InterChange Newsletter

From the Regional Math & Science Center at Grand Valley State University

February 2015 | Volume 22, Number 1

GRANDPARENTS, GRANDKIDS, AND GRAND VALLEY (G3) CAMP COMINGTHIS SUMMER!

Registration Is Now Open!  Scholarships are Available!

G3 is a residential family summer camp program for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 8-12)

to come together for a three day educational experience on the Grand Valley State University

campus.

Full Story

CONNECTIONS FOR THE STEM CLASSROOM

Celebrating the International Year of Light 2015

The International Year of Light (IYL 2015) is a global initiative which will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical

technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society.

Full Story

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar

MATH IN ACTION COMING THIS MONTH!

Math in Action presents lively and informative discussions of current issues in issues in mathematics education while providing an opportunity for

practicing PreK – 12 teachers, prospective teachers, curriculum directors, and college and university faculty to share ideas, concerns, and resources.

Full Story

ATTEND THE MSTA CONFERENCE THIS MONTH IN GRAND RAPIDS!

The 62nd Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Conference will be held on February 27-28, 2015 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand

Rapids.  The theme this year is "Engineering GRAND Ideas in Science".

Full Story

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER ENGINEERING CAMP FOR 6TH GRADE GIRLS!

STEPS (Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer) Camp for Girls is an all-girl day camp introduction to the world of science, technology, and

engineering.

Full Story

DOCKERAY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR AREA SENIORS

The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded each spring to graduating high school seniors in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate

School Districts who are interested in pursuing a career in science.

Full Story

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS - ATTEND SHAPE HEALTH PROFESSIONS CAMP AT GVSU THIS SUMMER!

sHaPe (Summer Health Activities and Professions Exploration) is a one-week day program introduction to the Health Professions for boys and girls

currently in 7th and 8th grades.

Full story

PARTICIPATE IN AMUSEMENT PARK PHYSICS COMING THIS SPRING!

Register for an educational day at Michigan’s Adventure, to be held May 20, 2015!  Amusement Park Physics provides an opportunity for middle

school students to apply their mathematics skills and knowledge of physics principles to the real world setting of an amusement park.

Full Story

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS - PRESENT YOUR RESEARCH AT A SYMPOSIUM!

You’re invited to participate in and attend the 2015 Michigan High School Early Research Symposium Friday, April 24, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Full Story

RESULTS FROM THE 2014 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Fifty-nine species of birds were seen by forty-seven traveling observers and 12 stationary watchers at bird feeders during the 2014 Kent County Bird

Count held January 3, 2015.

Full Story

NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCETEACHING

Do you know or are you an exemplary math or science teacher in seventh through twelfth grade?  Please consider nominating him/her/them for the

PAEMST Awards.

Full Story

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Grandparents, Grandkids, and Grand Valley (G3) CampComing this Summer!REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

G3 is a residential family summer camp program for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 8-12) to come together for a three day educational

experience. Families will spend their time together on the Grand Valley State University campus for three days and two nights sleeping and eating in

the living center apartments along with college students and others on campus.

The dates for G3 Camp are June 23 - 25, 2015 on the Grand Valley Allendale campus. Housing, meals, and sessions are all inclusive. Registration is now

open and will close on April 30, 2015. Early bird rates are available through February 28, so don’t delay!

A full and exciting class schedule chosen by participants will be taught by GVSU faculty and staff.  Sessions are held during the day in the campus

academic buildings and expose campers to a wide range of topics, including:   “Introduction to Law Enforcement”, “Exploring the Human Brain through

Zombie Behavior”, making “Summertime Snacks”, and a trip on the Muskegon-based GVSU research vessel, the W.G. Jackson.  

New this year is an optional Wednesday session for family free time that may be used by the family as they choose.  In the evening, there are various

campus activities families may choose to attend. On the final day, a graduation luncheon ceremony will be held.

This family summer camp is sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).  Limited

scholarships are available with support from United Bank.  For more information please call the Regional Math and Science Center at (616) 331-2267.

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Connections for the STEM ClassroomCELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT 2015

The International Year of Light (IYL 2015) is a global initiative which will highlight to the citizens

of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and

for the development of society. It is an unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect on a

global scale.

In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the topic of light science and its applications, the

United Nations has recognized the importance of raising global awareness about how light-based

technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in

energy, education, agriculture and health. Light plays a vital role in our daily lives and is an

imperative cross-cutting discipline of science in the 21st century. It has revolutionized medicine,

opened up international communication via the Internet, and continues to be central to linking

cultural, economic and political aspects of the global society.

