elevate great teacher leaders. We are looking for individuals, Teacher Leaders, who are interested in joining this work.
  
  Definition of Teacher Leader:
  
  A teacher leader has demonstrated expertise with strategies, methods, and trends in education in Humanities and/or STEM. The teacher leader is collaborative, knowledgeable, and evidence based. Additional skill in dynamic presentation is a plus.
  Link to interest form: (Link)
Fall Conferences- Save the dates and more!

Reminders for Collaboration:

July's Theme: Family Engagement

Science Curriculum Leaders Collaboration,

August 17, 4pm (Registration Link)

Science Teacher Collaboration,
August 18th at 4pm (Registration Link)

Thank you again and please let me know if us can help support you in any way,

Meg & Stephen

Meg Richard, NBCT, PAEMST 19'

Education Program Manager - K-12 STEM Education

Career, Standards and Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

User Email Preferences Privacy Policy

Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

KSDE Program: Ambitious Science Teaching (Fall Book Study)

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:16:01 GMT

Fall Book Study- Ambitious Science Teaching
- Starting August 26, 6-7 pm CT
- Free books available! College Credit available! PD Credits available!
- To register or get additional information: (Link)

James Webb Space Telescope Featured on Aug 21 Forum

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 22:36:50 GMT

James Webb Space Telescope headlines 2021 Galaxy Forum

From J. Steinert-- Ad Astra Kansas Foundation

Complete with its mirror (21-ft diameter), power (7x more powerful than Hubble), type (infrared) and viewing distance (one million miles from Earth) the long-anticipated JWST is currently scheduled to launch in late 2021. Sure to be a trending science topic, teachers will be ahead of the curve with a presentation by Dr. Scott Acton, of Ball Aerospace and Technologies, where part of the JWST was built. In talking about the telescope, its design and construction, the presentation will be heavy on graphics, animation and appreciation for the universe we live in.

The Galaxy Forum, sponsored by the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation, will be from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, August 21, at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. The event is FREE. Students also welcome. In-person and virtual attendance available. For more info. For questions or to register here.

Also, Dr. Nick Solomey of WSU will speak about how we use different types of particles to look into places we cannot see. Sarah Lamm, K-State master student in geology, will update us on that intrepid rover, Perseverance. Steve Durst, AAKF board member, will update us on a current educational project.

ESU Research Institute for STEM teachers

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:50:30 GMT

Kansas secondary science and math educators can develop project-based learning alongside Emporia State University professors at the ESU Research Institute this summer.

Applications are being accepted for the institute until April 30. The application is available at www.emporia.edu/research.

Ten Kansas educators will be paired with ESU professors of biological sciences, applied mathematics/statistics, chemistry, earth science or physics to develop long-range research projects to engage students in relevant, authentic research during the following academic year.

Those selected to participate will work with faculty on the Emporia State campus July 8 through 10 to design and develop research models appropriate for secondary science and math courses. ESU faculty will provide training and continue to serve in a research advisory capacity throughout the following academic year.

The educators selected for the research institute and their students will be invited to present results at ESU’s annual Research & Creativity Day and participate in a special Black & Gold event during the following spring semester.

Participants will receive a $1,200 stipend and one hour graduate credit after project submission.

Funding for the institute is provided by Emporia State University alumni, Dr. Randal W. Scott (B.S. Chemistry ’79) and Eileen M. (Schmitz) Scott (B.S.E. Elementary Education ’80).

For more information, visit www.emporia.edu/research.

Click on the image above to learn more about the Together, Forward campaign.

1500 Highland Street Emporia, KS 66801 (620) 341-5440 alumni@emporia.edu

AI Program Deadline Mar 31

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:48:55 GMT

This is Randy from Inspirit AI, the artificial intelligence program for high schoolers taught by MIT and Stanford graduate students.

As applications for our summer program close next Wednesday, March 31, I wanted to invite your students to apply here! Please find here our 1-page flyer, which some of you have requested. We're excited to have your students work with our team of MIT and Stanford mentors in small groups (4:1) on Zoom to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and apply their learnings in a social impact project in an area they’re passionate about such as healthcare, robotics, art, political science and more!

If your students would like to prepare ahead of the program or just get a taste of AI, they can also check out our Basics of AI for High School Students and Building AI Projects for High School Students guides.

I’ve included a program blurb below and would appreciate it if you could share it with your students from grades 9 to 12.

Let me know if you have any questions, and I’d be happy to hop on a call to tell you more about Inspirit!

Best,

Randy

P.S. Read about how a school district is bringing AI to their classrooms!

Board Plans for Virtual Kamp

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:55:38 GMT

The KATS Executive Board held the regular winter meeting on the morning of Saturday Jan 23. The main business of the meeting was planning for the annual KATS KAMP conference to be held in virtual format the weekend of April 23-25.

Conferences will be scheduled beginning Friday Evening April 25 and concluding Sunday at noon. Registration costs will be substantially lower than for the traditional in-person conferences. See the "EVENTS" tab for further details as they become available.

Wendell G Mohling Foundation

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:47:27 GMT

The Mohling Foundation is well aware that all science teachers are extremely busy, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore we are making one final deadline extension for applicants to be in for the 2020-21 school year. Applications must be postmarked by October 25,2020 or emailed to us by midnight on the same date.

Please click on our link here on the KATS webpage for access to the Mohling Foundation website to get more details. While this year’s offering looks a bit different than in years past, it is nevertheless a unique opportunity to continue professional growth and extending your network, plus getting lots of perks and free materials.

For more information, contact mohlingfoundation@gmail.com

Cosmosphere Event Oct 24

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 02:14:22 GMT

Ad Astra Kansas Galaxy Forum--“ARTEMIS and BEYOND” event scheduled for October 24

Wendell G Mohling Foundation “Covid” style Award

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 19:39:29 GMT

Due to the impact of COVID-19, our award structure has changed for this year. The good news is that we continue to offer an award and also that it remains at $700. Continue to use the application form on our website, which can be accessed by clicking on the link on the KATS website. Follow the instructions and apply no later than October 10, 2020. Look over the requirements and be certain you qualify. Including that you have NEVER attended an NSTA conference.

The winner agrees to complete the following over the next school year. 2020/2021
- Join NSTA at the Professional level $80.
- Register and participate in NSTA virtual Engage conference Nov 13-15.
- Register and attend the NSTA National Conference, Chicago 2021, currently planned virtual.

- Join or extend KATS Membership.

- Attend and make a presentation at the annual meeting of KATS, April 2021.
- Purchase teaching items from NSTA Science Store.
- Provide original receipts to the Mohling Foundation for award monies spent, no later than May 2021.
For additional information regarding the Mohling Foundation, go to Wendell Mohlingfoundation.com. If you have questions email Carol: mohlingfoundation@gmail.com.

Applications must be postmarked by October 10, 2020 or submitted electronically and received by no later than October 10, 2020.

Good Luck.

Cornell Ornithology Lab Offers Free Teacher Webinars

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 03:20:50 GMT

Good afternoon,

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology K-12 team knows that times are trying right now and the pandemic presents many unknowns. We hope these STEM resources and professional development opportunities might be helpful to your members, and hope you will share them.

We are hosting free monthly webinars with a variety of topics. Our very first one (Sept 22^nd or 24^th) is specifically on Remote Learning Resources. Link to webinars: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/webinars-2/ (We welcome you to post these to your professional development calendars.)
Our popular “Science & Nature Activities for Cooped Up Kids” resource provides grade-appropriate science activities, whether students are learning in person, online, or blended. A growing number of fun and interactive lessons are available at: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/science-nature-activities-for-cooped-up-kids/.
Find a variety of curricula, downloads, guides, and other activities organized by grade-level here: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/get-started/
Keep learning by taking the one of our Online Courses: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/courses-and-ceu/
Finally, we can offer customized webinars to your members on topics ranging from nature-based STEM learning, citizen science, and hands-on science investigations. Please reach out to me and we are happy discuss your needs and options.

Wishing you all much success as you guide your students through this pandemic and beyond!

Susan

Susan Licher

Program Assistant, K-12 Programs

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

159 Sapsucker Woods Road

Ithaca NY 14850

Cornell staff are working remotely at this time. Email is the best contact.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12

Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Susan Licher <ssl266@cornell.edu>

5:20 PM (4 hours ago)

to newsletter@kats.org, me

BCS Offers Monthly Webinars to Prepare Students for Biology Olympiad

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 01:16:01 GMT

Information about Bioscience Collective

Free USABO Preparation Course from BioScience Collective

BioScience Collective <bioscicollective@gmail.com>

Sep 9, 2020,

Dear KATS Members,

Hi! I hope you are doing well.

We are writing on behalf of the BioScience Collective, an organization created to inculcate a passion for biology in students by allowing them to participate in research-based discussions and experiment analysis, and by helping them prepare for biology competitions.

To assist students across the United States (and beyond) who are passionate about biology, we are offering a free live stream prep course for the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) from the first week of October to the first week of February. Once a week, we will do an hour-long live stream on different topics found on the USABO open exam. By the end of the course, students will have learned an extensive amount of information and be ready to take the USABO and other competitive exams. The live stream will be taught by students who are very experienced in Biology and have reached the rank of semifinalist (consisting of the top 10% of participants) on the USABO.

We attached a flyer to this email, and we would really appreciate it if you could send it to your members in order to maximize the number of students who can benefit from our course.

