
Science Snippets
MPS Elementary Science for April 2023
Instructional Focus: Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER)
Many of you have heard about CER, but maybe you're unsure what it is or how to use it in your classroom. Read some of the information below to help you get started using CER in your classroom.
What exactly is CER, and how does it work?
CER all starts with a question asked by the teacher. This question is based on a phenomena or lab experience. The student’s explanation or answer, as you may have guessed, will consist of three parts: a claim, the evidence, and the student’s reasoning.
Claim
- A claim is a statement that answers the question. It will usually only be one sentence in length. The claim does not include any explanation, reasoning, or evidence so it should not include any transition words such as “because.”
Evidence
- The evidence is the data used to support the claim. It can be either quantitative or qualitive depending on the question and/or lab. The evidence could even be a data table the student creates. Students should only use data within their evidence that directly supports the claim.
Reasoning
- The reasoning is the explanation of “why and how” the evidence supports the claim. It should include an explanation of the underlying science concept that produced the evidence or data.
Solar Eclipse 2024!
Mark Your Calendars! April 8, 2024
The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean.
Partial eclipse begins in our area around 12:25 pm. The totality begins at about 1:43, and totality ends about 1:50. End of the partial will be at about 3:06.
This will be a great way to get your whole school involved in science! Please talk to your principal today about ordering eclipse glasses for your entire school. Eclipseglasses.com takes POs and is offering bulk discounts.
Educator Discount Program
With our special Educator Discount Program, you will automatically receive 5% off of your solar eclipse glasses.
Quantity Discounted Price
100 glasses $0.80 each
250 glasses $0.57 each
500 glasses. $0.47 each
Discovery Resources (PK - 6th)
April Resources
PK - 2 Resources
Resources from Discovery
Literacy: Weston Woods – By seeking the best books from all over the world and adapting them to preserve the integrity of the original, Weston Woods helps children discover the riches that are trapped between the covers of the books and motivates them to want to read for themselves.
Math: Patterns and Sequences – Explore this collection of resources to help students recognize patterns and sequences in the world around them
Science: Animals – Discover a collection of videos, images, songs, and writing prompts that investigate the vast world of the animal kingdom.
Social Studies: Economy – Help students understand the economy and how they are a part of the economy.
Health & Wellness: Nutrition – Explore this collection of videos, activities, and worksheets that guide younger students to discover the science of nutrition.
3- 5 Resources
Resources from Discovery
Literacy: Earth to Luna – Follows Luna, her brother Jupiter, and pet ferret Clyde on real-life and imaginary adventures to explore life, physical, and earth and space science concepts. This channel is also available in Spanish.
Math: Standard Deviants Teaching Systems – Join the Standard Deviants as they teach lessons using their fun, fast-paced, and (sometimes) crazy style.
Science: The Science of Baseball – Gain insight into the science, careers, and people throughout history that have contributed to the over 100-year-old sport of baseball.
Social Studies: Goods and Services – Dive into economic concepts by examining the roles of goods and services in a community.
Health & Wellness: Everyday Speech – Everyday Speech presents a collection of videos, activities, and worksheets that guide younger students to harness their own identity and develop healthy relationships with other
6th Resources
Resources from Discovery
Literacy: Literary Genres – Help students explore the characteristics of different genres, or types, of texts they read.
Math: Data Analysis and Probability – Find popular resources around data analysis, data representation, probability, and statistical design.
Science: Science News Explores – Stay up-to-date with noteworthy STEM developments, innovations, and research from experts in the field.
Social Studies: BYkids – Meet young storytellers from around the world who are paired with seasoned filmmakers to create powerful documentaries about their lives. The films help make global issues feel personal, relevant, and actionable for millions of students—igniting important conversations and inspiring a new generation of social activists.
Health & Wellness: Discover Your Happy – Explore this collection of science-based tools for educators, students, and parents to show how happiness can be achieved through learnable skills and practices
Resources from Stemscopes
Did you know that Stemscopes has a visual glossary? This is a great resource for all students but especially our ELL and students with special needs. Below is a quick video about where to find this resource.
Refills of Consumable Materials
Orders Being Filled
We have completed the order process for the consumable materials for K - 6. We will be working over the next few weeks to purchase and organize the materials. Materials should be available by the last week of school.
If you are switching grades/contents, please organize it so the new teacher can find all the materials they need.
OSDE
Summer 2023 Professional Learning Opportunities
Have you started making summer plans? Be sure to leave some room to see your science educator friends from around the state! The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is excited to again provide a one-stop document for all STEM professional learning opportunities hosted by the OSDE, along with other Oklahoma-based, non-OSDE workshops. We hope to see you this summer!
