News

Journal of Virginia Science Education Update

Amanda L. Gonczi, Ph.D. & Jennifer L. Maeng, Ph.D., co-editors

https://vast.wildapricot.org/Journal

Check out the abstracts for articles published in the December 2019 issue of Journal of Virginia Science Education. As a reminder, initial submissions for the December 2020 JVSE issue are due July 31, 2020. The theme is Science: An Opportunity to Improve Students' Literacy Skills, though manuscripts that do not address this theme are also welcome. The next issue of JVSE will be published July, 2020.

Do You See What I See? Plant and Animals and Habitats, Oh My!

Jennifer L. Maeng, Ph.D.¹ & Deannine Lahham²; ¹University of Virginia, Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education; ²Albemarle County Public Schools; Corresponding author email: jlc7d@virginia.edu

For young children, the distinction between an observation and an inference can be difficult to grasp, yet we use these skills in our daily lives and in many content areas. For example, we observe and infer both as we explore the natural world around us and as we read. Even more difficult for young students to understand is the idea that scientific knowledge, while durable, can change with new evidence. In this article, we describe an activity that introduces elementary-aged students to plant and animal diversity while providing opportunities for them to practice making observations and inferences and distinguishing between different types of empirical evidence.

Lights, Camera, and a Call to Action: Women in Media Help Promote Science Identity in Female Students

Uchenna Emenaha & Anne A. Perry, University of Houston; Corresponding author email: emenaha08@gmail.com

Research shows that female students show lower interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects due to misconceptions that these courses are better suited for their male counterparts. This article explores the current representation of women in STEM and illustrates how media can be used to support female students’ STEM identity development.  STEM identity development is a theoretical framework that describes the ability for an individual to identify or see themselves being able to do and/or be successful in STEM subjects (Brickhouse & Potter, 1999; Marcia & Kroger, 2011). The context of STEM identity development is created and recreated as students negotiate between the relevance, meaning and abilities between themselves and STEM subjects (Furnham, Chamorro-Premuzic, & McDougall, 2002). Academics wanting to understanding factors that can support positive STEM identities would benefit greatly from understanding the ways in which a student develops their academic identities within subjects like science and math. This article will discuss how media can be incorporated into instruction to work towards developing positive STEM identity in young female students. By investigating how to cultivate young girls’ interest in STEM in the early grades with media, educators can support students’ future STEM career aspirations. 

An Examination of the Oral Argumentation Abilities of Secondary Students with Disabilities Using Socioscientific Issues

Mindy Gumpert, M.S.Ed.¹ & Bill McConnell, Ph.D.²; ¹Old Dominion University; ²Virginia Wesleyan University

¹Corresponding author email: mgump001@odu.edu

More than six in ten students with disabilities (SWD) spend the majority of their day in the general education classroom (U.S. Department of Education, 2019). The expectation is SWD will participate in all content area activities alongside their nondisabled peers. Improving science literacy is an intrinsic goal of science education, yet current science practices may not support all students, particularly SWD.  We believe argument using socioscientific issues is an effective way to support SWD in science by enabling them to engage in dialogue, discussion, and debate in scientific topics. SSIs are not only personally meaningful and engaging to the student, but the use of evidence-based reasoning provides a forum for understanding scientific topics (Zeidler, 2003). In this article we present an overview of an argument session and identify several scaffolds used in a classroom of diverse learners. We discuss how the modified Assessing Scientific Argumentation in the Classroom Observation Protocol (Sampson, Enderle, & Walker, 2012) was used as a summative assessment. Finally, we discuss differences and similarities between SWD and their nondisabled peers when engaging in argument using socioscientific issues.

Cross-disciplinary and Cross-cultural Impacts of Math Identity

Joanna G. Jauchen, M.S.¹ and Talisa J. Jackson, M.Ed.²; ¹Department of Mathematics, George Mason University; ²College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University; Corresponding author email: Jjauchen@gmu.edu

While the number of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is growing, the STEM community continues to have difficulty attracting and retaining female, Black and Latino/a students. Because a historical emphasis on achievement has failed to address this issue, researchers and practitioners are turning to other possible avenues to address the underrepresentation of women and minorities. In this study, we explore two factors that may impact the underrepresentation of women and minorities in STEM: mathematical identity and science self-efficacy. This paper compiles findings from the literature and results from our regression analyses to shine light on the connection high school students’ mathematical identity has on students’ science self-efficacy. We further reflect on how teachers can cultivate their students’ mathematical identities, and work together to create equitable STEM spaces.

