2014FALL SCIENCE UPDATEA CONFERENCE FOR K–12 EDUCATORS

“CELEBRATING SCIENCE EDUCATION: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE”

NOVEMBER 19, 2014Grand Valley State UniversityL.V. Eberhard CenterRobert C. Pew Grand Rapids CampusDowntown Grand RapidsWednesday, 8 a.m.– 3 p.m.

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2014 FALL SCIENCE UPDATE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

DIRECTIONS

MAP

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan State Board of Education.

FROM US-131 NORTHBOUND: Take the Pearl St. Exit, #85B. Turn left (west) onto Pearl Street (which becomes Lake Michigan Drive). Go two blocks; turn left on Winter Ave. Take Winter south to light at Fulton St. Turn left on Fulton, follow roughly two blocks under US-131 and enter the Fulton Lot on your right.

FROM US-131 SOUTHBOUND: Take the Pearl St. Exit, #85B. Turn right (west) onto Pearl Street (which becomes Lake Michigan Drive). Go one block; turn left at first intersection on Winter Ave. Take Winter south to light at Fulton St. Turn left on Fulton, follow roughly two blocks under US-131 and enter the Fulton Lot on your right.

FROM I-196 EAST/WEST: Take the Ottawa Ave/Downtown Exit, #77. Follow Ottawa Ave. through downtown until it deadends into Fulton St. Turn right onto Fulton. Proceed roughly three blocks across the river until just before the US-131 overpass. Turn left into the Fulton Lot marked Conference Parking.

Overflow parking is available in the Watson Lot noted on the map.

October, 2014Dear Educator,

The Regional Math and Science Center cordially invites you to the 30th annual Fall Science Update. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Science Education: Past, Present, Future.” The conference will take place Wednesday, November 19, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Eberhard Center on Grand Valley State University’s Grand Rapids Pew campus. Our keynote speaker is the notable Larry Fegel. His talks for both elementary and secondary teachers will highlight many excellent examples of challenges and possibilities within science education.

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RegistrationContinental Breakfast 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.

Elementary Address 9:45 a.m.A Celebration and Exploration of Quality Science Education: Why Teach Elementary Science? K – 6

Secondary Address 12:45 p.m.A Celebration and Exploration of Quality Science Education: Why Do We Teach Science? 7 – 12

Morning Sessions A 8:30 a.m. B 9:45 a.m. C 11:00 a.m.

LunchLocated in the 2nd floor east lobby. Session rooms are available for dining. 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions D 12:45 p.m. E 2:00 p.m.

Special ExhibitsGreat Lakes GeoScience Rock and Mineral Display and Sale 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Recently retired from Grand Valley State University Geology’s Department, Larry Fegel is dedicated and passionate about science education. Known for his high standards and excellent teaching, his career has spanned over forty years in K-16 education. Graduating from Grand Valley State University with degrees in earth science, biology and education, he also earned his Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife from MSU. His interest in teaching as a vocation began as an intern at Blandford Nature Center and the National Audubon Society, where his awareness of environmental education piqued. He spent subsequent years teaching in the Grand Rapids Public School system as an elementary and secondary teacher, Director of Outdoor Education and Science Curriculum, and Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for West Ottawa Public School District.

Additionally, Fall Science Update will hold five 60 minute breakout sessions on various science topics, pedagogy, and a luncheon. The sessions will provide content information on teaching strategies for K-12 teachers in biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, geology, physical science, and engineering. Some sessions will feature best practices teaching techniques as well as technology tools for the classroom. Once again, you will be able to register online or by mail for the event sessions you would like to attend.

Whether you are a new or returning teacher, this mini-conference promises to be an informative and relaxing day where you can take time to explore new trends and ideas in education. As always, this will be a day of learning and connecting with colleagues. We look forward to your participation. Please call (616) 331-2267 for more information.

Sincerely,

Margo Dill, Program Director Karen Meyers, DirectorRegional Math and Science Center Regional Math and Science Center

Keynote Speaker

LarryFegel

2014 FALL SCIENCE UPDATE CONFERENCE PROGRAM

SESSION A: 8:30–9:30 am

SESSION B: 9:45–10:45 am

SESSION C: 11:00 am–12:00 pm

SESSION C contiued: 11:00 am–12:00 pm

SESSION D: 12:45–1:45 pm

SESSION E: 2:00–3:00 pm

student-led presentation

Using the Achieve EQuIP Rubric to Evaluate Lessons and Units to Meet the Requirements of the Next Generation Science StandardsJen Arnswald, Kent Intermediate School DistrictIn this session participants will be introduced to the EQulP Rubric. Participants will hear stories of how the rubric has helped the NGSS@NSTA Curators, and also practice using the EQulP rubric. Grades K – 12

A1

Citizen Science!Joy Funk, Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa GreenwayUse citizen science in your classroom to get students involved in real life environmental issues. Teach them that they can make an impact on the world around them right now! Grades K – 12

A2

Live "MAS" (Math & Science)Sonna Pohlson and Amanda Hicks, Godfrey-Lee Public SchoolsCome experience a variety of activities integrating math and science. Leave with ready to use materials you can easily adapt to fit into your classroom. Grades 4 – 7

