LASER_December_2013

LASER December 2013
Louisiana Science Teachers Association Newsletter (www.lsta.info)
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LSTA
NEWSLETTER LASER
In This Issue
President’s Message 3
LSTA Conference Review 4-5
LSTA Award Recipients 6
QSM Grant Recipients 7-8
Regional News 9-13
Professional Development Opportunities and
Resources
14-24
Student Opportunities and Events 25-27
LSTA Membership Form 28
December 2013 | Louisiana Science Teachers Association

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Nathan Cotten
President
nathancotten@tpsd.org
Shavonne Garner-Price
Vice President
sprice9455@aol.com
Tera LaPrarie
Past-President
tera.laprarie@rpsb.us
Patrice Mire
Secretary
patricem@vrml.k12.la.us
Jean May-Brett
Treasurer/BaP-SM SC/NSTA Liason
jean.may-brett@la.gov
Carolyn Cowart-Elsteroth
Membership
carolyncowart@tpsd.org
Rob Wallace
Parliamentarian
rwallace@renewschools.org
Ann Wilson
La Science Program Coordinator
ann.wilson@la.gov
Jan Graff
Awards Coordinator
jlgraff@bellsouth.net
Warren Bernard
Region 1 Representative
wjbernard@gmail.com
Cecilia Lanier
cecilia.lanier@tangischools.org
Natalie Lirette
natalie_lirette@houmachristianschoo
l.com
Miko McDaniel
tamcdaniel@lpssonline.com
Judy Reeves
Jrkat60@gmail.com
Christy Flynn
christy.flynn@gpsb.org
Lena Harris
laharris@caddo.k12.la.us
Stacy Campbell
scampbell@lincolnschools.org
Nathan Cotten
LASER Editor
nathancotten@tpsd.org
Dwayne Foret
LSTA Web Master
Dru Foret
Administrative Assistant
dforet@tpsd.org
Chris Brown
Historian
chrisbrown@tpsd.org
L O U I S I A N A S C I E N C E T E A C H E R S A S S O C I A T I O N
Louisiana science educators dedicated to the advancement of scientific literacy at all levels,
and encouraging lifelong learning.
LSTA Board and Regional Representatives

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President’s Message from Nathan Cotten
Greetings!
Thank you to all who attended the 2013 conference in Baton Rouge! We
hope you all came away with something to bring back to your classrooms
and schools. Thanks to all who presented! A special thanks to our special
guests Stephen Pruitt, Bill Badders, Debbie Silver, and Michael DeSpezio
for speaking and/or presenting.
If you have not heard, there is a great opportunity for teachers to integrate
literacy in their science lessons. eCYBERMISSION Challenge is a
program established to spark interest in STEM areas by engaging students
in projects to develop those skills necessary to solve real-world problems.
The program allows small teams of three or four students to work together
to design and solve a problem. Teams competing in eCYBERMISSION
have the opportunity to win up to $8,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds. The registration deadline to enter
student teams is January 15, 2014. When asked how you heard about eCYBERMISSION, be sure to
select “NSTA: referred by state chapter.” More information, including explicit directions for registering
and/or volunteering, can be found in this month’s newsletter or visit the LSTA website (www.lsta.info)
for more information.
The 17th Annual Louisiana Environmental Education Symposium will be held February 21-22, 2014 at
the Shreveport Convention Center. Presenters and exhibitors can still register before the January 8,
2014 deadline. This year, the emphasis will be on the concepts of watersheds, preserving water quality,
and managing land to reduce impact on our aquatic resources, therefore, the theme for this upcoming
conference, therefore, is "Watersheds: From My Back Yard to the Ocean."
Mark your 2014 calendars for the joint math and science conference to be held October 20-22, 2014
in Shreveport! Stay tuned to future newsletters and LSTA’s Facebook page for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/lstascience
Nominations are now open for the Presidential Award for Math and Science Teaching. The 2014
Awards will honor mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers working in grades
K-6. Nominations close on April 1, 2014. District and school staffs are encouraged to nominate one
or more outstanding science teachers for the prestigious national teaching award “Presidential Award
for Math and Science Teaching.”
Season’s Greetings!

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2013 LSTA CONFERENCE RECAP
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 2, 2013
The New Frontier:
Next Generation Science Standards
A special thanks to this year’s conference sponsors and guest speakers for their
continued support of LSTA!
Bill Badders
Michael DiSpezio
Debbie Silver
Stephen Pruitt

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2013 LSTA Award Recipients
Essie Beck “Rising Star” Science Education Award
Sandra Focqueteau
Upper Pointe Coupee Elementary
Baton Rouge, LA
LSTA Outstanding Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year
Mary Legoria
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet
Baton Rouge, LA
LSTA Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher of the Year
Holly Payton
I.A. Lewis School
Ruston, LA
Distinguished Informal Science Education Award
Larry Wilkinson
Analytical Chemist, Exxon Mobil
Claudia Fowler Distinguished Service to Science Education Award
Cathi Cox-Boniol
Project ACHIEVE Director
Lincoln Parish Schools
William W. Craig University Educator Award
Dr. Maud Walsh
Associate Professor and Undergraduate Advisor
Louisiana State University

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NAGT Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award -
Louisiana
Lacey Hoosier, Buckeye High School, was selected as
Louisiana’s 2013 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST).
OEST awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the
stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college
level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a
significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible.
http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest.html
Nominate an Earth Science teacher for 2014! http://nagt.org/nagt/awards/oest-nom.html
NABT Outstanding Biology Teacher Award - Louisiana
Congratulations to the Louisiana 2013 Outstanding
Biology Teacher Awardee, Lori Ridgdell of St. Amant
High School in Ascension Parish. She was honored
at the NABT national conference in Atlanta on
November 23, 2013.
QSM Grant Recipients 2013-2014 (Science)
Nichole Airhart
Lynne Anders
Jasmine Banks
Denise Baugh
Jordan Blachier
Donald Bloomenstiel
Kristina Bourgeois
Phobe W. Boutte
Kelly Brant
Jared Breaux
Joanna Brockhoff
Debbie Bruchhaus
Cheryl Seals Bruton
Tara Burch
Maranda Busby
Rhonda Byrd
Stacy Campbell
Julia Campbell
Chris Campbell
Beverly Campbell
Tara A. Campo
Christal Carper
Kellie Champagne
Erin Clanton
Rebecca Clark
Anna Cole
Walter Cole
Cody Cole
Connie Conner
Charlene Cooper
Candace Culpepper
Bianca Deliberto
Cindy Deshotel
Amanda Dolph
Barry Dubos
Andrew Duplechin
Amy Duplechin
Cynthia Farrar
Christy Flynn
Karen Fontenot
Sandra Saye Foucqueteau
Allen Gordey
Walter Louis Green
Lisa Hartman
Jo Ann Hebert
Rebeccca Holloway
Natalie Howell
Tamella Jackson
Anna Johnson
Janna Kennedy
Wendy Koch
D. Lachman
Rowlyn Landry
Eva Lange
Glenn Larson
Paul LeBlanc
Em LeBlanc
Tia LeBrun
James Ayers Lewis
Amy Little
Veronica (Lee) Long
Heath Mahaffey
Carolyn Martin
Jacqueline L. Mason
Beth McCarty
Wade McGaha
Amber McNiel
Terri Miller
Lisa Moore
Lova Moreno
Judy Morgan
Stephanie Mose
Cynthia Moss
Bobby Odom
Catherine Olinde

