The mission of the Iowa Science Teaching Section of the Iowa Academy of Science is to advocate for excellence in science education by promoting professionalism, influencing policy, and enhancing learning.

The mission of the Iowa Academy of Science is to further scientific research and its dissemination, education in the sciences, public understanding of science, and recognition of excellence in these endeavors.

2009 Fall Conference Planning Meeting
August 16

Executive Board Meeting
August 16

Phone Conference
June 30

Phone Conference
May 22

Executive Board Meeting
April 12

Executive Board Meeting
March 4

ISTS Meeting

Members present: Morgan Masters, Gale Vermeulen, Jeanne Rogis, Craig Johnson, Marcy Seavey, Aaron Spurr, Barb Jacobsen, Rick Wells, Ernie Schiller, De Anna Tibben, Traci Maxted, Tom Ervin, Toni Arend, Robert Kleinow (AEA 11) and Bob Veselis (AEA 267)

Morgan Masters called us to order with around the table introductions.
Minutes were reviewed. Gale moved to approve minutes and Jeannie 2nd the motion. Minutes were approved with unanimous vote.

Jeanne R. presented the treasurer’s report. Balance includes paying "ahead" for 2 years of rental deposits to Polk County Convention Center (PCCC). The $8500 reflects deposit for space only for 2008 and 2009 Fall Conferences. These deposits do not include any other reservations other than space. Comments were made that the spreadsheet is “clean and neat” so thanks to those involved in creating this communication! Tom Ervin asked for clarification of $17,000 value. Craig and Toni clarified that this value includes expenses for 2007 US Cellular Center and 2008 & 2009 PCCC expenses/deposits. The negative balance again is due to 2008 and 2009 expenses being paid out of 2007 budget. As a side note of discussions Morgan shared the dates for 2009 conference will be October 27 and 28 (notation was made that this is a Tuesday and Wednesday). Tom moved that the budget be approved. Traci 2nd the motion. Budget was approved with unanimous vote.

Morgan received a letter from member Michael Clough recommending Jerrid Kruse for the editor position of the ISTS Journal. Joe Taylor is the current managing editor and receives $1000 per published issue. Discussion was had about current positions and comparable salary values. Craig shared that the IAS Journal Editor receives $500 per issue. Tom shared that NESTA had done a nationwide advertisement for an editor and there were no applicants. Discussions were held regarding the number of folks using the resource versus the costs. What is the use of the journal versus the newsletter? Discussion was held of possibly looking at having the editor, managing editor, and newsletter writer all at $500 per issue. This would create equity between all. Having a clear list of job descriptions would help decide this.

The amended motion made by Tom was to create a committee to 1. Clearly define the job descriptions of journal editor, journal managing editor, and newsletter editor; 2. Create a proposal in which the editor and managing editor would each receive $500/issue; 3. Present this proposal to Joe Taylor. He would have the option of accepting or declining proposal; 4. If Joe declines the proposal, the committee would look at possibly merging the two positions into one. This new merged position would be offered to Jerrid. Traci 2nd the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Committee members are Marcy Seavey, Traci Maxted, Morgan Masters, and Tom Ervin. Discussion was also held (after vote) regarding “current” issue as being the Fall 2006 issue. What is our usership? There haven’t been comments regarding this situation, so is the journal being used? Clarification is needed on whether the issues are slow in coming out due to lack of articles being submitted, lack of reviewers, or other reason. Morgan further defined committee work to include looking into usership, how the journal is being marketed, the number of issues being published (should it go to two per year rather than three?). Barb said that the marketing information should be in past minutes.

Traci Maxted shared information about the Fall Conference. The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) in Des Moines is offering the full use of their facility including an IMAX presentation (possibly two shows), rooms for sessions, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and tours of Science Center with staff available for questions/answers. Aileen Sullivan from Ames High School has agreed to do a chemistry demo show and tell session for teachers. Tom brought up the fact that everyone will need to pay for the Wednesday evening session; officers and exhibitors included. After discussion of what can be offered at the Science Center for the Wednesday night open house and of difficulties in getting definite answers from AEA, Traci moved that the Wednesday night sessions will include the SCI proposal, the chemistry demo show, and the Chair’s reception. Barb 2nd the motion. Motion passed with unanimous vote. De Anna proposed that ISTS should show commitment for the Wednesday evening session to the Science Center. By committing to 50 “people” at $15 each for a total of $750, we would be able to secure the catering services. Registration at the door would be more easily handled, too, in terms of numbers for food service. De Anna motioned that ISTS commit the $750 needed to start the minimum number of 50 participants; on-line registration would then increase that number. Barb 2nd the motion. Motion passed with unanimous vote. After the motion passed, the question “can you go just Wednesday night or do you have to also attend Thursday” was raised. After discussion, it was decided “yes, you may attend just Wednesday” due to having the 50 reserved we can collect registration at the door.

