May 2024 OSTA

THE OREGON SCIENCE TEACHER April 2024

In This Issue

OSTA Fall Conference October 2024 In Eugene Oregon

Free Workshops FIRST^® LEGO^® League

New OpenSciEd NGSS Design Badge High School Unit

The Table Rocks by OSTA member Sarah Carlson

Reading in Science: Upper elementary/Middle School

Authentic Student Research: NW Science Expo and ISEF

OSTA members engage in the 2024 NSTA Conference

Science Resources, Events, & Opportunities across Oregon

Webcasts and OSTA Needs You!

Greetings, OSTA Community!

OSTA leadership is hard at work planning our 2024 conference. While the conference is not until early November, we need your involvement now, too! What makes our conferences so successful is the incredible sessions you bring to share with colleagues. Teachers learning from teachers is at the heart of OSTA. Topics that teachers across the state have expressed interest in are wide-ranging and include:

All things related to elementary science, such as projects that integrate other subjects and climate change for younger students. Do you have student and/or materials management dialed in for K-5? How are you connecting with STEM professionals? Do you facilitate a science-based storyline or connect science to book groups or read-aloud or art?

Middle school teachers have expressed interest in making their district’s instructional materials more accessible and local. How have you gotten your students involved in local phenomena or local climate change/ climate justice issues? Do you have a project that gets students out in the field (or neighborhood, schoolyard, local wetlands or watershed)? Are you trying things out with engineering design or robotics?

At the high school level, teachers continue to be interested in the Patterns sequence and in making science meaningful to students with real-life applications. Have you experimented with drones or other technology? How have you incorporated current science and events into your classroom?

Sometimes people say that their project is not good enough or finished enough or cool enough to share. We’re all curious about what’s happening in classrooms across the state. Sometimes people just have an idea of something they’d like to try with students, but they haven’t done it yet. Come try it out with supportive peers!

So, don’t let perfection (or fear) hold you back from submitting a session proposal today! Submission review begins in mid-April, and we’ll notify presenters by early-June.

Additional Conference Information:

We’re finalizing hotel information in the next couple of weeks and will share that asap.
Roosevelt Middle School is a beautiful, new facility. You will love spending the day in this light-filled, modern building with wonderful views.

In addition to our full conference day you can look forward to a Science Pub Welcome on Friday evening and our Awards Event/ Science Prom Saturday evening!
Welcome to our 2024 Sponsors! Oregon Dairy Council at the Innovator level and Imagine Learning at the Mentor level!
Teachers and Non-profits please submit session proposals here.
Vendors can register here and submit session proposals using this form.
Sponsors, please register here.

Free Workshops for Those Considering Coaching a LEGO Robotics Team

FIRST^® LEGO^® League guides youth through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. Students learn the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.

Friendly competition is at the heart of FIRST LEGO League Challenge, as teams of students in grades 4-8 engage in research, problem-solving, coding, building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game.

The FIRST LEGO League Challenge season begins in August when the new game theme is revealed. Teams showcase their work at events beginning in December. Teams that do particularly well at these tournaments are invited to the Oregon State Championship in January. Click here for more on FIRST LEGO League.

The Oregon Robotics Tournament & Outreach Program (ORTOP) is excited to announce its Spring 2024 schedule of three free workshops for coaches and prospective coaches. You can sign up for all or choose those that fit your coaching level.

Introduction to FIRST and ORTOP

We invite you to join ORTOP staff for this remote workshop as we introduce you to our robotics programs in Oregon, the role of project-based learning, the guiding values and principles for FIRST robotics, and how you can get started with a program for your students.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Beginning Spike Prime Programming
All about programming with Spike Prime! This remote workshop is for new coaches. Learn how to navigate the Spike Prime App for FLL Challenge and program a SPIKE Prime robot. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this workshop.

Tuesday May 7, 2024, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Intermediate Spike Prime Programming
This remote workshop is for FLL Challenge coaches who are familiar with Spike Prime and want to learn more about sensors and intermediate programming skills. A SPIKE Prime kit is not required to attend this workshop.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

New High School NGSS Design Badge Unit: OpenSciEd B.5 Common Ancestry & Speciation

Awarded the NGSS Design Badge

Science Discipline: Life Science, Earth and Space Science

Length: Unit

Year Reviewed: 2024

This unit is anchored by the unusual sightings of polar, brown, and black bears in Wapusk National Park. Students investigate why this is so unusual and consider what this means for the bears as the Arctic warms. Lesson Set 1 focuses on bear thermoregulation and how speciation occurred over geologic time. In Lesson Set 2 students learn about hybridization of bears as an alternative future for the bears. They consider the speed at which extinction and speciation events occurred in the past compared with changes occurring today. Students research ways humans protected other species from extinction and debate what role humans should play in protecting Arctic bears from extinction.

