Under Water Volcanoes? Me too.
I have always found May to be an adventure in the field of education and this May is no exception. It's easy to feel a little underwater and a little bit like one might blow with all the demands and stresses. Yet hidden in the crevices of this month are also SO many opportunities and signs of promise. The little glimmers of a graduation announcement sent through interschool mail, the opportunity to go outside and bring learning to life, and ultimately the celebration of a school year well done. May can be rough, but there are so many bits of light amongst all that student energy!
In a recent article in Science I was reminded that only a quarter of the sea floor has been mapped and that it is impossible to know how many underwater volcanoes exist on Earth. It was such a wonderful reminder that among the unknown and sometimes buggy surface... we get the opportunity for new earth and discovery. Friends, I hope you have a fantastic summer I am here if you need to reach out and I am so thankful for all you have done this year!
-Meg
Upcoming Professional Development
Collaboration Meetings
Science Curriculum Leaders Collaboration
May16th , 4pm (Zoom Registration Link)Science Teacher Collaboration,
May 17th, 4pm (Zoom Registration Link)
NOTE: We will not have collaboration call in the month of June.
There are many offerings for Professional Learning both through KSDE and through our partners such as Fort Hays State University and Greenbush University. Please take advantage of the events on the calendar to the right (note the ability to scroll from month to month) and opportunities below to get involved and earn points / college credit this summer.
Not seeing an opportunity that interests you? Email Meg Richard at mrichard@ksde.org with ideas / topics that you would like to see in the future.
Summer Professional Learning - Elementary
Participants of Picture Perfect Science will learn straight from award-winning NSTA Press authors Karen Ansberry and Emily Morgan. This introductory workshop, held via Zoom, will help educators build a solid understanding of STEM and literacy integration and the 5E Model through participation in engaging picture book-inspired lessons, lively discussion and interactive learning tasks. There is no cost for this workshop. The first 50 registrants will receive a free copy of the supporting materials book.
9-11 a.m., June 6, kindergarten through second grade.
9-11 a.m. June 7, third through fifth grade.
Register here: https://forms.gle/3Hpk2mcmS8Grb5YA6
Phenomenon Science is for elementary teachers who want to incorporate more hands-on science investigations and phenomena into their classes. This session is being offered for free through a partnership between the Kansas State Department of Education and Phenomenon Science. During this workshop, which is being held via Zoom, participants will learn more about three-dimensional science standards and experience how phenomenon and student curiosity can drive learning in multiple areas. The first 60 registrants will receive a free kit of materials. Zoom links will be provided upon registration.
9 a.m.-noon, June 12-13.
9 a.m.-noon, July 27-28. This is a repeated session.
Register here: https://forms.gle/fiddcEVgUnAAg2WYA
Elementary Science Specific
STEAM Daydream is a podcast for grades 1–5 developed by the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., with funding from the Museum and Geico. Now in its second season, the series explores a wide range of topics in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Each 20-minute episode is led by a young innovator, who, with the help of content experts from across the country, solves an everyday STEAM mystery. Episode themes support national science standards and classroom content, investigating topics such as waste management processes (Trash Day Dilemma), An Instrumental Discovery (sound exploration), and Navigation Equation (how GPS works). Supporting materials for teachers accompany each episode. At the podcast website, teachers can listen to the podcasts as well as access materials to support their use in the classroom, such as the podcast transcripts, lists of relevant vocabulary, information about the episodes’ highlighted young innovators and featured guests, and standards information.
Learn more here: (LINK)
Through federal funding opportunities of up to $5,000, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Planet Stewards grants help formal and informal educators implement hands-on, action-based projects that conserve, restore, and/or protect human communities and/or natural resources from environmental challenges monitored by NOAA. With support from NOAA Planet Stewards, educators nationwide have engaged in a variety of stewardship projects in their communities. They have made a difference by reducing marine debris; engaging in inland, coastal, and underwater habitat conservation and restoration; reducing their carbon footprints; and increasing carbon sequestration.
Applicants must submit a formal stewardship project proposal and supporting documents by June 4, 2023. If approved, educators may use the funding to carry out their project during the following academic year.
Learn more here: (LINK)
The crosscutting concepts (CCC) are key to three-dimensional instruction, but often K–12 educators struggle to incorporate them into their lessons. Developed as part of the University of Washington Institute for Science and Math Education’s STEM Teaching Tool initiative, the brief “Why and how should I use CCC to enhance my science instruction?” helps educators make learning about the CCC more explicit, expansive, and inclusive. The document defines CCC, addresses key Things to Consider, provides guidance on Attending to Equity, and recommends Actions to Take. In addition, the brief’s Reflection Questions can jumpstart teachers’ and other educational leaders’ journeys to using CCC to enhance science instruction in the classroom.
