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TEACHER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BERKSHIRES:
Summer Courses and Workshops for teachers: Berkshire STEM Pipeline Teacher Seminars Fall 2008 September 13-November 8, 2008
Conversation with architect Bruce Fowle on Green Building September 13, Pittsfield
Berkshire Robotics Challenge Registration deadline September 22, 2008
Masters of Education with Content Areas at MCLA
Discovery, Seimens, NSTA "Change the World Challenge"
Berkshire STEM Pipeline Teacher Seminars Fall 2008
Designed for STEM teachers; new teachers are especially welcome
Five Seminars this fall; 8:30-1 at MCLA except as noted below
- Educational materials, refreshments, PDPs
- Advance registration is required; capacity is limited
- Cost $35 per session, $125 for all five sessions
- 4 PDPs per half day session; option for grad credits at reduced cost with extra work.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. CONTACT LISA PROVENCHER 413-662-5525 OR >lisa.provencher@mcla.edu<  September 13: Learning by Design and Green Building
Instructor Erika Zekos is the Western MA Program Coordinator for Learning By Design. Building on the success of the city-wide "Box City" program of 2006, this workshop will introduce teachers to the fundamentals of using architectural design in the classroom. Discover ideas for integrating sustainable (or "green") architecture with math and science investigations by exploring the relationships between the natural, built and community systems all around us. Teachers will receive handouts and MA Frameworks based project ideas as well as resource lists. Target level: grades 5 – 7
Location: Joe Scelsi Intermodal Education Center, Pittsfield Immediately following this workshop is a talk by renowned architect Bruce Fowle, Senior Principal, FAIA, LEED, FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS of New York City and Dubai, to discuss these timely topics:
• The State of the Planet • Zero-Carbon and the Proposed Housatonic River Museum
• The Role of Buildings in Climate Change • High-Performance/Low-Energy Building Design and Planning Location: Colonial Theater in Pittsfield
Sept. 27 or Oct. 4 Innovations Berkshire Museum
Curtis Asch, Education Program Manager, Berkshire Museum Become an innovator as you explore the Berkshire Museum’s new interactive exhibition. Take part in a hands-on experience and explore the Use Your Noodle curriculum, get an extensive tour of the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation and an opportunity to view the newly remodeled galleries. Complimentary copies of the Use Your Noodle curriculum kit and DVD will be available. 10am to 2pm.
Target level: K-12 teachers
Location: Berkshire Museum 32 North Street, Pittsfield MA.
Oct. 13: Bridge Building Robert Maloney, Engineer, General Dynamics AIS This seminar will provide insight into engineering with the primary goal of ultimately improving problem-solving skills of the students. The focus will be on structural engineering, studying the design of buildings and bridges. Join us and explore some of the basic math, engineering and design principals that are applied to building and developing a clear understanding of the engineering approach to problem solving. Target level: K-12 teachers
Location: MCLA Oct. 11: Electricity and Magnets, Michael Dalton, Professor, MCLA
We are all familiar with the phenomena of electricity and magnetism, and can cite many everyday examples. But what is the relationship between electricity and magnetism? This seminar is designed to provide an elementary yet solid foundation in these areas by using examples and activities that are simple, safe, and inexpensive. Activity Make your own shake flashlight! arget level: 6-12 grades
Location: MCLA, Murdock 120. Nov. 8: BioTechnology Workshop Shahira Badran, Assistant Professor & Biotechnology Program Coordinator, Bunker Hill Community College, Paul King, Instructor, Massasoit Community College, and Ann Billetz, Professor, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. An ALL-DAY biotechnology workshop at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, Massachusetts. The workshop will consist of a hands-on wet lab featuring biotechnology techniques and a presentation explaining the underlying concepts and real life applications of these techniques. In addition, the workshop will address the different applications and career opportunities of the biotech industry. Teachers will receive handouts and information on other related activities and biotech online resources. Target level: High School/Undergraduate
Location: MCLA November 22nd: Weather cancellation makeup date.
 The Housatonic River Museum is very excited to co-host:
A CONVERSATION WITH RENOWNED ARCHITECT BRUCE FOWLE SENIOR PRINCIPAL, FAIA, LEED FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS of NYC
Topics will include LEED (Leadership in Energy adn Environmental Design), Thight performance buildings, energy efficency and the Housatoinic River Muesum.
Saturday, September 13, 11:30am Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA
Presented by the Housatonic River Museum and the Berkshire Branch of the US Green Building council. Free and open to the public--bring your family and friends!
Reception porvied by Brix Restaurant
QUESTIONS? 413-717-2166 <info@housatonicrivermuseum.org> STEM OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE BERKSHIRES: 
Discovery, Siemans, NSTA "We Can Change the World Challenge" The Siemens Foundation, Discovery, and the National Science Teachers Association are teaming up to inspire student achievement when it comes to environmental education with the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.
