August 2011

Contents
Volume 55, Number 3 Calendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts
August 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

CAST 2011 Guide STAT Award Winners Back-to-School Tips and much more!
The Official Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas
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Contents
Calendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts
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More than just a supplemental program! Available in Spanish Grades 5-IPC!
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About Us
Calendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas. STAT is committed to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levels and in all science disciplines. For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/positions STAT is: o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools. o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Association o Visit the NSTA site STAT seeks to: o Serve as a unified voice for the science teachers of the state. o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in science education. o Provide opportunities for members to examine techonology, curriculum, materials, and services. o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops related to sciences. o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associations in the promotion of teaching of science. History: STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 during the 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching (CASMT). STAT membership is now more than 8,000 strong!
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Calendar..............................................................7 Presidents Message .........................................8 STAT Award Winners ....................................12 STAT EPLI ........................................................13 Thinking About Your New School Year .....15 CAST 2011 Guide ...........................................16 Call for Volunteers .........................................25 Students Explore STEM in Robotics Camp .....26 Affiliate News ..................................................27 STAT Contacts..................................................30 Elected Officers.....................................30 Appointed Positions ............................30 Affiliate Congress.................................31 Texas State Board of Education..........32
Original drawings in this publication provided by Bailey Gutierrez of Zundelowitz Junior High in Wichita Falls, TX.
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www.hmheducation.com/tx/science
Contents
Texas Supplemental Science
Holt McDougal onE-STop

solutions
Enter the digital classroom and try our one-stop solutions for Texas Science at www.hmheducation.com/tx/science.
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Calendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts September
TAEE Conference Camp TAEE: Blazing Trails in Education. Camp Allen Conference Center September 23-25 Navasota, TX
November
CAST 2011: The Art of Science November 17-19 Dallas, TX
ovich Odan Cathie eadership L 2009 Finalist Award
CAST 2011
STAT EC Meeting November 15 Dallas, TX
Linds 2011 ey Richar ds R Star ising Winn er
how the great educators in your community just how much they are appreciated. Nominate them for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards! Teachers can win $5,000 to $25,000, with a matching grant for their school. Principals can win $10,000 with a $25,000 grant for their school. School districts can win $50,000 or $100,000. Visit heb.com/education today to nominate your favorite teacher, principal or school district.
February
STAT Board Meeting February 10-11, 2012 Austin, TX
ISEA Annual Meeting

Sky Ranch February 15-17, 2012. Van, TX.
TSELA Meeting
Shay Harman 2009 Rising Star Winner
February 24-25, 2012 Location TBA
2011 HEB, 11-3420
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A Message from President Hill