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Joshua Onishea
Holly Orr
John Oswalt
Aleta Overby
Holly Payton
Amber Perry
Angie Plaisance
Rebecca Polk
Kellyn M. Powell
Brad Pritchard
Kendra Renae
Pullen Isabelita
Quintero Colleen
Richard Billy Robichaux
Edward Robison
Rebecka Rocquin
Kiersten Rolon
John D. Sorrel, Jr.
Sally Spahn
Morgan Spell
Kristy Spillane
Michael Stacy
Jason Stark
Bradley Terhaar
Shondolyn Truman
John Underwood
Charles Vidrine
Klifford Walker
Amy Washington
Andrea Webb
Aundrea Weinreber
Tiffanie Wells
Glenda Whittington
Terri Willard
Samantha Williams
Susan Yerino
Tracey Zelden
Joanne Zeringue
QSM Grant Readers 2013-2014
Chris Campbell
Alice Chivleatto
Nathan Cotten
Christy Flynn
Claudia Fowler
Gayle Glusman
Jan Graff
Shannon Lafont
Tera Laprarie
Jean May-Brett
Patrice Mire
Wanda Nelson
Judy Reeves
Linda Shott
Curtis Smith
Adrienne Steele
John Trowbridge
Scott Vetter
Ann Wilson
Science Instructional Committee
In August, the Louisiana Department of Education led a state-wide tour to hear from science educators. During the tour,
educators shared a desire to update the state's instructional support of science teachers. Thus, in January they will kick off
that work through a Science Instructional Committee. District Superintendents may recommend an effective science
educator from their district to participate on the science instructional committee in each of the working group
grade-clusters of K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The Department will select a group of educators from those recommendations
to join the instructional committee.
Working groups will meet at Louisiana Department of Education offices for two working sessions and participate in up to
two virtual sessions. Recommended participants must be able to attend all meetings listed below:
 In person meetings in Baton Rouge: February 3rd and March 25th
 Two virtual sub-committee meetings: Late February and early March
Reimbursement will be provided to participants for mileage at state rates if traveling a distance more than 90 miles. Districts
will be reimbursed for substitutes provided for teachers.
Join LSTA on Facebook
You can now keep up with all things LSTA by viewing the new Facebook
page! https://www.facebook.com/lstascience. Stay informed and get the latest information!
Changes in Louisiana PASS
The PASS (Practice Assessment/Strengthen Skills) online program will no longer have math tests.
All ELA items, except for writing prompts, have been removed. PASS will still include science and
social studies assessments. (http://www.louisianapass.org/index.php)

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 Region I 
On Saturday, November 9, 2013, teachers from region 1 attended the LSTA Frameworks for K-12 Science Education
workshop. The workshop was held at the Xavier University Library from 9 a.m. to noon. The goals of the workshop were:
1. To explore the Next Generation Conceptual Shifts which included Science and Engineering Practices,
Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas
2. Review extended-response items on state science assessment newly aligned Common Core Literacy
Standards
Teachers attending the Frameworks for K-12 Science Education:
Left to Right top: Marla Taylor (Lake Area ECHS, Orleans Parish),
Aaron McCalister (Adams Middle School, Jefferson Parish), Lintz
Adams (Green Park Elementary, Jefferson Parish), Bridget
Nagarajan (Team Metric), Sonji Belvin (McDonogh #35, Orleans
Parish) Left to Right bottom: Rochelle Darville (Fifth Ward
Elementary, St. John Parish), Chvonne Simmons (International
High at NO, Orleans Parish), Dana Gonzalez (Science and Math
Specialist for New Orleans Public Schools), Sabina Puri (Ben
Franklin Elementary, Orleans Parish). Not pictured- Alice
Chivleatto (Region 1 Representative).
Students from Hynes Charter working with Wendy DeMers
assisted the API Delta Chapter in decorating a sponsored tree in the Children’s Museum holiday Festival of Trees.
Tom and Jean May-Brett attended the NSTA Regional Conference in Charlotte, NC to
promote the 2014 NSTA New Orleans STEM Forum and Expo. While there they encouraged
science educators and exhibitors to not only attend the STEM Forum but to submit
proposals to present during the event.
Jean May-Brett participated in the GCOOS Education and Outreach Council (EOC) in Gulf
Breeze FL, the 24-member Council comes together to brain storm, prioritize, and begin
development of an education and outreach product for the coming year. The focus of the
2013 meeting was to begin development of a Citizen Scientist section on the GCOOS
website, a service request made by numerous groups in the GCOOS-RA.
Tulane’s Earth & Environmental Science Department is making an offer to teachers to have
students come to your school and do some hands-on activities for K-12 grade levels.
Activities include shark’s teeth to illustrate adaptation, create dichotomous keys, and
reconstruction of fossil shark dentition. If interested in having a group of Tulane students visit your school, please contact
Dr. Jeff Agnew (jagnew@tulane.edu).
Annette Oertling received the API Delta Chapter 2013 Distinguished Service to
Education Awardee. In recognition of her commitment to education, outreach,
professional involvement and community service. Annette, who recently retired as the
Assistant Dean for K-12 Outreach for the Tulane School of Science and Engineering,
has been a key figure in several programs such as FIRST Robotics, the Greater New
Orleans Science and Engineering Fair, and Science Olympiad. In the picture is (left to
right) API Chairman Rick Fowler, award recipient Annette Oertling, and Jan Catalano
API Board Member.
Please submit news to your region 1 representative, Warren Bernard at wjbernard@gmail.com.
Regional News

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 Region II 
Sumner Middle School hosted a Mad Scientist Experience on October 22, 2013.
Approximately 400 parents, students, teachers, and community members attended the
event. Multiple experiment stations were available. Southeastern Louisiana University
Department of Chemistry and Physics conducted demonstrations and experiments for
the event. Science teachers Joshua Blackwell, Paula Splane, Lisa McMorris, and
Dwana Glass organized the successful event.
Joshua Blackwell, 8th grade science teacher at
SMS, attended the In-DEPTH Investigations
workshop presented by Louisiana University Marine
Consortium (LUMCON) training on October 11 - 13 at the DeFelici Marine Center in
Cocodrie, LA. The workshop was focused on using ocean science to teach biology,
physical & earth science, math, engineering, and technology concepts. Topics covered
were the role of the ocean in the health of our planet, the ocean environment, ocean
issues due to climate change, and how we monitor the ocean. Teachers went on an
educational cruise aboard the research vessel Acadiana and received a free ROV kit
for use in the classroom.
Tangipahoa Parish School System and Southeastern Louisiana University are hosting the TPSS You Be the Chemist
Competition on January 31, 2014 at SELU University Center. The competition is funded by Bercen, Inc., a local chemical
company that manufactures specialty chemicals. Three hundred 5th to 8th grade students in Tangipahoa will compete in the
district for the chance to compete at the state competition held at LSU as well as participate in experiments.
Please submit news to your region 2 representative, Cecilia Lanier at cecilia.lanier@tangischools.org.
 Region III 
The Biology AP class at H.L. Bourgeois High School, located in Gray, Louisiana, hosted the second annual Halloween
Science Show for special needs students. A mad scientist greeted the
students at the door. Students then participated in activities such as
making atomic slime, ghost eggs, and slippery worms the week of
Halloween. The Biology AP
students were eager to
demonstrate the
experimental protocol,
explain the science behind
the activity, and then help
each participating student
actually complete the
activity independently. The AP class, taught by Carolyn Cowart-Elsteroth,
hopes to host the group again, and is looking at ideas for a Christmas themed
event. Participating Biology AP students were Kori Brown, Ayana Brown,
Bryce Chaisson, Destiny Connally, Ryan DiSalvo, Chelsey Dugas, Gage
Giroir, Melissa Gracia, Meggie Lam, Darren Lanoux, April Lopez, and Cassidy Murphy.
Brenden Simoneaux, a teacher at Dutchtown High School in Ascension Parish, has
been conducting after-school teacher workshops for science teachers of Dutchtown
High, Prairieville Middle, and Dutchtown Middle. These workshops, titled Learning
through Exploration, were based on activities from San Francisco’s Exploratorium and
LIGO Science Education Center. During the sessions teachers created lab activities
and participated in exploring how basic materials like nails, batteries, and magnets can
illuminate concepts such as waves, energy, and material properties. The activities
were all inquiry based. Brenden’s hope is to introduce teachers to activities so that
teaching the concepts will be easier in the classroom. Pictured to the right and left are
teachers participating in the after-school workshops. To date two workshops have been held and more are planned.

