Power powers. It’s that simple. With all our digital tools, there is at least one common thread across it all and that is we need a flow of electrons to keep the teaching and learning in high gear. But of course batteries die. There are four common battery solutions in our digital devices. One is onboard and built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs. Another is a removable lithium-ion battery pack. A third is common grocery store batteries like AA, AAA, and CR2032, among others. And a forth option is some combination and interchangeability of the above. Of course there are hard-wired connection to AC outlets, but those are so limiting that we only use them only for larger devices, static lab-based tools, and those instrument firmly bolted to a desk or other base station. 

Ahh, but once in the rechargeable realm, a new set of issues can arise. The major factor being the connector required to attach the device to a power source. Way back in the early 2000s and of course earlier, there were many options for connectors. From pin-sized small round connectors, larger round connectors, square connectors, to at least four USB connectors, to proprietary Apple connectors.

In 2009, it almost all changed when a European Commission initiative created a “Common External Power Supply” or EPS that was adopted by almost all major cell phone companies. Notably, Apple was the hold out continuing with their proprietary 30-pin connector, and more recently their Lightning connector.

Companies that made other devices slowly adopted the industry standard using the Micro USB port standard for power and recharging.  A slightly larger connector, the Mini USB port, was a common go-to connectors, but had little advantage over the micro USB except for port orientation directionality (it was easier to tell which way to orient the cable), and a slightly overall connector strength when under cable stress.

Vernier Technologies, creator of some the most innovative and useful digital sensors, probes, and software used its own proprietary connector design for it’s Go Wireless line of sensors. But this year, it has added the Common External Power Supply connector to its sensors that contain internal lithium-ion batteries and other upgrades calling the new sensor line Go Direct. The micro USB port provides three distinct advantages over anything proprietary. First, it is a common connector in both the sense that many devices use it, and common there are many options for power supplies when using the micro USB. 

In the past, many of use had bins, boxes, drawers, or bags filled with various charging cables all hardwired to specific connectors. I remember once vowing to myself that I would never buy a certain brand’s product because the required cable was not only proprietary but also seemingly excessively expensive for a simple cable. It was maddening to pay upwards of $40 for a small cable that only worked with one specific device. When I did the mental math, the cable cost about one-fifth of the entire device. How could that be?

Even today, I am not free of cableage. In my go-bag for conference presentations, I carry cables for USB-A, B, and now C, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, 30-pin Apple, Lightning, Firewire, and 3.5mm audio, and a Class C C7 power connector. And soon missing from my cable carry will be the Vernier cradle for its Go sensors.

Labs just got simpler. Vernier Technologies has added the micro UBS port to its Go Sensors. So now the new version of it’s sensors can recharge using both the traditional Vernier Go sensor charging cable and dock, as well as a universal micro USB port. This is a welcome addition since on more than one occasion I have been out in the field in need of a charge but without a handy Vernier proprietary charging cradle. Further, like smartphones, the data collection can continue with an external battery attached leading to the potential of literally unlimited data collection times due to the limitless and unlimited supply of electrons that can be piped into the sensor’s on-board lithium ion battery. Whether solar, hydro, or coal-fired, the electrons can flow. They can even flow from plenty of portable solutions that recharge our devices including my favorites that draw electrons from my high capacity power tool batteries including the Milwaukee Tools 12 volt and 18 volt FUEL battery options.

Replaceable batteries have some advantages in that they can be replaced when needed, but they do require an interruption in activity while the batteries are swapped. A second problem is that a battery discharges with use so often we head into the next class or teaching day with used batteries. We might have a pocketful of new batteries, but swapping out batteries with some charge left is not easy for a teacher on a limited budget. So enter the on-board rechargeable.

When a rechargeable is built into the device and recharged on the fly especially when in use, the advantage is tremendous. Every science class can have fresh full batteries, and if the data collection pushes up against the capacity of the battery, it can be charged while in use without data collection interruption. And this goes for cell phones, cameras, sensors, and lights.

So until we have onboard power generation from solar cells or mini-nuclear plants, we will have to be happy with common-connector recharging of  onboard power with our science teaching tools. And a more powerful cable than the standard DC two-lead cable provides a chance to connect to a computer and stream data independent of a wireless connection. Vernier’s new line of Go Direct sensors are yet another step in the right direction of unlimited teaching potential. Stay tuned for more on the individual sensors and probes.

Why should you attend the 6^th Annual STEM Forum & Expo this July?  As Chairperson of this event, I think all STEM educators should join us in Kissimmee, Florida from July 12 – 14, 2017, for this premier, international professional development event. The conference committee and NSTA staff, in collaboration with our program partners, have worked diligently to bring you, our attendees, a world class event that will bring together all stakeholders in STEM education while showcasing cutting edge research and best practices in STEM education and workplace development.

