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Disney's Planet Challenge

Fourth through sixth grade students have the opportunity to make a difference in their sorroundings while using science, math, composition and problem-solving skills. Disney's Planet Challenge has gone nationwide and now students across the country can participate! Disney's Planet Challenge is a great way to get students involved with their environment in a fun and creative way. Go to http://disney.go.com/planetchallenge/ to get started.

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: Fourth through sixth grades
Partner: Disney
Date(s): Registration closes December 18, 2009

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DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition

DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition gets students writing about science! Students in seventh through 12th grade research and write a 700 to 1,000 - word essay about a scientific discovery, theory, event or technological application that has captured their interest. Created to honor the Challenger astronauts, students can win savings bonds of up to $5,000, and a trip to Walt Disney World and to the Kennedy Space Center. To learn more about the competition, check out the website at http://thechallenge.dupont.com .

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: Seventh through 12th grade.
Partner: DuPont
Date(s): Submit entries between December 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010

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Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

K-8 students have the opportunity to become "Agents of Change" as they team up with their classmates to create replicable solutions to environmental issues in their classroom, school and community. Student and teacher/mentor prizes, which vary according to grade level, include savings bonds, school grants, exciting trips, TV appearances and much more. Applications are now being accepted. For more information about the Challenge or to register for the competition, visit www.wecanchange.com .

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: K-8th grade.
Partner: Siemens
Date(s): Submit entries before January 31, 2009 for elementary level and March 15, 2010 for middle school.

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Spirit of Innovation Awards

Sponsored by the Conrad Foundation, the Spirit of Innovation Awards is an annual competition that challenges teams of high school students to create innovative products for use in one of four categories: aerospace exploration, space nutrition, renewable energy and green schools. Teams and their coaches will compete for more than $100,000 in cash prizes; the opportunity to be designated as Pete Conrad Scholars and have the opportunity to commercialize their products for general market use; and annual memberships to the Conrad Foundation, Sigma Xi, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Science Teachers Association- the Foundation's official education advisor. For more information about the program, visit http://www.conradawards.com .

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: High School
Partner: Conrad Foundation
Date(s): Submit entries before December 15, 2009.

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Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program

ExploraVision is a competition that makes science fun and exciting for students and gives educators an innovative way to present science topics in the classroom. This competition encourages K-12 students of any interest and ability levels to imagine a future technology using present day predicaments. For more information about the program or to learn how to apply, visit http://www.exploravision.org/ .

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: K-12
Partner: Toshiba
Date(s): Submit entries before February 2, 2010

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Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers

The Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program, one of the largest science teacher grant programs in the nation is now accepting entries for the 2009-2010 competition. Now in its 20th year, the program offers grants up to $10,000 to K-12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in their school and/or school district over a one-year period. For more information about the Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program or to learn how to apply, visit http://nsta.org/pd/tapestry/ .

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Partner: Toyota
Date(s): Submit entries before January 18, 2010

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2009 You Be the Chemist Challenge

Students will explore many aspects of chemistry and are given the opportunity to use their chemistry knowledge in the You Be the Chemist Challenge, a spelling bee-style competition scheduled to take place in February 2010. Winners at the citywide competition, convened by the Office of Mathematics and Science, will advance to the state competition, and possibly to the national level. Participating schools will receive substitute coverage for participation in CPS' You Be the Chemist Challenge competition. In exchange, schools agree to fulfill science club commitment, select at least three students to participate in the 2010 CPS You Be the Chemist Challenge, and arrange bus transportation for club participants to the tournament.

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Partner: Chicago Public Schools
Date(s): Fall 2009 to Spring 2010

Contact: Dr. Natasha Buckner-Pena at 773-553-6191 or nlbuckner@cps.k12.il.us

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Light Pollution Project

Become part of the Light Pollution Project and help count the stars.

