Secondary Science Newsletter
September, 2018
WELCOME BACK and HAPPY NEW YEAR
I hope all of you had the amazing and rejuvenating summer that you deserved! Based on what I heard at Institutes and PSD, you all are an active and well-traveled bunch!
As we put away our summer experiences, we embark on a new school year with fresh hope and exciting challenges ahead. I wanted to take a minute to offer our support and cheer you on in our most important of careers. I am excited to see your passion in the classroom and the continuation down the path of success using a NGSS approach to instruction. We wish you great success and fulfillment in your science classroom! Please don't hesitate to reach out for help or to share your accomplishments.
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try again tomorrow. – By Mary Anne Radmacher
Tiffany Wendland
Coordinator, Secondary Science
BCPS NGSS NEWS
Over the summer, our awesome curriculum writing teams worked very hard to make updates and enhancements to our BCPS NGSS Courses. The graphics below provide information on the implementation status of our six new NGSS curricula. All NGSS curriculum documents are accessible via Schoology.
MS Curriculum Updates
Planting the Seeds in Advanced Academics/GT
Go deeper, go beyond, go across, go back, go wide, go heavy, go real! You may have noticed that there are new folders in each unit folder within Schoology entitled, “Advanced Academic Lesson Seeds.” So you may be wondering, what exactly is a lesson seed? These lesson ideas offer opportunities to differentiate the NGSS curriculum concepts beyond the standard Learning Cycles. Lesson seeds include advanced learning targets (“I Can” statements) that ask students to extend the knowledge with higher-level thinking, application, evaluation, and creativity. Lessons may be used whole group, small group, or with individual students based on the needs of the class. The lesson seeds were developed by BCPS MS Science teachers in collaboration with the Office of Science and Office of Advanced Academics. Professional learning opportunities on differentiating for the Advanced Academic/GT Science students will be forthcoming. More seeds will be planted as the year goes on so be sure to look in the folders often.
NGSS Grade 7 Science: Back by Popular Demand
This year is the second implementation of the new NGSS Grade 7 Science course. After collecting feedback from teachers who taught the course last year, the writing team made changes to meet these demands while keeping the projects that were big sellers for teachers and students. For example, in Unit 1: S’more Energy the students will still be using the engineering design process and their knowledge of thermodynamics to create a solar cooker to heat a s’more. Who doesn’t love s’mores? The changes to the unit come from teacher recommendations to rearrange the topics in Learning Cycles 1 and 2 to provide some background information on energy. You will find some tweaks to pre-assessments and summatives throughout the units. In addition, the writing team also added sample lessons for each Learning Cycle in the course to provide support with planning. Be sure to always look in the Secondary Science Resource folders for the latest versions of curriculum documents. Please consider sharing your feedback and classroom resources via the Grade 7 Resource Share Group in Schoology (Access Code: HMPCC-VKQKX) or through the Grade 7 OneNote.
NGSS Grade 8 Science: The Times They Are a Changing
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the maiden voyage of the new NGSS Grade 8 Science. This course - which culminates the Grade 6-8 band of NGSS concepts - could easily be subtitled, ”Change Over Time,” based on the big ideas and themes of the units. Students start the year by examining fossils from millions of years ago to determine how life on Earth, as well as Earth itself, have changed. Then students are challenged to determine the mechanisms that have led to changing life forms on Earth, via genetics and natural selection. In the final units, students examine geoscience processes to determine how changes to the geosphere can impact global temperatures which in turn can impact local ecosystems. There are lots of local connections and teachers are encouraged to explore their schoolyards as well as consider taking students on field experiences with the Office of Science Outdoor programs in the Spring. Bon voyage, NGSS Grade 8! Please keep us in the loop on your journey by adding to the NGSS Grade 8 OneNote and to the Grade 8 Resource Share Group in Schoology (Access Code: P77S4-MF7HF).
