Journey to Mars Workshop for Teachers at the AERO Institute 4/6/16

Final days to register:

Are you ready to go on a Journey to Mars? Join NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education for an educator professional development workshop on Being Mobile on Mars. Through hands-on experiments and physical demonstrations, educators will learn how to design and construct a rover for Mars using the Beginning Engineering Science & Technology (BEST) curriculum and the Engineering Design Process. Engage in hands-on, standards-aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities as you construct a rover, predict its performance and its chance of mission success, and test drive the rover. Learn about real world connections with NASA research and our Journey to Mars.

 Target Audience: K-12 Formal and Informal Educators

 When: Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

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

Register Online: http://goo.gl/forms/SIlPY87fPi

 Questions? Call Sondra Geddes 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. All participants must be 18 years old or older.

MEEC STEM Grants and Upcoming Activities in the High Desert!

Thanks to Samantha Murray for these items:

MEEC Grant-writing Workshop 9/24/15 in Victorville:

Join MEEC on September 24, 2015 for a FREE two-hour workshop spotlighting MEEC funding opportunities available to High Desert teachers!  During the workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to review MEEC’s grant application processes and walk away knowing the requirements for each of MEEC’s available funding sources.   Participants will  view sample applications for each program and have their application questions answered for the following grant opportunities:
EnviroBus Bucks Transportation Grants, School Garden Grants, EE Mini Grants, YELC and STEM Service-Learning Grants.

WHEN:  September 24, 2015
TIME: 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
WHERE:  Mojave Desert AQMD Offices, 14306 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392

Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.  To reserve your space today, contact MEEC Program Specialist, Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov.  Registration Deadline is September 16, 2015.  For more info, visit:  MEEC Grant Workshop.


Energy from the Sun Teacher Workshop 10/1/15 in Palmdale:

Thanks to a generous grant from The Boeing Company, MEEC’s “Energy From the Sun”  teacher workshops will  equip educators with the tools to enable their students to conduct scientific research utilizing solar energy, draw conclusions, and develop critical thinking skills while learning how to reach logical conclusions and solutions about our future energy usage.

Each participating teacher will receive a kit that contains a Solar Oven, Solar Panel Kit, UV beads PLUS standards-based curriculum from the National Environmental Education Development Program (NEED).  NEED curriculum includes four levels: Primary, Elementary, Intermediate, and Secondary.  The NEED Project curriculum includes Teachers’ Guides and Student Lab Books for hands-on activities as well as a variety of resources to learn about renewable energy and their applications. Student Lab Book activities are designed for group learning, which promotes interaction among students. NEED's   K-12 curriculum helps schools meet the Common Core State Standards, develops student leadership, and brings the latest technology into the classroom.  Each kit is valued at over $200!!

When and where:  October 1, 2015, 4:00-6:00pm - AVUHSD Palmdale Conference Center, 1156 East Ave S, Palmdale, CA 93550.  RSVP by September 23, 2015 (currently full, but waitlist being taken); for details visit:  Energy from the Sun Workshop

Youth Environmental Leadership Conference 10/24/15 in the Victor Valley area: 

 Once again, the event will feature the "STEMFest" in addition to 3 workshops that the teams will rotate through. "STEMFest" is an opportunity for teams to rotate through the arena engaging with experts, mentors and other exhibitors to learn more about STEM environmental careers and projects while having fun with hands-on activities. Topics will focus on "green" themes such as water conservation, solar oven construction, robotics, composting, and school garden projects. The "technical" activities will be with the exhibitors in STEMFest, which provides a well-balanced program with something for everyone.  Attendees will hear a motivational address from Garner Holt, President and founder of Garner Holt Productions, Inc., an international design and manufacturing company that creates animatronics and special effects for theme parks, museums, shopping malls and restaurants.

