Science Matters (BaP) and Networking

Science Matters (BaP) In New York State

Science Matters (BaP) is an electronic network that disseminates information among teachers of science in New York State. It provides K-12 teachers with information about professional development opportunities and science teaching resources, thereby having a positive impact on the quality of science education.

Initiated by NSTA in partnership with state-based education organizations, and initially funded by Exxon Mobil Foundation, the Science Matters program is a growing national network. A cadre of educators serves as Key Leaders (KL) for each state. The Key Leaders select a Point of Contact (PoC) from each school building and coordinate the efforts of the PoCs. All of these educators are trained to use the electronic network and learn how best to share standards-based resource materials with their colleagues.

In New York State, STANYS implements the Science Matters program through Super Key Leaders, Key Leaders and PoCs organized within STANYS Sections. A steering committee oversees development of the state program. The program is growing in New York and we encourage you to participate.

Contact and general information about the STANYS Science Matters program may be found on these pages:

Find out more about the NSTA Science Matters program at www.nsta.org/sciencematters

Science Matters in New York State!

Nancy Ridenour, BaP/Science Matters Liaison

With all the challenges to the education system in New York, it is even more important for teachers to be well connected to the sources of professional development, grant opportunities, SED updates, and STANYS sponsored awards and workshops. The STANYS sponsored electronic network, called "Science Matters," is geared toward reducing teacher isolation.

What used to be called BaP, is now under new funding at NSTA and is called "Science Matters." The scope has also changed with an added focus on involving parents more in the education of their children. Check out the website for more information (http://bap.nsta.org). There are many clickable icons for information without having to join the network.

There are over 6,000 public and non public schools in NYS. At present, we have about 2,000 teachers signed up with Science Matters to receive electronic messages, but several hundred of these are not receiving them. Some schools block NSTA messages, my roadrunner account, html, etc. If you have signed up and are not receiving anything, please check with your IT in your district. Using your home e-mail would avoid this.

This system is only as effective as the number of people on it and having those people share the information with colleagues in their schools. This is not the same as the Oneonta lists which allow feedback and discussions online. The Science Matters network is a one-way information sharing system.

Please consider being a Point of Contact (PoC) for your school. The success of this network requires all buildings to be represented. The following directions will allow you to sign up.

  1. Go to http://bap.nsta.org.
  2. On the left side of the opening page, click on "Become a Point of Contact."
  3. Step 1: Select State.
  4. From the menu, select "New York."
  5. Step 2: Enter only your school's Zip in the first box (no other info in other boxes) and click "Find Schools."
  6. Step 3: Look just below "Find Schools" for the listing of all schools with that ZIP and click on your school's name. If your school's name does not appear, send a message to Nancy Ridenour (nridenour@twcny.rr.com) with the school's official name, address, and ZIP. It will then be added to the list of schools with that ZIP.
  7. Step 4: Complete template of first page about General Info. and Click "Next."
  8. Complete template on second page about Demographics. Under Demographics for Grades and for Subjects:
    1. If you are representing all the teachers of science in your building, be sure to include all the grades, and all science subjects for teachers whom you are representing, not just what you teach.
    2. If you are representing a subset of teachers in your building, be sure to include just those grades and subjects of teachers you represent, not just what you teach.
    3. If you are representing just yourself, include just the grade(s) and subject(s) that you teach.
  9. When completed, click on "Submit."

Thanks for volunteering to be a PoC! If you have any questions, contact me, Nancy Ridenour (nridenour@twcny.rr.com).