HS Curriculum Updates
Earth Systems
A team of writers worked over the summer to modify the curriculum based on feedback gathered from teachers and students during the 2017-2018 school year. More specifically, the number of “I can” statements for each unit were reduced, ideas for a course introduction were created, the learning cycle resources were reviewed and reorganized in the 5E template, sample unit plans were added, and the learning cycle summative assessments were reviewed and, in some cases, modified. Finally, culminating event and learning cycle summative assessment rubrics were converted into success criteria. Up first in the Space Unit, the learning cycle 1 summative assessment was modified to include questions modeled after those on the MISA, the learning cycle 2 summative assessment was modified by providing images in a PowerPoint file for the students to explain, and the learning cycle 3 summative assessment was modified by providing measurements for the ellipses. These summative assessments will be scored holistically using the MISA Rubric, while the previous rubrics will now be used as a set of success criteria/“look fors.” Be sure to use the most up-to-date versions of the curriculum documents as you implement the curriculum during the 2018-2019 school year. As you implement the Earth Systems curriculum, please use the NGSS Earth Systems Resource Share group in Schoology to provide your feedback and share lesson ideas and resources (Access Code: 9T7CK-ZBPNX). You may also use the Earth Systems OneNote to provide your feedback and share lesson ideas and resources.
Living Systems
A team of writers worked over the summer to modify the curriculum based on feedback gathered during the 2017-2018 school year. Most significantly, the number of learning cycles, and therefore, learning cycle summatives, were reduced and the final unit, Back from the Brink, was absorbed into the Top Predators Unit and the Capstone Project. The number of “I can” statements for each unit were reduced, the learning cycle resources were reviewed and reorganized in the 5E template, sample unit plans were added, and the culminating event and learning cycle summative assessment rubrics were converted into success criteria. Up first in the Building the Ultimate You Unit, learning cycle three was absorbed into learning cycles one and two and the culminating event. This eliminated the learning cycle three summative assessment and streamlined the content to better align with the standards. Be sure to use the most up-to-date versions of the curriculum documents as you implement the curriculum during the 2018-2019 school year. Two Summer Institutes were offered to provide pedagogy support as well as collaborative planning time. Look for “just in time” professional learning opportunities during the 2018-2019 school year. As you implement the Living Systems curriculum, please use the NGSS Living Systems Resource Share group in Schoology to provide your feedback and share lesson ideas and resources (Access Code: JVH6F-QQ9XG). Anatomy and Physiology teachers may also use Living Systems curriculum and contribute their feedback through Schoology or the Living Systems OneNote.
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
Our persistant group of intrepid IPC Curriculum Writers made sure that the course was ready for a larger pilot this year. Thanks to our friends at Patapsco HS for helping to define an engaging pathway through the course and posting ideas and recommendations on the IPC OneNote. Pre-assessments were updated, sample lessons were added, rubrics were created, and the Capstone evolved. We can't wait to get your feedback as we usher in the final new high school course in our All standards, all students campaign. Please share your feedback and ideas on the IPC OneNote. or the Schoology IPC Resource Share page using access code: 9R3JQ-Q7G9D
NGSS Chemistry
This summer we began the transition from "legacy" chemistry to a chemistry course that aligns with the vision of NGSS. Curriculum writers began this work by reorganizing legacy indicators and assessment limits to create a course that uses a problem-based approach to explore chemistry concepts. The theme for the course is "Innovations in Chemistry" and each unit uses an innovation or societal application of chemistry to drive instruction. Phase I of developing the new NGSS Chemistry course included writing Unit Overviews, "I Can" statements bundled by proposed Learning Cycles, pre-assessments, Culminating Events, and a Capstone project. Chemistry teachers are encouraged to try out the Culminating Events and this new approach to chemistry instruction. Please share your feedback and resource ideas via the Chemistry Resource Share group in Schoology (Access Code: 2D9W7-HS2HZ).
For the most up-to-date NGSS news and resources, visit www.nextgenscience.org. Also, be sure to join the National Science Teachers Association for great lesson ideas and NGSS updates.
