SDUSD Science

• Use this guide to dive into your data in Illuminate and/or explore school, district, state, etc here.

• CAST practice and training tests are available. These practice and training tests feature all the accessibility resources on the operational CAST. Be sure to help your students access the tests so they may be ready to take the CAST this spring

• Did you know we have CAST practice questions in Illuminate? We do! Follow these instructions to access the pre-made formative assessments for grades 3-12. Please contact Tressa Renne, Mimi Luong, Audrey Mason if you have questions about how to use Illuminate.

The application is now open for Biology and Chemistry curriculum teams for next year. Please apply by 3/27.

• Biology Expansion Team
• Chemistry Research & Development Team and Field Team

The evaluators of the Bechtel-funded Early Implementers Initiative have sent out the link to this year’s survey about NGSS implementation in our district.

Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BechtelSpring2020

The survey will take as little as 5 and no more than 20 minutes. It is intended for the following individuals:

• ALL K-8 teachers of science at schools that have had direct or indirect NGSS professional learning as a result of the Initiative
• ALL teachers, TOSAs, and Coaches involved in the Initiative at any time (summer 2014 – spring 2019)
• The principals of these schools
• The administrators on the Core Leadership Team

NOTE: It is recommended that you complete the survey in one sitting. If you close your browser, you will probably have to restart the survey.

When you submit your completed survey, you will be entered into a raffle. $50 gift cards will be awarded to 4 teachers and 1 administrator in each district.

If you have any questions, you can contact Burr Tyler at WestEd: btyler@wested.org, 510-684-6406.

San Diego State University's College of Sciences and College of Engineering open their doors to K-12 students, families, and the community to showcase their research through interactive exhibits. Saturday, March 21, 2020, between 9am-2pm. This event is free and so is parking.

https://sciences.sdsu.edu/sampler/

Check out https://www.lovestemsd.org/ for info on the Expo Day at Petco Park, STEM Week and more.

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) program provides FREE live interactive videoconference programs, also known as virtual field trips, to expand learning beyond the classroom walls. K-12 students from California and around the world are connecting with live interpretive rangers and learning academic content standards within the context of California’s dynamic state park system.

The primary focus of PORTS are students that have experienced geographic and social barriers to participate in state park programs. By reaching directly into classrooms, students are able to interact directly with park professionals and access their California State Parks in a way not always possible due to limited funding sources and rising transportation costs. Choose your adventure now and become an official #PORTSfan

Check out these wonderful tools for exploring sound, from Dr Victor Minces.

Using this free extension makes it easier to read articles online, and print them.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ETHICS IN SCIENCE?

Would you like to be involved in helping widen the discussion around ethics in scientific research? The NGSS framework includes "Science as a Human Endeavor." The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology would like your help in bringing their work to teachers. Please take a look at this quick survey to become involved, or simply give us a few minutes of your time to provide input. Let your voice be heard! Please click here for the brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/science-teaching

For more information and to sign up to attend a talk, please go to this website:

https://www.ethicscenter.net/

Emily Paris is very interested in speaking with High School students regarding her research and experiences related to climate change. She is available to visit classrooms on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the week of April 6th.

Topics that can be highlighted:

Climate and Environment, Biology/Microbiology, Alternative or unique careers in STEM, Bioacoustics, Scuba Diving, snorkeling, and field work, Working in Extreme Environments, College Prep, University/Student Life, Self-Financing Education/Scholarships, Time Management, Networking, Expeditions/Research, Volunteering

The San Diego Nanotechnology Infrastructure (SDNI) will be hosting its 2020 Educational Symposium titled, "Integration of Nanotechnology Contents with Current State-Wide K-12 Science Curricula: Challenges and Strategies” - learn more about nanoscience and technology and its growing role in STEM! This FREE symposium is scheduled for March 28th from 7:30am – 3:30pm and will be hosted at UC San Diego.

This special event is catered to K-12 teachers, administrators and educational advocates interested in learning more about nanoscience, resources available to support educators in the classroom and the anticipated impact of nanoscience & technology on the workforce. We hope that this conference will help to inform, and elicit the support of K-12 education in continuing to promote equitable educational opportunities and preparing future generations for STEM careers, in response to our nation’s growing technology demands and underproduction of scientists and engineers.

Register here and view symposium agenda and detailed presentation schedule.

• Subscribe to the SDCOE newsletter, Science News and Updates using this link

• Use this link to subscribe to the CSTA Newsletter.

• Learn what is going on with PBL in our district. Click here to check out the newsletter and "follow" to subscribe!

• The Instructional Technology Department is excited to announce Tech Tips. This is a monthly communication providing resources for integrating technology into curriculum. http://bit.ly/sdusdtechtips

Science: bit.ly/sdusdscience

• Please Bookmark and check regularly for updates on PD, Resources etc. Click here for help with creating a bookmark.

• If you have pictures (with appropriate permissions) that you would like featured on the website please email them to me.

STEAM: bit.ly/sdusdsteam