Dont you love the lazy, funfilled days of summer with its relaxed schedule and travel time? However, this years unusual drought has been brutal for most of us! Idalou, my hometown in West Texas just outside of Lubbock, has received less than an inch of rain since January. Miserably, we have broken temperature records with continuous days of triple-digit highs; we even had the nations hottest one day at 114! Needless to say, we are eager for La Nina to make a hasty exit. Although I whine about the weather, this summer has been exciting and rewarding. As President, I represented STAT at NSTAs National Congress on Science Education in Baltimore; several board members attended as well. This years theme was: Spirit, Opportunity, Innovation: Science Education for a Smarter Planet. We discussed the following issues: 21st Century Skills; pK-8 Science Education; The 3 Rs of Teaching Careers: Recruitment, Retention and Resources; and finally STEM Education. Working together, we shared numerous ideas in breakout sessions as we tried forming a resolution statement. These subject areas will continue to be a focus for NSTA and affiliated groups throughout the year. Prior to NCSE, I, along with other board members, represented STAT at the K-12 STEM Educational Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Initially, NSTA set up meetings for us with our U.S. Representatives and Senators. In advance of meeting with our government officials, we were educated on the proper way to discuss our focus for science education conversations, which was truly enlightening. As educators, we are familiar with No Child Left Behind. However, Washington now refers to that law as ESEA, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and its origin dates back to 1965. Since that unfunded law continues to affect all of us, that was the focus of our conversations with our congresspersons.
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U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer and STAT President Ross Ann Hill. Since Congress was in session, I was scheduled to meet with my Congressmans aide. Therefore, you can imagine my delight as I sat in Congressman Randy Neugebauers office and in he walked during a break. For about ten minutes, I was able to discuss the woes of ESEA. As other Texans from our group met with aides from Senator Cornyns and Senator Hutchinsons offices, we discussed these major points: 1. Make STEM education a priority and dedicate support for it in ESEA reauthorization. The revised law should provide increased resources for professional development for STEM educators, and its programs should reflect the national priority being placed on STEM education. 2. Make science count by including it in any ESEA accountability system for schools and states. Currently only reading and math are required assessments. 3. Allow states to define their own STEM needs by clarifying or identifying STEM
education and ensuring that it is not limited to only math and science but also including technology and engineering. Truly, it was a delightful TRIP (pun intended, but thats another story for another time)! Although it felt a little like Mrs. Hill Goes to Washington, it also seemed like National Treasure, too!
STAT Vice President Donald Burken, TSELA Treasurer Lisa Webber, PresidentElect Sharon Kamas, and President Ross Ann Hill. Well, back on the home front, CAST will be November 17-19 in Dallas, with early bird registration starting August 15. If you have never attended CAST, you need to experience it, especially since this years theme is The Art of Science. Were excited to provide
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the artful performance of acrobats from Cirque Imagination at the Opening Reception. And our keynote speaker Reed Timmer (of Discovery Channels Storm Chasers) will show stunning severe weather footage. Trust me, CAST is the most renewing, recharging, and invigorating experience for science teachers. In my humble opinion, it is the BEST conference in the nation! We have already begun planning for CAST 2012 in Corpus Christi with a meeting September 24th. If you are in the Corpus Christi area and wish to help us with the preparations, we welcome your assistance. Once again, STAT is offering EPLI to its members. The Educators Professional Liability Insurance is $50.00 for regular members; and its coverage for up to two million dollars starts on the day of enrollment and ends August 1, 2012. Although it is important for all teachers to protect themselves, it is vital for science teachers because of classroom and lab risks. Please download an informative brochure at http:// statweb.org/epli and sign up on the STAT website. Remember, after the accident or incident, it is too late! So safeguard your future now! Hopefully, your year shall be fabulous, enriching, and enlightening for you and your students. See you soon in Dallas!
STAT Executive Director Chuck Hempstead, President Ross Ann Hill, TSELA Treasurer Lisa Webber, President-Elect Sharon Kamas, and Vice President Donald Burken.
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NEW!
by Rosemary Martin
Two CAST workshops highlighting our TEKS Review station activities

For more information:
SALLy DuDLEy 800-237-1371 sally.dudley@schoolspecialty.com
Rigorous Rotation Review for 5th Grade Rigorous Rotation Review for 8th Grade
Booths 617-619-621
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Contact Rosemary Martin, ssibastrop@gmail.com for more information

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Enable Your District to Meet Science TEKS and Prepare Your Students for STAAR and EOC Tests!
CPO Science and Delta Education offer both Instructional Materials and Supplemental Instructional Materials
CPO Science offers a Program for Grades 68 that prepares students for the 8th grade assessment. This program includes the new TEKS and fills in the gaps so students learn everything they need to know. Online Solution for New and Expanded Science TEKS for Grades 35 from Delta Education
For more information:

Northern Texas VErNE ISbELL 800-338-5270 x172 verne.isbell@schoolspecialty.com Southern Texas JOAN LyLES 800-338-5270 x188 joan.lyles@schoolspecialty.com Inside Sales JANIcE MArcuS 800-338-5270 x189 janice.marcus@schoolspecialty.com
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STAT Award Winners

Congratulations to Our STAT Award Winners, Who Will Be Honored at the CAST 2011 Opening Assembly on November 17!
Rookie- Outstanding Science Teacher
Ashley Ediger Alternative Learning Center, Austin ISD

Elementary School - Outstanding Science Teacher
Sharon Yee Regina Howell Elementary, Beaumont, TX
Middle School - Outstanding Science Teacher
Rita Williams Roland Reynolds Elementary, Franklin ISD

High School - Outstanding Science Teacher
Kisaundra Harris Tacosa High School, Amarillo ISD
Distinguished Leadership in Science Award
Denise Skinner Texarkana ISD
Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contributions & Leadership in Science Education
Patsy Magee Beaumont ISD
David Lamp 12 Texas Tech University
Skoog Cup
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STAT EPLI
The Science Teachers Association of Texas offers Educators Professional Liability Insurance (EPLI).
Did You Know?
For only $50/year, you can be covered for up to $2 million per occurrence. Thats a lot of weight behind your career! This is an especially important asset for science teachers. Think about all the times youve been in a lab, helping students through complicated, hands-on projects. The liability section of the policy will help protect you when unfortunate incidents occur, such as injury to a student under your watch. A separate section of the policy provides reimbursement of attorney fees in a broad range of situations not covered under Coverage A, such as criminal charges, allegations of sexual misconduct, actions involving dismissal, revocation of certification, and other professional rights and duties. Your coverage begins on the date of your enrollment and ends on 8/1/2012. Premium Break-Down* Insurance Premium: Regular Member: $44.00 State Tax & Fees (4.91%): $2.16 Administrative Cost: $3.84 Total Cost $50.00 Insurance Premium: Student: $22.00 State Tax & Fees (4.91%): $1.08 Administrative Cost: $3.92 Total Cost $27.00 EPLI is a members-only benefit. You must login to www.statweb.org to purchase. 13
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KidWind at CAST 11
1 hr. Workshops
Holding a wind turbine challenge in your school, district, or region

