Archives
4 Tips for Teaching Data Analysis Before State Testing
California's state science test puts serious emphasis on students' ability to analyze data—and for good reason. Data literacy matters in higher ed, the workforce, and everyday life. But when it comes to helping teachers prepare students, support can…
Exploring Extreme Heat with Understanding Global Change
At the 2025 CASE Conference in Palm Springs, I had the opportunity to share how teachers across California can leverage freely available satellite data to anchor meaningful, NGSS-aligned investigations for students in grades 5-12.
Reframing AI in Science Education: Building Equity Through Clear Boundaries
At the recent CASE conference, I explored a critical challenge facing today's educators: how to harness AI's educational potential while ensuring all students develop fundamental competencies in science. The presentation centered on a dual approach:…
Extending Girls’ Leadership in Robotics: Strategies for Sites
Building sustainable, equity-driven STEM opportunities for girls is both an aspiration and an urgent need. The Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL/GIRL+) model, developed through the partnership between the Solano County Office of Education and the UC…
The JEDI Awakens: Designing for Justice in Science Classrooms
Picture this: Your students are analyzing mountain lion sightings in Los Angeles using iNaturalist data. But instead of simply mapping wildlife corridors, they're grappling with a deeper question—whose voices matter when we design solutions for urban…
Avoiding Burnout
Teacher burnout is very real and is a recognized occupational phenomenon that causes physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and detachment from the job. Causes of burnout can include an overwhelming workload, staffing shortages, expanding class…
Collaborative Curiosity: Using Buddy Classes to Expand Science Learning
Teachers Chris Scharfenkamp and Mhylet Zataray at Lorin Eden Elementary School in Hayward are showing how powerful cross-age learning can be by pairing their 5th graders and 1st graders for hands-on science.
BBC Landmark (with David Attenborough) is now part of the State Library’s COMPASS
Fans of nature videos like Blue Planet can now see these documentaries and the dozens others from the BBC Landmark collection through public school systems at no cost as part of the COMPASS resources from the State Library. Students can now explore…
CAL-MSCS: Strengthening Statewide Systems for Science Professional Learning
The California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Partnership (CAL-MSCS) is a state-funded initiative designed to strengthen connected systems of professional learning across mathematics, science, and computer science.
Sky Highlights for December 2025
Bright stars and a lone bright planet visible at dusk as December begins include the Summer Triangle of Vega, Altair, and Deneb well up in west and getting lower as month progresses; Saturn halfway up in SE to SSE, with Fomalhaut, Mouth of the…