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AMSE Newsletter Volume III, Issue 1
March 2014
Inside this Issue
From the President…….Pages 2
AMSE Article……...Page 3
AMSE Events...Pages 4-7
AMSE Award…Pages 9-10
Voting Ballot…..11
Membership….Page 12
Boston, Massachusetts
April 3-6, 2014
Officers
President:
Robert Ferguson, PhD
Immediate Past President
Eddie Chevis
Past President:
Cherry Brewton, Ed. D.
Secretary:
Sharon Delesbore, PhD
Treasurer:
Joe Moore
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From the President
_______________________
Dear AMSE Members,
I hope your winter is going well. It was -17° C (2 °F) this morning as I drove into work. This
colder-than-normal winter has prompted questions about the idea of “global warming.” I used
quotes marks because global warming is a narrow term that refers to average global tempera-
ture increases. The more encompassing term, Global Climate Change on the other hand refers to
changes in temperature, precipitation, and/or wind patterns. Of course, you probably know
that The Next Generation Science Standards include Climate Change. See HS-ESS3, Earth and
Human Activity.
Speaking of the NGSS, have you had a chance to read through them? At a Town Hall meeting
during the NSTA Regional Conference on Science Education in Charlotte, AMSE was fortunate to
have Emily Miller present. Emily was involved with writing, “Appendix D - "All Standards, All
Students”: Making the Next Generation Science Standards Accessible to All Students.” The
vignette she described focused on teaching economically disadvantaged students. She provided
great insight into Appendix D, effective classroom strategies, and other resources.
AMSE is double fortunate as Emily has agreed to participate in the AMSE Town Hall Session at
the NSTA 2014 National Conference in Boston. We have 10 hours of scheduled presentations, we
are hosting the Alice Moses Breakfast, we are holding our annual membership meeting, and in
partnership with the Committee on Equity/Gender we are organizing the Share a thon. We hope
you can join us in Boston.
Voting for candidates will take place soon. We will have a traditional ballot at the membership
meeting in Boston. Look for an announcement on using electronic voting if you are unable to
attend. We greatly desire to hear from you. Cast your votes.
Robert Ferguson
AMSE President, 2013-2016
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On Your Mark, Get Ready, Set…NGSS!
As I travel across the country and hear the excitement about the new science standards, I also hear the panic
about implementation, “Where do we begin?” Well, just like the fastest sprinter will tell you, “You have to relax in order to
focus on your race,” we, as the professional science educators that we are, have to take a deep breath, exhale, and then recog-
nize that this wonderfully designed document gives us our starting point, the Science and Engineering Practices.
The eight Science and Engineering Practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards reflect one of
three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards that help bring science to life. This dimension allows you to create
mental images of we should see taking place in the classroom. The term “practice” insinuates action. Listed are the actions of
scientists:
Dimension 1: Science and Engineering Practices
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
So where should you begin? Regardless if your state has officially adopted the NGSS, start with learning the
format of the NGSS. Once you relax, you will see that it is friendly, comprehensive, and strategically structured to enhance
science education for the next generation. When designing your lessons, use the Science and Engineering Practices as a guide to
ensure your students are “doing” science. This gauge will begin to help you as a teacher evaluate the rigor of your teaching and
your students’ learning. No longer will we sprint through lessons and not assess the knowledge of our students without seeing
the actions of scientists (i.e. Science and Engineering Practices). We must be committed to the practice of science, as any athlete
is committed to his training. The future of our next generation is at stake; therefore, stay strong, train hard, and endure the race
as we grow professionally in order to prepare our future scientists for the next generation.
Reference:
http://www.nextgenscience.org/
Author:
Sharon Delesbore, Ph.D.
Professional Development Associate – The Leadership and Learning Center
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Thursday
AMSE Session: Scientific Concepts Made "Ridiculously" Simple Using Case Studies
Thursday, April 3 8:00–9:00 AM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
This session will assist you in understanding the relevance and implementation of the NGSS with the use of
case studies as a powerful tool to enhance scientific instruction with multicultural populations.
Presenter(s): Chelia McCoo Dogan (Elsik High School: Houston, TX)
AMSE Session: Creating Project Based Learning (PBL) Experiences
Thursday, April 3 9:30–10:30 AM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Learn more about Project Based Learning (PBL), a special case of inquiry used to invigorate any curriculum.
Join us as we discuss examples from urban high schools.
Presenter(s): Robert L. Ferguson (Cleveland State University: Cleveland, OH)
AMSE Session: Developing Science and Engineering Skills Through Informal Science Programs
Thursday, April 3 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Come discover how low-cost materials can be used to develop students' problem-solving skills. This workshop
will share activities that reinforce science and engineering practices.