Jeanne gave her report on publicity. AEA directors will be getting information to pass along for the conference. Postcards have been sent, and according to Marcy, a second set will also be sent. Middle schools, high schools, and elementary have been sent to and school boards, superintendents, and curriculum directors will be added. The question was raised of where AEA announcements go. Both Bob and Rob suggested we add “send to Science List Serve” to any announcements we want AEA directors to send out for ISTS. Bob said that A2T2 program might pay sub for participants. Rob also added website and the capacity program on inquiry would also be possible places to add insert on ISTS Conference. The comment was also made to send postcards to PTO and/or PTA organizations.

Traci continued with Conference Breakfast Session updates. The Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Middle School sessions will be at $10/plate for registrants. Aaron said registration is available online.

Traci has the list of speakers. The featured speaker strands are inquiry, differentiation, “Darwin” book signing, planets model, and science fair/opportunities for students. One featured speaker has backed out. Marcy suggested Linda McCartney on differentiation. Traci has numbers of presenters, but has not fully assigned slots.

The bookstore will be open. We need volunteers to man. Mugs, shirts, etc. will be available. If you have a box, please get it to Traci or bring it to the Conference. Rick spoke on the Corporate Sponsors. Numbers have been 2006 – 6800; 2007 – 4300; 2008 – currently 1200 with more coming. Rick stated that Integrated DNA Technology has been a great sponsor; including IAS and Davenport. Rick would like them to receive the Corporate Sponsor of the Year award. Traci said the decision had been made in a previous meeting that Aegon would receive the award for 2008. Rick proposed Integrated DNA Technology for 2009. Rick will get the Corporate logos to Traci by 9/30.

Barb said the exhibitor list was “kind of slow” but close to target (currently 18, but should get to 30-40). Book companies are merging, and one company has three booths reserved. Many exhibitors are stating they want in, but Barb doesn’t assign a slot and write them in until $ commitment is fulfilled.

The colors of the 2008 Fall Conference will be blue and silver as determined by the Conference Chair, Traci Maxted.

Tom shared information on the Anderson estate Auction to be held September 4th. The Iowa Core Curriculum looks to be a boom for Earth Science! Tom has emailed everyone the current survey. Please send suggestions and comment to Tom regarding the luncheon survey.

BREAK FOR LUNCH

After lunch the group created a list of questions for Allison.

1. Is the PCCC a. charging for wed afternoon setup? and b. what times? (discussion was held that decorators need 1pm setup)
2. Is there an exhibitor lounge? Space? Treats? Does PCCC provide food or is ISTS allowed to?
3. Hotel – what number is reserved? What is the date and price for blocked rooms?
4. Microphone – is one provided by PCCC? One is needed in exhibit hall, too.
5. Walkie – Talkies – do we rent from PCCC? Are they provided by security at PCCC?
6. We need a secure room. Will the one behind Problem Solving (Aaron Spurr) be available again?
7. Breakfasts – will we have one central location for the breakfast food and then breakout rooms for the presentations? Or will all sessions present in same large room? Where will dirty dishes go? Common area in hall?
8. Coffee and Danish provided in PCCC exhibit hall. We want to make sure what the cutoff times are and when they put out fresh materials. Suggestion was made to have 8am, 9am, and 10 am as times for fresh/updates and then pulled at 10:30am.
9. Exhibitors must have a secure and locked exhibit hall. Will PCCC provide security guards again? They will be needed during lunch, during the day, and again, everything must be locked.
10. Menu items. Traci brought up that the vegetarian dish couldn’t just be the sides and no main entrée as what happened in Cedar Rapids. Chicken items okay, please check on vegetarian dish.
11. For the luncheon - What are the costs for AV and plugins? Will PCCC provide or does the decorator need to provide?
12. Will internet access be available (wi fi?) in presentation rooms? Traci will also need # of tables, etc.
13. For the stage – does PCCC put the stage up and the decorator put up the curtains? Or does PCCC do all? Please also check on the ISTS sign
14. Will PCCC provide the electrical needs, and the projector, screen, and speakers for luncheon?

Ernie gave timelines for decorating (but your stand-in secretary was on phone with Cindy Anderson with SCI).

Traci moved to purchase 1,000 pens to promote ISTS. These are to be put with the luncheon survey. They will have the ISTS website address and no year (so may be used over). Barb 2nd the motion. Again, motion passed unanimous vote.

Traci moved that ISTS buy ten 20-25’ drop cords to be kept with supplies for presentation rooms. Barb 2nd the motion. During discussion Ernie said he has access to possibly buy for a reduced rate, and also has the availability to label the cords for ISTS. And the last motion passed, as all the rest, with unanimous vote.

