Let's Put the A(rt) in STEM

Hello Region 3 Expanded Learning Program practitioners, we hope this blog finds you doing well. April is National Poetry Month and with that we wanted to share the following poem with you and your students:

Thinking Like a Scientist

by Jennie Munson

I want to think like a scientist

Observing animals, earth, or sky.

I want to ask good questions

Wondering how, what, and why.

I want to make smart guesses

Hypothesizing what might happen and when.

I want to do cool experiments

Testing my thinking again and again.

I want to write up all my data,

Recording pictures, charts, or words.

I want to think through all I've done

Drawing conclusions about what I've learned.

Wondering, asking, testing, concluding.

This is what scientist do.

If you want to think like a scientist

Then you must do them too!

Now lets take a closer look at and see how Expanded learning Program Practitioners and their students in expanded learning program and have been engaged in STEM activities during the month of March.

Name of Expanded Learning Program Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community 
Service Center

Name of District: Twin Rivers Unified School District

Name of School Site: Foothill Oaks Elementary

Grade Level of Activity: 5th Grade though 8th grade

Number of Students Who Took Part in The Activity: 20 students

Type of Activity: NBA Math Hoops

Learning Objectives of NBA Math Hoops:

NBA Math Hoops is a fast-paced basketball board game and mobile app that allows students to learn fundamental math skills through direct engagement with the real statistics of their favorite NBA and WNBA players. The NBA Math Hoops curriculum is tied to Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning Skills, and it has been shown to improve students’ basic math skills and understanding of statistics, in addition to their interpersonal skills, driving them to collaborate more effectively with their peers.

Foothill Oaks expanded learning program students compete in the first ever NBA Math Hoops Competition.

For more information on this pilot of NBA Math Hoops please contact Site Coordinator Sarah Heidel at sarah@sccsc.org

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Target Excellence

Name of District: Elk Grove Unified

Name of School Site: Roy Herburger Elementary

Grade Level of Activity: 4th through 6th

Number of Students Who Took Part in The Activity: 20 students

Type of Activity: Sacramento Science Olympiad

Learning Objectives of Science Olympiad:

The STEM activities lend themselves to all STEM disciplines and expose 

students to practicing scientists, career choices, and energizes classroom

teachers with dynamic content experience.

Roy Herburger Expanded Learning students competing in the Science Olympiad.

Roy Herburger Expanded Learning students working on their tennis ball catapult.

Roy Herburger Expanded Learning students receiving their 4th place medals for the Calculator and Don't Bug Me Contest.


For more information on the Sacramento Science Olympiad please contact Site Coordinator Jenna Boydl at jenna.boyd@targetexcellence.org.

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center

Name of District: Sacramento City Unified School District

Name of School Site: Nicholas Elementary

Grade Level of Activity: 5th Grade though 6th grade

Number of Students Who Took Part in The Activity: 20 students

Type of Activity: Flight and Rocketry

Learning Objectives of Flight and Rocketry:

a) Learn that scientist investigate by making observations and performing tests

b) Deepen their understanding of air resistance

c) Explore and understand that skinny streamlined shapes can move                                      

     faster because they have less air resistance

d) Understand that air resistance is an important factor in designing rockets                                

     fast takeoffs and soft landings

Nicholas Expanded Learning students testing out their ballon and straw rockets.

Nicholas Expanded Learning students testing their ballon and straw rocket design.

Nicholas Expanded Learning students planning the design of their paper rocket.

Nicholas Expanded Learning students plan for creating their paper rocket.

For any questions on this activity please contact Mark Drewes at mdrewes@scoe.net. This was an activity facilitated by CSUS School of Education students. 

STEM / Expanded Learning Program and Other Pertinent Educational Articles:

1) After-school programs need funds to help students thrive: Guest Commentary
    (Steve Zimmer and Eric Gurna, LA Dail News, March 11, 2016)

2) 8 Family Strategies to Boost Program Engagement
    (Daniel W. Hatcher, BOOST Blog, March 17, 2016)

3) Book club helps immigrant mothers find joy in reading and support their kids' 
    education (Daniela Gerson, LA Times, March 5, 2016)

4) Shadow a student challenge helps administrators understand kids
    (Theresa Harrington, EdSource, March 7, 2016)

5) A principal met a student she expelled, and it changed her approach to discipline
    (Emma Brown, Washington Post, March 8, 2016)

6) 10 Motivators to Promote Playful Learning
    (Laura Robb, Middleweb, March 6, 2016)

7) ESSA: A Q and A for the after school field
    (Jillian Luchner, Afterschool Alliance, March 3, 2016)