Presenter(s): Pamela O. Gilchrist (North Carolina State University: Raleigh, NC)
AMSE Session: Helping Students Make Sense of Climate Change
Thursday, April 3 12:30–1:30 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Climate is a particularly complex system controlled by the interactions of the atmosphere, ocean, and other
Earth systems. Earth's climate is governed by the very fundamental First Law of Thermodynamics. This session
presents teacher-developed unit plans that illustrate how K–8 teachers tackled the complexities of issues
around climate change.
Presenter(s): Bobby J. Jeanpierre (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL)
AMSE Session: Engineering Through Aquaculture Technology for Women
Thursday, April 3 2:00–3:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Recirculating aquaculture (fish farming) could be an indirect way to introduce engineering to women and
underserved populations, while addressing scientific concepts and engineering practices.
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Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Board Meeting
Thursday, April 3 3:30–5:30 PM
Seaport Hotel, Seaport Ballroom C
By Invitation Only
Friday
AMSE Alice J. Moses Breakfast
Friday, April 4 7:00–9:00 AM
Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse II
By Invitation Only
AMSE Session: Using Games and Challenges to Formatively Assess Students' Conceptual Understanding in
Science
Friday, April 4 9:30–10:30 AM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Add excitement and pizzazz to your classroom by playing games and challenging your students to think on an
entirely new level! This session will keep your students coming back for more!
Presenter(s): Gale C. Stanford (Holub M.S./Alief ISD: Houston, TX); Karen D. Jacobs
(Alief ISD: Houston, TX)
AMSE Session: The Smarts Are There
Friday, April 4 9:30–10:30 AM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Join this dialogue! Discover the learning fun in the NGSS while challenging ALL students in welcoming class-
room atmospheres drenched with the feeling of "Belonging." Handouts!
Presenter(s): Sue Ford (Retired Educator: Rocky Mount, NC)
AMSE Session: Leadership for the Next Generation in Science Education
Friday, April 4 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
A.I.M. to establish a successful science program with support of knowledgeable leadership willing to prepare all
students for the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will utilize the A.I.M. framework to establish a
successful science program.
Presenter(s): Sharon J. Delesbore (The Leadership and Learning Center: Houston, TX)
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AMSE Session: A Science Teacher's Power: Concrete Strategies for Improved Classroom Equity
Friday, April 4 12:30–1:30 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
As classrooms become more linguistically, racially, and economically diverse, teachers need to develop a toolbox
of strategies to meet the needs of all students.
Presenter(s): Melissa Campanella (Noel Community Arts School: Denver, CO); Deb Morrison (University of Colorado:
Boulder, CO)
AMSE Session: Small Talk, Big Ideas!
Friday, April 4 12:30–1:30 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Engage in conversational techniques promoting rich academic classroom exchanges designed to increase student
opportunities for effective communication in math and science.
Presenter(s): Paula Martin Johnson (Intercultural Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX); Veronica
D. Betancourt (Intercultural Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX)
AMSE Session: Science Instruction for All Students
Friday, April 4 2:00–2:30 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Extend learning by allowing students to creatively demonstrate understanding of science content. These activi-
ties provide students with choices that appeal to their interests and learning profiles.
Presenter(s): Melissa Sleeper (Sebastian River Middle School: Sebastian, FL)
Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Membership Meeting
Friday, April 4 3:00–5:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Seaport Ballroom C
Saturday
AMSE/NSTA Minority Caucus George Washington Carver Breakfast
Saturday, April 5 7:00–9:00 AM
Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse II
By Invitation Only
AMSE Session: Enhancing a STEM Culture Through Multidisciplinary Education and Research Teams
Saturday, April 5 9:30–10:30 AM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Come learn how to enhance an academic pipeline for training and mentoring K–12 and undergraduate students
for STEM careers.
Presenter(s): Preston D. Robinson III (Jackson Public Schools: Jackson, MS); Constance Martin (Jackson State
University: Jackson, MS)
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Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, April 5 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Lighthouse II
Following the Lead of the Next Generation Science Standards: All Standards, All Students
With the increase of learner diversity in our classrooms, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) make it
clear that concerns about equity should be at the forefront of efforts to improve and support learning for all stu-
dents. What are the strategies and what are the promises? Join our discussion and share your ideas!
Facilitators: Cherry C. Brewton, AMSE Past President, and Robert Ferguson, AMSE President
Presenter(s): Emily Miller (Madison Metropolitan School District: Madison, WI); Veronica D. Betancourt (Intercultural
Development Research Association: San Antonio, TX); Pamela O. Gilchrist (North Carolina State University: Raleigh,
NC); Joe Moore (Wheeless Road Elementary School: Augusta, GA); Sharon J. Delesbore (The Leadership and Learning
Center: Houston, TX); Bobby J. Jeanpierre (University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL); Kathy D. Thigpen-Wright
(Hughes STEM High School: Cincinnati, OH); Sue Ford (Retired Educator: Rocky Mount, NC); Deb Morrison (University
of Colorado: Boulder, CO); Lovelle Ruggiero, New York
AMSE Session: A Glimpse at the Science Education in India
Saturday, April 5 12:30–1:00 PM
Seaport Hotel, Constitution
Are you interested to learn about science education in India? This session will provide information about the science
curricula and standardized testing in India.
