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Oregon Science Educator Update March 10, 2021
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Woman's History Month
March is Woman's History Month. Coshandra Dillard of Learning for Justice stated, "Go beyond “famous firsts” and teach about the many ways women show up in the world."
Here are some additional resources as you continue to engage diverse voices, contributions, and perspectives in science education this month and beyond:
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2021 Regional Teacher of the Year
What is this Ridgeview High School science/math educator up to? Check out her adventure via YouTube.
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New Middle School Unit: Light & Matter
How does a one-way mirror work?
Though most know that one-way mirrors exist, having students model how they work is a very effective way to develop their thinking about how visible light travels and how we see images. Initial student models reveal a wide variety of ideas and explanations that motivate the unit investigations that help students figure out what is going on and lead them to a deeper understanding of the world around them.
This new unit was field tested by 78 teachers across 10 states and the data from those teachers and their students informed the revision of the unit. We are grateful for their contribution to this process and believe that their feedback is crucial to the development of high quality materials.
Visit OpenSciEd to access these free resources.
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National Youth Science Camp - Extended Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is 6:00 PM EST on April 1, 2021. To be selected, you must be a graduating high school senior in the United States (Two recipients from each state and Washington, D.C.) and students 16-18 years of age in selected other countries (see below). The 2021 NYSCamp will be held from June 28 to July 21, 2021; you must be able to attend the entire program.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 NYSCamp will be an entirely virtual experience which will include world-class lectures, directed studies, and seminars with prestigious and up and coming STEM professionals who are making a difference in their fields of study and changing the world for good.
The camp will also provide significant opportunities for delegates to interact and engage with STEM professionals, camp staph (intentional misspelling to highlight their infections enthusiasm), and other delegates in exciting, fun, and meaningful ways. Even though delegates can’t gather in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia this year, the 2021 Virtual NYSCamp will be an engaging, stimulating, and unforgettable educational experience!
For more information about the program, please visit the NYSCamp's web site at http://www.nyscamp.org. More information about the organization that raises support for NYSCamp, the National Youth Science Foundation, visit http://www.nysf.com
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Do You Work With High School Seniors?
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) request your partnership in encouraging high school seniors to fill out key financial aid forms that are used for most public and much private aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).
There is still time for seniors to apply and take advantage of financial assistance that can make their postsecondary dreams possible and affordable. Completion of the FAFSA or ORSAA is free and keeps options open for accessing and using aid at any point in the upcoming academic year.
If you have any questions, please reach out to:
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7 things to know about quality K-12 science education
- Toward NGSS Design: EQuIP Rubric for Science Detailed Guidance
- Key Takeaways for Transforming Science Education and Stories from the Field
- New High Quality Middle School Unit Posted
- Five Case Studies of Successful Implementation of High Quality Instructional Materials
- Black Representation in Science Webinar and Twitter Chat
- Three New STEM Teaching Tools (Brief 68, 69 & 70)
- Investigating the Impacts of COVID-19 on Science Instruction
Click here to read the full March 2021 - NGSS Now article or visit https://ngs.wested.org/ngss-now to sign up!
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STEM Happier Hour Chats - Next Chat is March 16th
First and Third Tuesdays, 4:05-4:50 Pacific
Register here for this free series to receive the Zoom link and password that we use every session and join on weeks that work best for you.
There has never been a more important time to find community. These loosely facilitated sessions are spaces for you to laugh with others, learn from others, share your ideas, and get inspiration to keep you going in these challenging times.
Open to every Oregon educator seeking community and connection.
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ODE Promising Practices
What is the Idea Exchange? Educators from around the state have been asking us to figure out a way to share promising practices and strategies that are engaging our students in learning. Whether you are teaching face-to-face, via hybrid or fully online in Comprehensive Distance Learning, the exchange of ideas is a way to collaborate with your peers, learn about and share new strategies and inspire as well as be inspired. We are all in this together! We ask you to join us to learn together and bring ideas you would like to share.
Engagement Dates, Times and Topics:
- Wednesday, March 17th (4-5pm) Engaging and Supporting Families
- Wednesday, March 31st (4-5pm) Supporting Students who are Emerging Bilingual and Students Experiencing Disability
- TBD, Formative Assessment Practices in CDL/Hybrid
Click here to register.
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Please do not hesitate to reach out to Deb Bailey, STEM Education Specialist, Noelle Gorbett, Science Assessment Specialist, or Jamie Rumage, Science Education Specialist, if you have any questions or concerns.
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