8) Brains in Pain Cannot Learn! (Dr. Lori Desautels, Edutopia, January 7, 2016)

9) The Superior Social Skills of Bilinguals
    (Katherine Kindler, New York Times, March 11, 2016)

10) Four Reasons to Start Class With a Poem Each Day
    (Brett Vogelsinger, Edutopia, March 11, 2016)

11) Why Kids Need to Move, Touch, and Experience to Learn
    (Katrina Schwartz, Mind/Shift, March 26, 2015)

12) What Kind of Group Work Encourages the Most Original Thinking? 
      Elissa Nadworny, Mind/Shift, March 14, 2016)

13) Equity is Fostered Through What We Teach and What We Don't
      (Elena Aguilar, Edutopia, April 7, 2016)

14) Full STEM Ahead: At Franklin Institute, students learn science is a diverse field
      (Kristin E. Holmes, April 5, 2016)

15) Why Do Some Poor Kids Thrive? (Alana Semuels, The Atlantic, April 6, 2016)

16) Looking for the Hidden Genius Within Disenfranchised Youth
      (Mindshift, March 3, 2014)

17) How to get kids hooked on books? Use Poetry.
      (NPR, April 3, 2016)
      



STEM (and other interdisciplinary core content) Activities / Videos / Websites:

1) The World of Expanded Learning Interview with Jeff Davis 
    (Executive Director of CAN) (Bruno Marchesi, VLOG, March 7, 2016)

2) The World of Expanded Learning Interview with Brigette Edwards 
    (Site Coordinator) (Bruno Marchesi, VLOG, March 2, 2016)

3) Ode to A Site Coordinator by Diego Aranciba
    (Video, March 31, 2016)

4) The World of Expanded Learning: Resources that I wish that I had known about
    (Bruno Marchesi, VLOG, February 19, 2016)

5) STEAM Lesson: Coloring Sound (Lesson for Grades 6-8)

6) New App helps undocumented immigrants find college scholarships
    (App for high school students)

7) Meet the "Rocket Girls," the women who charted the course to space
    (NPR, April 5, 2016, Podcast)

8) The Poetry of Sylvia Plath / Crash Course Literature #216
    (PBS Learning Media, Media Resource for MS / HS students)

9) The Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy Explained Perfectly 
    With a Simple Animation  (Vimeo, Video Resource)

10) Summer Opportunities Resources
      (National Summer Learning Association, Resource Guides)

11) Discovering Poetry
     (PBS Learning Media Document for Grades PreK to 4th)

12) 5 Fun and Easy Science Projects To Do At Home
      (Exploratorium, Activities Grades 5-8)

13) Resources and Downloads to Support College Readiness
      (Edutopia, Resources) 

14) California After School Resource Center (Online STEM trainings)


15) Drew Dudley Leading With Lollipops (Leadership Tedx Talk, 2010)

16) The Future Project: NY High School Students Share Their View on School
      (The Future Project Video)

17) Science Poems (Poems on Various Science Concepts)





STEM / Educational Grants:

1) National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): Enhancing Student 
    Mathematics Learning Through the Use of Tools and Technology  
    ($3,000 grants are available)
    (Deadline: May 6, 2016)

2) Math Moves U: Math Hero Award (Math hero receives a $2,500 grant and school 
    receives a matching award) (Deadline: Applications open Spring of 2016)

3) Best Satellite Providers: Technology Grants for Educators 
    17 Resources for Future Proof Kids

    (Deadline: Varies by Grant Opportunity)

4) California Regional Environmental Education Community (Grant Database)

5) The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources (Edutopia List of Grants)

    (This webpage has been updated on April 3, 2016)

6) Target Field Trips Grant ($700)  (August 1 through September 30, 2016)

7) Project WET Funding Database 

   (Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the 

    "Grants" link)

STEM / Misc. Professional Development / Contest / Events:

1)  CA STEM Symposium 2016 (October 9-11, 2016: Fee: $285 per participant 

     before April 30, 2016)

2) Lights On After School Poster Contest (Deadline: June 1, 2016)

3) SCOE STEM Module Training (Module TBD) (Cost: Free) (June 2, 2016)

    More information coming in the next few weeks: 

    Click here to take part in the survey to help determine the STEM Module

4) Let's Put the A(rt) in STEM workshop at the Crocker Art Museum
    (Cost: Free) (Date: June 9, 2016) (Registration Opening Soon)

Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes (SCOE: Project Specialist II: After School) mdrewes@scoe.net

   
     


    

Expanded Learning Partners STEM Talking Points

Recently, Jeff Davis (Interim Director) of the California After School Network, shared with me some key talking points around expanded learning programs and the importance that they play in on only STEM, but also the implementation / advancement of educational standards (NGSS and CCSS).