Middle School Science Course Roll Out
High School Science Course Roll Out
BCPS HS NGSS Course Sequence
Getting our NGSS On! 2018 Summer Institutes
- I really got a head start on the year. My department was able to put together a very creative plan for the Grade 7 curriculum with literacy as a focus.
- The curriculum is well put together and there are plenty of resources available.
- It felt so useful to have time to just sit and plan with my coworkers.
- As a new teacher, I loved the opportunity to explore the curriculum and plan and co-plan the first unit. I feel like every first year teacher should attend.
- I was grateful to see the new changes to the curriculum that you have all directed. The addition of unit plans, modified culminating events, varied assessment types, and reorganized layout make it much easier to progress through the voluminous pages within the curriculum. Thanks for listening to the feedback and making these changes less daunting for the classroom teachers.
PROFESSIONAL STUDY DAY
Over 500 middle and high school science teachers attended the 2018 Secondary Science Professional Study Day on August 24th. During the morning session, department chairs and curriculum writers shared updates to our NGSS curricula and teachers had the chance to plan with the new resources now accessible via Schoology. After lunch, teachers attended one of 29 conference-style sessions which included opportunities for science outside the classroom, meaningful ways to use digital content and technology, and extended planning time for each middle school grade level and high school content area. Some PSD Thank Yous:
- Thank you to our Department Chairs and Curriculum Writers for facilitating our morning content area and grade level planning sessions.
- Thank you to our 32 BCPS and 8 external colleagues for developing presentations for the afternoon conference-style sessions and sharing their expertise.
- Thank you to the members of the Office of Science Team for their assistance in setting up and for their support throughout the day.
- Thank you to Wild Thyme, Tibby's Brick Oven Pizza, and Iced Gems Bakery for providing scrumptious lunch options.
- And final huge thank yous to: Larissa Santos, Principal of Dundalk HS; Mike Weglein, Principal of Sollers Pt. HS; Marc Brown, Dundalk Assistant Principal; Leah Warble, Sollers Pt. Assistant Principal; Rita Evans, Dundalk Science DC, Jim D'Antonio, Sollers Pt. Science DC; Jeff Starr, Dundalk Technology Liaison; Jessie Karpus, Sollers Pt. Technology Liaison; and the awesome Dundalk and Sollers Pt. custodial staffs for hosting PSD and for all of their support!
Materials, including the morning session PowerPoint presentation and documents and resources from the conference-style sessions, are available on the Secondary Science PSD OneNote.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Welcome to another year of outdoor learning opportunities with the BCPS Office of Science! Once again this year, we will be offering a variety of programs for students in grades six through twelve at several local parks. In addition, schools may opt to work with Outdoor Science staff to plan schoolyard-based investigations that focus on local habitat, wildlife or water quality issues. This Fall, about 3000 students will participate in the Grade 6 Ecosystem Study, the Canoe-Based Ecology program, the Freshwater Ecosystem Study, programs specifically designed for AP students, and the new Grade 8 Mastodons and Megalodons unit. Registration for Spring programs will be announced in the weekly bulletin in November. Teachers must use the online registration system to sign up for programming. In addition to our regular programming, we anticipate piloting a new Grade 7 program that is aligned with the Partners in Survival unit as well as the high school Top Predators unit from the Living Systems curriculum. Additional details and program information can be found on the Office of Science web page at https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/science/outdoor.html
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Davis at jdavis3@bcps.org or Matt Budinger at mbudinger@bcps.org.
Green School NGSS Leadership Summit
- Applying for an Educational Foundation Grant that supports environmental literacy https://educationfoundationbcps.org/grants/
- Attending the Green School Summit (see above)
- Celestron Optics Giveaway https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LT8W2NZ
- Constructing a native plant butterfly garden BCPS Native Plant Catalog; requires approval via a Special Project Request form
- Doug Tallamy Lecture on September 25th https://www.facebook.com/events/146728409520885/
- 2019 MAEOE Conference at the Sheraton North Baltimore in Towson, February 6-10. Save the date!!
