Virginia Association of Science Teachers News

Empowering Science Educators: 100+ Teachers Dive into Student-Centered SOL Strategies

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:59:05 GMT

The in-person professional learning session at The Founders Inn and Spa was a great success, with over 100 educators registered and engaged in student-centered Science SOL review strategies. Led by Sarah Plumitallo (PWCPS Elementary Science Coordinator), Eric Rhoades (VAST Past President) and Jill Collins (VAST President) the session provided practical, high-impact approaches that participants can immediately apply to improve student outcomes.

#virginiascienceteachers #virginiaassociationofscienceteachers #vastprofessionallearningseries

Spring Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:54:25 GMT

The March edition of The Science Educator is available to download: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsletterMarch2026.pdf

2026 Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:29:19 GMT

Download the Winter edition of The Science Educator here: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Jan2026Newsletter.pdf

Fall Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:52:08 GMT

Download your copy here: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Newsletter%20October%202025.pdf

Summer Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:15:40 GMT

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/newslettersummer2025.pdf

Late Spring Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 15 May 2025 22:48:46 GMT

Download here:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsletterLateSpring2025.pdf

Spring Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:41:19 GMT

The spring issue of The Science Educator is now available to download: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Newslettermarch2025.pdf

Winter Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:41:27 GMT

The winter edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education is now available: https://vast.wildapricot.org/jvsev16n2/

Announcing The Paper Trail Series: Writing and Reviewing for the Journal of Virginia Science Education!

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:50:12 GMT

New this year, The Paper Trail is a series of virtual sessions that explores the ins and outs of publishing in and reviewing for JVSE. Along the trail, we will have opportunities to workshop ideas, demystify the review process, deconstruct feedback, and celebrate science education in Virginia. To join us, please use the registration links below.

February 6, 2025 4:15pm-5:15pm
Share ideas: Write for JVSE
Registration link: https://jmu-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/nEuWJ1t1RYSYrpcwaK2yGg

April 17, 2025 4:15pm-5:15pm
Support quality: Review for JVSE
Registration link: https://jmu-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/QPQu9AQdSeKfn8jkwly-9w

June 17, 2025 4:15pm-5:15pm
Share ideas: Write for JVSE
Registration link: https://jmu-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/0-QmHV51SWK31hSyWv6hzQ

Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:45:17 GMT

The Winter Edition of The Science Educator is now available to download: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/newsletterjanuary2025.pdf

Fall Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:36:53 GMT

The fall edition of The Science Educator is now available to download: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/newsletteroct2024.pdf

Summer Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:48:34 GMT

The Summer edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education is now available: https://vast.wildapricot.org/jvsev16n1/

Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) Update

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:46:56 GMT

With the passage of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in the 2022 General Assembly, Virginia is taking the lead nationwide to improve early literacy outcomes for Virginia’s young learners. VAST wants to ensure you are up to date with the VLA and how VAST can support you with information and other opportunities this school year and beyond.

Please take a moment to review the Virginia Literacy Updates (June 2024), especially page 7. The VAST Science Educator (our newsletter) provided an early version of this table.

The updated table details the UVA-developed Canvas courses for each group of educators, the anticipated release date, the number of modules, and the approximate completion time. All Canvas modules for an educator group will be released at the same time to encourage individualized pacing, and completion time will vary on the participant’s pacing and the content of the module. Divisions will be responsible for signing their educators up for the necessary Canvas modules to meet the VLA requirements.

Continue to visit the News section on the VAST website for more information about VLA and other topics. We are here to support you!

Summer Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:10:11 GMT

The Summer Edition of The Science Educator is now available. To download, click here: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Newsjuly2024.pdf

Late Spring Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 10 May 2024 00:01:19 GMT

Download the latest edition of The Science Educator: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsMay2024.pdf

Early Spring Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 22:29:37 GMT

Download the latest edition of The Science Educator.

Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:41:26 GMT

Download the Winter edition of The Science Educator

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/January2024Newsletter.pdf

Your Response is Needed!

