WSTA

Computer Science & Engineering Workshop

This summer, the University of Washington's Computer Science & Engineering department is running a workshop targeted at teachers of high school math and science -- we'd like your help in getting the word out.

The workshop's goal is to give teachers the knowledge and resources to incorporate computer science elements into their regular curricula, while giving them the opportunity to earn UW credit or clock hours. Last year, 67 teachers attended and gave us overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Free Loan Scanning Electron Microscope

I run a small rep company in Portland that supplies high tech equipment in the Pacific NW. One of the products I carry is the Hitachi TM-1000 table top SEM. I've had it in about 4 High Schools in the past year and it's gone over well.

There's a presentation on our web site we've used to prep the students:
http://www.eclipse-t.com/index_011.htm

The use of the SEM is free, but is on an "as available" basis. There is no expectation that any NW high school will purchase one, this is true outreach.

If you think any of your teachers would be interested, please let them know.

I can give you references from the schools that have already used the SEM if that will help.

You will also find that Eclipse and Hitachi sponsored category awards at the regional (Intel) science fair (Oregon, I couldn't find a WA listing)... Three students used the SEM for their science fair projects. This is something we believe in.

Thank you, and let me know if you have questions.

Greg Jones
gregj@eclipse-t.com
(503) 442-2928
www.eclipse-t.com

Cascadia Research Collective

I am writing a bit of a form letter to inquire from you all and all the colleagues you can think of, as to the interest in the 6-12 grades of an outside organization offering a more formalized marine mammal program for your students. I ask that you consider this email as well as forward it along to any that you think might be interested or have some insights about an informal education program, its need and or want in the school system, how best to promote something like this, what types of programs are valuable and useful to teacher, and the ability (ha!) for schools to pay for a program like this.

I am a Research Biologist with Cascadia Research Collective (www.cascadiaresearch.org). We are a non-profit, tax-exempt (recognized by the IRS under501c3) scientific and education organization based in Olympia, Washington. We were founded in 1979 primarily to conduct research needed to manage and protect threatened marine mammals. As you can see a part of Cascadia's mission is education. However, primary work since 1979 has been research, never having much of an opportunity nor resources to go forward with something like creating a formal education program or doing more outreach and education. Personally I have been involved with information marine education for 13 years and have been Cascadia's main school educator for a couple years now (besides being an active researcher) and am hoping to craft a more formal education side to Cascadia.

Science Illustration Class for Students

Introduction to Natural Science Illustration (NEW!)

Registrants must be entering grades 9-12

If you love drawing, illustration and the natural sciences then this course if for you. This class will present an overview of the fundamental principles related to anatomical form and function in rendering illustrations for scientific purposes. Students will learn how to render form, using light, line, measure and perspective working in their own sketch journals in three mediums, graphite (pencil), pen and ink, and colored pencil. The class will culminate with an informal art opening where student work will be exhibited. Some drawing experience is helpful but not required. NOTE: Students will need to purchase some basic art supplies prior to the 1st class. A list will be sent out upon registration.

Instructor: Elizabeth Halfacre <http://summeryouth.washington.edu/syp/high/hs_info.asp#halfacre>

10 sessions: July 21-August 1, from 9am-Noon ; $425; Noncredit.

Location: UW Seattle campus.

For more information visit: http://summeryouth.washington.edu/syp/high/hs_courses.asp

Northwest Natural Resources Institute Workshops

We have two workshops coming up for the summer. One is in June in Walla Walla, WA and the other is in July in Olympia, WA.

Please see attached

Diahne M. Gill, Program Director

Northwest Natural Resources Institute

801 W. Riverside, #100

Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 459-4121

5) Images: Perennial Desert Stream; Bay of Fundy High Tide

Facing the Future hiring Assistant Program Director

Facing the Future is a fast-growing national nonprofit organization based in Seattle. Founded in 1995, Facing the Futurebrings global issues and sustainability education to K-12 classrooms. Weresearch and write global issues and sustainability curriculum materials thatmeet national education standards; provide professional development workshopsfor teachers on global issues, sustainability, and service learning; and helpschools integrate global issues across their curricula. Facing the Future curriculum is in use in 50 states and more than 60countries by teachers and students in K-12 classrooms across multiple subjectareas, including science, social studies, and environmental education. www.facingthefuture.org

Summer 2008 Mount Rainier NP workshops

Summer Workshops for Middle School Teachers

at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park Education Program is offering two teacher workshops this summer. Free Washington State Clock Hours are available. There is also a credit option offered for a fee through The Heritage Institute. Advanced registration is required. Registration deadline is July 1, 2008. The workshop registration form and other information are available on the Park’s education web page at http://www.nps.gov/mora/forteachers/professionaldevelopment.htm. For more information or questions, contact Anne Doherty, Education Program Manager, at (360) 569-6039 or via email at anne_doherty@nps.gov.
July 22-25 “Living with a Volcano in Your Backyard – Mount Rainier” Come spend a lovely few summer days at the Park with US Geological Survey geologists and Park educators. This workshop will be a mix of content, curriculum activities, and field experiences. This workshop is designed for middle school teachers who teach about volcanoes, volcanic process, product, and hazards. The interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the most current science of Cascade Volcanoes in general, the specifics of Mount Rainier Volcano, and the hazards associated with living in its shadow. Participating teachers will receive copies of the curriculum and additional resources to use with their students. 3 quarter credits or 31-35 clock hours.
August 7-8 Curriculum Review Workshop for Mount Rainier-Mount Fuji Sister Mountain Curriculum Project Come join the Curriculum Development Team and give us your feedback on the draft materials developed to date for this exciting international interdisciplinary middle school curriculum project. You will have the opportunity to pilot test and read through new lessons and activities designed to teach US and Japanese students about these two iconic mountains and facilitate cross-cultural education. You will also receive copies of the draft materials to pilot test with your students for further feedback. 1 quarter credit or 12 clock hours.

Seattle Science Lectures present Richard Preston

TOWN HALL PRESENTS SEATTLE SCIENCE LECTURES:
RICHARD PRESTON: 'PANIC IN LEVEL 4'
MONDAY, JUNE 9 AT 7:30 PM

Known for his previous best selling books, The Hot Zone and The Wild Trees, Richard Preston has assembled in his most recent book true stories of cannibals, killer viruses, and the search for the hidden order in the number pi, among other "tales of intrigue." One critic has said that he turns "complex biology into riveting page-turners." Preston has been a writer for The New Yorker since 1985. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lecture Series with University Book Store.
Tickets are $5 at the door only. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Downstairs at Town Hall, enter on Seneca Street.

Seattle Science Lecture presents Simon Winchester:

TOWN HALL PRESENTS SEATTLE SCIENCE LECTURES:
SIMON WINCHESTER: 'THE MAN WHO LOVED CHINA'
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 AT 7 PM
At UW Kane Hall, Room 130

Simon Winchester (The Professor and the Madman) brings to life the story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant, freethinking Cambridge scientist who unlocked the most closely held secrets of China, long the world's most technologically advanced country. In The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom he tells an epic story of men and nations through Needham's most remarkable life.
Tickets are free with the purchase of "The Man Who Loved China" at University Book Store locations; otherwise tickets are $5, also available at University Book Store locations. Town Hall and Pacific Science Center members receive priority seating.