Looking for the most rigorous and relevant information for your established STEM program? Is your institution at the infancy of STEM? Do you need guidance on how to start STEM in your own classroom? The STEM Forum & Expo brings together the top thinkers and organizations in STEM education in one location. This three day event provides you with the latest information on STEM content, teaching strategies, and research to enhance and expand your professional growth. You will be able to select from over 400 strand specific sessions, seminars, and featured panel discussions, while collaborating with leaders in STEM education and national education policy makers. In addition, you are able to network and start collaborations with colleagues from around your area and from around the world through face-to-face interactions, back channel discussions, and social events. It does not matter if you are just starting a STEM program or looking to further develop your present STEM program, the STEM Forum & Expo has learning opportunities for all. 

Through our unique strand approach that is divided up by grade levels, administration, and partnership strands; attendees will be able to easily follow a specific track of sessions and panels to increase their pedagogical knowledge and to become more reflective and effective educators. Below are just a few examples of the programming you will experience when you attend the 6^th Annual STEM Forum & Expo:

• Hands-on sessions that enhance ongoing development of teachers and school leaders to improve their STEM knowledge, as well as their pedagogical skills used to import the specialized knowledge/content in each of the STEM disciplines.

• Specialized panels that promote the implementation of teacher and administrator skill and competency development, including data-informed teaching and leading, and the integration of research-based methods into the STEM curriculum.

• Networking opportunities for administrators to improve and enhance competencies attributable to strong STEM leadership, including, but not limited to, supervising and motivating staff, coordination of STEM curriculum, promoting and sustaining a positive school learning climate, and evaluating student performance in the STEM disciplines.

• The forum provides project- and research-based activities that tackle issues of real-world relevance. Our programming is driven by the latest research in subject areas as well as best practices for communicating topics in effective and meaningful ways.

• A STEM specific exhibit hall with the newest tools and resources to assist you with educating our students in STEM.

I am most excited about the new features to this year’s STEM Forum & Expo that brings together new groups under our growing STEM umbrella:                  

• Inclusiveness and Equity – We are thrilled to have new panel for this year called “Engaging Diverse Learners and Special Needs Students in STEM.” Hosted by Janella Watson, Director of the Providence Children’s Museum, this panel will help us and our diverse learners navigate STEM. This panel will demonstrate how the best STEM teachers believe in the capacity of all of their students to learn and how they carefully utilize a range of pedagogical approaches to ensure this learning occurs.

• Informal Education in STEM – Another new panel to this year’s STEM Forum is “Shift Makers: How Informal Educators are making a shift to better support STEM and Learner-Centered Science.” Hosted by Karen Hays, Youth Program Manager at the Denver Zoo, this panel will advise attendees on how informal environments are ideal for STEM learning as well learner-centered interests and curiosities in STEM. Come learn about the resources these informal education centers offer to schools and to your classrooms.

• STEM Magic at the Magic  Kingdom® – We are thrilled that the Walt Disney World Resort®  and Disney Youth Education Services is offering a special STEM-tastic post-conference event for 150 of our attendees at the Magic Kingdom Park ® on Saturday, July 15^th. The “Energy and Waves” workshop will feature hands-on activities that form the foundation of your exploration of sound and light at work at the Magic Kingdom® Park.

• Invigorating and High Energy Keynote Speaker – We are overjoyed that Derek Muller will be joining us as this year’s keynote speaker for the STEM Forum. Derek is an engineer, physicist, filmmaker, science educator, and founder of You Tube’s widely popular science channel Veritasium and his new channel  Sciencium.

As you can see there are many reasons why you should attend the 6^th Annual STEM Forum & Expo! On behalf of the steering committee and NSTA, we hope to see you in the Kissimmee, Florida this July! We promise it will be an invigorating, rewarding, energizing, and magical experience for you as we dive deeper into STEM and prepare for a new school year. See you there!

Jennifer Williams is in her eighteenth year of teaching STEM at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. As the Lower School Science department chair and STEM Coordinator, she provides leadership in the development of quality instruction within the Lower School STEM program for grades Pre-Kindergarten through 5th.

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

Future NSTA Conferences

2017 STEM Forum & Expo
Kissimmee/Orlando, July 12–14

2017 Area Conferences

Baltimore, October 5–7
Milwaukee, November 9–11
New Orleans, Nov. 30–Dec. 2

This week in education news, New Mexico governor vetoes a measure to force the adoption of new state science standards; New Hampshire rejects new education commissioner’s proposal to reconsider the state’s science standards; Idaho education leaders hear comments on science standards; top Democrats condemn climate change skeptics for targeting teachers; and Oklahoma panel advances bill critcized as threat to science education.

