Science Through Stories- 3rd Grade Thematic Unit

I am also excited to share that Cindy Hadicke, KSDE Elementary Consultant, and I will be launching a "Science Through Stories- 3rd Grade Science Through Literacy Unit" professional development opportunity in February. This session is a deep dive into the bundling of the science standards (specifically related to electricity and magnetism) and how will look at how to use these bundles with a novel read-aloud. It is a look at how science and literacy can be intentionally linked to help students connect content. Early registrants will receive a copy of the novel and a kit.

• February 22, 2021 8:30 AM (Registration Link)

• February 25, 2021 1:30 PM (Registration Link)

• March 16, 2021 1:30 PM (Registration Link)

Free Video Resource

Did you know that PBS has a free searchable database of video supports? Check out their materials (Link)

2020-2021 Scientist for a Day Essay Contest (link to https://rps.nasa.gov/scientist-for-a-day)

Audience: Students in Grades 5-12 Entry Deadline: Feb. 12, 2021 Category: Student Competitions Email: scientistforaday@jpl.nasa.gov

The Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying three moons of Uranus: Ariel, Oberon, and Titania. Participants examine and research these three moons and choose the one they think NASA should return to that would yield the best scientific results. Students write an essay under 300 words explaining their choice. Winning essays are posted online. Winners and their classes talk to NASA scientists.

Flyer with contest details:

https://rps.nasa.gov/resources/97/scientist-for-a-day-flyer-2020-21/

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.

Please share the information of this upcoming distance learning Modeling Instruction courses with your science education network!

Are you tired of students just trying to get a grade and not learning science?

Using Modeling Instruction, we will develop the pedagogical framework to

• Get students to think hard

• Develop equitable practices in the classroom

• Bring joy back into teaching

In our Distance Learning course, we will delve into the Modeling Cycle, its basis in cognitive science, and the practical ways that teachers use Modeling Instruction in the science classroom. This course will sample Life Sciences and Physical Sciences in order to explore the Modeling pedagogy through multiple content lenses. By utilizing both student mode and teacher mode, participants will use readings, virtual whiteboarding, discussions, and reflections to engage in Modeling practices that will lead to improved student learning.

Day: Sundays from 4-7 pm (EST), except February 7, which will be 1-4 (EST)

Duration: 15 weeks, January 10 - May 2, 2021

Costs: $750 for current AMTA members; $825 for non-members (includes a 1-year AMTA membership)

Optional graduate-level credits: 3 credits from University of Pacific are available for $79/hr ($237 total).

Meet our Instructors

ARIEL SERKIN is passionate about teaching chemistry and physics to her high school students in Massachusetts and to teachers through her involvement in a number of organizations including STEMteachersMassBay, AMTA, and ChemEdXchange. Ariel engages her students with Modeling Instruction, whiteboard meetings, laboratory experiences, and Molecule Monday. She loves collaborating with other educators to help all students and teachers succeed. Ariel was a 2019 PAEMST finalist and 2020 AACT High School Teacher of the Year. You can regularly see Ariel celebrating #nerdytshirtfriday on Twitter and wearing #nerdychic whenever she can.

JEREMY SECAUR has over 20 years of experience teaching high school physics at the regular, honors, and AP levels. He holds a BS in Astronomy and a Master’s degree in Teaching. Jeremy currently serves on the Executive Board of STEMteachersCLE, and enjoys leading Modeling Instruction workshops in physics with STEMteachersMassBay. Jeremy was a 2019 PAEMST awardee from Ohio.

SCOTT MILAM currently teaches chemistry and IB chemistry HL at Plymouth High School in Michigan. Scott holds a BS and MS in Chemistry. He completed his initial training in the Modeling Instruction pedagogy in 2015, and has led workshops in 2018 and 2020. Scott was the 2017 Michigan Science Teacher of the Year and was a 2019 PAEMST finalist.

REGISTER TODAY

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!

The Kansas Association of Education Service Agencies (KAESA) along with the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) are excited to announce the Kansas Teaching and Leading Project. This project, which includes a comprehensive website with on-demand professional development and supporting resources, as well as live just-in-time webinars will support educators through this school year and beyond.

CLICK HERE to access the website for information in the areas of Understanding the Navigating Change Document, Social and Emotional Learning, Competency-Based and Personalized Learning, Remote and Hybrid Teaching and Learning, Teaching with Instructional Technology, Leadership and Communication, Community and Family Engagement, and Facilities and Operations.

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) in the U.S. is now accepting applications to participate as an Outreach Officer for the JOIDES Resolution for Expedition 396 Mid-Norwegian Continental Margin Magmatism (August 6, 2021 – October 6, 2021).

Be a part of a 30-member science party, conduct live ship-to-shore events to classrooms around the world, and come up with creative educational/outreach products! We welcome applications from K-12 classroom teachers, informal science educators, artists, videographers, writers, social media experts, and any who can make a good case for themselves. Successful applicants will be creative, flexible, friendly, and hardworking. Some geoscience background is helpful. All expenses for U.S. Onboard Outreach Officers for travel to and from ports of call, along with a stipend are paid by the U.S. Science Support Program for IODP.

Onboard Outreach Officers are selected through a competitive application and interview process. The selected individual(s) will also participate in a three-day training session prior to their expedition. If possible, this will be held face-to-face, and participant travel will be covered by USSSP. However, with current COVID protocols in place, this may be a virtual training session Non-U.S. applicants will be directed to their country IODP office but are still encouraged to apply.

To apply, you will need to complete the application through our on-line application portal.

Application deadline is January 22, 2021.

For more information, visit https://joidesresolution.org/for-educators/onboard-outreach-officer/

Join KidWind for a 6-hour, renewable energy workshop. Whether in-person or virtual, these dynamic workshops include the distribution of materials and grow content knowledge while also exploring teacher-approved, hands-on K-12 lessons.

1. ATTEND THE COACH TRAINING WORKSHOP

Engage with the science and technology of wind power while exploring blade design, power measurement and windmills. Attendees to the training will receive a $80 starter kit to get them going with their students!

2. JOIN THE ONLINE OR KANSAS KIDWIND CHALLENGE

Take your knowledge, get some FREE kits and participate in the National KidWind Online Challenge. You can also attend one of the upcoming Kansas KidWind Challenges! You will learn more details at the workshop.

With the coupon code KSWINDWKSP, you can attend this virtual workshop for only $10. A big thanks to Enel Green Power for making this possible! Space is limited to 25 educators – please register by January 4th to allow time for shipping the starter kit.

January 30, 2021 Register here (by January 4th): www.kidwind.org/training/workshops