Lunch, snacks, re-usable water bottles, YELC T-Shirts, and all conference materials are provided free of charge. Additionally, teams participating in YELC are eligible to apply for a project grant up to $250 to implement or further their environmental service learning project! By applying for and accepting these grant funds, you also agree to come back and participate with your team in the follow-up Spring 2016 YELC Showcase to share your project (regardless of what stage it's in) with other teams.  Transportation Reimbursement funds may be available upon request (if applicable) for participating teams in the Antelope Valley.

Teams of two to eight students, in grades 3 through 12, along with an attending teacher/advisor, from schools throughout the Mojave and High Desert, are invited to take part in this unique and FREE Conference.  Have parents complete the necessary participation forms and return them to MEEC by the October 5, 2015 Deadline.   Applications and transportation grants will be available online at: MEEC YELC 2016.

Environmental Education Mini-Grant Applications Due 10/30/15:

For a limited time, MEEC is accepting applications for environmental education school project and material mini-grants.   Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th. Projects must be implemented/materials must be used in classrooms located in the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County, the Antelope Valley or the Palo Verde Valley of Riverside County.  Applicants must also teach within these jurisdictions.

Funded projects must be completed/purchased by June 18, 2016.  Average grant amount will vary from $100 to $500, but may be higher.  Individual award amounts to be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per teacher per school year.

Application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015.  The EE Mini Grant Application is attached and can also be downloaded from MEEC’s website at MEEC EE Mini-Grants.   Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/EE Mini Grants, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact Christie Robinson at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6101.

"A Garden in Every School" Grant Applications Due by 10/30/15:

Through the generous support of MEEC’s  sponsors and a special grant from MEEC partner Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation (AWAC), schools may apply for a grant to provide them with the basic tools necessary to start or sustain a school garden.  This grant opportunity is now open to schools in the Antelope Valley.

Interested teachers must submit a completed application form that includes the proposed project, desired materials , a budget cost breakout based on the actual material costs, including shipping and handling, if applicable (labor costs are not eligible for funding)  and how the project will address educational standards.  Recipients will be notified in early November and grants will be awarded by November 30th.  Grant Applications are attached and also available on MEEC’s website at MEEC School Garden Grants .

The maximum grant amount is $500.00. Individual award amounts will be determined by MEEC. Only one grant will be awarded per school per school year. To date, MEEC has awarded school garden grants to 29 schools in the High Desert.  The application deadline is 5:00 PM October 30, 2015. Completed applications may be mailed to MEEC/School Garden Program, 14306 Park Avenue, Victorville, CA 92392 or faxed to (760) 241-6271. For questions, contact MEEC Program Specialist Samantha Murray at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6717. 

NASA Hubble Telescope Event Planned for 4/23/15

To commemorate this quarter century of success in engineering, science and culture, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Office of Education will host an educator workshop to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope. Since its launch, Hubble has allowed astronomers to observe the universe in stunning clarity, revealed properties of space and time, and shed light on many of the great mysteries of the universe making conjectures certainties. Learn about NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft that also explores the universe with an onboard infrared telescope. Educators will interact with subject matter experts and make connections between Hubble and SOFIA as well as enjoy a tour of the SOFIA aircraft at Hangar 703 in Palmdale.

 When:  Thursday, April 23, 2015, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Pacific

Eligibility: US Citizens who are K-12 Educators (Formal, Informal, Pre-service)

Location: NASA Armstrong Hangar 703, 2825 East Ave P, Palmdale, CA 93550

Registration: 1) Apply at aeroi.org/ercForm/index.html ; 2) Submit Personal Information for Visitor Request and Hangar Access:  -Full Name; -Email address; -Country of Citizenship; -Date of Birth; -Place of Birth (City, State); -Driver's license number and state of issue’ -Last six digits only of your social security number.