Thursday, Nov.17 Thursday, Nov.18 3:00pm 4:30pm
Room D 167
The Clean Energy Discovery Challenge

Room C 148
The Layered Earth is an interactive, hands-on earth science curriculum for students in middle school (grades 5 8) and high school (grades 9 12). It features 26 built-in lesson plans joined to hundreds of simulations, images, animations and literacy extensions. Layered Earth includes assessments, quizzes, teacher support materials and a comprehensive teachers guide. The lessons are correlated to US and state science standards. For information please call us toll free at 877-290-8256 or visit www.layeredearth.com. Starry Night High School is an interactive, hands-on space science curriculum for high school students. It features 35 built-in lesson plans joined to hundreds of simulations, images and animations. High School comes complete with classroom activities, student hand-outs, assessments, quizzes, teacher support materials and a comprehensive teachers guide. The lessons are correlated to state and US science standards. For information please call us toll free at 877-290-8256 or visit www.starrynight.com. Starry Night Middle School is an interactive, hands-on space science curriculum for middle school students in grades 5 - 8. It features 28 built-in lesson plans joined to hundreds of simulations, images and animations. Middle School comes complete with student hand-outs, classroom activities, assessments, quizzes, teacher support materials along with a comprehensive teachers guide. The lessons are correlated to state and US science standards. For information please call us toll free at 877-290-8256 or visit www.starrynight.com.
System Requirements: Windows XP, Vista or Win 7. 1 GHZ processor or higher, 1 GB RAM, 5GB HD space, 1024 x 768 monitor resolution. Macintosh OSX 10.6 or higher, Intel based processor with 1 GB RAM and 5 GB HD space, 1024 x 768 monitor resolution.
3 hr. Short Course
Wind energy science for the classroom

Thursday, Nov.18 9:00am Room A 120
Booth 947
www.KidWind.org
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Thinking About Your New School Year

by Alton L. Biggs
Sometimes we in education (administrators, teachCalendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts
ers, and support staff equally) forget what we are doing. We let the little things in our careers paperwork, due dates, endless and mindless meetings prevent us from focusing on our real mission, which is, of course, touching the lives and spirits of young people by preparing them for their future. If you ask me, there is no greater mission or higher calling. Right now you may not feel the warm fuzzies from your career in education. I know I didnt for years after Id begun teaching. However, you should always know that others are listening and watching. And you should know that in the years after they leave your classroom, students will remember you not for the curriculum minutia you taught, but for the way you changed the direction of their lives. To illustrate this, I recently received an email from a student who was in my biology class thirty years ago. Hed found me through a Google search. Heres what he told me: I know I am not a remarkable student, but while I was in the military I had a chance to visit 23 countries. Every time I ended up in a jungle, rainforest, desert, ocean, swamp, and even the Arctic Circle I thought of you and made sure I walked away with some knowledge. I honestly think that is what helped me survive so many missions. I just wanted to say thank you, even if it is 30 years late. Ours is not a career best known for patting colleagues on the back for the great things they do every day. For those who stray from the norm in attempts to reach the best for students, our career is too often punitive. Ours is a demanding career that in recent years has focused more on high stakes testing than moving every student from where they are when they come to us to further along the path. It wasnt
until after Id taught for three years that a principal told me plainly that my job was not to cover every item in the curriculum, but to encourage and help every student to reach his or her potential. What a liberating lesson that was! You see, if youll just do the right things with and for students, everything else will work out in the end. They will be touched. They will remember you. You will have made a difference in their lives. Their lives and yours will be better for it. Youll be beginning a new school year soon. Remember that everything you do is about individual students. Youll make some mistakes this year as we all do. But youll also have some great victories. Just remember that your work is not about today but about the future of our students our future! Today I celebrate the work you do!
Alton Biggs taught sciences for 32 years, retiring from teaching in 2003. He is well known for being the coauthor of Biology, The Dynamics of Life, Glencoe Life Science and other science textbooks published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. He is an Honorary Member of STAT, TABT, and the National Association of Biology Teachers as well as a Life Member of NSTA. Alton has previously been editor of The Texas Science Teacher, and has served on the STAT Board on two separate occasions. He is a past president of both the TABT and NABT.
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CAST SPONSORS
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Thank you to our CAST 2011 supporters!