This is the form to sign up: https://forms.gle/nRBjU9V1szJ9uN3m8.

The form is also linked in the flyer attached to this email. The exact date and time that we will conduct the live streams will depend on the preferences of the students who sign up.

Thank you so much for your consideration, and for your work in furthering science education. Please reach out to us at bioscicollective@gmail.com if you have any questions.

---Officers of Bioscience Collective

What we offer.pdf

KSU Geosciences to Sponser Teacher PD

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:52:17 GMT

My name is Aida Farough and I'm faculty in the Geology Department at K-State. We have recently received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for professional development (PD) of science teachers in Kansas: Geoscience Career Ambassador Training (GeoCAT) workshop.

Keep in mind that this PD is not only for Earth science teachers but all science teachers.

Dr. Aida Farough

Teaching Assistant Professor

HydroLearn Fellow: https://www.hydrolearn.org/

Lead PI on GeoCAT: https://www.k-state.edu/geocat/

Department of Geology

Kansas State University

108 Thompson Hall

Manhattan, KS 66506

office: 202 Thompson Hall

------------------------------------

See: https://www.k-state.edu/geocat/ for details.

September KSDE Newletter is available here.

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:12:26 GMT

Please use this link to access the September KSDE Science Newsletter: https://sites.google.com/view/ksde-science-newsletter-1/newsletters/september-newsletter

NGSS Live Webinar--BER

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:16:01 GMT

Next Generation Science Standards Conference
for Grades 6-12

LIVE Online Two-Day Conference

Choose from 21 strategy-packed conference sessions for in-class, online and hybrid learning environments

Learn More

NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS - Training Your Grades 6-12 Science Teacher to More Effectively Incorporate NGSS into Their Science Instruction

LIVE Online Two-Day Institute

Train your science teachers to make the NGSS a more integral part of their instruction and assessments in grades
6-12

Learn More

Other Live Online PD Events

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES in the Classroom

REDUCING RECURRING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Practical Strategies

Restorative Discipline Conference (Grades K-12)

RESTORATIVE DISCIPLINE: Help Your Students Improve Their Behavior

About BER LIVE Online PD Events

With the current health challenges, all BER in-person PD events are currently being presented in a Live Online format:

Outstanding Instructors
Practical Strategies
Extensive Resource Handbooks
Highly Interactive, You'll be able to Ask Questions
Receive State CEUs or University Credit if needed
100% Satisfaction Program

Can't Attend?
Order the recorded version and take the seminar online at your convenience.

In order to expedite your registration, use
PRIORITY ID CODE: WK10CS when you register online at www.ber.org.

Bureau of Education & Research (BER) is the leading provider of professional development and PD training resources for educators in North America.

Willie and The Salad Bonanza Contest

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 16:35:54 GMT

Willie and the Salad Bonanza is a contest open to elementary, middle and high school teams, along with other K-12 community organizations such as 4-H, scouts, FFA or other teams, interested in the scientific principles surrounding plant growth. The challenge is to grow the largest amount of spinach, kale, and looseleaf lettuce in the same container. Plants may be grown hydroponically, or in soil, and the one yielding the greatest ratio of biomass to volume wins. Registration and details on the contest can be found at: http://olathe.k-state.edu/saladcontest

KSU Sponsors School Energy Management with Student Involvement

Tue, 19 May 2020 02:26:13 GMT

If you’re interested in educating students about energy or reducing energy use in schools, consider attending our informational webinar on the K-12 Energy Benchmarking program, Thursday, May 28^th at 3:45 pm. If you’re unable to attend, a recording of the webinar will be posted to the Kansas Energy Program’s website for viewing.

Project-based learning opportunity for Kansas schools: We have started a new K-12 Energy Benchmarking program, where we will be assisting schools with benchmarking their energy use in Energy Star Portfolio Manager and then identifying opportunities for improvement. Now is a great time to get started for the next school year! Here’s how the program works:

For the summer, we will focus on establishing a baseline for your building by obtaining utility bills (at least 12 months of electric, natural gas, and water) and entering the energy use data into the Portfolio Manager database.
We will then work with you to figure out how to best incorporate this project at your school during the next school year. This part is flexible and totally up to you. Ideally, we would like a group or class of students to take over data entry, learn how to analyze the information, conduct energy audits, and present their findings to teachers and school administrators. We are here to help during this process!
Energy auditing equipment will be available for loan (infrared cameras, light meters, data loggers, range finders, etc.)

Webinar description: Are you interested in learning more about the K-12 Energy Benchmarking program? Our upcoming webinar will provide an overview of the project, what to expect, activities for students, how to pay for energy efficiency improvements, and more. The webinar will be conducted via Zoom and is scheduled for 30 minutes, but we will stay on longer to answer any questions.

https://ksu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odeqqrzMoHNcvVY2uDS5M3pGP1jLC7cdz

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Regards,

Kurt

Kurt Foley

K-State Engineering Extension – Kansas Energy Program

2323 Anderson Ave, Suite 300 | Manhattan KS 66502

816-898-5711 (mobile) | 785-532-6952 (fax)

www.kansasenergyprogram.org

Ad Astra Program: Galaxy Forum to Focus on NASA Artemis Program

Sat, 16 May 2020 01:29:02 GMT

Galaxy Forum to focus on NASA Artemis Program

The theme of the annual Ad Astra Galaxy Forum in August at the Cosmosphere will be the Artemis program--NASA's plan to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. Whether it will be an in-person, Skype or Zoom-type event will depend on the COVID-19 status.

The Forum will feature an overview of NASA's program, an Artemis-connected speaker, plus more on the Moon. If you are interested in keeping updated about this free event as it develops, please send name to contact@adastra-ks.org You are not registering at the present time, you are just indicating interest.

Jeanette Steinert
Ad Astra Kansas Foundation
316-722-3503jeanettesteinert@att.net
www.adastra-ks.org

Executive Board Reorganizes

Thu, 14 May 2020 14:41:25 GMT

As a result of recent online elections and in accordance with the KATS bylaws, the KATS executive board has added a new member and reorganized itself as follows:

President – Elizabeth Tackett

President-Elect - Betsy Lawrence

Vice-President: Robert Hamilton

Past President- Nancy Smith

The secretary and treasurer positions remain as:

Secretary: Fred Snyder

Treasurer: Brian Nelson

---Randy Brull, Webmaster

CHEMISTRY FROLICKING OPPORTUNITIES

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 15:02:35 GMT

The Advanced Placement Chemistry staff has provided a collection of online chemistry information which looks too good to pass up, no matter what level of chemistry you might be teaching. Here is the list posted on March 30.

AP Chemistry Exam Information

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-chemistry/exam?course=ap-chemistry

Resources that Support Online Chemistry Education from ChemEdX

https://www.chemedx.org/blog/sharing-resources-those-moving-online-classes-covid-19

Resources from the American Association of Chemistry Teachers

https://teachchemistry.org/news/unlocked-resources-through-march-31

Virtual Chemistry Experiments and Simulations from the American Chemical Society

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/highschool/chemistryclubs/activities/simulations.html?fbclid=IwAR2vdhtgCWa39I81jaQGNMnGqBhhf1017tJK7PumYXgcrjPLiDOiEKkKLi0

At Home Science Education from Flinn Scientific

https://www.flinnsci.com/athomescience/

Teaching Chemistry & Science Online Resource Guide

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C7GHeG5ehmPU_mxNwPg4ivV2BV85pL4u6o6Gn377BcM/edit#heading=h.i75abg5zeh1

Collisions - an interactive game that helps high school students visualize and interact with chemistry concepts

https://www.playmadagames.com/

Mechanisms - a tool that allows students to learn and practice reaction mechanisms by moving and manipulating individual bonds and electrons.

https://www.alchem.ie/mechanisms

Enjoy--Randy Brull

P. S. As you find more resources during this strange time, please feel free to share them. Any KATS member can post to the NEWS section of the website. (Remember to log in to activate your ability to post.) --rb

KAMP 2020 Is Cancelled

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 21:32:58 GMT

March 13, 2020

KATS Members and KATS Kamp registrants,

In the spirit of providing a safe learning environment for our science community, the Kansas Association of Teachers of Science organization is cancelling the 2020 KATS Kamp. This professional development conference was to be held at Ft. Hays State University on April 24-25, 2020. We regretfully will not be rescheduling the conference for this year. This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to the health and safety of participants. That being said, here are some updates:

KATS Kamp 2021 will be held at the K-State Olathe Campus (22201 W. Innovation Drive, Olathe, KS 66061) on April 23-25^th
KATS Board Members: Look for an upcoming email about our spring Board Meeting.
KATS Members: Look for an email about positions that will be open on the Board for the 2020-21 school year and voting procedures.

Thanks to all of our vendors, presenters and registrants…we value your continuing support of providing quality professional development for Kansas teachers. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at president@kats.org

Yours in Science Education,

Nancy Smith, President

KATS 2019-2020

February 2020 Newsletter

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 17:37:52 GMT

Click here for February 2020 Newsletter

What Are You Reading Now?

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:36:11 GMT

If you are reading this KATS news item, so are dozens, maybe hundreds of others who are interested in teaching and learning natural science in Kansas. If you are also a KATS member you have the ability to publish your own news on the KATS website. Simply log in as a member, select the "NEWS" tab on the main menu, and publish your news. That's all there is to it. You may also submit your item by email to webmaster@kats.org.

