SD Unified Science
May 2024
Unified Science sparks curiosity and creativity, empowering the next generation to enact change in our local and global communities.
- Science: bit.ly/sdusdscience
- STEAM: bit.ly/sdusdsteam
Please share photos and other exciting news from your class with us! We would love to feature it!
Physics of the Universe with Problem Solving
Combine scientific exploration with design and problem-solving skills! Science teachers are invited to participate in โProblem Solving like n expertโ training and bring real world problems and problem solving methods to your classroom
Teaching physics? SDUSD has approved a pilot course for Physics of the Universe with Problem Solving. Teachers who will complete the training will have access to the fully designed curriculum with assessments and students who participate in the course will be eligible to 3 pre collegiate credits from UCSD extension
Attention STEAM Teachers! Fleet Science Center End-of-Year Celebration
San Diego Unified, in collaboration with the Fleet Science Center, invites you to an end-of-year Celebration Event on Wednesday, May 15. Join us for an afternoon to connect with fellow Educators, enjoy our galleries, and watch a special screening of our newest IMAX documentary, "Blue Whales: Return of the Giants."
We encourage your attendance with a partner and/or children; however, please ensure children are accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Each educator can bring up to two guests.
3:45 - Doors Open
4:00 - Welcome and Announcements
4:30 - Explore Galleries
5:00 - IMAX Dome Theater - Blue Whales
6:00 - Closing Remarks
6:30 - Event Ends
Highlighted Resources
San Diego Environmental Educators Leaders Network Showcase
The San Diego Environmental Educators Leaders Network is hosting our annual showcase this Thursday, May 2nd from 4-6pm at SDCOE. (Registration link: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/1022-246198)
Check out this flier The event is free, there will be snacks, lots of attendance prizes, and the chance to meet many of our informal environmental education programs in the county.
PASCO Smart Cart Update!
PASCO recently released a firmware update for the Smart Cart that includes improved battery performance! To get this update, you will need to connect your Smart Cart to the latest version of either Capstone or SPARKvue software.
What PASCO Software Supports the Update?
PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue updates provide the latest firmware version for your cart.
If you are using our MatchGraph! software, please use the PWA version of SPARKvue (linked below).
Our software will always check for available updates. If your lab computers are not connected to the internet or you have disabled updates for your software, please check the following sites to access the latest versions.Capstone Version 2.7 | SPARKvue Version 4.10 | SPARKvue PWA Version 4.10
How to Update Your Smart Cart:
1. Update to the latest software
2. Connect your Smart Cart to your device(connect via USB for a faster update!)
3. Repeat for each Smart Cart
Please do not hesitate to contact PASCO Tech Support at support@pasco.com or through chat on the PASCO website. To enable chat, please allow all cookies on our site through your browser.
Working on your Spring Supply Orders for 24-25?
Here is a job aid for ordering through School Specialty: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U663_pPgP0m4F2JlEvXPFRa68lqO-Dh8kiDr1WZT7iU/edit?usp=sharing
ATTN HS Teachers: ScienceBridge Annual Teacher Training Workshop
Please see the attached flyer for information on our annual teacher training on Saturday June 1, 2024! This is for both veteran teachers who would like a refresher and for new teachers to ScienceBridge! We highly encourage anyone who has not trained on the Ocean Acidification and Enzyme kits to sign up for this spring training, since trained teachers will have priority for kit ordering. Please feel free to share the attached flyer with teachers whom you think would be interested in this training opportunity.
EcoLogik Institute - Opportunites
FREE STEAM workshops and after school programs! EcoLogik Institute combines nature and technology to help youth explore the world around them.
- Hands-on workshops are inspired by real scientists in the National Park System! We offer both in-person and virtual workshops on a variety of topics from Radio Telemetry to 3D printing.
- Are you an educator looking for awesome STEAM programs for your classroom/club? We'd love to partner with you! Our after school programs emphasize real science role models and inspire youth to follow their passions.
Check out our website here: The EcoLogik Institute for more information! We hope to see you soon!
Professional Learning Opportunities
Attn 5th-12th Grade Teachers: Climate Champions Summit
We are excited to share that the San Diego Science Project in partnership with Scripps Oceanography and the Birch Aquarium is going to be hosting two new Climate Champions Design Summits this summer. With support from the SoCal Heat Hub and Birch Aquarium, we are able to offer $300 stipends for participation andUnderstanding Global Change (UGC) modeling kits for teachers.
This opportunity applies to all teachers grades 5-12. Additionally, they will be providing instructional units to support implementation of the modeling practices learned with UGC.
WHAT ARE THE DETAILS?