Questions: Call Barbie Buckner at 661-276-2966 or email barbie.buckner@nasa.gov

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

MEEC and Lockheed to Host Environmental Education Curriculum Workshop in Palmdale 4/28/15

FREE teacher workshop introducing the California “Education and the Environment Initiative” Curriculum developed by CalRecycle’s Office of Education & the Environment. This professional development workshop will provide participants with an overview of this dynamic standards-based curriculum designed to increase academic learning and benefit students and the community.

 

Attendees of this workshop will receive hands-on training in the EEI Curriculum designed to prepare educators to:

· Cultivate students' understanding of their relationship with the environment.

· Prepare students to be critical thinkers and 21st century problem solvers.

· Teach science standards to mastery and support California Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards for grades K-12 

In addition, all attendees will qualify to receive a FREE EEI Curriculum unit of their choice for   their classroom.

When: April 28, 2015 

Where:  Logix Credit Union– Conference Room A&B, 1011 Lockheed Way, Palmdale, CA 93599.

Time: 4:00—6:00PM

Workshop will include a special multimedia presentation highlighting the many accomplishments of Lockheed Martin throughout the years!  Workshop Registration begins at 3:45 

 RSVP by April 20, 2015!

To register for this workshop , please contact:  Samantha Murray, MEEC Program Specialist at  (760) 245-1661 x 6717 or email: smurray@mdaqmd.ca.gov

"Winging It" NASA Is With You When You Fly Workshop Set for 4/8/15

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 Axes and Control Surfaces. Through hands-on experiments and physical demonstrations, educators will learn about motions and forces, transfer of energy, and the abilities of technological design. Engage in hands-on, standards aligned mathematics, science and engineering activities with the basic concepts of flight, including the three axes of flight and the control surfaces that guide the aircraft. Learn 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 X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed.

 

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.

WHEN:  Wednesday, April 8, 2015, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm PT
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: aeroi.org/ercRegister/index.html
Questions? Call Sondra Geddes at 661-276-2359 or email at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov

 

 

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. 

Next Gen Science Standards State Rollout Symposium in San Diego and Camarillo

The State Rollout Symposium for the Next Generation Science Standards will be held on 17-18 April 2015 in San Diego, and on 1-2 June 2015 in Camarillo.  For more information, with links to the agenda and registration, visit:  Next Gen Science Standards Rollout Symposium .

Upcoming Next Gen Science Standards Webinars

Thanks to Carol Fry Bohlin and the COMET for this info:

(a) “Literacy for the Science Classroom: Think, Read Talk, and Write Like a Scientist”

Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Registration: http://schoolsmovingup.wested.org/literacy-for-the-science-classroom-think-read-talk-and-write-like-a-scientist/

 

Description:  The presenters will explore how reading, writing, listening, and speaking are used to develop knowledge of scientific ideas, as well as the ways in which scientists develop that knowledge. Particular emphasis will be given to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practices of "Constructing Explanations" and "Engaging in Argument Form Evidence" and the relationship of these practices with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts/Literacy in Science.

 

Examples will be drawn from middle and high school students' writings of scientific explanations and how argumentation strengthened those explanations. Furthermore, scientific literature will be shown that provides opportunities to compare writing requirements and address classroom strategies. For more information (speakers, registration), please visit the website above.

 

(b) “The Keys to Success in K-6 NGSS Implementation: Webinar II, Cross-cutting Concepts and CCSS Alignment in NGSS”

Date: Friday, 20 February 2015

 Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Description/Registration: http://bit.ly/NGSS2-20-15

 

This webinar and the one immediately below focus on effective strategies for preparing elementary teachers for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The webinars are co-hosted by California State University (CSU) and WestEd. Early registration is encouraged. For more information, please visit the websites listed or CSU’s NGSS website: http://teachingcommons.cdl.edu/ngss

 

(c) “The Keys to Success in K-6 NGSS Implementation: Webinar III, Exemplars of Learning through Scientific and Engineering Practices”

Date: Friday, 13 March 2015

Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Description/Registration: http://bit.ly/NGSS3-13-15  

 

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 .

