Summer 2022 Vol. 63, #4
Foundation Grant Awards
From the President
The WSST Foundation is proud to present the following grant winners acknowledged at the 2022 Milt Pella Banquet.
WSST President, Jay Gullickson A Complete Comeback!!! Here I sit, preparing for the end of the school year while decomFounders Grant pressing from the return to inThis $1000 grant can be used to reimburse costs person WSST conference. What a great time of professional development. with some great colleagues! I want to give a big shout out to Amy Fassler, Tracy Swedlund, and Amy Felcyn, Monroe High School the entire conference committee for bringing AP Summer Institute for AP Biology back our annual conference in a grand fashion! Aside from some WiFi issues (who would’ve Milton Pella Grant thought that would be the case after all the digiThe Milt Pella Grant supports the professional tal learning we’ve all been exposed to in the activities of our members. past 2+ years?), it was a fantastic time, with Tiffany Lissick, New Richmond Middle School many great learning opportunities, as well smiles and laughs for all! It was fantastic to get International Yellowstone Educator Fellowship The goal of this project is to meaningfully contribute to the back to a successful, in-person conference! in-field research project of tracking Yellowstone National As cool as it was for me to meet and learn Park’s five major ungulate species. from Paul Andersen, I selfishly found myself Beth Allcox, New Holstein High School most enjoying the conference experience by 3D Integration in Science Classroom connecting with all of you! Over the four days I This project will provide a 3D printer so students can cre- was able to connect with old WSST friends, ate models of the subjects they talk about in class. make new connections with members from around the state, reconnect with a couple of forMary Ellen Kanthack, Genoa City continued on page 4 Science on Saturday This project will allow intermediate grades the district to experience science outside of the regular science classroom, fostering a deeper interest in science.
Lisa Swaney, Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium Here Comes the Sun This is a hands-on STEM extension project designed around incorporating multiple sun activities that is paired with a sun planetarium show. continued on page 4
Inside this Issue! Page 1 Page 3 Page 6-7 Page 8-11 Page 12-18 Page 19-23 Page 24 Page 25
President’s Address, Foundation Grants 2022 WSST Election Results 2022 WSST Awards Comeback Conference Pictures WSST News Science News and Opportunities WSST’s Digital Presence NASA’s Night Sky Notes
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Spring WSST Newsletter
The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers Our Mission: Promoting, supporting and improving science education in the state of Wisconsin. Our Vision: The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers will carry out its mission of promoting, supporting and improving science education in the state of Wisconsin by providing leadership, advocacy and programs to enhance the teaching and learning of science.
WSST Advertising Rates Full page ads: Half page ads: Quarter page ads: 1” Bottom page banner: Business card:
$250 $150 $75 $40 $25
10% discount on two or more of identical ad in current volume Advertising must be submitted to editor in camera-ready form or electronically, with check or money order (payable to WSST)
WSST Directory, 2021-2022 Jay Gullickson, President president@wsst.org Lake Shore Middle School Mequon-Thiensville School District 262-238-7631 Matt Lindsey, Past President president@wsst.org 715-321-3291 Stephanie Baker, Secretary bakeste@wc.k12.wi.us Kevin Niemi, Chief Financial Officer kjniemi@wisc.edu Tammy Dymesich, Chief Operating Officer coo@wsst.org Kevin Mason, District 1 (CESA 11 & 12) masonk@uwstout.edu Brad Wysocki, District 2 (CESA 9 & 10) bradley.wysocki@bloomer.k12.wi.us Dennis Rohr, District 3 (CESA 7 & 8) drohr@seymour.k12.wi.us Julie Lundeen, District 4 (CESA 3 & 4) lundeenj@cashton.k12.wi.us Sara Krauskopf, District 5 (CESA 2 & 5) district5@wsst.org Teri Dillenberg, District 6 (CESA 6) Cody Smith, District 7 (CESA 1) cody.smith@nbexcellence.org
Summer WSST Newsletter
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WSST Committees Awards/Recognition Miranda Dahlke (co-chair) Laura Ramthun (co-chair) Tom Davies Nancy Smith Kathy Biernat Stephanie Bartels Michelle Howe Bob Friedel Jessica Dennis Document Review Greg Bisbee (chair) Dave Bergerson
Professional Development Chad Janowski (chair) Kevin Anderson Karen Mesmer Shelley Petzold Jessica Dennis
