
Science Snippets
MPS Elementary Science for March 2023
Instructional Focus:That Sums It Up!
Attend the OSTA Summer Conference
OSTA Summer Conference
Oklahoma Science Teaching Association's (OSTA) summer conference will be held June 10th at UCO. If you would like to attend, we would like to help you! The science department will pay the registration of up to 15 people to attend.
If you would like MPS to pay for your convention fee, please click the link below and fill out the form.
Presenting for OSTA
Have a Great Idea? Share It!
OSTA is looking for presenters for the annual summer conference, and we are always in need of elementary options. Think about a lesson, series of lessons, plans, experiments that you did in class this year and SHARE IT with others! You can present with a partner if the idea of presenting is a little uncomfortable for you.
4th Grade Science Meeting
Science Olympics Adjustment
Many of us have struggled with the 4th grade Science Olympics event. I would like to hear your ideas of how we can change it, or if we just need to replace it altogether. I would love to hear your ideas to make this event even better for our fourth graders next year!
April 11th 4:15 - 4:45
Discovery Resources (PK - 6th)
Quiz Library
Available within Quiz, teachers can search, find, and utilize over 300+ premade quizzes spanning various subjects and grade levels. Quiz Library contains subject-specific, assessment-style quizzes as well as morning-meeting style activities and conversation starters to suit all classroom needs.
PK - 2 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: Money – Explore this collection of resources to help students discover the important roles of money.
Science: Seasonal Change – Discover a collection of videos, images, songs, and writing prompts that explore the science behind the seasons and their environmental effects.
3- 5 Resources
Resources from Discovery
Math: Units of Measurement – Help students employ the appropriate tools and units to measure distance, weight, volume, and more with this collection of resources.
Science: DEmystified – Join Discovery Education on our endless journey to DEmystify the wonders of our world—you might just be surprised by what you find.
6th Resources
Resources from Discovery
• Literacy: Podcasts – Podcasts help build students' listening comprehension skills and offer a unique, on-the-go way to consume content. The series in this collection focus on topics ranging from science to technology to history to art and more.
• Math: Standard Deviants Teaching Systems – Join the Standard Deviants as they teach lessons using their fun, fast-paced, and (sometimes) crazy style.
• Science: PhET Interactive Simulations – Explore the electrifying world of molecular interactions, genetic mutations, planetary gravity, and more with these interactive simulations.
• Science Encyclopedia Womannica – Encyclopedia Womannica, a podcast series from Wonder Media Network, offers bite-sized audio biographies of women you may or may not know, but whose impact has changed the world. For a science focus: Examine the "STEMinists" or "Pioneers" sections
Resources from Stemscopes
Stemscopes is giving a free 30-day trial of their streaming service. The log-in information is below.
Login URL: https://n11053d152162.acceleratelearning.com/login
UserID: LoweJenn1
Password: science
End Date: 04/20/2023
It will look like you are in the full stemscopes platform. To access the streaming videos, click on streaming in the top banner. Once you open a video, you can copy and paste the url to insert into your canvas if you'd like. We have this free service until April 20th. Let me know what you think and if it would be worth purchasing.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Refills of Consumable Materials
Order Forms are Ready
Waiting for materials to be delivered at the beginning of the year is a pain (to say the least). To help combat this issue, we are asking everyone to order replacement materials now to be delivered in May so that you can hit the ground running in the fall! Even if you are planning to move grade levels, please order supplies for the new teacher.
When completing the form, please only select the items that you need to be replaced. Many items were have purchased in the past can be used for several years. Please help us to be good stewards of our resources.
Items such as plant materials (soil, seeds, etc.) will not be delivered until early 2024.
Orders must be placed by April 21st.
OSDE
OSTP Item Writing - Deadline approaching!
Have you ever wanted a say in what is on the 5th grade science OSTP? This is your opportunity! Oklahoma State Department of Education Assessment Office is hosting an Item Review Committee June 12 - 14. This is a paid position (including mileage), and breakfast and lunch are provided.
Apply here! 2023 SDE Item Review Committee
Applications are due April 1st.
Butterflies
Order Placed
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 - Earth Day
The Brilliant Deep
All it takes is one: one coral gamete to start a colony in the ocean, one person to make a difference in the world, one idea to help us heal the earth. The ongoing conservation efforts to save and rebuild the world's coral reefs—with hammer and glue, and grafts of newly grown coral—are the living legacy of environmental scientist Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Coral Restoration Foundation.
In telling the story of this sea conservation pioneer and marine life protector, Kate Messner and Matthew Forsythe create a stunning tribute to the wonders of nature and the power of human hope—a power even the smallest readers can access in their quest to aid our extraordinary planet.
The Girl Who Planted Trees
A young girl is inspired by her grandfather to plant a new forest in her village. Despite the difficulties, she preserves and the saplings peak through the earth. Just as her hard work pays off, the trees are destroyed by a storm. This tragedy brings out the villagers to help the girl recreate the forest.
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood
Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.
Five years later, the kids and their parents, with the support of the Harlem Grown staff, grow thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables a year. All of it is given to the kids and their families.
Children's Books about Butterflies
The Amazing LIfe Cycle of Butterflies
Follow the journey of a young boy and girl as they find out about insect life cycles. This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the life cycle process and explains each stage in detail.
'Look and Wonder' is a fresh, bold and bright, narrative non-fiction picture book series, for children aged 4 and up, introducing children to life cycles and the natural world. The eye-poppingly colourful digital illustration style will explain the scientific concepts while the light and fun text-style will make these books real home and classroom favourites.
Where Butterflies Grow
In a field of leaves, a small caterpillar hatches, grows, and sheds its skin, becoming a smooth, green creeper. It eats and changes some more, then in a sequence of remarkable close-ups, spins a silken sling in which to pupate - until it finally bursts forth as a brilliant black swallowtail butterfly.
Gardening for Butterflies
Welcome the world’s most exquisite visitors to your garden! Gardening for Butterflies, by the experts at the Xerces Society, introduces you to a variety of butterflies who need our help, and shows you how to design a habitat where they will thrive. This optimistic call to arms is packed with everything you need to create a beautiful, pollinator-friendly garden. You will learn why butterflies matter, why they are in danger, and what simple steps we can take to make a difference. You'll also learn how to choose the right plants and how to create a garden that flutters and flourishes with life.
Science Happening in Moore
What's Happening in Your School?
Below are some pictures of some things happening around our district. Have some pictures you would like to share? Send them to me so I can highlight what your kids are doing!
Oakridge is Bonkers for Bunnies!
The 6th grade class at Oakridge (Jill Cook) is known for having LOTS of class pets. This month they have grown by 8 little bunnies! Their mama rabbit, Petunia, recently had a fluffle of 8 babies.
Food Chain at Earlywine
The fifth grade showed off their work and learning with food chains. Take a look at this creative project from Luann Gilbert!
Science Days at Bryant
Each grade level is experiencing a "Science Day" focusing on areas of science from their grade levels. They have special stations, speakers, and activities for the whole day! Keri Thompson is helping to organize the events and helpers for each science day.
Bryant Science Day: On the Farm
Bryant Science Day: Physical Science
Bryant Science Day: Special Guest
PD in your PJS
Supporting High-Quality Science Instruction and Assessment Through Gamification and Automation
Thursday, April 13ths 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!
Winner! Winner!
Office: 405-735-4270