COMMONWEALTH
OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION
P.O.
BOX 2120
RICHMOND,
VIRGINIA 23218-2120
PRINS. MEMO NO. 52
September 10, 2002
ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / SECONDARY
|
TO: |
Principals |
|
FROM: |
Patricia I. Wright Assistant Superintendent for Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Upcoming Science
Opportunities |
This memorandum contains information related to the
following topics:
The
Team America Rocketry Challenge is the first national model rocket competition
for U. S. high school and junior high school students. Five winning student teams will share a
total prize pool of approximately $50,000 in savings bonds and their
supervising teachers departments will share $9,000 in cash.
The challenge involves designing, building, and flying a
model rocket that takes two raw eggs as close as possible to 1500 feet.
Detailed information about the contest is available at www.rocketcontest.org. The application deadline to enter the
contest is November 15, 2002. The contest is sponsored by the Aerospace
Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry.
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) 2002
conference will take place November 7-9, 2002, at the Richmond Marriott. With the theme Science and the
Environment there will be a wide variety of field trips, concurrent sessions,
exhibits, and dynamic general sessions.
In addition VAST will be celebrating its 50th
Anniversary. For up to date information
log onto the VAST home page at www.VAST.org
Grants for Implementation of Watershed Experiences in Schools
A new grants program, with a simple application procedure,
is sponsored by the Virginia Resource Use Education Council and the Department
of Environmental Quality to provide teachers with small amounts of money for
environmental education. Any school or school division is encouraged to apply
for grants of $500, $750 or $1,000 for the purpose of conducting meaningful
outdoor experiences with their students. Activities that are eligible for funding
include restoration, enhancement, protection and monitoring projects and
investigative or experimental design activities that foster academic success,
reinforce responsible citizenship,
and give children the tools they need to contribute to a
healthy and enduring environment. Funding is provided by the Virginia
Department of Conservation and Recreation through the Environmental Protection
Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program, the Virginia Environmental Endowment and
Smithfield Foods.
The due date for the next round of grants is January 15,
2003. Applications are available online
at http://www.vanaturally.com/classroomgrants.html
For
further information about any items mentioned in this memorandum, please
contact Delores Dunn (mailto:ddalton@mail.vak12ed.edu),
secondary science specialist, at 804-371-0778.
PIW/DUD