Science+Advisory+Council

Several districts have expressed concern regarding the preparation of students for the Science PSSA. Therefore, a //Science Advisory Council// has been formed to address best practices in science instruction Kindergarten through grade twelve.The council will meet monthly to review data, conduct research, consult with experts in the appropriate content area and, most importantly, to network. The end result will be recommendations for best practices in the areas of curricular sequencing and instructional strategies.

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Mission Statement
The mission of the Science Advisory Committee is to promote science achievement and enjoyment in the schools and communities by increasing communication between and within districts and providing sustained, high quality professional development for teachers at all levels.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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Monday, March 16, 2009
= = =Science Resources in All Areas= = = =[]= = = =National science competition for students in grades 5-8.= [|www.youngscientistchallenge.com] Each student must select one (1) of the following scientific concepts (each a "Scientific Concept" and collectively ("Scientific Concepts"): (1) **Demonstrate a method, or fabricate and employ a common device or material which will alter (dampen, or enhance) the sound emitted from a household communication or entertainment device.**

(2) **Adapt a common household material or device to enhance the performance of any sports or recreation device and implement it.**
 * Example:** How can I play my music system for my own enjoyment, without disturbing the rest of the house?

(3) **When we encounter an area of our house that is always "too dark," often our first inclination is to add another lamp or light fixture. Using common materials and items found around your home, demonstrate an alternative strategy for bringing light to a darkened area of your home without adding or subtracting the number of lamps or light fixtures. Alternatively, present an innovative method for dimming ambient light.**
 * Example:** What can I do to the soles of my shoes to make them better perform when I skate board?

(4) **Design and implement an engaging method to demonstrate and explain how heat consumed in the home may be conserved or better distributed throughout the house. Alternatively, you may opt to "reverse the energy flow" and demonstrate an innovative method for improving the removal of heat from your home.**
 * Example:** How can I make the dark corner of my room brighter, without adding more electric lights? Or, there is too much glare on my television screen which hinders my video gaming. What innovative method can I devise to resolve that problem?


 * Example:** What device or method can you contrive which might help lower your family’s heating or cooling bills?

Scientific Method Classroom Poster
In partnership with Seagate Technology, Science Buddies has developed a classroom poster providing an overview of the six steps of the scientific method, as described on the Science Buddies website. It is now available as a 35" x 19.4" classroom poster from our [|Science Buddies Store at CafePress.com], or as a PDF for anyone interested in printing their own copies. For student handouts, printing on legal-size paper (8.5" x 14") works quite nicely. For the full-size poster, you can "tile print" the pages and assemble the full 26"x36" poster.



[|STEM] Academy for Educators, August 5-6, 2009 Manheim Township High School, [|Lancaster], PA [|Conference Book]

Interactive Simulations
Fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena from the PhET project at the University of Colorado. This ite is available in multiple languages and includes full lesosn plans and a search for topics option. []