North Star Science Department
"The artists of the Renaissance said that man's main concern should be for man, and yet there are other things of interest in the world. Even the artists appreciate sunsets, and the ocean waves and the march of the stars across the heavens. There is then some reason to talk of other things sometimes. As we look into these things we get an aesthetic pleasure from them directly on observation. There is also a rhythm and a pattern which is not apparent to the eye, but only to the eye of analysis; and it is these rhythms and patterns which we call Physical Laws." -- Richard Feynman, Physicist, 1965 |
| Registration Guide to LNS Science Courses |
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- Physical Science
- Geoscience
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
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- Physical Science-Diff.
- Geoscience-Diff.
- Biology-Diff.
- Chemistry-Diff.
- Physics-Diff.
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- Earth Systems
- Environmental Studies
- Anatomy & Physiology-Diff.
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- Basic Life Science
- Basic Physical Science
- Basic Geoscience
- Basic Body Systems
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| *The registration guide for science courses is available for download and contains the most recent information available about North Star science courses. |
| Mr. Doughty Selected as the Russwood Chrysler Outstanding Science Educator for 2007! |
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- LNS Science Teacher Floyd Doughty was selected by the Lincoln Foundation for the Russwood Chrysler Outstanding Science Educator Award for 2007.
- Mr. Doughty was recognized for making a difference in the science classroom."What he does to make a difference is to focus on the learner, the content, and the classroom culture using hands-on minds-on science, research-based methods, some common sense, and a little humor."
- Mr. Doughty was presented the award and a check for $1000 from Russwood Chrysler at the Lincoln Public Schools Gold Star Salute.
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| Mr. Doughty Recognized by Lincoln East Rotary and U.S. Bank! |
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- LNS Science Teacher Floyd Doughty was named Teacher of the Month for September 2006 by the Lincoln East Rotary Club and U.S. Bank
- Wayne Casper introduced the award winner Floyd Doughty. Floyd has 18 years of teaching experience and is teaching
Physics and is the Science Dept. Chair at North Star High School.
- His Associate Principal, Ryan
Zabawa, spoke with glowing terms about Floyd.
- Mick McKinley made a $100
presentation from U.S. Bank and Wayne Casper presented a check for $100
and a framed Certificate.
- This is the first Lincoln East Rotary award for North
Star High School.
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| Outstanding Science Student Awards for 2006-2007 |
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- The Outstanding Science Student Award recognizes a student for superior academic performance and contributions in one of four areas: Earth Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Students are nominated and selected by the science faculty. This is the highest Science award presented at North Star. The awards this year go to:
- Outstanding Geoscience Student: Alisha Chab
- Outstanding Biology Student: Matt Claycomb
- Outstanding Chemistry Student: Ali Abbott
- Outstanding Physics Student: Karen Hu
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| Science Achievement Awards for 2006-2007 |
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- The Science Achievement Award recognizes a student for scientific achievement based on academics, interest, improvement, or meeting unique
challenges. Only a small number of these awards are presented each year.
Students are nominated and selected by the LNS Science Faculty. The awards for this year go to:
- Andrea Eberspacher, nominated by Mr. Doughty
- Jessica Yuma, nominated by Ms. Chapo
- Zach Johnson, nominated by Mrs. Small
- Sam Griffin, nominated by Mrs. Feese
- Gwendolyn Lopez, nominated by Ms. Frack
- Nogc Mai, nominated by Dr. Kwan
- Cassie Etmund, nominated by Mrs. Steen and Mr Donahue
- Tien Dinh, nominated by Ms. Seifferlein
- Carena Smith, nominated by Miss Nott
- Heather Vaughan, nominated by Mr. Schmoker
- Delont'e Johnson, nominated by Ms. Bennett
- Liliya Martynyuk, nominated by Ms. Schmitt
- Hoa Nguyen, nominated by Mrs. Campeau-Greenfield
- Congratulations award recipients!
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| North Star Wins Medals at Science Olympiad 2007! |
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- North Star's Science Olympiad team competed at UNL-East Campus on Saturday, March 24.
