SCIENCE/STEM NEWSLETTER
February 2020
Chemistry Workshop on Wednesday, February 5th 2020: Focus on Earth Science Standards
To that end, I have been looking at the best way, not to incorporate these standards, but to make them flow into and with instruction.
My feeling is that just getting the standards to "fit into" current instruction will not adequately address them. If you take a moment to look at the Evidence Statements for HS-ESS1-2, I believe you will see what I mean in regards to the depth and rigor required.
In this workshop, we will create a unit starting with the Big Bang Theory We should be able to connect at least four Physical Science standards and four Earth Science standards.
I see a natural progression through and connecting HS-ESS1-1, HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3, HS-ESS1-6, HS-PS1-8, HS-PS4-1, HS-PS4-3, and HS-PS4-4 (and yes, there will be crossover in physics).
We will start by mapping the connections between these standards and then begin working on the details. We may be able to connect in more standards as we progress. We will see as we go.
If you have a background in astronomy, your input will be greatly valued. I do have an expert speaker who will be able to join us remotely for a short time in order to go over content. So if you feel like you need a refresher on the content, we will have it. We should be able to lean on the Astronomy Department and FRIB at Michigan State if we need additional content clarification.
I hope that you will be able join us in creating this unit. It is a significant task and input is valued and welcome.
I am including the link below for sign up.
Free workshop for Physics Teachers
For physics teachers who would like to add coding to their classrooms, there is a summer workshop called ICSAM that teaches you the process. Additionally, you will have access to modules that have already been created. This workshop is conducted by facility from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University.
They are offering a one day introductory course here at GISD. You will have the chance to determine if attending the summer workshop would be beneficial for your students.
This event is free with lunch provided.
Some Earth Science Resources
Once you go to the link, click on "View this Resource" in the upper right
- Grades K–2: Bill Nye Explains the Seasons
- Grades 3–5: There Is a Glacier Melting in the Classroom!
- Grades 6–8: Hot Spot Activity
- Grades 9–12: Melting Glaciers (Phenomenon)
Courtesy of the NSTA
Interested in Biodiesel?
From the University of Idaho, take a look at their Biodiesel Education Program. There is a lot of information here. You are provided with both a student and teacher manual.
There are two separate programs-one for 8-12 year olds and another for high school chemistry. This really is a great resource.
Teaching the physical science standards and need some videos....
Save yourself some time looking for videos that work when demonstrating some of the physical science standards.
This site has videos neatly categorized into Mechanics, Waves and Sound, and Light.
https://www.animations.physics.unsw.edu.au/
Courtesy of the School of Physics at UNSW, Sydney
Lake Michigan Shipboard Science Workshop
Work with 5th through 12th grade students as part of a group of 15 educators from July 6th through July 12th of 2020 on-board the Lake Guardian.
https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring/lake-guardian
With three on-board laboratories, you can be a part of hands on, real world investigations.
Application deadline is 2/28/20
See the link below for all the details
Real World Science Summer Teacher Seminar 2020
The Real World Science Summer Teacher Seminar brings 28 teachers who will be teaching science to 5th-8th graders in the following school year to the National WW II Museum for a week-long training experience.
Two of the spots are reserved for Louisiana teachers, and teachers from public and public charter schools are accepted.
The teachers learn best practices in science teaching and 3D instruction while being introduced to the Real World Science curriculum. It includes a trip to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory in Livingston, LA, and a field day doing water quality studies at City Park and Lake Pontchartrain. Teachers are reimbursed for flight expenses, and the museum provides hotel accommodations and most meals.
This year’s cohort will join us in New Orleans from July 12th-18th 2020.
Applications are accepted from January 6th 2020 through March 13th 2020.
Teacher Innovator Institute: Summer 2020 in Washington, DC
Teachers will have the opportunity to create their own project to take back to their classroom. They will also work with STEM experts in exploring more innovative practices to take back to their students.
Link to upcoming professional development in Science for rest of the 2019-2020 school year
https://www.smore.com/gnu37-2020-science-workshops-conferences
Soil Sample Testing through the University of Oklahoma
Students gather soil samples (adhering to the criteria specified on the website). Scientists test for different fungi and apply this to actual biomedical research.
Resources such as curriculum guides for grades 4-12, fungi facts, and the soil analysis methodology are also available on the website.
You can take a look at the map in the link below to see some of the data collected.
Journey 2050: On online STEM simulation game
Students will have to balance economic and social factors in maintaining a sustainable agricultural program.
Teachers can register, at no charge, for additional resources such as lesson plans and videos.
RALLY for STEM Fellowship
Ohio University is offering a fully funded one year STEM Education master's degree with a $14,000 stipend for the time the individual is in the program.
Additionally, a $11,000 stipend per year for four years with supporting pd is offered if the participants teach in a high needs school.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a STEM field and the application deadline is March 30th, 2020
Elementary Teachers: Need some dinosaur pictures
Michael Pillay
Science/STEM Coordinator
Genesee Intermediate School District
Education and Learning
Email: mpillay@geneseeisd.org
Location: 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-4470