News

The Virginia Academy of Science is excited to once again offer its mentorship program for K-12 classrooms across Virginia to pair scientists with K-12 classes to perform long-term science projects.  Once again, we are looking to recruit both mentors (grad students, postdocs, instructors, scientists, etc.) and high school teachers who would like their students to participate in a virtually-driven long-term research project.  We have partnered with the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (www.vjas.org) in this endeavor in the hopes that this project will encourage participation in their 2023 Annual Research Symposium and give students the juried research experience necessary to earn the Virginia Department of Education’s new Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment on their diploma.  Mentorships may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid, and we would like to offer middle and high school instructors the opportunity to either do a project of local interest or to participate in a “Citizen Science” type initiative in which their class will work with others across the Commonwealth and (sometimes) the nation in the collection and analysis of data.  I am excited for this model since it should allow a greater level of participation with geography and distance not being limiting factors. If you are interested in serving as a mentor in this project, please fill out the form found at:

https://secure4.hsc.edu/forms/view.php?id=117158

If you are a high school teacher with an interest in having a mentor work with your class, please fill out the form found at:

https://secure4.hsc.edu/forms/view.php?id=116443

Contact Michael Wolyniak at (mwolyniak@hsc.edu) with any questions you may have.   

Using Problem-based Learning in Finding Smart Solutions in Energy and Climate Science

November 10, 2022; 8am-3pm

In Person: Double Tree by Hilton-Williamsburg, VA

We are pleased to announce the 2022 Donna Sterling Institute with Don Haas as the featured speaker and in conjunction with NEED Energy and KidWind.

Participants will

1. Use a PBL approach to learn about climate and energy and learn of great resources!

2. Learn and apply the key components of a PBL unit to meet Virginia Standards and the needs of diverse students.

Registration includes an on-site hotel room for Wednesday night, breakfast and lunch, plus 7 hours of recertification points and a great teaching strategy for all students.

Donna Sterling Institute Registration: $75  Register for the 2022 Donna Sterling Institute!

Register today for the VAST conference on November 10, 11, and 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Williamsburg, VA. This year's theme is "Reconnecting to Virginia's Space, Place, and Contributions to Science."   VAST is also hosting the 2022 Donna Sterling Institute, a pre-conference event focused on " Using Problem-based Learning in Finding Smart Solutions in Energy and Climate Science, on November 10 from 8:00-3:00 pm. Please see the attached flyer  to find out more about this fantastic event! If you would like more information about the conference or preconference , you can visit the VAST website.    

Elementary (K-6) & Secondary (6-12) Teachers: Apply for the Donna Sterling Exemplary Science Teaching Award 2022

Deadline for Applications:  August 15, 2022

• Flyer
• For more information visit the VAST website at:   https://vast.wildapricot.org/Awards

The initial review of the 2018 Science Curriculum Framework was approved by the Virginia Department of Education at yesterday's Board Meeting.  Now the real work begins.  In order to make this document a robust tool that will help both teachers and administrators with science instruction, we need feedback.  Would you please share information concerning the framework and the public comment process with teachers and leaders within your divisions?

The proposed framework as well as opportunities for public comment can be found at the VDOE website.  We are excited to have both a written forum for public comment as well as four interactive webinars.  Registration for the webinars can be found at VDOE Science CF Webinars.  

If you have any questions or concerns about the framework, or about science instruction in general, please feel free to contact a member of the science instruction team.  

Josh Bearman

The Farm to School Conference will help Virginia’s expanding Farm to School Network increase procurement of local foods and educational opportunities in school gardens, cafeterias, classrooms, early care centers and summer feeding programs across the Commonwealth. 

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019

Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM; networking social 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666

 Click to Register for Conference

PRESS RELEASE

CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE

July 25, 2018

    Legislative Contacts

    Scott Meacham

    Gwen Foley

    804-698-1810

For Immediate Release

Applications being accepted for monies from sale of Chesapeake Bay license plates until Sept. 25; $273,710 available

    The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee is accepting applications for grants to support Chesapeake Bay-related education and restoration activities.  The grants are funded with monies from the sale of the special Chesapeake Bay license plate, “Friend of the Chesapeake.”  This year $273,710 in grant monies will be awarded to eligible applicants.  During this past year, 80 grantees received $309,852 in grant funds.  Since 1996, over $8 million has been awarded as a result of the sale of the “Friend of the Chesapeake" plate.

    The NEW deadline for submitting a proposal for 2019 support grants is September 25, 2018.  Grant funds will be awarded in May-June 2019.  To be eligible for receiving a grant, applicants should submit proposals emphasizing environmental education or restoration and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay.  Projects focusing on environmental education should increase public awareness and knowledge about the Bay, and projects of a restoration and conservation nature should be action oriented.  Grants are awarded for one year, except in special circumstances.  Grant funds may not be used to supplant existing state or local general fund appropriations.

    Applications will be accepted from private not-for-profit conservation organizations, schools and universities, and governmental agencies whose projects will affect water bodies that are located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  There is no limit on the amount that an applicant may request.  More information on the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, including the application, W-9 and EDI forms, grant guidelines, and a catalogue of past projects can be found at http://dls.virginia.gov/commissions/cbr.htm.

    General Assembly members of the Advisory Committee are Senator DeSteph of Virginia Beach, Delegate Hodges of Urbanna, and Delegate Ransone of Kinsale.  Citizen members include Terra Pascarosa Duff of Virginia Beach, John W. Peterson of Burke, Claiborne B. Roberts of Sandston, and Daniel G. Van Clief, III of Charlottesville.

Engaging Secondary Students in Authentic STEM Research

Virginia Junior Academy of Science and Virginia Academy of Science

Longwood University . . . May 23-24, 2018

 

Overview:  On May 23, observe over 600 students, grades 7-8 and 9-12, present research papers on various natural and applied sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer sciences. Learn how the VJAS Symposium develops important educational outcomes: workplace skills (the 5 Cs), career and civic responsibility, and understanding of Virginia’s SOL.  After the presentations, network with symposium participants and attend the George W. Jeffers Memorial Lecture, given by an outstanding Virginia scientist. On May 24, interact with VAS members through concurrent presentations, poster sessions, and discussions of research by their students. Learn how you can build relationships with Academy members to support student research.  You can attend on May 23 or May 23-24, 2018.

 

General Schedule:  Detailed programs will be available in mid-May.

EL4P.pdf