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Newton Network Newsletter
May 2009

Newton Network News:

It’s time to rock and roll! This month we look at volcanoes and mining in Nevada. Although we have no active volcanoes in state, there are several volcanic regions that could make a great outdoor fieldtrip. We also take a look at mining in Nevada and AP workshops to help keep your brain in shape while students are out for the summer.

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:

Volcanoes- Classroom experiments with volcanoes
Nevada Mining- Learn about Nevada’s mining history and how it affects us today
Summer AP Workshops- Summer workshops around the state
Summer Camps and activities- 2009 Summer Camps for science, math and engineering.
Judges and Volunteers needed- The International Science and Engineering Fair comes to Reno
Newton Network - Newton Network web site updates

Volcanoes- Named after Vulcan, the Roman god of smiths, volcanoes are some of the most fascinating features on our Earth’s surface. Spark the interest of your students by building models to demonstrate how volcanoes work and learn about volcanic regions here in Nevada.
Oregon State University has a remarkable website with information on volcanoes, a teacher’s page and a students’ activity page. The volcano models section on the teacher’s page is intensive, ranging from paper mâché cones to explosion demonstrations using a trash can full of water and liquid nitrogen. (Do not try this at home) (http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/education/index.html )
The Rocks for Kids volcano Webquest uses Google and Wikipedia to teach kids about volcanoes. Students can work in groups or alone to discover volcano vocabulary, sites where volcanoes are located and then give an oral presentation to the class about volcanoes. (http://www.rocksforkids.com/WebQuest/VTask.htm )
Cascades Volcano Observatory (based in Vancouver, Washington) maintains a database of volcanic regions in most states. Nevada boasts several volcanic regions and extinct volcanoes like Black Mountain and Peavine. Check out this informational website that also has activity pages and links to other volcanic regions in the western US. (http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Nevada/framework.html )

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Nevada Mining- Mining is one of the largest industries in Nevada; in fact, Nevada mining accounts for 87% of the total US gold production and is the third largest producer of the precious metal in the world behind South Africa and Australia. Try some of these educational activities to teach students about mining and its impact on our lives.
The Nevada Mining association hosts this website dedicated to giving teachers the materials they need for classroom activities about mining. The site also has information on educational workshops for teachers. (http://www.nvmineraleducation.org/ )
The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology provides teacher resources from posters and pamphlets to educational packets. Many of these resources are free; just contact the Bureau and they will send the materials on a first come, first serve basis.  (http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/educ.htm )

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Summer AP workshops- Your AP students get all the fun during the school year; you should have a chance to improve your AP learning during the summer. All the College Board sanctioned Nevada workshops are based out of Del Sol High School in Las Vegas but surrounding states have workshops closer to Reno and Elko. (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/Controller.jpf )

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Reno Girls’ Math and Technology Camp will be once again held on the UNR campus in Reno the week of July 19-24. The purpose of the program is to increase girls’ skills and confidence in math and technology. Deadline for registration is March 27, 2009.  Contact the Program Assistant at 775-682-7849 or email mathcamp@unr.nevada.edu for more information or an application form.

Kids University has science programs running from June 6-July 24. Kids can get creative making their own robots from Legos as well as making their own chocolate; there is even a class for 4th-6th graders called KIDS in Space. Registration and information can be found at (http://www.extendedstudies.unr.edu/cxsforkids.htm)

Introduction to Engineering camps (designed for students 12-14) will be held on the UNR campus June 22-26, July 13-17 and July 27-31. Civil Engineering Camps (designed for students 14-17) will be held July 6-10 and July 20-24. Both camps feature hands-on activities like blasting bottle rockets and creating a digital video game. For more information and the application visit (http://www.unr.edu/engineering/outreach/camps.html )

The Liftoff with Math camp is taking place again on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas. This week-long camp provides middle and high school students with a space-oriented mathematical and computer sciences experience. More information and registration can be found at their website (http://edoutreach.unlv.edu/spacecamps/index.html )

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Judges and Volunteers needed- The International Science and Engineering fair is coming to Reno and needs volunteers and judges. High-schools from around the world will display their scientific achievements in this science and engineering version of the Olympics. This exciting event probably will not be back soon so sign up to volunteer or just to visit. The fair is from May 10-15 and more information can be found at their website, (http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/index.asp )

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Newtown Network Web Site – We have added to the collection of teaching resources this month with new classroom activities and Webquests.  As always, your comments and suggestion are greatly appreciated.  Feel free to contact Robert Newbury with any suggestions.
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