RJ Stangherlin

Keystone Technology Integrator and STAR Discovery Educator

This site is for Mrs. Stangherlin's classes at Salisbury High School.

THE SIEMENS FOUNDATION, DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS AND NSTA ANNOUNCE MAJOR PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH FIRST

Found this press release on Twitter courtesy of wakey1971.

(NEW YORK) – The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Communications and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have joined together to inspire student achievement in sustainability through a comprehensive education initiative, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Announced today, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is an unprecedented partnership between three industry leading organizations that are committed to educating, empowering and engaging students, teachers and communities in environmental sustainability.

Kicking off the 2008 school year in September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is the first and only national K-12 sustainability education initiative aligned to state education standards and uniquely tailored to match students’ growing comprehension abilities throughout their school-aged years. By partnering with Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, which provides scientifically proven, standards-based digital media tools and resources to classrooms nationwide, and the NSTA, the largest science teacher organization in the world dedicated to improving science education and increasing student learning by engaging all teachers of science, the Siemens Foundation will serve as a pioneer in recognizing sustainability efforts within the K-12 education system.

“As a leader in environmentally relevant businesses, Siemens knows the answers to tomorrow’s critical environmental questions are in the minds of today’s students,” said James Whaley, President, Siemens Foundation. “Uniting with Discovery Education and NSTA complements Siemens’ commitment to the future and to those who are going to create it. We look forward to unleashing this tremendous reservoir of potential through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge.”

“Education and the environment have always been part of Discovery’s core mission and we are proud to be a partner in encouraging students to learn about and create sustainable solutions through the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications.

“The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will engage science teachers and allow students the opportunity to think like scientists, learn more about key environmental issues, and to develop critical-thinking skills that will help them to make informed decisions regarding stewardship of the planet,” said Dr. Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director, NSTA.

Designed to equip students in every grade level with the tools and inspiration to develop innovative green solutions for schools, homes and communities, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will transform participants into active citizens for a greener tomorrow. The program begins by helping young students understand the basic concepts of sustainability and why it’s important to protect the environment. At each subsequent stage, the concepts expand to engage students beyond their classrooms, into their communities and to the global world.

K-2: My Classroom: Introduce students to the importance of “being green” and provide opportunities for active learning and engagement.
3-5: My School: Inspire students to think beyond their classroom — using science and math skills to take their school “green.”
6-8: My Community: Empower students with tools to apply the Scientific Method to real-world “green issues” in their local communities.
9-12: My World: Connect students with real-world scientists as they tackle today’s “green challenges” — moving from insight to global action.

In September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge launches with a national middle school competition where teams of students will identify an environmental problem in their community and will research and recommend a reproducible environmental improvement program. Teams will then provide an explanation about how other communities across the country can launch similar environmental improvement programs.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will expand to kindergarten and elementary school students in 2009 and to high school students in 2010, complete with standards-based lesson plans and teacher materials, student projects and prizing to foster learning, team work and problem solving around sustainability.

For more information about the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, visit http://www.wecanchangetheworldchallenge.com.

About the Siemens Foundation
The Siemens Foundation provides over $4.5 million towards science, technology, and engineering and math initiatives annually. Its signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. operating companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit http://www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world’s number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery’s founder and chairman. For more information, please visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com.

About the National Science Teachers Association
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA works to improve science education and increase student learning by providing resources and training that support and enhance quality teaching. The Association advocates for the importance of science and science learning and works to enhance science education through research-based policy and practice. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. For more information, please visit http://www.nsta.org.

Ethan Vokes: Versatile Winner of Young Artists’ Exhibit

Cross-posted on Changing Connections

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Ethan Volkes is a young man of many talents.  He led his IP team to a very successful stage presentation as team leader, and with another team member, Matt Croft, built a rotating combination desk and bar for their stage presentation, “What If the Constitution Had Not Been Ratified?  How Much Can One Document Change the Future?  Any graduate of the IP process will tell you that IP becomes your life, so Ethan’s accomplishment at the Banana Factory, happening at the same time that IP kicks into high gear, makes his accomplishment even greater.

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Ethan captured Honorable Mention for one of his two art works competing at the Third Annual Banana Factory Young Artists’ Annual Exhibit. The opening of the exhibit, which runs through August, was a “First Friday” in June, and it was a really exciting evening with an impressive attendance.  Strategically positioned in direct line with the entrance, the exhibit literally draws you into the Banana Factory.