Morgan adjourned the meeting at 1:35pm.

ISTS Phone Conference June 30, 2008

Nadine Craig Gayle Traci Morgan Kathy Tom

- Call to Order 5:00

- Minutes – (Kathy)
Traci made the motion to approve the minutes. Gayle seconded. Minutes were approved.

- Treasurers Report (Jeanne)
Tony minor correction. The first item under ISTS income and expenses sheet shows: UNI Credit Card draw. It is listed as -$12,000. This needed to be moved to the IAS checking account to pay the convention center in Des Moines. The amount should not be reflected in income and expense. It should be reflected as a transfer instead. We are -$2152.35. That includes paying the Convention Center deposit for 2008 and 2009. Total assets $25,079.06.

o Iowa Science Teachers Journal
•Proposals – 1) publish 3 times per year instead of 4 – money savings, number of manuscripts (not enough to do 4 times a year)
2) Outgoing editor should serve as associate editor for two years to help incoming editor.
3) Who to take his place.
•(Mike Clough end of term request) Joe Taylor is a paid position as managing editor. ($1000 per issue.) Mike is not paid. He is leaving and recommending a graduate student to take his place. Need to find out what the title of the replacement would be. Would this be a paid position? Morgan will give Mike a call. Need to think about taking applicants rather than just taking Mike’s recommendation. Put the position out to the membership. Morgan will send the information via email, call for discussion and ask committee members (leadership team and regional directors) to vote on Mike’s proposals.
•Action ??

ISTS Guidelines: Traci is sending out the guidelines that she has been updating for folks to review. Post for membership to look at and vote on at the next meeting (or on line)

o Fall Conference updates (Traci)
Science Center: packets for participants and IMax theater tickets. Light hor’deurves and beverage. $15 per person. Registration cost. + Star Theater. Wednesday night workshop.3 meeting rooms. Science Center + 3 other sessions. Run this past Allison before commit to it to see if there are any problems. Heartland AEA has a class to present – ELI start the class there and the rest will be over ICN to get the credit. Pick this up in own AEA. Not confirmed.
* Facilities – Allison taking care of this. President’s reception??
* Registration (deadlines, numbers …) Aaron needs the money information before he can put it up. (Check with Allison for the cost of breakfast. We will be saving money by having one serving location. If someone is an exhibitor and wants to be a presenter as well, they will most likely go through Barb. She’ll get the info to Traci to put in the brochure. Commercial workshop possibilities: Sherm Lundy (Limestone Producers), DNR, Iowa Water, the zoo, Great Ape Trust. For all sessions, include the topic, the presenter, and a one sentence summary. Go ahead and get tentative information on line as get them. Actual registration sent by Aaron in July – maybe late August?? Get a preview up in the next couple of weeks.

Awards – will be on one page in the program. Tom will get the awards engraved. FYI - Tom is the chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee. He will also take pictures.

We still need a regional director for AEA 1. Peg Christensen is the AEA consultant. She has been contacted but has not responded. AEA 10 is still Traci for now. Do we have a list of things for them to do at the conference? They can get lodging in exchange for 2-3 hours of "hard work" at the conference - registration, bookstore, escorting VIPs, (student “guides” are not needed at the convention center), registering folks for breakfast, setting up president’s reception, airport runs,

* Thursday Speakers
* Sessions – website is now open until the 10th. Still need more presenters. Are about where we were a year ago.

Screens, drop cords (ISTS buy some and store at the office in Cedar Falls – office supplies in the budget), and one overhead will be provided. Participants will need to provide own projectors and/or other equipment they need.

Book signing –exhibitors session after lunch. Still want the exhibitors to stay after that session as well. NOT clean up and leave at 2:30. Lunch is over at 1:30 – next regular session at 2:30.

Map of how to get to the Convention Center as well a map of the exhibit hall as well. Also a map of how to get to the Science Center as well as the hotel. (Don't need this in the final program because they only need it the night before.) Need info on the website about where to go on Wednesday night – Convention Center, Science Center, hotel (Quality Inn). Email those who have registered and attach the map to it and also list parking options. Traci will get this ready to send to those attending.

Look through the program and email Traci suggestions. Location of map, featured speakers with each session, award winners next to luncheon information, if short on presenters – go with fewer sessions and have them full. 44 are signed up now – 6 more said would but couldn’t sign up – Barb has 15 or so.

We have confirmed our featured speakers – on student opportunities, luncheon speaker, solar system, John Dunkase, AEA on differentiated learning. Two groups need extra set-up time – we should schedule them right after lunch to make these accommodations.