Link to Materials

The following link will direct you to the OpenSciEd Unit B.5 Common Ancestry & Speciation unit page:B.5 Common Ancestry & Speciation

NGSS Design Badge

Awarded: Apr 2, 2024

Awarded To: OpenSciEd Unit B.5 Common Ancestry & Speciation

VERIFY

The Table Rocks

Article and photos by OSTA member, Sarah Carlson.

Spring has sprung! One of the best places to see wildflowers is in southern Oregon at the Table Rocks. April is considered the peak of the wildflower bloom at the Table Rocks, but many natural geologic and biologic treasures can be seen and enjoyed there year around. You can find this wonder off I-5 just north of Central Point in the Rogue Valley.

Constant erosion and lava flows formed the Table Rocks. A sandstone and gravel layer called the Payne Cliff Formation was deposited by streams that filled the valley with water to the elevation of the Table Rock 66-37 mya. A lava layer was then deposited on top of the Payne Cliff Formation (Oregon State University has dated the basalt layer at 10 mya). Subsequent years of erosion took the softer sediments of the Payne Cliff Formation and left behind the basalt Table Rocks which now stand 800 feet above the Rogue River.

The Upper Table Rock trail starts off of Modoc Road. It is a steady 2 mile climb of 700 feet elevation to the top. Most of the trail has been newly graveled, which makes for fairly easy hiking. However, the top part of the trail is rocky, and the trail can be muddy after a rain.

Evidence of the lava flow that once filled the ancient river channel can be observed along the trail. Oversized basalt boulders are scattered within reach of the trail, and the “horse shoe” shape of the Table Rocks is observable once on top.

Other significant geologic landmarks can be viewed from the top of Table Rocks. The Rogue River flows southwest below the Upper Table Rock. Roxy Ann is a rounded knoll-like peak south of the Rogue River. Mt. McLaughlin rises to an elevation of 9500 feet to the east. Also, on a clear day, Mt. Shasta can be seen in the distant south.

The Table Rocks showcase a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The base of Table Rocks is considered an oak woodland ecosystem. The predominant tree species is the white oak. However, madrone and manzanita are also common. With elevation, black oaks, and finally, Ponderosa pine are evident. Wildflower species include Henderson Fawn Lily, Red Bells, Shooting Stars, Popcorn Flower and Western Buttercup. On top, fragile vernal pool communities can be seen. It is important to stay on this trail to help protect the vernal pools, but also, Poison Oak is also very common. Know how to identify it, and do not touch it!

Other details to be aware of…

No dogs, horses or bicycles are allowed on the trail.
Be aware of high cliff dangers.
Rattlesnakes do inhabit the area.
Do not pick the wildflowers, and avoid walking too close to the vernal pools.
There is no camping, campfires, or hunting.
Pack water. There is no water on site. Laterene style facilities only.
The trail is somewhat exposed. Wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
Pack a camera for photography, and binoculars for birdwatching.
Always pack your trash out with you.

References:

Website – The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/the-table-rocks/?tab_q=tab_container-tab_element_675766949

Website – Bureau of Land Management Table Rocks Management Area

Book – The Table Rocks of Jackson County: Islands in the Sky. Compiled by Chris Reyes, 1994.

Article and photos by OSTA member, Sarah Carlson.

Reading in Science

Upper Elementary, Middle School: Who Was? series

Article by OSTA member Karen Blaettler

Who is Temple Grandin?

Temple Grandin was different, but she wasn’t identified as autistic until she was an adult. As with other titles in the Who Was? Series, this book details her struggles and successes in a time when very little was known about people in the autistic spectrum. Temple became a successful scientist, earning her PhD, and an advocate for autistic people, all despite her early struggles.

The 2010 made-for-TV (TV-PG rating) movie Temple Grandin from HBO films illustrates the life of Temple Grandin and won 7 Primetime Emmy awards. IMDb rates the movie as 8.2/10. The movie is available through subscription on YouTube, Hulu and Amazon.

I was guest teaching in a middle school science classroom the first time I saw an abbreviated (classroom time limitations, unfortunately) showing of this movie. I enjoyed the movie as much as the students did, even after several viewings. Afterward, several students told me that the movie helped them better understand siblings and friends who were diagnosed within the autistic spectrum.