IYL 2015 kicked-off with opening ceremonies on 19 January 2015 in Paris.  On January 24, Grand

Valley State University hosted “Super Science Saturday:  The Wonder of Light”, a hands-on science

open house, in celebration of the Regional Math and Science Center’s 25th Anniversary and the

International Year of Light.  Approximately 1800 children and adults from the community

attended the event.

Some of the highlights of the GVSU Super Science Saturday were:

Large group presentations by John Perlin (Department of Physics, University of California -

Santa Barbara) - based on his current book, "Let It Shine: The 6,000 Year Story of Solar Energy

and Mike Gould (Mondodyne Photonics) with an educational lecture-demonstration-laser light

show.

Hands-on activities led by GVSU faculty,  including sessions on: Measuring the colors of the

rainbow, modern fiber optic communications, glow stick science, fluorescent rocks, mixing

colors of light, and the sun and solar system.

Watch GVSU Super Science Saturday the video here!

A young scientist mixes light using a hula

hoop during the "Enlighten Yourself" session

at the GVSU Super Science Saturday Open

House.

For more information on Light and IYL 2015, visit www.light2015.org.  Follow this link for ideas on how to involve students in the experience!

IYL 2015 is endorsed by a number of international scientific unions and the International Council of Science, and has more than 100 partners from

more than 85 countries. Founding Sponsors of IYL 2015 are the 1001 Inventions, American Physical Society (APS); The American Institute of Physics

(AIP); Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG); the European Physical Society (EPS); the IEEE Photonics Society (IPS); SPIE, the international

society for optics and photonics; the Lightsources.org International Network; the Institute of Physics (IOP); and The Optical Society (OSA).

UN/UNESCO INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT 2015 OFFICIAL TRAILER

UN/UNESCO International Year of Light 2015 FinalOfficial Trailerfrom Nickolas Barris

02:33

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Math in Action Coming this Month!STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTSUCCESS

February 21, 2015

Grand Valley State University

Mackinac Hall

Allendale, MI 49401

Math in Action presents lively and informative discussions of current issues in issues in mathematics education while providing an opportunity for

practicing PreK – 12 teachers, prospective teachers, curriculum directors, and college and university faculty to share ideas, concerns, and resources.

SCECH credits are available for most sessions. The conference consists of six hour-long sessions with eight separate interactive presentations during

each. Valerie Mills, President of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, is the Keynote speaker and will speak on Assessing for

Understanding.

Presentations are focused on specific mathematics topics at a variety of grade levels. The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the

Standards for Mathematical Practice play a large part in sessions for the 2015 conference.

Look for sessions addressing the teaching of important concepts in mathematics, such as: Number and operations, fractions, measurement, geometry,

algebra, probability, and statistics. Also look for several sessions addressing pedagogical issues such as: Assessment, promoting conversations about

mathematics, inquiry-based learning, engaging students in complex tasks and experiments, using technology to teach mathematics, peer mentoring,

cooperative learning, teaching through games, integrating ELA, Math, and Science, and engaging families in their children’s mathematical education.

All 13 Adventures with Mathematics books will be available for sale (cash or check only) at the conference price of $10 each. Proceeds benefit the

MCTM Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Registration fees for the full day conference are $35 for teachers and $15 for undergraduate students. Early bird registration ends February 6, 2015.

Late registration fees are $40 and $20 respectively.

Visit the Math in Action website for the brochure and registration form.

 

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Attend the MSTA Conference This Month in Grand Rapids!The 62nd Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Conference will be held on February 27-28, 2015 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand

Rapids.  The theme this year is "Engineering GRAND Ideas in Science".

The keynote speaker is Page Keeley, the author of the “Uncovering Student Ideas in Science” series, focusing on formative assessments.

There will be a series of focus strands for the 2015 conference. The purpose of the strands is to offer educators the opportunity to attend in-depth,

grouped sessions based on a specific need or interest. These strands will be offered in addition to the informative sessions for which MSTA is known.

There are many sessions being offered by teachers just like you sharing what they are doing in the classroom to embrace NGSS, including the

engineering practices and more.

 

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Registration is now open for Summer Engineering Camp for6th Grade Girls!

STEPS (Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer) Camp for Girls is an all-girl day camp

introduction to the world of science, technology, and engineering. Campers participate in

aviation-themed activities revolving around building and flying their own radio-controlled

airplane.