Congratulations! to the North Star State Medalists:
- Kelsey Deabler and Kimberly Maxwell - 2nd place in Write It/Do It
- Devin Kellogg and Nate Benes - 4th place in Sumobots
- Alex Fall and Casey Oppegard - 5th place in Fermi Questions
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| 2007 Science Bowl! |
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- Nebraska Regional Science Bowl Info | Nebraska Regional Web Site
- The Nebraska Regional Science Bowl will be held Saturday February 3 at the Nebraska Student Union on the Downtown Campus. Registration is at 8:00am and Events begin at 9:30.
- LNS has prepared two teams this year, participants were selected for their oustanding science ability.
- Team A: Nicole Whitehead-Captain, Brent Wolterman, Genna Whaling, Taylor Lucas, and Derek Schnell.
- Team B: Justin Spilker-Captain, Ashley Schnell, Heather Vaughan, Chinh Duong, and Jordan Spilker.
- Try sample questions yourself! Sample Science Bowl Questions
- Learn how it's done! Science Bowl Rules, Strategies, and Resources
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| Susan Frack Recieves Sigma Xi Award |
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Congratulations to North Star Science Teacher Susan Frack who was selected for the Sigma Xi Outstanding High School Science Teacher Award. She was cited in recognition of her contributions in a myriad of activities including service resulting in the creation of the Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network and as a research associate in the Sandhills Biocomplexity Project. Sigma Xi is a Scientific Research Society. http://www.sigmaxi.org/chapters/web/Nebraska |
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| Nebraska Math & Science Partnership Program |
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| Congratulations to the North Star Math and Science departments which were among recipients awarded a $60,000 grant from the Nebraska Math and Science Partnership Grant Program. Several training and grant activities for teachers have been held at North Star High School during the summer breaks. This special grant allows for teacher inservice activities for innovative improvements in math and science instruction designed to increase student achievement and communications with parents. |
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Congratulations go to Ashley Ernisti who has been selected by the American Association of Physics Teachers as the Outstanding Physics Student of the Year for 2005 at North Star High School. 5/23/2006
http://www.aapt.org/
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The LNS 2006 Science Olympiad Team won medals at this years event.
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ReActions Newsletter, published by the American Nuclear Society, is your source for information about nuclear science and technology. The March 2006 issue of ReActions is now available online at
http://www.ans.org/pi/teachers/reactions/
We've listed many URLs for additional information; all are linked so that you can visit each without typing the address. The current issue contains:
* Studying Effect of Cosmic Radiation on Human Cells
* Step Toward Malaria Vaccine
* International Polar Year
* Irradiated Salt Demonstration
* List of currently scheduled TEACHER WORKSHOPS
LNS Students Welcome to Attend Banerjee Lecture at UNL
Ruma Banerjee, George Holmes University Professor of Biochemistry, will discuss how nutrients like vitamins regulate genes and modulate health in ≥Genes, Greens and Disease,∞ at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, in the Nebraska Union Auditorium, as the fall Nebraska Lectures event.
The event is free, open to the public, and a reception will follow. The Nebraska Lectures are sponsored by the UNL Research Council, the Office of the Chancellor, and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.
Mr. V.T. Miller Featured in Lincoln Journal Star's "Prime Time"
Frequent North Star math and science substitue teacher Mr. V.T. Miller was featured in an article by Journal-Star writer Larry Kubert in the May issue of Prime Time. In Kubert's article Mr. Miller is recognized for his continued contributions in the classroom after retiring from a productive career in science education for Nebraska Educational Television productions. Prime Time Editor Bill Eddy writes this about Mr. Miller "...his enthusiam for sharing his love of science is apparently unquenchable." 5/31/2005
http://www.journalstar.com/
Jeremy Bauer Receieves AAPT Outstanding Physics Student Award
Congratulations go to Jeremy Bauer who has been selected by the American Association of Physics Teachers as the Outstanding Physics Student of the Year for 2005 at North Star High School. 5/23/2005
http://www.aapt.org/
Mr. Doughty Helps Develop US-DOE National Report Card Assessment
North Star High School Science teacher Mr. Floyd Doughty represented area high schools at the Plains State Regional NAEP Science Framework Review. On April 25, 2005, selected expert science educators took part in the Plains States regional review of the proposed 2009 NAEP Science Framework. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as "the Nation's Report Card," is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. 4/25/2005
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/science/
Science Olympiad 2005
The North Star 2005 Science Olmpiad Team competed in this years Nebraska Science Olympiad. Team Members are Amy Hua, Matthew McClure, Sean Spencer, Alex Fall, Tony Perry, and Kristian French. Team Coaches are science teachers Ms. Tracie Chapo and Ms. Lisa Bennett. 4/9/2005
http://nerds.unl.edu/sciolympiad/index.html
   
Pictured is the North Star High School rocket launch.