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:48:34 GMT

The VAST Advocacy Committee needs to hear from you regarding the areas where YOU want VAST to focus our advocacy efforts in the coming year(s). Please help us by completing the short survey (approx. 5 minutes) linked below. We exist to advocate for Virginia Science Education and for YOU!

Click HERE to complete the VAST Advocacy survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete this important survey.

Sincerely,

VAST Advocacy Committee

Fall Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:02:52 GMT

Download the latest issue of The Science Educator

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/October2023Newsletter.pdf

VAST Establishes Shirley Sypolt Memorial Mini-grant in Elementary Education

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:10:30 GMT

The Virginia Association of Science Teachers honors one of their own by establishing "The Shirley Sypolt Memorial Mini-grant in Elementary Education."

Awardees will be selected by the VAST Awards and Grants committee. The committee will be looking for projects that will directly impact student learning in the elementary science classroom.

Ideally, the projects that are funded will provide the students with new experiences and make possible new scientific investigations.

To apply, simply complete the Google form here: https://forms.gle/MJGgtFKPgt6XKPKF7

Applications are due by September 30 of the current calendar year and applicants must be a member of VAST.

If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Sandy Pace, awards@vast.org

Late Spring Issue of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:26:59 GMT

Download the latest issue of The Science Educator

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsletterMay2023v71n5.pdf

Announcing: Summer 2023 Rockin’ PD

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:26:21 GMT

In Partnership with Virginia’s Transportation Construction Alliance and Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter

VAST Announces Summer 2023 Rockin’ PD

Save the Dates: Tentative Dates for Tours of Operating Quarries

June 23, 2023 – E. Dillon & Co. – Swords Creek, VA (SW VA)
June 30, 2023 – C.W. Barger & Son – Lexington, VA
July 21, 2023 – Vulcan – Dale Quarry – Chester, VA
July 28, 2023 – Luck Stone – Bull Run Quarry – Chantilly, VA

The second annual Rockin’ PD will be held this summer. These unique experiences are free of charge to VAST members and open to educators of all grade levels.

Earn professional development hours, if approved by your school evaluators!

For more information, check the VAST website and future newsletters for updated information. Attend one or all four drive-in field trips at four unique Virginia locations.

2022 PDI Presentations Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:50:08 GMT

2022 PDI presentations are now available for VAST members:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/2022PDIPresentations/

Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 22:07:32 GMT

Download the latest issue of The Science Educator:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/January2023v71n3.pdf

Fall Edition of The Science Eductor Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 22:51:43 GMT

Download the latest issue of The Science Educator:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsletterOct22.pdf

Summer Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 17:02:32 GMT

The summer edition of the Jounal of Virginia Science Education is now available: https://vast.wildapricot.org/jvsev15n1/

Late Spring Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 09 May 2022 22:33:19 GMT

The late Spring edition of The Science Educator is now available for downlaod.

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/May2022v70n5.pdf

2022 Donna Sterling Institute Registration Open

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 12:02:57 GMT

Donna Sterling Institute

Using Problem-based Learning in Finding Smart Solutions in Energy and Climate Science

November 10, 2022; 8am-3pm

In Person: Double Tree by Hilton-Williamsburg, VA

We are pleased to announce the 2022 Donna Sterling Institute with Don Haas as the featured speaker and in conjunction with NEED Energy.

Participants will

1. Use a PBL approach to learn about climate and energy.

2. Engage in National Energy Education Development (NEED) activities to support understanding of climate and alternative energy.

3. Learn and apply the key components of a PBL unit to meet Virginia Standards and the needs of your students.

Registration includes a hotel room for Wednesday night, breakfast and lunch, plus 7 hours of recertification points.

Donna Sterling Institute Registration: $75

(Institute registration fee does not include registration for the VAST PDI)

https://vast.wildapricot.org/event-4766879

Registration Opens March 15 and Ends October 31, 2022

Donna Sterling’s vision of problem-based learning (PBL) as a means of teaching and integrating science with math, engineering, technology, and language arts is timeless. She was committed to meeting the diverse needs of our students through culturally responsive and equitable practices. Her legacy lives on in the Sterling Institute which supports teachers in developing and enacting PBL units in their instruction through a 7-hour professional development experience.