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Who: Teachers Grades 5-12
When: June 10th and 11th, 8:30am to 4pm OR August 5th and 6th, 8:30am to 4pm
Where: UC San Diego
Understanding Global Change Webinar
Thursday, May 9th 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Understanding the Earth as a system can help learners of all ages explain how and why our climate and ecosystems are changing and the many ways we can take action in response to these changes. In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to the Understanding Global Change Framework, Earth system modeling tools, and materials to support planning instruction and classroom implementation. All educators are welcome at this free event!
Computer Science Summer Professional Learning Programs!
Code.org San Diego & UCSD Create are offering Computer Science Summer Professional Learning Programs! These programs are highly supportive to prepare both experienced and novice educators with high-quality computer science instruction. The Summer of CS program includes:
ยง A five-day summer workshop, which will fully prepare educators to utilize Code.org curricula (CS Discoveries and CS Principles) and teacher support systems.
ยง Four one-day academic year workshops during the school year when teachers will reconvene for ongoing training and just-in-time support.
ยง Additional opportunities for online and face-to-face networking and collaboration with peers throughout the year.
Full scholarships and stipends are available for teachers in schools with high underserved student populations, thanks to generous support from Code.org!
Learn more about Code.org's San Diego Professional Learning training here.
2024 SDNI Nanotechnology Summer Institute for Middle and High School Teachers
Middle and High School Teachers will learn how nanotechnology content can integrate with their current California NGSS science curricula. During the program, teachers will acquire knowledge that will enable them to prepare a lesson plan that integrates nanotechnology with their current science program. Teachers will then implement the lesson plan during the school year 2024-2025.
Teachers receive a $800 stipend and $200 nanotechnology material kit.Professional Development Credits: 30 hours of Professional Development Units can be reported to school districts.
Application to the SDNI Nanotechnology Summer Institute is now open through May 31, 2024. To apply, please email Yves Theriault at ytheriault@ucsd.edu and provide the following information: Full name, Name of School where teaching, Grade level(s), Science or Math Topic(s) taught, indicate your choice of one the following week for the 5-day training: June 24-28 or July 15-19
Nature Journaling
Learn nature journaling skills and activities that you can use with your students, all while exploring the biodiversity of San Diego with like-minded educators. Nature Journaling improves our observation skills and piques our curiosity, leading us to ask questions about and have stronger connections to nature. It also helps calm our nervous system, and inspires creativity and independent thinking.
Sessions will be held every second Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 a.m. at various outdoor locations in San Diego.
- 05/11/24 - Palomar College Arboretum, San Marcos
- 06/08/24- Kumeyaay Lake, Mission Trails Regional Park
Have questions? Email Info@sdchildrenandnature.org or register here for Nature Journaling Club.
Attention MS Teachers: Amplify Resources!
- Welcome to Amplify Science page - introduction and getting started resources
- Most recent Amplify Newsletter
- Caregiver Hub
- Instructional Leaders Community of Practice
- Amplify Student workbooks are available in limited amount. If you are out of student workbooks we have a limited supply of workbooks to assist with restocking! Available through Destiny. Please reach out to your site Destiny contact (usually the librarian)
Student Opportunities
Young Women in STEM!
YWC West is taking place at SDSU on Friday, May 17th, from 9am-2pm. The event is open to young women in grades 7-10 and school groups, school clubs, STEM/STEAM clubs, Girl Scouts Troops, Homeschool, etc. are welcome to register to attend.
STEAM Concert: 3-2-1 Blast Off!
TICKETS AVAILABLE:
- Wednesday, May 15th @ 11:45 AM - Joan B. Kroc Theatre
- Friday, May 17th @ 11:45 AM - Balboa Theatre
~all other performances SOLD OUT~
TICKETS: $8
($7 for Title 1 Schools)
*Teachers Free*
- Classics Philharmonic Orchestra & Conductor Dana Zimbric
- 50-Minute Interactive Programs for Pre-K โ 6th Grade
- Social-Emotional Learning & Diverse Music
- CA Arts Standards & Lesson Plans Included
- Classroom Docents (By Request Only)
*DID YOU KNOW?*
Classics 4 Kids is a San Diego Unified School District-approved vendor with a Professional Services Agreement (PSA).
Click HERE to learn how to use PSA Funds to access Classics 4 Kids programs.
Free Stuff!
We want to hear from you!
We want to hear your recommendations and share them with other science teachers!
If you have a favorite curriculum, reading, activity, or PLC plan that you want to recommend to other teachers we want to capture a short (1-3 minutes) video of you describing it and share it with other unified science teachers!
Email tlerner@sandi.net and one of us will come to visit you and record a short clip !
Science Joke! ๐
May as well!