It kicks off fall 2008 with a competition at the middle school level asking teams of students to come up with a solution to an environmental issue in their neck of the woods with broader implications for schools and communities across America who just might be able to replicate the process.
The World Challenge will expand to kindergarten and elementary school students in 2009 and to high school students in 2010, complete with standards-based lesson plans and teacher materials, student projects and prizing to foster learning, teamwork and problem solving around sustainability. NSTA Web Seminars
Engineering for Classroom Teachers
Civil and Environmental Engineering in Our Everyday World
An Improving Teacher Project
* Date: July 21-25, 2008
* Availability: 25 spaces available for middle school science teachers; priority given to teachers in high needs school districts. Spaces fill up quickly, so please register early.
* Credits: 3 graduate credits available through UMass Continuing Education: CE-ENGIN 797C
* Optional: Course also available for 40 PDP's
* Take home materials: Substantial classroom materials for participants
* Register: There is no charge for registration if taking the course for PDP's. If taking the course for PDP's, email <kstcyrde@educ.umass.edu> to be added to the list.
TEACHER RESOURCES: Berkshire Museum: Living Landscapes Outdoor education can be an inspirational, fun way to interact with the natural world.Based on the eleven lesson plans in the Living Landscapes: Teaching in Nature curriculum guide, the resources here are designed for teachers to explore the outdoors as a way to teach core subjects; and offers kids a chance to discover nature while learning math, English language arts, science and the visual arts.
Exploratorium: Tools for Teaching, Science Snacks
Earth & Sky Teachers Center
BioMolecular Explorer 3D Software CD
Science NetLinks
Massachusetts Guide to Teaching Renewable Energy and Global Warming
"Building a Cleaner Energy Future"
Massachusetts Solar Energy in Action This website resource provided by MTC that helps teachers and students learn how more than 65 solar installations in Massachusetts
The Early Years K-2 science resources and conversations
The House of Representatives Science Committee has a link on their web site titled "Science Education and You," which can help teachers (and students) access federal science and mathematics resources. Model lesson plans organized by grade level and other resources from the Department of Energy, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency can be found at the site. Students will find links that allow them to ask scientists questions.
FUNDING
Taconic foundation Berkshire Educational Grant
Lowe' s The Outdoor Classroom Grant Program
This grant provides outdoor, hands-on science education to students in grades K-12 and assists schools in enhancing their core curriculum in all subjects. Lowes Charitable and Educational Foundation, International
Paper and National Geographic Explorer! classroom magazine have partnered to create an outdoor classroom grant program to provide schools with additional resources to improve their science curriculum by engaging students in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom. All K-12 public schools in the United States are welcome to apply.
Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant Program
To empower parents and further encourage their involvement in their children's schools, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has established the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program to fund school improvement projects initiated by parents.
Yawkey Foundation
Grants for Education and After School Programs
The Yawkey Foundation II is now accepting grant proposals from community organizations under the education priority. The Yawkey Foundation supports organizations that provide and encourage educational endeavors for youth, young adults, and adults. The foundation seeks to assist organizations that support the learning needs of the most disadvantaged members of the community through after-school programs, immigrant and adult literacy programs, programs for youth, and scholarship programs.
Toshiba America Foundation
Grants to Improve Science and Mathematics EducationThe Toshiba America Foundation aims to contribute to the quality of science and mathematics education in United States communities by investing in projects designed by classroom teachers to improve science and mathematics education.
NEA Foundation (2008 deadline paste)
Toyota Tapestry (Applications available August 2008)
OPPORTUNITIES
Science Buddies Teacher Resources for Science Fairs
USEFUL LINKS:
Assessment Tool Search Engine
This is an excellent site. Field-tested learning assessment guide for science, tech,
engineering and math
Access Excellence
This is a great link full of innovative ideas for everyone who teaches STEM topics.
NASA Quest
An educational website dedicated to bringing NASA people, space and science into the classrooms through the internet.
NSTA Teacher Resources
PUZZLEMAKERS
Discovery School - Create word searches using your own vocabulary.
ed Helper.com -fast and easy puzzle maker. Includes crossword, word search, math searches, bingo, and logic puzzle makers.
Science NEWS:
NOVA Science NOW for Educators explore teacher guides, get the latest science news!
Live Science Great site for current science news.
CONTESTS:
Cratering the Moon Challenge (NASA)
In this challenge, students will design a lunar impact simulator and determine the optimal impact angle to
obtain the most information from the impact.
LIMA Quest (NASA)
The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) info to be posted soon
ExploraVision (Deadline pasted)
is a competition for all students in grades K-12 attending a school in the U.S., Canada, U.S. Territory or a Department of Defense school . It is designed to encourage students to combine their imagination with their knowledge of science and technology to explore visions of the future.
Look for the Bubble Wrap Competition 2009 Destination Imagination
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