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Brenden Simoneaux was also recently approved to present at the National Science Teacher’s Convention in Boston in
April. Brenden and his colleague Tabitha Vu are presenting a session titled “Physics Activities from the Exploratorium and
LIGO Science Education Center”.
Please submit news to your region 3 representative, Natalie Lirette at natalie_lirette@houmachristianschool.com.
Region IV 
Students at Westside Elementary in Lafayette Parish practiced their TV personalities while studying weather. They created
weather maps based on data collected from local newspapers. The maps contained temperatures, frontal boundaries, and
various other weather symbols. The students wrote weather reports for their maps complete with weekly forecasts, moon
phases, high and low tide times, and a marine forecast, which is a must for any South Louisiana weather report. Their
teacher, Mrs. Natalie Oubre said, “Their favorite part might have been the homework. They had to watch TV…well, the
local news to be precise.” The students had to watch the news and practice talking and pointing like real meteorologist. On
presentation day, each group presented their weather report while other groups took turns filming the broadcasts on iPads.
The boys and girls ate popcorn and watched all the performances on the Promethean Board at the end of the week. All
was sunny and fair that afternoon!
Please submit news to your region 4 representative, Miko McDaniel at tamcdaniel@lpssonline.com.
 Region V 
At the LSTA Conference in Baton Rouge October 31st; Judy Reeves and Tina Savoie presented a 3-hour short-course on
Getting Energized with Energy, using hands on interactive activities from NEED (National Energy Education Development).
For free printable activities, visit www.need.org and for current local workshop watch their calendar area.
St Margaret Catholic School Science Club has several groups registered with Ecybermission.
Region V Science and Engineering Fair will be held ar the MSU Recreation Center February 14, 2013. Please visit the
website for all forms and information. www.lasciencefair.org
Please submit news to your region 5 representative, Judy Reeves at Jrkat60@gmail.com.
 Region VI 
Hello, Region 6 LSTA Members! My name is Christy Flynn and I am your new Regional Representative. I’m here to share
the great teaching we have going on in Region 6 as well as any interesting and exciting resources that I come across. Make
sure that you send me all the exciting news that you have. I know we have amazing things going on out there in the
classroom, let us celebrate what you’re doing!
Lacey Hoosier, who teaches at Buckeye High School, was selected as NAGT Outstanding Earth Science Teacher of the
Year for Louisiana. She was quoted as saying, "I know learning is sometimes not fun for kids so I try to make it fun. Hands-
on. We're outside. We go on field trips. We're doing anything we can to make them excited about science." Great job, Ms.
Hoosier!
I have a resource to share that’s not new, but I think it’s NASA’s greatest secret resource: The site is http://quest.nasa.gov.
This site has a lot of great resources including some amazing online products such as Smart Skies, which has students
controlling air traffic (wonderful tie between math and science) and Future Flight Design, which has students designing a
virtual aircraft. There are several other online products as well on the site. Be sure you check it out!
Don’t forget to share your news and information with me, so that I can show the great things you’re doing! Send your news,
information on resources, pictures, etc. to Christy Flynn at Christy.flynn@gpsb.org.

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 Region VII 
Karen Bean from Mooretown Elementary School in Shreveport has received a Pets in the Classroom grant which provided
a hamster and habitat for her fifth grade class. As part of the grant, the pet was used to engage students in a variety of
cross-curricular activities.
Karen Merritt from North Caddo High in Vivian was awarded a TEACH fellowship to travel to Qatar and Bahrain. While
there during the summer, she toured schools to learn about their STEM programs, visited energy facilities, and participated
in cultural exchanges.
Kris Clements of Caddo Magnet High in Shreveport has been invited by the Society for Science & the Public to participate
in a forum in Washington D. C. She will share information related to how she supports students in independent research
and in applying for the Intel Science Talent Search.
The largest First Lego League qualifier event in Louisiana was held at Benton Middle School on Saturday, November 16th.
The teams were judged in four areas and an overall grand champion was named. The four areas included Robot Design,
Core Values, Project, and Robot Table Performance. **In Robot Design - 3rd place was earned by Caddo Middle Career
& Technology – (Robo Chargers) – Coach Chris Schneider. ** North Louisiana Grand Champion – Donnie Bickham Middle
School (BickhamBots) Coaches – Billy Cloutet and Kristin Hudson. Congratulations to both teams. They qualified for
the State Tournament held at Holy Cross High School in New Orleans on Decemeber 7th.
Please submit news to your region 7 representative, Lena Harris at laharris@caddo.k12.la.us.
 Region VIII 
Shavonne Garner-Price (I.A. Lewis School) hosted an LSTA Next Generation Science Standards workshop at the Lincoln
Parish Title 1 Media Center for teachers across north Louisiana. Assisted by Holly Payton (I.A. Lewis School) and Cathi
Cox-Boniol (Lincoln ACHIEVE), the workshop focused on effective implementation of NGSS as well as practical
engineering design experiences for the classroom.
Cathi traveled to Washington DC for a meeting with other STEM stakeholders from
across the country to discuss how to enhance STEM practices in the classroom.
Congratulations to Holly on being selected as LSTA’s Middle School Teacher of the
Year! Cathi also joined Missy Wooley (New Tech @ Ruston) to facilitate a classroom
management class for a Louisiana Tech University education class that was held in the
NT@R facility. Crystal Almond (New Tech @ Ruston)
coached the Ruston High School robotics team in its
first competition of the year during the RARC event in
Bossier City.
Congratulations to Randall Elliott (pictured left), New
Tech @ Ruston and RHS STEM, who received a
technology grant from the Cyber Innovation Center for
his work with the Eco-Car competition. Randall also was awarded a PTA/ACHIEVE Mini
Grant for his project “Going the
Distance” and was chosen teacher of
the year at Ruston High School.
Congratulations also goes out to Chris Campbell (Simsboro High
School) who was named one of five state finalists out of 2300
submissions for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Chris,
Missy, Cathi, Holly, Oleta Overby (Simsboro High School), Jeanine
Edgecomb (Simsboro High School), and Stacy Campbell (Ruston High
School) were among those who presented during the LSTA Conference
in Baton Rouge. Chris and Stacy led their students through the Barbie
Bungee Lab presented to them and their fellow Lincoln Parish science

