Our new scientific and engineering practices (SEP) and crosscutting concepts (CCC) icons have arrived! They are available in both English and Spanish to download and print on 8.5-by-11-inch paper on our revamped and renamed
SDCOE Science Resource Center
.
In addition to the new icons, the website includes a searchable database of the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), updated course model information that aligns with the final draft of the 2016 state Science Framework, and direct access to SDCOE’s #ProjectPhenomena database.
There is also great in-person learning occurring in the county. In October, SDCOE held the first California Environmental Phenomena Summit. More than 70 educators came together with scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System, and Birch Aquarium to build understanding of environmentally-focused phenomena and the role of phenomena in NGSS-aligned science instruction. Participants worked in teams to build an instructional resource that will be shared statewide through our
#ProjectPhenomena database
.
There’s a lot going on, so don’t miss out on what’s coming up — share
this link
so others can receive future
Science News and Updates
.
Science Coordinators, San Diego County Office of Education
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English Learners in STEM Subjects: Transforming Classrooms, Schools, and Lives
English Learners in STEM Subjects: Transforming Classrooms, Schools, and Lives
examines research on learning, teaching, and assessment in STEM subjects for students who are English learners and provides guidance on how to improve learning outcomes in STEM for these students. This report considers the complex social and academic use of language delineated in the new mathematics and science standards, the diversity of the population of ELs, and the integration of English as a second language instruction with core instructional programs in STEM. You can download a PDF file of the report with a free National Academies Press account.
Achieve Next Gen Science: Quality Examples of Science Lessons and Units
In an effort to identify and shine a spotlight on emerging examples of high-quality lessons and units designed for the state science standards, Achieve launched the EQuIP Peer Review Panel for Science. The panel uses the EQuIP Rubric for Science and the associated quality review process to evaluate the instructional materials. Each lesson or unit is
available to download
and use in classrooms.
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NGSS and Informal Educators
Strengthen your use of NGSS in informal education programs and better connect to the informal educators in the region. This Dec. 7 workshop will focus on environmental literacy and the use of phenomena to support NGSS instruction. Review your program to identify the phenomena students explore when at your site. Create an entry for the SDCOE phenomena database to connect your site to NGSS learning in San Diego. Email
Crystal Howe
to register or for more information.
Using the NGSS Toolkit for Instructional Materials Evaluation
(
Implementation Stages 1, 2, 3, 4)
Participants will deepen their understanding of the features of quality instructional materials aligned to NGSS and learn how to use the NGSS Toolkit for Instructional Materials Evaluation (NGSS TIME) in this new workshop. NGSS TIME is a process developed by the science subcommittee of the California Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association. This toolkit can be used by district committees to analyze and select quality instructional materials for science. The cost of the three-day professional learning session is $125; click the dates below to register.
Explore the State Board of Education-adopted instructional materials aligned to NGSS for K-8. Meet publishers, review the K-8 materials, and receive samples at the SDCOE Science Instructional Materials Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 2019. Publishers on the board-adopted list have been invited to also exhibit and present their science programs for grades 9-12.
NGSS Three-Day Academy
(Implementation Stages 2, 3, 4)
Participants deepen their understanding of the instructional shifts and dimensions of the state science standards at the
NGSS Three-Day Academy
on Feb. 12, 13, and 21. Explore grade-level performance expectations and the recently adopted California Science Framework, work collaboratively with others to develop a phenomena-based conceptual storyline, and begin planning a coherent three-dimensional instructional unit. The cost of the three-day professional learning session is $150.
NGSS Leadership Conference 2019
(Implementation Stages 1, 2, 3, 4)
The 5th annual
NGSS Leadership Conference
brings district teams together with state and national leaders in science education to support the transition and implementation of NGSS. Teams receive the most current information on NGSS, collaborate and learn about implementation efforts with other districts, and refine their own NGSS implementation plans. Registration is now open for the NGSS Leadership Conference at Liberty Station on
March 8, 2019
. The cost of the one-day event is $150.