A3

Leveraging Community Partnerships in Placed-based EducationKristine Bersche, West Michigan Environmental Action CouncilUsing WMEAC's Teach for Watershed as an example, this presentation will offer ideas on how to develop relationships with various non-profits, governmental organizations, and corporate partners to support and facilitate environmental education experiences in a classroom. Grades 4 – 8

A4

Spork & Beans: Addressing Evolutionary MisconceptionsChristopher Dobson, GVSU Biology DepartmentThis inquiry based predator/prey simulation addresses documented evolutionary misconceptions and is aligned with the NGSS. Detailed 5 E lesson plan provided. Grades 5 – 12

A5

Community Resources as Inspiration for Inquiry-Based ProjectsSusan Ipri Brown, Hope CollegeHope College teacher programs provide innovative, inquiry-based projects focusing on local dunes, watersheds, and other community resources to inspire students. Participants have access to equipment for use in classrooms. Grades 6 – 12

A6

How Tyrannosaurus rex Got it's Big Bite and Other Tales About Why Size and Timing MattersGary Greer, GVSU Biology DepartmentThis session is an exploration of allometry (size-dependent shifts in development) that is the basis for a substantial amount of ecologically and evolutionarily important variation in plants and animals. Grades 9 – 16

A7

SESSION LUNCH: 12:00–12:45 pm

Enjoy conversation with your colleagues over lunch. Pick up a box lunch served from the 2nd floor east lobby. Session rooms are available for dining.

KEYNOTE for Elementary Teachers (K-6)A Celebration and Exploration of Quality Science Education: Why Teach Elementary Science?Larry Fegel, GVSU Geology DepartmentKeynote speaker, Larry Fegel, will discuss and guide questions about the teaching of elementary science over the years. What has been the norm for science education? Why is science instruction a vital part of the elementary curriculum? What does good science instruction look like? How do we maintain the sense of wonder in students? What is the role of “standards” in our curriculum and instruction? Come to explore why we teach science. We will discuss current practices and hurdles, as well as predict what the future may hold. Grades K – 6

B1

Meeting State Standards Using Free Engineering Design SoftwareRick Mushing and Ebiri Nkugba, Kent Intermediate School DistrictThis session offers an overview of free engineering software and lessons aligned to state standards. Demonstrations include software from Autodesk and ESRI's ArcGIS online spatial analysis software. Grades 8 – 12

B3

Interactive ScienceCraig Steenstra, Kent Intermediate School DistrictCome to this session to explore tech-based tools and ideas that can be used to get students to interact with science and each other in various ways. Grades 6 – 12

B2

Chemistry Activities Using Household ChemicalsDeanna Cullen, Whitehall High SchoolParticipants will have the chance to try some chemistry activities that use household chemicals and everyday materials. These NGSS aligned activities will include topics like thermochemistry, solubility, equilibrium, acid/base and more. Grades 9 – 12

B4

Introducing High School Students to Advanced Scientific Instrumentation: An Opportunity to Partner with Grand Rapids Community CollegeJennifer Batten, GRCC Physical Science DepartmentGRCC is home to dynamic science faculty and interesting equipment used in scientific investigations. We would welcome groups of high school students to conduct experiments that use scientific instrumentation at GRCC. Options and ideas for onsite lab experiments will be presented. Grades 9 – 12

B5

Inspiring STEM Through Engineering in the High School ClassroomSusan Ipri Brown and Eric Mann, Hope CollegeEngineering design projects complement math and science instruction for all ability levels. Hope College brings teachers together with students for engineering workshops and provides materials to continue projects in class. Grades 9 – 12

B6

Exploring Your Vision for Science Education Megan Schrauben, Michigan Department of EducationWhat have we learned from past and present science opportunities? With a seemingly unending stream of educational changes, let's add our voice to education improvement and the vision for science education. Grades K – 12

C1

Environmental Education: Networks & PartnersThomas Occhipinti, Michigan Department of Environmental QualityIf you think nothing has changed, you haven't talked to a child lately. Students and teachers are facing a new world challenge. There is a way forward to help us emerge stronger than ever. Grades K – 12

C2

Student-led Environmental Stewardship MS-LS2Janet Staal and Jessie Shulte, Blandford Nature CenterMary Lewandoski, CA Frost Environmental Academy EducatorParticipants will be equipped with best practices in student-led environmental stewardship projects and tools needed to provide strength of inquiry, rigor, and relevance to capitalize on key NGSS components. Grades 3 – 8

C3

NASA: Using Challenges to Teach Force and Motion to Inquiring MindsSusan Kohler, NASA Education SpecialistInquiry-based lessons around real-world engineering challenges will encourage students and ignite their curiosity. The Engineering Design Challenge, incorporating teaching strategies, will be introduced. This session is one of a two-part series. Registering for both sessions is recommended, but optional (note session E2). Grades 3 – 8

C4

STEM in TransportationEbiri Nkugba, Kent Intermediate School DistrictAttendees will be introduced to STEM content-area applications in the transportation industry with a focus on ground and air transportation. Lesson ideas and resources available for classroom teachers will be shared. Grades 6 – 12