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teachers through the Laying the Foundation project and Stacy’s
honors physical science students tested egg drop devices by
dropping them off the stadium.
Sarah Wages (Bricks 4 Kidz) and the Lincoln Parish First Robotics
teams brought home
honors in their first
competition (see picture).
The Cypress Springs
Elementary Team took
2nd place for their Project
Presentation and Cypress Springs Elementary Team B won 3rd. Sarah also
attended the B4K conference where she received outstanding new training and
curriculum to support the Lincoln Parish elementary robotics initiative.
Please submit news to your region 8 representative, Stacy Campbell at
scampbell@lincolnschools.org.
Future Newsletter Deadlines:
 Saturday, January 25, 2014 (for February’s issue)
 March 29 (for April’s issue)
 May 31 (for June’s issue)
 July 26 (for August’s issue)
 September 27 (for October’s issue)
 November 29 (for December’s issue)
2014 Environmental Education Symposium
Presenters and Exhibitors are invited to register for the 17th Annual Louisiana Environmental Education Symposium to be
held February 21-22, 2014 at the Shreveport Convention Center, 400 Caddo St., Shreveport.
This year, the emphasis will be on the concepts of watersheds, preserving water quality, and managing land to reduce
impact on our aquatic resources. The theme for this upcoming conference, therefore, is “Watersheds: From My Back
Yard to the Ocean.”
The event is presented by the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries, sharing the goal of creating a comprehensive and balanced environmental education initiative that results in
a literate citizenry who will make informed decisions to effectively solve existing problems, prevent new ones and maintain
a sustainable environmental for future generations.
Contact Assistant Environmental Education Coordinator Thomas Gresham at tgresham@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-0124 with
questions or requests.

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Honeywell Educators Space Academy
June 11-17 and June 18-24, 2014 | U.S. Space and Rocket Center | Huntsville, Alabama
Application Deadline: December 31, 2013
Acceptance: Will be notified in February 2014
Honeywell Hometown Solutions (HHS) is now accepting applications for the 2014 Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy
(HESA), a week-long, high-energy learning program for middle school science and math
teachers.
HESA is designed to inspire teachers to develop a new generation of scientists in their
classroom. Teachers learn new teaching practices in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) education by participating in a series of astronaut-style exercises and
simulations, build and test their own rockets, meet veteran astronauts and so much more.
Scholarship includes: Tuition for the five-day program, round-trip airfare, meals,
accommodations and program materials.
For more information about the program, click here.
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection
Saturday, February 1, 2014 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration deadline: January 10, 2014
Office of Ocean Exploration and Research
www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Education Materials Collection: Why Do We Explore?
Professional Development - Part One for Educators of Grades 5-12
In partnership with and hosted by the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans, Louisiana
All life on Earth relies on the ocean— yet, the ocean is 95 percent unexplored, unknown and unseen by human eyes…
An essential component of the NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) mission is to enhance ocean
science literacy and to build interest in careers that support ocean-related work. To help fulfill this mission, the Okeanos
Explorer Education Materials Collection was developed to encourage educators and students to become engaged in real
time with the voyages and discoveries of the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer—America’s first Federal ship dedicated to
Ocean Exploration. Join NOAA OER Facilitator Connie Leverett, as you are introduced to Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer
Education Materials Collection: Why Do We Explore? Participants will learn how to use standards-based lessons and other
online resources that guide classroom inquiries into important reasons for ocean exploration including Climate Change,
Energy, Ocean Health and Human Health. This is Part One of a two-part professional development series. Part Two will be
offered at a later date.
Registration is required and space is limited. Educators attending the full day will receive Volume 1 of the Okeanos Explorer
Education Materials Collection, Why Do We Explore?, other resources, a NOAA Ocean Exploration Certificate of
Participation, a continental breakfast and lunch. Those educators attending Part One and Part Two will receive a $100
stipend.
To register, contact Tricia LeBlanc at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Phone: 504.378.2675 or E-mail: tleblanc@AudubonInstitute.org
Professional Development Opportunities and Resources

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Frontiers in Physiology Summer Research Teacher Fellowship
April 2014 – April 2015
Deadline: January 21, 2014
Subject line: CALL FOR SCIENCE TEACHER APPLICANTS: $6,700 Professional Development
Fellowship with the APS
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY SUMMER RESEARCH TEACHER FELLOWSHIP
Eligibility: Middle and high school science teachers in U.S. schools
Dates: Fellowship year: April 2014 - April 2015
Notifications: March 2014
Fellowship payments:
 $5,700 for research work and assignments
 $300 for a classroom materials grant
 Travel expenses to Experimental Biology, Boston, MA, March 2015
Research Teacher Fellows Program: www.frontiersinphys.org
In this year-long professional development fellowship, teachers nationwide
1) immerse themselves in cutting-edge biomedical research for 7-8 weeks;
2) enhance their teaching skills in Six Star Science principles (student-centered instruction, diversity/equity,
technology, assessment, current scientific content, and reflecting on teaching and learning); and
3) build networks with scientists locally and nationally by attending a scientific conference.
PROGRAM INFORMATION AND APPLICATION: www.frontiersinphys.org. Look for the “HOW TO APPLY” GUIDE
document at the Research Teacher Fellows program website.
Questions? Contact the Program Manager, K-12 Education Programs: Margaret Shain: mshain@the-aps.org
Stennis Space Center presents a NASA K-12 Educator Professional Development Workshop
Saturday, February 15, 2014 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Louisiana Resource Center for Educators | Baton Rouge, LA
Registration deadline: February 7, 2014
Register online at http://www.cain.lsu.edu/nasateacherworkshop.
NASA K-12 Educator Professional Development Workshop presented in partnership with the LSU College of Human
Sciences and Education and The Cain Center.
Ultimate Cool School Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes closes: February 27, 2014
Two lucky schools (chosen from grades K-3 and 4-6) will win a captivating school
assembly that is not only fun and interactive, but also underscores the importance of
science literacy. Students will participate in mind-blowing experiments with a top
science guru and personality.
Enter daily for the best chance of winning the Siemens Science Day Ultimate Cool School
Sweepstakes. Win a Science Assembly for Your Entire School!
For more Information:
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/blog/2013/12/18/enter-daily-win-a-hands-on-science-assembly-for-your-school/