Erik Duhn
Elementary Education Marcia Gardner (co-chair) Shelly Petzold (co-chair) Tanzeem Ali Crystal Schalliol Alice Szymik Finance Matt Lindsey
Nominations and Elections VACANT (chair) Mary Ellen Kanthack Erik Duhn Zach Pratt Matt Lindsey Dan Nelson
Terry Schwaller
Sarah Adumat
Publications Brian Bartel (co-chair) - Newsletter Editor Julie Fitzpatrick (co-chair) - Website Sarah Adumat - Newsletter Copy Editor Karyl Rosenberg - Historian Tracy Swedlund Dan Nelson Dale Basler
Foundation Brian Bartel (President) Denise McCulley (1st Vice-President) Carol Ochsner (2nd Vice-President) Dale Basler (3rd Vice-President) Tracy Swedlund (Treasurer) Steve Gustafson (Secretary)
Strategic Planning Matt Lindsey
Ray Scolavino
Kevin Niemi
WESTA Beth Allcox (chair) Dennis Rohr Margaret Guderyon
Cheryl Esslinger Jay Gullickson
Ben Sanderfoot
Higher Education VACANT (chair) Mike Beeth Lynn Diener
WSELA Kevin Niemi (chair) Kevin Anderson Gina Vogt
Amy Schiebel Josephine Mitchel
Membership Michelle Griffin-Wenzel (chair) Ray Scolavino Tracy Swedlund
WSST Conference Chairs Amy Fassler and Tracy Swedlund (co-chairs), Wausau 2022 Corinne, Madison 2023 Deanna McClung
WSST Conference Director Ray Scolavino
WSST Vendor Coordinator Rodney Dymesich
WSST Newsletter Archive Visit www.wsst.org/newsletter to download past issues of the WSST newsletter. All newsletters are in Adobe PDF format.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS. To submit a letter to the WSST Newsletter, send your thoughts via e-mail to newsletter@wsst.org Content may be edited for length, clarity and appropriateness.
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President
Summer WSST Newsletter
continued from page 1
mer students (a teacher and a vendor/presenter), as well as meet the future of science education with our Exploratorium and Science Olympiad participants (yeah, getting ahead of myself, but these are the scientists of the future that we NEED to steer into the direction of science education)! Such great people with a shared passion for teaching and learning all things science. I was truly blessed to have such an integral role at the conference. As I transition into my own personal “summer mode”, I encourage you all to take part in one or more of the initiatives of WSST continuing over the next few months and years. This upcoming summer we are celebrating and developing Wisconsin science educators at our WINGS professional retreat, working together to look at our organization and its future path through the lens of equity, and we are always looking for interested members to join standing and conference committees to help our organization be both strong, diverse, and successful. Please contact any of the WSST board members for opportunities to help! In closing, I’d like to share a heartfelt “Thank You!” for everything you’ve done over the past couple of challenging years in the classroom. What you’ve done is incredible, and our students will never forget this time in their lives. As you finish your year, reflect, refine, and get ready to recharge for the return next fall! This time next spring, we plan to be “Capitolizing On Innovation” in Madison, March 9-11, 2023. Start talking with your administration to save the date, and plan to join us in Madison next spring for our annual conference!
WSST Election 2022 Thank you to everyone who voted in the election, and thank you to the candidates who ran for the open positions. Here are the results: President: Secretary: District 1: District 4:
Kristin Michalski Stephanie Baker Erik Duhn Jonathan Baker
WSST Voting Districts District 1 (CESA 11 & 12) District 2 (CESA 9 & 10) District 3 (CESA 7 & 8) District 4 (CESA 3 & 4) District 5 (CESA 2 & 5) District 6 (CESA 6) District 7 (CESA 1)
Save the date! Our next WSST conference will be held in Madison at the Monona Terrace on March 9-11, 2023. If you are interested in helping please contact Corinne Michor at corinne.michor@gmail.com or Patrick Mootz at patrickmootz@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you there!
Summer WSST Newsletter
Grants
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continued from page 1
Foundation STEM Grant These grants, up to $1,000 each, are to be used to improve STEM learning for science students through the purchase of innovative technology hardware or other STEM equipment tied to a specific project or curricular topic. Brad Roost, Ripon High School A Microscopic Approach to Teaching Aquatic Ecology Funding would support the understanding of the role of macro- and microscopic organisms in aquatic ecology.
