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Newton Network Newsletter – June 2008 Newton Network News:
This will be the last newsletter for this academic year so we are leaving you with ways to stay busy all summer with science and math related activities as well as places to visit around the state.
On our end, we will be improving and expanding the Newton Network website over the summer. You asked if we could gather a collection of lesson plan and classroom activity resources and we are establishing the process. We need your help in making this a valuable resource for you, so if you have materials that you have used and would like to share, please let us know where you found them. Also, if you have a lesson plan or classroom activity you wish to share with other teachers, we would like to add that to your resources as well. Just send an email to Robert Newbury and we will gather the information, format everything for the web, and post to our website.
Once again, please pass your newsletter on to your colleagues, and let them know that they can sign up for their own newsletter as easily as going to our website (www.unr.edu/newton).
In This Issue: Regional/Statewide: Parks and Recreation – Take your itch for science outdoors. Museums – More than just a place to visit, check out what is happening. Summer Solstice – The longest day of the year science SNARL – Aquatics Laboratory in the Sierra Nevada Science and Math Camps – Reminder of the upcoming summer camps
Parks and Recreation – The summer months are the time to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty and wonders that abound in our state. This is also an opportunity for teachers and students to move the classroom outside and experience natural science first hand. If you’re not sure how to make the most of a field trip, then start with the step-by-step instructions found in the Field Trip Guide provided by the National Parks Service (http://216.167.117.204/national_website/tripguide).
Day trips are an excellent option for discovering the hidden treasures found in each region but a successful excursion requires preparation. The Nevada Division of State Parks (http://parks.nv.gov) provides most of the information needed to plan a visit to any of the state parks. Look for interpretive trails, nature study programs and educational programs provided by the park rangers.
Hiking trails abound in every corner of the state and provide access to experience the geology, ecology and biology in a living classroom. Not sure which trails are in your area or what to expect when you get there? Check out Nevada Trail Maps at (http://www.nvtrailmaps.com) for maps, facilities and photos of trails to help plan your excursion.
Not into planning your own excursion into the wild? The National Parks Service provides educational services to help you make the most of the nature and science education opportunities. Resources available to both students and teachers are found at (http://www.nature.nps.gov/studentsteachers/).
Looking for an outdoor classroom? The Great Basin Outdoor School, located at Lake Tahoe, offers 2-3 day outdoor classroom activities year-round with an emphasis on ecology studies. The full schedule of sessions, curriculum, fees and application can be found at (http://www.greatbasin-os.org).
Another option for environmental studies workshops and programs is The Great Basin Institute sponsored by the University of Nevada, Reno. A complete calendar of events and workshops is available at (http://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org).
Museums – Are you looking for somewhere to take your class but just aren’t up for bugs, snakes and hot sun? Why not consider an indoor excursion to one of the many museums the state has to offer.
The Nevada Museums Association provides a complete directory of the museums by region of the state. From this listing you can link directly to the website of the museum to get the latest information on exhibits and education programs. This information is found at (http://www.nevadamuseums.org).
Summer Solstice – The longest day of the year will occur this month and not only marks the beginning of summer, but provides a wide variety of science activities.
Looking for a way to explain the position of the sun and earth during the solstice? We found a source with the answers. Many answers actually. It’s answers.com at (http://www.answers.com/topic/solstice). There are several charts and 3-D animations that are available for use, plus check out the additional links for other activities such as formulas for calculating the length of the day.
The solstice marks the beginning of the summer season and the seasons provide a range of student activities. National Geographic Xpeditions provides activities and lesson plans centered on the seasons for K-12. Take a look at what is offered at (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/).
SNARL – The Sierra Nevada Aquatics Research Laboratory sponsored by the University of California and located in Mammoth Lakes, California provides a unique opportunity for students to observe research projects in progress through the K-12 outreach program. For information on SNARL and Valentine Eastern Sierra Reserve check out (http://nrs.ucop.edu/Valentine-Sierra-Nevada-Aquatic.htm).
Science and Math Camps – Just a quick reminder of the camps that will be held this summer:
Want more information about the Newton Network? The Newton Network Newsletter works both ways – we send information to you, but you can send questions to us; if we don’t have the answer right here, we will find it for you.
Check us out at www.unr.edu/newton, contact Robert Newbury at rnewbury@unr.edu, or Michael Leverington at michael@edtech-teched.com.
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