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“Walking into Spiderwebs”
As those lyrics from Gwen Stefani of “No Doubt” rolled around in my mind, I realized that 2020 didn’t call back. It was a year of #unprecedented firsts in many of our lives. It was the year of #COVID19, the most popular tweet. The #Pandemic where we…
Let’s Talk Science...At A Distance
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unexpected changes in education and for science classrooms in particular. However, I have been surprised to learn that one classroom practice seems to retain its effectiveness, and in many ways, has elevated…
Science Fair Family Academy
Getting middle school students to participate in the annual science fair has always been challenging. And the fact that it’s a virtual science fair meant that we knew we had to do something new to support our students. Our plan: a Science Fair Family…
Q&A For The Day
I was recently interviewed by a 9th grade biology student working on an assignment and some of the questions he asked reminded me of the numerous discussions regarding CA NGSS implementation I have had over the last few years.
California Skies: February and March 2021
Evening (see evening twilight charts for February and March 2021, above):
Follow the Moon nightly at dusk, from a thin crescent low in WSW on February 12, to Full, low, north of east, two weeks later on February 26. Moving an average of 13° per day…
WestEd Early Science Supplementary Program Opportunity
Attention all first-grade teachers! Are you looking for ways to bring science back into your classroom this school year? Check out this spring 2021 opportunity to test out a new supplemental science program developed by Twin Cities Public Television…
The Joy of the Cal Water H2O Challenge
Brought to you by California Water Service and in conjunction with DoGoodery, the WestEd K-12 Alliance, and in partnership with CASE, the Cal Water H2O Challenge is a project-based, environmentally-focused classroom competition for grades 4-6. This…
Increasing English and Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics on the California Assessment Through Science
This study tested the theory that district use of STEMscopes increases district English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics proficiency through increases in science proficiency. Academic learning and achievement is often a synergistic process, with…
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…