Contact Tom Melito, tmelito@bcps.org or Matt Budinger, mbudinger@bcps.org if you have any questions. 443-809-4251
TEACHER FEATURE
Office of Science (OoS): How long have you been teaching? Locations? Assignments?KK: This is my 14th year teaching middle school science for BCPS. From 2005 to 2010, I was at Deer Park Middle Magnet School where I taught both 6th and 7th grade. I have taught 7th grade at Hereford Middle School since the fall of 2010. During these years, I have taught all levels of students within these grades, from academic, to inclusion/self- contained BLS, to advanced academic.
OoS: What colleges did you attend? What degrees have you earned or are working on?
KK: I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from UMBC. From there I was a part of the Resident Teaching Program, which was a combined BCPS/Towson University cohort that allowed me to work on my teacher certification while teaching within the school system. Following this, I continued my pursuit of professional development by earning a Certification in Gifted Education from Towson University. Currently, I am working on a Master of Science in Educational Leadership through Towson University.
OoS: What leadership opportunities have you participated in?
KK: I have served as Hereford Middle School’s 7th grade Team Leader for 8 years, and this is my first year as the Advanced Academic Facilitator. In addition, I have worked for the Office of Science to write the new NGSS-aligned 7th grade curriculum for the past 4 years. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to present at August Professional Development Days, 7th & 8th Grade Summer Institutes, 7th Grade workshops, and this past summer’s Blended Learning Institute.
OoS: What did you do this summer?
KK: My summer was a flurry of professional activity. I presented at the Blended Learning Institute, wrote and edited BCPS science curricula for 2 weeks, and co-facilitated 3 NGSS Summer Institutes. In between all of this, I enjoyed “downtime” with my two children and chocolate lab puppy. Additionally, my family and I had a memorable trip to Florida where we saw alligators while on a fan boat ride, visited Disney, and enjoyed a day at Butler Beach.
OoS: What song or movie title fits your philosophy of teaching?
KK: The movie title that best fits my teaching philosophy is The Incredibles. I believe that each student has their own unique abilities. It is my goal to reach every student at their specific readiness level, and to facilitate academic growth centered around their needs and interests.
Oos: How have you embraced NGSS, learner-centered and literacy instruction in your classroom?
KK: The inquiry-based, three-dimensional approach of the Next Generation Science Standards has allowed for a paradigm shift in the way we teach students. The skills and processes of science are performed as students collect their own authentic data and research that they will then use to navigate through real world phenomena. My role is to use data to proactively plan and prepare meaningful 5E activities that will allow students to drive their own discovery. I have embraced literacy instruction by placing emphasis on collecting and communicating evidence, and on properly incorporating content specific vocabulary to create well-crafted explanations and arguments. Furthermore, it is my goal to weave in more cross-curricular activities, such as using the novel The Martian to drive inquiry during the 7th grade Partners In Survival unit.
OoS: If you could suggest only ONE strategy to help teachers, which strategy and why?
KK: A strategy that I would suggest to all teachers is to embed executive functioning scaffolding into every lesson. Executive functioning capabilities are very important to students’ long term success in school and beyond. This is a learned skill, and we cannot assume students know how to process, compartmentalize, retrieve, and apply the information they receive. Students of all ages and ability levels benefit from having teacher facilitated executive functioning strategies, such as logistical prompts and metacognitive reasoning.
SAFETY SPACE
TEACHERS HAVE THE DUTY TO
•Instruct and warn
•Supervise
•Provide a safe learning environment
FOR EACH AND EVERY ACTIVITY AND LAB, teachers need to
•Provide adequate instructions, including demonstrating proper techniques
•Provide adequate supervision, including reminders to follow instructions
•Provide safe facilities and equipment
•Warn students of possible dangers
Chemical splash goggles should be worn whenever heat, glassware, or chemicals are being used.
WHAT'S TWEETING?