Brad Roost
Zong Vang, Oshkosh Area School District Ozobots This project will engage K-5 students in a hands-on collaborative and creative learning environment while introducing students to basic programming.
Elizabeth Prichard, Messmer Catholic Schools Digital Microscopes With the help of a digital microscope and viewing screen, students will be able to work together in groups to get a better understanding of life that is not visible to the naked eye.
Pre-Service Teacher Founder’s Grant These grants of $500 each will pay for two pre-service teachers in elementary education or secondary science education to attend the upcoming WSST conference.
Morgan Fisher
Morgan Fisher, Lawrence University
Front and Center Grants These special grants, in the amount of $150 each, are awarded at the annual conference. • Dean Simon, Kimberly High School • Kim Feller, Trees For Tomorrow • Shelly Rudnick-Peterson, Trees for Tomorrow • Megan Ourada, Whitelaw • Robin Indermuehle, Land O' Lakes
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Beth Allcox, New Holstein High School Stephaine Baker, Wonewoc-Center Stephanie Ruder, Kenosha Amy Reimer, Core Knowledge/Verona Area Michelle Howe, Lodi Middle School Kristin Kyde, Hamilton-Sussex School District Julie Lundeen, Cashton High School Jeff Schmid, Two Rivers High School Julie Kautzer, Oakfield Lisa Swaney, The Horwitz-DeRemer Sonja Gasper, Newman Catholic Schools Gary Graczyk, Mukwanago Tom Davies, Weston Sonja Schimmers-Wood, Kaukauna High School Yolanda Lloyd, DC Everest High School Jennifer Bault, Saukville Kasey Rachu, Abbotsford Susan Van Den Langenberg, Beloit Tony DeGrand, Westion Scott Jirik, DC Everest High School Tanya Monet-Bakken, Ripon Hallie Kopczynski, Cecil Molly Wallace, Lake Geneva Heather Wuske, Caroline
Beth Allcox, NAGT WI Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Congratulations to Beth Allcox, selected as the National Association of Geoscience Teacher’s (NAGT) Wisconsin state winner of the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher 2022 award! The selection committee was particularly impressed with Beth’s innovative use of 3D printing to engage students with the creation Beth Allcox of their own tectonic and volcanic models. The ways that Beth continually strives to connect her classes to the world and societal issues gave the committee a clear picture of her passion for earth science teaching and her dedication to her students and the profession. The committee is so excited that she is sharing her experience, expertise and passion with fellow teachers through her work with WSST leadership and committee work.
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Summer WSST Newsletter
WSST Annual Awards Presented at the Milton Pella Banquet, 2022 Friend of Science The intent of this award is to recognize outstanding contributions to the support of science teachers by individuals, groups. corporations, foundations, etc., outside the science education community. The award is a plaque to be presented at the WSST spring conference. WSST is pleased to announce the Lab Out Loud podcast as this year’s Friend of Science Recipient. Lab Out Loud is hosted and produced by Brian Bartel and Dale Basler from Appleton. The podcast can be found online at www.laboutloud.com
Brian Bartel and Dale Basler
Frank Zuerner New Science Teacher Scholarship The Frank Zuerner new science teacher scholarship was presented to Brantina daSilva from River View Grade School in Silver Lake, Claire Bernatz from Shorewood Intermediate School and Gen Gunderson from Little Wolf Junior/Senior High in Manawa.
Brantina daSilva, Claire Bernatz and Gen Gunderson
Summer WSST Newsletter
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Excellence in Science Education Award The Excellence in Science Education Award is presented to foster excellence in science instruction and to recognize that excellence. The award is given annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of science education in Wisconsin. This would include elementary, secondary or college teachers, and any other active supporters of science education. WSST is pleased to announce Dennis Rohr from Seymour High School as this year’s Excellence in Science Education reward recipient.
Rumford Memorial Award The Rumford Memorial Award was established to showcase a science teacher that has been a member of WSST for at least 10 years, made presentations at least once during the spring convention, served productively for at least 4 years as officer, committee chair or district representative. WSST is pleased to announce Kristin Michalski as this year’s recipient.
Awards and Recognition co-chairs Laura Ramthun and Miranda Dahlke present awards at the 2022 Milt Pella Banquet in Wausau
WSST CFO Kevin Niemi presents Kristin Michalski with the Rumford Award adn the 2022 Milt Pella Banquet in Wausau
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Summer WSST Newsletter
WSST Comeback Conference 2022 in Wausau
Learning from Presenters and Workshops
Finding Classroom Treasure at the Equipment Swap
Summer WSST Newsletter
Exploring Products, People and Ideas in the Exhibit Hall
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Summer WSST Newsletter
Casino Night!