Susana Stops Science Standards: Governor Vetoes Bill To Set New Science Standards In State Law

To the surprise of no one who’s been following the long, winding road to updating the science taught in New Mexico’s schools, Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed a measure designed to force the adoption of new standards. House Bill 211 would have required the state to adopt the Next Generation Science Standards, nationally vetted benchmarks for teaching public school children science from K-12. Click here to read the article featured in the Santa Fe Reporter.

New Hampshire State Board, Edelblut Clash On Science Standards

When New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut was appointed to his post in January, the politician assured critics that whatever his personal beliefs, he would consider himself “the implementation guy” for an agenda largely dictated by others. In response to a question by Democratic Executive Councilor Andru Volinksy regarding whether he would object to local schools teaching creationism in their science curriculum, Edelblut called his point of view “irrelevant.” And at a recent State Board of Education meeting, the commissioner was sharply reminded of his circumscribed role when the State Board of Education unanimously rejected his proposal to reconsider the state’s science standards. Click here to read the article featured in the Concord Monitor.

For Science Educators, The Stakes For Teaching The Next Generation Feel Higher Than Ever

Paul Reyna, now in his 28th year as a teacher, was among the many attendees of this year’s national conference of the NSTA, the world’s largest professional organization representing science educators of all grade levels. Reyna credits his family with his decision to become a science educator, but the Texan says that it’s professional development, like the NSTA’s conference, that has been key to his success. Click here to read the article featured on PBS NewsHour.

Idaho State Ed Leaders Hear Comments On Science Standards

On Tuesday night in Twin Falls, the Idaho Department of Education held the first in a series of six public meetings across the Gem State to gather feedback from educators, parents and community members. Proposed changes to science standards drew controversy and debate during the legislative session — particularly, about climate change. Click here to read the article featured in Atchison Globe Now.

Democrats Condemn Climate Change Skeptics For Targeting Teachers

Three top Democrats have urged a libertarian think tank to stop mailing climate change skeptical classroom materials to teachers across America. The ranking Democrats on the House committees overseeing education, natural resources and science condemned the group’s mass-mailing campaign and counseled teachers to throw away the materials when they arrive. Click here to read the article featured on PBS FRONTLINE.

Oklahoma Panel Advances Bill Criticized As Threat To Science Education

A House panel narrowly approved legislation that would protect teachers who help foster discussions about scientific controversy. Opponents of Senate Bill 393 believe it could let teachers promote unproven theories, giving credence to topics like creationism, climate change denial, or as one parent said, ancient aliens. Click here to read the article featured in The Oklahoman.

New Science Standards Raise Hopes For Narrowing Achievement Gap

As California rolls out new K-12 science standards, some educators believe the new curriculum will spark a love of science and boost test scores among African Americans and Latinos, and ultimately lead to a more diverse STEM workforce. Click here to read the article featured in EdSource.

Stay tuned for next week’s top education news stories.

The Communication, Legislative & Public Affairs (CLPA) team strives to keep NSTA members, teachers, science education leaders, and the general public informed about NSTA programs, products, and services and key science education issues and legislation. In the association’s role as the national voice for science education, its CLPA team actively promotes NSTA’s positions on science education issues and communicates key NSTA messages to essential audiences.

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

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I’ve been asked to teach a voluntary summer enrichment science class for 20 upper elementary students.  I can determine the content and structure for the class. I have a modest budget, access to the science resources in the school, and the principal will assist with logistics. I’ve never done this before, so I’m looking for ideas and suggestions.  —T., Ohio

Having an uninterrupted block of time to focus on science sounds like a wonderful experience for you and your students.

Many summer programs call themselves a “camp” to differentiate from remedial classes. Rather than a series of unconnected activities, you may want to pick themes that you are interested in, too–for example

• Nature study (plants, insects, stream study, trees, birds),
• Engineering/design (rocketry, wind power, inventions),
• Earth science (rocks, fossils, weather), or
• Community service (gardening, recycling).

The March 2017 issue of Science and Children features ideas for getting students outside. “Our Oasis” describes how high school students can be mentors in an elementary summer camp. The article also has examples of activities and schedules. Look at what science and nature centers offer as summer programs for more ideas. Perhaps you could do relevant activities and investigations that are too time-consuming during the school year.

Provide opportunities for students to be outside and active (with backup plans for rainy days). Include photography and journaling for students to document what they are doing and reflect on their learning.

Work with your principal on the details: safety and first aid, other adults to assist, permission slips, possible fees, transportation, refreshments/lunch, and the possibility of visiting off-campus sites, such as museums or parks.

Ask students and parents for an evaluation of the program to assist with future planning.

Most of all – enjoy!

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/housebear/1435962367/