Sponsorships are still available. Call us at 512-491-6685 for details.

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, November 17th
7:00 am 5:00 pm 7:00 am 8:00 am 8:00 am 5:00pm 8:00 am 1:30 pm 8:30 am 5:30 pm 8:45am 5:30 pm 9:00 am 5:00 pm 1:00-2:30 pm Registration & Tote Bag Pickup First Time Attendees Coffee Hour Field Trips Administrators & Policymakers Institute Workshops - Every Hour Science JAM Sessions - Every 1.5 Hours Short Courses Opening Assembly: Keynote Speaker Reed Timmer of Discovery Channels Storm Chasers, Teacher Awards 2:30pm 7:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open 5:30 pm 7:30 pm CAST Opening Reception with Cirque Imagination
Friday, November 18
Sessions: es of CAST 4 Typ rses r, free cou 7:00 am 5:00 pm Registration & Tote Bag Pickup s: one hou Workshop 8:00 am 5:00 pm Field Trips ions) (650 sess 8:30 am 5:30 pm Workshops 5-minutes; ll Sessions: 4 8:45 am 5:30 pm Science JAM Sessions Jam ; free to a /workshops t w 9:00 am 5:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open concurrens (60 sessions) dee 9:00 am 5:00 pm Short Courses atten id imited, pa 10:15 am 11:00 am Keynote Speaker Rich Allen Courses: L Short long (80 6:00 pm 12:00 am Friday Night Social @ the Dallas or 6 hours ; 3 enrollment Museum of Art: the Fashion World sessions) o of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the ay; trips t lf or full d Sidewalk to the Catwalk : ha ns) Field Trips (50 sessio s in Dallas n key locatio
th
Saturday, November 19th

7:00 am 10:00 am 8:00 am 3:30 pm 8:00 am 2:00 pm 8:30 am 3:30 pm 8:45 am 12:30 pm 9:00 am 5:00 pm Registration & Tote Bag Pickup Field Trips Exhibit Hall Open Workshops Science JAM Sessions Short Courses
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HOUSING & REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION
The Early Bird gets the worm! Register by September 30 and have your name badge mailed to you.
Early Bird Registration (August 15- September 30): $115 (name badge mailed) Advance Registration (October 1 October 31): $145 (name badge on-site) Regular Registration (November 1 - November 17): $160 (name badge on-site) Administrators and Policymakers Institute (Thursday only): $95 Family Member (with purchase of a full price registration): $45 Saturday Only: $50 Student: $25
HOUSING
The Sheraton Dallas is the official host hotel of the CAST 2011 Conference. It is the only hotel with transportation available to CAST on the shuttle route.
When you book through the Housing Site, you will: be guaranteed that your hotel will be on the CAST 2011 hotel shuttle route. receive lower rates through STATs block of rooms (only $115). stay at official CAST hotels, which have been inspected by staff prior to booking: we only book with hotels we have reviewed. give back to CAST: future hotel contract negotiations depend on the size of our block. CAST is able to keep rates low if more attendees book within our designated hotels. 19
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SPEAKERS AND SESSIONS

Opening Assembly Keynote:
Discovery Channels Reed Timmer of Storm Chasers 1:00 pm Thursday, November 17

Discovery Education is pleased to present keynote speaker Reed Timmer to kick-off the 2011 Conference for the Advancement of Science and Teaching. Discovery Channels Reed Timmer has become famous for his curiosity and drive to understand the science of extreme storms. The meteorologist and star of Discovery Channels popular Storm Chasers series shares his experience filming and collecting important real-time data from some of the most powerful tornados on record.
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SPEAKERS AND SESSIONS

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Friday Keynote: Dr. Rich Allen