Students Showcase Research in STEM areas at NWSE:

Receive prizes, awards, and advance to international and national competitions

2024 NWSE at the Viking Pavilion photo by Kelly Jones

The Northwest Science Expo, Oregon’s state-level STEM fair was held at PSU on Friday, April 5. Over 120 high school projects advanced from Oregon’s six regional science fairs to compete at this event. In addition, ~240 projects from grades 5-8 competed in the NSWE middle school fair.

At the high school level, the NWSE is affiliated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest science fair. In addition to category, special awards, and scholarships, this year 6 projects advance with 18 projects from the regional fairs to compete at the Regeneron ISEF, May 12-17 in Los Angeles. This is an all expenses paid trip and these students will join nearly 1800 students from 75 countries to showcase their research, and are eligible to receive awards, prizes, and scholarships totalling ~$9 million.

Middle school students also won category and special awards, with excellent projects invited to participate in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (middle school level), where the top prize includes an invitation to compete at the final event in Washington DC.

Both High School Best of Fair awards were won by Sunset High School students and Middle School Best of Fair awards were won by students from Wheeler Homeschool and Summa Stoller. In Addition, awards are given for the best projects in each category, scholarships from Portland State University, Oregon State University and University of Oregon, and dozens of special awards sponsored by local and national organizations.

Are you looking for opportunities for your students to engage in authentic science/STEM learning? Do you have students who want to do independent research? Engage them in a phenomenal science/STEM experience by having them work on projects eligible to participate in NWSE and ISEF. All Oregon students in grade 5-12 can participate (public, private, and home school); data collection can be done up to a 1-year period, so while most students will begin their work during the academic year of the fair, it is fine for students to begin their research now to compete in next year’s events. Participation can have an amazing impact on students’ learning and the science/STEM learning experience in your school.

More information can be found at nwse.org,https://www.societyforscience.org/isef, or contact Stephanie Jones, NWSE Director, at sjones@pdx.edu. Dates for 2025 are still being decided, but deadlines for registration start in February 2025.

OSTA members engage in the 2024 NSTA Conference

The 2024 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference, held in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado from March 20th to 23rd, proved to be an enriching and inspiring experience for educators from across the nation, including several members of the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA). Bradford Hill (OSTA At-large Board Member) and Matt McCollum (OSTA member) gave two presentations featuring projects in the Patterns Physics curriculum, Using the Patterns Approach to Engage all Students in the NGSS, and Patterns Physics: Engineering a 50 Year Energy Plan. Both sessions had good participation and garnered significant interest. OSTA President Elect, Noelle Gorbett, and Past-President Stephen Scannell, networked with exhibitors, presenters, and science leaders to support our mission and our next OSTA conference on November 2, 2024 in Eugene, OR.

Mark Rober, the renowned science communicator and creator behind Crunch Labs, graced the conference with a captivating keynote session. Rober’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the invaluable role teachers play in shaping young minds resonated deeply with attendees, setting a tone of appreciation and recognition for the profession.

Attendees were presented with a plethora of sessions covering diverse topics and teaching methodologies, allowing them to tailor their conference experience to their specific interests and educational objectives. From innovative classroom techniques to discussions on the latest in classroom use of AI, there was something for every educator to explore and integrate into their teaching practices.

The Exhibit Hall served as a hub of activity, bustling with vendors showcasing a wide array of science-related resources. From books and jewelry to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and curriculum materials, attendees had the opportunity to peruse and engage with the latest innovations in science education.

OSTA member, Elizabeth Bryan, from Gresham High School (formerly Sutherlin High School), was one of fourteen awardees from throughout the nation to be awarded the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers. This award recognizes awardees as dedicated learners, leaders, and innovators, and supports their professional growth with a $1000 award that is used to attend the conference. Keep your eye open for this and other awards from NSTA or OSTA to recognize excellent science teachers in your school, district, or beyond, and nominate them for an award (OSTA Awards, NSTA Awards).

The next NSTA National Conference on Science Education is on November 6-9 in New Orleans. NSTA is currently accepting session proposals until May 5. The review of session proposals happens between May 6-June 2. Click here if you would like to apply to be a reviewer. Early Bird registration is open and ends 9/27/2024. Go to https://www.nsta.org/conferences-and-events for a list of upcoming webinars and to access other resources.

