There have been some discussion on the differences in the way AP courses are taught opposed to "traditional" science courses and we have been having a lot of conversations about what rigor might look like in regards to a COVID classroom. I like to think that as educators, our intended outcomes remain the same, we want to prepare students for their futures and believe that every student is capable. As we continue to provide students access to our content I'd like to provide the below as a resources for secondary classrooms PLC discussions. As Fisher, Frey and Hattie suggested in "The Distance Learning Playbook" it's critical we continue to know and provide feedback to students on: where they are, where they are going and what they can do to get there.

• Accelerated Course Pathways- this tool demonstrates where the Kansas State Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards may fall inside of an accelerated course pathway (Link)

While we want to make sure every student is mastering our standards, in recognizing that we want them to engage in a rigorous education it is important that we provide them with opportunities to embrace "production uncertainty" and continue to take charge of their own learning and sense-making.

• Here is a tool to reflect on this process: (Link) (note: the students pictured on this tool are elementary; but, I assure you the process is not.

Speaking of these uncertain times I'm also hearing a need for connection, please consider joining our monthly science teacher meet-up. The information and registration link may be found in the Professional Development section above. There is no formal agenda or presentation and the goal to connect like educators with one another to better our practice.

It's an exciting time for science, with NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon by 2024, and then focus next on Mars for the 2030s.

An overview of the Artemis mission, its steps, preparations and other facets. Hence our 2020 Galaxy Forum theme "Artemis and Beyond." The main presentation will be given virtually by Kansas native Michael Staab who works with the Artemis program for Northrup Grumman.

Please note there are two options (in-person or virtual) to attend.

Feel free to share this free event with colleagues.

Flyer (Link)

EPA Calls for Nominations for the 2021 President’s Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

Applications due by February 19, 2021

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2021 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE).

“Environmental education is paramount to providing students with the skills and tools they need to be the next generation of Americans caring for our nation’s air, water and land,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Success in the environmental education program hinges on teachers’ ability to employ modern approaches to this important field of study. EPA remains committed to supporting America’s teachers and students to promote environmental stewardship – both now and in the future.”

Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PEYA recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from Kindergarten through 12th grade by promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement. Also established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PIAEE recognizes outstanding K-12 grade educators who integrate environmental, place-based experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. The White House Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with EPA, administers the PIAEE awards program.

Additional Information on the 2020 Awards

EPA is seeking 2020 PEYA and PIAEE award applications for projects on a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to):

• Reducing food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts.

• Reducing contributions to ocean and marine litter.

• Solutions in recycling.

• Using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to teach environmental education.

• Environmental sustainability.

• Sustainable agricultural practices.

• Healthy school environments.

For the PEYA awards, EPA will select up to two winners in each of the agency’s 10 Regions – one regional winner for grades K-5 and one regional winner for grades 6-12. The winning projects will be highlighted on EPA’s website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. And, if the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. The application and eligibility information are available on EPA’s PEYA page.

Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive the PIAEE award. Teachers will receive a presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. Winning teachers’ local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Next year’s winners will be highlighted on EPA’s website. The application and eligibility information are available on EPA’s PIAEE page.

Applications for both awards programs are due no later than February 19, 2021.

For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please contact: PEYA@epa.gov.

For more information on the teacher awards (PIAEE), please contact: PIAEE@epa.gov.

This online exhibit aims to not only educate on climate change itself, but also teach visitors of all ages about the actions that they can take to help protect our environment. The most important aspect of that in the short term is talking about climate change. The exhibit, like all of our related programming and materials, is intended to help learners and teachers have those discussions more effectively, and to have them reach beyond their immediate circles.

This is a precursor to a new permanent exhibit at the Museum of the Earth of the same name that will open in November. And, it's the newest part of our suite of resources for learning and teaching about climate and energy.

We're also in the process of developing educator resources to accompany the exhibit, which will likely include online professional development opportunities. Feedback about the exhibit and what you would find most useful in our future programming and resources is always welcome, as are comments or reviews of the exhibit or other resources. You can respond directly to me.

Learn more here: https://www.museumoftheearth.org/changing-climate

Exemplary Practices using ‘Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA’ Free Resources

November 4, 2020

11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern (Link)

This 'Exemplary Practices using ‘Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA’ Free Resources' webinar will explore the free NASA resources, along with accompanying exemplary practices. In addition to the content, there will be time for questions and comments in order for the NASA’s Universe of Learning team to best support your program efforts with the Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA materials.

Brite: How a Virtual Summer Camp made a Challenging Summer Brighter

November 17, 2020

11:00 AM Pacific/2:00 PM Eastern (Link)

In the spaces between school closures, summer learning loss, and online experiences, Brite debuted in the summer of 2020 to step into the gaps for middle and high school girls that result in a vacuum for women in science. This new summer experience was created in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project, the World Science Festival, and The Hello Studios in a first-of-its-kind collaboration. Join us to learn more about the successes and challenges of Brite from some of the creators, educators, and evaluators involved. The presenters will share lessons learned and next steps that will inspire and encourage others who are seeking creative ways to approach informal online STEM learning.

“PROMOTING STUDENT INVESTIGATION AT 100,000 FEET”
HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON WORKSHOP
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION INSTITUTE
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY

• Teacher in-service Workshop delivered virtually (Jan 2021)

• Individual school-based work by student/teacher research teams (Jan-Feb 2021)

• Virtual mentoring of students and teachers by FHSU HAB team (Jan-Feb 2021)

• High-altitude balloon launches of school projects by FHSU HAB team (Feb 2021)

• Analysis and sharing data through a virtual poster session prepared by student teams (Mar-Apr 2021)

• Teacher participant stipend $400

• Workshop materials and supplies will be provided for student payload design

• Limited to first 20 registrants

• Deadline to register December 15, 2020

• Registration fee $10 (non-refundable)

For more information and to register online please go to www.fhsu.edu/smei/high-altitude-balloon/index Link to flier (Link)

We are excited to announce the 9th annual Cool Science Artwork Competition Cool Science is a free and public, NSF grant funded, art competition held each fall for all K-12 artists Deadline is December 11, 2020.

Challenge Questions

We invite young artists to answer one of these challenge questions with a visual work of art:

1. What can you and your family do to keep cool in a heat wave or keep warm in a blizzard?

2. How does a severe storm form?

3. How can your community prepare for extreme flooding?

Competition Winners

Winners will be selected and the best entries for display on public buses in the Summer of 2021. The honorees will be recognized at our art exhibit celebrations next year.

To Learn More

For further information about the contest, please visit: https://www.coolscience.net/artwork-guidelines-rules or at (www.coolscience.net).

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center has created a virtual tour with 360 images, drone footage, educational videos, interviews with key Cheyenne Bottoms partners, and interactive games. Come experience Cheyenne Bottoms from the comfort of your home or classroom. KWEC is also part of a nation-wide research collaborative researching the effectiveness of virtual environmental education programs and are looking for teachers grade 6-12 that would have their students complete the virtual tour and take a survey. KWEC has another program that could be scheduled through zoom, teaching about wetland types and properties for this research project. Visit https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu to check out the tour and for more information for classroom teachers!