WSST Town Hall Meeting and Vendor Raffle
Summer WSST Newsletter
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Milton Pella Banquet and Speaker
Past Presidents
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Summer WSST Newsletter
WSST NEWS 2022 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Essay Contest Winners This year’s essay theme followed along with the theme for the 44th annual Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention: “Protecting What We Love, For The Future”. For over thirty years, the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention has been an annual gathering for those interested in lakes and rivers. Meeting together to share research, management options, and educational strategies, convention participants gain new ideas and a renewed support network. WSST is proud to announce this year’s winners: Grade Level
3-5
6-8
9-12
Student Name
School
Teacher Name/Contact
Award Amount
Alexis
New London Intermediate School
Aleah Friemark New London Intermediate School 1000 W. Washington St. New London, WI 54961
$100
Charlotte
Lake Shore Middle School
Jay Gullickson Lake Shore $100 Middle School 11036 Range Line Road Mequon, WI 53092
John
Beaver Dam High School
Jonathon Ganske Beaver Dam High School 500 Gould Street Beaver Dam WI 53916
$100
Summer WSST Newsletter
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Join Us at The Wisconsin Institute For Next Generation Science! Is it time for a recharge? Science teaching can be exhilarating and rewarding. It can also be tough to help all students develop a deep understanding of complex science concepts. Wisconsin’s premiere professional development learning opportunity is coming once again! Veteran educators might reminisce about the impact that Science World had on their careers. WSST’s current leaders can speak about the incredible networking and learning that took place at Science Futures. Now you can be a part of WINGS, the Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science! The WSST professional development committee is planning a transformational experience that will fuel your passion for delivering high quality science learning experiences for your students. It will also serve as a professional retreat, giving you opportunities to reflect on the impact that you are having in the profession and the next moves you can make to lead the future in your
own classroom or beyond. Other than a small registration fee, this experience will be fully funded by WSST and other sponsors. With all that you have done for kids, let us do something for you! 5 cohorts of 25 Wisconsin science educators will be selected to participate over the next 5 years. The main objectives are the development of excellence in instructional delivery and the cultivation of leadership in the classroom and beyond. The networking and professional learning will strengthen the community of science educators and elevate the quality of science instruction in the state. The first cohort of WINGS is taking place July 17 - 21st, 2022 at the former Conserve School in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin. Applications are currently open at bit.ly/WINGS2022 and will close on April 12th. More details, including the daily agenda, will be released soon on the WSST website. Take some time for your professional growth and rejuvenation this summer with other WI science educators.
WINGS WIN GS 2022 Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science
Recharge your passion for science education!
WSST & Sponsor Covered Event $75 Reservation Fee
Applications Now Open at https://bit.ly/WINGS2022 The Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science (WINGS) is a WSST professional development experience. 5 cohorts of 25 Wisconsin science educators will be selected to participate over the next 5 years. The main objectives are the development of excellence in instructional delivery and the cultivation of leadership in the classroom and beyond. The networking and professional learning will strengthen the community of science educators and elevate the quality of science instruction in the state.