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Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators
Applications due by February 28, 2014.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on
Environmental Quality, is currently accepting applications for the third annual Presidential Innovation
Award for Environmental Educators. The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local
education agencies nationwide for excellence in integrating environmental education into their
lessons and demonstrating the connection between health and the environment for their students.
Successful applicants demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement and leadership as
students learn more about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Past winners have
increased student participation in local watershed cleanup efforts, created school-wide recycling programs, and
implemented green land stewardship practices. Winners went on to use their awards to bring high-tech science equipment
into the classroom and expand the number of students on field trips and in labs.
Up to twenty teachers nationwide will receive award plaques and a financial award of $2,000 to support their professional
development in environmental education. Each teacher’s school will also receive a $2,000 award to help fund environmental
education activities and programs that support the teacher. Winners will also be considered for the National Environmental
Education Foundation’s Richard C. Bartlett award, which recognizes outstanding teachers who engage students in
interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges.
More information about the program and how to apply: http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward
2014 STEM Forum and Expo…Integration for Innovation!
May 14-17, 2014 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Preparing for the 2014 STEM Forum & Expo
Make plans now to attend NSTA’s 2014 STEM Forum & Expo…Integration for
Innovation! The event will take place in New Orleans, May 14-17 and will share
new strategies for implementing STEM-related lessons and activities in your
school or district.
New Orleans STEM Forum & Expo Strands
Primary
How do we get students prepared to think and work in a global word?
Let’s begin with effective preK–2 STEM instruction. Providing students with inquiry-based experiences in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is the key to unlocking their emerging world. The foundational skills
learned and mastered through STEM integration during the early years lead to citizens who enter adulthood
proficient and prepared.
Upper Elementary
How do we respond to research that indicates that by the time our students reach the fourth grade, a third of them
will lose interest in math and science? How do we ensure that our students develop a solid foundation in the STEM
areas so that they are prepared to both work and live in the 21st century? To reverse this trend and ignite their
interest in future STEM careers, elementary students need quality learning activities and experiences that spark
curiosity, promote confidence, align to the rigor of current standards, and develop competence in STEM subjects.
The sessions in this strand showcase programs and instructional strategies that support STEM and have been
successfully integrated into the elementary core curriculum.
Middle
Equipping students with the inspiration, ingenuity, and curiosity to pursue STEM fields is a top priority at the middle
school level. A successful middle school STEM program allows students to create, innovate, communicate, and

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collaborate on projects that are driven by their own interests. The sessions in this strand showcase learning
environments where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics interconnect to serve as a vehicle for
discovery, innovation, and independent problem solving.
High School
As we move forward in the 21st century and begin preparing high school students to enter the workforce and
college, STEM careers should be optimal goals for all students. Traditionally, high school content would be taught
in isolation of other areas of study. Now, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics must be effectively
integrated and delivered in impactful and meaningful ways. Using an integrated approach that includes real-world
connections and hands-on experiences will establish a solid STEM education for students in grades 9–12. The
sessions in this strand will highlight strategies and curriculum design both for formal and informal learning
environments that best facilitate effective STEM integration and STEM Career Awareness.
Administrators
The United States possesses the most innovative, technologically capable economy in the world, and yet its
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is failing to ensure that all American
students receive the skills and knowledge required for success in the 21st-century workforce. The STEM fields are
collectively considered the core technological underpinnings of an advanced society, according to both the National
Research Council and the National Science Foundation. In many forums (including political/governmental and
academic), the strength of the STEM workforce is viewed as an indicator of a nation's ability to sustain itself.
Maintaining a citizenry that is well versed in the STEM fields is a key segment of the U.S. public education agenda.
Successful STEM programs at the primary and secondary levels align the interrelated nature of science and
mathematics education with an emphasis on technology and engineering through hands-on and real-life
applications for elementary, middle school, and high school students. The new Common Core State Standards in
Mathematics, specifically the Standards for Mathematical Practice, help to connect all areas of STEM. The
integration of STEM content to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for
challenges and real-world problems requires the use of practices such as making sense of problems and
persevering in solving them; reasoning abstractly and quantitatively; constructing viable arguments and critiquing
the work of others; modeling with mathematics; using appropriate tools strategically; attending to precision; looking
for and making use of structure; and looking for and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning. As the world
moves toward a knowledge-based economy, how do we consider new ways to seed, nurture, and cultivate our
manpower to sustain long-term growth and innovation? How can STEM education programs be factored into school
improvement plans and master schedules? How do schools encourage and manage support from all stakeholders?
Partnerships
As the Nation recognizes the importance of STEM education to our economic future, we are beginning to see
collaborations in STEM education between preK–middle schools, high schools, higher education, and business and
cultural communities, with varying degrees of success and impact. The sessions in this strand highlight select
initiatives that have demonstrated an impact and have been successfully implemented.
National Science Teachers Association Conference: Elementary Science Extravaganza
Friday, April 4, 2014 | 8:00-10:00 a.m. | Ballroom East | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center | Boston, Massachusetts
Attend the third annual NSTA Elementary Extravaganza! This event brings together several
national and international organizations to provide pre-K-grade six teachers with a variety of
teaching strategies and resources. Expected are over 100 presenters and 1,000 participants for
the Boston event.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities; learn about professional development opportunities; preview the CBC/NSTA
elementary science trade books; interact with the leaders of NSTA and other national and international organizations; gather
information about award and grant programs for elementary teachers; share insights with colleagues; grab a cup of coffee;
have a chance to win door prizes, including an iPad!!; and learn of opportunities to become more involved in professional
organizations. In essence, they will walk away with a head full of ideas and arms filled with materials. So, encourage your
friends and colleagues to attend as well.

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SeaTrek BVI
Imagine spending 2 weeks of your summer Teaching and Learning in the Virgin
Islands!
Teach and Learn the content and skills relevant to Marine Science, Cultural
Studies, Conservation, Scuba Diving and Sailing!!!
SeaTrek BVI (www.seatrekbvi.com) is education through experience
offering a variety of three-week tropical adventure and service-learning
programs for teens, all of which are designed to foster personal growth and
skill development. While living aboard our sailing catamarans, students learn
first-hand how to sail, scuba dive, explore the marine environment, and work together to
accomplish a range of tasks.
SeaTrek BVI’s Engaging Educators (http://www.seatrekbvi.com/about-seatrek/engaging-educators/) program aims to
provide middle and high school teachers with opportunities to participate in SeaTrek’s scuba, sailing and marine science
adventures in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs). As an Engaging Educators participant, classroom teachers join a dedicated
and knowledgeable staff to provide guidance and instruction in every aspect of the voyage—from raising the sails and
identifying fish species to cooking dinner and taking underwater photos.
For more information, please refer to the attached Engaging Educators Program Description and visit our
website: http://www.seatrekbvi.com/about-seatrek/engaging-educators/
Field Opportunities for Earth Science Teachers
When was the last time you were in the field studying geology? Last summer? 5 years ago? Never? The Geological
Society of America has several opportunities for Earth Science teachers to study geology in the field this summer. These
trips will help you to use your observations and new-found knowledge so you can effectively communicate geologic concepts
with our peers, students, teachers and the general public.
Trips for this summer include:
Illinois Basin Field Camp (June 15-19, 2014)
 Join GSA on this 4-day field camp to discover the hidden geological gems of the Illinois Basin in La Salle
County.
 Registration is due on January 10, 2014.
Rocky Mountain Field Camp (June 21-27, 2014)
 This five-day field camp will take you around Central Colorado and will allow you to investigate some of the
amazing geology that Colorado has to offer.
 Registration is due on January 10, 2014.
Mammoth Cave Field Camp (July 14-19, 2014)
 This field camp will focus on geology, karst, groundwater, biology, ecology, environmental science and a bit of
archeology. Come explore the world’s longest cave with GSA!
 Registration is due on February 10, 2014
Explore Australia’s Geology (June 15- July 6, 2014)
 This is an amazing GeoVenture experience to get a 12 day slice of the very best geosciences of Australia.
 Registration is due on April 30, 2014.
Explore Hawaiian Volcanoes (Aug. 6-13, 2014)
 This seven-day field trip on the Big Island of Hawaii will introduce you to plate tectonics, hot spot volcanism and
the geologic features and hazards associated with living on an active volcano.
 Registration is due on May 15, 2014.
Visit www.geoventures.org to view the itineraries. Contact Davida Buehler at dbuehler@geosociety.org if you have
questions.