With that being stated, here are the talking points that you can share with the different stakeholders that you may come across that can also spread the word about the importance of cohesion between the regular day and expanded learning programs.

Key Points:

      

      a) The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the NextGeneration 

          Science Standards (NGSS) have been adopted by California. CCSS 

          and NGSS were designed to be complimentary to one another.  

          Each set of standards references intersections to the other.
 

       b) The practice-related elements of the CCSS (Standards for Mathematical 

            Practice, and Capacities of a Literate Individual) and NGSS 

            (Science and Engineering Practices) have strong overlap with 

            Quality Standards for Expanded Learning such as Active and Engaged 

            Learning, and Skill Building.
   

        c) Expanded learning programs are an essential resource to advance priorities 

            outlined in the Local ControlFunding Formula (such as implementation of 

            the CCSS, Student Engagement, and Student Achievement), for over 800,000 

            underserved students enrolled in statewide expanded learning programs.
    

         d) Recent research (Vandell, YEAR) has shown that income differences for K-5 

             students in math achievement can be addressed with consistent participation in 

             quality expanded learning programs. 

Why K-12 and Expanded Learning Partners Should Collaborate:

·       Increase quality STEM learning opportunities:

   o Expanded learning programs are an essential resource to advance new standards 

          and budget priorities, offering more time for learning in a flexible environment.

 o  Recent research (SRI, YEAR) outlines that partnerships with expanded learning 

          programs are associated with increased quality of science learning opportunities.

·       Advancing mutually beneficial goals:

     o One learning activity can address Quality Standards for Expanded Learning 

           Programs, as well as the practice-based elements of the CCSS and NGSS. 

     o When planned in coordination, schools and expanded learning programs can 

            leverage additional time for mutual benefit, and the benefit of students.  

·       Increasing student success: 

       o   STEM learning opportunities are an effective vehicle for youth to practice

                  and master the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st Century workforce, 

                  such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving.

   

       o   Science and engineering practices, standards for mathematical practices, 

                  capacities of a literate individual can help students become the innovators of the 

                  future in order to address the challenges facing humanity.   

Strategies for K-12 / expanded learning program collaboration

·       Increase your understanding of the Science and Engineering Practices of NGSS, 

     as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Capacities of a Literate 

     Individual outlined in the CCSS.

·       Articulate how activities implemented in your expanded learning programs are 

     consistent with Quality Standardsfor Expanded Learning Programs while also 

     supportive of the implementation of new standards.

·       Make a plan to increase cohesion between core instructional day and expanded 

    learning program STEM learning opportunities (utilize assessment and planning 

    tools from the Power of Discovery: STEM²).

·       Increase the quality and quantity of STEM learning activities in your program by 

     referencing ExpandedLearning STEM Quality Elements, curriculum and 

     activities, funding, professional development opportunities, and many other 

     resources at powerofdiscovery.org  

Here is a look at one expanded learning program site and the STEM activities that 

they have lined up for their students in the upcoming month:

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community 

      Service Center (SCCSC)

Name of District: Sacramento City Unified School District

      School Site: Kit Carson Middle School

Grade Level of Activities: 7th thru 9th Grade

      STEM Overview: STEM education is a major component of the Kit Carson 

      Middle School ASES Program. Students participate in weekly STEM 

      activities where they explore the four disciplines and learn firsthand how 

      the Scientific Method can be applied to everyday life. In addition to these 

      activities, students have the opportunity to join two STEM-based clubs where

      they study and prep for competitive competitions. 

     The Kit Carson STEM-based Clubs are as follows:

     Lego League: In this club students learn how to design, build, and program

     a robot from over 1,100 parts and additional motors, sensors, and gears. In

     competition, the Lego based robot completes various taxksduring a themed

     mission. 

Science Olympiad: The Kit Carson ASES Program brings the Science Olympiad

(SO), the nation's most exciting K-12 Science competition to the students. Whether

it is science labs, rocket design, bridge building, using forensics to solve crimes, or

building robots, (SO) has it all. 