July 17-21, 2022 | Conserve School | Land O’Lakes, WI
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What Is “Student-Centered” Instruction? By Kevin Anderson WI DPI Science Consultant To begin, if there is one right answer to a task, it’s not student-centered. It’s students figuring out the answer the teacher wants. True, that might be the “scientifically accurate” answer to a problem, but it leads to students being dependent on the teacher (or another outside source) for telling them what is correct and what is not. It leads students directly to the sense that the teacher, textbook, or website are the knowers and creators of science, not the students. We want students to grow in their identity as scientists by becoming scientific knowledge creators themselves! That’s the key to student-centered instruction. So, does that mean learning shouldn’t involve problems with only one right answer. No, but there should be many fewer than they typical classroom includes. And, when they happen, they should be in the larger context of student sensemaking and creation. The foundation of the Wisconsin Science Standards (and NGSS) is that students should use scientific practices, ways of thinking, and content to make sense of phenomena and solve problems. So, if there are single answer problems or questions, such as a limiting reagent in chemistry or the speed of a cart in physical science, they should be included specifically so that students can then use that understanding to make sense of or solve problems within a larger context, not be an end in themselves. Learning targets and assessments should then have this student-centered focus as well and stagnate in lower cognitive levels. For example, I would not have an objective that says, “I can describe an ecosystem.” Instead, I might have one that says, “I can explain with evidence how changing environmental factors can affect some species of bats more than others” (for reference, here’s a unit outline for learning related to that target). I might then break that down into suc-
Summer WSST Newsletter
cess criteria for students, such as, “I can: 1) use my understanding of ecosystems to explain why changes in particular aspects of them matter for bats; and 2) use my understanding of structures and functions of different bat species to explain why some bats will be more affected by those ecosystem changes than others.” Therefore, students are using an understanding of ecosystems for learning in a context of Wisconsin bat populations—specifically building toward making sense of decreasing bat populations due to various causes including white nose syndrome, and then determining what to do about it. In this unit example, assessment should also involve sensemaking/problem-solving and questions that do not have one right answer. The assessments should reflect the 3D instruction. They could include: • Modeling a bat ecosystem and using evidence to show how it might change with a new environmental pollutant or other ecosystem change • Writing a letter to a local politician describing the bat population problem, why it’s important, and possible solutions • Designing and physically building a locally adapted product to help bat populations, like a bat house tailored to a local species of bat; • Developing an evidence-based explanation in relation to the success criteria—see sample bat ecosystems explanations rubric Notably, students will be using their own research, investigation results, and a variety of data to make these assessment products their own. In particular, writing an explanation (CER if you use that) should never be a reading comprehension exercise. In the end, the goal is for students to do science that is directly meaningful in their lives and community—to engage in learning that builds up their scientific identity, not reinforces their proclivity to want the teacher to tell them what the “right” answer is.
Summer WSST Newsletter
Historian’s Corner: Comeback Conference Stories By Karyl Rosenberg It is hard to believe that it has been several weeks since the 2022 WSST Come Back Conference came back and then, in a blink of an eye, was over. Such a wonderful thing, this long awaited, carefully planned reunion of old friends, new ideas and connections past, present and future. I am so proud have been part of the team that made this extra special event happen. So what does this mean for me, as historian of this wonderful organization? As always, I want to document the stories of the events and encourage others to share theirs as well. So, my focus this time around will be “My top ten Comeback Conference Stories”. Here they are! 10. Have a great dinner at the best authentic Mexican Restaurant in central Wisconsin - El Tequila Salsa- on Hwy NN, Rib Mountain Rd. 9. Join a group of “behind the scenes” colleagues showing that many hands make light work in putting swag bags together for our attendees.
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8. Meet a new friend as an accidental roommate and have great conversations. 7. Have a nice little retiree get together again with old and new friends. 6. Take a field trip to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum - we invited our bus driver along, and got a behind-the-scenes visit to some of the spaces which were former living spaces for the Woodson family. 5. Attend a session about “Snap Shot Wisconsin” and learned how to add that project to my growing collection of citizen science activities. 4. Visit the vendors, new and old and enjoyed some of the best vendor social food ever. 3. Went back to the blackjack tables and won a fair number of chips, while having a great visit with fellow players – and kibbitzers. 2. My chips got me a ticket with a winning number for some of Dennis Rohr’s excellent homemade beer. 1. Visit the Dells of the Eau Claire River as it is in full spring white water. This is definitely one of Wisconsin’s geologic treasures. So there you have it, my top ten, my first ten Come Back Conference stories. There are certainly more, but I said I’d stop at ten! So what are yours? Send them to me at historian@wsst.org to become part of the archive!
The 2022 “Comeback Conference” Committee
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Celebrate Teachers of Science Picnic at Bay Beach Sponsored by Einstein Project and WSST When: Tue, June 14, from 11 AM - 2 PM Where: Bay Beach Shelter #3 (just east of Zippin’ Pippin roller coaster near other carnival rides) in Green Bay All K-12 Teachers and their families are invited to join us for a celebration of science teachers family picnic at the Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay. You are invited to also bring your family so you all may enjoy the Einstein’s Sandbox, a mobile creativity lab, complimentary lunch, free tickets for the famous Bay Beach amusement rides, and have an opportunity to meet with leaders from both Einstein Project and WSST. Learn what Einstein and WSST can offer your students in your classroom with science education and with your professional development. Einstein Project provides support and innovation for excellence for STEM education through experiential learning. WSST is a volunteer organization of teachers promoting science education throughout Wisconsin.
