VAST Community Announcements

 2010 Conference Update

PDI speakers now confirmed (7/20/10). Presenter and exhibitor forms are available on the 2010 PDI page. Applications sought for PDI panel discussion on "Science in Twenty-first Century Schools."

Upcoming UVa Physical Science and Physics Courses starting September 13, 2010:

• PHYS 6050 • 3 credit hours • How Things Work I

• PHYS 6090 • 3 credit hours • Galileo & Einstein

For details, visit: http://k12.phys.virginia.edu/upcoming-courses.html.
Call 434-982-5319 to register.

The Earth Science Week 2010 Toolkit offers students, educators, and the public a wealth of educational materials focusing on the theme of Earth Science Week 2010 (October 10-16): "Exploring Energy." The latest edition of this educational resource is now available through the American Geological Institute (AGI). To learn more about this educational resource or to order the 2010 Toolkit, visit www.earthsciweek.org/materials/.

Pollinators LIVE: A Distance Learning Adventure

While pollinators may come in small sizes, they play a large and often undervalued role in the production of the food we eat, the health of flowering plants, and the future of wildlife. A decline in the numbers and health of pollinators over the last several years poses a significant threat to the integrity of biodiversity, to global food webs, and to human health, according to scientists. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a series of live interactive webcasts, web seminars, and satellite field trips about pollinators, gardening, and conservation.

See the following Pollinator LIVE website for information: pollinatorlive.pwnet.org/index.php

Science Standards of Learning

The final version of the 2010 Science Standards of Learning that were approved by the Board of Education at the January 14, 2010 Board meeting are posted at www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/science/review.shtml

Chesapeake Bay Education Website BayBackpack.com Launched

The Chesapeake Bay Program is happy to announce the launch of BayBackpack.com, an online resource for teachers and environmental educators to engage students in hands-on learning about the Chesapeake Bay and its local waterways. Bay Backpack provides educators with the necessary resources to give their students a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE), which are extensive projects that allow students to gain a deep understanding of environmental issues in the Chesapeake Bay and its local streams and rivers. To learn more about Bay Backpack, visit www.baybackpack.com. Interested educators can also follow Bay Backpack on Twitter @baybackpack to receive additional education-related news and resources.

At www.inquiryinaction.org, you can view and download free inquiry-based physical science activities that support national science content standards. Each activity, as well as the entire 470 page book, is available for free download in PDF format. The website also has a chemistry background section, complete with molecular model animations and videos, and information on upcoming workshops based on the book.