Science Newsletter
November 13, 2020
GIZMOS NOW AVAILABLE FOR MIDDLE AND ACADEMIES
All middle school and academy teachers are requested to attend one training webinar over the next two weeks to be introduced to the platform, how to utilize Gizmos, and how to initiate student access. The Gizmos Training Flyer is now available that shows the trainings options over the next two weeks. Please register in Performance Matters prior to the trainings, as we are maxing out each session at 50 participants.
Prior to the training, teachers are asked to watch the “Pre-Gizmos” video and then create their accounts using their campus unique registration URL found in an email sent to department chairs and academic coordinating teachers earlier this week.
Please note that all academies will also receive access to Gizmos for Grades 3rd – 5th, so elementary teachers for those campuses should register for their accounts and attend a training as well.
ADDITIONAL GIZMOS RESOURCES
Implementation Resources:
Whole Group Instruction
Small Group Instruction
Remote Learning Resources:
PD IN YOUR PJS, SATURDAY NOV 14
Participants will dive into the Gizmos STEM Cases offered by Explore Learning. In STEM Cases, students are put into the role of STEM professionals tasked with solving real-world problems. Via interactive case studies, students form and test ideas to find solutions - just like real scientists.
9:00 - 10:00, 10:00 - 11:00
Introduction to Gizmos for MS & Academies
In this session, middle school teachers (6th - 8th) and academy teachers (3rd - 8th) will be introduced to Gizmos, interactive science simulations, to support laboratory investigations in an virtual learning environment.
9:00 - 10:30, 10:30 - 12:00
LIVING SCIENCE THROUGH REGION 20
Living Science is a materials center through Region 20 where teachers may request from over 100 living specimens to incorporate into their classroom. Specimens include small mammals, non-poisonous snakes, fish, live frogs, plants, flower and vegetable seeds, micro-organisms, preserved specimens, prepared petri-dishes, de-ionized water and much more at no cost to the teacher. The Living Science Brochure provides a listing of all the materials available.
Delivery orders must be placed at least two days in advance before 3:00 pm. Pick up orders may be placed the day before prior to 3:00 pm.
Click here to access the Living Science Website and click on "Co-Op Order Form" to begin your order.
FREE COLLEGE BOARD VIRTUAL SESSIONS
College Board is offering AP & SAT Suite of Assessments virtual sessions through Region 10 Advanced Academics that are open to all Texas educators at no cost.
Click here for the flyer for the Lunch & Learn sessions.
20-21 AP Resources for Teachers
11:30 - 12:30 on November 12
SAT Suite: Using Scores & Reports to Inform Instruction, Counsel Students, & Monitor Growth
11:30 - 12:30 on December 1
11:30 - 12:30 on December 8
SAT Suite: Understanding Key Content Features & Content Alignment
11:30 - 12:30 on December 3
11:30 - 12:30 on December 10
TEA COMMITTEE APPLICATIONS
Applications Now Available for:
Science TEKS Review Committee
Instructional Materials Reviews
STAAR and/or STAAR Spanish
DEPARTMENT CHAIR MEETINGS
November 10, January 12, February 9, March 23
Middle School (4:45 - 6:00)
December 1, January 26, February 23, March 30
Academic Coordinating Teachers ACTs (4:00 - 5:30)
February 11
Angela Paskell, Director of Science
Email: apaskell1@saisd.net
Website: www.saisd.net/science
Location: 406 Barrera Street, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-554-2525
Twitter: @SAISD_Science