Notes+from+plenary+forum+discussion

__These are notes from the plenary discussion at the Partnering for Education and Research Forum.__

There are things in the area that we don't know exist, like the Museum of Biodiversity for example So we could use an online list of resources.

Engaging kids in HS - reach out to the parents, making the connection to the parents that they want something better for their kids. Engage the parents early on. If the parents can work hard with the kids - teachers can work harder with the kids.

Web Net forum for experiments.

Bioeyes: HS students work with younger kids, then with ND students.

Email list for Needs that can be fulfilled by parents, information for the parents to know what's going on in the classrooms.

Blogs for the teachers: Blog.com, post homework, what's going on, accountability, resource for teachers to post what they might need in classroom - volunteers, etc. Parents can leave comments. Free.

Have occasional parent education nights, doesn't involve access to computers at home. Different topics - writing, math, science, ask parents for ideas.

Different needs in all schools - no food, food but no computers, food and computers, but still need something.

Earthwatch - live from the field expedition - was able to blog and bring that back into the classroom.

A couple of months before science fair - parent ed. night - Science Fair Parent's Night. Online resources, might fund through PTO.

Does ND offer grant writing help? - No, but possible.

Toyota Tapestry Grant is extended til Monday 9 AM. Need letter of support. $10,000. Type in the field and will give examples. Look at old grants to help write new grants. Gear what you write for what they are looking to fund. tapestry.com Also have $2500 grants.

Other universities offer classes on how to Powerpoint, etc. Practical education course. IUSB

ND should offer classes - through education - blog, wikispaces.

Office of Research - helps faculty know about proposals, deadlines and provides support to critique proposals.

Science fair process at elementary level - no support for children from parents to do research, make board, etc. Does ND provide undergrads to help kids with science fair projects (4th & 5th grades)?

Blogger.com - premade templates

teacherweb.com - easy to use, post announcements, schedule, $40/year

classjump.com - free

rose-prism.org, students can upload assignments, wikis, grade on website, free

delicious.com, allows you publish your bookmarks and give to students. Students are able to get webpages for experiments and demos done in class.

donorschoose.org, put proposals on and individuals may fund, materials sent to school, materials yours to keep.

Being a part of a community - very helpful now. Google certified teacher community. Community constantly bringing information in. Need to be better connected locally.

Channel conversations towards positive ideas in education - what works, etc.

South Bend Library - Science Alive! Feb. 7th science events, scientists, from all over Indiana. 9am to 4pm.

Listserv - teachers copy each other across the state. Indiana Dept. of Ed. website.

Free Wireless Internet throughout Michiana? Contact Joe Donnelly **donnelly**.house.gov/ Is there a concise collection of grants? nd.edu/~quarknet has a list of grants

Indiana Science Convention, a large gathering of teachers. Annual conference. HASTI

AAPT, ACS, BTS science resources for teachers

Wiki is available for teachers to post topics for discussion and collaborating with other teachers, resources.

Science Spooktacular - in the Fall, hands on science education.