1998 TEA / NSTA Convention Notes 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm - 18 April 1998 Attendees Mr. Peter Amati, TEA 92/93, Holliston High School, Holliston, Massachusetts Mr. Shawn Beightol, TEA 98/99, Wm. H. Turner Technical Arts High School, Miami, Florida Ms. Carole Bennett, TEA 96/97, Gaither High School, Florida Ms. Elke Bergholz, TEA 98/99, United Nations International School, New York, New York Ms. Margaret Brumsted, TEA 96/97, Chelsea High School, Massachusetts Mr. Sam Carter, TEA Computer Programmer, Rice University, Houston, Texas Ms. Besse Dawson, TEA 97/98, Pearland High School, Pearland, Texas Mr. Frederick Fotsch, TEA 95/96, Springfield, Missouri Ms. Kim Giesting, Connorsville High School, Connorsville, Indiana Mr. Mike Hardy, TEA Computer Programmer, Rice University, Houston, Texas Mr. Adam Hawthorn, TEA Computer Programmer, Rice University, Houston, Texas Mr. Paul Jones, TEA 97/98, Montezuma Community Schools, Iowa Ms. Anna Klene, Researcher 97/98, SUNY-Albany, New York Ms. Sandra Kolb, TEA 96/97, Fairview Junior High, Bremerton, Washington Ms. Terry Lashley. TEA 97/98 Knoxville, Tennessee Mr. John Nevin TEA 97/98, Crandon High School, Crandon, Wisconsin Mr. George Palo, TEA 95/96, Gig Harbor High School, Gig Harbor, Washington Ms. Marge Porter, TEA 93/94, Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, Connecticut Ms. Barbara Schulz, TEA 96/97, Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington Ms. Stephanie Shipp, TEA Coordinator, Rice University, Houston, Texas Ms. Sandy Shutey, TEA 97/98, Butte High School, Butte, Montana Mr. Steve Stevenoski, TEA 95/96, Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Dr. Wayne Sukow, TEA Program Officer, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation Ms. Betty Trummel, Husmann Elementary, Crystal Lake, Illinois Kathy Welch, Researcher 97/98, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama Ms. Linda Wygoda, TEA 96/97, Sam Houston High School, Lake Charles, Louisiana Discussion Points: Announcements Discuss 1997/1998 field season - what worked, what did not work Recommendations for upcoming field season; relationships with researchers, districts, TEA parcticipants Continued outreach (NSTA, Activities Workshop, etc.) Preparing the PI OPP/EHR can screen the researchers; are they really willing to serve as a mentor to a teacher? Some PIs seem surprised that they are not just getting added research hands. Have the researcher pick the teacher (bid system?) so that they have some "investment" in the success of the interaction. EHR/OPP need to communicate expectations of research experience and educational experience to the PI (some PIs received no communication). TEA Program should send a set of hard copies of the TEA responsibilities (and other pertinent information) to the PI so that they will comprehend the big-picture of the TEAs educational responsibilities. Request that copies are circulated among the research team. Mentor the PIs - help them become effective mentors to the TEAs (e.g., develop a preparatory video for PI). Recommendations to the PI TEAs are part of the research team - they are there to work for AND with the researchers. This is a professional development opportunity. Respect for the professionalism of all involved is key to a positive interaction. Provide insight into the big and small picture of the research project. Remember that it can be difficult to wait for reimbursement and that financial resources for the visit to the lab may be scarce. Perhaps travel and accommodations can be arranged directly through the Institution, or prompt payment of invoices can be assured. If possible, help to expose the TEA to other types of research ongoing in the research environment - without reducing the impact of the primary research experience. Recognize that the TEA has responsibilities (and does need some time each day) to create a daily journal; this has a positive impact on the research team's science in the public awareness. Preparing the TEA have previous TEAs become involved in the applicant review process have previous TEAs interview the short list of applicants - we have a sufficient number to effectively undertake this in some regions. Recommendations to the TEA TEAs should write a letter of introduction to their PI, tell the PI about themselves and request informational materials for the upcoming field season. Perhaps include a picture and a copy of your application. TEAs need to inform the research team and PI of the TEA's responsibilities; acquaint the team with the whole TEA program; demonstrate what has been done in previous years. Discuss and "educate" PI and research team about what makes a good experience based on