Summer is the Time for Science |
Welcome to the final edition of Science News and Updates for the 2021-22 school year.
What do you think of when you hear the word “summer?” We hope you think of science!
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and let your curiosity take over. Amazing phenomena are everywhere. In our last issue, we challenged you to choose joy and curiosity and ask yourself: What do you notice? What do you think? What do you wonder? If you haven’t yet made space for your own joy and curiosity we hope your schedule slows down and provides time to create that space this summer. Whether you are staying close to home or traveling to far away destinations we hope you approach your experience with joy and curiosity. If you’re not sure how to tap into your own joy and curiosity, don’t worry — there’s an app for that! Enhance your exploration with technology. Merlin and Seek are two apps we have enjoyed using outdoors this year. Download one or both and see how technology can compliment nature.
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Use Seek by iNaturalist to identify your tree and any living things you see on or near your tree.
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Use The Cornell Lab Merlin Bird ID to identify birds you hear and/or see.
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Looking for further inspiration to get outside this summer, consider giving San Diego Nature Bingo a try. Through the wonders of Twitter, we recently collaborated with Dr. Sarah McAnulty, executive director of Skype A Scientist, in the development of San Diego Nature Bingo!
- Look for animals in your city
- Take pictures of the animals you see
- Check off animals as you see them
When you get five in a row for bingo, post what you saw on social media and tag @SkypeAScientist on Instagram or @SkypeScientist on Twitter! Visit Skype A Scientist to learn more about the local San Diego animals featured on the card and the other amazing programs Skype A Scientist offers.
We invite you to share your phenomenal adventures with us on Twitter all summer long using the hashtag #sparksciencejoy.
STEM Teaching Tools Practice Brief 71 has been influential in our work this year. The last two key intersectional equity projects, Multi-Generational Learning and Place-Based Learning and Ecological Caring, are a perfect fit for our summer edition. STEM Teaching Tools describes each of these equity projects:
Think about the work you can do in your class, school, district, and community to engage students in multi-generational learning and place-based learning and ecological caring. These key equity projects may present new challenges in connecting with the extended support system of your students and learning about the community you teach in if you do not live in the same community. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some ideas you can start with:
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As a team, walk the neighborhood during a PLC or grade-level meeting. What phenomena do you observe? How can you bring the science in the community into the classroom?
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Reach out to a community partner organization that focuses on science learning. Ask if they can provide a field experience for science educators to learn about the local phenomena.
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Host a community event night. Invite students and community members to share their ideas about how local environmental and climate justice topics are important to the community. Then work as a team to incorporate the topics into appropriate science learning experiences.
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Think about NGSS standards across grade levels. How can students be paired to learn and share ideas about related Performance Expectations across the grade spans? Can schools collaborate and share knowledge using Zoom or other communication tools?
We would love to hear how you are incorporating the key intersectional equity projects in your classroom, school, district, or informal science learning space. Please see the NGSS in Action section of the newsletter for information on how to share your story.
As we wrap up our focus on STEM Teaching Tools Practice Brief 71 for the year, we want to call out the historical role science education has played in perpetuating and reinforcing systemic oppression and institutional racism in schools across the United States. Data shows us that opportunity and achievement gaps in science are still persistent in our state and beyond. The implementation of NGSS will be considered a success when every student thrives academically and feels they belong in the science learning spaces we foster and create. We will continue promoting equity and justice for all students and support STEM Teaching Tool’s statement that, “Promoting equity and justice should be approached as a never-ending, detailed pursuit of collective liberation by everyone involved in education.”
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Science Team
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Science Education in an Age of Misinformation
Misinformation is a grave threat to science. The Science Education in an Age of Misinformation report explores four questions: Why do students need the ability to evaluate scientific expertise and information? What evidence is there that young people struggle to evaluate information effectively? Why is it an urgent priority for scientists and science educators to develop students’ competency to evaluate information? The final question is what can be done by scientists and science educators to develop the competency to evaluate scientific information and expertise? The report discusses how science education can meet its responsibility to provide all students with the competences needed to navigate this sea of false and questionable information without becoming lost, confused, or, most importantly, deceived.
