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2025 Call for Submissions

VAST invites you to submit papers to be considered for publication in the Journal of Virginia Science Education (JVSE), our organization’s professional journal. We are currently accepting manuscripts for publication in our 2025 issues. Both issues will have an open, or general, theme. Issue Submission Date Publication Date Theme Summer Winter extended to April 15 August 1 late July / early August mid December About JVSE open / general open / general JVSE is a peer-reviewed professional journal published by the Virginia Association of Science Teachers. JVSE is supported by the editor, an editorial advisory board, and a dedicated group of reviewers. What Does JVSE Publish? JVSE accepts three types of manuscripts: Lesson Activities – Lesson activities fully describe a unique lesson in enough detail that other educators can implement it in their own classroom. Research Articles – Research manuscripts describe a research project including research questions, methods, results, and implications. Outcomes should inform best practices and be of value to educators and/or administrators in science education. Sharing Solutions – Sharing solutions describe a challenge/issue in science education and a solution to the posed challenge. Manuscripts may consider broad issues such as facilitating reforms-based science instruction (e.g. inquiry), classroom management, and overcoming barriers to classroom integration of best practices in science education. Complete descriptions of each of these article types and additional author guidelines can be found What Do the Editor and Reviewers Look For? here. The principal criterion for manuscript acceptance is that it strengthens the teaching and learning of science. Authors should review the submission guidelines and of publication in JVSE. review criteria before submitting manuscripts to increase the likelihood How Can I Learn More? Do you have an idea and you are wondering if it is suitable for submission to JVSE? Have you received reviews and would like to talk through the feedback? Are you interested in becoming a reviewer to familiarize yourself with JVSE’s expectation and give back to VAST? Have you signed up as a reviewer and have questions about what this service entails or would like some feedback on your reviews? You can email the editor ( journal@vast.org) or join us for The Paper Trail series for answers to these questions and others. The Paper Trail explores the ins and outs of publishing in and reviewing for JVSE. Along the trail, we will have opportunities to workshop ideas, demystify the review process, deconstruct feedback, and celebrate science education in Virginia. Our next session is June 17, 2025 at 4:15pm

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Chemistry Phenomena in Action: Created by VAST Members, for VAST Members

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Chemistry Phenomena in Action: Created by VAST Members, for VAST Members

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The VAST Chemistry Committee has been working over the past few months to explore new ways to engage and inspire our science teaching community. One exciting initiative has been the creation of short phenomena videos, designed to inspire teachers and spark curiosity and conversation in the classroom. These videos, created and produced by VAST members, are now available on the VAST YouTube Channel. Each video captures an authentic chemistry phenomenon by providing a real-world, observable event that teachers can use to launch student investigations, encourage sensemaking, or introduce key scientific concepts. Because they are created by fellow VAST educators, the videos are practical, classroom-friendly, and aligned with the needs of Virginia science teachers. Here are a few ways you can use them: Lesson Starters: Show a video at the beginning of class to generate questions and predictions. Discussion Prompts: Use a video to practice scientific argumentation and evidence-based reasoning. Assessment Tools: Challenge students to explain the phenomenon using models, graphs, or written explanations. Professional Learning: Share them in PLCs to collaborate on building phenomena-based lessons. We invite you to explore the growing collection and even consider submitting your own phenomena video. Together, we can elevate science instruction across Virginia one spark of curiosity at a time!

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The EnLET program has two professional development opportunities for middle and high school teachers. Teachers will explore effects of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay on July 9-11 and the ecological importance of wetlands on July 30 - August 1. The workshops will include hands-on activities and datasets that can be brought back to your classroom. Breakfast and lunch are included. Lodging is available at no cost for out-of-town participants. A $300 stipend is available for participation. Learn more today!

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National STEM Excellence Scholarship Opportunity

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National STEM Excellence Scholarship Opportunity

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Awardees will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship to support their continuing studies. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate study in a STEM related area of study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2025-26 academic year. Applications are due by April 28.

