Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium Newsletter for Teachers

[Irene Svete]

The Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium's electronic newsletter for
teachers provides curriculum ideas, Internet links and other resources to
help you better meet the Washington EALRs and the National Science Education
Standards.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

-- A SOLAR ECLIPSE ON CHRISTMAS
-- MUSEUM OFFERS NEW BIO BULLETIN
-- PENN STATE WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS (6-12)
-- TWO WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON SOLAR SYSTEM (3-12)
-- FREE SPACE DAY POSTERS

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A SOLAR ECLIPSE ON CHRISTMAS

This year, December 25 also offers the spectacle of a partial eclipse of the
Sun, visible throughout all of North America with the exception of Alaska.
This is the fourth and final solar eclipse of 2000. Those on the West Coast
should begin looking for it from about 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The coverage of the Sun varies across the U.S., from over 60 percent in the
northeastern states to less than 20 percent in the Southwest. If you add
viewing it to your winter festivities, be sure to wear proper eye protection
or learn how to view the eclipse safely. To see Moon phases and more sky
highlights, go to

http://www.almanac.com/cgi-bin/heaven.pl?mooninput=current

MUSEUM OFFERS NEW BIO BULLETIN

Bio Bulletin from the American Museum of Natural History presents data and
stories on topics related to global biodiversity including population,
habitat, species diversity and distribution, natural resources, and
conservation. Feature stories include "Man Bites Shark: Can These Great
Survivors Survive?" and "West Niles Virus: A Medical Detective Story." Visit
the Bio Bulletin at

http://sciencebulletins.amnh.org/biobulletin/

PENN STATE SUMMER WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS (6-12)

Middle school and high school teachers from across the country have a
opportunity to experience some of the most exciting fields of science --
astronomy, astrobiology, biotechnology, and physics -- with senior faculty
known for their excellence in both teaching and research. Scholarships are
available for five summer workshops being offered on the Penn State
University Park campus.

Teachers will participate in hands-on activities, meet with scientists and
researchers, and tour various labs and research sites.  Participants will
receive two graduate credits from Penn State for each workshop.  Room,
board, and a travel allowance are provided. Information regarding the
workshops and a downloadable application are available at:

http://www.psu.edu/spacegrant/k12/educators.html

TWO WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON SOLAR SYSTEM (3-12)

Our solar system and NASA's search for life on our neighboring planets will
be the focus of the NASA Regional Educator Resource Center's free Saturday
workshops this winter. On Jan. 27, Debby Salter -- a Meadowdale Middle
School teacher and NASA Solar System Educator -- will present classroom
activities and the latest scientific results on the search for life in the
solar system. "Origins: NASA's Search for Life," aimed at grades 5-12, goes
beyond imaginary aliens and challenge students to question the very notion
of "what is life."

On Feb. 10, Island Park Elementary teacher Thelma Ritchie brings the
astronomy EALRs alive as she demonstrates her favorite activities for
learning about the phases of the moon, as well as the characteristics and
distance scale of the planets. Ritchie is active in Project Astro,
Opportunity Skyway and the Museum of Flight Teacher Advisory Committee, as
well as serving on the science curriculum committee for her district. "Solar
System Favorites" is geared to grades 3-8.

Workshops take place from 1-4 p.m. at the Washington NASA Space Grant
office, Rm. 401, Johnson Hall. Free parking is available on campus.
Pre-registration is required and clock hours are available. To register,
call (206) 543-1943, or e-mail

nasa at u.washington.edu

FREE SPACE DAY POSTERS AVAILABLE

Free Space Day 2001 posters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis
from Washington NASA Space Grant. The fifth annual Space Day will be
celebrated May 3. To request a copy of the poster, call (206) 543-0213, or
e-mail,

nasa at u.washington.edu

Space Day is a global celebration dedicated to the extraordinary
achievements, benefits and opportunities in the exploration and use of
space.  For classroom and online activities, design contests and local
events, visit the Space Day Web site at

http://www.spaceday.com

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FEEDBACK

Ideas, comments and Web sites of interest to other teachers should be sent
to Irene Svete, newsletter editor, at

isvete at geophys.washington.edu

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