Science Resources, Events, & Opportunities across Oregon

OSTA-Vernier-Portland Metro STEM Partnership- Make and Take Event!
Please register by Tuesday 4/16 so we can finalize numbers for food and beverage

Join the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA), Vernier Science Education, and the Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) for an evening of science fun, food and fellowship on Thursday, April 18th from 4:30-7:00 pm at the Vernier Science Education Headquarters, 13979 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97005.

Sessions include materials and facilitators to help you build the selected apparatus/device. Since we are building these, there is a rich opportunity to extend these into engineering activities for you, and your students. Conversations can extend to include sharing how you can use this in your classroom, scaling up, purchasing materials, or other collaborations to enhance the usefulness to you and your classroom. Each Make-and-Take addresses a key content area related to physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Additionally, there is an opportunity to see the latest from Vernier, as well for you to share a favorite demo or instructional activity or strategy.

Please register by Tuesday 4/16 so we can finalize numbers for food and beverage.

To register: https://oregonscience.org/Events

Questions/comments: conferences@oregonscience.org

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Oregon State University Extension: Food Heroes

Resources from the Food Heroes program range from recipes and gardening to videos (including recipes) and written materials for parents and teachers. Visit the Home page at https://foodhero.org/ for an overview of the websites’ offerings.

Explore Oregon Bees, from the FoodHero webpage https://foodhero.org/bees

“Explore Oregon Bees is a bee-themed nutrition and garden environmental education activity book developed at Oregon State University by the Oregon Bee Project and Food Hero. The second edition (2023) is aligned to 4th grade educational standards, but like the first version (2020) there are activities, recipes and images engaging to all ages. Objectivesinclude: broadening readers’ knowledge of the role bees play in pollination to make healthy foods, to increase willingness to taste vegetables and fruits, and empowering readers to know ways to help bees make healthy foods. The virtual toolkit brings the book alive digitally and includes bonus content. Online pages will continue to be updated as teacher feedback comes in!

Bee Book Download – web version
Email us for a print ready version at food.hero@oregonstate.edu.
Oregon 4th grade teachers sign-up: https://beav.es.Thz Bees | Food Hero

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Oregon State University, College of Forestry: Upcoming ONREP (Oregon Natural Resources Education Program)

Workshop Schedule & Opportunities: Workshops | Oregon Natural Resources Education Program

The following workshop opportunities for educators are from the updated March schedule. Keep in mind that workshops may be offered at another location in the future. If you can’t attend one on the current schedule, subscribe to receive updated schedules.

For more details, to register for one (or more) of these workshops or to subscribe and receive notices about upcoming workshops, go to Workshops | Oregon Natural Resources Education Program.

Per the OSU website:

Unless otherwise noted, all ONREP professional development (PD) events and materials are offered at no cost to Oregon formal and informal educators.

Unless otherwise noted, All ONREP PD are on Pacific Time

Individual registration required for all events.

Substitute reimbursement is offered on teacher workdays.

PDUs (Professional Development Units) are offered for all PD.

Detailed information for each PD will be shared in the Workshop Confirmation letter which is sent to registrants by email 1-2 weeks prior to the event.

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Green Jobs: Connecting Science With Career Opportunities in Forestry

When: Saturday, April 20, 2024, from9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Format & Length: In-person, 6.5 hours

Audience: 7th – 12th grade educators, formal and nonformal, especially relevant for science content area and CTE educators

Revised workshop now offering free expanded curriculum!

Project Learning Tree’s Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers
Project Learning Tree’s The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers

Where: Eugene, OR

Support your students in learning about a career in the STEM field! Join this workshop to hear first-hand from natural resource professionals and STEM researchers how their careers relate to your lessons in the sciences, sustainable forestry, and conservation. We will explore how you can aid your students in drawing connections between what they learn in school and nonformal learning settings and possible green career opportunities for themselves.

We will include a focus on green career pathways of Black professionals in the US, highlighting inspiring stories and profiles as well as taking a look at why marginalized groups make up only a small percent of green careers.

Participants will receive Project Learning Tree’s Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers curriculum, and Project Learning Tree’s The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers.

Lunch included

Audience: 7th-12th grade educators, formal and nonformal, especially relevant for science content area and CTE educators

Link for more information: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops/green-jobs-connecting-science-career-opportunities%C2%A0

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Integrating Climate Education and Student Action Into Classrooms

When: Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 4-6:30pm

Format: Online

High school educators, are you interested in bringing climate-based student leadership projects and actions into your classrooms? Please join ONREP, plus SubjectToClimate, and Our Future Student Leadership Network to learn more about how secondary teachers across all subject areas can find lesson plans and other resources and integrate action items into the classroom, in partnership with Our Future, student climate leadership network.