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VDOE is offering science professional learning opportunities for Teachers KG-Grade 12 to support continued implementation of the 2018 Science Standards and effective science instruction. Two sustained, synchronous, virtual professional development courses will be offered this spring. Teachers must be willing to commit to all five sessions in order to participate. Each course will be limited to 30 teachers and participants will receive a stipend of $500 for attending all courses and completing the required assignments. A certificate for 15 hours will be provided to teachers reflecting the hours required in the course. Discourse in the Science Classroom (Wed. 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4) Lesson Planning to Improve Student Engagement and Outcomes (Wed. from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4). Interested teachers should fill out the application form

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Virginia Junior Academy of Science ​Research Symposium-May 31

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Virginia Junior Academy of Science ​Research Symposium-May 31

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Virginia Junior Academy of Science ​Research Symposium-May 31
Students in grades 7-12 who wish to enter the VJAS Research Symposium may submit their research paper by February 21. The 2025 Symposium will be a hybrid event where students may present in-person at Ferrum College or attend synchronously via Zoom. Membership in the VJAS is free. VJAS is also seeking judges both virtually or in person.

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Study Science. Do Science.  Summer Camp for Students

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Study Science. Do Science.  Summer Camp for Students

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Study Science. Do Science.  Summer Camp for Students
The Virginia Tech College of Science is now accepting applications for five residential summer science camps for students in grades 7-12. Topics will include microbiology, neuroscience, physics, nanoscience, data science and more. Costs are associated with each camp and need-based scholarships are available. Applications are due April 10. Contact Victoria Corbin with questions.

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VAST Making Science Accessible for English Learners

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VAST Making Science Accessible for English Learners

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VAST Making Science Accessible for English Learners
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers has launched a free virtual Professional Learning. In the next session, K-12 science teachers will learn high-leverage practices that can be use in the science classroom to make instruction more comprehensible for English learners. This free virtual session will be held February 26, at 4:45 p.m. Visit the VAST website for more information.

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Whether you are the parent/guardian of a PreK - 12th grade student, a student yourself, or someone interested in leading a youth program, you’ve come to the right place for quality, engaging programming that extends and enriches the learning experience of the students we serve. We continually look for ways for students to encounter learning experiences that pique their interest and curiosity, setting the foundation for a love of life-long learning.

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National Board Certification Incentive Awards for Classroom Teachers
The Virginia Board of Education has approved incentive bonuses in the amount of $5,000 to classroom teachers for initial certification and $2,500 to classroom teachers for continuing certification. This is in alignment with the longstanding Guidelines for Distributing National Board Certification Incentive Awards eligibility criteria. See VDOE for the 2024-25 National Board Certification Incentive Awards for classroom teachers by school division.

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The Top 10 Proven Actions to Ensure Your Student is Ready to Soar This School Year resource document is a data-based list of helpful tips for parents to use throughout the school year. Divisions and schools are encouraged to share this resource with parents and their broader school communities.

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The Top 10 Proven Actions to Ensure Your Student is Ready to Soar This School Year resource document is a data-based list of helpful tips for parents to use throughout the school year. Divisions and schools are encouraged to share this resource with parents and their broader school communities.

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Attendance Matters, Every Day

Partner with your Child's Teacher and Set Learning Goals

Practice Math & Reading 20 Minutes a Day

Limit Screen Time

Build Healthy Sleep Habits

Start the Day with a Good Breakfast at Home or at School

Get Moving and Play!

Talk with your Children about the Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol

Support your Child's Mental Health

Talk with your Child - Anywhere You Can

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Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference

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Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference

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VDOE and Virtual Virginia are seeking informative and engaging presentations for the 2025 VITAL Conference. This conference showcases the innovative efforts of Virginia's educators and leaders in enhancing learning experiences across various educational settings. Submit your proposals by November 15. Contact Morgan Occhuizzo, Professional Learning Specialist with any questions.

