Science News and Updates
Jan. 27, 2023
Welcome to the January 2023 edition of Science News and Updates

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) turn 10. Double digits already! NGSS were released in April 2013 and adopted by California on Sept. 4, 2013. As NGSS turn 10, 2023 is the perfect time to reflect and look back at our work over the past decade. 

We looked to our Google Drive to serve as our tour guide and reminisced about our collaborative projects, resources that have been developed, and professional learning sessions we have facilitated with amazing educators across our county and the state of California. We are proud of our work together to support science for all students. We value each of the relationships we have developed and cultivated. As you read through the list of accomplishments below, we hope you see yourself. 

  • Introduction to NGSS
  • Three-Day NGSS Academy
  • SDCOE Elementary Science Academy (ESA) 
  • ESA Follow-up Network
  • Science Leaders Network
  • Statewide NGSS Rollouts
  • Supporting Informal Educators 
  • District Contracts 
  • Statewide Community of Practice - California Partnership of Math and Science Education
  • SDCOE Science Resource Center
  • #ProjectPhenomena
  • Phenomena Design Teams
  • Phenomena Summits
  • CA Next Generation Science Standards Toolkit for Instructional Materials Evaluation (CA NGSS TIME)
  • Components and Features of Student Learning
  • Essential Learning Events in Science
  • California Math and Science Partnership Grant
  • Southern California Association of Science Specialists (SCASS) collaboration
  • CISC Science Subcommittee participation 
  • Equity in Science Starts With Us
  • California Science Test (CAST) Data Institute
  • Statewide NGSS Professional Learning Series
  • Science News and Updates Newsletter
  • Partnership with The Exploratorium Institute for Inquiry
  • Collaboration with the San Diego Science Project
  • CA NGSS translated to Spanish
  • NGSS Toolkit for Student-Centered Assessment
  • CA Association of Science Educators conference support 
  • K12 Alliance Early Implementer Initiative Cadre 
  • Partnerships with Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA 
  • Environmental Phenomena Resources

Although the list is long, it is not exhaustive. Every phone call, email, and conversation with each of you has informed and shaped our work in ways we can’t measure. Because of our collective strength, we are now brave enough to ask questions of ourselves (and our colleagues) that 10 years ago we would not have had the courage to ask. One question that sits heavy with us and has been guiding our most recent work is: Has the hard work changed outcomes for those we hoped it would? When we look at CAST data, the quick answer is no; it hasn’t. And, while it is easy to get discouraged and bogged down by the amount of work still left to do, it is equally important that we lift each other up and share successes. The NGSS in Action stories we have gathered and highlighted in our Science News and Updates help provide a broader picture of the NGSS journey taking place in classrooms, schools, and districts across San Diego County. We know there are many similar stories that have been left untold. We ask that in 2023 you lift up the voices of students and share your stories with us. If you engage with Twitter, please add #sandiegoNGSS to your posts. Please complete our Google form to have your story showcased in upcoming issues of Science News and Updates

Please share this newsletter sign-up link with others so they can receive future Science News and Updates.

To connect with us between newsletters and learn more about environmental literacy, see our brand new Environmental Literacy News and Updates.

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Science Team
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California Department of Education (CDE)
CAST flyers are now available. The CDE has released two science flyers to assist educators and coordinators with the administration of the CAST and the California Alternate Assessment for Science. The Organization of the California Science Test flyer includes a graphic that presents the six CAST segments and the student survey, a breakdown of the number of items included in each segment, and a recommendation for when to pause the test while administering the assessment over multiple sessions. The California Alternate Assessment for Science flyer includes basic details about the test, such as how it is aligned with the alternate achievement standards (e.g., Science Core Content Connectors), information on the four embedded performance tasks that make up the test, and the number of questions in each embedded performance task. Also included is a graphic outlining a performance task. Be sure to access these resources and others like them on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress website for a better understanding of how these tests are organized and further assistance in preparing for the administration of these tests.

Classroom of the Future Foundation
Innovation in Education STEAM Grant Program
The Classroom of the Future Foundation is pleased to announce the request for application process is now open for its STEAM Grant Program for the 20th Annual Innovation in Education Awards. All public K-12 school districts, schools, and charters in San Diego County are eligible to apply. Nominations of innovative classroom programs are also accepted by business and community leaders.

