Science Second
6 Things you need to know and can share with others.
1. Upcoming Science and STEM Workshops
- Learn the fundamentals of computer science.
November 7: Elementary Science Book Chat at Barnes and Noble
- Come learn about some awesome trade books you can use in your science classroom to help students make sense of the science standards.
2. You're Invited: Digifest South
Teachers, students, and parents are invited to attend BAC's free DigiFest Expo to experience the possibilities that arise at the intersection of Creativity and Technology!
What: The Bossier Arts Council is teaming up with 20+ innovative organizations to inspire local students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
When: Wed, October 18 and Thu, October 19 from 9 AM - 2 PM
Where: Bossier Civic Center - 620 Benton RdCost: Free
Contact: 318-741-8310 or bossierarts@bossierarts.org
3. Skype a Scientist
4. Volunteer at RARC
NICERC, a part of Cyber Innovation Center, needs volunteers for the upcoming robotics competition. If your school is interested in participating in the future, this could be a great, low-stakes opportunity to learn more about the Regional Autonomous Robotics Circuit (RARC)!
- First RARC competition will be Saturday, November 4, 2017.
- Link: https://nicerc.org/rarc/northwestla/volunteer/
5. LSSS: Crosscutting Concepts (KEEP THIS)
Crosscutting concepts have application across all domains of science. They are the “big ideas” that connect all of the sciences and help to make sense of nature. As such, they are a way of linking the different domains of science. The crosscutting concepts include:
(1) Patterns, similarity, and diversity
(2) Cause and effect
(3) Scale, proportion and quantity
(4) Systems and system models
(5) Energy and matter
(6) Structure and function
(7) Stability and change
*** See an example of one Crosscutting Concepts from K to High School. Great discussion starter! ***
6. Phenomena: Puppy Feet
On a hot summer day, an owner walked outside with her dog but when they stepped onto the sidewalk's concrete, the dog yelped and jumped off. The owner felt the asphalt and realized it was extremely hot. She bought booties to protect her puppy's feet, but the puppy refuses to wear them. (Image source and original article)
Below are some high-level lines of student inquiry (especially good for K-2) that could help students facilitate their understanding of disciplinary core ideas related to the featured science phenomenon:
- Why is the concrete hot?
- In addition to the booties, what can the owner do to protect her dog's feet?
- Design and build a solution to protect the dog's feet from the hot concrete. How else do we (humans, plants, animals) change the world around us to protect ourselves?
Disciplinary Core Ideas addressed: PS3.B (p. A-19) and ESS.C (p. A-40)
Source: Achieve.org
Ada Twist Scientist Giveaway Winners
Winners:
Julie Gootee
Nina Brown
Emily Brockus
Faye Yates
How they would use the book:
To ensure that teachers are teaching the right thing the right way!
- I could use the story to relay so many scientific concepts--questioning, testing ideas, re-testing them when they fail, researching, and on and on! I love how Ada records data!
- I could use it to read aloud and discuss how science is everywhere, and you do not have be an adult to think like a scientist. I've already given them an assignment to find and record science being used in their home but now they could learn it from the POV of a child. It would take their understanding of the world around us to a new level. I would even share it with all of the teachers in my school.
- I love this book! I have used it many times since school started. The first was just to introduce a Scientist and the word why. The kids soon learned my favorite word, just like Ada, is the word why. I have the word all over my room. Each time we read the book, I focus on a different aspect of this wonderful story. We have also done the same with Rosie Revere Engineer (Pullen edit: I'll be giving this book away soon.). The children and I would love for all the children in Ada's and Rosie's class to write a book. Wouldn't that be amazing!
Important K-6 Science Dates
October 10: Your Discovery Education Your Way
October 16-18: Fall Break
October 25: Curriculum Chat for Middle and High Science
October 28: Code.org Workshop
November 4: RARC: Competition #1
November 7: Elementary Science Book Chat at Barnes and Noble
November 18: Chimpanzee Discovery Day at Chimp Haven
November 20-24: Thanksgiving Break
November 30-December 2, 2017: NSTA's Area Conference in New Orleans
The Department recently released an update on the LEAP 2025 Science Field Test assessment calendar. “Students in grades 3 through 8 will take a science field test during the regular testing window but will not take an operational science test for the Spring 2018 administration. The items from these field tests will be used to create the new LEAP 2025 science assessments for grades 3 through 8, to be operational with the Spring 2019 administration.”
Update: In early Winter 2017, the Department will post science field test guides with specific information on
•test design and structure
•item types and sample items
•available resources
K. Renae Pullen
Email: krpullen@caddoschools.org
Website: http://www.caddoscience.com/
Phone: 3186036370
Twitter: @krenaep