Public Review Period for Next Generation Science Standards Open Until 1/29/13

The second public review period for the Next Generation Science Standards is now open until 29 January 2013.  California is one of the partner states for this effort.  To view the standards and comment, visit http://www.nextgenscience.org/ .

"Mojave Maxine" Turtle Emergence Contest Open

Any K-12 student in 9 Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Kern, and San Bernardino, can participate in the "Mojave Maxine Emergence Contest" to predict when the desert tortoise will emerge from her burrow for the first time in 2012.  Similar to the groundhog "Punxatawny Phil," Maxine, a desert tortoise which lives at the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, tends to emerge with warmer weather and longer days. 

Students may enter one time in the contest.  Winners (with the closest date/time to her actual emergence from her burrow) will win a $50 gift certificate, a Federal Lands Pass, a visit from Maxine, Mojave Maxine t-shirts for their class, and a $100 gift certificate for their teacher.

For more information on the contest and to enter, visit http://www.mojavedata.gov/contest/.

"Biohackers" Want DIY Science for Knowledge, Quicker Advances

USA Today reports on a growing movement of "biohackers" who are learning and implementing science in their own basements and backyards.  The "biopunks" are likened to those using chemistry sets in the 1950's, but with much more powerful, and sometimes dangerous, tools and elements; with a generally idealistic approach, the popular scientists are looking for solutions to global problems such as disease and pollution control without having to devote years to academic study.  Proponents in some communities, such as Mountain View, CA, have begun community labs, and others are creating relatively inexpensive equipment for home use.  Several books on the trend are now available, and a conference was recently held on the topic at UCLA.  A presidential commission has issued a report on bioethics, which acknowledges the growing field.  http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-06-01-science-biopunk-hacker_n.htm

Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation Awards for Life Sciences and Agriscience Scientists, Educators and Students Nominations Due 4/5/11

The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is seeking nominations for outstanding achievement awards for scientists, educators, and students in the fields of life sciences and agriscience.  This competition will recognize recipients in July 2011 in Washington, D.C. (winner must be present).  Nominations are due by no later than 5 April 2011.  For more details, visit http://www.ccolumbusfoundationawards.org/