* Wednesday Evening
* Exhibitors
* President’s Reception
* Conference workforce

- Other business

Next Meeting - Face – To – Face August Meeting –
Saturday, Aug 16 – I – 80 Ox Yoke Inn 9:00 – 3:00

Conference work in morning, working lunch to finish conference details, then leadership in afternoon.

Adjorned at 6:40

ISTS Phone Conference May 22, 2008

* Call to Order 6:30 pm
Present: Traci Maxted, Morgan Masters, Jeanne Rogis, Kathy Lockard, Nadine Weirather, Craig Johnson, DeAnna Tibben, Allison Donaldson, Marcy Seavey

* Morgan called Meeting to order (6:35)

*Secretary Report Minutes from April Meeting in C.R.
on-line

Tracey made a motion to approve. Deanna seconded. The minutes were approved.

*Treasurer Report – (Current Budget) Jeanne

There was a question about conference facilities. Last year's have been paid. A deposit was made on Polk County Convention Center for this year. Craig explained that there are two bank accounts - Wells Fargo in Cedar Falls and the UNI bank (used for credit card charges). Checks are written from Wells Fargo. ISTS and IAS are separate accounts but they may draw from either throughout the year. $8500 was paid to Polk County to reserve it. This part of the budget needs to be fixed. We have $25,099 in conference account including the CD in Wells Fargo. We are not $29,000 in the negative. Internet expense includes Aaron's pay. Craig will get us an updated account in a few weeks for planning purposes.

The budget has been adjusted since the last meeting and will be re-submitted to the board by the July meeting. (July 26 @ UNI)

* Fall conference planning - Traci

2008 Fall Conference – Thursday, October 23

- Facilities – Confirmation Dates (Allison) We can move in at noon on Wednesday, the 22nd. Quality Inn (2 blocks from the Convention Center) has given the best deal. They have proposed a $73 rate which includes a hot breakfast. Parking is available at no cost. The reception can be held there as well. There is a suite room available for this. A block of 20 rooms has been reserved. It was suggested that more rooms be reserved. Exhibitors may reserve a room at this rate as well. They need to identify themselves as part of the group.
Do we want to hold the breakfast meetings there? The concern was expressed that this is not connected by a skywalk and also it would not be as convenient as being at the actual facilities. It was decided to hold the breakfast at the Convention Center and have it catered in. The committee could still have breakfast at the Quality Inn. The president’s reception will be there as well.

- Registration (Electronic Registration) As soon as we know the prices and names for the Wednesday night, Aaron is ready to put it up online.

- Publicity – (Jeanne & Marcy doing a great job) An email went to all state universities to send out to their science students. Information will be sent to other universities as well. AEAs have been contacted and info will be sent out. The attempt will be made to catch new hires in the fall. Morgan made copies of the postcards and sent them out to all science teachers that were in his area. Others could do this as well. Post cards could also be sent to the curriculum directors in districts to send out.

- Postcards - Traci / Marcy They are ready to print today. They will be going out on Monday. They will have the web site on them. An electronic copy of the registration information will be sent as soon as it is on line and again in the fall. Allison will try to get a map to the hotel and get that and hotel information to Aaron to add to the email and/or online. She will identify the Science Center on the map as well.

- Newsletter (Great Job Nadine)

- Journal

- Exhibitors (Barb)

- Awards Morgan talked to Tom. Several were identified at the last meeting. Presidential award winners have been invited and asked to present. Tom is in the process of getting the profiles and mug shots for the conference materials.

Information will be put online as it is finalized – topics, speakers, luncheon, etc. This will spark interest and help teachers make the case for attendance. Keep sending ideas for speakers! Some exhibiters will speak as well – maybe a dozen or so of these. We could hand out forms in this year’s packet for folks to present next year. The deadline for proposals for this year is June 15.

- Breakfasts Bill Gower will do a presentation on storm chasing. Goody bags will be given out at the breakfast sessions. They are cloth bags with handles. Lynne Campbell will be contacted to see if she wants to do the elementary breakfast.
Cost? $11 last year. Not sure of the cost this year. Allison will ask for a hot breakfast for $12 and see what they can provide for that.