Learn more here: (LINK)
Secondary Science Specific
Discover how to help your students improve their observation and science writing skills. NASA Langley Research Center’s GLOBE Partnership is accepting applications for the ENGAGE (Earth, NASA, GLOBE, And Guided Explorations) GLOBE Mission Earth virtual educator cohort for the 2023–2024 school year. Inservice middle and high school educators in the United States can apply to participate in this year-long program, which includes virtual professional development and ongoing support from a NASA mentor. Participants will incorporate The GLOBE Program (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) to help students use observation skills, explore Earth science content, and practice science writing skills. Pacing guides and lesson plans centered on outdoor environmental observations will be provided. The sequence will culminate in student writing that will be considered for publication on the GLOBE website. Apply by May 31. Learn more here: (LINK)
Join the Smithsonian for a free professional learning opportunity about the Smithsonian DataLabs—Spectrum Lab and DIY Planet Search—two different technology-enabled instructional modules that, over 3–8 class periods, engage high school students in authentic investigations using real data and online data visualization tools. Teachers will hear from experts in the fields of spectroscopy and exoplanet research, gain ongoing access to the curriculum developers, and receive all the materials needed to implement the DataLabs with their students. (Deadline May 15)
Spectrum Lab: Investigating the world of light and color will take place during June 12–15 or July 24– 27. The Spectrum Lab is an online data visualization tool and associated investigations that support students in learning about light, color, and the electromagnetic spectrum by working with authentic scientific spectral data. It has been tested in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and Earth science classes.
DIY Planet Search: A laboratory for the study of exoplanets will take place during June 26–29 or July 31–August 3. In DIY Planet Search, classrooms use the MicroObservatory Robotic Telescopes—operated by the Center for Astrophysics|Harvard & Smithsonian—to gather, analyze, and interpret their own observational data to search for the signals of planets orbiting distant stars, so-called exoplanet transits. Apply and learn more here: (LINK)
This free, online interactive one-hour workshop is part of the Nobel Prize Summit: Truth, Trust, and Hope, and will introduce teachers to an innovative high school curriculum on scientific thinking that equips students with strategies and skills to evaluate evidence and make informed decisions. The curriculum is based on an interdisciplinary University of California Berkeley undergraduate course, Sense & Sensibility & Science, and the professor who started the course, Nobel Laureate in Physics Saul Perlmutter, will speak during the workshop, which will take place on May 17 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Advance registration is required.
Differentiation Discussion
Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM:
Cultivating Accessible Educational Pathways and Spaces
Cultivating Accessible Educational Pathways and Spaces
This virtual session of Disrupting Ableism and Advancing STEM will focus on the important role of education in preparing students with disabilities as they enter the STEM ecosystem. Discussions will focus on the need to challenge assumptions about who can learn and succeed in STEM and the need to make direct changes to policies and practices to facilitate positive educational experiences for students. Examples will include asset based approaches to learning in classrooms, laboratories, online, and in the field. This series is supported by the National Science Foundation. Register at: (LINK)
Keep in touch via Facebook: Wendell G Mohling Foundation.
Website: wendellmohlingfoundation.com
Email: mohlingfoundation@gmail.com.
Phone: 785-764-9625, Carol Mohling
Wendell G. Mohling Foundation
NSTA Scholarship
NSTA Scholarship
Are you a K-12 Kansas teacher who currently teaches science? Would you like the opportunity to apply for funds so that you could experience attending a National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference on Science Education this year? In 2006, the Wendell G. Mohling Foundation began selecting a teacher each year, to receive a $1000.00 scholarship award to attend a NSTA conference of their choice. The application deadline is September 24, 2023, so you still have plenty of time to complete and send in your application.
The application with requirements can be downloaded by going to the foundation website at www.wendellmohlingfoundation.com and click on “Apply” at the top of the page. This year there will be 2 national NSTA conferences to choose from: October 25-28, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri, and March 20-23, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.
Questions? Contact Kay Neill, Foundation Chair at neill1703@gmail.com or by phone at 1-620-342-4677.
Program Reviewers Needed for
Higher Education Program Reviews in Fall 2023
Higher Education Program Reviews in Fall 2023
Have you ever wondered how different teacher preparation programs work? Have you ever wanted to be part of the conversation around this work? Program reviews help maintain strong educator preparation in Kansas and are a vital part of each college education unit’s accreditation process. Each educator preparation program in Kansas must be approved by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). Program reviewers review current programs and newly proposed programs for alignment to program standards. Preparation program standards are different from classroom standards.
KSDE currently is seeking program reviewers for fall 2023. There will be training opportunities provided for those interested, with a chance to sign up before the fall 2023 program reviews take place.
Reasons to become a program reviewer:
Give back to the profession. * Make sure standards are maintained in Kansas educator preparation programs.
