NASA Is With You When You Fly - Teacher Workshop 3/11/15

Did you know that NASA is with you when you fly? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator professional development workshop on Bernoulli’s Principle and how it relates to flight. In this inquiry-based workshop, teachers will learn about energy transfer as well as motions and forces as they engage in hands-on, standards-aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities, each of which will demonstrate the Bernoulli Principle. We will explore Bernoulli’s Principle and how it relates to flight and make real world connections with NASA research and the airplanes that are flying today. Hear from a subject matter expert about cutting-edge research happening right now at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center through the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) Project.

When:  Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PST

Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators

Location: NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Hwy., Palmdale, CA 93550

Register Online:  http://aeroi.org/ercRegister/index.html

Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

There is no charge for the workshop. Free NASA educational materials will be provided.  Seats are limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

IISME Summer Teacher Fellowships Available in LA County - Register Now!

The IISME Summer Fellowship Program places eligible K-16 teachers from all disciplines into high-performance corporate and research environments for the summer. Teachers work full-time for eight weeks, complete a project for their host organization, and are paid for their work. Teachers devote 10% of their paid time to focus on how they will transfer their Summer Fellowship experience back to their students and colleagues. 

For more information about the IISME Summer Fellowship Program and to apply, visit their website at IISME Teacher Fellowship. Applications are open and educators are encouraged to apply by mid-February to increase their chances of being selected in this competitive process. 

CCSS Math Symposium To Be Held on Pi Day 3/13-3/14/15

The Central Section of the California Math Council will hold a Common Core Math Symposium on 13-14 March 2015 at CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, with the theme being "Communicating Mathematically."  Guest speakers include Cathy Carroll and Greg Tang.  Special activities will celebrate Pi Day, including the once-per-century minute of 3.14.15 9:26:53.

 

For more information and for the link to register (cost beginning at $110 for one day), visit: CMC Common Core Math Symposium Flyer .

AVC Offers Fast Track Developmental Math Advancement Sessions in July and August

Antelope Valley College will be offering two sessions of "Fast Track Developmental Math Advancement"  on Mondays through Thursdays from 28 July through 14 August 2014; the first session will be from 8:00am to noon, and the second from 1:00-5:00pm PDT in ME-100 at the Lancaster campus.  Students will to participate in the computer-based learning curriculum, complete in three weeks rather than a semester (or continue into fall, if needed), avoid having to crash full  sections of MATH 065, 070, or 102, and have access to tutors and other support personnel.  For more information and to access the link to register, visit Fast Track Developmental Math Advancement Sessions - Hot News, or contact Prof. Tooraj Gordi at tgordi@avc.edu. 

Free Summer Math Program for Students and Parents

TenMarks is making a free summer math program available for students and parents to help prevent "summer slide".  The program is personalized and based on a standards-based assessment.  For more information, visit TenMarks Summer Math Program .

UCI to Offer Online STEM Preparation Modules for High School and Incoming Freshmen

UC Irvine has announced the availability of "STEM UP" on-line modules for incoming freshmen and high school seniors to prepare them for the rigors of college level STEM coursework.  The modules, each of which is three weeks long and costs $125, will be available beginning 23 June.  Free assessments will assist students to determine their current levels, and modules will provide work in Quantitative Skills, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Chemistry, Pre-Physics, and Pre-Biology.  For further information, see UCI STEM-Up Modules .

Summer STEM in the AV

Following is a recap of some upcoming STEM events for students in the greater Antelope Valley region this summer.  Please contact the individual agency/organization for further information/eligibility requirements and registration information:

• Tehachapi Intermediate Space Challenge, Tehachapi Airport, 21 May;
• Mojave Intermediate Space Challenge, Mojave SpacePort, 23 May - contact Marie Walker at Fiberset, Mojave;
• AVC Summer Bridge Program (math review for graduating high school seniors planning on enrolling at AVC in Fall 2014) begins 16 June (two sessions) - contact Sharon Dalmage at sdalmage@avc.edu ;
• AVUHSD Summer Pre-Engineering Internships class (incoming AVUHSD seniors who have completed designated engineering/technology course - apply by 19 May or until filled), beginning 9 June, AERO Institute in Palmdale, register at Summer Pre-Engineering Internships Registration , contact James Stockdale at jstockdale@avhsd.org ;
• Tehachapi Summer Gateway Academy, 16-20 June, contact Danielle Evansic at devansic@teh.k12.ca.us ;
• AVUHSD Summer Gateway Academy (free week-long day camp for 32 incoming 7th-8th graders - register by 27 May or until filled) at SOAR Prep Academy in Quartz Hill, 23-27 June, register at SOAR Prep Summer Gateway Academy , contact Carrie Marchant at cdmarchant@avhsd.org ;
• Lancaster School District Summer of Innovation "Power of Code", 21-25 July, contact Julie Vela at velaj@lancsd.org ;
• AVUHSD Summer Gateway Academy (free week-long day camp for 32 incoming 7th-8th graders - register by 27 May or until filled) at Knight High School in East Palmdale, 21-25 July, register at Knight High School Summer Gateway Academy , contact Bill Lewis at blewis@avhsd.org ;
• AVC STEM Science Academy (middle schoolers build and test model aircraft) at The Palmdale Aerospace Academy, 28 July-1 August, contact Sharon Dalmage at sdalmage@avc.edu