Amy Hua's launch is available as a 1 MB download in QuickTime movie format:
http://osx.lps.org/manila/lnsscience/amyrocket1mb.mov
Need QuickTime? http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
Ms. Chapo Wins Lincoln-Lancaster 2005 Environmental Award
Congratulations to North Star science teacher Ms. Tracie Chapo as recipient of the Lincoln-Lancaster County 2005 Environmental Education and Awareness Award. Ms. Chapo teaches Enviromental Studies at North Star High School. 4/5/2005
http://www.ci.lincoln.ne.us/city/health/environ/kllcb/awards.htm
Congratulations to LNS Science Bowl Team!
Congratulations to the members of the first North Star Science Bowl Team for winning $100 in the Nebraska Regional competition Saturday: Team Captain--Ian Plummer, Ashley Ernesti, Brandon Jochum, Tho Pham, Megan Schroeder and Coach Mr. Doughty. Special Congratulations to Brandon Jochum as "Highest Scoring Team Member." 2/6/2005
http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/
"On 25 December 2004, towards the end of the third orbit around Saturn, the Cassini orbiter jetisoned the Huygens probe for its 20 day journey to Ttitan. On 14 January 2005 the Huygens probe successfully entered Titan's upper atmosphere and descended under parachute to the surface.... ...Throughout the mission data was collected from all instruments providing a detailed picture of Titan's atmosphere and surface." (Source: Nasa/ESA/ASI)
The Cassini Orbiter and Hygens probe is a joint NASA/ESA/ASI mission to explore Saturn, Titan and the other moons of the Saturnian system. 1/15/2005
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.cfm?fareaid=12
  
Images courtesy of NASA/ESA/ASI.
Mr. Doughty Nominated for R.L. Fredstrom Leadership Award
LNS science teacher Mr. Floyd Doughty was nominated to the R.L. Fredstrom Leadership Award this fall. The award recognizes outstanding leadership or leadership potential in the Lincoln Public Schools. The award is in honor of Rudy Fredstrom, a long-time Nebraska teacher and administrator. The award is administered by the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and the Fredstrom family. 11/28/2004
http://www.foundationforlps.org/
http://www.foundationforlps.org/pdfs/awards/FredstromNom.pdf
Thu Cao Wins Chemistry Design Contest
On Saturday, September 25, at UNL Chemistry Day, North Star student Thu Cao won the experimental design contest out of a field of 95 other students. She won by presenting an innovative experimental design to analyze how erasable highlighters worked. The prize was winning a visit from noted UNL Chemistry Professor Dr. Bill McLaughlin to her chemistry class with Mr. Blake. Congratulations Thu! 9/25/2004
North Star Teachers Attend NESEN's Geoscience Academy
North Star Science Teachers Lisa Bennett, James Blake, Lisa Hansen, and Floyd Doughty attended the Geoscience Academy hosted by LSE and presented by Dick Caster and Dr. David Gosselin of Nebraska Earth System's Education Network and UNL's School of Natural Resources. The teachers learned about current geoscience content, applicable pedagogy and new technology. They explored labs, developed lessons, evaluated resources, and shared many great ideas.Check out the photos! 7/1/04
Nebraska Earth System's Education Network
UNL's School of Natural Resources Web Site
  
  
North Star Teachers Attend Project Fulcrum Science Academy
North Star Science Teachers James Blake, Floyd Doughty, and Eugene Kirianov attended the Physical Science Academy hosted by LHS and presented by Project Fulcrum and Jim Rynearson. The teachers learned about science content, applications, current research, scope and sequence, multicultural science, and computer resources, They designed lessons, shared resources and had an exciting experience working with UNL scientists.
