WCPSS Elementary Science Updates

May 2018

May Moments

As you begin to wind-down the 2017-2018 school year, why not take a few moments to help your students notice the science happening all around them? Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science are all around us! Having knowledge of scientific processes and concepts leads students toward becoming scientifically literate! The May 2018 Elementary Science Updates are inclusive of information, resources, and ideas to support your science curriculum and instruction.

Focus on Fifth Grade

Question: During PLT, we were trying to dig deeper into the 5.P.3.1 and 5.P.3.2. We have looked at the digging deeper and unpacking doc, but still uncertain on what exactly is needed to teach in order to be successful with this standard. Could you offer any suggestions or resources?

Answer: You are definitely on the right track checking out the Unpacking Documents to find out what students need to know, understand, and be able to do in order to be considered proficient regarding 5.P.3.1 and 5.P.3.2.

Here are some additional resources to check out regarding these standards:

Released 5th Grade Science EOG : check out items 6, 7,27, 28 & 47
NCDPI Assessment Prototype Document: check out page 46
NCDPI Teacher Resource Pack for Energy
There are some formative assessment probes designed by Paige Keeley that relate to the topic of energy/energy transfer. The probes also include some suggestions for instruction to help students better understand the topic. (This is a 4 volume set of books that might be in the professional library at your school.):
- Mitten Problem (Volume 1, pink cover) page 103
- Objects and Temperature (Volume 1, pink cover) page 109
- Ice Cold Lemonade (Volume 2, blue cover) page 77
Study Guides Google Folder (a study guide for each of the strands in 5th grade science; you'll find a study guide about energy)
Anchor Charts Google Folder (anchor chart examples for 5th grade science topics; you'll find one for heat/energy transfer)
These websites are great instructional resources as well:
- StudyJams Heat (explains convection, conduction, and radiation)
- PBS Learning Media Thermal Energy Transfer
- Wisconsin Online Heat Transfer
The unpacking document also highlights some examples of heat transfer that can be integrated with other science topics such as convection influencing weather & climate patterns and the sun's radiation utilized by producers for photosynthesis.

Instructional Resources

New 4th Grade UbD Unit Posted

Our new 4th Grade UbD Force & Motion: Magnets and Electric Charge is now posted on CMAPP and on the Elementary Science Canvas. WCPSS Science units are designed using the Understanding by Design framework. Stage 1 identifies and unpacks what students should know and be able to do according to the North Carolina Essential Standards for Science. Stage 2 provides assessment examples to show if students have mastered standards. Stage 3 is a collection of standards aligned learning experiences and resources to be used for instructional purposes. You can also find links to completed units on the 4th Grade Curriculum Map. We hope you enjoy these standards aligned unit.

Released 4th Grade EOG

The NC Department of Public Instruction released it's 4th Grade Science Final Exam from previous administrations of the North Carolina Final Exams (NCFE). These test items may be used by schools to help acquaint students with NCFE items. The released items may not reflect the breadth of the standards assessed and/or the range of item difficulty found on the NC Final Exam. These materials must not be used for personal or financial gain.

Science, ELA, and Math Venn Diagram

Have you ever wondered what the Eight Science and Engineering Practices, ELA Capacities, and the Eight Mathematical Practices have in common? Use the NSTA Commonalities in Practices to see the similarities and differences in each content area. Ask yourself...What does this mean for my instruction?

Materials Ordering

The most updated materials lists can be found on the Elementary Science Canvas site; here is a LINK to enroll, if you haven't had the opportunity to do so yet. Once you land on the home page, scroll down and select the blue bar labeled Material Ordering. You'll find some general information first, then grade-level specific information when you click next. Each grade level page has a materials/inventory list for each science kit or unit. The inventory/materials lists can be shared with grade level teachers so they can inventory available materials and indicate which materials are needed.

It would be best to order items from Carolina Biological and FOSS/Delta Education in an a la carte manner rather than purchasing prepackaged refurbishment sets, especially since not every single lesson in commercially-produced science kits aligns to standards.

Third grade material ordering is dependent on which lessons/learning experiences the 3rd grade PLT will select to teach from Stage 3 in the science UbD units. It's important to note that not everything listed on 3rd grade materials lists needs to be ordered.

Professional Development & Opportunities

WCPSS Edible Garden Initiative

One more training session will be offered this school year to support edible school gardens. It will be an in person session at Willow Springs Elementary on Thursday, May 24th at 4:30. The focus will be on answering the many questions garden coordinators have this time of year as well as investigating ways that gardens can be transformed into outdoor learning centers. Click here for more information.

EPA Air Quality Workshop

You are invited to attend EPA’s Air Quality Workshop. Teachers, pre-service teachers, environmental educators and education specialists are invited to attend. The workshop is FREE. For more information please see the attached fyler AQW+recruit+4-11-2018.doc

Safety in the Science Classroom

It's always important to consider safety in the science classroom! NCDPI School Science Safety resources and positions are great reference to remind us of the importance of safety before conducting investigations in science.