Audience: Geared toward 9th-12th grade formal educators, but all are welcome.

Click the link to register: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshop-registration
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Exploring Watersheds with Project WET

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Silverton, OR

Join this workshop and learn how to enhance your students’ understanding of watersheds and how various factors affect the health and function of a watershed. We’ll use movement activities to introduce and explore watersheds, then look at data to compare and contrast elements within the watershed, while meeting NGSS standards.

Participants will receive the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0 and walk away with three ready-to-use classroom activities.

Audience: 5th-8th grade educators, formal and informal

Touch the Earth: Sensory Natural Learning Experiences for Early Learners – NEW!

Saturday, April 21, 2024

Brookings, OR

In this workshop, educators will have the opportunity to explore and practice ways to promote positive nature learning experiences for early learners. We will utilize activities from the Project Learning Tree curriculum Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood.

Participants will receive resources and activities, including the Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide and accompanying music CD, created specifically for the younger audience to develop their natural curiosity through exploration and simple inquiry skills in multi-sensory experiences. Bring your lunch and come prepared for indoor and outdoor exploration.

Audience: Early Learner professionals and educators, formal and non-formal, teaching ages 3-7.

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Explore Oregon’s Coast through Nature Journaling – NEW

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR

Join us at the Hatfield Marine Science Center to experience and explore nature journaling, a flexible, engaging, and adaptable teaching tool that helps students develop both scientific (NGSS) and social-emotional competencies. Using Hatfield Marine Science Center’s unique resources, we will practice close observation, inquiry, and connection-building using a series of nature journaling prompts. We will also practice giving feedback on journal entries to promote a growth mindset, model outdoor facilitation strategies, and discuss how to incorporate nature journaling in any learning context.

Dress for a 1.5-mile exploration along a level trail. Bring a notebook and a pencil, water, bag lunch, and a camping chair (if you have one). We will spend some time indoors and some time outdoors during this workshop.

Audience: 3rd-8th grade educators, formal and non-formal, but all are welcome.

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Climate Generation Education Events

Climate Generation’s Summer Institute for Climate Change Education is a three day climate change education conference structured to allow time for learning and networking. During the first two virtual days hosted by Climate Generation, educators can select from keynote presentations and concurrent workshops. During the third day, educators will attend a cohort workshop facilitated and hosted by a regional cohort leader to focus on place-based climate change education and the need for ongoing support throughout the year. Cohort days may be in-person or online, depending on educator and cohort leader needs in that region. Each group of 20-50 educators will explore local impacts, actionable solutions, connections to local experts, and planning and networking.

Details:

Dates: July 15 & 16, 2024, plus one day on July 17th, 18th, or 19th

Times: 10am CT to 6pm CT on July 15 & 16, times T.B.D. for cohort days

Location: Virtual

Registration: $250

Scholarships Available

20 hours of Continuing Education Credits

Graduate Credit Optional, offered through Hamline University

More details about the themes, dates and locations of regional cohort schedules can be found on the registration page.

Registration Includes:

Attendance to the Summer Institute
20 Hours of Continuing Education
Automatic enrollment in Climate Generation’sTeach Climate Network; includes ongoing support throughout the year through teaching tips, resources, training, and online community networking with educators
Access to the Teach Climate Network Hub, an online platform for members to connect and learn
Monthly Teach Climate Tips in your inbox
Resources and curriculum to help you teach climate
Free t-shirt to first 25 registrants
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Garbology: Understanding Our Waste System

Friday, May 17, 2024

Portland, OR

Where does trash go when it leaves your home? Tour Metro’s transfer station to experience the sights and smells of our trash while learning how garbage and hazardous waste are managed in the region. We’ll explore what is in our trash and actions we can take to reduce the impact of garbage on people and nature.

Participants receive two of Project Learning Tree’s guides: Explore Your Environment and Exploring Environmental Issues, Municipal Solid Waste.

Wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Snacks provided. You are encouraged to bring your lunch as nearby options for food are limited.

Audience: 6th-12th grade educators, formal and nonformal

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Marsh Ed-Ventures: Growing Up WILD in Millicoma Marsh – NEW!

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Coos Bay, OR

Join professionals at Millicoma Marsh Trail and surrounding area to learn about engaging young children ages 3-7 in outdoor learning. Participants will receive Project WILD’s Growing up WILD curriculum guide of activities that help engage young children in science and nature. Bring your lunch and come prepared for indoor and outdoor learning.