Here is your chance to learn how to implement this powerful teaching strategy!

Instructors: Jaclyn Claytor, Robin Curtis, Dr. Elizabeth Edmondson, Emily Hawbaker, Suzanne Kirk, Dr. Jennifer Maeng, Dr. Anne Mannarino, Dr. Juanita Jo Matkins, Dr. Jackie McDonnough, LoriAnn Pawlik, and Dr. Eric Pyle Retiring President NSTA.

Spring Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:39:18 GMT

The Spring Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/spring2022v70n4.pdf

Winter Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 17:57:07 GMT

The winter edition of The Science Educator is now available:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/January2022NewsletterV70N3.pdf

2021 Fall Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:45:29 GMT

Click here to download.

The 2021 Summer Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:28:26 GMT

In this issue, you will discover:

2021 PDI virtual and in-person - "PDI Plus" updates;
Exciting line-up of general session speakers;
2021 PDI concurrent session presentations;
Donna Sterling Institute information; and,
Call for nominations for 2021 awards and grants!

Click here to download.

The 2021 Summer Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:56:01 GMT

We are pleased to publish the Summer 2021 issue of the Journal of Virginia Science Education.

Additionally, VAST invites pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, science education faculty, and informal science educators to submit papers for the Winter 2021 issue. The theme is Integrating the VA Computer Science Standards into K-12 Science Instruction and we’d love for you to share lesson activities, solutions, and research associated with all you’ve learned over the past year. Manuscripts unrelated to the theme are also welcome. Submissions are due July 31, 2021 and the winter issue will be published December 15, 2021.

Summer is a great time to reflect on your practice over the previous semester. If you have questions, please reach out to Amanda Gonczi and Jenn Maeng, journal co-editors at journal@vast.org.

Job Announcement: Environmental Educator Blandy Experimental Farm

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:37:36 GMT

Environmental Educator opportunity at the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm!

Blandy is seeking a full time educator to work with our preK-12 Education and Scientific Engagement Programs.

If you enjoy working with learners of ALL ages and find meaning in guiding others in outdoor-based science investigations, this may be the job for you!

To learn more about this position and how to apply, please go to: https://blandy.virginia.edu/job-opportunities

The 2021 Spring Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Sat, 08 May 2021 13:16:16 GMT

The Spring edition of The Science Educator is now available for download. Go to: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Newsletter%20May%202021.pdf

Early Spring Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 15:11:23 GMT

Download the latest edition of The Science Educator:

https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/NewsletterMarch2021.pdf

Virginia Public Service Announcement: Statewide Tornado Drill March 16

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 18:32:53 GMT

Job Announcement: Environmental Science Content Expert

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:35:30 GMT

WHRO has received funding to create an online high school Environmental Science online course and make it available to divisions across the Commonwealth of Virginia for free. We are currently building a team of teachers to work as environmental science content experts on this project. To learn more, go to:

https://corporate.whro.org/employment-opportunities/job-listings/10-employment-opportunities/130-es-content-developers

Check Out the Latest Edition of The Science Educator

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:16:46 GMT

Winter Edition of The Science Educator Now Available

In this first issue of 2021, you will discover:

VAST RISE awardees
Results of the annual election
VERSE - a new benefit for members
New resources for teaching and learning

Download your copy here.

2020 PDI Presentations Are Now Available to All VAST Members!

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:28:37 GMT

When we began the year, one of our goals was to provide more professional content for VAST members. Then came the challenge of the pandemic and we rose to the occasion by transitioning the annual PDI to a virtual format. That gave us a unique opportunity that we think you will appreciate and be able to use throughout 2021 and beyond!

Prior to the PDI, keynote speakers and presenters shared videos and pdfs. During the PDI, all the Zoom presentations were recorded in both video and audio files, chats were transcribed, and some presenters provided pdfs.