2014 Siemens Competitions in Math, Science & Technology Now Open for Registration

The Siemens Foundation, in partnership with Discovery Education, has opened registration for the 2014 Math, Science and Technology Competition for high school students. All submissions of original research projects are due by no later than 30 September 2014, and students may enter either individually or as a member of a team.  Regional winners selected will have their projects reviewed at universities around the nation, including Cal Tech in Pasadena, in November.  National finalists will present their projects in Washington, D.C.  in December.  Winners will receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.  For further information and to register, go to 2014 Siemens Competitions .

CCSS Math Workshop Offered in Palmdale 6/16-6/17, 6/24/14

Math: Implementing CCSS in the 6-12 Classroom
LACOE - Math: Implementing CCSS in the 6-12 Classroom Registration

June 16, 17 & 24, 2014, 8:00am-3:30pm | Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Avenue "S" | Registration Deadline is June 9, 2014 ($250 per person)

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics were designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in mathematics. It is considered robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need in preparation for college, career and citizenship in the 21st Century. Implementation of the Mathematics Standards requires a shift in classroom instruction and assessment practices.

 This three-day training is designed to provide participants with the following knowledge, skills, and resources:

• An understanding of the Standards of Mathematical Content and Practice and implications for teaching and learning;
• Requirements for student success with assessments aligned to the standards;
• An understanding of the depth of knowledge required of students;
• Lessons infused with the Standards of Mathematical Practice with a focus on modeling;
• Effective instructional strategies to increase student proficiency with the standards;
• An understanding of “Career and College Ready” and its implications for high school course pathways; and
• Implications for English Learners and other special needs populations.

GLAMC Mini-Conference Set for 5/17/14

The Greater LA Math Council is hosting a mini-conference on Saturday, 17 May 2014, from 8:30am to 12:30pm at Porter Ranch Community School in Chatsworth.  The theme of the event is "Transitioning to the Common Core Together."  The cost for members is $20, and for non-members $35, which includes a one-year membership.  For further information and to register, visit GLAMC Mini-Conference. 

Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

Carnegie Learning is hosting a series of free webinars related to math and the Common Core:

• What's the Value of Math Discourse and How Do I Create It?  3 April 2014, noon PST
• Data-Driven Instruction:  What Gets Measured, Gets Done.  17 April 2014, noon PST
• "More Than Meets the Eye:"  Seeing Structure in Graphical Transformations Across the Curriculum.  24 April 2014, noon PST

For more information and to register, go to Carnegie Learning Math Webinar Series

LA County 2014 Math Field Day Registration Deadline 4/7/14

The 2014 Mathematics Field Day for 4th-8th graders, sponsored by LACOE, will be held on:

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2014

Place: Glendale High School
1440 E. Broadway
Glendale, CA 91206
Time: 7:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Fee: $125.00 for each team of 4 students and one adult; registration deadline is 7 April 2014. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact: Anthony Quan at (562) 922-6896 or e-mail: 

Quan_Anthony@lacoe.edu 

or Sandy Dowden (Dowden_Saundra@lacoe.edu) or call (562) 401-5486.

Please refer to Math Field Day Packets on the LACOE website for more information regarding a detailed DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS for Math Field Day participation.  http://www.lacoe.edu/AcademicEvents/MathFieldDay.aspx

California State Summer School for Math and Science Applications Due 2/21/14

COSMOS is a four-week residential program for talented and motivated students who are completing grades 8-12. Students who love math and science have a chance to spend four weeks at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz or UC San Diego this summer. They will learn about astronomy, biomedical sciences, computer games, engineering, robotics and more.

 

Students will work side-by-side with outstanding UC researchers and faculty, exploring advanced topics that extend beyond the typical high school curriculum. COSMOS courses are hands-on and lab-intensive, emphasizing current research underway at the University of California campuses.

