On the fourth of every month, BOCES 4 Science will send you the latest news, updates, resources and more about science education. B4S is thrilled to support you in making a lasting impact on students' learning journey.

September has always been one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves start changing, there is a briskness in the air, and football is back (Go Bills!!!). Even more exciting is the beginning of the new school year.

As a child, I always felt the joy of going back to school each September. I got to see my friends, learn new things, and have a reason to buy new school supplies. The joy I felt as a student has only grown as a professional in education. I hope you are as excited about returning to school as I am. Your impact on the lives of students goes beyond the classroom – thank you for helping each child learn and grow.

BOCES 4 Science staff members have been busy all summer in preparation for the opening of school – including preparing and shipping almost 6,000 totes for September. This summer, BOCES 4 Science held professional learning workshops in the recently-opened new facility. In-person workshops on NYSSLS for High School, Biology Investigation Tasks and Earth and Space Sciences Investigation Tasks. Along with our virtual unit trainings, BOCES 4 Science has provided high-quality professional learning for over 200 teachers this summer.

The BOCES 4 Science mission is to provide the best products and services in the field of science education. Please feel free to reach out to me at smontema@boces4science.org with any questions or needs moving forward.

Welcome back to school and to the 2024-25 school year. As science and science education become more important than ever, BOCES 4 Science is honored to be collaborating with you as you help prepare your students with the science and engineering skills necessary for the future.

Steven Montemarano

BOCES 4 Science Director

smontema@boces4science.org

• Deer have a 310-degree vision because their eyes are located on the sides of their head.
  
• Butterfly wings are covered in tiny scales and they are the only insects with scaly wings.
  
• Earth is the only planet in our solar system with enough water in the atmosphere to form rainbows.
  
• Pollinators are responsible for one in three bites of food we eat, and are estimated to contribute $233 billion to the global economy.
  

Deer, Deer Everywhere! Kit Basics

• Grade Level: 5
• NYSSLS Alignment: Life Science Progression (LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B) and Physical Science Progression (PS3.D)
• Major Concepts: Matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems through the lens of deer overpopulation

Making Science Engaging Through Student Experiences

Using their knowledge of organisms and ecosystems, students take on the role of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation researchers and are charged with the task of creating a public service announcement on the issue of deer overpopulation.

Did You Know...?

Deer, Deer Everywhere! is the most popular BOCES 4 Science kit for week one shipping. More than 112 kits are on their way to classrooms across the state!

Online Resources

• Student Resources
• Teacher Resources password required

BOCES 4 Science is here to help classroom teachers make science engaging and educational. Part of leasing a B4S kit is gaining access to the knowledge of the entire team. To assist in kit implementation, unit professional learning opportunities are free for those who lease the associated kit. Check out the list below for upcoming single and multi-part sessions, arranged by kit name.

Single Sessions (Three Hours)

Earth Processes in New York State - Tuesday, Oct. 1

Earth's Features - Tuesday, Oct. 29

Investigating Weather and Climate - Thursday, Sept. 26

Made of Matter - Tuesday, Oct. 15

Pushes and Pulls - Tuesday, Sept. 24

Sending Messages with Light and Sound - Wednesday, Sept. 25

Sky Patterns - Wednesday, Sept. 18

Weather for Kindergarten - Tuesday, Oct. 8

Where are the Wolves? - Thursday, Oct. 10

Three-Part Series (One Hour Each)

Deer, Deer Everywhere! - Thursdays beginning Sept. 12

Got Water? - Wednesdays beginning Oct. 23

Sky Patterns - Thursdays beginning Sept. 12

Sending Messages Through Light and Sound - Tuesdays beginning Sept. 17

Toys Matter - Tuesdays beginning Nov. 5

Looking for a training not listed above? Reach out to BOCES 4 Science Assistant Director Lisa Zeznick at lzeznick@boces4science.org.

Want to get an up-close look at the NYSED Science Investigations? BOCES 4 Science instructional specialists are prepared to take these investigations from mystery to clarity. Through a two-day, in-person workshop, you will learn about expectations, best practices for implementation and even get to try out activities. Group discussions about alignment with standards and fitting these labs into your curriculum will also take place.

Sessions fill quickly! Two current offerings are full. Check back in the October issue for additional opportunities.

The Regional Science Leadership Cadre is a professional learning network of K-12 science educators committed to supporting high-quality, equitable science learning for all students in the region. Teachers, teacher leaders, coaches and administrators are invited to come together to learn; to share resources and ideas; and to provide support to each other.

This professional learning group is made possible through a partnership between BOCES 4 Science and the University of Rochester's Center for Professional Development and Education Reform. The group will meet throughout the year beginning in October.

For more information and to join the cadre, visit the Regional Science Leadership Cadre registration page on Frontline.

Click on the associated icon below to be directed to a digital copy of the current BOCES 4 Science catalogs.