Build a network outside your district. * Earn Professional Development points (confirm with your local PDC).
The flexibility to travel to Topeka or conduct reviews via Zoom. * Pick which programs you review based on your content area and schedule.
KSDE pays your district for the substitute on the day of the program reviews.
Fall 2023 program reviews are for:
Bethel College MidAmerica Nazarene University Tabor College Washburn University
Numerous programs need to be reviewed, so please sign up for all programs you are qualified to review. Again, reviews will be held in person and via ZOOM. Reviews will take place in person at the Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC), 500 S.W. Tuffy Kellogg Drive, in Topeka.
Program reviews start at 10 a.m. and are scheduled to end at 3 p.m. However, reviews may conclude earlier if the review(s) are completed.
Please click the link below to complete the fall 2023 program review sign-up: https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WyJ0fx5n5ClXsG
For more information or questions, email HEAccreditation@ksde.org.
Assessment Review
The Summer Assessment Review for English Language Arts/Math/Science will be held in person from July 17 through July 21, 2023 in Salina and Lawrence. This review is an engaging opportunity to provide feedback on 11th grade Science assessment items. There will be delicious meals, snacks, and ample opportunity to network with educators from across the state.
Complete the Interest Survey today to show your interest in participating.
We are seeking individuals with experience working with a diverse range of students, including practicing educators, former educators, community members, scholars, curriculum specialists, and professional representatives of diverse populations.
Additional Event Information
Panels for the Summer Assessment Review are planned to be held in person, and individuals will meet the week of July 17th in Salina or Lawrence. The exact date and time commitments are panel specific. No panel will last longer than three days.
Selected individuals will receive an invitation email after completing the following Interest Survey link. The invitations will include the panel they are assigned to, as well as panel-specific dates, times, and compensation details. They will also include a link to confirm registration.
This is a paid opportunity! Selected individuals will be paid $35 per hour for their contributions to the event. Lodging will be provided, and travel costs will be reimbursed.
Interested in participating?
If you are interested in participating in the Summer Assessment Review, select the following link to complete the interest survey by May 20, 2023.
Summer Assessment Review Interest Survey Link
Next Steps: KSDE staff will select participants, and we will notify you by email using the kap@ku.edu email account. We would love to have you join us! Email kap@ku.edu with questions.
We want to ensure we have
a representation from each of the 10 Kansas educational districts
a mix of urban and rural districts represented
a demographically diverse group of participants
a cadre of educators with experience teaching English language arts/math/science content, as well as educators with experience teaching English learner students, students with disabilities, and students with diverse experiences
NSTA Kansas City- October 2023
NSTA is coming to Kansas City October 25-28. Mark your calendars! NSTA also looking for presentation presentation proposal reviewers. Reviewing is an easy way to be involved in the organization and evaluate the types of presentation being brought to us this fall. To review, please visit (LINK)
Additional Opportunities
From Outside of KSDE
Help Identify High-Quality Instructional Materials with EdReports
EdReports is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower educators with independent, credible, evidence-rich information about instructional materials to ensure students have what they need to be college and career-ready. They are now accepting applications for reviewers for reviews of K-12 science instructional materials starting in April 2023. Apply now to engage in deep professional learning on the Next Generation Science Standards with a national network of skilled educators.
Learn more about EdReports here and apply to become a reviewer here.
The Ecology School in Maine (Stipend)
Join The Ecology School in Maine this July for an engaging and inspiring professional development opportunity. Teachers will be challenged to explore water’s connection to human systems and its impacts on the environment. Immersed in field-based ecology lessons, attendees will have opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from schools around the country to reimagine their teaching to include outdoor learning, place-based experiences, and community partners.
Offered in two cohorts: July 17 - 20 and July 27 - 30, 2023.
**The Institute is free for teachers, and attendees will receive a $250 stipend and be reimbursed for most travel.**
Click here to learn more & apply to attend this special weekend for educators.
USPTO National Summer Teacher Institute (St. Louis)
Taking place in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 16 to 21, the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) National Summer Teacher Institute (NSTI) is a multi-day professional development training opportunity for K-12 educators to learn about intellectual property and the educational resources the USPTO offers to engage students in authentic, real-world projects and problem-based learning in STEM and across all fields of study.
If selected, your flight and lodging are covered for the duration of the program for teachers residing more than 50 miles from the NSTI venue in St. Louis, MO. Teachers who reside less than 50 miles from the venue will receive all the benefits of the program aside from travel and lodging support. Federal travel rules apply.
Learn more about NSTI and how to apply at www.uspto.gov/TeacherInstitute.
Open Sci Ed Summer Workshops 2023 (1).pdfSTEAM Flier 2023.docx.pdf
2023 LEAPES Flier.pdf