Summer WSST Newsletter
Bay Beach Amusement Park is an iconic park located on the shores of the Bay of Green Bay that includes many rides including the Zippin’ Pippin roller coaster which was the favorite childhood roller coaster of Elvis. Additional Ride tickets are still just 25 cents each, and most rides take between 2-4 tickets per person. All participants must RSVP by Thursday, June 9, 2022 by filling out the following Google Form. Complimentary Lunch provided with free Ride Tickets for each registered family unit. The following are links and more information on the Einstein Project, WSST, and Bay Beach: • Einsteinproject.org • WSST.org • Bay Beach Amusement Park • Address of Bay Beach: 1313 Bay Beach Rd, Green Bay, WI 54302 If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Rohr, WSST District 3 Director at drohr@seymour.k12.wi.us or Chad Janowski, Einstein Project Executive Director at chad@einsteinproject.org
ECYBERMISSION STEM COMPETITION eCYBERMISSION is an online STEM competition for 6th to 9th grade students. As the Team Advisor, you assist teams of two to four students as they explore a problem with science or solve it with engineering.
Education
Expert Mentors
Our program supports phenomenonbased learning and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards.
Students can ask questions to real scientists and engineers and learn about STEM careers.
Awards
Resources
Students compete for state, regional, and national awards and win prizes!
Team Advisors receive lesson plans, videos, worksheets, and more.
Mini-Grant Program The Mini-Grant program provides funding to support teachers as they implement eCYBERMISSION in their classrooms. Teachers do not need to commit to participation or know exact student registration numbers to apply. Apply today at www.ecybermission.com/MiniGrantProgram
www.ecybermission.com missioncontrol@ecybermission.com 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9237)
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Summer WSST Newsletter
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SCIENCE NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES Earth Science Announcements ular opportunities for teachers to set up live For High School Science Teachers: The UWM Dept of Geosciences is very excited to offer paid summer science research opportunities for underrepresented students. This program is available to students within their first two years at UWMilwaukee and to students entering UWMilwakee (incl. Waukesha and Washington Co) or MATC in Fall ‘22. Students can earn $2,000 to spend 4 weeks learning from our geologists while completing exciting local research activities. Visit the GO FoRWARD website for more information. Please consider passing along this unique opportunity to your graduating seniors that are entering UWM or MATC (or feel free to send to any 1st or 2nd year UW-Milwaukee students that you might know!) For Middle School or High School Science Teachers: The UW-Milwaukee Dept of Geosciences provides virtual ‘What a geologist does!’ presentations for middle and high school science teachers that are interested to have their students interact with UWM geologists about the exciting field of geology and the variety of exciting careers that can be entered with a geoscience degree. Our UWM geoscientists are routinely solving complex science problems here on campus, traveling to exciting destinations for field trips or research, and then entering exciting careers solving environmental, water, mineral resource, or energy resource problems, and even studying the geology of other planets! If you are interested to set up a ‘What a geologist does!’ presentation for your classroom this spring or next year, please contact Rob Graziano at graziano@uwm.edu or Sami Fleischman at fleisc27@uwm.edu For Middle or High School Teachers: The UWMilwaukee Dept. of Geosciences has connections to help facilitate an exciting live interaction with a ‘floating classroom’ in the Pacific Ocean. The E/V Nautilus exploration and research vessel lead by Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) and Nat Geo Explorer in residence Dr. Robert Ballard, has reg-
ship-to-shore broadcasts with the team of Researchers and Science Communication Fellows that are actively exploring the seafloor (currently in the Pacific Ocean). Their mission is to promote STEAM education at all levels and allow students an opportunity to explore the ocean floor in real-time with their onboard team. If you are interested to engage your students in one of these unique opportunities, or to incorporate one of their science lessons into your curriculum, or to learn about ‘At-Sea Programs’ for students and educators, go to their website https://nautiluslive.org/ or contact Rob Graziano at graziano@uwm.edu for more information.
Upcoming MESTA Field Experience Trip The Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association has invited our WSST membership to join them on their upcoming Field Experience Trip to the Upper Peninsula based out of Manistique area on August 1-4, 2022. This is a family friendly field trip, with day trips out from the town to explore the sedimentary rocks and fossils of the northern margin of the Michigan Basin. We will take a cruise along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, visit outcrops where you can collect fossils and rock samples, and see some gorgeous waterfalls. Details on the trip will be upcoming on the MESTA website
Haymeadow Falls near Rapid River
SUMMER COURSE BIO 260-Ichthyology-Wisconsin Fishes
• K12 educators welcome! • 4.0 credits • Three weeks online, May 15-June 4 • One week at Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, June 5-10
See course trailer here >> or here.
