Elementary Science Updates

April 2018

Springing Forward

Spring is here and signs of life science are everywhere! April 22nd is Earth Day. Why not take a moment to recognize and appreciate signs of life to honor our planet Earth this month? Also, be sure to enjoy the April 2018 Elementary Science Updates inclusive of information, resources, and ideas to support your science curriculum and instruction.

Safety in the Elementary Science Classroom

Did you know that materials intended for human consumption, including food and/or drink, should not be permitted in any laboratory or instructional classroom space where laboratory activities will be conducted? Always be sure to check out the NCDPI School Science Safety resources and positions before conducting investigations. It's always important to consider safety in the science classroom!

Web resources are listed below:

North Carolina School Science Facilities Planner (pdf, 1.6mb) This is a helpful guide when designing or remodeling science classrooms, laboratories, and prep rooms.
National Science Teachers’ Association (NSTA) Elementary Science Safety Resources
Additional resources are located on the NC Science Wiki

NSTA Position Statements that particularly relate to elementary science:

Focus on Fifth Grade

Reviewing Standards for the Science EOG

The 5th grade Science EOG will be here before you know it! Why wait until the last minute to review content with students? There’s a huge learning benefit to intentional, daily, and engaging review. According to ASCD, "Cumulative review is a straightforward and easily executed strategy that could have a large effect on student understanding. Analysis of content should pay big dividends in student learning over time." Moreover, when we fail to do intentional, daily cumulative review we unwittingly encourage the idea that you are only learning for a test.

Cumulative review is one of the easiest ways to show students the ways in which knowledge builds on itself. Resurfacing prior content increases the likelihood that students will make meaningful and unexpected connections to the new content. Below you will find some resources that may support cumulative review of science concepts in 5th grade.

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Instructional Resources

K-5 Standards Aligned Non-Fiction Text

Are you looking for non-fiction text to support your K-5 science instruction? We have some recommendations for you from Kids Discover. Check out the Kids Discover Recommendations by Science Standard and Strand document showing links to text that align to standards in K-5. You can purchase 10 packs of text for $39.90 and each tool offers free learning tools for individual issues. The document is also linked on the Elementary Science Canvas under the "Material Ordering" tab.

4th Grade UbD Units

Our first 4th Grade UbD unit Food: Vitamins, Minerals, & Exercise is complete and can now be found on CMAPP and on the Elementary Science Canvas! Our team is currently developing our next 4th grade UbD unit, Force & Motion: Magnets and Electric Charge. Be sure to check out the 4th Grade Curriculum Map to see what other 4th grade UbD units will be developed in 2018.

Wonders of Weather

Wonders of Weather is a K-8 NCDPI Weather Website full of resources for teachers. The site includes resources and information that may be useful when teaching weather and climate content. The materials include collections of lessons that are best aligned with a variety of grade level standards and objectives. Review the lessons carefully and identify those that align with intended standards and objectives. Most importantly, be prepared to adapt materials to address instructional targets and student needs.

Think Like a Scientist Poster

Scientists make discoveries in similar ways: They ask, investigate, analyze, explain, and engage. This free, color poster from Scholastic's SuperScience magazine reminds elementary students of these important science practices.

Professional Development & Opportunities

SummerSTEM 2018

WCPSS is preparing for our Project Based Learning and business immersion that will take place for elementary schools the week of July 23-27. The SummerSTEM 2018 application is now open; here is the link to the overview that includes the teacher application and Principal approval forms: SummerSTEM 2018 Application/Overview The link provides more details, and the link to the application is embedded in the overview.

NC Science Festival (April 1st - 30th)

The NC Science Festival travels across the state all month! Hundreds of hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, expos, exhibits and performances are open to students, families, STEM professionals and teachers. The festival engages a wide range of audiences while inspiring future generations. Learn more and search for an event in your area!

The Raleigh March for Science is coming up on Saturday, April 14!

Cities around the world will once again unite in a non-partisan day for science advocacy. We will celebrate science and feature the ongoing work of advocacy organizations. There will a "Kids Corner' hands-on science fair, a Kids March for Science, and a rally featuring speeches by renowned scientists and science advocates. For more detailed information, see attached PDF or visit our website, http://raleighmarchforscience.com .

"How to Guide Student STEM Research" PD Opportunity

Grades 3-5 Teachers: Plan to attend a 1-day Student Research & Science Fair Workshop on August 8, 2018 at Meredith College. There is a $15 registration fee, but all attendees receive a $65 stipend for participation. Participants will be asked to guide their students in conducting STEM research and shown how to implement a science and engineering fair for a class, grade-level or school during the 2018-2019 academic year. All participants will be asked to complete a survey in spring 2019. Register Here:

http://ncsciencefair.org/index.php/teachers/workshops

WCPSS Edible Garden Initiative

The next online WCPSS Edible Garden Initiative training has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 25th. We will post more information and a flyer on on the Elementary Science Canvas soon!

EARTH DAY is on April 22, 2018

The first Earth Day in 1970 marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. The movement continues today, and this year’s theme is End Plastic Pollution. What can your classroom do to cut down on non-renewable resources? Start the conversation with the following resources from Kids Discover:

Free Infographics: How a Bottle Gets Recycled, Earth Day is April 22nd,10 Things Kids Can Do to Help the Earth
Popular Topics: Sustainability, Our Carbon Footprint, Landfills and Recycling, The Environment
Related Units: Ecology, Earth, Conservation, Oceans
Games and Activities on Conservation
Education City Free Resource

Arbor Day is April 27, 2018

Amazingly, Trees cover over 30 percent of the world’s land area, and they work hard every day producing oxygen and providing shelter for animals. Arbor Day celebrates the role of trees in our lives and environment. Plant a tree in your community today, use this FREE mini-unit from Kids Discover to teach about:

Popular Topics: Pollination and Reproduction, Tough Inside and Out, Trees and People
On the Blog: How Prehistoric Trees Became Arizona’s Petrified National Forest, The Endicott Pear is North America’s Oldest Fruit Tree

National Environmental Education Week April 23-29, 2019

The National Environmental Education Week (NEEF ) is inviting everyone (individuals and organizations) to use EE Week 2018, set for April 23 – 29, to explore their own connections to the environment, showcase how they are making a difference on behalf of the environment, and share their stories to help others join the charge. For ideas on how to get involved in EE Week—or participate in EE every day—check out NEEF’s EE Resources for Educators Hub.