C6

KEYNOTE for Secondary Teachers (7-12)A Celebration and Exploration of Quality Science Education: Why Do We Teach Science? Larry Fegel, GVSU Geology DepartmentKeynote speaker, Larry Fegel, will discuss and guide questions about the teaching of secondary science. What is the purpose of teaching science? This session will explore the teaching of science over the past 40 years or more. We will identify the accepted “norm” for science education as well as recognize quality teaching and learning. Current practices and hurdles as well as predictions for the future will be discussed. Secondary teachers will be using an “unknown” to discover the interdependency of Earth’s systems and will leave this session with a deeper understanding of what a science-literate person needs to know. Grades 7 – 12

D1

Thinking, Acting and Writing Like Scientists: First Grade Investigators Explore the Causes and Effects of Sounds and VibrationsRobby Cramer, Michigan Science Teachers AssociationMichele Nelson, Van Andel Education Institute Young student researchers explore their world of sound and vibrations occurring when they play and sing! Science and writing standards (NGSS & CC) are seamlessly bundled throughout fourteen investi-gations for teachers to use in their classrooms. Grades K – 2

D2

Rainforest Ecology, Conservation, and Indigenous People: Lessons for a Changing ClimateChristopher Shaffer and Gwyn Madden, GVSU Anthropology DepartmentThis session will demonstrate lessons that can be used to teach students about rainforest ecology in light of climate change, emphasizing the importance of indigenous people to the rainforest ecosystem and conservation. Grades K – 12

D3

Unpacking and Moving to NGSSNancy Karre and Mary Lindow, Battle Creek Area Math & Science CenterThis session will help unpack Performance Expectations in NGSS and evaluate alignment of an inquiry focused activity. This will prepare teachers and students to make the move from scientific inquiry and performance assessment to solving problems through scientific inquiry and engineering. Grades 3 – 5

D4

Native Plants in the School CurriculumMichelle Serreyn, Huron-Clinton MetroparksFind out how you can incorporate native plants into your school curriculum. This session will explore ideas for activities, experiments and other projects using the current GLCE science (and some social studies) standards for grades K-12. Also, some information on schoolyard gardens will be shared. Grades 3 – 8

D5

Who Else Wants Biomaterials? Incredibly Wonderful Uses for Common Forest PlantsAlexandra Locher, GVSU Biology DepartmentForests would not be replaced by urbanization if their value was widely recognized. Scientists are discovering new ways to use forest plants for biomaterials. Biomaterials are sustainable products extracted from forests such as glue, dye, fiber, and fuel for energy. Grades 6 – 8

D6

Field Studies in Belize: An Interdisciplinary Study/Travel ExperienceKathy Pollock and Katherine Tosa, Muskegon Community CollegeRainforest Ecology….Mayan Civilization…a life changing experience. This session will provide step by step instructions so you can organize a study/travel experience like the one to Belize designed at Muskegon Community College. Grades K – 12

E1

NASA: Using Challenges to Teach Force and Motion to Inquiring MindsSusan Kohler, NASA Education SpecialistInquiry-based lessons around real-world engineering challenges will encourage students and ignite their curiosity. Come and design a balloon powered crew exploration vehicle. This session is part two of a two-part series. Registering for both sessions is recommended, but optional (note Session C4). Grades 3 – 8

E2

Building BridgesMike Fillman, Lowell Area SchoolsUsing nothing but toothpicks, dental floss, and engineering skills, this session will teach how students can build bridges to support 7-10 pounds of weight without collapsing. He will explain how to guide this NGSS engineering activity that is a favorite of 5th grade students, and supply teachers with all the ideas and handouts needed to do this lesson in the classroom. Grades 3 – 8

E3

Ideas for Teaching the Geologic History of MichiganStephen Mattox, GVSU Geology DepartmentAbigail Vandermeulen, GVSU StudentThis session will use maps, rock samples, and cross-sections to help teachers (and students) reconstruct the geologic history of Michigan. Grades 7 – 12

E4

An Easy Path to Visible Absorption DataBlair Miller and Andrew Lantz, GVSU Chemistry DepartmentThe Vernier SpectroVis Plus is a relatively simple, inexpensive spectrometer that may be used for basic visible absorbance measurements in the science lab. We will discuss and demonstrate the details. Grades 9 – 16

E5

Modeling in Physics and ChemistryLaura Sloma and Kendra Gallert, East Kentwood High SchoolThe modeling method of science is taking over Michigan. Come to learn about this inquiry-based pedagogy that will solve your struggles with how to implement NGSS! Grades 10 – 12

E6Air QualityJanet Vail, GVSU Annis Water Resources InstituteEngage your students in tracking air quality in west Michigan. Real-time online resources help them relate to Clean Air Actions Days to predicted local weather conditions. Participants will receive a resource CD with activities. Grades 6 – 12

C5

Activities of SMEE – ContinuedShannon Long, Integrated Science Instructor, Lansing Community CollegeLansing Community College StudentsWe’re back! This session features science activities useful for family science nights or community events. They will engage you and help you plan your family science nights and events. Grades K - 5

D7