Even if you weren’t able to attend the PDI, or you did attend but missed an interesting sounding presentation, we have created a comprehensive web page with all the files organized for easy access. From this page VAST members can access all instructional materials including, video and audio recordings and pdfs from the 2020 virtual PDI!

Need points for recertification or just want to expand your science knowledge or instructional pedagogy, there are over 120 presentations to explore across a wide range of science disciplines and levels. To learn more, VAST members go to: www.vast.org/2020pdipresentations/

Winter Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:40:47 GMT

We are pleased to publish the Winter 2020 issue of the Journal of Virginia Science Education, which is available to VAST members on the website. Additionally, JVSE invites pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, science education faculty, and informal science educators to submit papers for the Summer 2021 issue of JVSE. The theme is Strategies to Support Learning the Age of COVID-19 and we’d love for you to share lesson activities, solutions, and research associated with all you’ve learned over the past year! Submissions unrelated to the theme are also welcome!!! Submissions due March 1, 2021 and the Summer issue will be published July 1, 2021. Winter break is a great time to reflect on your practice over the previous semester! If you have questions, please reach out to Amanda Gonczi and Jenn Maeng, journal co-editors at journal@vast.org.

Member download: https://vast.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/JVSEv13n2Winter2020.pdf

Announcing the Fall Issue of The Science Educator Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 23:11:12 GMT

Check out the latest issue of The Science Educator.

Announcing Wind and Solar Energy Workshop at JMU

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:18:58 GMT

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy (CASE)
WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY WORKSHOP
in partnership with The NEED Project
MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND REGISTER TODAY!

DATE
October 30, 2020
Virtual Workshop
Zoom details will be provided closer to workshop date

HOW CAN YOU ATTEND?
Click and complete your registration!
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=hyzzrodab&oeidk=a07ehck41q59b394e4b

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

5^th-12^th grade teachers
CTE educators

FOR THE ATTENDEES:

Substitute reimbursement/stipend
pre workshop materials
NEED curriculum packet

Agenda

Before workshop: Pre-test (emailed link)

8:45 a.m. Teachers begin to log in

9:00 a.m. Introductions, norms, goals

Introduction of sponsors and facilitators, Zoom norms and expectations, and goals for the workshop

9:10 a.m. Renewable Energy Mentimeter Teachers participate in fun online response forum

9:30 a.m. Science of Energy transformation and forms and sources

10:00 a.m. Candy Collector and Electric Connections

10:55 a.m. Quick Break

11:00 a.m. Introduction to Wind Energy

11:15 a.m. Wind energy activity breakout

Breakout groups will do Wind Can Do Work and Build an Anemometer and report back.

12:15 p.m. Break for lunch

12:45 p.m. Wind Reporting – Successes and challenges

1:00 p.m. Introduction to Solar Energy

Teachers will learn about solar energy, its limitations, and its benefits

1:15 p.m. Quick Break

1:20 p.m. Solar Energy Activity Breakout

Build a Solar oven challenge and work with UV beads and report back

2:05 p.m. Solar Reporting – successes and challenges

2:20 p.m. Wrap-up

Posttest and evaluation links shared

2:30 p.m. Adjourn

QUESTIONS?
Contact Wendi Moss at wmoss@need.org or
call 1-800-875-5029

Virginia Academy of Science Mentorship Assistance Program for High School Teachers

VAST Webmaster — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 11:57:17 GMT

Virginia Academy of Science Mentorship Assistance Program

If you are a high school teacher with an interest in having a mentor work with your class, please fill out the form found at: https://secure4.hsc.edu/forms/view.php?id=116443

Apply Now for $1000 Mini-grant!

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:03:03 GMT

Deadline Approaching for The Teaching of Geology Mini-grant Proposal

The reviewers are looking for proposals that will result in more hands-on activities, and a better understanding of the importance of geologic resources, and/or geologic principles.

All K-12 educators, public and private, are eligible to apply.

Deadline is August 20.

Click here for more information.

