Science Newsletter
May 14, 2021
MAY 15, PD IN PJS
Literacy Strategies for the Science Classroom Part 2
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.
Time: 9:00 - 10:00
Participants will learn how to build intellectual capacity through information processing. We will dive into the brain's information processing cycle and discuss the strategies that will guide our students through the cycle. We will identify and discuss implementation of the strategies that aid culturally and linguistically diverse students in turning inert science information into useable knowledge.
Time: 10:00 - 11:00
LAYING THE FOUNDATION TRAINING
Last year, SAISD, in partnership with National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and Laying the Foundations (LTF), provided a unique opportunity for high school teachers to engage in LTF training. LTF training is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to elevate student thinking and learning. Teachers had the opportunity to build and maintain subject matter expertise, enhance leadership in diverse classrooms, and prepare students for critical thinking and problem solving at advanced levels.
Due to the success of the first year implementation, we are fortunate to be able to extend this opportunity to additional teachers throughout the 21-22 school year including middle school teachers. Our goal is to strengthen the pipeline of students entering high school with knowledge and skills to be successful in advanced science coursework. With this in mind, we are reaching out to determine interest, participation, and commitment to this initiative.
The training dates are listed below, and we are looking for science middle school teachers who can commit to attending all of the training dates:
- Full Days (8:30 - 3:30) - June 28 & June 29
- Half Days (10:30 - 1:45) - September 18, October 23, November 13, & February 19
If you are interested, please complete this form so we can begin building our contact lists for this opportunity! Here is a flyer that provides broad information about this program
SCIENCE & MATH SUMMER ACADEMY (SAMSA)
The Center of Excellence for Science is pleased to announce the acceptance of applications for the 2021 Virtual Science & Math Summer Academy (SAMSA)!
SAMSA plans to offer eleven to fifteen-year-old children hands-on activities in their home and virtual field trips to exciting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) places that engage students through informal learning. The academy focuses on fun topics within high-demand careers such as engineering, biotechnology, game design, alternative energy, chemistry, environmental science, and more.
SAMSA will be held July 12 - July 29, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, virtually on the internet. Materials for the program will be distributed, using curbside distribution, at the Center of Excellence for Science at 800 Quintana Rd, Southwest Campus of St. Philip’s College. The first round of acceptance letters will be emailed by May 17, 2021, and every two weeks thereafter. A virtual parent orientation session will be held via Zoom prior to the event.
Click here for more information and application.
TERRARIUM ECOSYSTEM PROGRAM
PRE-RECORDED DISTANCE LEARNING + ACTIVITY KITS
During this distance learning program, students will learn about the importance of plants in our daily lives and create their own terrarium ecosystem. An educational, original video series will be supplied that includes a “how-to” video for students to work alongside. Teachers will be able to pick up supplies kits from the garden or have kits delivered to their school for $8 per student.
Funding available.
Designed for grades PreK-8th.
For more information email aphelps@sabot.orgor call 210-536-1434 or see the flyer.SAN ANTONIO TEACHER TRAINING ASTRONOMY ACADEMY (SATTAA)
The 4th annual UTSA San Antonio Teacher Training Astronomy Academy (SATTAA) will take place completely online from June 7-18, 2021.
The program consists of 2 weeks of intensive engagement with astronomy content and associated pedagogy and technology, and is completely free of cost to participants. For those completing the program in full, 60 CPE will be awarded.
The TEKS addressed in the program are associated with:
- Elementary Schools
- §112.11-16
- Middle Schools
- §112.17-20
- High Schools
- §112.33; Astronomy
- §112.36; Earth and Space
- §112.39; Physics
To apply, please fill in the application form:
https://forms.gle/2q1y38JNMXFuTqbV6
Click here to see the flyer for more information.
SCIENCE TEKS REVISION UPDATES
ELEMENTARY TEKS REVISION
Work Group E draft versions of the revised Elementary TEKS has been released. Work Group E draft recommendations are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.Work Group E Science TEKS Review Draft Recommendations, Kindergarten-Grade 5
The side-by-side document presents the recommendations for kindergarten-grade 5 in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.
Science Draft Recommendations Side-by-Side, Kindergarten-Grade 5
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEKS REVISION
The Work Group C recommendations for science are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.
The current version of the draft recommendations differs from a previous version to reflect Work Group C's proposed changes to the introduction approved for high school courses adopted by the SBOE in November 2020.
Work Group C Science TEKS Review Draft Recommendations, Grades 6-8 Updated 4/6/2021
The Side-by-Side document presents the recommendations for all three grades in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.
Science Draft Recommendations Side-by-Side, Grades 6-8
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL COURSES TEKS
Work Group D was charged to make recommendations to revise the TEKS for the following high school courses: Aquatic Science, Astronomy, Earth and Space Science, and Environmental Systems. Additionally, the work group has proposed a new high school independent study course, Specialized Topics in Science.
The Work Group D final recommendations are presented below. After the January 2021 SBOE meeting, Work Group D reconvened to complete its recommendations for the Earth Systems Science course and to address feedback from the SBOE and SBOE-appointed content advisors. This document reflects Work Group D's final recommendations.
Work Group D Final Recommendations
PROVIDING FEEDBACK ON REVISED TEKS
Science TEKS Review Feedback will be accepted in response to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) work group drafts throughout the review and revision process. Comments on drafts will help to inform future work groups' recommendations.
When providing specific comments and recommendations for a work group, please identify the work group in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line, please indicate "Science TEKS Review Work Group C Feedback."
Please submit comments to TEA at teks@tea.texas.gov.
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