- Pre-Conference Workshops There is nothing concrete at this time. The Science Center is open Thursday evenings. They are checking to see if there is something we can do as a group there. Perhaps a zoo trip could be included as a Wednesday night activity. (Morgan will contact them.) There are some local mines and quarries in the Des Moines area. There would be a possibility of taking a trip to one of them. Lorrie Hansen with the Arnold G Resource Recovery plant in Ames is willing to do a presentation. Their plant takes garbage and turns it into dry fuel. She will do a presentation on crushed glass and other recycling programs. She would like a half hour to an hour. (It was suggested she do a presentation on Thursday instead since Wednesday evening sessions should be 1 ½ to 2 hours.) Morgan will ask the Iowa Energy Center in Ankeny. There is an observatory with the Science Center. They have shows from 6:30-7:30. Ames astronomy club might bring telescopes. Other astronomy clubs could be contacted as well. Morgan will get names to Deanna and she will contact them. AEA 11 would possibly do a presentation at their AEA on the GPS systems. ELI could do two hours on Wednesday – then participants could meet in their home AEA to work and make this into a course. They will be doing ELI planning in August. Info about all Wednesday night sessions will be sent to Allison as soon as the type and size of room needed for these sessions is known.
Sack lunches could be ready at the Convention Center and they could take them to their site. (AEA and Science Center – quarry would eat when they got back) We would have to put the lunches together at the hotel and haul them over to the Convention Center. We will wait until we see who our presenters are and see if sack lunches are needed. It was decided that we may want to just add a little more food to the president’s reception and let folks know that food will be available then – perhaps pizza or sliced meat for sandwiches. Caterers will be contacted again mid-June and final decisions will be made.

- Corporate Sponsors (Rick)

- Presenter Information
AV Equipment …

- Where do we need help?

*Regional Directors – confirmed??

*August Meeting Date possibilities (sooner/later?) Amanas again?? Morgan will email these dates and majority rules.
Saturday – 9th, Saturday – 16th Saturday 23rd
Morgan will send out a survey about which date is most convenient later in June.

Next Phone conference – Monday, June 30. More information coming by mid June.

*Fall Conference 2009 ?? Is this confirmed? Where are
contracts?

Confirmation dates for 2009 (Wednesday, October 28) We can get in Tuesday evening at noon. The deposit has been made for this.
(Rumor PCCC will be replace with parking lot in future) This may be in the future but there is no definite date when this will happen. Agreed to keep ear to ground.

Called to order by Traci Maxted 10:07 a.m.

Introductions

Members present: Jeanne Rogis, Morgan Masters, Traci Maxted, De Anna Tibben, Marcy Seavey, Cherin Lee

Guests: Toni Heiting, Yvette McCulley

Agenda:

Secretary's report

Kathy in MN so not able to be here. Minutes from last meeting online. Corrections may or may not be corrected. De Anna is taking notes today.

Treasurer's report

Assurances from Toni for time periods. We do have a carry over $23,000. On-going so payments made?? Handout from Jeanne. Up to from last conference? UNCLEAR. Morgan suggested putting date for Fall Conference. Marcy said if on memo line won’t show up. She said we should request codes identifying the different years. CD is part of the $23,000 total. CD had been cashed, someone upset, and new one purchased. Cherin reminded that when she was treasurer there were two. As non-profit should we be drawing interest? Traci – we should spend it. Marcy- or create an endowment.

Budget for next year

(Traci followed with budget)

Handout presented to IAS business meeting Wed 4/9 and it was approved. Used July ’07-March ’08 statement and previous expenses from DM to create proposed budget. Newsletter discussion came from budget talk and diverged to use of newsletter. Marcy said there may be ways to contribute newsletter items to new website; options for teacher signup when announcements made/changed; possibly even adding tags; coming, but not within the next 1 ½ years. Further questions about how to get info out – cell phone alerts, etc.

Travel/Mtg/Phone – one or two drive-to meetings and 1-2 phone meetings. ICN are expensive and not always effective with time breaks. $ for telephone much cheaper than drive expenses or ICN expenses. Possibly more people are able to participate since time and ease of phone.

Supplies/Printing/Postage – bumped because would like to send out more postcards. IAS-ISTS not conference (that’s in conference).

Traci would like to propose ISTS pay IAS registration for all three chairs (past/present/incoming). Marcy said our section is paying for itself (and making money) so $ should be used to increase the functioning of the section.

Scholarship $ - not voted on, but put into budget so folks would remember.

**** items on handout are items that need to be double checked.
Conference related expenses: Craig has looked over the contract for Convention Center. Traci could not print it today. Jeanne asked about costs for flowers included – Traci said as an average (2 yrs plus last time in DM). Printing $ needs to be bumped to $3,000 not at the $1,200 listed on handout. Marcy volunteers to work on the postcards this year; make the theme/cover to match and two-sided. Discussion of having the postcard reflect more the nature of the conference; something that says “come” rather than just and advertisement. After discussion $ now bumped up to $3,500. Technology had big variances, so averaged. Des Moines School media expenses; $ may need to ask individuals to bring projectors, etc. We really need to encourage presenters to bring their own equipment; problem with scheduling to be able to present one tearing down the other setting up. Radios advantage to hear all conversations, but not always work. Maybe use cell phones? $ Change Media to $1,000. Marcy said media included screens, projectors, etc. Traci needs to check with Allison to see if contract with DM Convention Center includes the president reception. Marcy said the Hotel Fort DM will give “free” meeting room if # of rooms checked out. Traci shared conference cover details and speaker with guests. Morgan brought up the benefits of having the two conferences; we were able to get speakers for Fall; teachers want to hear about the content and are interested in the science, not just the lesson designs. Marcy continued about the benefits of sharing the posters by IJAS.

