These are the elements of effective education that KSDE is prioritizing in our work and in the school improvement model. Throughout this year we will focus on how these fundamentals align with what happens in our science classrooms across the state.
Instead of focusing on a specific fundamental this month I want to share some upcoming opportunities for professional learning with KSDE! If you have questions about any of these opportunities please reach out! (stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov)
This conference focused on formative assessment will include sessions for teachers, for leaders, and for testing coordinators. The focus is on formative assessments including the KAP mini-tests and interims, but also emphasizing the importance of quality classroom-based assessment.
Science Standards Alignment Professional Learning .docxThis spring & summer we are offering FREE science standards alignment PD all across the state!
This PD is FREE to attend and you will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 college credit hours at no cost!
The PD at each location will be similar content, but may be structured differently -- some locations will be grade specific, others will be k-12; some locations will be 1 day workshops, some are 2 day workshops. Find the location and model that works best for you!
Coming soon!
This spring we will offer 6 weeks of professional learning (virtually) focused on the topic of reducing barriers for students in high quality science instruction.
Save the date(s): Thursdays @ 4pm March 27-May 1
More information to come -- watch the listserv or reach out with questions!
Standards-Alignment has clearly defined student learning expectations aligned to Kansas State Standards and supported with evidence-based instruction and materials .
Recommended Bundles for scope and sequence:
KSDE Fact Sheet --
Coming soon! Standards Alignment Toolkit & Unpacked Standards tools!
Quality Instruction refers to implementation of evidence-based lesson design that reflects high expectations, meaningful student engagement, and learning activities aligned to the Kansas State Standards. A data-driven system of differentiated supports is necessary to help each student meet rigorous state standards.
2023 Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool
A Balanced Assessment System refers to a collection of varying types of assessments that provide feedback regarding instruction and student learning. It utilizes assessment as a measure for learning and of learning.
Screener/Diagnostics
There is not a science-specific screener. We recommend using math and reading screeners to identify students who may need additional support in science.
KAP
The Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) develops and supports the state summative assessment, the interim assessments in the fall and winter, and the mini-test item bank.
State Summative
Interims (Fall and Winter)
Mini-test item bank - Access on Kite Educator Portal
Classroom Based Assessments
Pre-assessment
Formative
informal
formal
Unit and/or Course summative
Structured Literacy refers to the explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative approach to teaching literacy that acknowledges the value of both word recognition and oral and written language comprehension as evidenced in all grades and disciplines.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognize mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers. These are the top honors the U.S. government bestows for K–12 mathematics and science teaching, honoring up to 110 teachers each year. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend an awards ceremony; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They also join a cadre of more than 5,200 award-winning teachers. Learn more about the award here:
Applications for 2025 open for secondary teachers and are due February 6th!
2021 National Awardee
Emporia, KS
2022 National Awardee
Wichita
2023 National Awardee
Dodge City
Some ways we can collaborate...
Assessment Data Talks
Quality Instructional materials conversations
Co-planning for professional development
Facilitating professional development
Supporting implementation of storyline routines
Analyzing for standards alignment
Science PLC support
Let’s connect and collaborate!
KSDE Science Collaboration
Click through on the map to see where and how KSDE science is collaborating with schools and school systems across the state!
Virtual Collaboration and Support Options
Help us better connect with your district!
We want to improve our communication and collaboration with your district! Help us out by filling out the SHORT form with contact information for the science lead in your district. Each district has a unique structure so this could be a science coordinator, a science instructional coach, a science lead teacher, a curriculum leader, etc. LINK HERE
2024 KSDE Science Safety Guidance
2024 KSDE Science Constructive Coaching Tool (observations/walkthrough tool)
NASA’s Power to Explore Student Challenge
NASA’s fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge, a science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge, invites K–12 students in the United States to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery integral to many of NASA’s far-reaching space missions. Students will write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system they choose. Submissions are due Jan. 31, 2025.
Entries should detail where students would go, what they would explore, and how they would use radioisotope power systems to achieve mission success in a dusty, dark, or far away moon destination. Judges will review entries in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Student entries are limited to 275 words and should address the mission destination and mission goals, and describe one of the student’s unique powers that will help the mission.
One grand-prize winner from each grade category will receive a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to learn about the people and technologies that enable NASA missions. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts in which they’ll learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore.
Sally Ride EarthKAM is a free STEM educational program managed by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. During February 4–7, EarthKAM will allow students to take images of Earth from space using a camera aboard the International Space Station. Educators can use EarthKAM as a teaching tool for Earth science, space science, environmental science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications, and art. Educators, educational institutions, and students may participate. Sally Ride EarthKAM is intended for middle school students, but all ages are welcome. The website’s activities section features lesson ideas for teachers.
Kids Garden Community Resource Library
KidsGardening.org’s searchable Kids Garden Community Resource Library has curricula, webinars, lesson plans, digital interactives, and instructional guides to enhance K–12 teaching and learning through the garden. Educators can access everything from informational articles and practical guides for making the most of school-grown produce, such as Starting and Maintaining a School Garden (grades K–12) or Garden to Cafeteria Toolkit (grades K–12), to curriculum materials that teach lifelong gardening skills, such as Growing a Wild NYC: A K–5 Urban Pollinator Curriculum (grades K–5) and Digging Into Soil: Garden Practicum (grades 9–12). Resources can be searched by type (e.g., videos, one pager, curriculum, lesson plan, activity, etc.); topic (e.g., Composting, Edible Gardens, Pollinators, Science, Soil, and so on), features (e.g., cost, learning standard, and language), and audience (e.g., early childhood, preschool, elementary, middle level, and high school).