       

For more information about the above activities please contact Wendy Tsan at 

wendy@sccsc.org

STEM and Other Pertinent Articles:

1) Computer Science Education in California: From Kindergarten to the Workforce: 
     Findings and Policy Recommendations (California STEM Learning Network)

2) Can Project Based Learning Close Gaps in STEM Education? (KQED)

3) SB 1200: State Legislature Approves High School Advanced Computer Science Bill
    (California Newswire)

4) SB 1221: After School Programs: Program Improvement / Operating Year
     Round Programs (Tom Torlakson)

5) Who Needs Algebra? New Approach To College Math Helps More Pass (NPR)

6) The Mis-Education of African-American Girls (NPR)

7) Three R's for the Digital Age: Rockets, Robots, and Remote Control (NPR)

8) The Maker Movement: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants to Own the Future (NPR)

9) A Crosswalk between the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning Programs
    and Quality Program Assessment Tools (Public Profit)

10) Access the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California and Supporting
      Resources (California After School Network)

11) Resources to Support Continuous Quality Improvement
      (California After School Network)

12) SRI Releases After School Science Networks Study (SRI Education)


STEM (and other Integrated Core Content) 
Activities/Videos/Websites/Podcast:

1) After School Games and Activities for Integrating STEM (CASRC: Curriculum)
    (Grades: K-6)

2) The Sneeze: How Germs Spread (CASRC: DVD) (Grades K-12)

3) Computer Art for Young People (CASRC: DVD) (Grades 3-8)

4) Brain Based Strategies to Reach Every Learner (CASRC: Publication) 
    (For Expanded Learning Practitioners who work with grades 3-8)

5) The Drug Facts Action Pack (CASRC: DVD) (Grades 4-6)

6) Bubble Bonanza (Engineering Adventures) (Grades 3-5)

7) Youth Service America Classroom Resources (YSA)

8) Six Things You Need to Know About STEM (CNN Money: Video)

9) NGSS Workgroup Meeting #1 (Recording of first meeting 10/6/14)



STEM Grants:

1) Whale Tail Grants: (Apply by November 1, 2014)
     is now accepting applications.  These grants support projects encouraging people 
     to value and take action to improve the health of California’s marine and coastal 
     environments. Educational projects improving the quality of beaches or coastal or 
     marine habitats are also eligible. This year there is a special subcategory for projects 
     addressing climate change and /or ocean acidification.  Emphasis is on reaching 
     underserved students or members of the public. 

     Applications mailed to the California Coastal Commission must be postmarked by

     November 1^st. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies may apply.  Applicants 

     may request up to $50,000, and 25-50% of the funding will be allocated in small grants 

     below $10,000. A total of $345,100 will be distributed.  For full guidelines and an 

     application, see the link at www.coastforyou.org or call (800) Coast-4U.

2) Project WET: Grant Database (Over 20 different grants available)

3) Captain Planet Foundation
     Grants are made for activities that promote and support high-quality educational 
     programs, enable children and youth to understand and appreciate our world through
     learning experiences and engage them in active, hands-on projects to improve the 
     environment in their schools and communities. CPF grants are limited to $2,500 and 
     preferential consideration is given to applicants who have secured at least 50% 
     matching or in-kind funding for their program.
     (Deadline: Will fund as many projects that annual resources will allow. )

     (January 31, 2015 for fall and winter projects)

STEM Professional Development / Misc. / Events / Contest:

1) Techbridge Announces Launch of Role Models Matter

    Online Training

2) Click2Science Launches a New Skill to Make STEM Click

3) GEMS Dry Ice Investigations and Chemical Investigations
    (SMUD Hosted) (October 16, 2014) (Free) (Grades 5-12)

4) Media Smart Youth: Teen Leaders Program (Deadline: October 24, 2014)
     (Young adults ages 15-20 may apply) (Teen leaders will receive training
     assistance, plus $1,000 for program expenses)

5) STEM Resources from Sally Ride Science (Deadline: October 31st)
    EarthKAM Missions
    Sally Ride-Deloitte Science Award

6) Get to Know Contest:
      The Contest invites you to get outside and create original works of art, writing, 
      photography, videography and music inspired by nature. Get Outdoors and “Get 
      to Know Your Wild Neighbors”. The goal is to be as creative as possible. For 
      inspiration, check out some of the amazing programs offered by our partners. Then, 
      get outdoors and get to know! Submit your work for a chance to win cool prizes. The 
      contest runs from May 1^st to November 1^st - Get started today! 
      (Deadline: November 1, 2014)

6) 2014 Digital Media and Learning Contest
      (Applications accepted September 3 through November 1, 2014) 
      (Award amount will range from $10,000 up to $150,000)


Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig: (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes: (SCOE: Project Specialist II: After School): mdrewes@scoe.net