Camp activities include hands-on laboratories, manufacturing and assembling an airplane,

mastering a challenge course at the YMCA, building windmill blades, designing and testing

catapults, going on fieldtrips, playing with robots, flying in a Cessna airplane, learning CAD &

CNC, eating pizza & ice cream, and flying your airplane!

The dates for STEPS Camp are June 15-18, 2015 and June 22-25, 2015 on the Grand Valley State

University Pew campus in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. (Campers only attend one week).  Cost for

the entire camp is $75.

Participants must be female, Michigan residents, between the ages of 11-13, currently in the 6th

grade, and entering 7th grade in the fall of 2015. There are 80 openings, and selection is based on

lottery.  More information is available at www.gvsu.edu/steps or by calling the Padnos College of

Engineering and Computing Student Services office at (616) 331-6025.

Registration will close on March 9, 2015. Please visit the website for a printable brochure and

application.

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Dockeray Scholarship Applications Now Available for AreaSeniorsThe Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded each spring to graduating high school seniors

in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts who are interested in pursuing a

career in science. Now is the time for eligible seniors from public or private schools to apply for

the two/three $1500 scholarships. The scholarships can be used by the winners to help with

expenses at any institution of higher education.

The scholarships honor Mary Jane Dockeray, an enduring naturalist and founding director of the

Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Mary Jane continues to teach seminars and special

programs and serves on the scholarships selection committee.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on past academic achievement and their potential

for success in a science career. Detailed information and applications were recently mailed to all

high school counselors in the three intermediate school districts. To apply for the Mary Jane

Dockeray Scholarship students must submit a complete application form, personal essay, high

school transcripts, and two recommendations in support of the applicant.

Mary Jane Dockeray

More information and application forms may be found here. The deadline for applications is March 2, 2015.

Additionally, Mary Jane Dockeray’s biography is now available!  “Rock On, Lady…” is available at the Blandford Nature Center’s gift shop, or by calling

(616) 735-6240, blandfordnaturecenter.org .

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Middle School Students - Attend sHaPe Health ProfessionsCamp at GVSU This Summer!

sHaPe (Summer Health Activities and Professions Exploration) is a one-week day program introduction to the Health Professions for boys and girls

currently in 7th and 8th grades.

Students in sHaPe have the opportunity to study anatomy, physiology, and personal health and fitness.  They explore the professions of medical lab

science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health, radiation therapy, sonography, speech pathology, sports

medicine, and therapeutic recreation.  Sessions are taught by Grand Valley State University faculty.

This hands-on camp includes activities such as exercising in fun ways, eating nutritious meals, collecting data in a laboratory setting, using modern

medical equipment, understanding different types of therapies for various injuries and disabilities, and experiencing a field trip to Mercy Health - Saint

Mary’s Hospital.

Sessions will be held at the GVSU Cook-DeVos Center for Health Services in downtown Grand Rapids.  The camp will be held 8:45 am - 4:30 pm, July

13-16, 2015. Participants must be between the ages of 12-15 and in 7th or 8th grade.  Preference will be given to students attending Grand Rapids

Public Schools. 

sHaPe camp is FREE and lunch is provided each day.  Transportation is available based on need.

Watch the sHaPe Camp 2014 video here.

For more information, including the brochure and registration form, visit the sHaPe website.  For questions on the camp, please contact Kathy Agee at

the RMSC at (616) 331-3031 or ageek@gvsu.edu. 

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Participate in Amusement Park Physics Coming this Spring!Register for an educational day at Michigan’s Adventure, to be held May 20, 2015!  Amusement Park Physics provides an opportunity for middle

school students to apply their mathematics skills and knowledge of physics principles to the real world setting of an amusement park.

Hosted by the Muskegon Area ISD Regional Mathematics and Science Center, over 800 students from across the state participated in this event last

year at Michigan's Adventure, just north of Muskegon.

Prior to the "Day at the Park", students learn how to measure distances using their pace lengths, perform calculations for determining time, "g" force,

acceleration and angle measurements. At the park, students measure "g" forces, calculate diameters, heights, distances, and velocities of various rides.

Students also build two measurement devices - an altimeter and an accelerometer.

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High School Students - Present Your Research at aSymposium!You’re invited to participate in and attend the 2015 Michigan High School Early Research Symposium Friday, April 24, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The

event will be held at the Science Complex on the Campus of Andrews University located in Berrien Springs, Michigan.  All students who conduct

research (individually or as a team) and prepare a presentation are welcome to participate!