Southern California Association of Science Specialist
- Share professional resource materials, programs, and strategies
- Discuss and act upon common issues and current topics of concern
- Provide peer support for those serving in science leadership and/or supervisory roles
Membership in SCAS2 is open to anyone with a strong interest in, and commitment to, the improvement of science education in Southern California, and whose duties include some leadership responsibilities such as administration, coordination, curriculum development, directorship, mentorship, supervision, or teacher education. Registration is now open for the SCAS2
Spring Convening
on May 1, 2019, in San Diego County.
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This section of
Science News and Updates
highlights districts and schools across San Diego County engaged in professional learning focused on bringing high-quality science learning experiences to all students.
Del Mar District Students Solve Real-World Challenges
Science labs are an important part of Del Mar Union School District’s STEAM+ program. Science labs in the district provide hands-on opportunities for all students to investigate, explore, think, design, create, and test their imagination, beliefs, and ideas.
Students engage in real-world problems and are required to apply knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines as part of the learning experience. Del Mar Union School District teachers have been working with SDCOE science coordinators as they implement NGSS in science labs and classrooms.
One example of the powerful work happening throughout the district is a recent project at Sage Canyon School.
Sage Canyon Science Specialist Stephanie Englund teamed up with Wild Wonders in Bonsall to provide a unique opportunity for students. Wild Wonders promotes wild animal education and preservation through live interactive programs and tours featuring 150 animal ambassadors and educators.
Sage Canyon 6th graders were tasked with designing enrichment toys for the program’s animal ambassadors. They researched characteristic animal behaviors and used their research to guide their design. Students built an enrichment toy and then shared their ideas with Wild Wonders staff during a video conference. Students received feedback on their designs and after changes or modifications, some of the enrichment toys were selected to be given to Wild Wonders and used in the animal enclosures.
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Students receive feedback on their animal enrichment toy design during a video conference with Wild Wonders Scientist Kimberly Wright.
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Sage Canyon 6th graders designed and built prototypes of animal enrichment toys for Wild Wonders.
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Amazing work is happening throughout our county. To have your school or district featured in the next edition of
Science News and Updates
share your NGSS story by completing this
Google Form
.
Be sure to check out our
NGSS in Action videos
highlighting student learning in the classroom on our SDCOE Science Resource Center.
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California Science Education Conference
The
California Science Education Conference
is a great source of information on implementing NGSS in your classroom. The California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) hosts this conference to focus on what science educators need to know to hone their craft, stay updated on standards, and apply best practices gleaned from experts throughout the state. The event is Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 in Pasadena and on-site registration will be available.
High Tech Fair
The
High Tech Fair at the Fleet Science Center
is an event for students in grades 7 to 12 to learn about the opportunities available as they pursue a career within a scientific field. The High Tech Fair is a free event for both families and students and allows those who are interested in a scientific career the opportunity to speak with representatives from local STEM businesses.
- The High Tech Fair Family Night is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 17. It allows families with students in grades 7 to 12 to participate in a number of activities while being exposed to scientific fields they may not have considered before. Budding marine biologists, for example, can speak with representatives from Birch Aquarium and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography about the science they use as part of their daily jobs. So, too, can burgeoning cyber enthusiasts engage with businesses such as Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to learn how technology and engineering play a part in commercial aviation, military defense, virtual reality, and unmanned aircraft.
- The High Tech Fair School Day is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 18. The School Day is the highlight of the fair where children can see real-life applications for the science they learn in the classroom.
Elementary Science Field Day
May 18, 2019
The
Science Field Day
will be May 18, 2019. Each spring, students in grades 4, 5, and 6 compete in 15 science-related events on Science Field Day. Each student will participate in two or three events. In addition, many non-competitive events are held throughout the day making a festival atmosphere.
Each Science Field Day event is organized and operated by participating teachers and schools. To participate,
register your team
and identify an event captain or co-captain, or provide a non-competitive event.
Share Your Resource or Event
To have your event or resource considered for a future edition of SDCOE’s
Science News and Updates,
provide your information on this
Google Form
.
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If you have any questions or comments about
Science News and Updates
, please contact one of our science team members.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at
SDCOE
and in our districts across the county.
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