Archives
We Made It!
December 2020...we made it! We are so close to 2021. Looking back on what many refer to as the dumpster fire that was 2020, it is difficult to remember that it was not just a year of horrible events. This year was also filled with positivity and that…
Using Citizen Science to Support Social and Emotional Learning Needs During Covid-19 to Engage Students and Caregivers
As teachers, students and caregivers transition from in-person instruction to distance learning, hybrid learning, or a blend of both, many are struggling with how to develop a classroom culture that engages and inspires students as they develop an…
Teaching Diversity with the Lives of Scientists
Racial justice is a renewed cry in our society. Major organizations have pledged to make equity an integral part of their mission statement. In the Los Angeles Times, 6 October 2020, the owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, wrote: “We are committed to change,…
Region 4 Update | December 2020/January 2021
I hope that you have all had a peaceful Thanksgiving break. I can’t believe it is already December. There have been many goings on in the region including the California Science Education Conference in October. It was certainly a lot different than…
Science Education Post-Election Update
With the 2020 Election now behind us, there is more certainty around the direction of policy and legislative developments going forward, but there continues to remain a great deal of uncertainties too. This dichotomy seems to be endemic of the year…
California Skies, December 2020 through March 2021 (and beyond)
These monthly evening and morning twilight star maps, the December 2020 Sky Calendar and evening sky map, and summaries of sky events for December 2020 through March 2021 are intended to help teachers guide students to follow the seasonal westward…
California Skies, October through January 2021 (and beyond)
These star maps, Sky Calendars, and monthly summaries of sky events for October 2020 through January 2021 are intended to help teachers guide students to embark on following the seasonal progression of the stars; to notice changes in the arrangements…
Grow, Adapt, Invest in Yourself
Fall is finally upon us, and while we wish that everything was back to normal again, we as a society and science community must continue to adapt and change to new circumstances. When I think back on the recent months and times before, I realize that…
Engaging Students with Outdoor Education during Distance Learning
Here in the Eastern Sierra, we have abundant outdoor science education opportunities and, in a normal year, we offer a rich array of field programs for our students. Our outdoor programs start in Kindergarten or 1st grade with a garden box where…
Age Appropriate Climate Education and Conservation Messaging
As educators, we want to provide experiences that are relevant and authentic. So when learning can be tied to a current issue such as climate change, it is tempting to dive in with gusto to leverage the enthusiasm, engagement and even concern of our…