Instructor: Dr. Michael Bessert 203G Jarvis Science Wing bessertm@uwstout.edu
Monday, June 20, 2022 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Receive 7 Clock Hours for Continuing Education Credits Practice Using Science Field Equipment Use the C2N at Your School
Educator Workshop
To Register Contact Mona Davis at 218-998-4493 or Email
All Who Who Te Teach ch Chil Childre ren n ar are Invited Invit to … … Explore innovative ways to use an outdoor classroom during this free, preK-12th grade introductory workshop. … Gain knowledge and real-world experience in the prairie pothole ecosystem with direct carry-over to any geographic location, any age, and any season. … Use this simple, practical, and proven approach.
Cost
$25.00
602 State Highway 210, Fergus Falls MN
By the Sustainability Institute for Regional Transformations & the College of Education and Human Services https://uwosh.edu/sirt/events/wellness-training/
THE EARTH W.E.L.L.N.E.S.S. PROGRAM Wisconsin Environmental Literacy & Leadership for Naturalists, Educators, Students & Society This professional development opportunity is for naturalists, elementary to secondary level teachers, and pre-service teachers alike; anyone who takes interest in teaching about the natural world. In addition to increasing your knowledge and gaining new approaches to teaching, you will gain hands-on experience in outdoor inquiry activities and citizen science.
Sign up by May 31st! This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Click Here to Register Upon completion of this 40-hour program you will receive an Environmental Educator Certificate in the Earth WELLNESS Program. Environmental Education statutory requirement PI 34.022(2): Completing the WELLNESS Workshop may satisfy the Department of Public Instruction requirement for "Environmental education, including the conservation of natural resources, for licenses in early childhood regular education, elementary and middle school regular education, science, and social studies."
FREE Environmental Educator Program When: August 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 2022 | Daily 8 am - 5 pm Where: Based at UW Oshkosh with free bussing provided for field trips to nearby nature areas. Lodging: Dormitory housing is available at UW Oshkosh for a nominal fee Physical exertion: Field trips may require hiking several miles on rough or uneven ground. Appropriate outdoor gear suitable for a variety of outdoor conditions is strongly recommended. Undergraduate credit (free tuition - email beeth@uwosh.edu): Elem Ed 120 Teaching Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (1 credit) Graduate credit (free tuition - email beeth@uwosh.edu): Srv Crs 622 Contemporary Issues in Education (2 credits)
More information on the second page!
Leadership training to connect, explore, and engage in the natural world. Emphasizing the "outdoor classroom", we will cover: the plants & animals of Wisconsin ecosystem interconnections the geological landscape habitat assessments the values of biodiversity the threats to biodiversity
Schedule Day 1: “Teaching with purpose” (UWO - Oshkosh campus) The importance of connecting with nature, cultural lenses, Wisconsin Standards for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability, outdoor inquiry framework, campus sustainability showcase Day 2: “The Land Ethic and Natural Resource Management” (Waukau Creek) Threats to and values of biodiversity, web of life, trophic levels, basics of entomology and values of insects Day 3: “Geology and the ecology of Wisconsin’s plant communities” (High Cliff State Park) Wisconsin’s Plant Communities, plant form and function, dichotomous keys, worm survey Day 4: “Wetlands, wonderlands and water quality initiatives” (Terrell’s Island) Water Quality and citizen science options coexistence - wildlife management, conservation ethics Day 5: “The climate emergency and working towards solutions” (UWO - Oshkosh campus) Sustainable food production, soils, infusing concepts of climate change into your lessons, ecogrief and activism, funding sources, closing conversation.
Additional issues we will cover: energy efficiency environmental activism confronting science denial ecological grief much more!