OpenSciEd Elementary Units Released
https://www.openscied.org/curriculum/elementary-school/
K - Sun Energy
1 - Light Waves
2 - Earth's Land & Changing Shape
3 - Forces & Interactions
4 - Collisions & Energy Transfer
5 - Ecosystems & Matter Cycling
Fields of STEM: NSTA Professional Learning Cohort
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is pleased to offer this professional learning opportunity. We are seeking high school science and CTE teachers in Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Anatomy/Physiology, STEM and Food Science to participate in “Fields of STEM," a year-long Professional Learning Cohort in 2025.You will receive an estimated 20-25 hours of professional learning and a certificate that can be used for clock hours.
What will you get?
Professional learning experiences directly related to educator’s agriculture and/or STEM content that strengthen their resume and provide building blocks for leadership
Registration and a travel stipend to NSTA’s 2025 Fall National Conference in Minneapolis, MN, including a pre-conference Professional Learning Institute
A year-long NSTA membership, including a virtual cohort space for networking, sharing ideas, and community engagement, registration for 2 web seminars and NSTA resource e-book(s)
Mentorship from NSTA Professional Learning experts
A certificate of completion that can be used as clock hours or CEUs in most states (please be aware that you may need approval from your school or district before submitting the certificates)
Apply by January 31
NASA’s Power to Explore Student Challenge
NASA’s fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge, a science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge, invites K–12 students in the United States to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery integral to many of NASA’s far-reaching space missions. Students will write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system they choose. Submissions are due Jan. 31, 2025.
Entries should detail where students would go, what they would explore, and how they would use radioisotope power systems to achieve mission success in a dusty, dark, or far away moon destination. Judges will review entries in three grade-level categories: K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Student entries are limited to 275 words and should address the mission destination and mission goals, and describe one of the student’s unique powers that will help the mission.
One grand-prize winner from each grade category will receive a trip for two to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to learn about the people and technologies that enable NASA missions. Every student who submits an entry will receive a digital certificate and an invitation to a virtual event with NASA experts in which they’ll learn about what powers the NASA workforce to dream big and explore.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognize mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers. These are the top honors the U.S. government bestows for K–12 mathematics and science teaching, honoring up to 110 teachers each year. Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President; a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend an awards ceremony; and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. They also join a cadre of more than 5,200 award-winning teachers.
Consider nominating a talented teacher or applying for the award yourself. Applications for teachers of grades 7–12 are now open. Applications must be completed by February 6, 2025.
Sally Ride EarthKAM is a free STEM educational program managed by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. During February 4–7, EarthKAM will allow students to take images of Earth from space using a camera aboard the International Space Station. Educators can use EarthKAM as a teaching tool for Earth science, space science, environmental science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications, and art. Educators, educational institutions, and students may participate. Sally Ride EarthKAM is intended for middle school students, but all ages are welcome. The website’s activities section features lesson ideas for teachers.
Climate and Equity Education: A Summer Institute for Learning and Teaching
The nonprofit TERC, in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, invites high school teachers to apply for a one-week, all-expenses-paid intensive on Climate and Equity Education on the coast of Maine, July 20–26. Teachers will discuss equitable pedagogy; hear presentations about the global — and psychological — impacts of climate change; explore climate change impacts firsthand through guided field trips; and have free time to pursue additional topics. Apply by March 3.
Green Schools Campaign
Green Schools Campaign, a program of The Climate Reality Project (a nonprofit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change), is a youth-led, intergenerational campaign bringing together community members of all ages. The Green Schools Campaign is developing the leadership and grassroots organizing of young people to spearhead initiatives to transition their schools and communities to 100% clean energy. Currently, Green Schools Campaign is working with students ages 13 and older, as well as teachers who wish to provide support.
Teams of students and teachers in local school districts who are interested in running electrification/clean energy campaigns are welcome, as are those looking for general support and training on doing climate advocacy at their schools. As part of the campaign, members will have access to specialized advocacy skill-building workshops and small-group campaign team coaching from Climate Reality staff. Register on the Green Schools Campaign website. For answers to specific questions, e-mail youthprograms@climatereality.com.
Kids Garden Community Resource Library
KidsGardening.org’s searchable Kids Garden Community Resource Library has curricula, webinars, lesson plans, digital interactives, and instructional guides to enhance K–12 teaching and learning through the garden. Educators can access everything from informational articles and practical guides for making the most of school-grown produce, such as Starting and Maintaining a School Garden (grades K–12) or Garden to Cafeteria Toolkit (grades K–12), to curriculum materials that teach lifelong gardening skills, such as Growing a Wild NYC: A K–5 Urban Pollinator Curriculum (grades K–5) and Digging Into Soil: Garden Practicum (grades 9–12). Resources can be searched by type (e.g., videos, one pager, curriculum, lesson plan, activity, etc.); topic (e.g., Composting, Edible Gardens, Pollinators, Science, Soil, and so on), features (e.g., cost, learning standard, and language), and audience (e.g., early childhood, preschool, elementary, middle level, and high school).