10:15 am Friday, November 18

From Tuning Out to Turning On: Engaging Modern Scientific Minds Todays teachers are facing a truly unique challenge how to cross the biggest Nasco Science Division generational divide education STATellite Newsletter X and Gen Y teachers, athas ever seen! Gen Winter 2010 tempting to teach Gen Z students, need a completely different set of skills and STAT1012 choices when designing and conducting their classrooms. This keynote offers a menu of exciting possibilities that have been proven to work by real teachers, in real classrooms, with real students. Rich will also be hosting a FREE 3-hour short course, so register early to reserve your spot!
STAT1012
TM
VISIT BOOTH 450 WORKSHOP AT CAST 2011 www.brainzapped.com
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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High-Flying Reception
with entertainment by
Cirque Imagination
Thursday, November 17th 5:30 pm-7:30 pm Witness the beauty of gravity as acrobats fly through the air in the exhibit hall. This event is free for all CAST attendees, and includes hors doeurves, giveaways, and more!
Haute Couture Social

Late Night @ the Museum:
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier

Friday, November 18th 5:00 pm-Midnight
Take a break from the art of science to revel in the art of fashion at the Dallas Museum of Art, where youll be dazzled by the Jean Paul Gaultier collection: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. Refreshments provided. This exhibit is only visiting 2 cities in the United States: be one of the few to see it! Tickets only $15 via CAST registration.
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Science....Blast Off!
ST AR Aligned A
To see FREE all that STEMscopes has to offer and to view sample scopes for each grade level
Scopes
Fun and Complet e!
Elementary K-5 Middle School: 6-8
Comprehensive online student learning experiences tightly aligned to TEKS and STAAR that enhance teaching for beginning to master teachers with hands-on science activities using the researchbased 5E lesson cycle.
5-8th grade approved resource for the Texas Supplemental Science Adoption!
Hundreds of evaluation and intervention tools 5E lessons for all STAAR Science Readiness and Supporting Standards K-8
STEMscopes
Rice University 713-348-5433 STEMscopes@rice.edu
1. Go to: sample.stem scopes.com 2. Enter ID: g uest & Password: guest 2. Click on S copes and explore!
Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning
www.stemscopes.com
STAT MEMBERS
WARDS PROUDLY SUPPORTS STAT MEMBERS
Visit our booth for:
Hands-on exploration of new activities Cutting-edge technology for your classroom Chance to win valuable prizes
Wards in-house experts will be in the booth for your questions, suggestions, and ideas
P: 800-962-2660 | F: 800-635-8439
wardsci.com/APScience
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STAT programAd.indd 1
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Call for Volunteers

Express Yourself by Lending a Helping Hand to CAST 2011: The Art of Science. Sign up to be a volunteer!
The success of CAST depends on our hundreds of dedicated volunteers who step up each year to give their time back to the conference they love. Sign up for just one hour, or even ten! We sincerely appreciate your time and effort. If you love science, people, and are comfortable in fast-paced environments, then wed love to have you as a volunteer during CAST! The following is a list of available positions: Registration (badge printing, info booth) Workshop/Short Course Runners Badge Checkers Cyber Cafe Monitors Bag Sitters
Additional opportunities may be available. If you have a specific talent you feel would be helpful, please let us know! Email us at stat@bizaustin.rr.com. 25
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Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp

by Tricia Berry
High school students across Texas designed, built and tested underCalendar Presidents Message STAT Award Winners STAT EPLI Thinking About Your New School Year CAST 2011 Guide Call for Volunteers Students Explore STEM in Underwater Robotics Camp Affiliate News Contacts
water robots during weeklong summer camps at schools, universities, museums and science centers. The camps used a problem-based learning curriculum being disseminated to four regions in the U.S. through a five-year, $2.5 million National Science Foundation grant. The Texas Girls Collaborative Project (TxGCP) led by the Women in Engineering Program at The University of Texas at Austin was nationally selected last year to distribute the curriculum across Texas. Working in conjunction with the Austin-based STEM education program, Girlstart, the two organizations have since trained representatives from 17 schools, higher education institutions, museums and science centers on the WaterBotics curriculum and how to best teach it to students. Training was held in January at the National Instruments headquarters in Austin and for the first time this summer educators who went through the training taught the curriculum at summer camps throughout the state. Many robotics programs are competitive in nature, but this one is not about competition, TxGCP Director Tricia Berry said about the program. The focus of WaterBotics is to teach students how to creatively solve engineering challenges by working together. With this program, were creating and fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment. The day camp is geared toward high school girls and other students typically underrepresented in STEM fields. The students use LEGO Mindstorms equipment to concept and create underwater robots capable of accomplishing a series of goals, like successfully navigating and grabbing objects in a 10-foot diameter pool. By responding to the challenges presented during camp, students leave with a better understanding of how engineers and scientists solve real-world problems, such as controlling an oil spill or developing advanced search and rescue technology. The second round of educator training will be held January 9 13, 2012 at National Instruments in Austin. Applications and program details may be found on the Texas Girls Collaborative Project website. Trained educators and organizations have access to kits (LEGO Mindstorms, propellers, motors, etc.) for running a WaterBotics camp for 20 high school students.
About WaterBotics WaterBotics is part of a NSF program to increase the pool, persistence and diversity of students pursing STEM study and careers. The program was initially tested in New Jersey and has been expanded to Dayton, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; and in Austin and throughout Texas. Learn more at http://waterbotics.org/, http://www.txgcp.org or contact Tricia Berry at tsberry@ mail.utexas.edu.
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Affiliate News
Informal Science Education Association ISEA
by Cappy Smith and Amy Moreland Science Teachers, Were in Your Business! The new school year always brings excitement, but this year it also brings new demands. Fewer teachers, fewer resources, fewer instructional materials, fewer field trips. and teachers still have the same high standards to meet, in addition to the challenge of preparing students for a new state test. Teachers, the members of the Informal Science Education Association (ISEA) are here for you! Science education is our business, too. Many of our organizations are also facing new challenges with budget and staff cuts; like you, were being required to do more with less. And, one thing that has become very clear we cant operate with our formal education partners like we have in the past. There will be no business as usual if we are all tasked with growing a science literate community. We dont have the answers yet, but we invite you to reach out to ISEA facilities in your community and tell us about your needs! We may all have to work outside of the box to create new solutions, but we can get there together. We are your partners in science education; your success is our success. Get acquainted with some of our members and offerings at CAST. Stop by our booth in Affiliate Row or attend some of the sessions and field trips offered in the ISEA Strand. The ISEA strand highlights the resources available from informal education partners and opportunities for STEM-based programs for both students and teacher professional development. And, mark your calendars for our upcoming annual conference February 15-17, 2012 at Sky Ranch in Van, Texas! We are excited to welcome keynote speaker, Dr. Martin Storksdieck, Director for the Board of Science Education of The National Academies. Dr. Storksdieck and the Board of Science Education are charged with providing advice on the research and best practices for science education at all levels in schools and informal settings. To learn more about the Board for Science Education, visit the website http://www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/. To learn more about ISEA visit our website http://www.statweb.org/ISEA/home.htm We invite you to contact us.after all, were in your business!
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Affiliate News
Texas Earth Science Teachers Association TESTA
by Gail Gant At last, another year of hard work, fun, stress, quiet satisfaction , and delight at seeing a student suddenly get it has come to an end. As soon as school wrapped up, I boarded a plane for the Republic of Macedonia where I participate in what I refer to as my summer job of archaeology. Although Ive learned a lot over the years about archaeology, some situations can cause me consternation For example, after several seasons of uncovering classical and Hellenistic pottery and structures, I suddenly find myself in an older strata with unfamiliar pottery or what appears to be an Iron Age kiln that seems to have no defined shape. How to proceed? In some ways, I feel like a student again, confronted with a situation which has no correct answer. Determining the next step must be based on careful observation and consideration of what strategy will help to reveal answers rather than obliterate them. Life can be difficult when we do not have the right answer at hand. Throughout the school year I see students struggle with similar situations as I encourage them to think critically. Struggling to determine the correct steps to take to uncover an answer can be both uncomfortable and stressful yet when we develop strategies based on previous knowledge and careful consideration of possible outcomes, we often find ourselves richly rewarded and much more likely to remember what worked should similar situations arise in the future. I have often found that sharing experiences with other teachers can be an enlightening and rejuvenating experience. What better way to recharge your batteries than to attend the annual CAST conference. This years CAST will be held in Dallas from November 17th through the 19th. In memory of Kathie Poff, a long-time TESTA member who dedicated her life and abundant energy to teaching generations of students about the wonders of the world we live in and how science can help to unravel the mysteries of our planet, TESTA has established a fund to pay the CAST registration fee for a teacher with five or fewer years in the classroom. If you would like to apply please submit the following information.: A current rsume or curriculum vitae A description of what you hope to gain from the experience and a an explanation of your financial need (one page maximum) Please let us know if you are a first-time attendee Please send your application to Gail Gant 1622 California Houston, TX 77006 If you do make it to CAST, take a little time to check out the TESTA strand offerings. We have a wide variety of workshops and short courses that deal with topics ranging from the astronomy to plate tectonics. In addition, we will have a share-athon and our infamous rock raffle which is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I am also thrilled that our breakfast will feature both Dr. Louis Jacobs and his wife Bonnie who will both speak respectively about their fascinating work in paleontology and paleobotany and ancient climates. Although it has been a tumultuous school year for many, I hope you have the restful and rejuvenating summer you so well deserve.
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Affiliate News
Texas Science Education Leadership Association TSELA
by Vanessa Westbrook TSELA provides leadership for the improvement of science instruction; means of regular communication among science education leaders; support and development of solutions for common issues and interests; and professional growth opportunities. Membership is open to all personnel in leadership roles who are concerned with, and interested in, the improvement of science education. This will include, but not be limited to: science coordinators, department heads, team leaders, curriculum coordinators, university professors, and principals. TSELA on Capitol Hill During the week of July 11, 2011 several TSELA officers joined other science education leaders from across the United States to discuss top STEM initiatives at PK-12 level with members of Congress in the House and Senate. TSELA officers participated in several individual meetings that provided information, suggestions, and insights into the enhancement of STEM initiatives at PK-12 level. TSELA Past President Vanessa Westbrook, TSELA Secretary Susana Ramirez, and TSELA member Karen McNallen discussed STEM initiatives with US Representative Ruben Hinojosa for over an hour. Group photo taken in Rep. Hinojosas office in the Rayburn Building.
Save the Date! 1. TSELA Fall meeting will take place on November 16, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Please view the TSELA website www.tselaonline.org for information about the meeting, registration procedures, sponsorship opportunities, program schedule, and meeting agenda. 2. Join some of TSELA members as they share their expertise in sessions scheduled in the TSELA strand on Friday, November 18 at the 2011 CAST in Dallas, Texas. 3. National Science Education Leadership Association will hold its annual science leadership institute (SLI) in Austin, Texas at the University of Texas at Austin AT&T Center on June 24- 27, 2012. NSELA uses the summer leadership institute to improve science education and foster the dissemination of best practices and research-based professional development throughout the United States. 4. TSELA Winter meeting will be February 24, 2012 at Harris County Department of Education in Houston, Texas. Information about this membership meeting will be posted on website.
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STAT Office
Mailing Address: 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731 Phone: (512) 491-6685 Fax: (512) 873-7423
www.statweb.org stat@bizaustin.rr.com
Elected Officers
President: Ross Ann Hill (806) 892-1900 president@statweb.org President-Elect: Sharon Kamas (281)-604-7000 presidentelect@statweb.org Vice President: Donald Burken (713) 723-0273 vicepresident@statweb.org Members At Large: Kiki Corry Dr. Denise Hill Dr. Deidre Parish Past President: Dr. Joel Palmer (972) 882-7388 pastpresident@statweb.org Treasurer: Terry Ward (817) 305-6741 treasurer@statweb.org Secretary: Jo Anne Jackson (806) 766-1162 secretary@statweb.org kiki@statweb.org denise@statweb.org deidre@statweb.org
Appointed Positions
Executive Director: Chuck Hempstead