Just Released: The Science Educator PDI Exclusive

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 17:19:33 GMT

The Summer Edition of The Science Educator Is Now Available

In this issue, dedicated to the November PDI, you will discover:

unique experiences being planned;
the schedule at-a-glance;
exciting keynote speakers;
a wide variety of presentations on every level; and,
details on over 120 live and prerecorded sessions!

Click here to download your copy.

The Virginia Academy of Science Is Looking for Mentors and to Place Mentors in Classrooms

VAST Webmaster — Sat, 25 Jul 2020 18:36:18 GMT

Last year the Virginia Academy of Science launched a new outreach effort in which mentors recruited from the Commonwealth’s colleges, universities, and research centers worked long-term with students in high school classrooms on a research project of local interest. For 2020-21, there will be a strong need for supporting K-12 classrooms across the Commonwealth that will be suffering from uncertainty about the ability to meet in person and to work on science projects. To that end, we are looking to recruit both mentors (grad students, postdocs, instructors, scientists, etc.) and high school teachers who would like their students to participate in a virtually-driven long-term research project. To do this, we would like to offer high school instructors the opportunity to either do a project of local interest or to participate in a “Citizen Science” type initiative in which their class will work with others across the Commonwealth and (sometimes) the nation in the collection and analysis of data.

If you might be interested in serving as a mentor in this project, please fill out the form found at: https://secure4.hsc.edu/forms/view.php?id=117158

If you are a high school teacher with an interest in having a mentor work with your class, please fill out the form found at: https://secure4.hsc.edu/forms/view.php?id=1164432

Deadline for Submissions: Journal of Virginia Science Education Is July 31

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:12:31 GMT

Reminder! The deadline to submit an article for winter 2020 JVSE publication is fast approaching. Articles are due by July 31! The theme is Science: An Opportunity to Improve Students' Literacy Skills. We welcome manuscripts focused on this important topic but welcome contributions on any topic. The journal accepts manuscripts that fall within one of three categories: Lesson Activities, Research, and Sharing Solutions. Guidelines for each of these categories are described on the journal homepage. If you have any questions please feel free to email Amanda Gonczi, journal editor, at journal@vast.org.

The 2020 Summer Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:44:20 GMT

The latest edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of Virginia Science Education is now available to read and download. Member login required.

Announcing Summer Virtual Nanoscience Professional Development Workshop

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 23:02:37 GMT

The Academy of Integrated Science at Virginia Tech is hosting a Virtual Nanoscience Professional Development Workshop for High School Teachers! The workshop is FREE and classroom kits will be mailed to each teacher participant. Virtual activities will take place the weeks of July 6^th, July 13^th, July 20^th, and July 27^th. We hope that you can come!

Click here to see a flyer with additional details including the registration link. Learn about nanoscience and how you can add it into YOUR classroom activities!

Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you (virtually) this summer!

Thanks so much,

Charlotte Parks

Academic Advisor and Recruiter

Academy of Integrated Science

Hahn Hall South, Suite 2108, 800 West Campus Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061

540-231-8131

crobrtz@vt.edu

Call for Participants in Science Education Research Project

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 16:44:06 GMT

Dear Elementary Mathematics & Science Educators:

Since January, Sabrina and I have been planning our summer research study focusing on how mathematics and/or science teachers have made decisions based on the updated mathematics and science standards. We invite your participation by sharing your knowledge and expertise about your approach to professional development by completing our Google form survey. Below, you will find the link to the questions. We anticipate the survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be analyzed as a group so that individual confidentiality will be maintained.

Our overall research question:

Deeper Learning: How do elementary mathematics and science teachers acquire strategies and content knowledge to promote student success?

