Secondary Science Newsletter

The way an object is shaped or structured determines many of its properties and functions.

Framing questions:

• What shapes or structures are observed in the system at this scale?
• What roles do these structures play in the functioning of the system?
• How do the structures support the functions?
• How does the environment affect the fitness of organisms with specific structures?

We were able to extend grant funds and secure Gizmos for one more year for all secondary students in SMCPS.

Gale Interactive: Science is an immersive online learning tool that brings the virtual laboratory experience to middle and high school classrooms. With interactive 3D models, students can explore, zoom in, rotate, and pull apart objects, igniting their curiosity and driving academic success. Engaging activities are complemented by authoritative content sourced from resources like Gale In Context: Science and Gale OneFile, ensuring a rich learning experience. Students delve into complex scientific topics and unleash their potential through exploration and experimentation. Find it at: https://apps.schoology.com/apps/profile/1526339907

The 13th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. Cash awards are presented to winners in multiple. The Contest deadline is June 10, 2024. For more information, visit Bow Seat's Ocean Awareness Art Contest webpage.

There are Environmental Literacy Educator Training (EnLET) workshops at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center this summer. Please see the flyer below for more details. The workshops are intended for middle and high school classroom educators who teach in the Chesapeake Bay region. Overnight accommodations are offered at no cost and a stipend is available for participation.

If you are interested in learning more, visit the EnLET website: https://serc.si.edu/education/professional-development/enlet. Questions or interested in applying? Email davisam@si.edu.

Towson Univerity Center for STEM Excellence offers the following resources for 3-12 grade students and teachers:

• Maryland Loaner Lab (MDLL) sciences kits,
• in-person SciTech Field Trips,
• Virtual Field Trips, and
• a free Digital Learning Resources Library (lessons and videos).

The MDLL and the SciTech Field Trips are now booking kits and accepting reservations through June 2024. Virtual Field Trips are accepting reservations through December 2023.

The Maryland Loaner Lab (MDLL) program provides free kits to all Maryland secondary teachers. Learn more about the different elementary, middle, and high school kits offered on the MDLL website.

The SciTech Student Learning Lab engages students in grades 3–12 in hands-on, inquiry-based science activities. With over 15 activities to choose from, students participate in a 3-hour, self-contained lab led by our instructors. Learn more about the elementary, middle, and high school labs offered on the SciTech Student Learning Lab website.

We can bring a Virtual Field Trip to your classroom remotely! Our instructors meet with your students in grades 3–12 online for an interactive scientific investigation. With over eight activities to choose from, our Virtual Field Trips challenge students to solve real-world problems and issues. Discover more about the primary and secondary field trips offered on the Virtual Field Trip website.