 

Applications are due by no later than 21 February 2014, and successful applicants will be notified in April.  For more information, visit the COSMOS website at COSMOS

CCSS Standards of Math Practice Train-the-Trainers PD on 1/27-28/14

The California Math Project, in partnership with CDE, will be offering a training session for those who will lead math professional development regarding the new Common Core Standards of Math Practice.  The two-day session, which will cost $200, will be held on 27-28 January 2014 at the DoubleTree at Ontario.  For further information and to register, visit Standards of Math Practice Professional Learning Module Training .

US Student Math Scores Still Lagging

The Nation's Report Card issued yesterday (11-7-13) shows only modest gains for US students in math over scores reported in 2011, as well as a persistence of the achievement gap for students of color.  Forty-two percent (42%) of fourth graders, and 35% of eighth graders tested at or above proficient in math, up 1-2 points since the last administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) two years ago.  There have been more significant gains since the test scores were tracked in the 1990's, with higher gains in math than reading.

"There was a 26-point gap . . . between how white and African American 4th graders performed on the math section. In eighth grade reading, white students outperformed Hispanic students by 21 points. 

"Among the other results:

"-More boys than girls scored at or above the proficient level for both grades in math. In reading, more girls than boys scored at or above that mark.

"-Twenty-five out of the 52 states or jurisdictions measured had a higher average score in 2013 than in 2011 in at least one subject and grade.

"-Five states had a lower score than two years ago in at least one subject and grade: Massachusetts, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

"-Hispanic students were the only racial or ethnic group that saw improvements in math scores in both fourth and eighth grades; Asian/Pacific Islanders students had the highest percentage of students performing at or above the proficient level in both math and reading."

 

AP - "Not Good Enough: Math, Reading Scores Up Slightly"

Fordham Institute Report Finds that Next Generation Science Standards Not Adequately Aligned With Common Core Math

According to an article in the Education Week "Curriculum Matters" blog, a recent report released by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, comparing the new Next Generation Science Standards with the new Common Core State Standards for math, opines that there is insufficient alignment with the math standards by grade level, as well as lack of specificity in the math skills required for the science expectations.  While Appendix L of the NGSS does outline the connections more explicitly according to the study's principal analyst, Prof. W. Stephen Wilson of Johns Hopkins, there are still shortcomings.  The study also contains a state-by-state comparison of existing science standards with the NGSS (although California is not included).  http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2013/08/report_science_standards_fall_.html

Public comments to the Fordham report are invited, and the report is available for download.  http://www.edexcellence.net/publications/commentary-on-appendix-l.html

Upcoming STEM Events

Several statewide STEM education events are coming up in the fall, so please keep them on your radar:

• AV MSET, STEM School Tour in Palmdale for industry partners: 30 October 2013 - contact Bob Johnstone for details, bjohnstone@cityoflancasterca.org
• California Science Education Conference: 25-27 October 2013 in Palm Springs - http://www.cascience.org/csta/conf_home13.asp
• California Math Council - South:  Annual Mathematics Council 1-2 November 2013 in Palm Springs, CA - http://cmc-math.org/activities/south_conference.html
• California's 1st Annual STEM Conference: 18-19 November 2013 in Sacramento, CA - http://www.cde.ca.gov/pd/ca/sc/stemconference.asp

MIT Professors Develop Open Source Math and Science Videos for High School Students

As recently reported by the Kansas City Star (MIT Interactive Videos Get High), MIT professors Richard Larson and Elizabeth Murray have developed open source math and science videos designed to incorporate teacher interruptions to engage high school students in the subject matter.  With titles such as "How Do Mosquitos Fly in the Rain?," "The Case of the Stolen Painting: A Forensic Mystery," and "Measuring Distances in the Milky Way," most are in English, and some with English sub-titles, so that they can be used globally.  To access the videos through the MIT Blossoms Video Library, go to http://blossoms.mit.edu/videos.

Public Comment Sought on Math Materials Adoption - Due Date 8/27/13

The California Department of Education is seeking public comment on new grade K-8 math instructional materials for adoption in 2014.  Comments are to be received by 27 August 2013.  For more information, plus links to the student materials and a public comment template, visit 2014 Mathematics Instructional Materials Adoption (K-8) .

STEMbite Videos Using Google Glass Now Available on YouTube

Andrew Vanden Heuvel, a Michigan on-line science teacher, won the opportunity to pioneer GoogleGlass technology in education.  After visiting the Large Hadron Collider in Cern, Switzerland to teach a physics lesson, he has been using the technology to create "STEMbites" video clips on science and math in everyday life from a first-person perspective.  For more information on the experience, as well as a link to the STEMbites YouTube channel, visit Andrew's Edutopia blog at http://www.edutopia.org/blog/stembite-teaching-with-google-glass-andrew-vanden-heuvel .