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Online Resources to Explore
EXPLORE A LESSON at www.justaskateacher.com (NSF lessons for K-5 level science)
Explore their “front pages” without signing in. Then go to “Shared Resources” and choose “Lesson Notes & Videos”
to log in to our resources, including the following highlighted lesson for this month. Membership is free, so register
to explore the lessons with teacher notes and videos of techniques including science lessons adapted to align with
CCSS ELA.
NASA’s Space Place and NGSS
NASA's Space Place now features a new helpful tool for educators—an easy-to-use
page that identifies articles that align with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Search for articles and activities that match the standards’ disciplinary core ideas,
science and engineering practices, or cross cutting concepts. Check it out at
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/science-standards.
Build a Body Science Game
Build a Body is an interactive, educational science game by the award-winning educational gaming company,
Sponge lab Interactive. In learning mode, take your time and learn about the circulatory, respiratory, digestive,
nervous, skeletal and excretory systems. In Time Trial mode, challenge your friends or collaborate with them to
build a body as fast as possible. This game works well with Life Science and Biology. Access at
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/build-a-body/id489938737?mt=8.
BioInteractive News
If you aren't on the mailing list for BioInteractive News, you should be! Visit http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive.
Video Games Research Indicates Improves Cognitive Abilities
http://www.gameslearningsociety.org/games.php
Example: Crystals of Kaydor
In Crystals of Kaydor, you play the role of an advanced robot created
to explore and learn, who crash lands on an alien planet. Discover
the flora, fauna, and local residents, and help them solve problems
through interpreting body language and nonverbal cues. In return, they may help you overcome obstacles of your
own as you explore more of the environment. As you gather your missing parts, can you help restore balance to
the planet?
INFINITY Science Center
INFINITY Science Center, located just over the state line to Mississippi on I-12, focuses on entertaining and
educating both children and adults as to the importance of STEM, via its highlighting the missions of Stennis Space
Center from the bottoms of the oceans to outer space, including earth’s land masses. Many interactive exhibits and
relics from space travel are displayed. Access additional information and arrange for a field trip to the science
center at http://www.visitinfinity.com/about-us/our-vision/.
The Science of Energy – AAAS Science NetLinks
What is energy, what are its forms, where do find sources of energy are questions that can be answered using this
website containing resources for all grade levels. Access the energy resources at
http://sciencenetlinks.com/collections/science-energy.

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Tools for Engineering Instruction
 Physics: Coaster Crafter (7-12) - http://www.graphite.org/website/coaster-crafter
 Design Squad Nations (5-8) - http://www.graphite.org/website/design-squad-nation
 Teach Engineering: Resources for K-12 - http://www.teachengineering.org
 Children’s Engineering Educators -
http://www.childrensengineering.com/teacherresources.htm
 Are you an elementary teacher? Want to bring EiE's inquiry-based
lessons to your class or school? Applications are now being accepted for
the 2013 - 14 Raytheon - EiE Teacher Scholarship Program.
Engineering Adventures
Engineering Adventures (EA) is an engineering curriculum created especially for out-of-school time (OST)
programs. In EA, children are introduced to the Engineering Design Process as they ask questions, imagine, plan,
create, and improve solutions to real-world problems. Short units that can be used also in the science classroom
can be found at http://eie.org/content/engineering-adventures.
HHMI Produced Materials for Biology
 Pedigrees and Inheritance of Lactose Intolerance
Download the teacher materials and Student handouts here.
 Color Changes Over Time in Mouse Population (referenced for NGSS and CCSS)
Download the teacher materials and Student handouts here.
Healing Blade (Biology and Disease game)
Which are YOU? An Apothecary Healer or a Lord of Pestilence?
Choose your destiny and determine the course of events in the groundbreaking new game.
Developed by two physician/gamers, Healing Blade plunges the player into a world of sorcery and creatures, where
real-world knowledge of infectious diseases and therapeutics play a pivotal role in the winning strategy. Access at
http://www.healingblade.com.
Forgotten Island (educational game focused on biodiversity)
Immerse yourself in the mysterious and puzzling world of Forgotten Island. Trapped in the middle of nowhere, you
take on the role of a lost adventurer with a secret past. A mysterious explosion has destroyed the island's biology
lab and scattered living specimens across the strange landscape. Now, a robot named DOC73R-CY3N53 is calling
the shots, ordering you to re-classify his specimens and rebuild the island. Never one to play nice with robots, it's
up to you to unravel the mysteries of... Forgotten Island! This game is appropriate for both Middle and High School.
Access at: http://www.sciencegamecenter.org/games/forgotten-island#!
Science in the News: New York Times – Disarming a Threat (immune system & CCSS ELA)
Helping T-Cells Fight Cancer
For more than a century, researchers were puzzled by the uncanny ability of cancer cells to evade the immune
system. They knew cancer cells were abnormal and should be killed by white blood cells. In the laboratory, in Petri
dishes, white blood cells could go on the attack against cancer cells. Why, then, could cancers survive in the body?
The answer, when it finally came in recent years, arrived with a bonus: a way to thwart a cancer’s strategy. To
acquire the full article for a reading assignment for students studying the immune system, go to
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/15/health/breaking-through-cancers-shield.html?_r=0.
Free Access to Videos relating to the Physical Sciences
At http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html you can access many effective videos produced by Annenberg
Learner on main topics for the physical sciences.

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Comprehensive Clearinghouse for Earth and Space Science Education
The first such clearinghouse of its scope and type, the Center
for Geoscience Education and Public Understanding's
searchable web site www.geocntr.org provides the geoscience
community, schools, and the general public with an extensive
collection of resources and research from reliable science and
education organizations.
The Center's new site currently provides access to resources from nearly 700 organizations. These include
universities, museums, federal and state agencies, media groups, AGI, and its member organizations and
publishers. Approximately 2,000 annotated and searchable resource entries are available on the site, and this
number includes many collections and galleries, each with hundreds of individual items such as photographs,
videos, and presentations. A sample of materials on the site:
 Earth science curricula
 Earth science classroom activities
 Teacher professional development programs
 Science-topic presentations
 Animation, video collections/still galleries
 Virtual field trips
 Funding sources for teachers
 Teaching award information
Climate Science Lesson Plans
Trying to teach the difference between weather and climate? What to show how concentrations of carbon dioxide
(CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere vary as the seasons change? Trying to show the relationship between climate
change and sea-level rise? You can get help from the EPA’s seven new climate science lesson plans for middle
school classes, aligned to the National Science Learning Standards are available at
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/resources/lesson-plans.html.
Sally Ride Science
A new website has been launched here. It provides a new Online Academy for educators, and now are bringing
you Phase 2 of STEM Central™— your place for the best STEM resources on the web.
Now STEM Central lets you:
 share your favorite links and instructional tips with other
educators,
 rate and review any of the thousands of resources already
available, and
 add your classroom tips to any of the STEM links on the site.
Sparticl – Inform Your Students
Sparticl is a new web and mobile service for teens, a collection of the very best the web has to offer in science,
technology, engineering, and math or STEM. Sparticl includes answers to science questions, images, videos,
games, and hands-on activities, all curated by a team of experts. You can use these resources in class or
recommend that students access them at home. Students can register and get an avatar and then earn badges –
great for science clubs, scouts, etc.
Videos, games, activities, and articles are available at http://www.sparticl.org on topics below:
 Living Things
 Body and Brain
 Matter and Energy
 Earth and Space
 Tech and Invention
 Explore (lots of topics here)
Vectors and Scalars - Physics
A great site for introducing the concepts of vectors and scalars or for review/remediation is found at
http://maimelatct.wordpress.com/grade-11-physical-science/vectors-and-
scalars/?goback=%2Egde_1791816_member_5792707010994647043#%21.