VAST Awards and Grants

Considering the COVID 19 crisis and the suspended 2019-2020 school year the VAST Awards and Grants Committee has made changes to the submission deadlines and has created a new RISE Award. 

The deadline for submitting receipts and reports for 2019 Grant Awards has been extended to December 31, 2020.

• The deadline to submit grant applications and award nominations is extended to   September 30, 2020.
• The new RISE category for 2020 is Remote Teaching.  There will be three award   levels possible, elementary, middle and high school.  It was decided to highlight new approaches to teaching developed during the crisis. 

To learn more, go to:

• Awards
• Grants

Cristo Rey Richmond High School is a Catholic learning community that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. Cristo Rey Richmond High School will soon be a part of the largest network of high schools in the country that exclusively serve families of limited economic means.

https://www.cristoreyrichmond.org/about/employment/2020-2021-teacher-applications/

PBS is looking for science teachers to test out our invention lessons! PBS NewsHour Extra is the NewsHour’s teacher resource website for middle and high school students. We are looking for science teachers to test out the lessons with their students, provide feedback and take pictures to share over social media. You’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card for your work! For more information, write Victoria at vpasquantonio@newshour.org.

Check out these student leadership opportunities from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/CBF%20Student%20Leadership%20Flyer.pdf

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/VA%202020%20SL%20Expeditions%20Flyer.pdf

VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL ENDOWMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

 Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE) was established in 1977 as an independent, non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving Virginia’s environment. VEE’s overarching strategic grant-making priorities are water quality improvement, Chesapeake Bay restoration, land conservation, environmental literacy and outreach, climate adaptation, and emerging issues. The Endowment’s grant-making has increased substantially over the past few years with the addition of new grant programs and funds. The VEE office is located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. More information is available at vee.org.

The Administrative Assistant is a key member of the 3-person VEE staff, charged with providing administrative and financial assistance to VEE’s operations as well as administrative support to the Executive Director and Senior Program Officer. The position must maintain strict confidentiality, work independently, and maintain the highest levels of professionalism. Responsibilities include inventorying, cataloguing, processing, and tracking monthly income and expenses, including grant funds and awards. The Administrative Assistant must be detail-oriented, a self-starter, and committed to VEE’s mission of working to improve Virginia’s environment through philanthropy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         A high level of organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to organize and maintain records, files, and databases while making recommendations for process and quality improvement

•          Able to work independently with minimal direction and to prioritize workload and schedule; this includes the ability to periodically work alone in the office
•          Effective written and verbal communication skills, including correspondence drafting
•          Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and other programs and databases, including Quicken Deluxe
•          Proficiency in basic bookkeeping and income and expense tracking including accurately creating and tracking budgets and financial records
•          Experience with, or ability to learn, grant database software (Gifts Online)
•          Ability to multi-task effectively with strong time management and sound problem-solving skills
•         Must be of high integrity and trust including the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
•          Ability to work in a small office with a collaborative team culture
•          Effective at developing working relationships with staff and Board of Directors, grant applicants, vendors, and others
•          Commitment to environmental protection; a drive to fulfill the organization’s mission

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

•          Provide general office support to Executive Director and Senior Program Officer
•          Process grant applications, awards, and reports, including grant agreements, correspondence, report notification, check issuance, bill paying, etc.
•          Maintain all VEE files (administrative, grant, and financial)
•          Manage and maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, prepare monthly account reconciliations, prepare periodic financial asset statements, prepare for annual audits/accounting reviews,
•          Prepare budgets and financial statements in cooperation with the Executive Director for presentation to the Board of Directors
•          Provide support for Board meetings, including preparing Board meeting materials, assisting the Executive Director with meeting scheduling, logistics and related items
•         Handle periodic updates of website content and materials including working with outside website contractor as needed

·         Assist with developing and distributing press releases and other items of general distribution including maintaining related email lists

·         Assist with development of the Annual Report

·         Inventorying and ordering office supplies and program materials

·         Maintain and update office procedures and manual

·         Answer office phone and greet office visitors

·         Other duties as assigned

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience working in a professional office settingwith high levels of responsibility for office and financial management; prefer at least 5 years of prior experience