More information: http://lpp.adlernet.org/

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iCON Awards

The iCON Awards were developed to recognize the important role of education, research, and training in fostering growth and in building the next generation of Midwest biotechnology and life sciences innovators and leaders. These awards celebrate the achievements of leaders who nurture education, training, and scholarship in the life sciences in Illinois.

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Partner: iBIO Institute
Date(s): 10/15/09
Location: Chicago
Telephone: (312) 422-1111 ext. 3
More information: http://ibioinstitute.org/icon/index.html

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PROPEL

PROPEL, a partnership developed by iBIO and the iBIO Institute, is a series of programs aimed at increasing the number of life sciences start-ups in Illinois and at boosting the success rates of existing companies. PROPEL and the iBIO Entrepreneurship Center help guide the development of life sciences companies by providing access to specialized resources and expertise.

Audience: Entrepreneurs
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Science Topic: Entrepreneurship
Partner: iBIO Institute
Telephone: (312) 422-1111 ext. 5
More information: http://ibiopropel.org/

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Entrepreneurship and Workforce Training

Entrepreneurship and Workforce Training programs and activities include intense grant writing workshops, networking events, and educational seminars. Through this training, the iBIO Institute assists life sciences entrepreneurs and supports the growth and development of start-up companies.

Audience: Public
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Science Topic: Entrepreneurship
Partner: iBIO Institute
Date(s): Series of workshops throughout the year dates TBD
Telephone: (312) 422-1111 ext. 3
More information: http://ibioinstitute.org/programs/work.html

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Dig Into History: Mesopotamia

Dig Into History! Learn about archaeology and early scientific innovations while traveling through Iraq digging for Mesopotamian artifacts.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Archaeology
Partner: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
Date(s): Ongoing
More information: http://mesopotamia.lib.uchicago.edu/interactives/DigIntoHistory.html

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Prepare a Mummy for Burial!

Get all wrapped up in science while you prepare a mummy for burial.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: All Ages
Science Topic: Mummification
Partner: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
Date(s): Ongoing
More information: http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/MUS/ED/mummy.html

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Museum Crime Lab Learing Lab

4th - 8th grade students use forensic science techniques to solve a crime that has occurred at the Museum. Investigative teams analyze crime scene evidence using fingerprint analysis, chromatography, white powder analysis and microscopy techniques.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Forensic science, science proceses, careers in science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Advanced Forensics Learning Lab

8th-12th grade students are immersed in the world of crime scene investigation and the use hands-on forensic science techniques such as DNA analysis, blood spatter analysis and trace evidence analysis to solve a crime.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12-14, 14-18
Science Topic: Forensic science, science proceses, careers in science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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City Science Learning Lab

4th-8th grade students learn about the basics of structural design as they design, build and test skyscrapers all while exploring potential careers.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Engineering, science processes, careers in science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Renewable Energy Learning Lab

6th-10 grade students engage in hands-on activities to explore new technology, specifically hydrogen fuel cell cars, and discover how some of the latest renewable energy sources work.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Alternative energy resources, science processes
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Simple Machines

3rd-6th grade students learn important concepts about energy, work and simple machines as they engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 5-8, 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Force, work, simple machines, science process skills
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Submarine Science

4th-7th grade students explore the science and history behind the U-505 submarine through hands-on activities and a guided tour of the sub.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: Bouyacy, density, engineering, science processes, careers in science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Testing the Waters

4th-8th grade students become environmental scienctists as they analyze the health of a Chicago-area water source. Students work in teams to explore the watershedand use environmental science methods to determine the quality of water samples.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11, 12-14
Science Topic: environmental science, water quality, science processes, careers in science
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Life Begins

5th grade students explore the topic of puberty, reproduction. Prenatal development and the birth of a baby. This program is offered in partnership with the Robert Crown Center for Health Education.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 9-11
Science Topic: Puberty, reproduction
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/1/2008 - 6/12/2009
Time: 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., Tuesday - Friday
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Live…from the Heart

9th-12th grade students can join us in the operating room of Advocate Christ Medical Center for live open heart surgery! Watch via videoconference as a surgical team performs a bypass procedure. Talk to the team, ask questions about the procedure, and find out about exciting careers in the operating room.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 12-14, 14-18
Science Topic: Cardiovascular health, anatomy, careers in science and medicine
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 9/24/2008 - 6/10/2009
Time: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-684-1414
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/field-trips/reservations/

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Summer Camp for Teachers

Get energized at the Museum of Science and Industry's science camp for teachers! This three-day workshop on types of energy will give you creative teaching strategies that help students learn science by doing science.

