Science Matters
A periodic curriculum update: September 2019
Welcome back, science teachers!
Curriculum resources can be found at: https://central.dpsnc.net/.
August 21 Secondary Session Materials
Leadership Opportunities
Knowles Teaching Fellows Program Accepting Applications
The Knowles Teaching Fellows Program is an intensive and cohesive, five-year program that supports early-career biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics teachers in their efforts to develop teaching expertise and lead from the classroom. Valued at more than $150,000, Knowles Teaching Fellows receive access to a wide range of benefits, including stipends; grants for professional development, classroom materials and National Board Certification; coaching and mentoring from experienced teachers and teacher educators; support for teacher leadership initiatives; and membership in a national community of more than 400 math and science educators.
Applications for 2020 Knowles Teaching Fellowships are due by 11:59 pm PST on December 1, 2019. For more information about the Fellowship, visit https://knowlesteachers.org/knowlesfellowship.
DPS Hub Farm Curriculum Team
Meeting dates:
Sept 17, 4:30-5:30
October 29, 4:30-5:30
February 11, 4:30-5:30
March 10, 4:30-5:30
May 12, 4:30-5:30
Sign up here!
Science Alliance
Meeting dates:
October 15, 4:30-5:30
Dec 10, 4:30-5:30
Feb 18, 4:30-5:30
April 28, 4:30-5:00
Sign up here!
NC Science Olympiad
NCSO Regional Tournament Registration is now officially open for all divisions!
K-12 Curriculum & Instruction will pay registration for one varsity team at each DPS school. Do not pay when registering. NCSO will bill us!
Opportunity knocks
Applications for PRISM grant open in September
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics, or PRISM, grant applications for 2019 selections opens to North Carolina teachers Sept. 16.
Wetlands are Wonderful
Durham Soil & Water Contests: This contest, ‘Wetlands are Wonderful’ can be incorporated &/or enhance NC DPI Standard Course of Study, Essential Standards for Science for each grade level.
Poster : 3rd-6th grade
Essay : 6th grade
Public Speaking : 7th & 8th grade
Computer Designed Slide Show : 6th grade
Graphic Design Poster Contest: 9th grade
DEADLINE : All contest entries are due to the Durham SWCD office by 5pm - February 7, 2020.
919-560-0558 or lmarochak@dconc.gov
Elementary Duke Energy Science Nights
STEM activities and materials can be sent at no cost to elementary schools across the state. They are a great way to bring families together to explore the amazing world of science! Click here for more information on the Duke Energy Science Night program. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2019.
Guest Scientists for Middle Schools
Metorologist Available for Class Presentations
Looking for a meteorologist to come to speak to your students? NBC-17 is partnering with Durham Public Schools to help students learn more about weather! Teachers can Paul Heggen directly at PHeggen@CBS17.com. He prefers to talk to a whole school’s grade level or combined classes rather than individual classes. Please suggest a potential date (or just a general time frame) for a visit in your email request.
September 18 Early Release Day Preview
Growing Garden Classrooms
Do you want to incorporate outdoor learning environments while increasing our community’s access to fresh produce? This workshop will help you learn the basics of gardening, while exploring lessons you can utilize with your students. Will be held at the Geer St Learning Garden: 110 E Geer St Durham NC 27701
Register at: https://foodshuttle.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RIjFA65RjtfT93
Questions? Email Ayn@foodshuttle.org
Learning in the Garden
What can you learn in a garden? Enjoy an afternoon on a guided exploration of Duke Gardens and experience the benefits of learning outdoors. Discover how components of every subject can be taught in a variety of outdoor settings. Practice your observation skills, brainstorm ways to expand your teaching beyond the walls of the classroom, and learn about guided and self-guided field trips at Duke Gardens that align with your classroom standards.
Register at gardens.duke.edu/teacher-workshops
Questions? Email gardenseducation@duke.edu
Macroinvertebrate Mania
Outdoor Learning
Hub Farm Fall Festival
To sign up, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/70662843467/
Take a Child Outside Week
Inspired by Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods,” Take A Child Outside week was founded to help connect children with nature.
The Big Dig
Merrick Moore Elementary
Out Teach will be working with us to create an outdoor learning environment at Merrick Moore to unlock student performance with the power of outdoor experiential learning.
Science Saturdays for Teachers of K-8 Science
Weather Wise
Explore concepts of weather and atmosphere through hands-on activities. We'll have a meteorologist joining us, so bring your questions!
May the Force Be with You
October 19 10-noon
Explore concepts related force, motion, and energy through hands-on activities. We'll have a scientist joining us, so bring your questions!
It's in Our Genes!
Explore concepts in genetics and evolution through hands-on activities. We'll have a scientist joining us, so bring your questions!