Second Annual Mohling Art Auction

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:35:10 GMT

Second Annual Art Auction...Wendell G Mohling Foundation

Fundraiser

The Wendell G Mohling Foundation is hosting the second annual Art Auction Fundraiser, March 21, 2020, at Holy Field Winery, 18807 158th St. Basehor, KS. All proceeds benefit the Foundation, whose mission is to support science education in Kansas by awarding an annual scholarship to a K-12 Kansas Science teacher to use in attending a National Science Teaching Association conference.

Bidder registration and item viewing begins at 2pm. Auction begins at 3:00. Approximately 30 items of original or limited edition art will be offered, including: watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen and ink, photography, textiles, jewelry, turned wood, wood carvings and collectible prints. Our New limited quantity collectible wine glass, commemorating the Wendell G Mohling Foundation will be showcased and offered for sale at this event. Wine by Holy Field Vineyards and music by LaJoie.

This auction is a live auction. In addition we will also have a direct sale table with a few choice items which you can purchase without bidding.

For additional information, visit our website: wendellmohlingfoundation.com. In addition, see Facebook event to view auction items: https://www.facebook.com/events/1039152509901912

To contact the Foundation, mohlingfoundation@gmail.com or 785-764-9625.

Mohling Auction at KATS KAMP

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:30:39 GMT

Silent Auction - Wendell G Mohling Foundation

Once again, Wendell G Mohling Foundation will be hosting its annual fundraiser Silent Auction at the meeting in Hays, KS. We will be open from 7:15am Saturday to 1:00pm. All proceeds benefit the Mohling Foundation. We award one K-12 Kansas science teacher, $700 to use to attend an NSTA conference of their choice in the year they win. Since 2006, we have been issuing these scholarships to a KATS member.

The award is named in honor of Wendell G Mohling, a Kansas high school Biology and Student Naturalist teacher, who was also president of KATS, NSTA, 1983 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math, 1985 NASA Teacher in Space from Kansas and Space Ambassador, plus numerous other awards. But he never forgot his Kansas roots or his love of teaching Science. He valued the experiences he gained attending national science teacher conferences.

So, when you come to KATS KAMP in April, if you have something you would like to contribute to the auction, please let me know and bring it along with you. We will gladly accept your donation.

As usual, we encourage you to "bid high and bid often". You must be present to pay for and pick up the items you win. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. We do pass along the 4% transaction fee, which the foundation is charged. The generosity of KATS members is appreciated and passed along to all our recipients. Thank you.

Keep in touch via Facebook: Wendell G Mohling Foundation. Website : wendellmohlingfoundation.com. Email: mohlingfoundation@gmail.com. 785-764-9625 Carol Mohling

Quarks for Kids Lecture at KU Feb 25

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 23:10:56 GMT

ADVENTURE IN THE SUBATOMIC UNIVERSE an inaugurual lecture by KU physicist Alice Bean, is open and free to the public at Alderson Auditorium of the KU Memorial Union on February 25 at 5:30 pm. Reception follows at 6:30. Dr. Bean has participated in subatomic particle research with the Large Hadron Collider and has collaborated in presenting the results of this research to young and old via a series of website games under the title of Quarks for Kids.

Cold War Tech and History Paid Teacher Workshop

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 17:11:02 GMT

Apply for a two week stipend-supported Summer Institute integrating technology and history!

July 20-July 31, 2020 NEH Summer Institute for Teachers

Apply to join history, science and technology teachers from across the United States for a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute for Teachers: The Cold War Through the Collections of the Intrepid Museum! The Summer Institute will immerse participating teachers in scholarly research as well as the artifacts and oral histories in the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s collection that embody the Cold War era. Integrating content exploring the historical context of technological innovation, the Institute will serve a national group of 25 teachers in order to deepen their understanding and increase confidence in their ability to explore the subject thoroughly, critically and engagingly with their students.

These projects are designed principally for full-time or part-time teachers and librarians in public, charter, independent, and religiously affiliated schools, as well as home schooling parents. Museum educators and other K-12 school system personnel—such as administrators, substitute teachers, and curriculum developers—are also eligible to participate. Applicants must be United States citizens, residents of U.S. jurisdictions, or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its territories for at least the three years immediately preceding the application deadline.

Each participant receives a stipend of $2,100 for the two week institute.

For more information and application instructions - https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/cold-war-collections

Kansas Geological Survey to Be Featured on Feb 20 at KU Event

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:57:35 GMT

Hello,

My name is Blair Schneider and I am the Educational Outreach Manager for the Kansas Geological Survey. I am not sure who to contact at your organization about this, but we are having a fundraiser this month on February 20^th as a part of the One Day. One KU campaign. The KGS is being featured, and one of the projects we are hoping to raise funds for is building free Earth Science Teaching Toolkits that can be distributed to teachers across the state, as well as provide free trainings and professional credit hours for them on how to use them.

The toolkits will cover a variety of topics, including rocks, minerals, water, earthquakes, etc! You all have an amazing community, and so I wanted to see if you would be willing to advertise that this event is happening. You can learn more about the campaign here: https://kansas.scalefunder.com/gday/giving-day/18833/department/22073

Blair Schneider, PhD

Education Outreach Manager

Free KSU Energy Education Resources

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 02:15:32 GMT

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) Energy Office partners with the Kansas Energy Program* to provide energy education resources to K-12 schools throughout Kansas. The program has provided energy education assistance to more than 77 schools and K-12 organizations/events and 9,838 students through on-site presentations and KidWind Challenges, and through its energy equipment lending library.

This year, the KCC Energy Office stepped it up a notch and has launched a new initiative to assist Kansas’ schools in benchmarking energy consumption through Energy Star Portfolio Manager, an online tool you can use to measure and track energy and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. This hands-on, project-based learning activity is intended to get students involved in learning about energy use in their schools. The Kansas Energy Program will provide personnel to conduct the initial benchmarking, and will train teachers and students in the use of Portfolio Manager. Student-led teams can then maintain the Portfolio Manager database and present the school’s progress to teachers and administration. As an additional activity, students can use energy-measuring equipment in the Kansas Energy Program’s lending library to conduct mini energy audits to see where energy may be used more efficiently.

To gather initial data on interest in the project, we request you complete the following survey (16 questions, 3 minutes). Visit our websites to learn more about the KCC Energy Office/Kansas Energy Program partnership, and feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. Again, all activities through this KCC Energy Office initiative would be at no-cost (other than teacher time).

Survey: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wep6EV2DHOb4DX

*The Kansas Energy Program is housed with Kansas State University Engineering Extension.

Kurt Foley

Graduate Student Intern

Kansas Energy Program

K-State Engineering Extension

2323 Anderson Ave, Suite 300 | Manhattan KS 66502

785-532-4998 (office) | 785-532-6952 (fax)

ksenergyprog@ksu.edu | www.kansasenergyprogram.org

Free Summer biotechnology training for teachers to promote STEM careers

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 17:10:13 GMT

In order to build the future workforce to meet the demands of the animal health industry, Kansas State University through a USDA grant is offering a summer "boot camp." It is geared to give teachers the basis needed to develop STEM curricula and career-related materials. Find out how you can participate by clicking link below:

https://olathe.k-state.edu/community/k-12/animal-health-education/

GeoSciences Career Ambassador Workshop at KSU

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 23:28:08 GMT

Geoscience Career Ambassador Training (GeoCAT)

The Geoscience Career Ambassador Training (GeoCAT) Workshop will be held June 22-26, 2020, at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, and will focus on introducing and familiarizing educators (for teachers, advisors and 4-H volunteers) with geoscience careers in an effort to increase interest and enrollment of diverse student populations in geosciences across the state of Kansas. The GeoCAT program emphasizes recruiting and supporting under-represented students from populations in STEM fields to geoscience majors, in an effort to build a strong geoscience workforce in the future, particularly in Kansas, with industries that depend heavily on environmental and energy resources and their effective management. The GeoCAT workshop is an NAGT sponsored project and is also supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant ICER-1911590 GP-IMPACT: GeoCAT Workshop: Geoscience Careers Ambassador Training Workshop. For more information contact geocat@k-state.edu. Apply here by April 30, 2020.

Some important information about the workshop:

1- Zoom participation, and partial participation is possible.

2- Those who participate physically for the whole workshop will receive a stipend of $300.

3- Participants can earn 3 graduate credits (or less) for participating in the workshop.

4- This workshop is accepted as a Professional Development for teachers of all levels by Kansas Department of Education.

Dr. Aida Farough

Teaching Assistant Professor

HydroLearn Fellow: https://www.hydrolearn.org/

Lead PI on GeoCAT: https://www.k-state.edu/geocat/

Department of Geology

Kansas State University

108 Thompson Hall

Manhattan, KS 66506

office: 202 Thompson Hall

Grant Opportunity -- Kids to Parks Theme

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 15:44:46 GMT

Grant Opportunity: National Park Trust's Kids to Parks Day National School Contest

National Park Trust's annual Kids to Parks Day National School Contest empowers students to plan their own educational park experience. Open to all Title I students (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch) in grades PreK through 12, this contest provides grants up to $1,000 to cover transportation, park-related fees, stewardship supplies, or anything else students believe would enhance their experience. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2020. Details can be found at http://bit.ly/KTP2020STO

Emily Edgar

Senior Education Coordinator

National Park Trust
401 East Jefferson Street, Suite 207
Rockville, MD 20850
Office: 301.279.7275

Cell: 301.807.5297

emily@parktrust.org

www.parktrust.org

Fall 2019 Ad Astra Newsletter

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 20:20:41 GMT

The weather is turning cool, but we have some hot topics in the 2019 Fall issue of the Ad Astra Kansas News

Upcoming Symposium's Next Giant Leap: Ad Astra
Wichita aerospace company selected as NASA partner
Galaxy Forum topics inform
NASA Eyes--Kansas Minds
Celebrating the Scientific Legacy of NASA and Apollo
Move over Mighty Mouse: KSU researchers send mice to space for immune studies
Symposium science fiction panel
KU expanding aerospace / satellite design facilities
Interstellar R&D

Mohling Foundation extends application deadline to October 16.