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Science Topic: Energy, electricity, sound, light, thermal energy, mechanical energy
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-753-1393
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/educator-resources/education

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City Science Teacher Professional Development Series

4th-8th grade teachers explore the city through science and they learn to use inquiry-based and hands-on/minds-on science to help them and their students discover more about the science that's all around us, including city ecology, our environmental impact, the science behind structures,and what issues will play a role in developing the cities of the future.

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Science Topic: Ecology, environmental science, engineering, architecture
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Date(s): 10/28/2008 - 5/20/2009
Time: 8:30am-2:30pm
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-753-6821
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/educator-resources/

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Science Minors

Science Minors are a group of teen volunteers at the Museum of science and Industry. Science Minors work together to learn science content, presentation skills and to present activities to the Museum guests and the community. 10 consecutive Saturday Workshops.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 14 to 17 years old
Science Topic: Human Body
Partner: Museum of Science and Industry
Start Date(s): 10/4/2008, 01/10/09, 04/04/09
End Date(s): 12/13/2008, 03/14/09, 06/06/09
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Location: Museum of Science and Industry
Telephone: 773-947-4160 or 773-947-3185
More information: http://www.msichicago.org/education/community/science-minors/ " target="_blank"> http://www.msichicago.org/education/community/science-minors/

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Free Teacher Membership

All certified teachers are invited to sign up for a FREE TEACHER MEMBERSHIP. Just go to www.scitechmuseum.org/teachermember.htm to register. With this memberhsip, you can visit SciTech all year long at no charge, receive invitations to special events and promotions, and discounts in our gift shops and special programs. You may also visit hundreds of ASTC-participating museums across the US for free or half-priced admission.

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Science Topic: Ecology, environmental science, engineering, architecture
Partner: SciTech Hands-On Museum
When: All Year
Location: 18 W. Benton St., Aurora IL, 60506
Telephone: 630-859-3434

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Educator Viewing: Water




Educators will learn about the creation of this exhibiition, the immersive nature of water and hear inspiring conservation stories. Educators will be given the opportunity to examine how people use - and misuse - water and explore how living things adapt to the extremes of an ocean floor to a dry desert.

Audience: Educators
Age Appropriateness: Adults
Partner: Field Museum
Date(s): July 14, 2009 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Contact: 312-665-7500




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Microsoft Offers Free Tools for High Schoolers




Students can download  professional-grade development software such as Visual Studio, XNA Game Studio at the DreamSpark site. High School students are now able to access and dwonload professional Microsoft Coprporation software such as Visual Studio and XNA Game Studio for free, a service that has been offered to higher-education students for the past year through DreamSpark.

For high school students to have access to these software downloads, a school representative need only sign up his or her school online. Once approved, the school representative will receive pass codes that will allow students to go online and download the available software free of charge.

Audience: Students
Age Appropriateness: 14-18

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ING Unsung Heroes Program




The ING Unsung Heroes Program is searching for education professionals who are using creative and unique educational programs or who would like to use those types of programs to help students reach new heights. Each of the 100 finalists will receive an award of $2,000. At least one award will be granted in each of the 50 United States, provided one or more qualified applications are received from each state. Of the 100 finalists, three will be selected for additional finanial awards. First place will receive $25,000; second place will receive $10,000; and the third place winner will receive $5,000.

Website: http://www.ing-usa.com/us/stellent2/groups/dc/documents/companylobinformation/001143.pdf

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