Leader Biographies Shannon has over 15 years experience teaching environmental topics. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, a Land Ethic Leader through the Aldo Leopold Foundation, a field trip leader for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, a mentor for the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter, a Wisconsin Dr. Shannon Master Naturalist and also volunteers Davis-Foust for several nature programs in the Oshkosh area. She is presently conducting research on the influence of education on environmental responsible behavior. A hobby farmer and wildlife watcher, Shannon has a Ph.D. in Ecology from UW Milwaukee. Dr. Beeth’s research interests are in conceptual change teaching and learning, the nature and history of science, and in facilitating action research conducted with practicing science teachers. He previously directed the Alternative Careers in Teaching program (ACT). He has taught/co-taught undergraduate Dr. Michael Beeth courses in K-3 Science Teaching Methods, 4-8 Science Teaching Methods and Secondary Science Teaching Methods, and graduate level courses in Conceptual Change Teaching and Learning and seminars for science education doctoral students. He has directed research projects for graduate students in M.Ed., M.S.Ed., MA and Ph.D. programs in curriculum and instruction.
Contact: (920) 420-7426 or davisfos@uwosh.edu
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Summer WSST Newsletter
Night Lights: Aurora, Noctilucent Clouds, and the Zodiacal Light
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mesosphere. Their glow is caused by the Sun, whose light still shines at that altitude after sunset from the perspective of ground-based observers. Noctilucent clouds are increasing both in frequency and in how By David Prosper far south they are observed, a development that may Have you spotted any “night lights”? These phenom- be related to climate change. Keeping in mind that ena brighten dark skies with celestial light ranging observers closer in latitude to the poles have a better from mild to dazzling: the subtle light pyramid of the chance of spotting them, your best opportunity to zodiacal light, the eerie twilight glow of noctilucent spot noctilucent clouds occurs from about half an clouds, and most famous of all, the wildly hour to two hours after sunset during the sumunpredictable and mesmerizing aurora. mer months. NASA’s AIM mission studies Aurora, often referred to as the northern these clouds from its orbit high above the lights (aurora borealis) or southern lights North Pole: go.nasa.gov/3uV3Yj1 (aurora australis), can indeed be a wonderful You may have seen the zodiacal light without sight, but the beautiful photos and videos even realizing it; there is a reason it’s nickshared online are often misleading. For most named the “false dawn”! Viewers under dark skies observers not near polar latitudes, auroral displays have their best chance of spotting this pyramid of are relatively rare and faint, and without much struc- ghostly light a couple of hours after sunset around ture, more gray than colorful, and show up much bet- the spring equinox, or a couple of hours before dawn ter in photos. However, geomagnetic storms can cre- around the autumnal equinox. Unlike our previous ate auroras that dance and shift rapidly across the two examples of night lights, observers closer to the skies with several distinct colors and appear to equator are best positioned to view the zodiacal observers much further away from the poles - on light! Long known to be reflected sunlight from very rare occasions even down to the mid-latitudes interplanetary dust orbiting in the plane of our solar of North America! Geomagnetic storms are caused system, these fine particles were thought to originate when a magnetic storm on our Sun creates a massive from comets and asteroids. However, scientists from explosion that flings a mass of particles away from NASA’s Juno mission recently published a fascinatits surface, known as a Coronal Mass Ejection ing study indicating a possible alternative origin: (CME). If Earth is in the path of this CME, its parti- dust from Mars! Read more about their serendipitous cles interact with our planet’s magnetic field and discovery at: go.nasa.gov/3Onf3kN result in auroral displays high up in our ionosphere. Curious about the latest research into these night As we enter our Sun’s active period of its 11-year lights? Find news of NASA’s latest discoveries at solar cycle, CMEs become more common and nasa.gov increase the chance for dazzling displays! If you have seen any aurora, you can report your sighting to the Aurorasaurus citizen science program at aurorasaurus.org Have you ever seen wispy clouds glowing an eclectic blue after sunset, possibly towards your west or northwest? That wasn’t your imagination; those luminescent clouds are noctilucent clouds (also called Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMC)). They are thought to form when water vapor condenses around ‘seeds’ of dust from vaporized meteorites along with other sources that include Comet NEOWISE flies high above a batch of noctilucent clouds in this photo from Wikimedia contributor Brwynog. rocket launches and volcanic erupLicense and source CC BY-SA 4.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/ tions - around 50 miles high in the wiki/File:Comet_Neowise_and_noctilucent_clouds.jpg
WSST Newsletter 192 Depot Road Cambridge, WI 53523
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Volume 63, No. 4 Published in Appleton, Wisconsin Editing & Layout: Brian Bartel Publisher: Kevin Niemi
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WSST Calendar WSST Summer Board Meeting June 22-23, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, WI
2023 Conference, Monona Terrace March 9-11, 2023
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