Opportunities+for+Teachers+Four

Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh Workshops

The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh and the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh will conduct teacher workshops for any educational organizations (school districts, Intermediate Units, etc.) These include our Light, Color & Spectroscopy for Kids workshop and our Computer Software Workshop for Chemistry & Physics Teachers. The workshops are typically a full day, but we can be flexible on the time. We also provide Act 48 credit through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

We sometimes charge a nominal fee for attending, but only as a commitment to attend, and it is optional. An organization that sponsors one of our workshops at their location can make the decision about charging a fee or not. We supply all the needed materials for the workshops at no charge and the teachers take home what is needed to conduct most of the activities back in their own districts.

John A. Varine Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 332 Pittsburgh, PA 15235-5503 724-845-8779 varine@pittcon.org (email) [|www.ssp-pgh.org] (website) [|www.sacp.org] (website)

Reminder: Apply Now for the Mars Education Challenge

The deadline to submit proposals for the Mars Education Challenge is fast approaching. High school science teachers located throughout the country, who have developed or are interested in creating new and innovative curricula support materials that focus on Mars science and exploration, are encouraged to apply.

The Challenge will recognize six winning entries with five regional awards and one national award. Regional winners will receive $2,500 grants and the national winner will receive a $5,000 grant. Additionally, all of the winners will have an opportunity to do field research with well-known planetary scientists. The national winner will receive an expense paid trip to NSTA’s 2011 National Conference on Science Education in San Francisco where he or she will be recognized at a special awards ceremony. Winning lesson plans will be shared with classrooms nationwide.

Don’t delay, register today! Visit the [|Explore Mars website]for complete Challenge details and e-mail info@exploremars.org to register. Submissions must be received by Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered.

Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award

Educators who have demonstrated a commitment to inspiring students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) may apply now to receive the 2011 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. Given annually by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Space Foundation, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to technology education by K-12 educators or district-level education personnel.

The Space Foundation will present the award, which is named after Mercury Astronaut Alan Shepard, on April 11 at the Opening Ceremony of the Space Foundation's 27th National Space Symposium at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The winner will be flown to Colorado Springs, where hotel accommodations will be provided. The winner will receive a commemorative trophy with his or her name engraved and a monetary award of $1,000. In addition, the Award winner's name will be placed on a plaque honoring past recipients that is housed in the Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Applications are due January 15, 2011. For more information visit the [|competition web page.]

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF) Teaching Fellowships

The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (KSTF), an advocate for beginning teachers and the teaching profession, is now accepting applications for its KSTF Teaching Fellowships. Renewable for up to five years and valued at up to $150,000, the competitive Fellowships support America’s best and brightest high school science and math teachers at the critical early juncture of their career. The Teaching Fellowships are awarded annually in the areas of biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences. For more information, visit the Foundation [|website].