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:05:57 GMT

The deadline for accepting applications for the Mohling Foundation Scholarship to attend a regional or national NSTA convention has been extended through Oct 16.

Applicants must have two years of teaching experience in any of grades K-12 in Kansas Schools and intend to continue teaching for the next year.

Application follows:

Wendell G. Mohling Foundation Scholarship Application

This scholarship, in honor of Dr.Wendell G. Mohling, will be awarded to a Kansas science teacher, to attend a National Science Teachers Association Conference.

The scholarship, to be used sometime during the school year it is awarded, will be in the amount of $700.00. Application deadline is October 1st.

The applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

1) The teacher is currently teaching science in a Kansas school, in grades K-12, and has

been teaching science for a minimum of 2 years.

2) The teacher will continue teaching science in a Kansas school during the following

school year, after the scholarship is awarded. A letter of support from the teacher’s

superintendent/ principal will be required, and must accompany the application.

3) The teacher has never attended an NSTA convention.

4) The teacher will provide receipts to the foundation, to document the teacher’s

expenses while attending the convention.

5) The teacher will join or renew his/her Kansas Association of Teachers of Science

membership for the year. The foundation will reimburse the cost of this membership.

Applicant Information

Name:____________________________________________________________

First Middle Last

Current Teaching Assignment: ________________________________________

School Name:______________________________________________________

School Address: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

School District: ____________________________________________________

School Phone Number: ______________________________________________

School Fax Number: ________________________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________

Home Address: ____________________________________________________

Home Phone Number: ______________________________________________

Mobile Phone Number: ____________________________________________

Undergraduate Degree: _____________________________________________

College/University: _______________________________________________

Year Granted: __________________________

Prior teaching experience: List the school district, the dates employed, and subject(s) taught.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Respond to the following on an 8 ½” x 11” paper, double-spaced, one side only:

Explain in detail how attending a NSTA Convention will benefit you as a science teacher, and the impact your attendance will have on the students that you teach. Maximum length not to exceed one page. Attach this essay to the application.

By signing this application, you are attesting that the above information is correct and that you meet all of the requirements for the scholarship. Please mail this application with the letter of support from your superintendent/principal to: Wendell G. Mohling Foundation,

P.O. Box 442536, Lawrence, KS 66044. Deadline: October 16, 2019

__________________________________________________ __________________

Signature Date

Information about the Mohling Foundation, downloadable scholarship application, and biographical information about past winners is available at: www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com

Questions may be directed to: mohlingfoundation@gmail.com

Ad Astra Offers Aug 24 Free Cosmophere Event

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 01:06:39 GMT

Teachers, you are invited to the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation’s

2019 GALAXY FORUM

At the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, KS

August 24, 2019 / 1-3 p.m.

THEME: “Black Holes, Humans in Space… and more”

Purpose: Teachers will be provided useful classroom information on galaxy space exploration and humans in space.

They will:

1. Hear information on the Event Horizon Telescope and other cutting-edge research into black holes.
2. Be apprised of a recent discovery of “cold quasars” and what that might mean for stars’ life cycles.
3. Follow the process by which engineers design habitable environments for astronauts
4. Be familiarized with the newest technologies being used to explore our solar system.
This event is FREE of charge. To register send name, school and number attending to jeanettesteinert@att.net Certificates of attendance will be available. Geared to middle school on up.

BRIGHT IDEA: Make a day of it-- attend the “Apollo 11: First Steps Edition” free documentary screening for teachers provided by the Cosmosphere at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. For info, go to teachers.

Speakers and Topics:

NOTE: Both main speakers are accomplished women scientists—role models for any interested students who would like to come.

“Hearts of Darkness: Uncovering the Supermassive Black Holes at Galaxy Centers"

By Dr. Allison Kirkpatrick / University of Kansas

Kirkpatrick is an expert on supermassive black holes. As an observational astronomer, Dr. Kirkpatrick uses data from Spitzer, Hubble, Chandra, and other telescopes to quantify the energy output of supermassive black holes and the amount of star formation in host galaxies. She will share the latest on the Event Horizon Telescope observation and other cutting-edge black hole research. Kirkpatrick recently garnered national attention for her discovery of yet unknown “cold quasars”, a breakthrough that changes scientific thought as to how galaxies mature.

“Humans in Space”

By Dr. Amy Betz / Kansas State University

Heat and water--two big concerns in space. Dr. Betz, of the K-State Department of Mechanical Engineering, will discuss the designing and developing of habitable environments for astronauts. She is currently part of a Kansas multi-university NASA research project to develop more efficient and compact technologies for cooling and water recycling systems in spacecraft. As part of the discussion, she will demonstrate two activities to illustrate principles she works with. This is part of a STEM workshop she is developing for middle school teachers.

“An Interstellar University in the Ad Astra State”

By Steve Durst / AAKF

Steve Durst is a co-founder of the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation. Durst, whose Space Age Publishing Company has offices in Hawai’i and California, has focused on space news and exploration for over 40 years. He discusses his hopes for the space sciences in Kansas in the 21^st century.

The Ad Astra Kansas Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on enriching science education in Kansas, especially the space sciences. This FREE educational event is sponsored by the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation with the generous cooperation of the Cosmosphere. Find us at www.adastra-ks.org and on Facebook.

ESU looking for a part time biology instructor in El Dorado

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 02:32:27 GMT

Instructor-Part-time-Biological Sciences /Education The Department of Biological Sciences at Emporia State University invites applications for a part-time instructor to teach “Field and Lab Biology” to Elementary Education majors in our BEST program in El Dorado, KS. The appointment will be for the Fall 2019 semester with the potential for renewal.

Position Summary

The responsibilities of the position are to teach two sections of GB 303, Field and Lab Biology. This unique course is a hybrid lab and lecture class designed to provide pre-service K-6 teachers with the content and skills necessary to effectively teach biology in their future classrooms. The content of the course is a broad survey of the diversity of organisms with an emphasis on botany and zoology as well as human anatomy and physiology.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in Biology or Education is required. Experience teaching life science at the K-12 level and/or training elementary teachers in science teaching methods is preferred. Must be available to teach Thursday evenings and Friday mornings at our offsite location in El Dorado, KS.

Application

To apply, submit a letter of application, CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Tim Burnett, Emporia State University, 1 Kellogg Circle Box 4050, Emporia, KS 66801 or tburnett@emporia.edu. Screening of applicants will begin July 1 and continue until the position is filled. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hire.

Emporia State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot be considered by law

KSDE INFO -- Lizette Burks

Thu, 30 May 2019 15:58:31 GMT

Hello,

I hope you all had a great close to the school year with students and in this month's newletter you will find professional development resources that may help support you this summer. Check out the resources using the link below!

I am also writing today as I am moving out of this role with the Kansas State Department of Education and will be working at the University of Arkansas/School of Education next year teaching graduate science education courses and working on an equity teacher preparation project. If you need to reach me after June 4 please do so at lizette.burks@gmail.com.

I have thoroughly enjoyed these last three years helping support curriculum, instruction, and assessments state-wide for science. I was an 8th grade science teacher when the current Kansas Standards for Science (NGSS) were adopted and I took this role in hopes of supporting implementation of what this vision has in store for students. It has been an honor supporting the transition from scientific inquiry to three-dimensional learning found in our standards. What I can say for sure is that this vision is definitely worth all of our hard work happening across the state!

If you are interested in leading science education with the Kansas State Department of Education my job will be posted on this site in the future. I will be at the Kansas Excellence in Math/Science Teaching Conference KSDE is holding in June at Newman University. I hope to see you there and the deadline to sign up was extended!

Thank you for all that you do and again it has been an honor to serve in this role. Have a great summer!

www.smore.com/2fveb

Lizette Burks, Ed.D.

Science Education Consultant

Career Standards & Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

Complete KATS Program Link Here

Kansas State Department of Education

LANDON STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 900 SW JACKSON STREET, SUITE 653, TOPEKA, KS 66612

FHSU Chemistry Modeling Workshop Deadline Extended to Friday May 24

Wed, 22 May 2019 21:09:47 GMT

Registration closed May 24.

Registration for Chemistry Modeling Workshop offered at Fort Hays State University will still be accepted until this coming Friday, May 24. Any interested teacher should contact Earl Legleiter (303-801-8401), Paul Adams (785-628-5344), or Ann Noble (785-628-5449) at the FHSU Science and Math Education Institute as soon as possible.

Fort Hays State University Offers Summer Professional Development

Wed, 22 May 2019 14:19:46 GMT

SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION INSTITUTE

The Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) at Fort Hays State University developed from a strong desire to improve and embrace the education of science and mathematics in Kansas. By bringing together an extensive network of educators and pedagogy enthusiastics, SMEI hopes to strengthen the comprehension of these necessary skills in not only kindergarten through 12th grade and college students, but also the surrounding community. Check out upcoming summer opportunities!