Traci will adjust fees.

Report from IAS board meeting

Traci was graciously invited to the IAS meeting. It was very beneficial and hopes it will continue. Marcy suggested sending changes of budget to Craig.

I Wonder program is going to be a true benefit for the organizations; as will the Wildlife audio program. www.scienceiniowa.org will be the website and will be available May 31st. The I Wonder will be at a later time. Eventually the Science in Iowa website will become the IAS website.

Need for additional active members and regional directors Morgan’s request to Marcy for publicity. Traci’s idea to make committees actually meet as recommended at IAS Board Meeting 4/9

Status of the guidelines

90% done; once done, it will need to be approved by IAS Board of Directors. Benefit will be that we will have continuity and will know what things need to happen. Not that we can’t change the expectations, but that we have an idea of what is needed to be done. “Know what I need to do.” Also need to get it out to the membership, too.

Needs contract job descriptions before it can be completed. Fall Conference also needs to be profiled and described (model from Aaron Spurr).

Regional Directors guidelines were revised 1 year ago.
Other business?

Conference committee will meet in the afternoon at Traci’s

ISTS Team Meeting (Phone Conference)

March 4, 2008

Introductions

Reports – Kathy – Secretary’s Report – Phone meeting notes from September 25, 2007. No changes to the minutes.

Jeanne – Treasurer’s report – Total income $7766.92 July 1, 2007- March 3, 2008. We have something over $20,000 in our account. Probably should do something with this money. Suggestions: Conference is one thing. (Great speaker – last year’s speaker did cost but got a grant for about half of the expense – about $3000 + $800 for expenses.) More awards to be given. Possible donation to the junior academy.

Budget needs to be established before the annual meeting in April. Traci will take the budget from last year and see if any changes – convention center for example. She will just use the numbers from last year and adjust. Jeanne reported that  it is showing a $2000 loss on the bookstore from the last conference. There are a lot of books packed away that did not sell. Jeanne will email the list of expenses for the conference to Traci.
 
IAS annual meeting – April 11th & 12th
What are our obligations? We are responsible for one session and two poster presentations. They need judges for this – usually on Friday. No classroom teachers attend this conference. The Academy of Science office wants us to get more involved. ISTS folks coming to the meeting need to register. A suggestion was made that the organization pay for Morgan and Traci to attend. Morgan will pay his own registration. Traci moved that the ISTS organization pay for two members of the ISTS leadership team (registration only) to attend the IAS conference. Second Rick. Each would pay for their own food and travel. Motion carried.

ISTS meeting on Saturday morning, April 12th.
Suggestion: meet someplace else so members don’t have to pay. Traci will have the meeting at her house. She will write directions and email them. 

Ballot & elections– Morgan – Ballots were mailed this week. We should have them by the end of the week.

Membership – Do we have a membership committee? No one knew. It is obviously not very active if we have one. We need members but we also need to encourage activity. The under the plate surveys had several who said they might want to get more involved. Morgan had sent personal emails to 20 people and called 10 for the two elected positions but none wanted to become more involved. Maybe start smaller with them. They could be asked to be: regional directors,  candidates for office,  help at conference, etc.  There are many other opportunities to be involved.

Guidelines Updates – Marcie has been typing and Gale has been editing. Traci will send us an outline of the fall conference to review. They are almost done with them.

IST Journal Update– Mike Clough - Most recent issue came out on line. They have a number of submissions in now. They just need to get them reviewed and back in. They hope to be caught up by the end of summer. Mike has talked to some people about applying for his position. He is letting them know what the job entails.  The board will look at the applications and make the decision. His job as editor is not a paid position. The managing editor is a paid position.

NSTA Leadership meeting – web seminar on March 19. Traci will send out the email of how to connect. The 2008 NSTA National Congress is in July in Indianapolis. It is designed to teach participants how to be a president and how to be a secretary.

Conference: October 23, 2008 in Des Moines - Iowa Events Center. Allison is working to finalize everything. The Polk County Convention Center is one of the facilities of the Iowa Events Center. There will be Wednesday evening activities again. Deanna has lots of ideas of what to do. We need to weigh the idea of having the exhibits hall open then. It was mentioned that exhibitors don’t like this. We would have to pay an extra ½ day of rent.  It was decided not to do this.