Resource of the Month
NGSS Phenomena - Shifting from Learning About to Figuring Out
Phenomena and real-world problems are at the heart of a NGSS approach to instruction. Our BCPS NGSS science curricula utilize phenomena and authentic issues to create a context for #figuringout science concepts. The website https://www.ngssphenomena.com/ has a searchable database of phenomena that can help engage students and encourage them to develop questions about the natural world. Give phenomena a shot in your non-NGSS courses. As the curator of the site, TJ McKenna states, "Phenomena do not have to be phenomenal to be academically productive!!"
Additional resources:
http://nextgenscience.org/resources/phenomena has "how to" resources for using phenomena
Creating a Classroom Culture that Supports "Figuring Out"
How phenomena and questioning contribute to a coherent NGSS Storyline
SCIENCE FOR STUDENTS
Aquarium On Wheels High School Work-Study Program
The National Aquarium is currently recruiting for its Aquarium on Wheels (AOW)program, an afterschool, high school work-study program at the National Aquarium. Participants learn about marine science and how it is applied in the Aquarium’s Conservation Education Department. Students put their knowledge to practical use, working in the Aquarium’s galleries, presenting education programs at Enoch Pratt Free Libraries in the summer, participating in eco-field trips and conservation events. Students are paid an hourly stipend for all phases of the program.
General Student Requirements
- Must attend a Baltimore City or Baltimore County school.
- Must be in grades 9-12, at the time of participation.
- Must be available to work during afterschool sessions without other afterschool obligations greater than the equivalent of one school sport season.
- Must meet legal employment eligibility regulations, and be at least 14 years of age by the first day of work (tentatively set for October 30th, 2018).
- Must have an email account and access to check emails regularly.
- Must have an email address for their parent/guardian and their current or last year’s science teacher.
- Must follow the complete online application process at http://www.aqua.org/learn/student-programs/aquarium-on-wheels
Once a student applies, an email with a special link for the teacher recommendation gets sent to the teacher email they provide. All application materials must be received by September 28th.
If you have any questions, please contact Maria at AOW@aqua.org .
Planetarium Show
On the third Friday of every month throughout the year, faculty, students and friends of the TU Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences Department give presentations at the planetarium. Shows start at 8 p.m. and are open to the public. They usually include a tour of the night sky and discussion of topics in astronomy.
The Watson-King Planetarium, located in Smith Hall, room 521, is Towson University’s primary tool for public outreach in astronomy.
Established in 1965, the Watson-King Planetarium allows us to view the stars at any time of the day or night, in any weather. It has seating for 44 people under its 22’ diameter dome. The stars and planets are displayed by a Digital Starlab projector, and can show views from any point in space at any time. Our new quadraphonic sound system allows for an extra dimension of experience as you tour the cosmos.
When weather permits, the planetarium shows are followed by telescope observing using our new 16” diameter Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope as well as with some of our portable 8” Celestron telescopes.
For more information about the monthly planetarium shows please contact the Physics, Astronomy & Geosciences department at pags@towson.edu
Friday, Sep 21, 2018, 08:00 PM
Towson University, Smith Hall York Road, Towson, MD, United States
Beyond the Sale: Careers that Deliver FREE Virtual Field Trip (Sponsored by Discovery Education)
Take your students on a “bark to bite” journey to explore the careers that bring a new dog food from idea to dog bowl. Meet the team at Tractor Supply Company to learn how product development, marketing, distribution and merchandising are important careers to delivering the products you use everyday.
Follow us on Twitter @DiscoveryEd and @NationalFFA and join the conversation using #AgExplorerVFT. Additional Event Details and Registration Form
Tuesday, Sep 25, 2018, 01:00 PM
Your Classroom!
Monarch Sister Schools Program
MSSP MEMBERSHIP
Membership is available to all schools that wish to involve their students in helping save the Monarch’s unique migration and using a habitat garden as a hands-on learning venue. The annual fee is just $250.
Benefits. To get started, we help you complete our Menu of Activities, so we can know which activities you wish to do. Based on your inputs, we prepare a draft Participation Plan to discuss with you with a draft timeline and budget. Based on the budget, we then help you apply for grants to fund your plan.
New member schools receive a copy of the Monarchs and More curriculum guide and an invitation to attend our annual Monarch Curriculum Workshop.