The application deadline is March 6. To submit an application or for more information, visit the Classroom of the Future website. A description of each award is below.

California Funding Opportunities for Science Education
The current state budget includes multiple opportunities for prioritizing and funding science education. 

The following CA state funding opportunities from the 2022 Governor’s budget were identified as “priority funding opportunities'' for the support and prioritization of science education by the CAPMSE Statewide Science Leadership Coalition in Anaheim, CA on Sept. 30. 

Please refer to the Prioritized Funding Opportunities CA document created by the California Partnership for Math and Science Education and The Exploratorium for more information about each funding opportunity. 

Science in the Early Years
Children are born naturally curious. Access to science learning in schools is an essential equity issue that can be addressed by leveraging California’s P-3 movement and advocating that science is included in all early education and K-3 plans and conversations. The need for science and the positive impact it can have on student achievement is not a new idea. The July 2014 issue of the Education Commission of the States journal, The Progress of Education Reform, focused on Science in the early years. A key quote from the article states, “Strong emphasis has been put on making certain that all children are proficient readers by third grade. Recent research shows, however, that early mathematics skills and general knowledge in science and social studies might be even more important for school achievement, not just in math and science but in reading as well. Knowledge of the natural and social worlds seems to be more predictive of reading achievement than are early reading skills.” 

Always a favorite resource for all things NGSS, Ambitious Science Teaching brings us an Elementary Series: What the Youngest Learners Can Do. Be sure to check out the videos and resources to support modeling and argumentation in K-2.
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Building an NGSS Classroom for Student-Centered Assessment: Pathways for Professional Learning
The Science Team at SDCOE is pleased to announce our spring professional learning series designed to build K-12 teacher’s understanding and skills in designing and implementing student-centered assessment aligned to NGSS. Participating teachers will build their assessment literacy skills as they create a vision for student-centered classroom assessment, learn to use tools to evaluate assessment tasks, and design and use equitable formative and summative science assessment tasks. This practical, hands-on experience is being offered in partnership with California Science Project and San Diego Science Project and utilizes tools and processes of the CA NGSS Assessment Toolkit for Student-Centered Assessment. For more information, including dates and registration information, refer to the Building an NGSS Classroom for Student-Centered Assessment: Pathways for Professional Learning document. Space still available is sessions starting at the end of February.

Science Leaders Network
Our ongoing convening of science leaders across San Diego County is designed to build capacity of all educators to effectively implement NGSS in the region. Participants receive statewide and local updates, identify and share NGSS resources and best practices for implementation, and develop common messaging and advocacy for science and science support. This year, all meetings will be held in person from 9 a.m. to noon at the SDCOE main campus, with a virtual attendance option available. Meeting dates are Feb.1, April 5, and May 3. Please be sure to register.

Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about district and local educational agency support and contracting with SDCOE. The SDCOE Science and Environmental Literacy team can be reached via email: Chelsea Cochrane, Crystal Starr Howe, and John Spiegel.
Additional Science Professional Learning Opportunities

CA NGSS Collaborative
Professional Learning Series 2 Coherent Science Assessment Systems 
Build awareness of equitable NGSS assessment systems. In grade band sessions, educators will experience and unpack student-centered 3D classroom assessments, analyze their system of assessments using a continuum, and evaluate tools and resources to improve current assessment systems. Register now for a professional learning session via Zoom.
  • Option 3: March 1 to 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

