GEMS-Net Newsletter

GEMS-Net is proud to partner with school districts across Rhode Island. Our mission is to advance high-quality science education practices through coaching, mentoring, and ongoing grade-specific professional learning for all teachers and school leaders.

Engaging deeply with the scientific research community at URI strengthens our approaches as we strive to equip teachers with best practices to inspire meaningful learning in the science classroom.

Welcome!

The GEMS-Net team has been busy during the first half of the school year, hosting professional learning workshops, coaching in classrooms, and supporting school districts with the shift towards new high-quality science curriculum.

GEMS-Net celebrated its 30th birthday this fall, and we hosted an Open House in our new location. Our team has moved into Pastore Hall on the University of Rhode Island's Kingston Campus.

Workshop invite emails have information about parking on the Kingston Campus.

As always, if you have any questions or need support, please email gemsnet@etal.uri.edu.

In partnership,

The GEMS-Net Team

Click Here to Read the Full Article!

Science-in-Action Challenge!

The goal of this year's Science-in-Action Challenge is to provide teachers with an opportunity to share and celebrate examples of science learning in their schools, while learning from and being inspired by what is happening in other teachers' classrooms.

Each month, GEMS-Net partner schools will receive an email containing the theme and directions for posting photos on a shared Padlet. Schools that reach the monthly posting goal will receive a monthly science-themed badge for their school, and be in the running for the grade prize - a visit from Rhody the Ram of URI with a special treat for all students!

The Science-in-Action Challenge is open to all teachers! Start posting today!

Shoutout to the January Questioning Badge Winners!

Burrillville Middle School
Charlestown Elementary and Chariho Middle School
Ashton Elementary and McCourt Middle from Cumberland
Springbrook and Dunn's Corners Elementary Schools from Westerly
Holliman and Hoxie Elementary Schools from Warwick
Forest Park from North Kingstown
Pier Middle School from Narragansett

View the January Padlet

Congrats to the February Modeling Badge Winners!

Holliman Elementary School in Warwick
Springbrook Elementary School in Westerly
Dunn's Corners and Springbrook Elementary Schools in Westerly
Block Island School in Block Island
Pier Middle School in Narragansett
McCourt Middle and Ashton Elementary School in Cumberland
Burrillville Middle School in Burrillville
Charlestown Elementary School and Chariho Middle School in Chariho
Forest Park Elementary School in North Kingstown

View the February Padlet

View the March Padlet

How did today connect, extend, and challenge your thinking?

What is our vision for elementary science?

During our administrator workshops, the GEMS-Net team is supporting both curriculum and building level administrators with strategies to support teachers with the implementation of High Quality Curriculum Materials for science. At our January meeting, we spent time considering support for implementation using the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) and shared tools for supporting classroom observations and learning walks.

In future sessions, the GEMS-Net team will work with administrators on how to customize curriculum with integrity to meet student needs, as well as supporting assessment and grading policies.

Notice and Wonder Chart

Participants Build Balanced Sculptures

Driving Questions Board (DQB)

GEMS-Net is supporting school districts as they prepare to adopt new high-quality science curriculum at the elementary level. During advanced sessions, GEMS-Net worked with dozens of teachers to develop a vision for elementary science education, consider shifts in HQCM instruction, and reflect on how new curriculum is similar to and different from how they have taught before. Teachers were also introduced to structures and routines that support student sensemaking, such as the storyline instructional model, questioning strategies, and student discourse protocols.

Drilling holes in PVC pipe to build the foundation of the submersible robot.

Workshop participants solder the microchip as part of building their submersible robots.

A self-made completed submersible robot!

NavySTEM x GEMS-Net Collaboration Updates

The NavySTEM portion of GEMS-Net was busy this fall—presenting at the NSTA National Conference in Minneapolis, MN, visiting classrooms, and leading grade-level workshops. These opportunities allowed us to connect with educators from across the country, share Navy-connected STEM resources, and support hands-on learning directly with students and teachers.

Spring is shaping up to be just as active! We will be hosting a NavySTEM Middle School Workshop on March 19th at URI and look forward to the SeaPerch Competition on April 1 at the Tootell Swimming Center at URI, where students will put their self-built submersible robots to the test by completing a series of underwater challenges.

As always, please reach out by using this form if you’re interested in a NavySTEM classroom visit, support using our resources, or any other assistance—we’re happy to help.

Teachers-in-Residence visiting classrooms to connect science learning to NavySTEM college and career pathways.

Sharing our work with a national audience!

View NavySTEM Classroom Resources Here

Schedule a Classroom Visit Here

The annual University of Rhode Island Day of Giving is April 28—and this year, your gift can go even further!

If the Feinstein College of Education receives enough donations in any amount on or before April 28, an additional $10,000 will be unlocked through a special matching gift to the RhodyNow: Feinstein College of Education Fund.

100% of donations from Feinstein College of Education Fund go directly to URI education students by providing stipends during their yearlong student teaching residency—helping future educators focus on learning, leading, and making an impact in classrooms.

No gift is too small. Every donation counts toward unlocking the $10,000 match and investing in the next generation of teachers. Join us in supporting URI’s future educators—click below to give and make your impact today!

RhodyNow: Feinstein College of Education Donations

Join the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA) for the 2026 Annual Summit, a morning gathering focused on how environmental education can strengthen our relationship to land, food, and community.

Whether you work in a classroom, on a farm, in a nonprofit, or in your community, this Summit is designed to leave you inspired, connected, and equipped with ideas you can put into practice.

Register Here!

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Keep an eye out for highlights from workshops and events, as well as opportunities from our partnering organizations. This spring, there will be shoutouts from our Science-in-Action Challenge!

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