Deeper learning:

For the purpose of this study, we are using the description of deeper learning to include:

“...experiences equipping students with the skills to find, analyze, and apply knowledge in new and emerging contexts and situations, and prepare them for college, work, civic participation … and lifelong learning in a fast-changing and information-rich world.” (Darling-Hammond & Oakes, 2019 p.4)

https://forms.gle/dTgx28EUXBykp4Z19

We appreciate your questionnaire response by Friday, June 19th

At the end of the survey, you will have an opportunity to continue dialogue on this topic by signing up for one of our "virtual chats" with other teachers who have similar interests in elementary mathematics & science education. Participants who complete the survey and participate in our "virtual chat" forums, will receive a $15 Panera lunch voucher.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cheryl Lindeman, Assistant Professor of Education

clindeman@randolphcollege.edu

Sabrina Johnson, Elementary Education Major Class of 2021

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Education Summer Update

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 26 May 2020 14:51:49 GMT

During the unprecedented COVID-19 times our Education Field Programs are suspended through July 31, 2020. All summer courses through July 31^st are being moved online. We have updated out Learn Outside, Learn at Home website to include new video learning, field investigation lessons and printed watershed curriculum as well as resources from our experts. For any questions or more online learning support please contact chesapekaclassrooms@cbf.org

CBF provides high-quality professional learning that meets the evolving needs of teachers and schools across the watershed through the Chesapeake Classrooms® program. Our program enables teachers and school administrators to involve the entire school community in outdoor learning experiences that are aligned with local school system standards.

Chesapeake Classrooms focuses on methods for incorporating environmental education into the core subject areas of reading, math, science, and social studies. The resources used in Chesapeake Classrooms meet state educational standards in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Chesapeake Classrooms increases students' achievement and engagement in learning while improving their environmental literacy and stewardship ethic.Chesapeake Classrooms offers:

· Five-day online summer immersion courses. More than 20 courses are available in June, July, and August 2020!

· We have designed courses to fit any schedule. All courses cost only $50!

· An online Resource Library full of video lessons and student investigations for year-round support of course participants.

· The opportunity to design a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience with collaboration and feedback provided by peer and mentor teachers.

PRINCIPALS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Through the Principals Environmental Leadership Program, CBF provides high-quality professional learning that meets the evolving needs of administrators and schools. Through field experience, training, resources, and collegial discussion, these key leaders learn how to design a school program that utilizes and benefits the local environment and their schoolyard.
ALL JUNE AND JULY PRINCIPAL COURSES ARE POSTPONED AND WILL RESUME SUMMER 2021.

Call for Submissions: Journal of Virginia Science Education

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 26 May 2020 14:40:11 GMT

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

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 26 May 2020 14:04:48 GMT

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:

Job Announcement: Chemistry Teacher, Cristo Rey Richmond High School

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 19:29:19 GMT

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/

Test Science Lessons for PBS

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 17:49:31 GMT

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.

Student Leadership Opportunities: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:15:11 GMT

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

Job Announcement: Administrative Assistant Virginia Environmental Endowment

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:37:04 GMT

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

Deadline for Submissions for The Science Educator: March 1

VAST Webmaster — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 23:10:56 GMT

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.

Deadline for Submissions for Next Journal: March 1

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 02:21:23 GMT

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 Is Now Available

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:05:35 GMT

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 Application Deadline Extended

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:56:05 GMT

“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.

Teacher Appreciation Day at the Science Museum of Virginia January 25

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 01:14:15 GMT

Teacher Appreciation Day and Open House

Saturday, January 25 • 9:30 am – noon

Teacher Appreciation Day is back at the Science Museum of Virginia! Teachers, bring your immediate family, show your school ID and receive FREE general Museum admission for both you and your family! Don’t miss a day of fun that includes our new touring exhibition, Giant Insects.

Make sure to RSVP on Facebook and you’ll get a reminder before the open house.

For more information, contact us at 804.864.1400 or info@smv.org.

SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA Teacher Appreciation Day and Open House

Check Out the Latest Edition of the Journal of Virginia Science Education

VAST Webmaster — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:12:13 GMT

The 2019 winter issue of JVSE (member login required) includes four manuscripts each with a very different and unique focus- providing something of interest and value for all readers. As disparate as the articles may seem, they are all concerned with supporting student interest, success, and identity within science through innovative instruction.