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SoCal CELP Grant Program
Learning in Local Nature
K-8 educators, join us July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this one-day virtual professional learning. The session will focus on environmental literacy in science and how to use your campus as an outdoor classroom. Identify local environmental phenomena and get tips on connecting with community partners. Learn from experts in the field and collaborate with other classroom educators from across Southern California. Register to participate in the Learning in Local Nature event today.
Summer 2022 Cohort Applications Now Open
Launching Environmental Literacy Lessons Using Culturally Relevant Phenomena for Secondary Science Educators
This virtual professional learning series is designed for 9-12 science and career technical education teachers. Learning will focus on environmental literacy and climate science and change. We will also connect the Next Generation Science Standards and career technical education to the California Environmental Principles and Concepts. We further aim to connect students with culturally relevant, local phenomena to engage in science. Come and learn from experts in the field and collaborate with fellow educators to develop instructional resources for your classroom. A stipend of $1,000 will be available to teachers who participate in all of the professional learning sessions and activities. Substitute costs will be reimbursed if your school is in session. The series runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 2-5. The deadline to apply is July 1.
Native Ways of Knowing Micro-courses
Champion student learning while teaching the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of California Native peoples. SDCOE and California Indian Education for All are hosting Native Ways of Knowing micro-courses that invite educators and leaders to learn from Native American educational, cultural, and tribal experts. Digital resources and Native Ways of Knowing micro-courses will liberate teachers and schools to educate students about the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of California Native peoples. Educators and leaders will learn how to champion Indigenous education and design programs that support cultural and linguistic preservation and revitalization. The culturally responsive resources shared will improve representations and classroom climates for teaching and learning about California's first people.
Please reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about district-/ local educational agency (LEA)-level support and contracting with SDCOE's Science and Environmental Literacy team. The SDCOE Science team can be reached via email: Chelsea Cochrane, Crystal Starr Howe, and John Spiegel.
Additional details and registration information for SDCOE science professional learning opportunities will be sent once dates and locations are finalized. Thank you for your patience as we continue to plan in-person and virtual learning.
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Additional Science Professional Learning Opportunities
California’s Hub for Environmental Learning and Action
There’s a new professional learning program on California’s Hub for Environmental Learning and Action (CHELA) for secondary teachers presented by the California Environmental Literacy Initiative, several California Subject Matter Projects, and the California Geographic Alliance. Using an exciting new resource for place-based environmental learning and action, teachers will get experience with classroom-ready resources and will learn how they and their students can use CHELA to develop their own inquiries. The application period will remain open until all space in the workshop is filled. Participating educators are expected to attend three 1.5 hour workshops held virtually on Saturday mornings (Aug. 27, Sept. 24, and Oct. 22) and will be paid a stipend of $200 upon completion.
STEM4Real
The SDCOE Science Leaders Network was the live participating audience for the Creating an Anti-Racist STEM Classroom webinar with STEM4Real founder Dr. Leena Bakshi. The free webinar is now available on-demand. STEM4Real is committed to providing quality STEM professional learning infused with principles of equity, anti-racism, and social justice so that every student has access to a rigorous and joyful STEM education.
TGR Foundation
Monthly Digital Workshops and STEM Studio
TGR Foundation introduces the Professional Learning Pathway, providing educators with interactive training and resources focused on inquiry and student-centered learning. The Professional Learning Pathway is intended for all educators, traditional, informal, STEM-focused and non-STEM-focused, working with youth in grades 4-12. With the goal of improving student learning outcomes, educators will develop a learning environment that fosters questioning, reflection and application; collaborate with peers to foster innovation and better connect student empowerment to teaching; shift practice from teacher-centered to student-centered; and create environments that better prepare youth for modern career paths. View the workshop calendar and educator resources.