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Teacher Tool - MentorMob
Materials for teaching and learning exist everywhere online: in YouTube
videos, SlideShare presentations, and published articles, for example.
MentorMob is a free new platform that helps teachers collect, or “curate,” this
content in one simple place for their lessons.
MentorMob organizes the best content for a specific subject, called a “mob,”
into an engaging learning playlist to bring the sense of discovery and fun back
into learning, the company says. It manages online materials; replaces the
complex authoring tools in the education marketplace; and allows teachers to
share and distribute their playlists with other interested educators. Playlists
can be edited easily and can be rated by users, with those rated highest appearing at the top of a search.
http://www.mentormob.com or http://bit.ly/1htxT4U.
Features: Allows users to view and manipulate three-dimensional models of different molecules
Visual learners can see how protein molecules are composed and can download new molecules from the RCSB
Protein Data Bank. For Apple products, go here.
For Android devices, go here.
Resources for Including Writing in Science
Multiple resources are available at http://www.pinterest.com/edutopia/writing-101.
Engineering Video Competition
NAE is launching Engineering for You (E4U), a video contest to highlight the impact that engineering has or will
have on society. What will engineering create in the next 50 years? Rev up your creativity, pull out your camera or
phone, and produce a one to two minute video showing the world how you see engineering enhancing quality of
life and serving the needs of society. The video must highlight a period during the years 1964-2064. The main prize
is $25,000, and the contest will run from Nov. 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014. www.e4uvideocontest.org.
Mastery Connect
NSTA is excited to announce, in partnership with MasteryConnect, a free app for
the Next Generation Science Standards. The Next Generation Science
Standards app gives you multiple ways to view the standards including DCI and
Topic arrangements, and also includes convenient search functionality. The app
also makes referencing standards in the Common Core simple by providing a
linkage between the NGSS App and MasteryConnect's Common Core App.
NASA Educator Resource Center Workshops at Stennis Space Center
The NASA Educator Resource Center (ERC) at Stennis Space Center announces upcoming professional development
workshops for educators. K-12 teachers can receive CEUs for these free workshops. Home school and pre-service
educators are welcome, too! Topics include physical science, life science, biology, mathematics, technology, engineering
and much more. Workshops are available for all grade levels and are held on-site at Stennis Space Center.
One upcoming workshop includes an opportunity for educators to learn about weather and climate from an Air Force
"Hurricane Hunter" pilot. Another workshop addresses "Scientific Curiosities."
For more information, visit the Stennis Education Web site at http://education.ssc.nasa.gov/workshops.asp or contact the
NASA ERC by phone at (800) 237-1821 (option 2) or (228) 688-3338 or by email to ssc-nasaerc@mail.nasa.gov.

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Project Dragonfly
Summer 2014
Applications are now being accepted for 2014 field courses
and the Global Field Program master's, which offer
groundbreaking courses in 13 countries throughout Africa,
Asia, Australia and the Americas. New for 2014 is a course in
India.
Earth Expeditions graduate courses and the Global Field Program (GFP) master's degree bring together graduate students,
scientists, educators and community leaders at critical conservation sites worldwide. Sites for 2014 include the Amazon,
Australia, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Costa Rica, Guyana, Hawai'i, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia and Thailand.
Tuition for seven graduate credits and all basic in-country expenses are covered in the course costs, which are reduced
because of support from Miami University. Accepted students are responsible for airfare.
Earth Expeditions and the GFP can be completed part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. They are open
to educators and other professionals who hold a bachelor's degree from any discipline. For information and to apply, please
visit:
Earth Expeditions: http://earthexpeditions.org
Global Field Program: http://gfp.miamioh.edu
Applicants may be interested in Dragonfly's additional master's degree, the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP), co-delivered
with premier learning institutions in select U.S. cities. Current AIP sites are located in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago,
Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, New York and Seattle. For more information, visit http://aip.miamioh.edu/.
Project Dragonfly reaches millions of people each year through inquiry-driven learning media, public exhibits and graduate
programs worldwide. Dragonfly is housed at Miami University, a state university in Oxford, Ohio, established in 1809 and
listed as one of the eight original Public Ivies.
CONTACT: Mary Jo Lahrmann
Project Dragonfly, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056
513.529.8573, lahrmamj@miamioh.edu
Cyber Discovery
Summer 2014 | Louisiana Tech University
The Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) is proud to announce
that registration for Cyber Discovery is open. Cyber
Discovery is a professional development program for high
school teachers that culminates with an innovative and
dynamic one-week, residential camp for both the high school teachers and their students. It is a catalytic event for engaging
teachers and students in the history of cyberspace, ethical and social issues, applications, and the need for and use of
security in cyberspace.
Teachers who participate in Cyber Discovery will be required to attend two Saturday workshops prior to the camp. The CIC
will host two sessions of Cyber Discovery camp at Louisiana Tech University during the following weeks: Cyber Discovery
1: Monday, June 2, 2014 – Saturday, June 7, 2014, and Cyber Discovery 2: Monday, June 9, 2014 – Saturday, June 16,
2014. The fees for Cyber Discovery will be covered by the CIC.
As in years past, the CIC will accept completed registrations based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To learn more about Cyber Discovery and to view photos and videos from past years, please visit
http://www.nicerc.org/cyber-discovery/.

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Exploring the Past: Archaeology in the Upper Mississippi River Valley
July 14 – August 14, 2014 | Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center | University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
Applications deadline: March 4, 2014
Walking beside thousand-year-old burial mounds, flaking raw stone into tools, learning how potsherds tell us about human
behavior, and understanding how humans adapt to complex, ever-changing environments, the 2014 NEH Summer Institute
features all this and more.
This three-week NEH Summer Institute for K-12 teachers will explore how Native Americans and Euro-Americans have
adapted to the Upper Mississippi River Valley over the past 13,500 years, and how archaeology leads to an understanding
of how human cultures change and adapt through time.
The Institute will feature a one-day excavation experience, field trips to archaeological sites, hands-on laboratory and
workshop activities, demonstrations, and classroom activities. Individual projects will help participants tailor the content to
their own teaching areas. NEH Summer Scholars receive a $2,700 stipend to help offset their expenses.
Application and other information on the Institute is available online at http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/neh.htm.
Science E-Blast
Twice a month science and math teachers in Louisiana are receiving information on grants, teaching materials, workshop
opportunities, various programs, and conferences by receiving the E-Blast like the one shown here:
http://lsta.info/labap%20eblast.php.
If you would like to be on the distribution list, contact jean.may-brett@la.gov with your name, school name and email
address.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE LSTA WEBSITE FOR MORE WORKSHOP AND GRANT INFORMATION!