Who is doing what?  Hopefully you are all doing jobs you enjoy and want to continue!

Publicity – Morgan did this last year. Getting info out about the conference. Email info as well as perhaps a pre-conference newsletter and/or card so they have something in hand. Article in newsletter. Work with Marci.

Sponsorship

Exhibitions – Barb Jacobson

Registration- Aaron Spurr

Facilities & Meal – Allison Donaldson

Decorations – Barb Jacobson goes through the event decorators to do this. Traci will decide the colors and let Barb know.

Corporate sponsors – Rick – Sponsors gave close to $4000 last year. He will try to make that mark again this year. He will try to contact Pella. If anyone has suggestions for corporate sponsors, let him know. They sometimes pay off.

Breakfasts – SaraColeman haschemistry speaker

  – DeAnnaTibben has Earth Science breakfast speaker

Wednesday activities– DeAnnaTibben

Awards – Tom Ervin - ISTS Potential Awardees

•FOS Individual – Jeff Weld’s Upward Bound lady

Cheryl Schiller, flowers and table decorations at Fall conf, for at least 12 years…more

•FOS Corporate (both long time donors) – AEGON (Life Investors)

IDT DNA Technology

•Distinguished Service Award – Barb Jacobson, Exhibits 4-5 years

Nadine Weirather, ISTS Newsletter since 2003

Mike Clough,  Pres. Elect, Pres., Past Pres. Conf. Chair,

ISTS Journal resurrection

Program- Traci with delegation. Traci will talk with her daughter about designing logos to use for the program. They will be our own to use.

Photographs – Tom Ervin

Book store – Jeanne – It was suggested that she get helpers ahead of time. She could contact those who volunteered on the under the plate surveys. She could ask them to work for an hour. This willhelp them get involved.

Speakers – Luncheon – Darwin – Brian Ellis will be this year’s luncheon speaker (celebration of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday). He will want a booksigning space.

Traci is contacting featured speakers.

IPTV is interested in filming some of the presentations and putting them on IPTV. She’ll pick a track and film them.

We still have two regional directors’ positions open. Traci will seek these from the names on the under the plate surveys. These folks will also be asked for publicity, etc.

Motion to adjourn by Morgan.

2009 Fall Conference Planning Meeting
Saturday, October 15 - Cedar Rapids
Traci Maxted’s home

Attending as members of the Conference Planning Committee : Morgan (President); Barb (Exhibits Coordinator); Allison (Facilities Coordinator); Jeanne (Treasurer); Kathy (Secretary); De Anna (ISTS Chair); Traci M & Gale V (Ex-Officio); Tom (Knowledge Coordinator) :) ;Rick (Corporate Sponsors Coordinator); Nadine (Publicity/Newslettter Editor); Marcy representing IAS, Terry Wiese (earth science chair)

A. Outstanding bills

Toni has sent several emails in the last few days. All bills may not be in at this time.

• Ernie may have $750-$1000 outstanding for decorating supplies and extension cords.
• $14215.42 is the bill at the Events Center, but Allison is still negotiating with them because we are tax exempt and there is a service charge on each item that is equal to the 7% tax amount. A deposit of $4200 was made in addition to this $14215. 42. $6000 was for room rental. Anything above $6000 was cords, etc
• The NSTA book store bill was $600 last year. It takes 6-8 months to get their final bill so it will be spring before we know for sure the final cost to NSTA.
• Corporate sponsors brought in an additional $4300. Rick needs an additional $50 for expenses.
• There is $810 outstanding from the Exhibitors’ fees. Barb has $10,500 right now..
• Traci needs about $40 for postage for mailing programs off.
• Stipends for workers are not on the agenda. The bottom line is that we are roughly +$4356.89. Therefore, it looks like the conference is in good shape.

B. Current and future budget

The conference paid for itself this year so we still have a surplus we will need to think about spending for scholarships, the ISTS journal, etc.

C. Results of Luncheon Surveys

Aaron's report shows a slight increase in numbers in attendance. Folks should be going to their principals now to attend next year. The conference supports the ICC standards.

Tom and his wife spent many hours tallying the survey results. The strengths counts are heavy. Improvements counts are low. Overall the surveys were very positive. Tom will send the results out to all the board members. Next year participants will be asked to put their name next to the email on the form.

Some exhibitors were upset about the global warming group being there. The title of their session was misleading (Heartland Institutes). Their representatives stated that global warming was not caused by man at all. They did have a good disk that incorporated science. Their other disk was strictly opinion.