Other membership benefits include:
·Participation in our member school blog to exchange information on gardens, lesson plans, etc.
·A webpage on the Program website (www.monarchsisterschools.org) for your school to post text and photos about your habitat garden and other activities.
·A “funders list” for small garden grant and other support you may need.
·Tips in using the ‘Causes’ app on Facebook to fundraise.
·Email updates and invitations for MSSP garden and curriculum activities.
·The option to partner with a sister school in Mexico for a cultural exchange.
·Eligibility to participate in our annual Trip to Monarch Country in Mexico.
For more information, contact Maureen Larkin, Baltimore Area Program Coordinator, at Maureen@monarchsisterschools.org, 410-340-5628
Middle School Girls Only STEM Day
Download the Consent form and get more information at https://www.usna.edu/STEM/applications.php. Registrations will be accepted until October 1st or until all spots are filled. If you have questions, please email usnastem@usna.edu or call 410-293-6534.
Saturday, Oct 13, 2018, 08:00 AM
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD, United States
Navigating Nuclear FREE Virtual Field Trip Sponsored by Discovery Education
Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World is a NEW partnership between the American Nuclear Society and Discovery Education designed to educate today's students about the important role of nuclear science in the modern world. Featuring standards-aligned resources, Navigating Nuclear encourages students to explore the applications of nuclear science including energy, medicine, geology, and astronomy.
Virtual Field Trip: Join us as we go behind the scenes at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station as we explore how nuclear technologies are helping to develop more environmentally friendly electrical power! Don’t miss this exclusive look at one of the most unique nuclear power plants in the world. Your students will learn how electricity is generated at the plant through the nuclear fission process and how nuclear energy compares with other sources of energy. You’ll also get to see how drones, robots, and virtual reality are used to support safety and help create electricity.
Join us on Twitter for a live chat and show us your students tuning in using #NavigatingNuclearVFT!
To learn more about this program and to access the free, standards-aligned resources, click HERE.
Monday, Oct 15, 2018, 01:00 PM
Your classroom!
Save the Date! Middle School STEM Fair
Saturday, Dec 1, 2018, 08:00 AM
Cockeysville Middle School, Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD, United States
Save the Date! 64th Baltimore Science Fair (BSF)
The BSF provides a wonderful opportunity to Middle and High School Students who are interested in science, math, computers and engineering. In addition to sending several students and their teachers on to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) www.student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef., BSF presents over 150 other awards to student exhibitors. BSF provides many cash awards ranging from $500- $25, college scholarships, internship opportunities, certificates of recognition from federal agencies and awards from many professional organizations.
Visit the BSF web site where you can find all the information you need to know about the Fair and the full list of 2018 awards. Registration for the event is available January 1 to March 10, 2019. www.baltimoresciencefair.org
Friday, Mar 23, 2018, 08:00 AM
Towson University, West Village Commons, Emerson Drive, Towson, MD, USA
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
NSTA Local Area Conference at the National Harbor
We are fortunate to have a NSTA Local Area Conference "in our own backyard" for a second year in a row! The theme for this area conference is Science Education: A National Priority
Registration is available at: https://s6.goeshow.com/nsta/area/2018nationalharbor/registration_form.cfm Full registration for NSTA or MAST members is $190 (by October 5), $200 (by October 26), and $235 (after October 26). Pricing information, including one-day options, is available here.
To help you make the most of the professional development opportunities available at the National Harbor conference, the Conference Committee has planned the conference around three strands that explore topics of current significance, enabling you to focus on a specific area of interest or need.
Monumental Challenge: STEM Equity, Diversity, and Advocacy via NGSS
"Arguably, the most pressing challenge facing U.S. education is to provide all students with a fair opportunity to learn" (Framework; NRC 2012, p. 282). Educators must advocate and take action to provide equity and access to STEM opportunities for students. The three-dimensional nature of the NRC Framework provides an incredible opportunity for teachers to engage ALL students in STEM education. To develop innovative and responsible citizens for tomorrow, we must foster creativity, academic risk-taking, and perseverance within ALL student groups today. This strand will focus on supporting teachers in creating inclusive classrooms that are culturally proficient and celebrate diverse ideas and solutions essential for STEM literacy.
