=I AM
I TEACH 6TH PHYSICAL SCIENCE IN GEORGIA.  BOY IS THIS TOUGH!
SHEILA

Sheila,
     Think positive!  There are many of us that will be glad to help.  Tell
us how we can help.  :-)  Happy New Year!  Marie

I am trying for certification in AYA/Science too.  I teach 9th grade
"Coordinated and Thematic Science", Technical Chemistry and Advanced
Chemistry in West Virginia.

I am working hard on my entries but my video tapes are leaving
something to be desired!!  Any suggestions?
Thanks,

flt  --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, rmgwhs@d... wrote:
> Hi,
> Just wondering if there are any new adol/adult science people
trying
> for certification this year(2000-2001). I teach 9th earth science
and
> 12th physics in upstate ny.
> thanks,
> rmg

I am in EA/SCIENCE and wanted to use Rocks and Minerals somewhere in Entries 1
or 3.  I don't quite know how to work it in though.  Any Ideas?????
Thanks a bunch for responding!!!
Mr. Robert Mikell                          HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

My video tapes have been a sore spot for me, too. But all the advice I've
gotten is to just do the best you can with what you've got. I've heard that
your write up is more important than what is on the video; and I've heard
stories of all kinds of videos that were used by people who certified. I
think I've taped 15 lessons and finally just picked two to use. Otherwise I
would run out of time and have nothing!

Don't give up!
Christine in NC

At 05:58 PM 12/30/2000 -0000, you wrote:
>I am trying for certification in AYA/Science too.  I teach 9th grade
>"Coordinated and Thematic Science", Technical Chemistry and Advanced
>Chemistry in West Virginia.
>
>I am working hard on my entries but my video tapes are leaving
>something to be desired!!  Any suggestions?
>Thanks,
>
>flt  --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, rmgwhs@d... wrote:
>> Hi,
>> Just wondering if there are any new adol/adult science people
>trying
>> for certification this year(2000-2001). I teach 9th earth science
>and
>> 12th physics in upstate ny.
>> thanks,
>> rmg
>
>
>
>
>
>

Robert,
I am in Earth Science also, was thinking of using density as my "theme"
for entry 1. Maybe i could use rock identification/specific
gravity/atomic arrangement in crystals, carry it into plate tectonics,
and of course density is in weather. Just ideas now????

keep me posted,
ralph greco  in snowy upstate ny

I certified in AYA Science.  Taping, finding 20 minutes, and analyzing is
definitely a huge challenge.  I taped many lessons and watched countless
hours of videotapes again and again.  I finally decided on a piece in the
second lesson I taped.  I was trying to get a perfect tape - - - and
unfortunately (or realistically) just doesn't happen often.  I used a lesson
that showed what normally happens in my classroom - - - and I discussed "the
good, the bad, and the ugly."  The self-analysis is difficult but definitely
made me a much better teacher.  Go back and look again at the lessons you
have taped - - - you might just see a 20 minute section that shows that you
do know what you are doing, you can handle interruptions, you understand
child psychiology and know how to bring students back on track, etc.

Marie

Thanks for the response.  It helps to know someone elso feels the
same!!!  I have taped several times too and am planning to try again
after the holidays.  Good luck to you!!

Frances-- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, Tommy/Christine Lowman
<lowman@t...> wrote:
> My video tapes have been a sore spot for me, too. But all the
advice I've
> gotten is to just do the best you can with what you've got. I've
heard that
> your write up is more important than what is on the video; and I've
heard
> stories of all kinds of videos that were used by people who
certified. I
> think I've taped 15 lessons and finally just picked two to use.
Otherwise I
> would run out of time and have nothing!
>
> Don't give up!
> Christine in NC
>
> At 05:58 PM 12/30/2000 -0000, you wrote:
> >I am trying for certification in AYA/Science too.  I teach 9th
grade
> >"Coordinated and Thematic Science", Technical Chemistry and
Advanced
> >Chemistry in West Virginia.
> >
> >I am working hard on my entries but my video tapes are leaving
> >something to be desired!!  Any suggestions?
> >Thanks,
> >
> >flt  --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, rmgwhs@d... wrote:
> >> Hi,
> >> Just wondering if there are any new adol/adult science people
> >trying
> >> for certification this year(2000-2001). I teach 9th earth
science
> >and
> >> 12th physics in upstate ny.
> >> thanks,
> >> rmg
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

-Congratulations on your certification!!!  I admire your
perserverance and ability.
   Thanks also for the response about video taping.  I have plenty
finished for Entries 5 and 6.  I have written and rewritten the
assessment portion but the videos just don't have a flow.  I am going
to take your suggestion and write about what I do have.

