National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 - October 15, 2023, is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Although these dates are key time markers, integrating resources from the communities, cultures, and contributions from Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latine, and Latinx identifying people is important to do in science classrooms year-round.

Additional resources are provided below as you continue to engage diverse voices, contributions, and perspectives in science education this month and beyond:

• NASA Releases First Season of Spanish-language Podcast - The Universo curioso de la NASA
• LaCuKnoS Project at Oregon State University
• Why it is crucial to make cultural diversity visible in STEM education is a resource from STEM Teaching Tools
• A Rightful Presence in STEM Education from Dr. Calabrese Barton and Dr. Tan research publication 

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated in Oregon this year on Monday, October 9th. 

Oregon has many different Indigenous communities including nine federally recognized tribes: Burns Paiute of Harney County; Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Confederated Tribes of Siletz; Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Reservation; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians; Coquille Indian Tribe; and Klamath Tribes.

Here are some additional resources as you celebrate Indigenous People’s Day and continue to engage diverse voices, contributions, and perspectives in science education this month and beyond:

• Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education
• Helping Students Make Sense of the World - Chpt 3
• Learning in Places
• Native Knowledge 360: Transforming teaching and learning
• Oregon's Tribal History/Shared History
• Teaching STEM In Ways that Respect and Build Upon Indigenous Peoples' Rights

Upcoming Annular Eclipse Phenomenon in Oregon 

The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible and begins in Oregon shortly after 8 a.m. on October 14, 2023 before reaching “annularity” a little after 9 a.m. The eclipse will make landfall on the Oregon Coast and will be viewable from as far south as Langlois, to as far north as Gleneden Beach.

In response to the two solar eclipses being viewable in North America (October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024), the National Science Teaching Association has put together free resource guides, classroom lessons, webinar series, and more. These resources are designed for educators, administrators, community members, and other educational partners to ensure students have an opportunity to learn about and witness these solar eclipses safely.

Science Instructional Materials Caravan and Webinar Series

ODE staff will bring forth a recommended science instructional materials list (28 of the 34 submissions) for a second-read and request a consideration of adoption by the State Board of Education on Thursday, October 19th. The agenda and attachments can be found on Boardbook prior to the meeting.

In preparation of districts adopting science instructional materials, ODE is hosting webinars, instructional materials regional caravans, and question & answer sessions with the publishers. See below for additional information and registration links.

• Three virtual webinars: Each session focuses on topics elevated by science educational leaders and classroom educators. To review the offerings and register for a webinar(s), please visit the Science Instructional Materials Adoption Webinar Series flyer.
• Four statewide, in-person opportunities to review instructional materials: These will be opportunities to review materials on-site, speak with publishers from the adopted list, and seek technical assistance from ODE staff. To register for a regional event, please visit the 2023 Science Instructional Materials Caravan flyer. 
• Q&A Sessions with Publishers: Each 30 minute session will provide time to discuss questions directly with the publishers. To review the Q&A publisher schedule and register for a session(s), please visit the Q&A Sessions with Publishers flyer.

If you have any questions about the adoption list, webinar series, and/or regional instructional materials caravan event, please feel free to reach out to Aujalee Moore or Jamie Rumage.

OSTA 61st ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Oregon Science Teachers Association is hosting their annual conference on October 13-14th at Gresham High School in Gresham, Oregon. Come to listen, learn, share, and celebrate 10 years of the Next Generation Science Standards with colleagues and peers. Registration is open for the OSTA Annual Conference. Here are the specific focus areas for each day:

• Friday, October 13th: Workshops and Field Trips
• Saturday, October 14th: Concurrent Conference Sessions 

Nominate an Outstanding K-6 Educator

The PAEMST program is pleased to announce that nominations and applications for the 2023–2024 awards cycle are open.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades K-6 for the 2023 –2024 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org.

The nomination deadline is January 8, 2023 and the application deadline is February 6, 2024.

Oregon Science Leaders - Book Study

Oregon Science Leaders is a free, regional network for K-16 science educators and science leaders. This organization is co-led by multiple Oregon ESDs and school districts. To join OSL, click this link and "ask to join". This group meets the online the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT.

OSL is running a statewide book study! They will explore resources and frameworks in the book “Ambitious Science Teaching.” As supplies are available, participants will receive a free copy of the book. The book study will gather on the 2nd Monday of month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM PT, October 2023 - May 2024.To participate in the upcoming book study, please register here.

Green Ribbon Schools - Applications Open

The US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program is designed to encourage and celebrate efforts made by schools and districts to incorporate best practices for a green education environment. To learn more, watch this video from Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. 

Completed applications are due to Michael.Lammers on Thursday, February 1, 2024 by 11:59 PM PT. Full details on the eligibility, requirements, and access to the district-wide or PK-12 school applications can be found in the Green Ribbon School Introductory Memo. 

2023-2025 STEM Innovation Projects

This biennium there are four STEM/STEAM project areas: 1) Core STEM, 2) Pathways to STEM, 3) Early STEAM, and 4) Community STEAM. These four project areas focus on different aspects of the Oregon STEM Plan set forth by the Oregon STEM Investment Council. 

If you are interested in learning more about the project areas and the focus in your region, please visit the Oregon STEM Hub website or this STEM project overview slide deck.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Deb Bailey or Kama Almasi, STEM Education Specialists, Mariela Salas Bao, Science Assessment Specialist, or Jamie Rumage, Science Education Specialist, if you have any questions or concerns.