Presenter(s): Kitchka Petrova (Florida State University: Tallahassee, FL)
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“The AMSE Awards” In an effort to honor AMSE members for their efforts in promoting science teaching and learning to students of culturally diverse backgrounds, the
Awards Committee invites you to apply for one of the following recognitions:
1. Legends in Science Education Award
2. Excellence in Science Teaching Award
3. Leadership in Science Education Award
This award will recognize educators (AMSE members) including K – 12 classroom teachers, K – 12 administrators, collegiate level professors and
retirees with a minimum of 15 years experience who have paved the way for science education. These legends focus on providing opportunities for
students of culturally diverse backgrounds.
This award will recognize K – 12* classroom teachers (AMSE members) who exemplify the following objectives of AMSE:
1. Stimulate and promote science teaching to students of culturally diverse backgrounds.
2. Motivate such students to consider science-related careers.
Explore and promote the improvement of science curricula, educational systems and teaching methods in school to assist such stimulations.
*No limitation based on years of teaching experience
This award will recognize individuals (AMSE members) in leadership positions who exemplify the following objectives of AMSE:
1. Recruit and involve teachers of students of culturally diverse backgrounds in science education.
Encourage teachers to initiate and engage in activities and programs that improve the science education of culturally diverse students.
Winners of an AMSE Awards will:
Recognition at the annual Alice Moses breakfast.
Receive a “Certificate of Recognition”
Spotlight on the AMSE website
Commit to one of the following:
1. Submit an article for publication in the AMSE newsletter.
2. Prepare a lesson focusing on multiculturalism for the Share-A-Thon presented by the
Multicultural/Equity Committee
3. Present at a national/regional conference as an AMSE designee
4. Please note:
Number of winners per award based upon applications received and committee selection (rubric)
Self – nominations will be accepted.
Application deadline: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 5:00 pm (central); submit to Sharon Delesbore at [email protected]
Legends in Science Education Award
Excellence in Science Teaching Award
Leadership in Science Education Award
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The AMSE Awards Application
Personal Information Title: Mr. Ms. Mrs. Dr.
Last Name: _________________________ First Name: _________________________
Home Address: _______________________________________________________
Home Phone: _______________________ Mobile: ______________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________
AMSE Membership since: ______________ (initial membership year)
Complete one (1) section for the appropriate recognition:
Legends in Science Education Award
Years of experience in science education: _________
Essay: Describe, in detail, your contribution to science education including opportunities you have created for students of
culturally diverse backgrounds. (500 words maximum)
Years of teaching science: ________
Essay: As a teacher, how do you stimulate, motivate, and promote science education to students of culturally diverse
backgrounds? In what ways have you explored and promoted the improvement of science curricula, educational
systems and teaching methods in school to assist such stimulations?
(500 words maximum)
Years in educational leadership: __________
Essay: As an educational leader, discuss your involvement in recruiting teachers of students of culturally diverse back-
grounds in science education as well as your role in encouraging teachers to initiate and engage in activities and
programs that improve the science education of culturally diverse students.
(500 words maximum)
Application deadline: Thursday , March 20, 2014, 5:00 pm (central)
Submit to Sharon Delesbore, AMSE Secretary, at [email protected]
Excellence in Science Teaching Award
Leadership in Science Education Award
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AMSE Ballot: 2014
President-Elect (Term is 2014-2016). Vote for one
_____1. Sharon Delesbore
_____2. Rajeev Kumar Swami
Secretary (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one
_____1. Pamela Olivia Gilchrist
Treasurer (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one
No Nominations
Board of Director #1 (Term is 2014-2015). Vote for one
_____1. Lovelle Ruggiero
Board of Director #2 (Term is 2014-2016). Vote for one
_____1. Bobby Jeanpierre
Board of Director #3 (Term is 2014-2016). Vote for one
_____1. Deb Morrison
Board of Director #4 (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one
_____1. Chelia McCoo Dogan
Board of Director #5 (Term is 2014-2017). Vote for one
_____1. Rajeev Kumar Swami
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AMSE Website and Member-
ship Application
http://www.amsek16.org/
www.amsek16.org/
Welcome.html
AMSE Newsletter Committee
Cherry Brewton, Ed. D.
Chelia McCoo Dogan
Robert Ferguson, PhD
Pamela Gilchrist
Sharon Delesbore, PhD