| Iowa
Science Teachers Section Iowa Academy of Science |
The mission of the Iowa
Science 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. |
Iowa Science Teachers Section August 2004 Newsletter |
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of the Iowa Academy of Science August 1, 2004
Contents of the ISTS e-newsletter
that follows:
A Favorable Atmosphere… Humbling—that's how I'd describe my nascent Presidency of ISTS if asked to boil it down to one word. But of course here I get more than a word...It's the talent and selflessness of the many individuals that make up the core leadership of ISTS which is humbling—professionals who are so passionate about science teaching in Iowa that they give much time, thought, and energy to our organization's vibrancy. These folks (who are listed elsewhere in this newsletter) are a perfect blend of seasoned ISTS leaders and fresh perspective newcomers who together have established a very favorable atmosphere for progress. And progress we have! Numerous initiatives, most notably a stellar 2004 ISTS conference, are in the making. And, speaking of atmosphere, meteorologist Craig Johnson brings a sunny forecast to the Iowa Academy of Science as new Executive Director, aided by IAS staffers Marcy Seavey and Susan DeBord. Their support for science education in Iowa has been amply demonstrated through cooperative and facilitative acts on behalf of ISTS. So the next time you bump into a member of the ISTS leadership team or someone from the IAS office (perhaps on October 21 in Des Moines), be sure to thank them for helping to generate a favorable atmosphere for you and me and all science teachers across the state. Jeff Weld ISTS Fall 2004 Conference: Diversity in Science Education Plan now for October 21 at the Polk County Convention Center! Your leadership team has chosen a theme, nailed down top-notch guest speakers, processed a dizzying array of conference sessions, booked the Exhibitor Hall, garnered sponsors, planned a delightful luncheon, and left no detail to chance as this shapes up to be all that you've come to expect of an ISTS conference…and more! Be sure to pass the word among colleagues of the rejuvenating power of the ISTS Fall Conference. And from your Conference Chair, Ernie Schiller, "As chair of the Fall Conference, I invite you to plan on attending the ISTS Fall Conference to be held Thursday October 21st. Our conference will be held at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines and the conference will feature a variety of science for you to engage in. There will be numerous presenters, Featured Speakers, and of course, our Noon Luncheon Speaker---all for just one charge, your registration fee. "The Noon Luncheon Speaker will be Wayne Sanderson who will address the gathering on his work at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) based in Atlanta, Georgia. His presentation will feature around the 24 years that he spent working as a research epidemiologist with the CDC. "He will give us a general overview of the broad array of work that CDC does--as he reiterates that "...there is much more to the CDC than infectious diseases." He will address the history of CDC and some case studies of some of the amazing accomplishments of this public health agency. Of course, bioterrorism is a major concern of the CDC right now and Wayne had a fairly major role in the anthrax investigations in the Washington, DC post offices. He will also address the types of training people need for careers at the CDC. "So, reserve October 21st and join the ISTS team for a day filled with science. Oh, and PS---don't forget to attend the President's Reception on Wednesday evening. At the President's Reception you will join President Jeff Weld and others as we have an official ribbon cutting and opening of the Exhibit Hall. Join us!" Ernest Schiller, Fall Conference Chair Why not register on-line for the big day, at: http://ists.pls.uni.edu/fall-conference/ Your ISTS Leadership Team
[contact info at http://ists.pls.uni.edu/officers.html] Jeff Weld, President Ernie Schiller, Past President Michael Clough, President-elect Jeanne Rogis, Treasurer Sara Coleman, Secretary Lyn Countryman, Conference Program Barb Jacobsen, Exhibits coordinator Kacia Cain, Facilities Chairperson Aaron Spurr, Webmaster Kim Isbell, Elementary Section Chair Suzette Smedes, Earth Science Section Chair Heather Adams, Chemistry Education Section Chair AEA Regional Directors:
IAS Executive Director: Craig Johnson IAS Office: Susan DeBord, Marcy Seavey Tony Heiting, DOE Science Consultant Kathy McKee, DOE Environmental Education Consultant (And always looking for good people. Send an e-mail to jeff.weld@uni.edu if you wish to be more involved.) Announcements • The Digital Library for Earth Systems Education (DLESE) is looking for teachers who will be attending the upcoming NSTA Area Conference in Indianapolis (November 4-6) to take part in a training workshop. Teachers selected to participate in this workshop will receive one night of lodging in Indianapolis. Logistical and financial support will be available so that the newly trained ambassadors would be able to make presentations at two local or state venues over the next year. A $200 honorarium will be made after successfully making the presentations. (www.dlese.org) Bryan L. Aivazian at bryana@trib.com Science policy news • The Council of Chief State School Officers produces a series of indicator reports focusing on science and mathematics education. Statistical trends are reported by state and for the nation on key indicators of student achievement, curriculum, teacher preparation, and school conditions. Check out Iowa's performance at http://www.ccsso.org/projects/Science_and_Mathematics_Education_Indicators/ • The Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey polled both college/university deans of education and the newest generation of America's K-5 schoolteachers (those with three to five years of experience) to provide a progress report on K-5 science education. It reveals a glass half-empty/half-full picture, and a consistent message that says science in our schools is considered less important than reading, writing and math - a message that is seen in college/university elementary education programs and subsequently carried over to teaching in classrooms across the country. Get the whole story at: http://www.bayerus.com/MSMS/news/facts.cfm?mode=detail&id=survey04 Invitation to improve/contribute to this newsletter How best can this newsletter serve you? What sorts of material are of
most value? Something to contribute for the good of the ISTS membership?
Zing me a line at jeff.weld@uni.edu. provided by Malcolm Price Laboratory School University of Northern Iowa Web Design by 
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