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eCYBERMISSION
Registration Deadline: January 15th, 2014
NSTA and the United States Army have joined together to promote student achievement in science, technology,
engineering, and math (STEM) through a comprehensive education initiative. NSTA will manage the U.S. Army's
eCYBERMISSION program, an online collaborative learning competition designed to inspire student interest in STEM by
encouraging students in grades 6 - 9 to develop solutions to real-world challenges in their local communities. Through the
program, now in its 11th year, teams of 3 – 4 students are asked to identify an issue in their community related to one of
seven mission challenges. Teams have the opportunity to win state, regional, and national awards and the students on the
four national winning teams can receive up to $8,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds.
Important Note for Team Advisors: To serve as a Team Advisor use the drop down menu on the first page of registration
and click Team Advisor. Please choose: NSTA: Referred by NSTA State Chapter and submit to complete the registration
form.
In the registration process, the form asks if you need to “Add an installation”. This allows you to generate an email to the
eCYBERMISSION control so your facility is added. It usually takes about 24 hours to add an installation.
Registration for the 2013-2014 competition is now open. To learn more about the program and to register, visit
www.ecybermission.com or contact eCYBERMISSION Mission Control at 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9237) or via email at
missioncontrol@ecybermission.com.
2014 MIT THINK Scholars Program
Deadline to apply: January 11, 2014
Students are invited to apply to the 2014 MIT THINK Scholars Program. The program's
mission is to recognize the work of talented high school students that have demonstrated
exceptional innovation and motivation in designing science or engineering projects.
Unlike other competitions, the only requirement is an idea proposal. Applicants are not
expected to have started on their project. The winners will receive $2,000 in funding, a trip to
MIT, mentorship from the THINK team, and advice from MIT professors and industry
professionals to complete their project over the spring semester.
For more information about the THINK Scholars Program and the application process, see
the website at http://think.mit.edu/ (FAQ: http://think.mit.edu/faq-teachers). If you have any
questions, please don't hesitate to send a note to think@mit.edu.
Student Opportunities and Events

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The Dupont Challenge: Science Essay Competition
Deadline: January 31, 2014
http://thechallenge.dupont.com/
As the world population continues to grow
and become more connected than ever, The
DuPont Challenge asks students to consider
our most important challenges by researching
and writing a 700-1,000-word science essay
in one of four categories. The first three
categories reflect the global challenges on
which DuPont as a company focuses its efforts. The fourth category opens up possibilities for students to address other
important topics, using scientific research to solve issues that can range from medicine and health to mathematical
computation to any science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topic that students are passionate about.
Learn more about each of the four categories:
 Together, we can feed the world.
Ensuring that enough healthy, nutritious food is available for people everywhere is one of the most critical
challenges facing humanity. Learn more about this category
 Together, we can build a secure energy future.
With a growing population, we will need to use our existing resources as efficiently and effectively as possible and
find better ways to harness renewable energy sources. Learn more about this category
 Together, we can protect people and the environment.
A growing global population places increased pressure on people and the environment, and as the world develops,
humanity places greater value on both life and the earth we all share. Learn more about this category
 Together, we can be innovative anywhere.
Our passions for any topic in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can lead to innovations that help
to make the world a better place. Learn more about this category
Visit the official DuPont website to learn more about how the company addresses these global challenges.
2013-2014 Future City Competition
January 25, 2014 | Southeastern Louisiana University Campus | Hammond, Louisiana
A new round of the national Future City competition is to take place
on January 25th
, 2014 on the Southeastern Louisiana University
campus. Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade imagine, design, and build
cities of the future. Students work as a team with an educator and
engineer mentor to plan cities using SimCity™ Deluxe software;
research and write solutions to an engineering problem; build tabletop
scale models with recycled materials; and present their ideas before
judges at Regional Competitions in January. Regional winners
compete at the National Finals in Washington, DC in February (expenses for the team’s trip to DC are picked up by the
national office). See details at www.FutureCity.org.
This year’s research topic - Tomorrow's Transit: Design a way to move people in and around your city. Students will
research and write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) in which they design a way to move people around and in your city.
Registrations are done here: http://futurecity.org/register
Visit www.FutureCity.org

LASER December 2013
-27-
Cover page
World of 7 Billion Video Contest
Contest Deadline: February 21, 2014
Bring technology and creativity into your high school science classes by
incorporating the World of 7 Billion video contest into your syllabi. Challenge
your students to create a short (60 seconds or less) video illustrating the
connection between world population at 7 billion and one of the following:
climate change, global poverty, or water sustainability. Students can win up
to $1,000 and their teachers will receive free curriculum resources. Full
contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more can be
found at www.Worldof7Billion.org.
Louisiana State Science Fair
March 24-26, 2014 | Louisiana State University Student Union | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
https://is.lsu.edu/newdoce/lsef/
All regional fairs should be held by Friday, February 28, 2014.
Due to the challenges for registration, processing, and SRC review, deadline for submission of all project paperwork is
Friday, March 7, 2014.
JUNIOR DIVISION (Grades 6-8): Monday and Tuesday, March 24-25, 2014
SENIOR DIVISION (Grades 9-12): Tuesday and Wednesday, March 25-26, 2014
Environmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber Southwest Poster Contest
Open only to students in the following parishes: Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen, Jefferson Davis
The Environmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber Southwest is inviting students to participate in a poster contest to be
judged on February 14, 2014 at the Regional Science Fair in Lake Charles. Students do not have to be present at the
Science Fair to enter or win. The poster contest is related to the goals of the committee which are associated with improving
environmental conditions related to a number of topics including, but not limited to: litter, water, coastal areas, and ground
level ozone.
To receive an application or if you have any questions, please Mike Dever, Environmental Specialist, at
mikedever@providenceeng.com
National Youth Science Camp
Application deadline: Friday, March 1, 2014
Each year the governor of West Virginia issues an invitation to every other state to initiate a process to select delegates to
the National Youth Science Camp. Two outstanding graduating seniors from Louisiana will be selected to spend a month in
the Monongahela National Forest near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia. All expenses are covered
allowing the selected delegates to attend regardless of their financial status. Applicants should be candidates for graduation
in the spring of 2014 who have demonstrated superior academic proficiency in mathematics and/or science and who intend
on pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics based career. Delegates will arrive in Charleston, West
Virginia, on Friday, June 27, and depart on Sunday, July 20, 2014.
Students may apply at http://apply.nysc.org. For information contact Jean May-Brett, NYSC Program Coordinator,
jean.may-brett@la.gov

LASER December 2013
-28-
Cover page
LSTA Membership / Change of Address Form
Membership Dues (Check one box.)
1 year membership $15.00
3 year membership $40.00
Full Time Student - 1 year membership $10.00
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________
*** Email must be provided to receive correspondences from LSTA (including the LASER)***
Check here if you are interested in receiving the science E-blast!
Alternative Email Address: _____________________________________________________________
Parish: __________________________________ School: ___________________________________
Preferred Mailing Address (Check one box): Home Work School
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Phone: _____________________________________________________________________
***Helpful when serving on committees (not required)***
Print and mail form with dues to:
LSTA Membership
1627 Taylor Street
Kenner, LA 70062
ALL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: LSTA

LASER_December_2013

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