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Check out the opportunities for your students. The due date for each application is October 26.
Virginia Space Coast Scholars is designed for high school sophomores and focuses on the science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars is an interactive on-line STEM learning experience, highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center, for high school junior and senior students.
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars the program engages high school juniors and seniors in NASA’s satellite missions. Successful completion of the course is highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center.

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Students in grades 7-12 work on a STEM project that tackles a real-world challenge using scientific and engineering practices. Up to 150 National Champions will win a trip to the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Deadline for entries is October 20.

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Statewide Access to New Teacher Support 

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Statewide Access to New Teacher Support 

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The REACH Virginia program is now accessible to all school divisions as a collaborative network of new teacher mentor program leaders from across the Commonwealth. Funded by the General Assembly through the VDOE, this initiative provides resources to support new teachers, opportunities for professional development, and no-cost membership in the network.  For more information or to join the program, email REACH Virginia Program Directors.

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School Leaders Series on Including Students with Disabilities in Assessments

These briefs for school leaders focus on the inclusion of students with disabilities—including English learners with disabilities and students with the most significant cognitive disabilities—in assessment, and the academic instruction that preceded it. School leaders play a key role in creating and sustaining schools that meet the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities. A whole-school approach, where there is shared responsibility for supporting the learning and success of all students, creates a positive collaborative organization that leads to better outcomes.

School Leaders Series on including Students with Disabilities in Assessments

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EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

Since 1998, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has sponsored Earth Science
Week (ESW) during the month of October (https://www.earthsciweek.org/). This year, Earth
Science Week will be October 13 – 19. The theme of this year’s event is “Earth Science
Everywhere,” an exciting theme that “highlights the widespread influence of geosciences
across STEM disciplines and the humanities.” The Virginia Department of Energy has been
an active supporter of Earth Science Week for several years. This year we are again reaching
out to our colleagues in Virginia to promote this important event.
There are several ways that you and your students can get involved:

• Obtain a free Earth Science Week educational materials ‘toolkit’ from AGI by
visiting http://www.earthsciweek.org/toolkit. These packets are full of posters,
activities, and additional resources related to the geosciences. A limited number
of kits are also available for pick-up directly from the Virginia Department of Energy
in Charlottesville.
• Utilize some of the many Earth Science Classroom Activities provided by AGI here:
https://www.earthsciweek.org/classroom-activities. These are excellent teacher
resources covering a variety of Earth Science topics such as climate, oceans,
fossils, minerals, the rock cycle, space, maps, and soil, for grade levels K-12 based
on Next Generation Science Standards. The links provide instructions, teacher
manuals, and downloadable materials.
• Encourage your students to submit an entry to Earth Science Week video (all
ages), photography (all ages), visual arts (K-5), or essay (6-9) contests. Entries
are due by 8 PM on Friday, October 18. To learn more, visit
https://www.earthsciweek.org/contests.
• Sponsor an event during earth science week. It could be aligned with one of the
special days designated during earth science week that focus on earthcaches,
science literacy, getting students outside, diversity in earth science, fossils,
geologic maps, minerals, and archaeology. Learn more about these focus days
by visiting https://www.earthsciweek.org/get-involved/focus-days. If you let us
know about your event, we will promote it on our web site as well.

I hope you will be as excited about this event as I am. If you have any questions or

need additional information, do not hesitate to contact the Virginia Geology and Mineral
Resources Program at (434) 951-6340.

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Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) is seeking qualified high school teachers to support teaching and grading of online courses for Virginia students in grades 11-12.

The following two courses can be dual-enrolled with Virginia Peninsula Community College so VSGC is looking for teachers with the following credentials and experience:

To serve as a teacher in the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program:

Master's Degree with 18 graduate semester credits in degree field(s): Earth; Ocean/Marine; or Atmospheric Science (Not Geology/Science Education)

To serve as a teacher in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program:

At least an Associate’s Degree in: Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering Technology; Computer Science; Computer Engineering Technology; Electrical Engineering; Electrical Engineering Technology

Two years related occupational experience

All positions require formal education experience and the ability to attend mandatory online teacher training on November 9, 2024.

