SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS EDUCATION INSTITUTE UPCOMING EVENTS
The Science and Mathematics Education Institute is busy preparing for a variety of upcoming events designed to increase student and teacher interest in science and mathematics related fields. On Feb. 27, the Institute will sponsor the 2nd Annual FHSU Regional Science and Engineering Fair, open to students in grades 4 through 12. Winners can earn entry into the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1. Also, judges are still needed for this event. Anyone who majored in mathematics or science is encouraged to volunteer. Applications are available at www.fhsu.edu/smei .
The Western Kansas Robotics Competition, open to all area middle school students - grades five to eight - will take place on the FHSU campus on Apr. 9. Teams of two to four students will construct robots from parts found in a single standard Lego Robotics kit and compete in one or more events. Awards and points will be given, as well as an overall trophy for the team that acquires the largest number of total points.
A new event, Eco Camp, is scheduled for May 1 on the FHSU campus. This event is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and the Science and Mathematics Education Institute and is open to students in grades 3 to 12. Presentations and activities will focus on eco/environmental consciousness, sustainability, and various forms of energy such as wind energy, solar energy, biofuels, and geo-thermal. A nominal fee will be charged. Scouting badges will be awarded for participation.
With the beginning of summer, activity at the Science and Mathematics Institute heats up with several camps and workshops. June 6 through 11, the institute is hosting CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Girls’ Math & Science Camp, designed to encourage middle-school girls’ continued interest in math and science, and help them explore math- and science-related careers. Later in June, the Institute hosts another camp for students who have completed grades four, five or six. Titled Kansas Starbase 2010 Summer Academy, the camp will run June 28 through July 1. It promises action and adventure in science and technology with projects such as Eggbert’s Crashlander, Model Rocketry, Newton Mobiles, Team Patch, and Global Navigation. All project supplies and a t-shirt are provided with a $75 registration fee. Fast Track RC Summer Camp, for grades seven to 12, will take place June 21 through 24. This camp uses high-powered radio controlled cars to provide an exciting way for students to use all the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts to design, build, and fine-tune their cars to racing success.
For middle- and high-school teachers, a new continuing education workshop and online course, Exploring the Solar System, will begin this summer. The course consists of an eight-week online component and a one-week face-to-face workshop, NASA Robotics, from June 7 through 11. The workshop will be presented by a member of the Aerospace Education Services Project (AESP). It is designed to provide teachers with tools to increase the interest level of middle and high school students in space exploration and other STEM disciplines. Participation in the course is limited to 18 teachers. Teachers in the course will receive a tuition scholarship and an NXT2 robotics kit. Space is currently being made available in the NASA Robotics Workshop to teachers who do not have time for the full course. The fee for the workshop is $20.
Also for teachers, Energizing Middle School Science and Social Studies through a Problem-Based Learning Energy Curriculum, is scheduled on the FHSU campus, July 12 - 15 and 19 - 22, with a third week of independent study. This workshop is designed to improve teacher knowledge in science through alternative energy resources and their relation to the global environment. It also promotes transdisciplinary teaching using relevant social studies and science topics and helps teachers develop skills for utilizing problem-based learning.
Fort Hays State and Emporia State Universities are offering a three-week workshop July 12 - 15, 19 - 22, and 26 - 29, for high school physics, chemistry and physical science teachers. The workshop, Modeling Instruction Institute (MI2), supported by an Improving Teacher Quality Partnership grant administered by the Kansas Board of Regents, will convene concurrent sessions on the ESU and FHSU campuses. The focus of the Institute at FHSU is physics, and the focus at ESU is chemistry. Second semester modeling topics for experienced Modelers will be available at each site. Teams of teachers as well as individual teachers are encouraged to apply.
Information and registration forms for all camps and workshops can be found online at www.fhsu.edu/smei. Questions should be directed to Barbara Rockers ’05, at smei@fhsu.edu (785) 628-4168 or Ann Ryan Noble ’05, at amryan@fhsu.edu (785) 628-5449.