April Science Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 04/13/2021 07:17 AM EDT

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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

K-12 Science

K-12 STANDARDS, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education Webinar Series 2020-2021

Framework for K-12 Science Education

This four part webinar series will highlight equity issues that relate to students’ educational experiences and learning outcomes in science. Using the National Research Council’s (NRC) publication, A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas, we will explore concepts identified in the chapter on Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education. Over the course of the series, we address equity in terms of translating standards into curricular and instructional materials and assessment.

In preparation, download the Framework to preview Chapter Eleven: Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education at https://www.nap.edu/catalog/13165/a-framework-for-k-12-science-education-practices-crosscutting-concepts.

Target Audience: Individuals seeking to gain an awareness of diverse and equitable practices within K-12 science education.

Webinar Dates and Registration (*Note: All Webinars are scheduled from 3:30-4:30pm EST):

Overview: Addressing Equity in Science Learning (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)
Addressing Diversity in the Science Classroom (Wednesday, January 27, 2021)
Equity, Science, and Exceptional Children (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)
Valuing Multiple Modes of Expression (Wednesday, April 21, 2021) - Registration Link

Link to recorded webinars, handouts, and presentation slides 2020-2021 Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education Webinar Series

K-12 Science Office Hours

On March 24, 2021 the K-12 Science Section discussed the five components of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Framework. The purpose of this Office Hours Webinar was to identify K-12 Science SEL resources and discover how to apply the five components to science instruction. The audience was primarily for K-12 science teachers and district leaders.

The K-12 Science Section's Office Hours Webinars are recorded for anyone to view. You can access every session, as well as register for upcoming Office Hours sessions on the K-12 Science Professional Development tab.

April is Citizen Science Month

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, citizen science involves nonscientists contributing to the research process. Citizen science serves as a valuable tool to facilitate larger scale research, as well as building upon scientific literacy skills. Citizen science has the potential to engage traditionally underrepresented individuals and communities to science.

For more information, click on the NASEM article about citizen science.

The following resources are great ways to implement citizen science in K-12 science education:

Foundations of SDI Within a MTSS Professional Development Opportunity

If you have students in your classroom who require SDI, consider enrolling in this Professional Development Opportunity.

Open Now:Now available in NCEES is Course 1: Foundations of Specially Designed Instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Support. This course will guide participants through the core beliefs and foundational concepts that will allow for equitable access of students with disabilities to the core curriculum. Additionally, an introduction to evidence-based practices for the delivery of Specially Designed Instruction within a Multi-Tiered System of Support and the necessity of frequent progress monitoring of students' IEP goals is provided throughout this course. The intent of this course is to provide participants with information and resources to support the deeper learning that will occur in the Specially Designed Instruction: Design, Delivery, and Decision-Making course.

Check out the flyer (see attached) for the registration link to join the self-paced course.