UC San Diego Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
UC San Diego Materials Research Science and Engineering Center is now accepting applications for the eight week 2023 Advanced Materials Research Experiences for Teachers program, which is June 26 to Aug. 18. This research program is aimed at providing K-12 and junior/community college educators with a summer experience in a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center research lab. Participants receive an introduction to research in the materials science and work on projects and modules that they can translate to their classroom at their institution. A team of education experts in the Research Immersion in Materials Science and Engineering program provide guidance on developing materials science content, demonstrations, and course materials that dovetail with the current California Science Education Standards. Eligibility is open to K-12 and junior/community college educators with programmatic focus on STEM who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or U.S. territories, as stipulated by the National Science Foundation. No prior research experience is necessary. For application details, visit Advanced Materials Research Experience for Teachers. Educators will be paid a $900 weekly stipend (stipend includes allowance for meals), receive on campus housing, and be reimbursed for travel expenses up to $500. Applications are due May 1. UC San Diego and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center are committed to the achievement of excellence and diversity among faculty, staff, and students. Women and minority applicants, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
2023 Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science
Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science is a free, three-day, grant-funded professional development opportunity for middle and high school science educators, based at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, with all room and board included. Participants spend their days in intensive study in the Conservation Education Lab and their evenings at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, engaging with staff members and acquiring invaluable new skills to take back to their home campuses. During the workshop, teachers work together to frame content standards in the context of wildlife conservation and explore ways to challenge students to apply textbook knowledge of life science to current biodiversity challenges. Participants engage in activities that focus on critical issues facing endangered species using a variety of advanced technical tools and techniques; all activities support the Next Generation Science Standards and can be implemented back in the classroom. Grant funding allows this residential program to include all meals, lodging, and materials for free, as well as a $500 stipend to help offset any travel or child care expenses, paid upon full completion of the program. The application for the summer 2023 Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science is open through April 9. 

John Muir Laws — Nature Stewardship Through Science, Education, and Art
A world of infinite beauty and discovery waits just beyond the point where we usually stop paying attention. Nature offers us peace and a rich and meaningful place to learn. There is no computer program that can replicate the richness of seeing a flower up close, the intrigue of geeking out with bugs, or the calm of laying on your back and watching clouds. The key to developing a closer connection with nature is deliberately enhancing your powers of observation and wonder. Learn how the methods of a field naturalist will help you notice more, remember what you discovered, and be actively curious. A nature journal is a lens that focuses our attention and crystalizes our observations, thoughts, and experiences. The system is creative, rigorous, and playful, easy to begin and learn, and will grow and mature over a lifetime. This site is a resource of tools for your journey. John Muir Laws offers free online nature journaling workshops and events, curriculum and lesson plans, as well as free illustrated Crosscutting Concept posters.

2023 California Science Education Conference Call for Proposals
The California Association of Science Educators is seeking workshops or short courses for the 2023 California Science Education Conference in Palm Springs. Science education allows students to experience integration, inspiration, and innovation in their learning. Proposals for workshops or short courses should address the variety of diverse science education needs of California's student population and communities. Consider submitting a course focused on outdoor learning experiences, informal science education, new science teachers, or your own classroom successes! Proposals can be for a 90-minute workshop or a three-hour short course. See the call for proposals for more information and to submit. 

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Professional Learning Units 
NSTA offers short, self-paced, online courses that educators may utilize to enhance their profession, deepen students' learning, and encourage equitable participation in the classroom. Complete each course to earn an NSTA professional learning unit certificate, which can be applied towards credit hours of professional learning, anytime it is convenient for you, regardless of your schedule or location. Some NSTA professional learning units are free for NSTA members and some are free for all educators. Check out What is Sensemaking? for free. 

The Exploratorium 2023 Summer Institute
Are you a secondary science teacher looking for ways to introduce more inquiry into your classroom? Are you interested in learning from and contributing to a supportive community of science teachers? Come spend three weeks immersed in hands-on, inquiry-based science activities and discussions at the Exploratorium. The 2023 Summer Institute will take place in person at the Exploratorium in San Francisco from July 17 to Aug. 3 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Teacher Institute is committed to building and supporting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. Educators of color and educators working in public schools, especially Title I schools, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by March 13. Applicants will be notified by April 5.
NGSS in Action subhead
This section of Science News and Updates highlights districts and schools across San Diego County focused on bringing high-quality science learning experiences to all students. 

We know amazing work is happening throughout our county. Please share your story with us so we can showcase you and your students. If you don’t have time to complete this short Google form, we encourage you to email Chelsea Cochrane a quick note. We also can come to your school and write the story. 
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Sally Ride EARTHKAM
Sally Ride EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) is a NASA educational outreach program that enables students, teachers, and the public to learn about Earth from the unique perspective of space. During Sally Ride EarthKAM missions (periods when the Sally Ride EarthKAM camera is operational), middle school students around the world request images of specific locations on Earth. The entire collection of Sally Ride EarthKAM images is available in a searchable Sally Ride EarthKAM image archive. This image collection and accompanying activities are extraordinary resources to engage students in Earth and space science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications, and art.