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS Summer

NASA Earth System Science Teacher Workshop July 22-25, 2019 (stipend available)

Summer Professional Development Opportunities

Wed, 22 May 2019 14:15:30 GMT

KSDE Math/Science Summer Conference: June 17-18 (Wichita)

Registration extended-- still available.

STEM Reimagined is the theme for the 2019 KSDE Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Conference. PBL has been a wide-spread conversation throughout the state, but what are critical components for PBL in the K-12 science classroom? No matter the instructional model you use (PBL, 5E method, problem-based learning, etc.) come find out strategies that are critical to all instructional models that will help support student sensemaking in science aligned to the Kansas Standards for Science (NGSS).

The mornings will include guest speakers from Kansas Association of Teachers of Science, Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics and others and chances to learn from expert math and science teachers in Kansas. The afternoon K-12 science presenters were part of a professional development project KSDE held this past year to help support the transition from scientific inquiry to three-dimensional teaching and learning (NGSS). These master science teachers implemented a high quality unit of instruction this year and are ready to share some of the best strategies they learned with you (driving question boards, talk moves, etc.). Graduate credit is available and registration closes May 24. http://bit.ly/2ZQndbZ

Free Materials Camp for HS Teachers: June 17-21 (Kansas City)

Join the fun this summer in Kansas City where you will learn the basics of Materials Science Technology as taught at the high school level. During this cost-free, week-long camp, you will work hands-on with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Participating teachers will leave with a comprehensive series of low/no cost laboratory demonstrations in applied science to use in chemistry, physics, math, technology, and industrial arts. You will also have an opportunity to earn 4 CEU credits through the ASM Education Foundation. http://bit.ly/2Hi9wtS

Science & Our Food Supply Free PD Workshop: June 1 & 7 (Wichita)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have created Science and Our Food Supply, a hands-on curriculum for use in middle level and high school. During this one day workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to participate in food science experiments, explore food safety issues, and will become familiar with the lessons and activities in the Science and our Food Supply Curriculum. This curriculum is helpful for formal and informal educators who teach life science, nutrition, health, and family & consumer science classes. http://bit.ly/2LGIhyC

Upcoming Environmental Education Workshops Across Kansas: Kansas Association for Conservation & Environmental Education

May 28 (Topeka) Environmental Education Summer Course

June 6 (Galena) Environmental Education in Southeast Kansas

Join us for this workshop and learn how to incorporate environment education into your curriculum/programs to make teaching across the curriculum fun and engaging. http://bit.ly/2E7L91q

July 9 (Olathe) Green Champion Energy Institute Workshop

Open to educators from the Olathe school district. Join other teachers in the Olathe District as we strive to become the first “green district” in the Kansas City area. You will walk away with hundreds of engaging, hands-on, inter-disciplinary materials and resources to incorporate into your classroom. http://bit.ly/2E7L91q

KSDE Summer Stem Workshop June 17-18, 2019

Thu, 02 May 2019 13:24:31 GMT

STEM Reimangined Through Project Based Learning

June 17-18, 2019

Newman University

3100 McCormick Ave., Wichita KS

STEM Reimagined is the theme for the 2019 Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Conference. Join fellow math and science teachers from across the state to review, refresh and retool STEM. This conference will focus on ways in which teachers can use STEM activities to implement Project Based Learning (PBL) in their classrooms. PBL has been a wide-spread conversation throughout the state, but what are critical components for PBL in the science classroom? No matter the instructional model you use (PBL, 5E method, problem-based learning, etc.) come find out strategies that are critical to all instructional models that will help support student sensemaking in science.

The mornings will include guest speakers from Kansas Association of Teachers of Science, Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics, and others and chances to learn from expert math and science teachers in Kansas. During the afternoons each day, grade-banded groups will be digging deep into science specific strategies that are critical to help support student sensemaking in science. This will be a great opportunity to be inspired and learn from others. Bring your team or just yourself. Either way, you will walk away with your plan to move instruction to the next level this coming fall.

The afternoon science presenters were part of a professional development project KSDE held this past year to help support the transition from scientific inquiry to three-dimensional teaching and learning. These master science teachers implemented a high quality unit of instruction this year and are ready to share some of the best strategies they learned with you.

Graduate credit is available and registration closes May 24. Thank you for your consideration.

http://bit.ly/2ZQndbZ

Complete KATS Program Link just BELOW

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 23:14:28 GMT

Molhling New Teacher Award Increases to $700

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 14:20:10 GMT

Wendell G Mohling Foundation Award change!!

The Mohling Foundation has been giving an award amount of $500 since 2006. This is considered "incentive" money to assist in funding a K-12 Kansas science teacher to attend an NSTA conference of their choice, during the school year in which they are selected as the recipient.

Beginning next year, we will award $700 to one K-12 Kansas science teacher to use toward attending an NSTA conference of their choice. While we know this still is inadequate to fund the expense, we consider it as incentive money to encourage a school district to do the "right" thing and pay the balance of the cost. School districts need to invest in the success of their teachers and in 90% of the cases involving our winners, the districts have indeed risen to the challenge.

For more information, or to download an application form, please visit our website: www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com or you may access our website from www.kats.org. Applications are due Oct 1.

Judges Needed for State Science Fair on March 29

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 20:43:52 GMT

The Kansas State Science & Engineering Fair (KSSEF) brings together all students advancing from local and regional science fairs happening across the state. The Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair is an ongoing annual project, occurring on March 29. 2019, at the Cessna Activity Center in Wichita, Kansas. KSSEF represents an excellent opportunity for aspiring students across Kansas to challenge one another, and themselves, to expand their knowledge of the scientific fields. Students will gain experience in critical thinking, leadership, and develop their problem-solving skills. The winning students will receive numerous awards that include trophies, cash, and scholarships.

Students competing at the KSSEF will have competed at one of the six regional science fairs within Kansas and finished in the top 25% of their respective division. Students are required to have completed their own scientific research and must present their findings in both written and oral formats. Students who were judged to be in the top 35, or 25%, of their division in the regional fair will advance to KSSEF. The fair will showcase over 200 projects from students in grades 4-12.

How to get involved with KSSEF. Volunteers in STEM related fields are scheduled to meet with students and judge their scientific research at KSSEF. We are in need of more judges and If you are interested in volunteering as a judge, please complete the application below or pass along to others you know that may be able to help out.

http://goo.gl/uydFSz

from: Lizette Burks: Member, KSSEF Board of Directors

March KSDE Newsletter Link

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 03:26:01 GMT

Please find a link below to access the most recent KSDE Science Newsletter.

In this issue:

Learn more about how phenomena are central to our Kansas Science Standards
New classroom formative assessment resources
National Science Curricular Review: EdReports (6-8 Material Reviews Are Out)
Kansas educators invited to join scientists at SciComm

Thank you.

https://www.smore.com/njfc0

Opportunities from the Lunar and Planetary Institute

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:02:08 GMT

Earth and Space Science
News, Events, and Resources

Apollo Next Giant Leap Student Challenge

NASA’s Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pipeline invites teams of students in grades 5-12 across the United States and territories to recreate the Apollo 11 moon landing using a drone and a LEGO Mindstorm robot. Organizations will run the Apollo Next Giant Leap Student (ANGLES) Challenge locally to select a team to advance to the nearest regional challenge hub. The top team at each regional challenge hub will earn the grand prize of a trip to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas!

Humans in Space Youth Art Competition!

The SciArt Exchange invites young people 10-18 years old to submit visual, literary, musical and video artwork about what we will do on the Moon and why it is important. Entries are due April 30, 2019.

Join us in person at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston or online on Thursday, March 7, to hear Dr. Hewett give an overview of the incredible observations the New Horizons mission made at Ultima Thule. This presentation is part of this year's Cosmic Exploration Speaker Series theme, "LPI at 50: A Half Century of Solar System Exploration."

The online LPI Earth and Space Science Newsletter has links to events, workshops, grants, opportunities for students, and other science news.

New Orleans Workshop for Gr 5-8 STEM Teachers

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 20:32:06 GMT

To:

KATS officers--

I have an opportunity for teachers that I hope you will pass on to your members:

Real World Science is a weeklong summer seminar for 5^th-8^th grade science teachers that explores key STEM concepts using real-world WWII examples. Twenty-eight teachers from across the country will come to New Orleans to experience hands-on how necessity, knowledge, perseverance and skill lead to inventions, innovation, and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), just like in World War II.

PROGRAM DATES: July 14 - 20, 2019

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: The seminar application is open to any 5th-8th grade science teacher (public, public charter, private, and parochial), who will be teaching a science course to students in the same age group in the 2019-2020 school year. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive process that will include information on teaching experience, a short written statement, and two letters of recommendation. Teachers newer to the classroom are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted from January 7 – March 15, 2019.

COST: This seminar is supported by a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation. Teachers will receive free room and board in New Orleans, a travel stipend, and all seminar materials free of charge.

nationalww2museum.org/realworldscience

Thank you

Rob Wallace

STEM Education Specialist

The National WWII Museum

Nominations Needed for KATS Awards

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:00:58 GMT

Nominations are needed soon for the following awards and offices--

Regional Outstanding Educator: Each region may choose to identify an outstanding science educator. The individual must be a KATS member, in its region for recognition KATS Kamp. Nominations are due to one of the members of your Regional representatives by February 1, 2019. The Regional Representatives will provide the name of the selected individual to a Nomination and Awards Committee by February 8, 2019. The winner will be contacted for biographical information to be used in publicity related to the award. A nomination consists of contact Information of the nominee, a written narrative describing the outstanding contributions/events that indicated the nominee is deserving of the recognition, and any other information that you feel is important in consideration for the award.