Congratulations again!!!
Frances-- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, nealetpt@a... wrote:
> I certified in 1999 in AYA Science  (Chemistry).  I hated both of
my video
> tapes.  But I told myself I would work on them during Christmas
vacation and,
> therfore, had to use what I already had.  My "discussion" was an
interesting
> topic, "Junk Science."  I tricked them with the old DHMO scare -
Dihydrogen
> Monoxide.  (Got that one off the internet on a junk science site)
Even so,
> they were just politely responding to my questions.  Some had their
heads
> down on the desk at times.  It was evident that they really didn't
much care
> about the subject or about my husband's presence as videographer.
I had lots
> of material to discuss during the reflection and ideas for
improvement -
> cooperative group reporting of fictitious scientific studies,  and
the like
> to improve their participation in the discussion.  My inquiry was
also very
> dry.  I didn't score as well on that entry because, I believe, I
tried to
> play-it-up in the write up as if it was a great lab.  It was not a
great lab
> and I should have just admitted it and submitted ideas for
improvement.
> Anyway,  all this boils down to this suggestion...Be
honest....Don't try to
> snowball the assessors by making your material out to be better
than it
> actually is.  Go ahead and use the "less than desirable" tapes you
have
> available.  Just be honest as you look at them and reflect upon
areas of
> improvement.  Best Wishes for a great New Year!  Keep Working!

Hello
I missed by 1 raw point and will re-do entry 2.
Both videos passed.
I used one with iodine, starch, different baggies, for diffusion.
the other was a unit the kids studied, created a presentation on
anatomy and presented to the class.
hope this helps-
msh



--- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, flt587@m... wrote:
> I am trying for certification in AYA/Science too.  I teach 9th
grade
> "Coordinated and Thematic Science", Technical Chemistry and
Advanced
> Chemistry in West Virginia.
>
> I am working hard on my entries but my video tapes are leaving
> something to be desired!!  Any suggestions?
> Thanks,
>
> flt  --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, rmgwhs@d... wrote:
> > Hi,
> > Just wondering if there are any new adol/adult science people
> trying
> > for certification this year(2000-2001). I teach 9th earth science
> and
> > 12th physics in upstate ny.
> > thanks,
> > rmg

----- Original Message -----

From: nealetpt@...

To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 6:23 PM

Subject: Re: [NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci] choosing the right test

 

Terry,

Thank you for your input.  After looking at the samples in the scoring booklet, I feel that I should go with physics  ( I guess I'll be shelling out $50 to change my mind)  You are right...I should go with what I have been teaching.

 

Kellye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kellie, I was certified in 1999 in AYA Science in Chemistry.  The physics
portion of my assessment was no more difficult than basic physical science
physics.  I could not tell you how hard the physics test was for physics
people.  The chemistry portion was pretty much material that could be found
in my Prentice Hall teacher's edition.  I prepared by using the book
"Framework for High School Science" published I believe by NSF.  It covers
the concepts that NSF believes should be taught at each grade level.  (My
copy is on loan to someone but I think that's the right information.)  If you
could get a copy of the book (I just ordered mine on the internet), you could
read through the chemistry material and the physics material to determine
which you would be more likely to thoroughly understand.  Remember that a
part of the test is not just content, bu! t, also, pedagogy.  You may be better
off with the area that you have the most practical teaching experience from
which to draw.  When it comes time to prepare for the test, if you take the
Chemistry, I could help you with more specific ways in which I prepared.  For
now, good luck!  I imagine you are still working feverishly on your
portfolio.   Terry

---

Hi!

I think everyone's 5 & 6 will have the same lay out.  I would love to
see one that scored well.  Did you have anyone respond to you???

Thanks,
Carolyn
bioteach2000@...

