NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Using the Natural History Museum to Enrich Learning

The Natural History Museum in partnership with the Redwood Science Project, is looking for a credentialed teacher interested in working together with museum staff and a teacher advisory group to develop grade-specific activities and ideas for teachers (K-5) to use when visiting the Natural History Museum. These activities will be compiled into a resource book “Using the Museum to Teach Science”.  Activities will be geared to support the CA Science Standards and can build on Museum School programs or stand alone. The goal of this resource book is to help teachers make best use of the museum as a valuable teaching tool. Assist staff in preparing and presenting three teacher workshops during academic year focused on using the museum to teach science.  Stipend and units are available.  For more information, contact Melissa Zielinski at 826-4476.

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CALIFORNIA NATURAL HISTORY INSTITUTES
The Redwood Science Project with our partners will be offering California Natural History summer institutes.  An important goal of these institutes is to develop a rich sense of place based knowledge about natural history based on experiences in the field, literature reading, digital media and journaling.  This year there will be an added focus on leadership in science education.  For more information or to apply for either of these institutes contact Julie Van Sickle at (707) 826-5552 or jav16@humboldt.edu.

 
Redwood Education Leadership Institute: June 16 - 20

     The Redwood Science Project in partnership with the Humboldt County Office of Education will be hosting a Redwood Education Leadership Institute in Humboldt County.  This institute is designed to bring together educators to further understanding about Redwood Forest ecology.  The focus of this institute will be to take an in-depth look at what is important for learners to understand about the Coastal Redwood Forest system and to provide an opportunity for educators to come together as leaders to cultivate new ways of thinking about Redwood Forest education.  The institute will include a look at the conceptual knowledge that is key to understanding redwood ecology, good practices in teaching and facilitating and the pedagogy that supports a connection to the outdoor world around us, a variety of redwood curricula and media, leadership skills and stewardship.

Lassen Natural History Leadership Institute: July 14 - 18

      The Redwood Science Project in partnership with the Inland Northern Science Project at CSU Chico will be hosting a Lassen Natural History Leadership Institute at Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP).  This institute will provide an in-depth look at Lassen’s unique geological, biological and physical characteristics.  By combining the informal educational curricula of the National Park Service with California’s formal education curricula and adopted instructional materials, it will be possible to provide a deep understanding of Lassen’s natural history.  The institute is designed to bring together educators as leaders to cultivate new ways of thinking about natural history in general and Lassen’s natural history in particular.  A review of the conceptual knowledge that is key to understanding the Lassen region will provide the content foundation.  Facilitation strategies and good practices in teaching as well as the pedagogy that supports a strong connection to our outdoor world will be emphasized.  A variety of curricula and available media will connect student learning of classroom content with real world applications.

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REDWOOD AREA ACADEMIC LITERACY INITIATIVE—2005 thru 2009
RAALI is designed to improve academic literacy skills in science, mathematics, and history among high school students in the six county Northcoast region. Humboldt and Sonoma State Universities in cooperation with Konocti Unified School District manage the project.  RAALI is currently accepting applications.  Please visit the RAALI website for more details.

RAALI Summer Institutes will be held June 23 - 27, 2008 at Vichy Springs Resort in Ukiah.  For details visit:
  >> www.humboldt.edu/~rsp/RAALI.htm

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DESIGN YOUR FUTURE:

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN INSTITUTE
In collaboration with the Environmental Resources Engineering Department at HSU, the Design Your Future (DYF) Teacher Institute July 14 - 18, 2008, presents an engineering problem solving framework that can be used to teach science and mathematics in a rich, problem based learning context.  Secondary mathematics and science teachers will experience the design process, reflect on that experience and then plan how to integrate it into their teaching. For details:

  >>DYF website: www.humboldt.edu/~dyf

  >>Invitation                 >>Application

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CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY PROJECT
The Redwood Science Project is a founding co-sponsor of this film project. This multi-institutional endeavor aims to enhance the understanding of science and history pertaining to California’s environmental history. The center-piece is a four-part PBS film series and a companion set of place based programs around the state. To learn more, follow the link below.
  >> http://www.csus.edu/celp/

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SCIENCE TEACHING INITIATIVE—2007 thru 2011
NCSTI is a regional collaborative effort that aims to support middle and high school science teachers and science departments.  This initiative supports teachers individually to help with their professional development needs, assists science departments to further develop as effective learning communities, and provides a set of professional development offerings in which regional teachers can participate.  Participation with this initiative is by invitation.  For more information, contact Julie Van Sickle at (707) 826-5552 or jav16@humboldt.edu. 
  >> Overview

  >> Press Release

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Science and Mathematics Education Advising and Support
Advising is offered to undergraduates and individuals entering the field of teaching secondary science and/or mathematics. Information is available regarding steps to take toward earning secondary teaching credentials and subject matter authorizations, existing programs and financial assistance opportunities. Advisor Shannon Morago may be contacted at (707) 826-5552 or sm7@humboldt.edu.

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Watersheds to Humboldt Bay
The Redwood Science Project has partnered with Jacoby Creek School and the Center for Integrative Coastal Observation, Research and Education with funding from NOAA to develop a watershed to bay curriculum for upper elementary and middle school students.  For more information, contact Julie Van Sickle at (707) 826-5552 or jav16@humboldt.edu. 

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SCIENCE AND FILM INITIATIVE
This initiative is designed to bring scientists, filmmakers, and educators together to explore the documentary film genre as a medium for conveying ideas about science and its relationship to other human endeavors.  As part of this effort, the RSP offers institutes and courses to support this work.  For more information, contact: Jeffrey White at jww12@humboldt.edu.

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LESSON STUDY
The Redwood Science Project is pleased to continue support for Lesson Study in Science Education. The RSP offers stipend support for teacher teams (usually 3-4 teachers) who complete the Lesson Study cycle. Introduction to Lesson Study workshops are available and are offered with sufficient interest.  For more information, please contact Julie Van Sickle at (707) 826-5552 or jav16@humboldt.edu.
  >> Lesson Study Programs and Opportunities

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COACHING AND MENTORING IN SCIENCE TEACHING
The Redwood Science Project CMIST program is designed to provide on-site coaching and mentoring to teachers who seek assistance in improving their teaching. Funding is normally provided via partnership arrangements between the RSP and School Districts.