Welcome to the November 2011 issue of the WSST e-blast.  Our organization has a wealth of information and resources for the science teacher.  Be sure to check out the WSST website regularly:  www.wsst.org

WSST 2011 November News

**Have You Seen** 

Howard Hughes Medical Institute  “The Making of the Fittest” Short Films  

Three short films premiere at the National Association of Biology Teachers’ Meeting (October 12, 2011) 

ANAHEIM, CA—In a red carpet event for 600 biology teachers, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) will unveil three short science films that use vivid storytelling to teach the vital concepts of adaptation and natural selection. The films, which were created to be used in classrooms, will premiere at the National Association of Biology Teachers annual meeting.

“We’re trying to put kids in the footsteps of scientists, whether that is modern day experimentation or a voyage, expedition, or safari in the past that led to a scientific discovery,” says Sean B. Carroll, HHMI’s vice president for science education, who will emcee the first “HHMI Night at the Movies.”

Be sure to check out this website for the three short films and other great resources from Howard Hughes Medical Institute:  http://www.hhmi.org/news/shortfilms20111012.html

**Conference Updates**

The CALL FOR PRESENTERS is open for the 2012 WSST Conference – “Science on the Terrace and Beyond”.  More information is located on our WSST webpage. ( http://wsst.org )  The 2012 WSST Conference Committee is well on their way planning a fantastic conference experience.  Remember to mark your calendar for Madison - March 8-10, 2012 

**Did You Know**

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers was founded in 1958.  Today it is the largest Wisconsin organization of individuals interested in the advancement of science education.  Please consider joining a committee or running for an elected office. 

This year nominations are open for the following positions:

President Elect (4 year term)

District 5 Director – CESA 2 & 5 (3 year term)

District 6 Director – CESA 6 (3 year term)

District 7 Director – CESA 1 (3 year term)

Please contact Dan Nelson, Nominations Chair, for more information

nelsoda@medford.k12.wi.us

**Your WSST Funds In Action**

Western WI Science Ed Share Group

WSST sponsors regional science forums. One of the most recent events is one created by Jason Brazzale of Prescott and Brad Wysocki of Bloomer.  The group is called the “Western WI Science Ed Share Group.”  I attended their first meeting along with 20 other teachers in October at Altoona High School and the share session was AWESOME!!  Group members have the opportunity to share chemistry / physics / biology activities via a WIKI created by Jason and Brad.  If you live in the west-central part of the state and want more information, contact Jason (brazzale@prescott.k12.wi.us) or Brad (bwysocki@bloomer.k12.wi.us).

WSST has had success in giving start-up funding and promoting science forums around the state.   If you would like to start a forum in your area please contact your district director and discuss some options.

**Committee Spotlight**

Nominations Committee 

A strong and mature organization must have capable and knowledgeable leadership; this comes from grass roots – and this starts with YOU!  WSST has grown into a large and influential group, which is a wonderful thing for Science Education.  But an organization of this size has challenges, one of which is identifying leadership.  No one person can know the qualities and abilities of 1500+ members, but each one of us know colleagues who would make good officers.  Please consider joining a committee or nominating someone for an elected position.  You may even nominate yourself! 

Contact Dan Nelson for more information:  nelsoda@medford.k12.wi.us 

**Some Interesting Websites**

Bozeman Biology:  http://www.youtube.com/bozemanbiology

     (This site is a great review for AP Biology)

PHET – Interactive simulations – University of Colorado:  http://phet.colorado.edu/
     (This site has great online simulations, especially in physics and chem, but also bio, earth/space sci, and math)

This installment of WSST News is brought to you by Tracy Swedlund, WSST District II Director.  Tracy has been on the WSST board since 2001.  He teaches Biology at Medford Area Senior High.  Happy Thanksgiving!!