STEM Mania in Sports Virtual PD Offered by NASA Beginning 2/23/15

Kick off your classroom activities with NASA STEM Mania and discover the sports in NASA with a free virtual educator professional development.  Sessions take place every Monday through Thursday from 1-2pm Pacific time.  Pre-game sessions begin at 12:30pm Pacific time. 

K-5th grade topics include: Rainout or Game On - Clouds and Weather; Robo-Arm and Weightlifting; Space, Satellites and Sports; and STEM is Newton's Laws at Play.  Sixth through 12th grade topics include: Energizing the Arena; Hydration Station; It's All in Your Head; and Robotics as a Competitive Sport.

Earn a certificate for completing 5 educator PD sessions.

For more information contact kelly.a.hartford@nasa.gov and/or Lester Morales - lester.morales@nasa.gov or visit:  NASA STEM Mania Information

To register fill out the form at:  NASA STEM Mania Registration
 

Lunar and Meteorite Disk Certification Offered at AERO Institute 2/21/15

Thanks to Sondra Geddes for this info:

Please join the NASA Armstrong Educator Resource Center in bringing the Apollo legacy 

to your classroom by attending the Lunar Meteorite Sample Certification workshop. 

Learn hands-on activities that can be used in your classroom and give your students 

access to view and explore some small portions of these “extraterrestrial” materials. 

 
NASA has actual lunar samples from the historic Apollo missions available to lend to 

K-12 formal educators upon successful completion of the Lunar Meteorite Disk Certification

Workshop. 

 NOTE: To be eligible for certification, educators must be currently employed at an accredited school as a formal K-12 classroom teacher or as a pre-service teacher enrolled at a teaching institution. 

 WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2015, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PST 

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

 Register Online: http://aeroi.org/ercForm/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 

very limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Call for SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors - Applications Due by 12/22/14

Thanks to Sondra Geddes of NASA for this information:

SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Program

The SOFIA program is now accepting applications for the Cycle 3 Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program, placing educators on SOFIA research flights during 2015. This call for applications will end December 22, 2014. Information regarding application procedures, eligibility, and selection criteria can be found SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors .

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) mission is responsible to NASA for conducting an Education and Public Outreach program that exploits the unique attributes of airborne astronomy to contribute to national goals for the reform of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and to the elevation of public scientific and technical literacy.

SOFIA’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (AAA) effort is a professional development program aspiring to improve teaching, inspire students, and inform the community. It builds upon the legacy of NASA’s highly successful FOSTER (Flight Opportunities for Science Teacher EnRicment) program that flew educators aboard the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) from 1990 – 1995.

SOFIA’s AAA program now enters its Cycle 2 phase: 12 AAA educator teams representing educators from 10 states were selected.

For the Cycle 1 phase of SOFIA’s AAA program, 13 AAA educator teams plus alternates were selected in a highly competitive application process. Selected educators came from a variety of backgrounds, and their institutions included a school for the deaf, an alternative education site (developmentally challenged), highly underserved student populations, rural schools, and a Native American school site.

The Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors “Pilot” program for educator professional development successfully flew six teachers on the observatory during the summer of 2011, representing California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Virginia (Washington DC). Evaluation confirmed the program’s positive impact on the teacher participants, on their students, and in their communities. Teachers not only incorporated content knowledge and specific components of their experience into their curricula, they also have also given dozens of presentations and implemented teacher professional development workshops.  Their efforts to date have impacted thousands of students and teachers.

As part of preparation and training for their flight experience, AAA program participants complete a graduate-level Astronomy for Teachers on-line course administered by Montana State University and National Teacher Enhancement Network. Teams are paired with an astronomer with observatory time, and they work with this astronomer throughout the research, from preparation to data analysis. AAAs optimally fly aboard the observatory twice, will implement classroom lessons based on their experiences, and will complete an outreach plan.