(512) 491-6685 stat@bizaustin.rr.com
TEA Representative:
Irene Pickhardt Assistant Director of Science

(512) 463-9581 irene.pickhardt@tea.state.tx.us
Assistant Executive Director: Texas Science Teacher Lauren Swetland Editor: (512) 491-6685
lauren@statweb.org
Dr. Joel Palmer
CAST Exhibits Manager & Advertising Manager: Frank Butcher

30 30 30 (281) 424-1230 frank.butcher@comcast.net
(972) 882-7388 pastpresident@statweb.org
STATellite Editor:
(512) 491-6685 stat@bizaustin.rr.com
Contents
Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas

amodic@sbcglobal.net
ACT
Informal Science Education Association Chip Lindsey

chip@dhdc.org
ISEA
Amiee Modic
Texas Association of Biology Teachers

mwells@springisd.org
TABT
Texas Association for Environmental Education

swall@gccisd.net
TAEE
Texas Council of Elementary Science

deborah_rang@roundrockisd.org
TCES
Michael Wells
Sally Wall
Deborah Rang
Texas Earth Science Teachers Association

ggant@sjs.org
TESTA
Gail Gant
Texas Marine Educators Association

marolyn.smith@yahoo.com
TMEA
Marolyn Smith
Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Karen Jo Matsler

kjmatsler@gmail.com
TSAAPT
Texas Science Education Leadership Association

kfisher56@msn.com
TSELA
Kevin Fisher
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Barbara Cargill, Chair Bob Craig, Vice Chair Mary Helen Berlanga, Secretary
SBOE District 1 - Charlie Garza
William B. Travis Building 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701-1494
12453 Tierra Cipres Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 (915) 630-2427
SBOE District 10 - Marsha Farney

P.O. Box 99 Georgetown, Texas 78627 (512) 966-6771 900 North Elm Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 598-2968 (817) 598-2833 fax
SBOE District 2 - Mary Helen Berlanga

2727 Morgan Avenue Corpus Christi, TX 78405 (361) 881-1000 (361) 881-1028 fax 2034 W. Kings Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 685-8378
SBOE District 11 - Patricia Hardy
SBOE District 3- Michael Soto
SBOE District 12 - George Clayton
526 Tiffany Trail Richardson, Texas 75081 (972) 834-3618 6108 Red Bird Court Dallas, TX 75232 (214) 333-9575 (214) 339-9242 fax
SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.