  In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, Gail Parsons
<parsons_g@xxxxxxx.xxxx.xxxx wrote:
> What did everyone think about the suggestion/encouragement to have
your
> portfolio in the mail to National by April 2. I already feel a
crunch
> because I did not get mine until January 15. Is anyone else having
> trouble visualizing what the entry 5 & 6 should look like when it
comes
> to the actual layout of the pages? I wish they had shown an actual
page
> in the notebool as an example. Also, has anyone found anyone who
will
> share what theirs actually looked like when finished? I would love
to
> glance at a couple pages that have actually passed the certification
> requirements for our area. The mentor for our area is an art
certified
> teacher so I don't see how hers could be of much use to me. Thanks
for
> any response!
> :) Gail

What was the deal with the assessment?????

Carolyn


--- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, "Catherine Ratliff"
<catherineratliff@xxxxxxx.xxxx wrote:
> Only 16 of 41 certified in my state.  I was not one of them but
feel I can
> retake and make it.  The assessment center kicked me hard as well.
>
>
> >From: jekj@k...
> >Reply-To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> >To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> >Subject: [NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci] National Board certification
> >Date: 21 Nov 1999 16:55:19 -0000
> >
> >This has been a very quiet group. I was wondering how everyone who
> >completed the process this year scored.  I passed, not with flying
colors,
> >but with enough points to certify.  My lowest area was at the
assessment
> >center.
> ><< text3.html >>

I am very worried about the Biology at the Assessment Center.  I
teach very little Biology (it could almost be Health).  Any ideas or
study tips.

Is it true that we can write and/or type our responses to the
prompts?  I have heard stories of the computers shutting down and in
our area the test site didn't make any allowances for time etc..

Frances
-- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, bioteach2000@c... wrote:
> What was the deal with the assessment?????
>
> Carolyn
>
>
> --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, "Catherine Ratliff"
> <catherineratliff@xxxxxxx.xxxx wrote:
> > Only 16 of 41 certified in my state.  I was not one of them but
> feel I can
> > retake and make it.  The assessment center kicked me hard as well.
> >
> >
> > >From: jekj@k...
> > >Reply-To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> > >To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> > >Subject: [NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci] National Board certification
> > >Date: 21 Nov 1999 16:55:19 -0000
> > >
> > >This has been a very quiet group. I was wondering how everyone
who
> > >completed the process this year scored.  I passed, not with
flying
> colors,
> > >but with enough points to certify.  My lowest area was at the
> assessment
> > >center.
> > ><< text3.html >>

Do you have an old college biology text?  Someone told me to take notes on
some of the basics or copy notes from your old class to take in with you.

I don't know much about the assessment.  Some English people took it and
passed it.  She said she had the option of writing her response, but didn't
feel she could finish it without the speed of typing.  She said she
brainstormed her questions and hit one on the head.  All she had to do was
retype her notes.

Carolyn

Thanks for the info!  I am testing primarily in Chemistry.  I will
try to find a good text for Biology soon.

Frances

I took the assessment center in Biology.  I teach AP Biology and scored
very well at assessment center.  The test is mostly concepts and very in
depth with the subject matter.  The test was  very little pedigogy.  STUDY
STUDY STUDY  a college text book.  Suzanne

flt587@... wrote:

> I am very worried about the Biology at the Assessment Center.  I
> teach very little Biology (it could almost be Health).  Any ideas or
> study tips.
>
> Is it true that we can write and/or type our responses to the
> prompts?  I have heard stories of the computers shutting down and in
> our area the test site didn't make any allowances for time etc..
>
> Frances
> -- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, bioteach2000@c... wrote:
> > What was the deal with the assessment?????
> >
> > Carolyn
> >
> >
> > --- In NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@egroups.com, "Catherine Ratliff"
> > <catherineratliff@xxxxxxx.xxxx wrote:
> > > Only 16 of 41 certified in my state.  I was not one of them but
> > feel I can
> > > retake and make it.  The assessment center kicked me hard as well.
> > >
> > >
> > > >From: jekj@k...
> > > >Reply-To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> > > >To: NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci@onelist.com
> > > >Subject: [NBPTS-AdolAdult-Sci] National Board certification
> > > >Date: 21 Nov 1999 16:55:19 -0000
> > > >
> > > >This has been a very quiet group. I was wondering how everyone
> who
> > > >completed the process this year scored.  I passed, not with
> flying
> > colors,
> > > >but with enough points to certify.  My lowest area was at the
> > assessment
> > > >center.
> > > ><< text3.html >>

I'm new to this group, so this may have come up before,but...

