Science Snippets

Sometimes the visual resources are the hardest to implement in the classroom. Next time you have an image used in your lesson, try Eye Spy! This student learning strategy has you revisit an image multiple times, each time looking deeper for more information that helps you make sense of what you see.

1. Select a picture.

2. What's happening in the image? What is the image about?

• 10 seconds to view and 60 seconds to write.
• Pair and Share

3. Are there people in the image? What are their roles? What are they doing? What event is taking place?

• 15 seconds to view and 60 to write.
• Pair and share.

4. What is the setting of the image? What else do you see?

• 30 seconds to view and 60 to write.
• Pair and share.

5. Inferences: Why do you think the photographer took the picture? What meaning did it have at the time it was taken? What do you think the story is behind the picture?

• 45 second to view and 60 to write
• Pair and share.

Watch the video below to see more details.

To help work with your schedule, we are offering science professional learning in small, 20- to 30-minute chunks all through zoom. We will be focusing on a different instructional strategy at each session.

If you can attend them all, that is wonderful, but we know schedules get busy. Attend any or all sessions to help add to your teacher toolbox! If you have a great strategy you would like to share, please let me know. We always love featuring teachers in our learning time.

Igniting the Classroom Spark

Saturday October 21, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
Virtual Event

Did you know grasshoppers have ears in their stomachs? Or that humans can’t burp in space? There is so much fascination to explore in this great big world. And, we believe that getting curious is the best way to learn – no matter the subject!

Join us for a day of inspiration and hear how members of the Discovery Educator Network are using DE’s compelling content to engage students and build new opportunities for curiosity in their classrooms.

We invite you to come and get curious with us! ​

Our very own Matthew Stedronsky (6th grade WCE) attended the day-long seminar on the eclipse presented by the Science Museum of Oklahoma. Here are a few words about his experience:

The moon orbits the Earth at approximately a 5* angle to the plane of which the Earth orbits the Sun. This angle causes the moon to usually pass above or below the Sun as seen from Earth and is why solar eclipses do not occur every month.

Between 2-5 solar eclipses occur each year (including annular or partial eclipses), but can only be viewed from certain places on Earth. Total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months.

The most recent total solar eclipse viewable from the US was in 1979, and the next total solar eclipse viewable from the United States will not be until 2045.

Idabel, OK will be the best location to view the eclipse, as it falls within the umbra/path of totality (moon perfectly blocks the Sun)

Some considerations during the solar eclipse:

• Students should view from a clear open space to view the eclipse. They should not be on playground equipment to watch as they may fall off while trying to get a better view, etc.
• Have students remain quiet and listen for nocturnal animals that may emerge or other animal sounds
• Solar eclipse glasses have expiration dates because scratches may develop over time that affect their safety. Do not use eclipse glasses that have been used in the past.

Below is a PDF of the presentation given at this seminar.

Thank you, Matthew, for sharing with us!

On 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. In the OKC area, we will have 92% obscuration.

Since this takes place during a school day, you can 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 $0.85 each
• 250 glasses $0.70 each
• 500 glasses. $0.60 each

Everyone will need to order soon to assure delivery.

Wanting to build you own assessment?

Click the link below for a step-by-step set of directions to help you build your own assessment.

What can you see in the teacher view of the techbook?

Embedded point-of-use Teacher Notes offer SOS instructional strategies, sample student responses, and differentiation. You can also see correct answers for any technology-enhanced items.Easily access Teacher View in your Toolbar, on the right side of each Concept or Lesson page.

Looking for results from the online assignments?

In the toolbar on the lower right corner, select "Results" and "Concept Dashboard.

Need a Step-by-Step Guide to your Discovery Science Techbook?

Check the link below for detailed help with navigation, assignments, and more!

October Activity Calendar

Did you know that Discovery can support your other subject areas?

Discovery has Reading Rainbow and Magic School Bus - perfect for those indoor recess days!

We are always looking for ways to support our students with special needs. Have you taken a look at the "Intervention" tab in your scope?

The Guided Practice: An alternate investigation

Independent Practice: An assignment to help with vocabulary attainment

Concept Attainment Quiz: Multiple choice, word bank and some open-ended questions for an assessment.

Take a look! These resources may be a good alternative for some the students you serve.

The 5th grade event (marshmallow towers) has moved to 4th grade for 23-24.

FIfth grade now has a new event! I am starting site visits next week and will be completing training for all events at that time. Be on the lookout!

We have completed all the deliveries of replacement part for the science kits. If you are missing something or did not get to order, please place an order using the Science Materials link below.

Are your kids doing some wonderful science in your class? We would love to feature them in our next newsletter. Take some pictures of video for us to celebrate your class!

Fall science virtual meetings will be held Thursday afternoons, 4:15-5:00 pm. The theme is "Making Student Thinking Visible" and will focus on strategies that can be used by teachers to help students become actively engaged in their learning. Below are the dates and topics:

• October 26: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Register here
• Through the process of constructing explanations and designing solutions, students develop critical thinking skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and refine their ability to communicate ideas effectively. In this session, educators will learn strategies that assist students with explaining and revising their thinking beyond the claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) structure.

• November 16: Using Talk Moves for Student Discussions, Register here
  • When educators incorporate talk moves into classroom discussions, they create an environment where students feel empowered to express their thoughts and engage with each other's ideas. In this session, educators will learn how structured prompts and strategies facilitate meaningful student dialogue, promote a deeper understanding of science ideas, and can reveal students' thought processes.