Apply Here: https://spacegrant.net/apps/?pk=vsgcmt

Please see attached for more details.

Chris

VSGCMT Teacher flyer.pdf VSGC Master Teacher Flyer Verbiage.docx

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Voyage Mark II Scale Model Solar System Exhibition Now Available for Permanent Installation in Communities Across the U.S. and Canada

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Voyage Mark II Scale Model Solar System Exhibition Now Available for Permanent Installation in Communities Across the U.S. and Canada

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For Immediate Release: October 1, 2024

Voyage Mark II Scale Model Solar System Exhibition Now Available for Permanent Installation in Communities Across the U.S. and Canada

Opportunity for a Community to Engage Students, Families, and the Public in an Outdoor STEM Experience in the Space Sciences

Time Critical: installation may be possible as early as Spring 2025; interested colleges and universities, museums and science centers, school districts, and local government organizations are directed to inquire as soon as possible

Contact: Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Voyage National Program Director
Center DIrector, National Center for Earth and Space Science Education jeffgoldstein@ncesse.org

The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education and Exhibitology LLC are inviting communities across the U.S. to explore permanent installation of a Voyage Mark II Scale Model Solar System as part of the Voyage National Program. The Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education is extending this invitation to communities across Canada. The first Voyage exhibition was permanently installed on the National Mall in Washington, DC, between the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument, in front of the Smithsonian Institution museums. The Voyage Mark II exhibition is designed to bring the experience to communities across the U.S. and Canada, and then world-wide.

We all share this world, are charged with its stewardship, and through education believe that it should be the birthright of all our children to understand the story of our existence on this tiny fragile world in a vast space. We invite your community to take a Voyage that will forever change your perspective of home.

Local organizations with an interest in STEM education, and experiential learning more generally, are invited to consider installing a Voyage on a college campus, in a local park, along a walking path, or along a downtown street. The exhibition is designed to serve as a community focal point for STEM education – for students, families and the general public. The exhibition is ADA compliant, and tactile elements on the storyboards allow the blind and vision impaired to have as rich an experience as other visitors. A tour brochure promotes self-guided inquiry-based exploration of the Solar System, and online content resources for both teachers and parents extend the Voyage experience beyond the exhibition site. A grade K-12 curriculum on Solar System science allows a visit to Voyage to be placed in the context of a multi-week classroom unit on the Solar System.

This is also an invitation to become part of a network of Voyage Communities, all sharing a common heritage of Voyage on the National Mall in Washington, DC. There are currently 15 permanently installed Voyage exhibitions, 4 on community college campuses; 3 on 4-year university campuses; 3 at museums/ science centers; 1 on a school district campus; 1 in a city park; and 3 along cityscapes. 3 more Voyages are to be installed in 2024. Each Voyage community has a dedicated webpage at the Voyage National Program website, which can be accessed via the link below.

- a college or university can integrate the Voyage exhibition into non-science major classes in the Earth and space sciences; designate campus as a STEM education destination site for pre-college student groups, and introduce these students to an undergraduate setting; and add a sculptural element to the campus experience

- a museum or science center can extend learning experiences to outdoor spaces, and beyond normal operating hours; and provide a foundational understanding for existing solar system exhibitions and programs

- a school district can install Voyage on a corridor between schools; provide tours district-wide led by student explainers; and enhance a tour with the Voyage K-12 curricular lessons for grades: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

- city government can use Voyage as both a sculptural and educational experience along a 2,000 ft path, and invite new visitorship to a business district

- a park can provide a greater view of the natural world, with the exhibition fostering an understanding of Earth's place in the Solar System, and providing a context for planets visible in the night sky

Voyage is a 1 to 10-billion scale model Solar System, requiring installation along a 2,000 ft (600 m) walking path.