The first article, “Do you see what I see? Plant and animals and habitats, oh my!” is a Lesson Activity to support elementary students’ understanding of observations and inferences in science. In the article, “Lights, camera, and a call to action: Women in media help promote science identity in female students” the authors Share a Solution to help teachers foster a science identity among their female students using video. The approach can be used with students of any age. The final articles are both Research Articles that involve high school students. These manuscripts address the oral argumentation abilities of students with disabilities and cross-disciplinary impacts of students’ math identity, respectively. Together, the articles comprising the winter 2019 issue of JVSE provide a variety of practical options that teachers and administrators can add to their toolboxes when designing and implementing science programs.

VAST Region 2 Professional Development Day December 7, 2019

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 01:43:20 GMT

Better Together:

Connecting Educators with Engaging

Resources

and

Region 2- Virginia Association of Science Teachers Professional Development Day

When:Saturday, December 7, 2019

Time: 9am-12pm

Where:National Institute of Aerospace (NIA)

100 Exploration Way

Hampton, VA 23666

What will be offered:

Training from National Geographic Society, Geo-Inquiry Process and Phase 1 Certification
Engineering Activities for Science Classrooms using NASA eClips™ Resources
Minute-to-Win-It Science Edition
Lunch

Cost: $5 per attendee

Click here to register.

Space is limited: Contact Becky Schnekser rebeccaschnekser@capehenry.org

New Facebook Page for VAST Region 2 Launches

VAST Webmaster — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 23:30:29 GMT

Check out the new Facebook Page for VAST Region 2: https://www.facebook.com/vastregion2

Free NASA Opportunities for Virginia High School Students and Teachers

VAST Webmaster — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:05:39 GMT

Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provides the following FREE STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities for Virginia high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Each of these programs also hires a cadre of educators to help grade student work. We are hoping that you can help to spread the word about these same opportunities to your colleagues and students:

FREE NASA OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS!

10^TH GRADE
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) – Online course for 10^th grade students focusing on missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with a week-long summer academy program at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/

11^TH AND 12^TH GRADE
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) – Online course for 11^th and 12^th grade students focusing on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars with a week-long summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. Students can earn up to four free dual enrollment college credits. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/

11^TH AND 12^TH GRADE
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) – This interactive online earth system science course for 11^th and 12^th grade students features NASA scientific research and data. Students can earn up to five dual enrollment college credits and can also be selected to attend a summer academy program at NASA Langley Research Center. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS

Our online course applications are OPEN UNTIL NOVEMBER 10^th for 10^th – 12^th grade students to apply. Each program also hires a cohort of Master Teachers to grade student work. Please refer to each program’s website for details on becoming a paid Master Teacher!

PDI Early Bird Registration Extended to Sunday, October 20

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:52:59 GMT

Early Bird registration has been extended to October 20. Click here to register.

VAST Website Restored

VAST Webmaster — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:50:34 GMT

Thank you for your patience!

Members: when you go to login, you will need to click on the "Forgot password" link and reset your password.

Science Olympiad at Virginia Tech

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:28:54 GMT

On behalf of the President of the Science Olympiad at Virginia Tech, I would like to invite the elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers in your school to participate in our third annual Science Olympiad regional tournament. Medals will be awarded to the top 6 teams in each event and trophies to the top 5 overall schools.

Please visit Virginia Science Olympiad for more information about starting a team.

For specific questions about the Science Olympiad at Virginia Tech, please visit our website or email us at scienceolympiadvt@gmail.com.

Grant Opportunity from the Department of Aviation

VAST Webmaster — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:13:59 GMT

Good News! There is still time and funds available for a teacher's grant for the 2019-2020 school year. If you have an aviation themed lesson plan, you can apply for $500 dollars of reimbursement for materials you need to purchase. Purchase drones so your students can study coastal erosion, purchase balsa airplanes so your students can practice building, or purchase tickets for an aviation field trip. The Department of Aviation wants to help you bring aviation to the classroom. Application is attached and can be mailed to 5702 Gulfstream Road Richmond Virginia 23250. Find applications online here. Lift up your students into the high paying jobs of tomorrow. Apply today!