Science & STEM Happenings
2024 - 2025
September Edition
School is in Session
No doubt about it...school is definitely in session. By now, you've welcomed your new classroom family and are building relationships and getting back into the school routine that we know and love. Fall sports are underway and gearing up for a great season. Our fields, courts, and classrooms are full, as are our hearts. While the outdoor temperatures may not imply it, the first day of fall is right around the corner and will hopefully usher in cooler weather for us to enjoy!
Be sure to check out the upcoming professional development opportunities & the assessment updates!!
Happy September!
Do you have new science friends on your campus?
Please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to scroll to the bottom and click 'subscribe'. This will ensure that they are on my newsletter mailing list, and will receive monthly newsletters with updates, important info., and professional learning opportunities.
See Professional Learning Opportunities by month below.
Please note, that additional sessions may be added along the way, so check each month's newsletter for updates.
September
Setting Up Stations & Labs for Success in Science
This session will focus on setting up your classroom for success as we begin the school year.
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
October
Anchoring the Learning in Science
Explore strategies to help students with retention!
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
Empowering Students to Think Like Scientists
Learn how the scientific method, CER, and EDP, all work together to support the SEPs.
Register HERE
**Will be offered again in January**
November
Formative Assessments in Science
Experience formative assessments through the eyes of your students, and gain tools to use in your classroom!
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
December
No offerings this month at this time, due to reduced amount of instructional days to incorporate Christmas activities and break, as well as semester exams.
January
Empowering Students to Think Like Scientists
Phenomenal Engagement in Science
Posing happenings, events, and natural occurrences to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences that inspire wonder, curiosity, and application.
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
February
Instructional Strategies that Foster Student Collaboration in Science
Gain a variety of formative strategies that will boost vocabulary retention and increase student collaboration.
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
Science STAAR Review - Game On!
Design a data driven review plan to help your students be successful on STAAR!
Register HERE
**Will be offered again in March**
March
Science STAAR Review - Game On!
April
No offerings this month at this time, due to our schools diligently working through testing season. Best wishes to all of our districts!
May
No offerings this month at this time, as many of our schools are closing the year out with award ceremonies, field trips, and semester exams. Stay tuned for summer offerings!
Which additional training are you most interested in?
⭐⭐ Important Assessment Updates! ⭐⭐
Beginning in 2025-2026:
- The 5th Grade Science STAAR will be called 'Elementary (3-5) administered in grade 5'
- The 8th Grade Science STAAR will be called 'Middle School (6-8) administered in grade 8'
- The 5th, 8th, and Biology EOC STAAR will have less assessment items than previously (as reflected on the blueprints)
- Blueprints will be broken into strands rather than reporting categories
- Blueprints & Assessed Curriculum Documents will no longer delineate supporting vs. readiness
- 2024-2025 Assessed Curriculum - DRAFT has been removed
- 2024-2025 STAAR Grade 5 Science Assessed Currirulum (texas.gov)
- 2024-2025 STAAR Grade 5 Science Assessed Curriculum Spanish (texas.gov)
- 2024-2025 STAAR Grade 8 Science Assessed Curriculum Transition (texas.gov)
- 2024-2025 STAAR Biology Assessed Currirulum (texas.gov)
- 2025-2026 Assessed Curriculum - uploaded in DRAFT form
Blueprints:
- 2024-2025 Blueprints - DRAFT has been removed
- 2024-2025 STAAR Grade 5 Science Blueprint (texas.gov)
- 2024-2025 STAAR Grade 8 Science Blueprint (texas.gov)
- 2024-2025 STAAR Biology Blueprint (texas.gov)
- 2025-2026 Blueprints - uploaded in DRAFT form
Grade 8 Reference Materials:
- Spring 2025 Only
- Will remain as is
- STAAR Grade 8 Science Reference Materials (texas.gov)
- Beginning Spring 2026
- Density formula removed
- 2 versions of Newton's Law equation provided
- 2026 STAAR Middle School Science Reference Materials (texas.gov)
FREE Carolina Biological Laboratory Safety Resources
Click the link below to access some FREE laboratory safety resources from Carolina Biological!
***Cluster Practice Sets can be found within the online practice site***