MADSCI NEWS
Science and Technology's Semi-Regular Department Newsletter
December 11, 2015
SEND ME YOUR NEWS!
What's happening in and around your classroom? Let everyone know!
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
LIFE IN THE LIFE SCIENCES
Allison Bell has joined our science department in Grade 7 Life Science. She wasn't able to start the year with us in September because her last district just didn't want to let her go! Luckily for us she was able to start on Columbus day in Madison. With almost 2 months under her belt I thought it would be a good time to put her in the spotlight.
Welcome to Madison, how is it going?
I'm finding out that the Madison staff is filled with a wealth of talent and knowledge, and that all members are happy to help and collaborate. As a teacher new to the district, this has been critical for my success. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my middle school colleagues as well as my discipline colleagues at the high school as we rewrite the 7th grade life science curriculum.
What do you do when you aren't thinking about all things science?
I've been trying to keep up with my hobbies with this new schedule, which are yoga, crossfit, and ultimate frisbee. Does wedding planning count as a hobby? We're wrapping up plans and details each weekend for our wedding in March.
What's happening in your classroom now?
In Science 7, we are currently finishing our Ecology unit by discussing interactions between populations and communities of organisms in an ecosystem. This will build towards the research project students will be conducting in January about environmental stewardship in biomes, countries, or oceans across the world.
SUCCESS AT THE PHYSICS OLYMPICS
The team will be moving on to the next competition in January. A big congratulations and thank you to everyone involved!
Team Flower Power
Getting ready to race
Pulling away on the competition!
EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
Pertinent parts of this legislation to STEM:
- Math and Science Standards and Testing requirements are maintained
- Engineering and Technology may be integrated into Science Assessment
- Differential Pay for STEM educators is established
See a more complete listing of how this bill affects STEM here.
Education Week Article on the bill's passage in Congress.
Washington Post Article on how schools will be judged as compared to NCLB.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MODEL CURRICULUM SHARED FOLDER
Want to know more? Sign up for one of Mike's workshops (info below).
NJDOE Workshops
Go to: https://education.state.nj.us/events/?p=a for more information. If you would like to go to one of these workshops please get a travel authorization form from your building secretary, fill it out, and send it to me.
Translating the Biology Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
February 18: Trenton - Register by 2/4/16
Translating the Chemistry Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
January 4: Trenton – Register by 12/21/15
March 4: Trenton - Register by 2/19/16
Translating the Physics Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
February 12: Trenton – Register by 1/29/16
March 22: East Orange – Register by 3/8/16
Translating Capstone Earth & Space Sciences Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
March 1: Trenton - Register by 2/16/16
Translating Middle School Earth&Space Sciences Model Sci Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
January 13: Trenton – Register by 12/30/15
Translating Middle School Life Science Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
January 7: East Orange – Register by 12/23/16
January 15: Trenton – Register by 1/4/16
Translating Middle School Physical Science Model Science Curriculum Framework into Local Curriculum
January 27: Trenton – Register by 1/13/16
February 26: East Orange - Register by 2/12/16
Inheritance and Variation of Traits for teachers in grade 3
January 8: Trenton – Register by 12/28/15
January 12: East Orange – Register by 12/29/15
Interdependent Relationships; & Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems for Grades K, 2, 3, &5
February 9: East Orange - Register by 1/26/16
February 19: Trenton - Register by 2/5/16
Structure, Function and Information Processing for teachers in grades 1 and 4
March 2: East Orange - Register by 2/16/16
March 21: Trenton - Register by 3/7/16