Selection into this prestigious program is truly an honor for the educators and their school, planetarium, or observatory.  

LACOE STEM Unit Announcements of Upcoming Events

A big tip of the hat to Anthony Quan of the Los Angeles County Office of Education STEM Unit for a list of upcoming Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events, workshops, and resources.

Please visit the STEM Unit page at:  LACOE STEM Unit Announcements (this is one to bookmark, folks!  I will also put it in the Helpful Links section in the right column of this blog.)

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Applications Due by 11/20/14

Thanks again to Sondra Geddes:


Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program 2015-2016 Applications (Deadline Nov. 20)

The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship (AEF) Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to serve in the national education arena. Fellows spend 11 months working in a Federal agency or U.S. Congressional office, bringing their extensive classroom knowledge and experience to STEM education program and/or education policy efforts. Program applications are due November 20, 2014, and must be submitted through an online application system.

For information about the Fellowship Program, visit: http://science.energy.gov/wdts/einstein/

Honeywell Educators Space Camp Scholarship Applications Accepted Until 10/20/14

Thanks to Sondra Geddes from NASA Armstrong/AERO Institute for this info:


Honeywell Hometown Solutions and the financial contributions of Honeywell employees have made possible the scholarships for educators attending Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy (HESA). Each scholarship covers the following: tuition for the 5-day program at U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama; round trip airfare; meals and double occupancy accommodations; program materials; flight suit.

HESA will have 2 program weeks: June 10-16, 2015 and June 17-23, 2015.

To be considered to receive a scholarship for the 2015 HESA program, educators must meet the following requirements:

• Current and practicing educator that is teaching science or math to students ages 10-14 years old and will continue to teach these subjects areas through 2016
• Certified teacher in a public or private school system
• Is not a spouse/family member of a U.S. Space & Rocket Center employee
• Has not previously attended HESA and/or a Space Camp educator program

All applicants must complete the online application and submit the verification of school employment form along with the application. The deadline for applications and verification forms is October 20, 2014.

All application materials must be submitted by October 20, 2014 to be considered for the 2015 scholarship. Acceptance notifications will be made by November 30, 2014.

Click here to Apply https://educators.honeywell.com/application

Please contact honeywell@spacecamp.com with any questions.

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.

NASA Educator Workshop on Pressure Suits On Tap for 5/14/14

NASA Armstrong is offering a free workshop on astronauts' pressure suits on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, from 4:00-5:30pm PST, to K-12 formal and informal educators at the AERO Institute, 38256 Sierra Highway, Palmdale.  The workshop, featuring NASA Life Support subject matter experts, will explain how the suits deal with pressure issues at high altitude, and will provide resources and explanations of how to implement real-world projects in classrooms, aligned with CCSS. and NGSS. 

Spaces in the workshop are limited.  To register, please contact Sondra Geddes at sondra.l.geddes@nasa.gov or call 661.276.2359 .

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. 

"Basics of Telescopes and NASA Missions" Webinar 4/9/14

Thanks to Sondra Geddes of NASA for this announcment:


Audience: Grades 5-12 in-service, pre-service, informal and home school educators.

Join this webinar and learn about basic principles of telescope design and how NASA missions use the same design principles. Examine how NASA works within technological constraints, just as your students are expected to do with Next Generation Science Standards or Common Core State Standards activities.

This webinar is appropriate for grades 5-12 science teachers.  The focus will be on basic principles rather than a mathematical treatment of lenses and mirrors. Let’s have some fun and see how there really is a clear link between that $350 Dobsonian telescope you can buy and the incredible science going on at NASA. Wrap-up the webinar with a quick look at the “citizen science” movement and see how you and your students can be part of genuine astronomical research projects.

The free webinar (hosted by Dr. Richard Chapleau) will be held from 3:30pm-4:30pm PST.  To register, go to Basics of Telescopes and NASA Missions Webinar .