Science Professional Learning Survey 2023-2024
Thank you to everyone who filled out the professional learning survey for 2022-2023. Your feedback helped guide the development of workshops this past year, including the Secondary Science Regional Meetings (unpacking the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science, Leveraging Student Voice to Drive Science Learning, High Quality Instructional Materials). The OSDE also plans on offering learning opportunities around how to assess student understanding of 3-dimensional science using formative and summative assessment (see the Item Writing Workshop from the Office of Assessment in the section above!).
Plans for the 2023-2024 school year are underway and we would love to have your continued input on workshop topics to ensure we are meeting the professional learning needs of Oklahoma science educators. If you have a moment, please fill out the 2023-2024 Professional Learning Survey. The survey is anonymous and should take no more than 5 minutes. There are provided topics to choose from, as well as an open-ended comment option if you'd like to include something else.
OSTA
Summer Conference
Oklahoma Science Teaching Association's Summer Conference
SAVE THE DATE, June 9th - 10th, 2023 The Oklahoma Science Teaching Association (OSTA) will be hosting their annual state conference this summer at the University of Central Oklahoma, June 10th, and the Celebration of Science Education dinner on June 9th at Science Museum Oklahoma. To find out more details be sure to follow the OSTA Facebook page and/or visit the OSTA website.
Curriculum Materials
MPS Science Resources
Resources for your classroom
Did you know our science department has resources for you to have and some that you can borrow? The following are all available for check-out:
Mineral Kits
Rock Kits
Fossil Kits
Planetarium
Need some materials for a science activity? We can do that too! Please allow at least a week for common materials and longer for specialty materials.
Children's Books - Inspiring Curiosity
Me...Jane
Who knew that the young girl who carried a stuffed chimpanzee would redefine the meaning of human and force us to reconsider our stewardship of the planet? In this charming story of Jane Goodall's childhood, readers learn how she first developed her interest in the natural world — as well as her patience when observing animals in their own environment, which she practiced on her family's chickens! This inspirational picture book biography includes a picture of Goodall with the chimps at Gombe to show how she realized her dreams, as well as back matter about Goodall's environmental work. Fans of Goodall will also want to check out The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps for ages 4 to 8.
This read aloud is read by Jane Goodall! Skip to 2:35 to go directly to the reading of the book.
Ada: My First Ada Lovelace (Little People, Big Dreams)
Young Ada Lovelace had a phenomenal talent for math — and as the child of a noble household, she had plenty of time to study. As a young adult, she met the inventor Charles Babbage, who had created an early mechanical computer. Lovelace's work with Babbage not only helped him develop his machine; it also predicted today's computer age, making her the world's first computer programmer! This board book adaptation of Ada Lovelace (Little People, Big Dreams) is perfect for introducing Lovelace's story to the littlest readers. You can also find volumes from this board book series featuring Jane Goodall and Marie Curie.
Mae Among The Stars
Mae Jemison famously became the first African American woman in space on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992 but years before that historic journey, she was a little girl who dreamed of dancing in space. Her mother told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." Little Mae's curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA. This inspirational introduction to a trailblazing astronaut will encourage children to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams.
PD in your PJS
Supporting High-Quality Science Instruction and Assessment Through Gamification and Automation
Monday, May 8th 2:00 - 3:00 (Once you register, you can watch the recording if this time does not work with your schedule.)
Teacher shortages and retention, student engagement, closing gaps in learning, and supporting all learners are top of mind for district and school leaders. When it comes to science instruction, these challenges are often amplified by a lack of qualified science teachers and pressure to focus instructional time on math and reading.
Attend this edLeader Panel to hear from two Florida district leaders about how their science programs support teachers, encourage science learning in and out of the classroom, and drive significant growth in science achievement. Join the lively discussion to learn:
- How Flagler Schools and Clay County District Schools (FL) are addressing common challenges that districts face with science teaching and learning
- How these districts are incorporating gamification into science assessment and instruction
- How the mechanics and principles of gaming paired with other learning principles like the 5E Model and Webb’s DOK can deepen learning
Using Essential Questions to Promote Inquiry in the Classroom
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT(Once you register, you can watch the recording if this time does not work with your schedule.)