·   Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience sufficient to fulfill requirements of the position

·         Experience with grant making or grant management a plus

·         Strong organizational skills with a critical attention to detail

·         Desired personal traits include strong interpersonal skills, good sense of humor, results-oriented, persistent, hard-working, accountable, sound judgement, integrity, truthful, approachable, team-oriented, practical and creative

·         Motivated worker in a non-stressful work atmosphere

COMPENSATION

VEE offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include:

·         Reimbursement of eligible health/medical expenses, up to $10,300 per plan year

·         Monthly pension contributions equal to 12% of eligible employees’ salary

·         Group life, accidental death and disability insurance

·         3 weeks’ paid vacation per year, paid holidays and sick leave

·         Paid on-site employee parking; modern office building with cafeteria and coffee shop

To apply, submit resume to: dave@winterhr.com, attention Dave Winter

The Virginia Environmental Endowment is an Equal Opportunity Employer

How do you participate as a member in VAST?  Our members are involved in all science curricula at all levels, pre-K to college.  What is your area of expertise?  Do you have a successful activity, lab or lesson that you could share with others?  Have you planned or attended a professional development that you could write about?  How about a field trip suggestion or a community partnership?  Please consider sharing your ideas with VAST members by submitting to the VAST newsletter. 

The submission deadline for the next newsletter is March 1.  Please send your article(s) to the newsletter editor (newsletter@vast.org) by the deadline. Besides earning points for recertification, you will inspire “Excellence in Science Education” across the Commonwealth and demonstrate your professionalism.

Do you have lesson activity, research article, or solution to share? The  Journal of Virginia Science Education, VAST’s peer-reviewed journal, is seeking submissions for upcoming issues. Our next issue will be published July 1, 2020 and the theme is The Outdoor Science Classroom. Manuscripts that do not address this theme are also welcome. Submissions to be considered for this issue are due by March 1, 2020. Please see the website: https://vast.wildapricot.org/Journal for planning templates, submission guidelines, and review criteria. Contact Amanda Gonczi or Jennifer Maeng, co-editors, at journal@vast.org for questions. 

The Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available In this issue: Honorees recognized at the November PDI: VAST Recognition in Science Education awardees, Presidential state finalists, Sterling awardees, Virginia Outstanding Biology Teacher awardee. Ellen Peterson, the 2018 Sterling winner, shares her project to move her classes from "Textbook to 3D". Anne Peterson gives a Virginia Department of Education update. PDI presenters Suzie Gilley and Page Hutchinson describe how to create a field kit. "Donata the Dragonfly Explores the Dominion” highlights places to explore in winter. See images of the many attendees and activities at the PDI Roanoke. Click here to download the January Newsletter.

“Programs that Work”

The application deadline has been extended through February 1, 2020

STEM awards for exemplary projects and programs in K-16 STEM Education

The Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition (VMSC) invite you to nominate effective student and teacher education projects and programs for its annual “Programs That Work” Awards. The VMSC recognizes exemplary mathematics, science, integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for which there is evidence of a positive impact on student or teacher learning.  Proposals will be evaluated on the extent that applicants are able to:

• Represent innovative, exemplary programs that have proven effective with all students or teachers
• Demonstrate the important mathematics, science, and STEM concepts, skills or processes students and teachers learned as a result of the programs
• Document impact on teaching and learning

Virginia’s public and private elementary and secondary schools, public school divisions, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are invited to apply.

It is entirely appropriate to nominate your own project or program as long as the following criteria are met:

• ·         The project or program is a specific STEM project with goals and objectives

·       Science, mathematics concepts, technology, skills, and or processes are the main focal point of the project or program

• ·         The STEM project or program has a documented impact on STEM learning which has been documented with an assessment
• ·         The project or program has been implemented for a minimum of at least 2 years within the past 5 years

The application date has been extended through February 1, 2020. Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis for programs that have been conducted within the past five years and have demonstrated positive results.  Awardees will be recognized at a conference and awards ceremony on February 18, at the Workforce Development and Conference Center, in Henrico, Virginia.  Through a generous grant from Dominion Energy, the VMSC will support the travel and lodging of award recipients.

Applications can be found at http://www.vamsc.org/index.php/application/

For additional information, contact the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition by e-mail at ptw@vamsc.org.