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Text Box: How to Visit with a Vendor During the Conference (“Say, do you mind if I have that?”) At our Annual Math and Science Conference (February 3-5, 2012) in Huron we are blessed with a large variety of wonderful exhibitors. Some of them are there to share ideas, some are there to sell materials/programs and ALL are there to help conference attendees become better educators. As the Exhibit Coordinator I would like to share some ideas on how best to utilize these wonderful resources. 1. Take some time to preview which exhibitors will be attending, by accessing the Conference Information at www.sdsta.org or www.sdctm.org (For example, this will give you some ideas if you are hoping to talk with a particular textbook representative.) 2. Once you arrive in Huron and pick up your Registration materials, check the updated list of exhibitors (we often have Exhibitors arrive last minute that did not make the Conference Handbook). 3. Take some time in-between sessions to walk through the exhibits. See what displays catch your attention. Then, most importantly take the opportunity to talk with the Exhibitors. Don’t be shy! Introduce yourself, tell them your name and what & where you teach. Ask them what they have that would be relevant to your level of instruction. Sometimes they will have materials that they may give or send to you, or websites with links to their materials. 4. If you would like to find out more about what the Exhibitor has to offer, check the Speaker Schedule for the Conference….they may be giving a presentation that goes into more depth or have information on Professional Development opportunities. 5. Please don’t assume that display materials are free for the taking! Be respectful if materials are marked “For Display Only”. Often the Exhibitors will have them available at the end of the Conference. 6. Let the Exhibitors know that they are appreciated by thanking them for attending! Their goal at the Conference is to give you ideas, so positive feedback is greatly appreciated. See you in Huron in February! Mark Farrand SDSTA Exhibitor Coordinator p.s. We are always looking for new exhibitors, so please let us know if you have ideas!

Accept the Biology Challenge: Become part of the
USA Biology Olympiad

The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is the premiere US biology competition for high school students. After two rounds of challenging exams, 20 students are invited to a residential training program at Purdue University where they experience labs and lectures with advanced biological concepts and exacting lab skills. The top four students go on to represent the USA at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Singapore July 8 to 15, 2012. Online registration is now open and will close February 3, 2012. To register, click on the following link at
http://www.usabo-trc.org. For more information on how your students may participate in the USABO, please contact Kathy Frame at kframe@cee.org.

SD-AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest

Photo Contest Details

The contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12. Students must print out, sign, and return the Contest Rules and Entry Agreement, HTML version or WORD version, when submitting their entry. (form can be found at SDAAPT.sdsta.org) Failure to submit this form will invalidate the contest entry. Entries are limited to 6 per teacher per school each year. If possible, please place all entries from the school in one package.

Photos may be in one of two categories and will be judged on the quality of the photo and the accuracy of the physics in the explanation that accompanies the photograph.

Categories: Students may submit an entry in one (not

both) of two categories: Natural (any situation that you saw occurring and photographed) or Contrived (a situation where the objects were manipulated to produce the phenomena photographed).

Prizes: SD-AAPT will award cash prizes & certificates. (Usually given to the top three places only.)

Judging: The photos entered will be displayed and judged during the annual Winter Meeting at the Joint Science & Math Conference in Huron in February. Deadline: Entry deadline is January 15, 2012.

Submissions: Send to:             James Stearns
                                                15 North Fifth Street
                                            Groton, SD 57445-2024