Essential Questions, when designed and used effectively, can facilitate opportunities for students to engage in the process of inquiry. This edWebinar clarifies what Essential Questions are, how best to create them, and how they can be integrated into lesson design to engage students in discourse around important concepts. We will use specific examples from The Achievery, a FREE digital learning platform created by AT&T designed to help connect students to a new world of digital learning through stories that spark curiosity and content that entertains and teaches. The platform features clips from some of the most popular, well-loved movies, TV shows, and cartoons from Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network, paired with lessons and learning activities that students can engage with wherever they are—at home, in the community, and in the classroom.
Resources for Teachers & Parents: Summer Fun!
Summer Break Fun!
Camp Invention
Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with the all-new Camp Invention® program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer.
Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! Camps start at $260. Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25.
Camp Invention: Wonder
June 12 – 16 at Yukon High School (8:30 am – 3 pm)
June 12 – 16 at Choctaw Middle School ( 9 am – 3:30 pm)
July 3 – 7 at Kennedy Elementary School (8 am – 4 pm)
July 10 – 14 at Mustang Trails Elementary School (8:30 am – 3 pm)
iCode
iCode summer camps for ages 5-18 are action-packed and in-depth, offering challenges that are suitable for tech enthusiasts to creative geniuses. Utilizing the latest technologies, iCode camps are designed to be fun, spark curiosity and deepen a passion for technology. Each day you're guaranteed to learn something adventurous and new!
Available May through August, camps are $425 per week and run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enroll today!
iCode is a family-friendly computer science educational facility for kids in grades K-12. As a technology and coding school, they equip children with the tools for success in today’s information-driven world. Immersing kids in real-world problems enhances understanding of math and science. This approach is effective in developing skills in logical analysis, creativity and problem solving – skills that will help kids at school and in any future career.
Awesome Adventures
Oklahoma Awesome Adventures Junior Elephant Ambassador Summer Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that includes a one-week overnight camp (5 days & 4 nights) located in Hugo, OK, close to Hugo Lake and right next door to the Endangered Ark Foundation, one of the nation's largest private elephant facilities in the United States.
Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn about one of the world’s most endangered species – the Asian Elephant – up close and in person. In addition to the Junior Elephant Ambassador Certification, campers will also be provided with valuable lessons and enriching activities that will focus on team building, leadership, community service and recreation fun.
Campers must be 9-14 yrs of age on or before the first day of camp.
Reserve your spot using code METRO23 and save 15% off camp tuition.
OKC Zoo
Adventure awaits young explorers during wild week-long summer camps that provide engaging experiences for children ages 4-17. Each camp offers unique, individually themed programs that include a variety of hands-on STEAM activities, in-park exploration, up-close encounters with animal ambassadors and more.
- Full- and half-day options available.
- June 5-Aug. 4, members: $270, nonmembers: $300
Rose State Kids College
At Rose State’s Kids College and Teen Scene, kids in grades 1st-12th can explore a variety of topics including STEAM, aerospace, video game design, sports and more. With 154 classes spanning seven weeks, students enjoy small class sizes with certified teachers. Registration is a la carte by class, by the week or the whole summer.
June 5-July 27
$90/class. Before/after care available for an additional fee. Tuition assistance available.
Sam Noble Museum
During week-long day camps for kids ages 5-11, students experience science firsthand through a variety of discovery-based activities. Learn all about ancient giants, modern wildlife and natural history from real scientists and get an up-close look at exhibits and specimens. All activities and lessons are taught by trained educators.
June 19-July 28, members: $275, nonmembers: $325
The Station: Moore
Eruption: A volcano experience!
When: June 6-27 (4 week class)
Time: Thursdays, 6-7pm
Ages: 6 - 9
Fee: $30
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration: May 4-July 5
Let’s make a volcano!
Week 1: Kids will make their volcano base out of paper and tape
Week 2: Kids will make their volcano structure out of paper and glue
Week 3: Kids will paint their volcano
Week 4: Kids will take turns erupting their very own volcano!
The Station: Moore
DIY Kid Craft Robots
When: June 6-27 (4 week class)
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Time: Tuesday's, 6-7pm
Ages: 6-9
Fee: $30
Registration Window: April 4 - June 5
Come and join us for a fun and exciting time as we build little craft robots out of common household items! Each week we will make a different craft robot that kids can take home and enjoy!
The Station: Moore
August: Magic Camp
When: July 31 – August 4 (5 day camp)
Time: 9 – noon
Ages: 6 – 12
Fee: $175
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration window: April 1 – July 30
Hurry and sign up for magic camp before all of the spots disappear! Participants will learn about cool magic tricks and illusions from a real magician!
Office: 405-735-4270