2130 Vermillion Oak St. Fresno, Texas 77545 (713) 203-1355
SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. Knight
SBOE District 5- Ken Mercer

P.O. Box 781301 San Antonio, TX 78278-1301 (512) 463-9007 23516 Twin Oaks Dr. RR#5 Spring, TX 77389 (281) 257-0832 fax 2165 North Street Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 835-3808
SBOE District 14 - Gail Lowe
SBOE District 6 - Terri Leo
11 Chris Avenue Lampasas, TX 76550 (512) 556-6262 (512) 936-4319 fax
SBOE District 15 - Bob Craig
SBOE District 7 - David Bradley
P.O. Box 1979 Lubbock, TX 79408-1979 (806) 744-3232 (806) 744-2211 fax
SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill

61 W. Wedgemere Circle The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 465-8095 P.O. Box 232 Mount Pleasant, TX 75456 (903) 717-1190
SBOE District 9 - Thomas Ratliff
Need to find your state legislators? Search by zip code at:
http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us
32 32 32
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

VERNIER DATA-COLLECTION TECHNOLOGY NO PRE-REGISTRATION! NO FEE!

FREE HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

Vernier Software & Technology | www.vernier.com | Toll Free: 888-837-6437

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2 Customizable for Students, Teachers, and Districts

3 Complete STAAR Support with Data-Driven Reporting System

4 Embedded Critical Thinking Questions and Activities

Texas Supplemental Science

Holt McDougal onE-STop

students for success on STAAR

Prepare for STAAR with instruction, review, and practice assessments.

CAST 2011: The Art of Science November 17-19 Dallas, TX

ovich Odan Cathie eadership L 2009 Finalist Award

STAT EC Meeting November 15 Dallas, TX

Linds 2011 ey Richar ds R Star ising Winn er

STAT Board Meeting February 10-11, 2012 Austin, TX

ISEA Annual Meeting

Shay Harman 2009 Rising Star Winner

February 24-25, 2012 Location TBA

2011 HEB, 11-3420

A Message from President Hill

Two CAST workshops highlighting our TEKS Review station activities

www.mathcutups.com Now available! Even more titles you can use!

Contact Rosemary Martin, ssibastrop@gmail.com for more information

TEKS Correlations Catalog Ordering information

For more information:

SEE SAMPLE LESSON PAGES AT www.cpo.com/home/2/Your State/TX.aspx

30 DAy ONLINE PrEVIEw www.neworexpandedteks.schoolspecialty.com

40142 2011 STAT TX ad.indd 1

STAT Award Winners

Rookie- Outstanding Science Teacher

Ashley Ediger Alternative Learning Center, Austin ISD

Sharon Yee Regina Howell Elementary, Beaumont, TX

Middle School - Outstanding Science Teacher

Rita Williams Roland Reynolds Elementary, Franklin ISD

Kisaundra Harris Tacosa High School, Amarillo ISD

Distinguished Leadership in Science Award

Denise Skinner Texarkana ISD

Patsy Magee Beaumont ISD

David Lamp 12 Texas Tech University

Did You Know?

Holding a wind turbine challenge in your school, district, or region

The Clean Energy Discovery Challenge

3 hr. Short Course

Wind energy science for the classroom

Thinking About Your New School Year

Thank you to our CAST 2011 supporters!

Sponsorships are still available. Call us at 512-491-6685 for details.

Saturday, November 19th

HOUSING & REGISTRATION

SPEAKERS AND SESSIONS

Discovery Channels Reed Timmer of Storm Chasers 1:00 pm Thursday, November 17

SPEAKERS AND SESSIONS

Friday Keynote: Dr. Rich Allen

10:15 am Friday, November 18

VISIT BOOTH 450 WORKSHOP AT CAST 2011 www.brainzapped.com

Haute Couture Social

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier

Elementary K-5 Middle School: 6-8

Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning

Call for Volunteers