One of my biggest problems at the assessment center (besides
a continually flickering monitor) was that the questions required
diagrams or writing with subscripts/superscripts etc.  Since I
have carpal tunnel, I elected to type, rather than hand-write my
responses, but I had to keep tossing the keyboard aside and
going to the response booklet anyhow, since the font provided
did not give the style options to which I am accustomed.

If I were to do this over (and thank God I don't!!!!) I would elect
to
write all my repsonses by hand.  My scores (physics) were
decent (3.75 on 3 of 4) so I guess it didn't really matter, but who
needs yet another thing to worry about?

For biology, there was liittle need to write in the booklet.  I can't
write very well anymore due to technology.  I would always find the
computer the best!!  Writing would take way too long.  Suzanne

scj139@... wrote:

> I'm new to this group, so this may have come up before,but...
>
> One of my biggest problems at the assessment center (besides
> a continually flickering monitor) was that the questions required
> diagrams or writing with subscripts/superscripts etc.  Since I
> have carpal tunnel, I elected to type, rather than hand-write my
> responses, but I had to keep tossing the keyboard aside and
> going to the response booklet anyhow, since the font provided
> did not give the style options to which I am accustomed.
>
> If I were to do this over (and thank God I don't!!!!) I would elect
> to
> write all my repsonses by hand.  My scores (physics) were
> decent (3.75 on 3 of 4) so I guess it didn't really matter, but who
> needs yet another thing to worry about?

I took the AC in physics and know others who have taken chemistry,
earth science, and biology.  Expect questions in depth and at the
second year or advanced high school level or AP level in your chosen
area.  I found old AP tests most helpful, as did my peers in other
areas.  If you're teaching at this level, you'll be brushing up.  If
not, you'll be relearning what you once knew.

For the out of field, get 8th-10th grade texts and read them, taking
notes as you go.  If it is worth an illustration or diagram in the
book, spend a bit of extra time on it.  Don't expect trivial pursuit
questions out of field, focus on the big stuff.  If it might show up
in the newspaper, a Newsweek or Time article as a sidebar to a science
story, or on the local news as a "question of the week" sort of thing,
you might see it.

Hope this helps.

LJ

I forgot -- we science people have an advantage in that we can elect
both book and computer.  I answered on the computer when I could, but
if a diagram or equation improved my answer, I'd just type on the
screen that the rest of the answer (or whatever I did) was in the
response booket and switched over.  I know of other science candidates
who did the same.  All of us scored very high on the AC.  I also know
of one who went totally by hand and in the booklet, and he was very
happy.  I don't think I would have been able to finish my answers that
way, as I type faster than I write.

You folks should be working on the box now, not studying for AC. Begin
to gather books and understand what is expected, but the box is the
place for your time now.

Hopefully this suggestion comes too late for most of you candidates.
Two years ago I found it difficult to come up with a discussion idea
that would produce a lively debate.  (Most teenagers seem to agree on
everything, at least outwardly, which leads to very boring
discussions.) Anyway, yesterday my classes and I discussed animal
experimentation.  It was lively and insightful.  The students first
read two opposing viewpoints.  Then we discussed where we each were
on a continuum.  I had them try to guess my position.  Then when I
was ready to present my point-of-view they listen intently.  I share
this because it was one of those lessons that both you and your
students would enjoy.  (Also could make for some good videotaping...)
Terry, NBCT 1999

I am having trouble with the assessment piece of my portfolio. I had
thought I could use the pretest/posttest idea, but don't want to grade a
pretest because the purpose is to find out what they already know, not
penalize them for what they don't know. Also, one of the questions I have
to answer is "Did your instruction or comments contribute to this student's
growth in understanding of the concepts..." etc. How do you make comments
on a pre-test? "I see you don't know this yet." "We will be learning about
this." Make a list of what the class doesn't know yet and needs to focus on?

????

Could science fair projects be considered a unit of study (scientific
method), or is that just one assessment piece?

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Christine in NC