Virtual STEM Studio (VSS) is a robust training option for educators to incorporate inquiry into their teaching practice. The Professional Learning Pathway provides four distinct VSS workshops for educators to expand their knowledge of inquiry. Educators will have the opportunity to receive a micro-credential for each VSS workshop they complete as well as an inquiry educator certificate upon sequential completion of all four VSS courses.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
NSTA’s Professional Learning Add On allows convenience and flexibility to choose the specific resources educators need to achieve their professional learning goals. Improve content knowledge, expand pedagogical skill sets, and earn professional learning credit with asynchronous professional learning that can be tailored to professional goals and instructional needs.
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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.
In this edition, we are happy to have Maria Flaherty, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District TOSA, highlight the amazing work taking place in her district.
After a pause in programs due to the pandemic, this school year offered FUESD the opportunity to rethink and create a new vision for some programs.
One of the first programs that FUESD brought back was their Innovation Labs with dedicated innovation teachers. These teachers’ initial focus was on NGSS lessons in the lab and the classrooms. Since district teachers on special assignment (TOSAs) Stephanie Hall and Maria Flaherty were previously part of SDCOE’s Elementary Science Academy and also STEM teachers, they supported the new Innovation Lab teachers with ongoing professional development modeled after the SDCOE Elementary Science Academy (ESA) and collaboration. Between meetings, the TOSAs visited the labs and provided feedback for teacher-chosen areas, such as science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, talk moves, phenomena, or science notebooking.
The district TOSAs created an on-ramping progression for project-based learning (PBL) for all teachers and students in grades K-6. As the science program became more established, the lab teachers began supporting PBL with the creation portion and integrating PBL with science, math, and other content areas. When students need to research and apply science to solve problems, content and learning become more relevant.
Creating an awareness and appreciation for nature and opportunities to apply science knowledge became another focus for Fallbrook. A district committee was created to develop a plan to expand the district’s environmental education program. The committee included district administrators, TOSAs, and Innovation Lab teachers. Committee member Aimee Plette, Principal of Special Programs, oversees environmental education programs for FUESD and was also a participating educator in SDCOE's Elementary Science Academy professional learning.
FUESD has had an outdoor education program at a former one-room schoolhouse, De Luz, since 1984. The current De Luz teacher, Scott Gordon, has been there since 1987. Until this year, only students in grades 3-5 went to De Luz. The program expanded this year to include all 6th-grade students going to De Luz for a two-day program. Additionally, 7th- and 8th-grade AVID and Advanced STEAM students from Potter Junior High support the De Luz outdoor education program through community service.
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AVID volunteers plant an oak tree. |
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The Environmental Education Program also expanded to allow for outdoor learning experiences for kindergarten through 2nd-grade students. Kindergarten students went on a micro-hike at their school site. Next year, 1st-grade students will go on a mini-hike when they visit the public library and 2nd-grade students visit Los Jilgueros, a local nature preserve. Over the summer, field trip plans will be solidified for 7th- and 8th-grade students, ensuring that all FUESD students participate in an outdoor learning experience. |
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FUESD Kindergarten students on micro-hike. |
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Outdoor education experiences were created for San Onofre School to reflect its unique coastal location, including the study of beach erosion, visits from game wardens, hiking a local wilderness park, and an ocean mammal cruise.
Fallbrook Union Elementary School District is proud of all of its efforts to develop an understanding and appreciation of our world with all of its students.
We know more amazing work is happening throughout our county. The SDCOE Science team would love to showcase you and your students.
