KSDE STEM - Science Program Manager: Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov
Embedded Files
September Focus Fundamental: Quality Instruction
September Focus Fundamental: Quality Instruction
One of the key components of quality science instruction is phenomena. Phenomena are observable events that occur in the universe and that we can use our science knowledge to explain or predict. The goal of three-dimensional science is for students to use the cross cutting concepts and science and engineering practices to build understanding of disciplinary core ideas in order to explain phenomena.
From the KSDE Vision for Quality Science Instruction (link):
Students explore natural phenomena to note observations, ask questions, and make predictions about how the world works. They identify real-world problems and propose solutions. Teachers create opportunities for students to experience phenomena in a variety of ways (firsthand or through video, images, graphs, maps, etc.) and facilitate students' efforts to gather evidence to figure out how or why the phenomena occur.
Meaningful phenomena become more than just an attention-getter, but rather the anchoring phenomena for instructional units or investigative phenomena for lessons.
Learn more!
Read more: https://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/Using%20Phenomena%20in%20NGSS.pdf
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/38kCGHLUR2fhAdH5e9a70v?si=jXYZD9mESxCC_jGOaLhR2g
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ps3Js-psgo&pp=ygUZcGhlbm9tZW5hIGluIHNjaWVuY2Ugbmdzcw%3D%3D
Share your thoughts on Phenomena!
Explore this Seed Phenomenon
What do you notice?
What do you wonder?
How could you take this phenomena beyond just the attention-getter and initial notice/wonders?
KSDE's Four Fundamentals & Science
KSDE's Four Fundamentals & Science
These are the elements of effective education that KSDE is prioritizing in our work and in the school improvement model. Under each fundamental you will find additional information and links to the KSDE Resources that support these fundamentals in science classrooms.
Standards Alignment
Standards Alignment
Standards-Alignment has clearly defined student learning expectations aligned to Kansas State Standards and supported with evidence-based instruction and materials .
Standards Alignment Toolkit
Coming soon -- unpacked standards tools for middle school & elementary
Recommended Bundles for scope and sequence:
KSDE Fact Sheet for Prioritization of Standards
Quality Instruction
Quality Instruction
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.
KSDE Vision for Quality Science Instruction
DRAFT -- Observation Tool for Quality Science Instruction
KSDE Science Instructional Materials Selection Guidance
KSDE Instructional Materials Implementation Guidance
2023 Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool
Balanced Assessment
Balanced Assessment
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
Students cannot be rostered until after Sept. 2
Classroom Based Assessments
Pre-assessment
Formative
informal
formal
Unit and/or Course summative
Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy
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.
Opportunities from KSDE
Opportunities from KSDE
Standards Alignment Professional Learning
This fall we are offering SCIENCE professional development opportunities all across the state!
COST: FREE
College credit available
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. Find the location and model that works best for you!
Quality Instruction Professional Learning
This fall we are offering SCIENCE professional development opportunities all across the state!
COST: FREE
College credit available
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. Find the location and model that works best for you!
Opportunities for Collaboration
Opportunities for Collaboration
Virtual Collaboration and Support Options
Virtual New Teacher PLC
Virtual New Teacher PLC
This group will meet the second Wednesday every month of the school year. Please join us when you can!
October Topic:
Balancing the Demands of the School Year with Tools for Growth
In this session we will share about our experiences this year, support preparing for parent teacher conferences, managing grading, and balancing work/life balance.
LINK to register
This can be a great opportunity for IDP points!
Virtual Learn & Connect for Science Teachers
Virtual Learn & Connect for Science Teachers
This virtual learning will include the opportunity to meet teachers from across the state, bite-sized learning about a focus topic, and collaboration to share ideas and problem solve.
October
Learning Topic: State Assessment tools and scores -- how to make the most of the data
Collaboration: What works for effective assessment in your classroom?
LINK to register
This can be a great opportunity for IDP points!
Virtual Learn & Connect for Science Leaders
Virtual Learn & Connect for Science Leaders
Join us for monthly updates from KSDE Science. Each month we will have a topic of focus, general updates, and an opportunity to bring your questions or challenges!
October
State Assessment tools and scores -- how to make the most of the tools
LINK to register
This can be a great opportunity for IDP points!
Collaboration and Support Across Kansas
Some ways we can collaborate...
Facilitating professional development
Co-planning for professional development
Making sense of the science standards
Analyzing for standards alignment
Quality Instructional materials conversations
Supporting implementation of storyline routines
Assessment Data Talks
Science PLC support
**NOTE: PD and Collaboration with KSDE is at NO COST to districts!
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!
2025-2026 2024-2025
Let’s connect and collaborate!
Frequent PD Topics
Overview of the 4 Fundamentals in Science
Analyzing a unit of instruction for 4 Fundamentals
Making sense of the science standards
Vertical Alignment
Exploring the vision for quality instruction
How to make the most of KAP mini-tests
Quality 3-dimensional science assessments
OpenSciEd PD
Supporting student sensemaking
Engaging the Science and Engineering Practices
Phenomena-based instruction
Productive Talk in the science classroom
Science Resources from KSDE
Science Resources from KSDE
2024 KSDE Science Safety Guidance
2024 KSDE Science Constructive Coaching Tool (observations/walkthrough tool)
Other Opportunities & Resources for Teachers
Other Opportunities & Resources for Teachers
Elementary Science
Elementary Science
Kansas KidWind Teacher Workshops
The KidWind Challenge, which officially kicked off in 2009, is an annual event that allows students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing against other teams in their age division (4th-5th, 6th-8th, or 9th-12th). Check out the flyer for the event and watch our 3-minute overview video to see what the competition is like.