The project was initiated by Dr. Sally Ride, America’s first woman in space, in 1995 and called KidSat. The KidSat camera flew on three space shuttle flights (STS 76, 81, and 86) to test its feasibility. In 1998, the program was renamed EarthKAM. The EarthKAM camera flew on two more shuttle flights (STS 89 and 99) before moving to the International Space Station on Expedition 1 in 2001. Sally Ride died in 2012, and in 2013, NASA renamed the program Sally Ride EarthKAM. The Sally Ride EarthKAM camera remains a permanent payload on the space station, supporting about four missions annually. Register for Mission 82 taking place Feb. 14 to 17 on the EarthKAM homepage.

SeaPerch San Diego
Mark your calendars, the annual SeaPerch San Diego Regional Qualifying Tournament for students is tentatively scheduled to be held April 1 at Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road in San Diego. Cost is $45 per participating team — one boat, three people per team. For more information, go to SeaPerch San Diego.  

California State Library Parks Pass
In partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library, State Parks is providing free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks to library-card holders. California public library-card holders can check out the California State Library Parks Pass via their local public library. If you don’t have a library card, visit your local library to get one. Find your local public library at library.ca.gov/branches. Watch this video on how to get your pass. The pass entitles the user to a free vehicle day-use entry for one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or fewer or one highway licensed motorcycle at over 200 participating state park units. View an interactive map with California’s public libraries and nearby participating state parks.

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students
Check out free, interactive virtual field trips for K-12 students to stay connected to our state's natural, cultural, and historical resources. Visit the website to browse programs by location or topic and for booking details. Designed for in-person and virtual classrooms, the programs are customizable for all grade levels and include additional teacher resources built around the program. The fall calendar includes topics such as California's indigenous cultures, towering trees, marine protected areas, immigration stories, gold rush history, and desert ecology. 

Community-Based Partners Hub
The California Environmental Literacy Initiative has launched a new Community-Based Partners Hub that promotes environmental literacy by building educator awareness of community-based partners and their products and services and fosters relationships between educators and community-based partners for increased student enrichment and engagement. The goals of the hub are to increase the visibility and access to environmental education community-based partners and be a reliable central repository for districts, schools, and teachers to identify programs that align with their local needs and meet educational standards. Learn more about San Diego partners.

Exploring Conservation Science Field Trips
The Community Engagement team has been working since 2005 to make San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's scientific staff and facilities available to challenge, engage, and inspire students from middle school to college. Our approach provides the opportunity to share a full, in-depth look at the work of conservation biology and the many fields of study that help guide conservation decision-making. Our specialized facilities offer the chance to work firsthand with the tools and techniques used in conserving endangered species. All of our programs are developmentally appropriate, relevant to real-world problems, and emphasize understanding through inquiry.

The Community Engagement team offers a 2.5-hour lab field trip program titled Exploring Conservation Science to interested science teachers and their classes. This program is open to all interested middle school, high school, and undergraduate classes, and includes visits to both the Beckman Center and the adjacent San Diego Zoo Safari Park. For more information and to reserve a field trip, refer to the Exploring Conservation Science site.
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Cal Academy Educators Page
Whether you're looking for lesson plans, science videos, or distance learning programs, the academy has teaching resources galore: Teaching Resources for the Science Classroom.

National Children’s Museum
The National Children's Museum launched a second season of the children's podcast STEAM Daydream. Each of the season's eight episodes is led by a young innovator, who — with the help of content experts from across the country — solves an everyday STEAM mystery aligned to science standards and classroom content. Developed by museum educators for classrooms grades 1 through 5, each 20-minute episode empowers young listeners to ask big questions about important STEAM topics. The STEAM Daydream podcast fosters young learners' curiosities and challenges them to think critically about the world around them.

Ten Strands Education and the Environment Initiative Curriculum
Guided by California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts, the Education and the Environment Initiative curriculum consists of 85 engaging units that address core academic standards in science, history-social science, and English language arts. The curriculum is a powerful, State Board of Education-approved instructional resource that helps educators teach to state standards in science and history-social science using the environment as context. 

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Science Coordinator
District Advisor, Curriculum and Instruction
Environmental Literacy Coordinator
Science Administrative Assistant
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