Just Released: First Set of OpenSciEd Elementary Units
The first set of units have been released for Grades K-5 on OpenSciEd! Below are direct links to each new unit:
- Unit K.1: Energy: Sunlight
- Unit 1.1: Waves: Light
- Unit 2.1: Earth: Land Changing Shape
- Unit 3.1: Forces & Interactions
- Unit 4.1: Energy Transfer: Collisions
- Unit 5.1: Ecosystems & Matter Cycling
The second set of units are scheduled to be available sometime during Winter 2025.
Now Available: Grades K-8 Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) Downloadable Units
Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) is proud to share the long-awaited release of 12 new engineering units, now available for FREE download:
- 6 elementary units for grades K-5
- 2 middle school units for grades 6-8
- 4 out-of-school units (summer school and afterschool)
Through meaningful engagement in authentic tasks, students participate in activities that connect to their lives, expand their horizons, and engage them in disciplinary practices. Each YES unit aligns with NGSS standards. Click here to explore and download the units!
Volunteer for a PSSA and Keystone Exam Committee
PDE conducts various meetings in support of PSSAs, Keystone Exams, and CDT. The attendees for these meetings are Pennsylvania educators. Pennsylvania educators have been involved in the development of the PSSAs, Keystone Exams and CDT since their inception. PDE relies on educators to review items for alignment with the assessment anchor content standards, level of difficulty, bias, clarity, grade appropriateness, and a host of other indicators. If you are interested in serving on a review committee you must submit an application.
It's time for Project FeederWatch! 🐦
Project FeederWatch has Started for 2024/2025!
November 1, 2024 - April 29, 2025
FREE! FeederWatch resources for Educators
Project FeederWatch turns your love of feeding birds into scientific discoveries! It is a November-April survey of birds that visit backyards, nature centers, schools, community areas, & other locales in North America. You don’t even need a feeder! All you need is an area from which you like to watch birds. Plus, the schedule is completely flexible: count every week or once all winter, for as much or as little time as you like!
JOIN NOW to receive your Project FeederWatch Kit (includes the beautiful bird feeder poster!! There is an $18 fee -- applications for free FeederWatch kits for classrooms are now closed, but use the coupon code PFWEDU when you join for a $5 discount on the registration fee.
STEM Design Challenge
WHAT:
The STEM Design Challenge is a competition open to ALL 4th through 8th-grade students who attend a public or private school, or home school groups. Students may work in teams of 2-4 to design and build their projects.
2025 CHALLENGE:
In this challenge, elementary and middle school students will focus on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (UN Sustainable Development Goal 9) by designing a prototype that addresses a real-world problem related to infrastructure, transportation, or urban development. The goal is to inspire students to think about how cities, roads, bridges, and systems can be built or improved to be more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. Please review the PADLET for other important details like competition components and rules, judging criteria, and more!
Important Dates:
- Registration is LIVE!! (PLEASE register by February 28, 2025)
- Regional Competition Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
- State Competition: Friday, May 9, 2025 in Harrisburg, PA