There is no cost for Kansas educators to attend these workshops! The workshop includes mileage reimbursement, substitute teacher stipend, lunch, and a wind turbine kit for your classroom! More information and registration links: https://kansasenergyprogram.org/educators/kidwind-challenge/upcoming-events
Manhattan - October 13
Kansas City, KS - October 16
Southwest Kansas - October 28
KACEE:
Kansas Environmental Education Conference- Nov 3-4 in Topeka, KS
Explore how the rise of technology and social media use is contributing to growing anxiety and reduced resilience in today’s students—and discover how nature and outdoor learning can provide a powerful antidote. Join fellow educators to spark fresh ideas, share inspiration, and bring the benefits of environmental education into your teaching.
Water in Our Community Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Explore how water connects all subject areas, community issues and classroom learning opportunities in this flexible, hands-on online course for K-12 educators. Scholarships available and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)Be the Change Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Discover practical leadership strategies to engage your students in hands-on investigations that spark real projects for a more sustainable school and community. This sponsored course is free and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)Explore All Professional Learning Opportunities HERE.
NSTA eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6th to 9th grade students that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and real-life applications of STEM. Students work in teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to explore with science or solve with engineering.
How it works: Create a 2-4 person team, choose a community problem, select the science or engineering path, work together, submit your project
Learn more at www.ecybermission.com
OpenSciEd Elementary Units Released
K - Sun Energy
K - Weather
K- Force and Motion (NEW)
1 - Light Waves
1- Sound Waves
1 - Space & Sky Patterns (NEW)
2 - Habitats & Biodiversity (NEW)
3 - Forces & Interactions
3 - Trait Variations (NEW)
Secondary Science
Secondary Science
Kansas Association of Biology Teachers
KABT Fall Conference Information
When: Saturday, September 27th, 9AM – 4 PM
Where: Campus High School, 2100 W 55th St S, Wichita, Kansas 67217
Theme: Outdoor education and community science
Registration Info: tinyurl.com/2025KABTregistration
Kansas KidWind Teacher Workshops
The KidWind Challenge, which officially kicked off in 2009, is an annual event that allows students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing against other teams in their age division (4th-5th, 6th-8th, or 9th-12th). Check out the flyer for the event and watch our 3-minute overview video to see what the competition is like.
There is no cost for Kansas educators to attend these workshops! The workshop includes mileage reimbursement, substitute teacher stipend, lunch, and a wind turbine kit for your classroom! More information and registration links: https://kansasenergyprogram.org/educators/kidwind-challenge/upcoming-events
Manhattan - October 13
Kansas City, KS - October 16
Southwest Kansas - October 28
KACEE:
Kansas Environmental Education Conference- Nov 3-4 in Topeka, KS
Explore how the rise of technology and social media use is contributing to growing anxiety and reduced resilience in today’s students—and discover how nature and outdoor learning can provide a powerful antidote. Join fellow educators to spark fresh ideas, share inspiration, and bring the benefits of environmental education into your teaching.
Water in Our Community Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Explore how water connects all subject areas, community issues and classroom learning opportunities in this flexible, hands-on online course for K-12 educators. Scholarships available and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)Be the Change Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Discover practical leadership strategies to engage your students in hands-on investigations that spark real projects for a more sustainable school and community. This sponsored course is free and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)Explore All Professional Learning Opportunities HERE.
Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at University of Utah
We’re currently seeking middle school teachers in Kansas to participate in this study. We’d love your guidance on the best way to connect with districts and educators in your state. In previous studies, science newsletters have been especially helpful in reaching interested teachers, and we’d be grateful for any suggestions or opportunities you might recommend.
To learn more about this study, please visit: https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/research/
NASA
NASA TechRise Student Challenge is a FREE NASA challenge for middle and high schools. The challenge opens this September and invites student teams in sixth-12th grade to submit experiment ideas to fly on a commercial space industry suborbital flight (e.g., rocket, high-altitude balloon).
The challenge includes information sessions for your department or organization upon request, free educational resources to foster classroom learning and an exciting student virtual field trip in the fall. Sixty winning teams will also receive $1500 to build their experiment, a spot to test it on a NASA-sponsored flight, and technical support from our awesome NASA TechRise advisors. The challenge is a great way to get hands-on with a NASA project this school year, and we encourage teams of all skill levels to apply. Updated challenge resources (including videos, slide decks, and educator pacing guides) can all be found on the challenge website HERE when the challenge opens.
NSTA eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6th to 9th grade students that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and real-life applications of STEM. Students work in teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to explore with science or solve with engineering.
How it works: Create a 2-4 person team, choose a community problem, select the science or engineering path, work together, submit your project
Learn more at www.ecybermission.com
Page updated
Report abuse