Freedom to Become Scientifically Literate
Developing scientifically literate global citizens is increasingly critical in today's society. Opportunities for students to analyze data, make claims, engage in argument from evidence, and grapple with authentic science and engineering problems are essential to achieving this goal. Sessions in this strand will focus on creating environments that engage students in becoming connected to the world around them and prepare them to be the next generation of decision makers.
Cultivating Curiosity in the Capital Region
Children are born with natural curiosity that is often "schooled out" of them. The challenge of science education is to provide opportunities that spark their sense of curiosity, hone their critical-thinking skills, and help them to make sense of the world in which they live. The national capital region is rich in resources and environments that invite students to wonder about the world around them. Local contexts and relevant phenomena use, build, and sustain student curiosity by providing opportunities to ask questions, solve problems in multiple ways, and deepen understanding. In this strand, participants will explore tools, strategies, and local resources to tap into and maintain their students' curiosity.
Graduate Credit for National Harbor Area Conference Attendees
Earn one (1) or two (2) graduate-level credit/units in professional development through Dominican University of California course#EDUO 8029. To obtain credit/units, you must be registered for the NSTA National Harbor area conference, complete the required assignments, and pay a fee of $95 for one credit/unit or $190 for two credits/units. An NSTA transcript is also required. Your required assignments must be successfully completed and sent to the instructor within three weeks of the conference ending date. Deadline is December 15, 2018. Click here for complete details.
Thursday, Nov 15, 2018, 08:00 AM
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Oxon Hill, MD, USA
LEAD THE WAY!!
Tenured teachers Interested in the role of the department chair are encouraged to enroll in this professional learning series. Interested participants must register for the four content sessions by logging into BCPS One on the BCPS Web site, selecting the Professional Learning tile, and then selecting the Registration System tile. The offering is titled Leadership Development for Prospective Department Chairs Orientation and Training – Fall 2018 and can be found in the Workshop-Registration catalog.
The four sessions will be held monthly from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology:
- Wednesday, September 26, 2018
- Wednesday, October 24, 2018
- Wednesday, November 28, 2018
- Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Questions regarding this information should be directed to Janis Smith, Administrative Assistant, 443-809-6493
BCPS NGSS Professional Learning
Interested participants must register by logging into BCPS One on the BCPS Web site, selecting the Professional Learning tile, and then selecting the Registration System tile. The institutes can be found in the Workshops – Registration catalog. Workshop titles begin with “NGSS Professional Learning.” Two sections are available for each date: 12:30 to 2:30pm or 4:00 to 6:00pm for middle school workshops and 12:30 to 2:30pm or 3:30 to 5:30pm for high school workshops. Teachers attending workshops outside of the regular school day will receive a stipend for their participation. Teachers must register for the workshops at least one week in advance. Sections with low attendance may be canceled. Workshops with confirmed locations that are scheduled in October, December, and January are currently open for registration. Once other locations are confirmed for Fall semester workshops, these offerings will be added to the online registration system. Registration for Spring semester workshops will open after Winter break.
Contact Julie Damico at jdamico@bcps.org if you have any questions.
Maryland Loaner Lab Training
The Maryland Loaner Lab Training workshop qualifies teachers to borrow from the Maryland Loaner Lab. This 3-hour workshop is offered throughout the school year or you may request a custom training date at our facility. This workshop is free and open to all middle and high school science teachers in Maryland.
Registration link. Registration must be received by October 30th. http://www.towson.edu/fcsm/centers/stem/development/mdllworkshop/request.html
Monday, Nov 6, 2017, 10:00 AM
Columbus Center, East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, United States
Contact us
Email: officeofscience@bcps.org
Website: http://www.bcps.org/offices/science/
Location: 105 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, MD, United States
Phone: 443-809-4251
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCPSOfficeofScience
Twitter: @BCPSSci