Please share with us. If you don’t have time to complete this short Google form, then we encourage you to email Chelsea Cochrane a quick note. We can come to your school and write the story. |
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San Onofre School students studying beach erosion. |
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San Diego Ag in the Classroom
Mark your calendars for San Diego Ag in the Classroom’s 8th annual Food and Flower Happy Hour Teacher Resource Fair. The event is a festive and informative celebration of local agriculture and resources for garden-based education. This year’s event will be held at the San Diego Botanical Gardens on Oct. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration information will be shared closer to the event date.
California State Parks
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 less 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 (PORTS)
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 PORTS 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 our San Diego partners.
I Love A Clean San Diego
Interested in environmental education presentations for your classroom? Look no further than I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD)! Presentations are free to public and private K-12 classrooms within ILACSD’s service areas, including, but not limited to, Unincorporated San Diego County, City of San Diego, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach. Topics range from recycling and household hazardous waste, ecosystems and marine pollution, food waste, watershed pollution, ocean acidification, zero waste lifestyles, climate change, and more. Our programs are NGSS-aligned and vary in length from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Depending on school requirements, ILACSD has both in-person and live virtual presentation options. In addition, many programs have optional follow-up materials to extend learning beyond the presentation. To learn more or see if your school qualifies for free presentations, email education@cleansd.org or fill out the online presentation request form.
The Energy Coalition
Energy is Everything
Energy is Everything is a comprehensive energy education program focused on serving TK-12 students in California. Energy is Everything gives energy educators high-quality, flexible training and curriculum resources to help them teach energy and climate concepts with a STEM focus. The lessons are comprehensive, standards-aligned, and focused on science, technology, engineering, mathematics , energy, and the environment. Lessons are easy for educators to implement and fun for students, appealing to students’ creativity and curiosity. Energy is Everything emphasizes hands-on investigation, collaboration and discovery through a phenomena-based approach. Energy is Everything is divided into 10 topic areas: climate literacy, electricity, electrification, circuits, air and transportation, water-energy nexus, renewable resources, nonrenewable resources, waste management, and agriculture and greening. We send enrolled educators the supplies needed to make lessons come alive, such as energy monitors, transformers, and sun-sensitive paper. Energy is Everything is for all educators, including those at schools, in after-school programs, and at other community organizations such as YMCAs, libraries, Girl Scout troops, and more.
ArtsBusXpress
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Ocean Literacy Resources
These materials were developed by the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) with Support from NOAA, the North American Association for Environmental Education, the Lawrence Hall of Science, the College of Exploration, and innumerable scientists and educators.
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Job Openings at SDCOE in Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is currently recruiting to fill the limited-term position of field supervisor for the Teacher Effectiveness and Preparation department. The field supervisor will provide field supervision for beginning teachers earning their intern teaching credentials. For more information or to apply please visit the EdJoin job posting.
Single Subject Intern Credential Program
An intern program is a two-year credential program that allows someone to be a full-time teacher of record while earning their credential. It differs from a traditional teacher education program, which requires student teaching as well as completion of all coursework requirements prior to employment as a teacher.
Online California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) prep courses
Register for free online CSET Prep courses on the CSET Test Preparation tab of the Educator Preparation webpage. Access to materials is provided via email two to three days after registration.
National Science Teachers Association
Our Beautiful Planet is a series of compelling five-to-seven minute science films highlighting the cutting-edge research that climate scientists are doing to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. NSTA, The Climate Initiative, and Kikim Media have partnered to launch these films and this collection of classroom-ready lesson plans that highlight the science and engineering practices scientists use to explain the phenomenon of climate change.
Smithsonian Science Education Center
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.
Indigenous STEAM
Google for Education
From the structure of a molecule to the design of a vehicle, your students can create a model using Google Sheets and Google Drawings with this new applied digital skills lesson, Develop a Model in Google Drawings, from Google for Education. Explore the growing science collection and see how you can use Google tools to support and plan for instruction.
To have your event or resource considered for a future edition of SDCOE’s Science News and Updates provide your information via 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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Curriculum and Instruction Director
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Environmental Literacy Coordinator
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Science Administrative Assistant
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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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