Several comments stated that it would be nice to have the program or at least a list of presenters on the web earlier. Many teachers cannot get an okay to come until they get a list of sessions. The deadline for submission of sessions this year was June 14. It was decided to put a reminder in the newsletter now to plan to present. The date for submission of presentations will be changed to June 1. A reminder will be put it in every newsletter until then. It will be stated that to honor the request of an earlier program, we are asking that all send their proposals in earlier. A pre-program will be put on the web earlier – perhaps by the end of June. It would be nice to have the presenter’s form on the website now. Morgan will review the current form and ask Aaron to open it up. He will add that there will be a strand addressing ICC in the presentation proposal. At a future meeting look more closely at Iowa Core and think of ways presentations will tie into it. Morgan may be able to make the strands match the Iowa Core strands.

Next year put the exhibitor session a bit later in the day so they will stay longer.

A blue ribbon symbol will be placed next to each session being given by present & past award winners.

Morgan will send an email to those who said they would be interested in presenting next year and ask them to submit presentation ideas right away so we can get programs out sooner.

The names of speakers need to be on the breakfast list so that breakfast is provided for them. They must preregister for breakfast but they will not be charged.

Jeff Goldstein will not be a speaker at next year’s conference because of a conflict of interest with the Science Center of Iowa.

Did a blanket email go to all teachers in the state? It was stated that the email goes to the AEAs and Regional Directors. They are to send it out to teachers. This email MAY get blocked by the LEA email services. We need to check into this.

We need to be careful on the drawing at the end to be sure that cards are at least half filled out in order to get prizes.

Newcomers – There needs to be a section on the web site for newcomers only. Put a link on the registration form with a link to the Convention Center to give directions on how to get to the center. Teri W. offered to put a sign up at the motel giving directions. We could also leave a flyer at the desk to give to ISTS folks as they check in. Perhaps an email could be sent to administrators thanking them for sending folks to the conference. Note that packets had a certificate of attendance. This will be reworded for next year.

D. Job responsibilities for 2009 Fall Conference

Morgan – cannot replicate what Gail or Traci did. He needs your help.

Job responsibilities:

• Morgan will check the online registration form and see when it can be opened. When a proposal is submitted online, it will go to Morgan. It was suggested that he set up a different account for them to funnel to. Through the proposal, he will know the strands, a brief description, and the amount of time they need for their presentation. He will get these by June 1. A letter saying they are selected will be sent to the presenter by Morgan.
• Morgan will compile these and send this list to Traci to put into sessions and arrange the room assignments. An advanced program could be done by the end of June with all presenters. This could then go on the web. (Everything goes through Morgan except paid workshops.)
• Traci will give a copy of all the form emails to Morgan.
• Traci will continue being the program person and coordinate room arrangements with Morgan and will also do the final program printing.
• Morgan will be in charge of speakers (5 speakers plus keynote).
• The program will go to the proofreaders by first of August. Gail offered to be a proofreader.
• Mid August the program will be put online so when folks register they can see the program.
• Allison will continue as facilities coordinator.
• De Anna proposed for Allison to pencil in the Polk County Convention Center for Friday 22, 2010 (1st choice), Friday 15 (2nd choice), Friday 29 (3rd choice), October 21st (4th choice), but look at other alternatives like Cedar Falls (Price Lab), Council Bluffs, etc. She would like to do a Friday/Saturday conference so there can be field trips on Saturday. Allison will check about Polk County and call Deanna. This gives here a year to explore the possibility of using Price Lab.
• Marcy stated that postcards will be printed and sent again from IAS to the AEAs. She will ask if the Governor will send a letter out promoting the conference. Morgan will ask Kathy McKee to see if she can connect with the postcards or email them out or at least send a personal invitation.

E. Next year's conference feature speakers and keynote speaker

Featured speakers are pretty well nailed down. Morgan is still working on the keynote. If anyone has ideas send them to Morgan.

F. Next year's presenters and presentations

Forensic lab is a possibility for the key note: CSI at ISTS.

G. Facility changes, problems, improvements, questions See above discussion.

H. Registration procedures and choices

Not discussed.

I. Upcoming Vice-Chair Election(Time Permitting) updating job descriptions

Eric Korpanty is a possibility. He volunteered on the under the plate survey.

Other

Corporate Sponsors - Bob Veselis will take this over. Rick took in $4300 this year. He suggested we consider giving IDNA the corporate sponsor award this year. If they give a gift of $500 or more – can they present free? They could be given one free lunch but they would still need to register.

If anyone has possible corporate sponsors in their neighborhood, send them to Bob. There needs to be a fixed amount set for the person soliciting funders. They cannot be given a percent of what they have collected.

Dates for next meeting:

Our next meeting could be a phone meeting. Morgan will send out possible dates for all to respond to. The meeting will be in January or February. Send any Morgan secondary emails or cell phone numbers.