DPS Teacher Collaborative
Meeting dates:
Sept 18 2:30-4:30
Oct 3 4:30-6:30
Oct 24 4:30-6:30
Nov 12 4:30-6:30
Dec 5 4:30-6:30
Jan 30 4:30-6:30
Feb 20 4:30-6:30
Mar 19 4:30-6:30
April 23 4:30-6:30
May 6 2:30-4:30
Teacher Professional Development
Cell Biology and Cancer
Monday, November 4, 2019
Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Rx for Science Literacy is partnering with Duke University to present Cell Biology and Cancer, a one-day workshop on Monday, November 4, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
This workshop is based on a curriculum that addresses the development and impact of cancer and the research that has guided public health policies and medical interventions that are helping prevent, treat and cure the disease. It also focuses on the relationship between biomedical research and the improvement of personal and public health. Register Now →
IDEAS (INNOVATIVE DIFFERENTIATED EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN SPACE SCIENCE)
8:30am Monday, October 14, 2019 - 5:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2019
In this interactive professional development, experts from NASA and the Special Education community will familiarize educators of exceptional students with the wide variety of standards-based space science education materials that are available from NASA. Discussion regarding learning disabilities, including ADD and ADHD, will be held throughout the workshop.
Registration information: Educator Trek Online Registration
· Fee: $25 (participants will receive a $150 stipend upon completion of the workshop)
Sleep, Sleep Disorders and Biological Rhythms
Monday, December 2, 2019
Duke University, Durham, N.C.
Rx for Science Literacy is partnering with Duke University to present Sleep, Sleep Disorders and Biological Rhythms, a one-day workshop on Monday, December 2, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
This workshop is based on a curriculum that addresses misconceptions about sleep, variations among individuals’ sleep and wake cycles, the two major states of sleep, NREM and REM, and how sleep loss negatively impacts society and health. It also focuses on the various factors that can lead to sleep disorders and treatments.
Register Now →
Coaches Clinic
Registration for the NCSO Coaches Clinic is open! Sign-up today to join NCSO for a two day clinic to learn all about Science Olympiad.
Trouble Paying? See if you qualify for a Coaches Clinic Scholarship through the Rural Participation Project OR Citizen Science Project.
Educators of Excellence: Yellowstone in Winter
JAN. 15-22, 2020
Discover the magic of Yellowstone during its most beautiful season and explore ways to bring your experience back to the classroom.
Applications due by October 15, 2019.
Learn MoreTremont at Great Smoky Mountains
Upcoming Educator Programs
Sept. 14–15: Teacher Escape Weekend II
Sept. 28–29: Teacher Escape Weekend III
SCIREN TRIANGLE NETWORKING EVENT AND EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, September 26, 2019
5:30 - 8:30 pm
At the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh
The SciREN Triangle Networking Event and Museum Open House is an information exchange night just for educators! This special night invites scientists and teachers from the Triangle/Piedmont region to interact in a relaxed environment. Through a partnership with SciREN (Scientific Research and Education Network), educators can meet more than 50 local scientists ready to distribute curriculum-centered lessons based on their research!
WHAT TO EXPECT
· * Free Lilly’s Pizza and beverages
· * Free, curriculum-correlated K–12 lesson plans.
· * Opportunities to talk directly with scientists (many are willing to visit your classroom for free!)
FREE, but registration is appreciated. Register Now!
Location: NC Museum of Natural Sciences
For additional information about this and other educator opportunities, contact Megan Davis at megan.davis@naturalsciences.org or 919.707.9905
Teacher Treks at NCMNS
BUTTERFLY PINNING & BACKYARD BUG COLLECTING
SAT., SEPT. 28, 9:00AM-NOON
Prepare, pin and mount a variety of tropical butterflies while also exploring the possibilities of insect collecting in your backyard!
SAT., OCT. 5, 9:00AM-2:00PM
The U.S. Dept. of Education Green Ribbon is a national award recognizing sustainability practices in our schools. Previous award recipients will be on hand to share advice!
USING DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS TOOLS
SAT., OCT. 5, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Explore how DNA sequence analysis can be used, gain hands-on experience with online sequence databases and learn how to use these resources with your students.
SAT., OCT. 19, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Learn the entire printing process from start to finish including model design, printer maintenance, printer repair and ideas for cross-curricular STEAM activities. Walk away with a free 3D printer for your school and the knowledge and confidence to use it.
Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science
Date: September 11-12, 2019
Location: Ivy Community Center, 4222 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713
Description: This interactive two-day workshop offers teachers of multilingual learners time to delve into combining English Language Development Standards and Science Practices. In collaborative groups of educators, participants will develop a common understanding of academic language in a science and engineering environment. After developing a common understanding of language expectations, participants will explore strategies and supports that foster a language-rich environment. The workshop will conclude with participants using a planning tool that will help them apply the process to their lessons.
Audience: This workshop is designed for educators with all levels of experience with the WIDA Standards Framework, including those new to WIDA tools and resources.
Community Connections
Willow Alston-Socha
Email: willow.alston-socha@dpsnc.net
Website: central.dpsnc.net
Location: Durham Public Schools, NC, USA
Phone: 919-560-9184
Twitter: @Willow_STEM
Linda P. Tugurian, PhD
Email: linda.tugurian@dpsnc.net
Website: central.dpsnc.net
Location: Durham Public Schools, NC, USA
Phone: 919-560-2647
Twitter: @DPS_science