Project Fulcrum's Web Site 6/24/04
Science Olympiad 2004-A North Star First
The Science Olympiad competition was held Saturday, April 24th, 2004 at Henzlik Hall on the UNL City Campus. Congratulations to Amy P. and Lathan M. and Science Olympiad Coaches Ms. Bennett and Ms. Chapo for a great effort our first year! 4/25/04
Read about North Star science teacher Tracie Chapo's general therapy dog Roswell in the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper article: A student's best friend comes to class by JoAnne Young. 3/25/04
UNL's Central Plains Severe Weather Symposium 2004 held at North Star High School
On Saturday, March 20th several hundred people attended the 'Surviving The Storms -The Four Seasons of Severe Weather' event which included storm videos, talks by storm chasers and storm photographers, visits with television meteorologists, and displays by weather-related organizations. A weather balloon was launched and tracked by computer. Click here for the official Symposium Web Site 3/21/04
  
  
In the photos above several storm tracking vehicles are pictured and a weather balloon is launched from North Star High School and tracked by Global Positioning Satellite technology as a North Star family watches it's movement on a computer.
...And in this photo Mr. Doughty demonstrates a more traditional method for tracking weather balloons.
Excellence in Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education Week (ESTME)
March 15th - 19th marks the Excellence in Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education Week (ESTME), a week-long celebration of science and math education. The ESTME website <http://www.estme.org/> offers a wealth of information, such as "the best of the best" in online science, math, and technology resources nationwide and interactive experiences. Don't miss a webcast of a Capitol Hill version of the Exploratorium's popular "Iron Science Teacher" competition. On March 16th, the U.S. Department of Education will hold the first-ever Summit on Science as part of the Administration's nationwide Math and Science Initiative. Top leaders in science and education, including Secretary of Education Rod Paige, will come together to discuss the importance of K-12 science education and showcase innovative science programs. And on March 19th, President Bush will announce the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recipients.
Centennial of Flight: From the Wright Brothers to the Future
On December 16th, 2003 Brigadier General Mark Musik presented to Science, Math and Engineering students at North Star High a short history of the Wright Brothers and the Wright Flyer. Billy Diehl, Manager for Business Development-USAF Joint Strike Fighter from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics made a presentation on the state-of-the-art F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and it's development.
U.S. Centennial of Flight Home Page [Macromedia Flash Reader]
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/
Wright Experience: Reconstructing the Wright Brothers' Legacy
http://www.wrightexperience.com/
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company and Museum of Pioneer Aviation Home Page
http://www.first-to-fly.com/
Flight History.com
http://www.flight-history.com
The Science Department Calendar has been added as a link under the navigation window on the left and is now available to view from all pages. Have an event to add? Any North Star science teacher may edit the calendar. 11/20/03
Lincoln North Star High School hosted the Fall District Science Staff Development Sessions. Science teachers attended sessions which included NASA's Liftoff-Houston 2003, Pfizer's Connecticut Crime Lab Workshop, West Nile Virus Update, Science for Special Students, Using Science Rubrics, Nebraska Dept. of Roads Wetlands Site Visits and Motivational Chemistry: Dyes, Adhesives, & What's that Smell? Check out the photos! (11/4/03)
 
 
Science in the News
Venus Transits the Sun!
June 8th, 2004 - For the first time since the 1882 transit Venus passed acrossed the face of the sun. Excellent views were recorded. If you missed it you can watch again June 6, 2012. More at NASA's Watch the Skies
Images courtesy of NASA.
Most Distant Object in Solar System Discovered!
March 15, 2004 - NASA funded scientists at Caltech have discovered the most distant object in the the Solar system, currently dubbed Sedna. Sedna is approximately three times further from Earth than the planet Pluto and is about three quarters it's diameter. Sedna was discovered using the Spitzer Infrared Space Telescope. Learn more at: http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/Media/releases/ssc2004-05/
Image courtesy of NASA/Caltech/M. Brown
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC-Caltech)
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC-Caltech)
WE'RE BACK! Mars Rovers 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity' Land on Mars! 
NASA's Rover Team celebrates.
Spirit's first image shows it's lander petals and solar arrays
in the foreground and the Martian horizon in the background.
Images courtesy of NASA.
Check it out!
NASA's Official Mars Exploration Rovers Website
http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/
Fun! Mars for Kids!
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/funzone.html
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Mission for Students
http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/classroom/students.html
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Mission for Educators
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/
NASA's Overall Mars Exploration Program Website
http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/
Solar Storm Hits Earth in Repeat of October
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/11/21/solar.storms.reut/index.html
Photo courtesy of NASA/ESA/SOHO.
Solar Storm Creates Spectacular Aurora images
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/space/0310/gallery.aurora/frameset.exclude.html
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