Today’s high school students are learning how conduct professional STEM-based research while practicing university-level lab techniques in an effort

to tackle real-world problems. The Michigan High School Early Research Symposium offers these students the opportunity to share their findings,

discuss their research and methodology, and demonstrate lab techniques using sophisticated equipment. The symposium will feature research

presentations, Andrews University faculty and lab demonstrations and tours of Andrews University’s research facilities.

These young scientists, thanks to their early research experiences in high school, will have a head-start in their future academic studies. Additionally,

student researchers are taking steps toward advancing general scientific knowledge by contributing to the world of research earlier than they would if

they waited until college to begin their investigations.

To register, visit www.berrienresa.org/bcmsc. The registration website will be accepting registrations from early February - early April. Cost: $20 for a

presenter and $10 for an observer.

Lydia Wetters

Schedule

9:00 Registration

9:30 Welcome

9:45 Student Research Posters

10:30 Student Research Presentations

11:30 Lunch

12:20 Picture

12:30 Demonstrations

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Results from the 2014 Christmas Bird CountFifty-nine species of birds were seen by forty-seven traveling observers and 12 stationary watchers at bird feeders during the 2014 Kent County Bird

Count held January 3, 2015. No additional bird species were reported during count week. Total individuals sighted were 8763.

The bird counts are excellent for students and educators to become involved in citizen science studies. This year’s count was the 115 Christmas bird

count and is the longest running citizen science project.

Bird counts held across the continent document population numbers and distribution trends. The large data set helps provide information regarding

southward or northward population changes over several decades. Individual year population movements to the north or south do not indicate habitat

or climate change but long-term changes provide evidence that the environment is changing. Citizen science projects like the annual bird count

provide data for scientists studying environmental quality, habitat, climate and bird population changes. The information helps business and

government analyst predict economic and social impacts of environmental change for society.

The count is great way to introduce and excite people about the nature. Audubon members help with identification and bird/habitat associations.

Families that join share a common cause and have time together that will be remembered for a lifetime. 

Weather conditions were 100% cloudy with snow falling and temperatures were between 26 and 38 F. A light breeze blew east-northeast. Snow depth

on the ground was between 0 to 1 inches. Moving water was open and still water was 80% frozen.

We totaled 82.25 hours in vehicles traveling 649 miles. Fourteen hours were spent on foot covering 21 miles. A combined total of 670 miles were on

foot and driving. Groups totaled 106.5 hours of daytime birding. Night owling occurred during 1 hour and six miles of driving. There were 19 morning

birding groups and 13 in the afternoon.

We are grateful for essential section coordination by group leaders and the many people that offered help to make the count a success.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr,

Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433. (616) 696-1753

KENT CO. BIRD COUNT 3 JAN 2015

Bird Species

Snow Goose

Cackling Goose

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

American Black Duck

Mallard

Mallard/Black hybrid

Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye

Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser

Ring-necked Pheasant

Totals

1

3

1671

24

1

398

18

5

54

1

86

2

Wild Turkey

Great Blue Heron

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Gull sp.

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Pileated Woodpecker

American Kestrel

Merlin

Northern Shrike

Blue Jay

American Crow

Horned Lark

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Winter Wren

Carolina Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

196

1

3

3

5

2

21

1

6

2

1

105

170

2

69

1

137

31

21

6

1

1

1

317

301

2

560

218

3

119

1

1

16

88

15

1356

526

American Tree Sparrow

Song Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Purple Finch

House Finch

Common Redpoll

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow

Total Species

Total Individuals

164

2

1

600

371

1

1

7

171

3

415

455

59

8763

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Nominate a Colleague for the Presidential Awards forExcellence in Mathematics and Science TeachingDo you know or are you an exemplary math or science teacher in seventh through twelfth grade?  Please consider nominating him/her/them for the

PAEMST Awards. The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition a K-12 teacher can receive for

outstanding science or mathematics teaching in the United States.

Why apply? Recipients of the award receive the following:

 A certificate signed by the President of the United States.

 A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.

 A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Nominations are being accepted online (www.paemst.org) for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Teachers may nominate themselves or someone else (e.g., principals, teachers, parents, or other members of the general public) may nominate them

for this award. The PAEMST Online Application is now open and will close on April 1, 2015. To apply, teachers must first be nominated for the award.

Once nominated, teachers will receive an email with a login and password to access the online application. The application deadline for secondary

teachers (Grades seven through twelve) is May 1, 2015. Elementary teachers (Kindergarten through sixth grade) are eligible to apply in 2016.