previous experiences. Understand that resources may be limited; a DAILY journal or electronic transmission of images may not be possible, depending on the research location; be flexible. Give time to get time - remember that you are a member of the team. When team members give you time and information, give back by helping the team member with their research - even "grunt work." Recall that the mission of TEA is to have teachers parcticipate in the research experience and infuse that experience into the classroom. COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE - Recall that one of the many strengths of teachers is their interpersonal skills - use these to an advantage Recognize that your presence may be perceived as stepping into the territory of other researcher members - again, use your interpersonal skills to perceive and diffuse situations. "Educate" the research team about your teaching style, methods, ideas, etc. Give a presentation, work to develop activities that reflect best practices. Preparing the District OPP/EHR send a letter to the Principal, School District (a letter was not received by many of the districts in the previous season). Send press release to local paper, professional affiliations, school, district. Mention school and district in the arcticle. Send follow-up press to remind community that the TEA is back and is a resource. Remind the district of the impact of the experience. Teacher as a researcher role model - modeling the scientific process. Bringing current, pertinent science into the classroom. Introducing innovative teaching tools and techniques. Integrating technology into the curriculum. Recommendations for Upcoming Year All TEAs bring attention to TEAs going into the field in every upcoming presentation - 3 to the Arctic; 8 to the Antarctic. New TEAs should visit local schools to generate excitement about following the adventure in the upcoming season. Get the word out about TEA Arctic; inform school summer programs, museums, etc. TEA "To-Do" List Send arcticles to TEA archive Submit a one page fact sheet that details their TEA Activities in the upcoming year. This will be posted on the Website. Create a TEAs-Only Web for TEA meeting notes, notices, evaluations, resources, etc. Expansion Issues TEA at NSTA booth multiple presentations pencils/stickers...something to give away that will remind teachers of TEA Continued growth of the program means that we need to address issues of how to continue to support travel to TEA events (e.g., NSTA, Activities Workshop). There are a limited number of travel stipends available. Suggestions: Individual TEAs are encouraged to apply for grants within the district, and from other sources (e.g., Woodrow Wilson grants, grants in the school district, etc.). Granting preference should be given to those presenting at NSTA. Granting preference should be given to those who are demonstrably active in the TEA program (creating activities, giving presentations, etc.). There should be a sliding scale of support; some teachers cannot get additional support. Three upcoming activities: 15-16 May Orientation at NSF. 98/99 and 97/98 TEAs with a few other years represented will parcticipate in the preparation of the new parcticipants. TEAs from previous years will mentor the new TEAs. 26 July to 1 August Activities Workshop at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Attendance is limited to 14 and will be based on demonstrated outreach in the classroom and contribution of developed and/or activities. Applications will be available in early June. This will be a long, hard (HOT) week, with the objective of brainstorming, developing and reviewing several activities and placing them on the Website for use in other classrooms. If you have activities, even partially completed, send them now. We can round them out during the workshop, or by e-mail. Anyone can submit activities at any time! ECW Gear Three sets are now on loan from Antarctic Support Associates. Three caretakers will monitor the location and condition of the gear. Gear needs to be mailed inexpensively - no overnight Fed Ex, UPS, etc. Plan ahead when you wish to use it and contact the appropriate caretaker. ECW Gear Contacts for each TEA year: Carole Bennett (TEAntarctic 1996/1997) Sickles High School 7950 Gunn Highway Tampa, Florida 33626 (813) 975-7340 (813) 935-1864 Kim Giesting (TEAntarctic 1997/1998) Connersville High School 1100 Spartan Drive Connersville, IN 47331 (765) 825-1151 #319 (office) (765) 825-5572 (home) (765) 825-0777 (fax) Betty Trummel (TEAntarctic 1998/1999) Husman Elementary 131 Paddock Street Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014 (815) 477-4477 Back to: TEA Information Front Page