Distinguished KATS Member Award: This award is designed to recognize KATS members who have made significant contributions to KATS and science education. The award is presented to one individual each year at KATS Kamp. Nominations are due February 1, 2019 to Carol Bonham. A Nomination and Awards Committee will select the awardee. A nomination consists of contact Information of the nominee, a written narrative describing the outstanding contributions/events that indicated the nominee is deserving of the recognition a written narrative describing the outstanding contributions/events of the nominees to the KATS organization any other information that you feel is important in consideration for the award.

KATS Outstanding Contributions to Science Education in Kansas: At the August 25, 2012 Board Meeting, KATS established an award to recognize outstanding contributions to science education by an organization or individual(s) Selection of the award winner is done by the Nomination and Awards Committee from nominations from by KATS members. The award is not an annual award; zero or more awards can be made in any year depending on the quality of qualified nominations. The award winner will be recognized at the KATS Meeting, formal presentation of the award will be at a venue identified by the award winner. Nominations are due February 1, 2019 to Carol Bonham. A nomination consists of: contact Information of the nominee, a written narrative describing the outstanding contributions/events that indicated the nominee is deserving of the recognition any other information that you feel is important in consideration for the award.

As past president, I will be also be taking nominations for any openings on the board including the following:

Region I Elementary

Region II Secondary

Region III College

Region IV College

Region V Elementary

Region VI Secondary

Please send an email to me carolb@prattcc.edu if you have any nominees or any questions. Thank you for your assistance!

Carol Bonham Past President KATS

Professional Devopment Opportunities Online Include Graduate Credit

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 23:37:21 GMT

Hello,

We are happy to announce two great partnerships for upcoming virtual K-12 science professional development opportunities. Many have reached out this year requesting Kansas Science Standards opportunities for district and building K-12 science leaders in your setting.

KSDE is partnering with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to provide an online science professional development opportunity for PK-5 elementary science educators in Kansas. This is a first come first served opportunity for up to 45 participants sponsored by KSDE. https://www.smore.com/p0y74

KSDE is also partnering with Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska education departments to support K-12 science educators with a number of different topics that have emerged in each of our settings. We have learned collaborating across states can help educators grow their networks and find more resources. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_UQv3u-6HnC5r5MVxKzmWBI-Nu14qyO1/view?usp=sharing

Graduate credit is available for both partnerships and this would be a great opportunity for a number of different science education needs I often hear working with buildings and districts across the state.

This opportunity is particularly helpful for rural school districts where travel for professional development may be more difficult.
Elementary educators teaching science have special considerations and the NSTA partnership will help support this grade band in much more depth.
Learn how to better use the resources you have in your school district no matter how old or new they may be. PD is still needed to know how to make better use of those resources!

Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Lizette Burks, Ed.D.

Science Education Consultant

Career Standards & Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

http://www.nsfepscor.ku.edu

Kansas State Department of Education

Apply now for Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 02:11:19 GMT

Hello,

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 MAPS EPSCoR Ecosystems of Kansas Summer Institute ( https://epscoroutreach.ku.edu/) for Kansas High School Biology/Environmental Sciences teachers that will be held June 17-21, 2019 at the Konza Prairie Biological Station (near KSU). Teacher participants will earn a stipend of $750 for actively participating in the week’s activities and writing curriculum. In addition, a travel allowance will be provided for those living more than 1 hour away from the field station.

Please share this information with your High School Biology/Environmental Sciences colleagues and encourage them to apply (or apply yourself if you teach Biology/Environmental Sciences and/or didn’t go last year)

Apply here: https://goo.gl/McoVSk

Check out the blog article about how Amy Hammett (2018 attendee) is using what she learned at the institute in her classroom: https://goo.gl/AC2JCN

And here is a promotion video about last year’s institute for you to share (if you want J): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpgw3POGZpQ

For additional information, visit our blog: https://goo.gl/kfqyAS or website: http://www.nsfepscor.ku.edu/

If you or they have any questions contact Peggy pschultz@ku.edu or me.

Thanks!!

Rosemary Blum

Education, Outreach and Diversity Director

Kansas NSF EPSCoR

785-864-6120

rblum@ku.edu

University of Kansas

2021 Constant Ave.

Lawrence, KS 66047-3729

Fax: 785-864-3093

KSU Announces KID Wind Challege Teacher Workshops and Student Competitions

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 02:18:18 GMT

Greetings!

We are excited to announce details of the 2019 Kansas KidWind Challenge. Please take a look at the details below and check out the attached informational flyer. This year, we’ll be expanding the Challenge to include four regional and one statewide KidWind Challenge. For those who have participated in the past, we recognize the events are being held earlier in the year than usual and apologize for any inconvenience. This will allow teams from across the state to better participate and provide more time for preparation before the national KidWind Challenge.

2019 Kansas KidWind Challenges

· SW Kansas – 2/7/19 (Thu): Dodge City (Village Square Mall) – register
· NE Kansas – 2/14/19 (Thu): Manhattan (Unger Complex) – register
· SE Kansas – 3/1/19 (Fri): Burlington (Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant) – register
· NW Kansas – 3/7/19 (Thu): Oakley (Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center) – register
· Statewide – 3/30/19 (Sat): Topeka (Kansas Museum of History) – by invitation to top teams

We’ll be hosting two informational webinars on Thurs, Dec. 13 and Mon, Jan. 7 at 3:45pm, so please consider attending. The webinars will be recorded, even if you can’t make either of them. Click on the hyperlinks above or visit www.kansasenergyprogram.org/kidwindchallenge to sign up.

More information about the events can be found at www.kansasenergyprogram.org/kidwindchallenge.

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.

Regards,

Ryan

Ryan Hamel, PE, CEM, CMVP

K-State Engineering Extension – Kansas Energy Program

2323 Anderson, Suite 300 │ Manhattan, KS 66502

785-532-3351 (office) │ 913-231-2760 (mobile)

785-532-6952 (fax) │ www.kansasenergyprogram.org

New KSDE Newsletter Link

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 02:12:40 GMT

Please find a link below to access the most recent KSDE Science Newsletter.

In this issue:

Driving Question Boards: A Strategy to Support Phenomena Driven Learning
Nation's Highest Honor for Science Teachers: Accepting Applications
Kansas Association of Teachers of Science: Sumbit a Proposal to Present
Elementary and Secondary Science News and Resources

Thank you. --lb

https://www.smore.com/a9sd4

Big Savings at NSTA Conference for NSTA Members and Big Savings at KATS Conference for KATS Members

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 22:35:40 GMT

NSTA is offering $95 off the price of registration to the St. Louis National Conference to anyone who is a member. If you get a membership to NSTA, it will cost you $79; but you will save $95 on the conference registration. You can get an NSTA membership any time - today, next week, next January, or when you register for the event.

KATS will be adopting a similar system. Between now and April 27th, 2019, anyone can register to be a KATS member for $35. If they have a membership before the April conference, then the price of "KATS 1.5" will be reduced by $30 (from $95 to $65). For most people, the most convenient option will be to renew their membership at the time they register for the annual KATS conference.

Some districts/administrators do not want to pay for a person's membership to an association. This will allow someone to join KATS separately and still pay less at the time of conference registration.

Some people want to attend our conferences but do not wish to be a member. The next KATS conference will still cost under $100 for a person who wants to attend but not join KATS. However, for only $5 more, you can get both.

Do not hesitate to email me as necessary. ( president@kats.org or telsen@usd259.net)

Sincerely,

Tim Elsen

KATS President

Latest Ad Astra Newsletter

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 22:18:43 GMT

Hello all:

Fall 2018 Ad Astra Newsletter

There's a lot of cooperation going on in this newsletter--and it's all beneficial to the Ad Astra State.

Three Kansas research universities collaborate on future space technology.

Interstellar symposium and propulsion workshop will come to Wichita in 2019 (Collaboration between NASA and the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop (TVIW), hosted by Wichita State University and Ad Astra Kansas Foundation).

Call for abstracts to 6th Interstellar Symposium and Interstellar Propulsion Workshop is in effect.

Galaxy Forum goes to both ends of the solar system.

Ad Astra Kansas Space Day soars.

Kansas astronaut has "one wild ride"

Enjoy!

Jeanette

Nominations Open for Presidential Award

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:14:38 GMT

Know a great math or science teacher?

Nominate a teacher to receive the Presidential Award

for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

The National Science Foundation currently is accepting nominations and applications for the 2019 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST is the highest recognition that a mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. This program recognizes teachers for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.

This year's awards will honor science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/computer science teachers working in grades 7-12.

State Presidential Award finalists receive a $500 unrestricted cash award and an invitation to a professional development conference sponsored by Westar Energy, Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation and the Kansas State Department of Education.

National Presidential Awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

To apply, teachers must first be nominated for the award. Teachers can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else, such as principals, teachers, parents or members of the general public. Once nominated, teachers will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online application.

The program is now accepting nominations for kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers for the nation’s highest honor for mathematics and science teachers.

