Science Newsletter
February 5, 2021
EPIC FEBRUARY 20 SESSIONS
Expanding the Gizmos Experience helps teachers develop a deeper understanding of how to integrate Gizmos into their curriculum, and effective uses of whole group and small group instruction. The course shows teachers how to get the most from the Gizmo Lesson Materials by making these intentional instructional decisions.
Literacy Strategies for the Science Classroom Part 2: 9:00 - 10:30
In this session, we will continue our dive into pre, during, and post literacy strategies with a focus on writing in the science classroom. Participants will be introduced to literacy strategies that will engage students and help them become more comfortable with writing in your science classroom.
STAAR PD for 5th, 8th, and Biology: 11:00 - 12:30
This session will provide 5th, 8th, and Biology teachers with an overview of all the STAAR/EOC review materials available to them through the district resources as well as additional resources created by the SAISD Science Department. This session will focus on how to review for STAAR/EOC in a virtual environment. This session is a repeat of the January 19, 20, and 21st STAAR PLN.
STAAR PD Extension: 1:00 - 2:30
5th, 8th, and Biology science teachers dive deeper into the virtual science games presented at Science STARR PD. Teachers will play three virtual games, learn how to create their own games for their classrooms and content. Come collaborate with colleagues to create, build, and implement virtual games in their science classroom. Let's give STAAR review a virtual twist.
2021 YOUTH GARDEN EDUCATOR TRAINING
Happy Gardening!!! It is that time of year again! Registration is now open for the 2021 Youth Garden Educator Training. Register here https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3335
When: March 20, 2021 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost: $20 ** Registration closes March 5 **
This training is designed for teachers, educators and volunteers in support of youth gardening in the classroom and community. If you're interested in starting a gardening program in your school/community or you're looking for ways to enhance your already existing youth garden, do not miss this educational opportunity!
Breakout session topics include: Best Management Practices in the Garden, Vegetable Gardening, How to Start a School Garden, and 4H is For You!
Due to limited resources, this training is open to the first 50 registered schools. If the training is full and you wish to be added to a waiting list, please email the following to agriliferegister@tamu.edu:
- your first & last name
- phone number
- email address
- school district
- school name
- school address
- principal/supervisor's name
Group Enrollment Form
Teachers/volunteers must provide a Group Enrollment Form per school to enroll their students in the Classroom Gardens Program. A Garden Starter Kit will be distributed to the gardens that have submitted a Group Enrollment Form (one Garden Starter Kit per school).
Plant Curbside Pickup
- March 20, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service-Bexar County (3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., San Antonio 78230)
Please bring a large vehicle, wear face masks, and place plant ticket on dashboard. Must remain in vehicle at all times, plants will be put into your trunk.
More information: Ruby Zavala (Ruby.Zavala@ag.tamu.edu)
How to Access the Online Training
Please note you will not receive access to the online training until payment is received.
- To immediately receive access, please pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover).
- If you select to mail a check, instructions to access the online training will not be emailed to you until payment is received, which may be after the training has taken place.
- Upon completion of registration and payment, you will receive an email from agriliferegister@tamu.edu with 2 pdf attachments. Instructions to access the online training are included on the Registration Confirmation pdf.
For more information about the training, email Ruby Zavala (Ruby.Zavala@ag.tamu.edu)
FREE MILKWEED FOR SCHOOLS GRANT
CLASSROOM ACTION RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
The Education team at the San Antonio River Authority is launching a Service Learning Pilot Program, and they need your help!
They have designed two service learning programs that are intended to be led and implemented by the teacher (with lesson plans supplied by the San Antonio River Authority):
- Campus Cleanup: This program educates students about the ways in which litter harms the environment and culminates in a litter pickup on your campus. Teachers are asked to weigh the litter removed and report that weight to the San Antonio River Authority. We will determine the total amount of litter removed during the pilot program and report back to you so you are aware of the difference you and your students have made!
- Campus BioBlitz: In this program, students will learn about the importance of documenting biodiversity and will record their observations of wildlife on your school grounds using the Seek or iNaturalist apps. Digital cameras can also be used for classrooms without student devices. Teachers are asked to report the number of organisms documented to the San Antonio River Authority. We will share the total number of organisms observed during the pilot program with you!
Their goal is to encourage teachers to join the pilot program and provide them with valuable feedback that they will use to adjust the programs before their full implementation during the 2021-2022 school year.
On Saturday, February 6th from 9:00-10:00 AM, they will be discussing the Service Learning Pilot Program and the two options for participation. If you think you and your students would enjoy this opportunity to learn about and help the San Antonio River, please sign up for the one-hour teacher workshop here. You will receive one hour of CPE credit for your participation in this workshop (along with our gratitude)! They need your help in making this program a success.
STEMSCOPES LOOKING FOR HS WRITERS
If interested, the application for writing can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpFGljttCkeyX2vqOWfkObL9GmA5jUAPCGZ3nYF1qs2Ygr1Q/viewform
FEEDBACK FOR DRAFT 6TH - 8TH TEKS NOW OPEN
The SBOE review process for the TEKS calls for multiple, separate work groups. Work Group C convened in Fall 2020 to develop recommendations to revise the science TEKS for middle school, grades 6–8. The draft recommendations for science grades 6–8 are currently available for review and feedback on the Science TEKS Review Work Group Drafts web page under the heading Work Group C.
ANNUAL MAYOR'S K-12 SMART CITY CHALLENGE
Many San Antonio residents watched as 120,000 people sought food assistance after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many residents were in those food assistance lines. Many were shocked to learn that 60,000 people required food assistance before the pandemic.
So how can San Antonio drastically reduce food insecurity among residents? Join the 2021 SA Smart Challenge!
To register a team or get further details, visit the sa-smart.org website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, February 9: High School Dept Chair Meeting
Thursday, February 11: Academic Coordinating Teacher (ACT) Meeting
Saturday, February 20: EPIC Saturday
Tuesday, February 23: Middle School Dept Chair Meeting
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