Ethan’s prize-winning art was a two-dimensional metal work, and the photos simply do not maximize the intricacy of his work.  I asked Ethan how his work came to be exhibited at a juried show, and he said that his art teacher, Mr. Scott Atiyeh, who has a studio at the Banana Factory, selected his work.  Ethan discusses the creative process in depth in his podcast, so you might want to check it out.  That his work was exhibited and one piece received Honorable Mention, Ethan was nonetheless disappointed that his metal work did not fare better in the judging.  If you know Ethan, then you understand his work ethic--he has one--and he never settles for less than his best.  He strives for perfection, and is understandably always hoping for that first place prize.  Nonetheless, he is pleased with his accomplishment and credits his talent to his home environment, growing up with art, and assuming responsibility for continuing to work in a variety of artistic media.

His second entry serves to demonstrate his versatility.  His painting has a dimensional effect, seeming to reach outside the canvas with a life of its own.  From the nuts and bolts of set design and construction to the refinement of studio art, Ethan does it all, and very well.  After viewing the exhibit, we went outside in search of a quiet space to create a podcast to mark the event.

IP 2008 Photos and Video: Finished

Cross-posted on changingconnections

Another year of IP has come to an end, 6 stage presentations and 3 video productions later.  Miss Brinson and I would like to extend a special thank you to the students who created spectacular examples of 21st century learning, and to the parents, extended family, friends, staff and administration who supported our students throughout the year.  Video postings of the 9 presentations are forthcoming.

What If RFK Was Not Assassinated? Could One Man Adapt a Country to a Changing Time? [Stage Presentation]
Abby Zovko, Colin Ackerman, Emily Miller, Jessica Gates, Drew DePoy, Tony Abraham

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What If Nixon Defeated Kennedy in the First Televised 1960 Debate?  Could Conservatism Define the 1960s? [Video Production]
Victoria Ravenelle, Matt Mattuiz, Sean McDermott, Alex Weir, Kaylyn Syvret

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A Revolutionary Decade: The 1960s.  Was Peace Attainable Without Transgression? [Stage Presentation]
Jennifer Picht, Melanie Surajbali, Amanda Wirth, Bailee Johnson, Deaven Freed, Jennifer Picht, Gabby Snyder, Sarah Holzer

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What If a UN Loss in Korea Led to a Greater Conflict?  Could the Circumstances Lead to an Apocalyptic Nuclear Holocaust? [Video Production]
Garred Greenberg, Colton Furbur, Kevin Connors, Aaron Benner

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What If the Constitution Had Not Been Ratified?  How Much Can One Document Change the Future? [Stage Presentation]
Matthew Croft, Ethan Vokes, Kayla Mjaatvedt, Avery Markle, Casey Feinberg, Michael Russo. 

The following behind-the-scenes-photos were taken during weekend practice.  The dress rehearsal photos were too dark to publish, so I made a slide show of what I had.  If anyone has photos from this group, please forward them to me and I’ll make a second slide show for this group.

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What if the Thirteen Colonies Never Received Aid from France During the American Revolution?  Can a Monarchy Inspire a Democracy? [Stage Presentation]
Chris Yeisley, Tyler Nolan, Jennifer Singley, Kayla Springer, Anna Novak, Drew Eisenhauer, Cyrus Sholevar

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What If Prohibition Had Been Enforced?  Would Sober Living Sweep the Nation? [Video Production]
Ashley Gibiser, Samantha Foulke, Rebekah Jerista, Nolan McGilloway, Jeff Yorgey

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What If Nixon Wasn’t a Crook?  Can One Man’s Honesty Change a Nation? [Stage Presentation]
Mirielle Elchaar, Nicole Bartholomew, Lauren Kolowitz, Morgan Anastasio

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What If Thomas Jefferson Had Deemed the Louisiana Purchase Unconstitutional?  Could the United States Survive with Internal Boundaries? [Stage Presentation]
Scott Gardus, Rachel Hoats, Donte McCrary-McClain, Matthew Heyer, Melinda Lehman, Paige Marze, Brianna Dee

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The Me Decade: A 1970s IP Documentary:  Jade Letlow and Sam Heddleson

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Civil Rights: A What If Slide Show: Julia Bruchak

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