The nomination deadline is March 1, 2019, and the application deadline is May 1, 2019.

Please consider nominating an outstanding mathematics or science teacher today! To make a nomination, go to www.paemst.org, and then click on Nominate a Teacher.

from:

Tamla (Tammy) Miller

Administrative Specialist

Communications and Recognition Programs

(785) 296-4950

tmiller@ksde.org

www.ksde.org

Science Friday survey (get a beaker mug!)

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 19:50:57 GMT

Science Friday has a wide variety of free educational resources for teachers that involve real-world data, current studies, and accompanying audio segments from the show or video. We're looking to continue to improve our resources and get feedback from the educator community on the resources themselves.

Teachers can also apply to field test one of our resources as well. Teachers who are chosen as field testers will even earn a Science Friday beaker mug or vacuum insulated water bottle as a thank you for their time and opinion.

Our survey link can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQWBNH5

Thank you for your time and have a great day!

Kansas City Area NGSS and EE Workshop Registration Deadline Sept 28

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 02:56:14 GMT

Oct 3 EE & NGSS Workshop: ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER!!

*Registration Deadline Extended to Sep 28*

Make Learning FUN & ACCESSIBLE for All

KACEE Professional Development Event:

Environmental Education & NGSS in Kansas City

Learn how to use the environment to engage children in learning - both outside and indoors!

Learn how EE and formative assessments can help you with the state science standards and making science more accessible and equitable!

You’ll receive Project Learning Tree and a Next Generation Science Standard E-Unit for your grade level

*WANT A SNEAK PEEK? Click HERE

EE & NGSS in Kansas City

Oct 3, 2018 4:30pm—6:30pm Kansas City

~ Plus 14 additional ONLINE course work hours

Open to all PreK—8 Educators

$55 per participant

One graduate credit hour available through Baker University for an additional $75

Click HERE for more information and to register

Registration Deadline *EXTENDED TO SEP 28!!*

Questions? Contact Ashlyn Kite-Hartwich at 785-889-4384 or akite@kacee.org

Mohling Award app due soon!

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 02:07:24 GMT

The Mohling Award for science educators has a deadline approaching soon - September 23rd. Go to the Mohling website, http://www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com/ or contact the foundation at mohlingfoundation@gmail.com for more information.

Kids to Parks Day

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 01:56:28 GMT

Kids to Parks Day National School Contest is NOW open! @NationalParkTrust’s contest is open to all Title I schools (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch) and school groups in the U.S. in grades preK through 12. The goal of the contest is to help educators engage students with their local parks through education, outdoor recreation, and stewardship. Contest closes on February 14, 2019, with winners announced on the website on March 7, 2019. To download your entry form and apply -- and to review contest details, sample entries, and past winners -- go to http://bit.ly/KTPScience . Good luck to everyone!

KABT Announces Sept 22 Conference

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:28:58 GMT

Hello,

My name is Sara Abeita, and I am a Biology teacher at Free State High School in Lawrence Kansas. I am also a member of the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers (KABT) and wanted to share with you about our upcoming Fall Professional Development Conference, which is coming up on September 22nd. The conference will be held at the KU Field Station's Armitage Education Center in Lawrence Kansas from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

I know that a full Saturday is hard to give up, but I feel that this conference is a low-cost and high-value opportunity for Biology educators to learn and collaborate. I have attended the conference the last five years and always walk away with new things to try in my classroom. KABT is full of passionate and motivated practicing educators that push me to improve my teaching. It costs $15 to attend the conference, with an optional KABT membership for additional $15. Lunch will be provided during the conference and all presenter resources will be shared via a google drive folder.

I linked a flier and schedule for the event, and hope that you consider attending. There is more information available at kabt.org or on our facebook page. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, and to forward this on to other educators who you think would benefit from the conference.

Thank you!

Sara Abeita

Lawrence Free State High School

Biology Teacher

Knowles Teaching Fellow

KSDE Announces NSTA/ FHSU Partnership

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:19:15 GMT

I am happy to announce a partnership with Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to provide an online science professional development opportunity for K-12 science educators in Kansas.

This would be a great opportunity for a number of different science education needs I often hear working with buildings and districts across the state.

The online study would be a great opportunity for building or district science task force leaders.
This opportunity is particularly helpful for rural school districts where travel for professional development may be more difficult.
Elementary, middle, and high school educators teaching science will be served in this opportunity.
District science curriculum leaders will get a great overview with resources to help your district.
Learn how to better use the resources you have in your school district no matter how old or new they may be. PD is still needed to know how to make better use of those resources!

KSDE and FHSU will be sponsoring 50 participants for this opportunity and we are excited to pull state and national science education expertise for this event.

Please find more information using the link below and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

https://goo.gl/FasB1A

Lizette Burks, Ed.D.

Science Education Consultant

Career Standards & Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108

http://www.kacee.org/files/Wichita%20Fall%202018%20Professional%20Development%20Flyer%20(1).pdf

Kansas State Department of Education

LANDON STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 900 SW JACKSON STREET, SUITE 653, TOPEKA, KS 66612

Project Dragonfly accepting apps

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:25:01 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Now accepting applications for 2019

OXFORD, Ohio (Sept. 1, 2018) – Miami University’s Project Dragonfly is accepting applications for 2019 Earth Expeditions graduate courses that offer extraordinary experiences in 16 countries throughout the world. http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu/18-19_news

Earth Expeditions can build toward the Global Field Program (GFP), a master's degree that combines summer field courses worldwide with web learning communities so that students can complete the GFP master's part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. http://GFP.MiamiOH.edu/18-19_news

Project Dragonfly also offers the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master's degree that combines web instruction from Miami University with experiential learning and field study through several AIP Master Institutions in the U.S. Applications for Miami's 2019 cohorts are being accepted now with place-based experiences provided at zoos in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and St. Louis. http://AIP.MiamiOH.edu/18-19_news

Graduate tuition for all programs is greatly reduced because of support from Miami University.

Enviro. Ed. and NGSS in Wichita!

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 23:12:27 GMT

Learn how to use the environment to engage children in learning - both outside and indoors! Learn how EE and formative assessments can help you with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and making science more accessible and equitable! DEADLINE: AUGUST 23!

Online Nuclear Chemistry Course through ESU

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 17:09:05 GMT

CH500 Fall2018 Nuclear Chemistry & Radiation Safety will be an online 3 hours course offered through Emporia State University. It will cover topics like Atomic and Nuclear Structure & Radioactive decay, Interactions of Radiation with Matter, Types and Sources of High Energy Radiations in the Environment, Radiation Safety & Shielding, Medical Radioactive Isotopes and Application of Nuclear Technologies. There is a prerequisite of Calculus I, Physics II or Chemistry II or the consent of the instructor, Bindu KC, PHD Nuclear Physics Physical Sciences Department, Emporia State University bkc@emporia.edu. Information about enrolling can be found at https://www.emporia.edu/regist/enroll/

Link to graduate school admissions: https://www.emporia.edu/grad/admissions/

Latest Ad Astra Newsletter

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 15:57:02 GMT

Click here for the summer 2018 Ad Astra Newsletter.

Features include:

2018 Galaxy Forum travels with Juno to Jupiter, then puts eyes on the Sun

Kansas astronaut will launch to International Space Station in October

2018 Randall Chambers Award winners

Interested in rocketry? Check these out...

KU mini-satellite launch is on the horizon

Teachers can see free educational documentaries...

In memoriam...

Information provided by Jeanette Steinert

Free 2018 Galaxy Forum Aug 11 at Cosmosphere

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 21:58:21 GMT

TEACHERS--You are invited to the 2018 Galaxy Forum

Current theory is that Jupiter formed just after our Sun. At one time Jupiter and the Sun were two big gaseous masses competing for dominance. The Sun exploded first….

To find out what happened next—come to the FREE 2018 Galaxy Forum to be heldat the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 1-3 p.m.

Eyes on Jupiter and the Sun

Purpose: To provide teachers with timely information to take back to the classroom on advances in the thriving field of solar system space exploration

Objectives:

Teachers will:

1. Be updated as to current scientific theory about the formation of our solar system.

2. Learn the latest discoveries concerning Jupiter.

3. Receive an overview of the Sun and its processes.

4. Be familiarized with the newest technologies being used to explore our solar system.

5. Be provided materials for classroom use.

Teachers can correlate with state science standards. Correlates to MS-ESS1-3, HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-SS1-3

Certificates of attendance will be available. Q and A after each presentation. Open to both students and teachers. Geared towards middle school on up.

This event is FREE of charge. Space is limited. To reserve seating and to help with count for materials preparation, send name, school and number attending to jeanettesteinert@att.net. Also, feel free to forward any questions to the same e-mail address.

BRIGHT IDEA: Also attend one of the Aug. 11 “Space Next” free documentary screenings for teachers provided by the Cosmosphere at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. We will close out the Galaxy Forum at 2:50 to allow for teachers who want to attend the 3 p.m. showing. For more info, go to cosmo.org/exhibitions/theater

The Speakers and Topics:

“The Outer Planets in the Context of the Formation of the Solar System”

Dr. Thomas Cravensof the University of Kansas has a 30-year career in astrophysics. He has worked with NASA’s Pioneer, Maven, Cassini and Juno missions, as well as theoretical modeling of atmospheres and ionospheres of Jupiter’s and other planets’ moons. Solar wind interaction with planetary bodies is another of his research specialties. He is author of the introductory textbook “Physics of Solar System Plasmas”, published by the University of Cambridge, U.K.