To consider this opportunity for your community, read the National Announcement of Opportunity:

http://voyagesolarsystem.org/2024/05/new-stem-opportunity-permanently-install-a-voyage-scale-model-of-the-solar-system-in-your-community-as-a-focal-point-for-stem-education-installation-starting-spring-2025/

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Student and Teacher Opportunity with Virginia Space Grant Consortium

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Student and Teacher Opportunity with Virginia Space Grant Consortium

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The Virginia Space Grant Consortium provides FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The programs have an interactive online STEM learning experience and are highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA.

10th GRADE
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) focuses on the current missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/ - This online course application is OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 26.

11th AND 12th GRADE
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) focuses on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars. Students learn from NASA experts on how to design space missions!  http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/, applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 26.

Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) focuses on the challenges the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to the societal issues faced by the impacts of climate change. Engaging students in real-world investigations of the Earth and its systems using the latest research and data from NASA.  http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 26.

Each program also hires a cohort of Master Teachers to grade student work. Teachers, please refer to each program’s website for details on becoming a paid Master Teacher for the upcoming semester! Teachers with advanced degrees in subject matter areas highly considered!  STEM Teachers apply here until October 15: https://spacegrant.net/apps/vsgcmt

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Virginia Association of Science Teachers Awards and Mini-grants

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Virginia Association of Science Teachers Awards and Mini-grants

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VAST Recognition In Science Education awards recognize service to science education in the individual's school, school system, and the VAST district in which they work. The applicant does not need to be a VAST member. VAST also has several mini-grant offerings including a grant for Teaching, to Enhance Teaching of Chemistry, and the Shirley Sypolt Memorial Grant in Elementary Education. Deadline is September 30 for nominations and mini-grants.

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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Nominations

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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Nominations

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Nominations are open for K-6 and 7-12 teachers year-round for the PAEMST award. When the appropriate cycle opens for the nominee, they will receive an email notification from the PAEMST team letting them know they can start an application. Applications will open for grades 7-12 teachers in the fall of 2024 and grades K-6 in the fall of 2025.

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Science Standards of Learning Update

Article: 2024-37-377
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Instructional Leaders
Contact: Laura Casdorph, Science Coordinator, Laura.Casdorph@doe.virginia.gov

The Proposed Draft 2025 Science Standards of Learning will be presented to the Board of Education for initial review at the meeting on December 3, 2024. The 2025 Science Standards of Learning are for the current Board-approved high school science courses that do not have existing standards (High School Level II courses and Environmental Science). Once adopted by the Board, divisions are expected to implement the science standards in the 2025-2026 academic year. The 2018 Science Standards of Learning for kindergarten through high school physics will remain unchanged in content and practices. Instructional guides, scheduled to be released in May 2025, will include structures to increase specificity and provide clarity about performance expectations of the Standards.

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The STEM+C application is available to schools that are planning to start a competition team or expand existing competition teams.  Schools may apply for up to $5000 of funding per team to support two competition teams in the 2024-2025 academic year. Schools may receive a maximum amount of funding of $10,000. Year one and year two funding is available to divisions.

The purpose of the STEM competition team application is to:

Increase awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM+C) among teachers and students.

Engage students in extracurricular, STEM+C-related team-building activities through problem-based, project-based team competitions.

Foster STEM+C competition team development and growth throughout Virginia.

Focus on STEM+C literacy skills through hands-on experiences. These experiences will include problem-driven integrated STEM+C activities that use collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and ethics to explore the challenges and opportunities of the STEM+C Competition Team Grant Initiative.

The 2024 Guidelines for the General Requirements pf Qualifying for the STEM+C Competition Grant and the STEM+C Competition Grant Application (Year 1) can be found at VDOE STEM.  STEM +C Competition Grant Application (Year 2) will be sent directly to schools that had a year 1 grant in 2023-2024. Completed applications are due to the VDOE Office of STEM on or before 4:00 p.m. on September 13, 2024.

For questions concerning the STEM Competition Grant or on STEM education, please reach out to Anne Petersen, STEM Director (anne.petersen@doe.virginia.gov)

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Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Aug 14, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://virginiaedstrategies-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElc-CtrzkqG9cX3oIW0iQL0cy6qToAXDnW

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.