POE teachers

We understand that some classrooms are experiencing a failure with a
Condor power supply (PLTW part no. 30173-RB) that was included in the
POE kits sold before January, 2010, when the power supply is used
with the 9V outputs on the Intelligent interface or fischertechnik
Robo interface to perform activities 1.23 and 1.25 in the POE
curriculum. If these activities are not completed as described in the
POE materials, then students may create a short in their circuit and
the power supply may heat up and fail.

POE kits sold after January, 2010 include an updated Condorpower
supply (PLTW part no. 30173-TX), which has a protective mechanism
that will shut down the power supply so there is no damage to the
power supply unit. Also, as of April, 2008, PLTW updated to a
fischertechnik Robo TX controller which includes a similar protective
mechanism.

PLEASE BE SURE TO CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE POE
CURRICULUM WHEN PERFORMING ACTIVITIES 1.23 AND 1.25 TO AVOID THE UNIT
HEATING UP.

If you have any comments or questions, please let us know as your
input is helpful and appreciated. You should direct any comments or
questions to: Shannon Kete, Chief Operating Officer, skete@pltw.org

Fleming Scholarship

Teachers,

Please share this wonderful opportunity with your students. Jana Greetings Oklahoma Science Educators, Applications are now being accepted for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s (OMRF) Fleming Scholar Program.

If you know any scientifically passionate students, will you please encourage them to apply ([ http://www.omrf.org/fleming ]www.omrf.org/fleming)? This program grants selected students an opportunity to work side-by-side with real life research scientists for eight weeks during the summer. Scholars also get paid and housing is provided for those who qualify. Applicants do NOT need to have any prior science experience or formal education. The application deadline is February 1, and forms are available at [ http://www.omrf.org/fleming ]www.omrf.org/fleming.

Requirements: · Submit application packets by February 1 · Possess strong enthusiasm for science · Be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior · Be a graduate or soon-to-be graduate from an Oklahoma high school Flyers for the fantastic Fleming Scholar Program are on the way to your school now. Will you please post them in your area and help us spread the word?

If you need extra flyers or additional information, please feel free to contact me directly (405-271-7434, 800-522-0211, 405-919-3437 cell, [ mailto:courtney-stevens@omrf.org ]courtney-stevens@omrf.org). Thank you!
Courtney Stevens, SPHR Human Resources Advisor OMRF
825 NE 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(800)522-0211 toll free (405)271-7434 office
(405)919-3437 cell (405)271-7016 fax
[ mailto:stevensc@omrf.org ]courtney-stevens@omrf.org

SAVE THE DATE: March 4 & 5, 2011 – Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Dear Science Teachers,

Oklahoma State University is pleased to announce the 9th Annual (Kansas,
Nebraska, Oklahoma) Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
(JSHS). JSHS is designed to challenge, engage, and support students
(Grades 9-12) who participate in STEM research. Individual students will
compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting the results of
their original research efforts before a panel of judges and an audience
of their peers. Please see the attached SAVE THE DATE flier for
information on application deadlines, competition dates, and event
location. For additional information about JSHS visit: [
http://www.jshs.org ]http://www.jshs.org.

OK Women in Science Conference Tuesday, Feb 8th- OKC:REGISTRATION OPEN

Women in Science Conference 2011
Tuesday February 8 2011, 9:00am-2:00pm
Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St, Oklahoma City OK 73111
http://www.okepscor.org/calendar/women-science-conference

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Please feel free to forward this note to the appropriate people.
Students in grades 6-12, science/math teachers, and counselors are
invited to attend this FREE conference that is designed to show
students that careers in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics are exciting, attainable & rewarding!
The free, one-day conference is designed to allow students to engage
in hands-on science activities; learn first-hand about science and
technology career opportunities from Oklahoma's top female scientists
and engineers; and receive college preparation information from
Oklahoma college, university and outreach representatives.

HANDS-ON SCIENCE SESSIONS!

INTERACTIVE PANEL SESSIONS!

Students ask successful women scientists and engineers questions
about education, careers and how they achieved their goals!
DEVELOP A PLAN FOR COLLEGE!
Students learn how personal interests, aptitude, college degrees and
careers all come together, as well as important scholarship
information!

RECRUITMENT & OUTREACH BOOTHS!

Visit with recruiters and educational outreach representatives from
Oklahoma colleges & organizations!

BREAKOUT SESSIONS!

Teachers will attend breakout sessions to learn about summer research
opportunities and classroom resources!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER!

Dr. Katie Siek, University of Colorado professor of computer science:

"Live, Love, Research: Creating Technologies that Improve Health"

Schools may bring up to 10 students and 2 adults (per school)

* Deadline to register is Sat Jan 15 2011 or when maximum occupancy is
reached

* Breakfast, lunch and museum admission are provided free of charge

* Space is limited, so register today:

http://www.okepscor.org/calendar/women-science-conference

For more information, visit our Web site at:

http://www.okepscor.org/

Questions or comments?

E-mail us at gmiller@okepscor.org or call 405-744-7645

Engineering Events Calendar

PLTW Assessment Training

Check the training schedule here- and when teachers sign up, they might win a brand new Amazon Kindle!


As you know PLTW is very excited about transitioning to our new Assessment System and our partnership with the Northwest Evaluation Association. I am writing you to seek your support in helping us ensure that 100% of the PLTW teachers get trained on the new system and administer Growth Assessments. We have put together the top four reasons for teachers to take the time from their busy schedules to complete the assessments for you to use in your communication to them. We would love it if you would send out a communication to your email list of PLTW teachers to encourage those who have not yet done so - to register, get trained, and administer assessments. The top 4 reasons for administering the assessment program are:

1. The combination of pre-and post-growth assessments will provide teachers with detailed information that can be used to inform instruction and help students reach their potential. Teachers will benefit from hard data on where each student is in their academic progress in math and science. PLTW will also be able to leverage these results to improve the curriculum and programming.

2. PLTW partners - from teachers and school districts to philanthropists and corporations - have expressed a desire for data on student performance to help with securing funds to implement the program. The new Assessment System will help address those needs, which will help all of us achieve our goal of creating the next generation of innovators.

Engineering, Go For It!

FOURTH EDITION NOW AVAILABLE!


Lesson Plan: Explorations in Energy

Alternative energy offers advantages over shrinking fossil-fuel supplies, but harnessing it is a complex process. Here, middle school students learn about extracting hydrogen from water. In a separate activity, high school classes create ethanol from fermented foods.

Lesson: Hydrogen Electrolysis of Water

Class Activity: Ethanol Fermentation