“Exploration of Jupiter by Spacecraft including NASA’s Juno Mission”

Stephen Houston, a Tribune native, earned a B.S. in physics from K-State in 2015. Currently a fourth-year grad student in space plasma physics at KU, Houston has been working with data from the Juno spacecraft ever since it arrived at Jupiter in 2016. Working with NASA and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab scientists on this project, his focus is data from the JEDI / JADE instruments, which sample electric fields, plasma waves and particles around Jupiter to determine how its magnetic field is connected to the atmosphere, and especially the auroras (Northern and Southern Lights).

“Exploration of the Sun: Inside and Out”

Caleb Gimar, a Hutchinson native, earned his Bachelor’s in physics at Wichita State University, and is now a grad student in physics there. He will speak on what we know, what we want to know about the sun and highlight two solar projects—the soon-to-be-launched Parker Solar Probe and a new NASA project awarded to WSU to design a neutrino spacecraft to study the sun’s interior. Gimar is part of that design team.

The Ad Astra Kansas Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on promoting science in Kansas, especially the space sciences. This FREE educational event is sponsored by the Ad Astra Kansas Foundation to enrich science education in Kansas. Find us at www.adastra-ks.org and on Facebook.

Registration Deadline June 1 for 2018 Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

Wed, 30 May 2018 22:21:40 GMT

2018 Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Conference: STEM Powered

K-12 Math and Science Break Out Groups for Personalized Learning

Meet the Science Presenters

Registration Closing June 1, 2018

June 18-19: Newman University, 3100 McCormick Ave., Wichita KS

Dedicated content area experts will work with attendees to address instructional and content shifts reported as being most challenging. Bring your team or just yourself. Either way, you will walk away with your plan to move instruction to the next level this coming fall.

During these two days of intense professional learning, you will:

Network with some of the best math and science teachers in Kansas;

Acquire ideas and tools from Kansas math and science education researchers;

Dig deep into strategies to move your classroom, building, and district closer to
your vision for math and science education;

Take your teaching to the next level.

College Credit is available through Friends University.

KEEN members will have the opportunity to invite an award-worthy colleague who is not a KEEN member to attend this conference. Please refer to registration fees below.

Conference Registration Fees

The fee structure is noted below.

KEEN Member Registration Fee $50

Non-KEEN Member Registration Fee $75

Presidential Awards Dinner ONLY $25

Conference registration fee includes, the two day conference, lunch each day and snacks in the afternoon. The fee also includes the awards dinner on Monday evening honoring the 2018 Presidential Awards nominees and finalists. Please indicate on the registration portal if you plan to attend the awards banquet.

KATS Kamp 2018 reflection

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 02:13:00 GMT

Thanks to everyone who made it out to Rock Springs for KATS Kamp 2018! It was an amazing time with lots of stuff never before seen at KATS Kamp.

If you attended, please complete the reflection survey at http://bit.ly/KATS-survey in a timely fashion. Submissions will close this month.

Also, A DEADLINE IS APPROACHING!

Seed to STEM summer workshop applications deadline is tomorrow, April 24^th. If you are a middle school or high school science teacher or know of a teacher who may be interested please encourage them to submit an application today for one of our summer workshops. There are labs for all science teachers such as Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, etc. With a middle school and high school track, every teacher will practice 14 labs that they can use in the classroom PLUS walk away with $500 worth of lab equipment and continued support. AND all is FREE! Only expense to the teacher is the transportation to get to the workshop. Graduate credit is also available at the cost of the teacher. To learn more and apply visit https://kscorn.com/6-12-training/

Latest Ad Astra Newsletter

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:37:19 GMT

Highlights: See complete Newsletter here.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Proclamation by the Governor
In case you were wondering... a list of Nobel Prize winners in science with Kansas connections
KU Martian spacecraft design wins AIAA award
AAKF fosters STEM at Engineeering Expo
NIAC award targets solar interior
Send your name to the Sun
WSU is tops in aerospace engineering
Astronaut Scott Kelly in Hutchinson
Interstellar R & D

KATS Kamp Program 2018!

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:47:26 GMT

The KATS Kamp Program is here! Try this link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_wWrT3-HOLC1fw6q7UkZYumaR8z7GqRT/view?usp=sharing

"Thinking Outside the KATS Box"

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:19:37 GMT

KATS has a new idea, but we need your help to test it out!

What if most of the KATS Kamp attendees brought a small gadget, phenomenon, experiment, design, or image to show off? Experienced teachers showing classic ideas to new teachers; new teachers showing never-before-seen ideas to the experienced teachers. And everything in between.

Everyone will have about a one meter by one meter square area on a table to show off one science idea. Example: a Think Tube next to some printed off instructions/investigations.

We will leave our ideas on the table all day Saturday (7am to 7pm) allowing others to touch, read, or examine the diverse ideas. What could you bring?

See you April 20th - 22nd!

Registration Open for 2018 Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Conference

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 16:09:24 GMT

2018 Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Conference: STEAM Powered

The best math and science teachers in the state will come together to review, refresh and retool current math and science practices and inspire educators to provide a “STEAM Powered” classroom to their classrooms.

I am excited to announce a great opportunity for professional learning for this summer that will help you to really use the implementation of the Kansas Standards for Mathematics as an opportunity to advance instruction in your classroom, building, and district! The mornings will include guest speakers from KATS, KATM, and others and chances to learn from expert math and science teachers in Kansas--including those that have been a part of innovative Math and Science Partnership grants in Kansas.

This will be a great opportunity to be inspired and learn from others, but it's the afternoons that I think will really be fantastic. During the afternoons each day, grade-banded groups will be digging deep into content.

Below are the fantastic afternoon sessions we will be offering in science:

SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SESSION

Many educators have heard a lot about phenomena, but what exactly are they, and how is using phenomena different from how educators teach science already?

This workshop is designed to introduce K-5 science educators to the process of selecting phenomena to anchor classroom units and assessments in order to support students’ three-dimensional science learning. This session will help participants explore what phenomena are, then engage with a process that has been developed and tested for selecting good phenomena to anchor a unit and help create three-dimensional classroom assessment tasks. Looking at classroom assessments will help us keep the end in mind so we are able to choose relevant phenomena keeping us from simply making the phenomena a hook instead of the anchor. The approaches learned in this workshop can be used with any curricula, at any grade level, and across all subjects of science.

SCIENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Many educators have heard a lot about phenomena, but what exactly are they, and how is using phenomena different from how educators teach science already?

This workshop is designed to introduce 6-8 science educators to the process of selecting phenomena to anchor classroom units and assessments in order to support students’ three-dimensional science learning. This session will help participants explore what phenomena are, then engage with a process that has been developed and tested for selecting good phenomena to anchor a unit and help create three-dimensional classroom assessment tasks. Looking at classroom assessments will help us keep the end in mind so we are able to choose relevant phenomena keeping us from simply making the phenomena a hook instead of the anchor. The approaches learned in this workshop can be used with any curricula, at any grade level, and across all subjects of science.

SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SESSION

Many educators have heard a lot about phenomena, but what exactly are they, and how is using phenomena different from how educators teach science already?

This workshop is designed to introduce 9-12 science educators to the process of selecting phenomena to anchor classroom units and assessments in order to support students’ three-dimensional science learning. This session will help participants explore what phenomena are, then engage with a process that has been developed and tested for selecting good phenomena to anchor a unit and help create three-dimensional classroom assessment tasks. Looking at classroom assessments will help us keep the end in mind so we are able to choose relevant phenomena keeping us from simply making the phenomena a hook instead of the anchor. The approaches learned in this workshop can be used with any curricula, at any grade level, and across all subjects of science.

Registration Open

The 2018 Kansas Excellence in Math and Science Teaching Conference scheduled for June 18-19 will be held at Newman University, 3100 McCormick St, Wichita, KS 67213.

During these two days of intense professional learning, you will:

· Network with some of the best math and science teachers in Kansas; Acquire ideas and tools from Kansas math and science education researchers;

· Dig deep into the standards with strategies to move your classroom, building, and district closer to your vision for math and science education;

· Take your teaching to the next level.

You are encouraged to attend and extend an invitation to your principals and superintendents to join you at the conference.

Application

KSDE Learn by Teaching Project -- Applications Due Apr 25

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 15:49:11 GMT

KSDE Science Phenomena Based Learning Fellow

Learn While Teaching ProjectA

Applications Due: April 25, 2018 by 5:00 pm

Successful Applicants will be notified through email by April 30, 2018

Overview

The Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) is seeking science educators to participate in a program to develop master teachers for science education. Fifteen Kansas science educators will be selected to participate in this pilot program offering professional development to educators as they implement a high quality unit of instruction embodying the Kansas Curricular Standards for Science.

The program will provide both in-person and virtual learning experiences to participants aimed at increasing their ability to understand and implement instruction aligned to standards in a science project based learning instructional format to support KSDE state redesign efforts. For the first year of the program, KSDE is seeking educators who will be teaching 5th, MS-Physical Science, and HS Biology in the 2018-2019 school year.

Please consider this great learning opportunity for you and your students. This would also be a great way to help move your district forward in PBL instruction for science embodying our Kansas Curricular Standards for Science and state redesign efforts!

Application available here.

Lizette Burks, Ed.D.

Science Education Program Consultant

Career Standards & Assessment Services

(785) 296-8108