K-5 Science Newsletter
MARCH 2017
Office of Teaching and Learning 614-365-5727
Leslie Kelly, Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction
Heather Allen, K-5 Science Coordinator
Christine Weatherholtz, K-5 Science/Social Studies Coodinator
Professional Development Opportunities
Gizmo PD, 5th-8th grade
March 22, 2017, 4:30-6:30pm
Linmoor Education Center, 2001 Hamilton Ave., 43211
Gizmos are interactive science simulations that use an inquiry-based learning approach. Please come check out this new engaging resource to help your students understand difficult science concepts and prepare for the state test.
Integrating Reading, Social Studies and Science - Grades 3-5:
March 28, 2017, 4:30-6:30 PM
Lindbergh Elementary, 2541 Lindbergh Dr., Columbus, OH 43223
This professional learning opportunity will focus on integrating reading, social studies, and science. The session will incorporate time to investigate grade level materials included in the new reading series, as well as, other supplemental material that support both social studies and science integration. Participants will receive a set of small group reading materials for social studies and we will have some science give aways!
Gizmo PD, 5th-8th grade
April 5, 2017, 4:30-6:30pm
Linmoor Education Center, 2001 Hamilton Ave., 43211
Gizmos are interactive science simulations that use an inquiry-based learning approach. Please come check out this new engaging resource to help your students understand difficult science concepts and prepare for the state test.
Hands-on Science by Wanda Mays and Sharon Williams
April 6, 2017, 4:30-6:30pm
Scottwood ES, 3392 Scottwood Road, 43227
Presenters will share strategies and activities to integrate science, literature and writing. Many of these strategies were shared at the National Science Teacher's Conference and support interactive hands-on science lessons.
Google Training
Learn about your Google Drive or Google Classroom (not content specific)
Training can be scheduled specifically for your building or grade level from 4-5pm.
INFOhio Training
Learn about the free resources for teachers, students, and families for multiple subjects.
Google or INFOhio training can be scheduled specifically for your building or grade level from 4-5pm. Email Heather Allen, hallen704@columbus.k12.oh.us or Christine Weatherholtz, cweatherholtz3151@columbus.k12.oh.us to set a date.
SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL
If you are certified to teach 1st grade and would be interested in teaching the Science Summer Camp, please fill out the summer school application on the CCS website.
Be sure to click the box labeled: Science Specialist.
CLOSE READING using SCIENCE CONENT
Are you using informational text to teach reading? Why not use grade level science content to meet your needs?
Boston Public Schools' website offers a few free close reading passages. (see below)Click here to access the Google Drive Folder. You can print the passages and questions or make a "Google" copy and save them to your own Google drive for future use.
Anyone with a CCS email can get to the Google Drive Folder by signing in to Google with your CCS username and current password.
Isopods -- K.LS.2 and 1.LS.2
Weather and Air -- K.ESS.1 and 2.ESS.3
Four Amazing Plants -- 1LS2 and 2LS1
Insects and Plants -- 3.LS.1
Animal Teeth -- 3.LS.2
Beavers -- 3.LS.2 and 5.LS.1
Traveling Seeds -- 3.LS.3
Sounds, High and Low -- 3.PS.2
Ice -- 3.PS.2 and 4.PS.1
Moon, Lunar Rovers -- 5.ESS.1
Rachel Carson -- 4.LS.1
Making Static -- 4.PS.2
The video below shows a 1st grade teacher doing close reading using Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. (1st grade stops at 5:20 min)
Important March dates
First Week of March - Dr. Seuss week isn't just for reading anymore
The Cat in the Hat
Bartholomew and the Oobleck
The Butter Battle Book
Green Eggs and Ham
Scrambled Eggs Super!
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff
Daylight Savings Time gives us less light in the morning but more light in the afternoon, so we can do outdoor activities after school.
Lights affects animals. Some animals are active during the day (diurnal) and some are active during the night (nocturnal). Learn which animals are diurnal and which are nocturnal.
According to Irish legends, St. Patrick banished all of the snakes from the island of Ireland. In reality, snakes were not present in Ireland after the Ice Age. Learn more about snakes that live in Ohio. Discuss other myths associated with snakes. The black racer snake has been our state reptile since 1995.
* Design leprechaun traps using materials around the house, school, or cafeteria.
* Freeze your pot o' gold - freeze fake or real pennies in a balloon of water. After it freezes peel off the balloon and students have to figure out the fastest way to get to the gold. A good book to read is Sid the Science Kid: Why Did My Ice Pop Melt? by Susan Korman.
* St. Patrick Day chia pets- create shamrock shaped sponges and watch the plants sprout.
Spring is a time when migrating birds begin arriving to areas with warmer temperatures to build their nests. Building simple birdhouses can be a fun project, especially if a pair of birds takes up residence!
* Journey North website engages citizen scientists in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. Students can track the coming of spring through migration patterns, the budding of plants, the changing sunlight, and other natural events.
* INFOhio's World Book Kids has an article you can use with your intermediate students. Equinox
* YouTube video for intermediate students by Weather Bug Schools What is the Equinox?
Columbus Metro Parks.............. MARCH PROGRAMS
Check out the upcoming schedule for your own family and consider printing out the nearest Metro Park activities for your students' families.