All virtual meetings are now held via the Teams platform. Registered attendees will receive an email with links to the meeting and a session dashboard about 1-week before and the day of the meeting to ensure all registrants receive the information.

Grades 6- 12:

Title: Using Formative Assessments to Move Student Thinking Forward

Description: Assessing student knowledge and skills while learning promotes student progress from their current level of knowing and ability to a more sophisticated understanding. In this session, educators will explore instructional routines and strategies that provide opportunities for students to express their ideas, thought processes, and reflections, and receive timely feedback that can be used to revise, adjust, and deepen their understanding of complex science ideas and skills.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)

• Monday, October 23 - Autry Technology Center, Enid - Register Here
• Tuesday, October 24 - Kiamichi Tech, Idabel - Register Here
• Wednesday, October 25 - Red River Technology Center, Duncan - Register Here
• Thursday, October 26 - Francis Tuttle Technology Center Rockwell Campus, OKC - Register Here
  • If OKC is full, check out the Duncan or Enid locations!
• Wednesday, November 1 - Indian Capital Technology Center, Muskogee - Register Here

K- 5

Elementary STEM Subjects

Join the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s STEM Team to learn more about Elementary STEM subjects! All registered educators will participate in each of the following sessions:

Computer Science: In this dynamic session, elementary educators will explore the integration of computer science into their curriculum. We will dive into the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS), discover strategies to seamlessly incorporate these standards into various content areas, and provide valuable tools and tips for unpacking and implementing the standards effectively.

Mathematics: Developing mathematical fluency in students is more than memorizing basic facts and algorithms. In this collaborative session participants will delve into the idea that mathematical fluency encompasses not only numerical operations but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate mathematical ideas effectively. Join us to discover strategies for students and tackle myths on mathematical fluency.

Science and Engineering: Elementary science can foster a sense of wonder and exploration among students. Through the use of an example lesson, educators will explore how the integration of children’s literature, computer science and mathematical practices, and hands-on science learning can nurture curiosity and discovery in the elementary classroom.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)

• Monday, October 2 - Autry Technology Center, Enid - Register Here
• Tuesday, October 3 - Francis Tuttle Tech - Rockwell Campus, OKC - Register Here
• Thursday, October 5 - Kiamichi Tech, Idabel - Register Here
• Tuesday, November 7 - Kimichi Tech, McAlester - Register Here
• Thursday, November 9 - Red River Technology Center, Duncan - Register Here

OSDE PD on Your Plan - Elementary & Secondary

Science PD on Your Plan is coming to OSDE Connect! When Oklahoma first adopted the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (OAS-S), the OSDE provided online professional development that could be completed during an educator's planning period, or whenever it fit into their schedule. We have started updating the original PD on Your Plan modules and are creating new ones, which will be available on OSDE Connect soon!

The first module will showcase how to read and unpack the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (OAS-S). This module will be a great resource for new science educators, administrators, informal education organizations, or anyone that may want a refresh on the vision of science education. We hope to publish this module at the beginning of September!

Grade-Bands/Subject Area Teams

• Start: Various timelines, depending on area(s) of greatest need (late Fall 2023)
• Purpose: (1) Collaboration opportunities for educators teaching similar content; (2) Professional learning focused on the challenges of specific grade-bands/subjects; and (3) Support new-to-science/subject/education teachers.
• Who: Elementary and secondary science teachers

Explore Oklahoma Science Network

• Start: Tentatively late Fall 2023
• Purpose: (1) Discover Oklahoma phenomena that can be used in science classrooms by visiting locations throughout the State; (2) Identify resources and strategies to support using these phenomena, including alignment with the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science; and (3) Include the new Oklahoma phenomena in the Oklahoma Science Framework.
• Who: Elementary and secondary science teachers

Supporting Emerging Multilingual Learners Collaboration

• Start: Tentatively late Fall 2023 or Winter 2024
• Purpose: Address challenges of supporting English language development in a science classroom by providing space for collaboration between science and EL educators.
• Who: Science educators (Grades 6-12) and EL educators

Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and Math Collaboration

• Start: Tentatively Winter 2024
• Purpose: (1) Identify connections between the practices and skills for science, computer science, engineering, and math; (2) Develop support for STEM integration in core classes; and (3) Showcase qualities of effective STEM programs.
• Who: Science, math, and computer science educators - all grades/subjects

Science and ELA Collaboration

• Start: Tentatively Winter 2024
• Purpose: (1) Identify connections between the practices and skills for science and ELA; and (2) Develop support for writing integration in core classes
• Who: Science and ELA educators - all grades/subjects

Take a look at some of these lessons and activities to help celebrate Work Space Week!

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15), we highlight a few of the Hispanic scientists and engineers who made (and are making) important contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The list below is only a sampling of noted scientists through history and working in STEM fields today.

Pacing guides have been updated for the 23-24 school year. There are no MAJOR changes. Sixth grade will be moving one of the scopes to a new place, and I have updated the Canvas Blueprints accordingly.

Looking for Read Alouds that work together with your curriculum? Check out the science pacing guides! In the lower righthand corner, there are some suggestions for read aloud books found in MyOn.

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.

To be entered into the drawing, tell me if this statement is fact or fiction:

The Majority of Earth’s Oxygen Is Produced by Oceans

You don't have to answer the question correctly to win the prize!