Science: Grades 6-12

Swine Flu Information from CDC & DASH

From: NASPE Broadcast Center [mailto:NBroadcastCenter@AAHPERD.org]

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 4:00 PM

To: NASPE Broadcast Center

Subject: IMPORTANT: Swine Flu information from CDC/DASH

Importance: High

 

 CDC/DASH asked NASPE to send you this important information about the

Swine Flu. 

 

April 27, 2009

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

I am sure many of you are now aware of the Swine Flu outbreak.  In response, I would like to provide additional information and links for your reference.  I encourage you to share these links and information with others as appropriate.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have also been identified internationally. The current U.S. case count total is 40, with updates available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu

<http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/> .

 

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can to do prevent getting and spreading influenza:

 

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

·     Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·     Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

·     Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

 

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·     Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

·     If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

·     Read additional information to aid in the protection against the spread of Pandemic Influenza at

http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyguide.html

<http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyguide.html> .

 

For more information on how you can protect yourself and your family,

please visit the following CDC Web sites for important information to

keep you posted:

 

·     www.cdc.gov/swineflu <file:///\\www.cdc.gov\swineflu>

·     www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/recommendations  file:///\\www.cdc.gov\flu\swine\recommendations

·     www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation

·     www.cdc.gov/swineflu/mitigation  <file:///\\www.cdc.gov\swineflu\mitigation> 

 

In regards to school planning, I would suggest becoming familiar with information and strategies that delay or reduce the impact of a pandemic available at: http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab5.html/.  Additionally, the American Red Cross and CDC have teamed up. Visit http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/home.asp <http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/home.asp>  for information.

 

I have also included several attachments from CDC for your reference.

 

<<MMWR Dispatch_April 24_09.pdf>> <<keyfacts.pdf>> <<Emergency

Preparedness ShoppingListFlyer2.pdf>>

 

The swine influenza outbreak <http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/>  is evolving quickly.  However, please know that CDC has planned and prepared for this type of situation and is vigorously engaged in the response and the potential impact on your communities, as are other Federal, State, local, and international leaders and partners. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Howell Wechsler, Ed. D., M.P.H.

Director, Division of Adolescent and School Health

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Additional information: Download Emergency Preparedness ShoppingListFlyer2 ,  Download Keyfacts , Download MMWR Dispatch_April 24_09

Assessment of Verbs Used in Science GPS

The GPS verbs define the expectation for the level of proficiency for the standards and elements. The attached file shows what the verbs are for 6th, 7th, & 8th grade science, and biology, chemistry, and physicsDownload AssessAnalys. The table is organized so that on the left column are the levels of critical thinking required, with "1" being the lowest level.

The numbers in each of the columns specify the standard number for that course and letters indicate the elements.

One should notice that there is a slight movement to greater depth (#3 in the far left column) as the students move from 6th grade to physics.

The second page of that file takes each of the GPS verbs (found on the 1st page) and lists comparable verbs from a thesaurus. Note that some verbs that are seemingly "lower level" have synonyms that require deeper thought.

The key at every level is active student engagement. 

Academic and Non-academic Rubric

From the work of Marzano, et al. we put together the attached rubricDownload AssessmentRubricsMarzano2. Teachers can select and copy a row as needed for critical thinking, working in groups, or communication skills. Then, the text can be edited to apply to the specifics of the project, for example, by adding the appropriate phrase from the GPS standard or element.

Need MSP Grant Participants

We are pleased to announce that Kennesaw State University and Cobb have have applied for a second Federal Math Science Partnership (MSP) Grant.  The purpose of this grant is to improve teacher understanding of science content, GPS standards, vertical and horizontal alignment of the curriculum, technology integration into the science classroom, math & science integration techniques, and provide teachers with the tools necessary to effectively teach the new curriculum. 

We are looking for 25 6th and 25 8th grade teachers to participate in this grant cycle.

Requirements & Benefits of participation:

·        One week of training over the summer (July 20-24); year 1 & 2.

·        5 days of training spread out over the school year 1 & 2.  Substitutes will be provided through the grant.

·        Desire to learn more about science and willingness to commit for two years of training.

·        A stipend of $400 paid to each participant for each week of summer training.

·        Numerous resources and materials for each participant to use in their classroom.  

·        18 PLUs will be earned during the grant cycle.

·        High quality hands-on learning experiences for all stakeholders by the inclusion of ESOL, Special Education teachers, School Improvement Specialists, along with regular classroom teachers in opportunities for trainings and meetings as appropriate.

 

Application for Cobb MSP Project is due to Sally Creel by April 24, 2009! 

Download MSP Application to Participate cobb 09