Audience: Intended for Early Learner professionals and educators, formal and nonformal, teaching ages 3-7. (But all educators are welcome.)

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Overnight Adventure: Exploring Cultural and Ecological Significance of Fire

When: Wednesday July 31 – Friday August 2, 2024 (multi-day, overnight workshop)

Where: Fish Lake Historic Site, also known as the Fish Lake Remount Depot, McKenzie Bridge, OR

What: Join us for a multi-day workshop at the picturesque Fish Lake Remount Depot located in the heart of the Oregon High Cascades, deep in the Willamette National Forest. This historic site will be our playground to explore the relationship between humans and fire through the centuries till today. Designed for science and social studies educators, the workshop will center on the natural & cultural history of the area: tribal use, early Oregonians, Forest Service mule packers & fire lookouts, and the region’s historic and current fire regime. Highlights include field trips, guest speakers, demonstrations, work sessions and more.

Participants receive: Project Learning Tree’s (PLT) Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide, Ricky’s Atlas, and CGEO’s Student Atlas of Oregon.

Cost: We ask that participants contribute a nominal fee of $25 to help us offset the cost of this workshop. If you need financial assistance to cover this fee, please contact ONREP.

Audience: Geared toward 4th-8th grade science and social studies educators, formal and nonformal, but all educators are welcome.

Registration required. Click on the registration button to see full workshop details. ___________________________________________________________

OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program seeks Central Regional Coordinator

The OSU Extension Outdoor School Program’s Central Regional Coordinator will work with school districts and providers in the region to maximize participation by providing support in the funding application and reporting process, promoting inclusive community engagement, and working with districts to implement creative, community-specific solutions to outdoor school participation barriers.

The application period closes on Sunday, April 14.

WEBCAST ARCHIVES

OSTA hosted 2-webcasts since our last edition of the TOST. On January 25, Crystal Boles, from Deep Creek Middle School, presented Shark Tank: Middle School Edition. Crystal shared an innovative and exciting activity inspired by the popular TV show and Justin Shaifer, aka Mr. Fascinate. In this activity, students step into entrepreneurs’ shoes as they investigate and develop unique ideas or solutions to real-world problems.

On February 15, Mihir Ravel and Cary Sneider, from Portland State University, presented Empowering Teachers, Engaging Students: STEM Education for a Better World. In this session, Mihir and Cary shared their EASEL model (Engaging and Authentic Science and Engineering Learning) as a frameworks for revising favorite STEM activities to be more inclusive and impactful. Examples from across the sciences were shared to give attendees insights into how to create diverse, engaging, and meaningful STEM learning in which every student can grow their agency for making a better world.

Slidedecks and videos of these sessions are available on the website along with all of OSTA’s webcasts. These are archived and available to members. Visit our Webcast Archives page to view! Remember, you must be signed in to our website to view this page.

OSTA NEEDS YOU!

Upcoming Election: Ballots will be coming out soon to fill positions on the OSTA Board. Positions on the executive team, as well as Open-board positions are voted on by all members, while board positions for individual regions are voted on by OSTA members who live/work in that particular region. Terms are for two years except for the president-elect position, which starts a 3-year president rotation (president-elect, president, past-president).

NOMINATE A DESERVING COLLEAGUE FOR AN OSTA AWARD

Look around you and your school, district, and region. Who are the teachers and leaders who are hard working, passionate, and skilled at exciting students about science and the process of scientific discovery? Which ones contribute to the profession of science teaching? These are the individuals deserving of a nomination for an OSTA Science Educator Award. Awards will be presented at the 2024 Fall conference.

Awards are available for early, mid, and late career teachers, as well as for teams who have worked to improve instruction around the NGSS. Award descriptions and links to the nomination forms can be found at: https://oregonscience.org/Awards

CONTRIBUTE TO THE OREGON SCIENCE TEACHER (TOST): Your membership makes our newsletter possible. We love hearing from you – please send feedback and ideas to TOST@oregonscience.org or go to: https://oregonscience.org/The-Oregon-Science-Teacher. Past TOST editions can be found at that link as well.

JOIN OUR SCIENCE EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

Interested in helping with conferences, webinars, special events to support science educators? Join the OSTA board or working groups and bring your voice to one or more of the conversations to development opportunities that support science education throughout our state.

If you are interested, and have any questions, please contact President Elect: president-elect@oregonscience.org

STEM Hubs