After School STEM News for the Month of April

NGSS: Things to Know for April

1) Achieve and Teaching Channel collaborated to produce four videos that present an
    overview of the key innovations in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
    and a deeper dive into each of the NGSS' three dimensions (Science and Engineering 
    Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas).

2) Curious about how science education will change with NGSS? Check out this chart
    from the National Research Council's free downloadable report, Guide to Implementing
    the Next Generation Science Standards. Guide to Implementing the Next Generation 
    Science_Standards.

3) NGSS Question of the Month: Some of my colleagues have just started to explore the
    NGSS. What are your recommendations for introducing them to the promise of these
    new standards?

    Answer: Many resources are available that can potentially give you a good start. First,
    you'll get a good overview by reading the executive summary (pages 1-4) of the
    Framework for K-12 Science_Education, upon which the NGSS is based. Then, you
    might consider watching this short video about how to read the standards and look at
    this related overview from the National Science Teachers Association.

4) Watch NSTA 2015 videos to see highlights from the recent National Science Teachers
     Association conference in Chicago, including this interview with Dr. Okhee Lee. Dr.
     Lee, who previously served on the NGSS Writing Team, discusses her work with the
     standards and shares ways to ensure a quality science education for diverse groups
     of students.

5) The Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS (often called "practices") are not
     meant to be used interchangeably with the word "skills" (often interpreted as mastery
     of an activity or procedure). As stated in the chapter on practices in the Framework,
     "This chapter stresses the importance of developing students' knowledge of how
     science and engineering achieve their ends while also strengthening their competency
     with related practices…. We use the term "practices", instead of a term such as
     "skills," to stress that engaging in scientific inquiry requires coordination both of
      knowledge and skill simultaneously." (pg. 41)

     This point is best illustrated by an example: think about a student who is developing
     and using models (an NGSS science and engineering practice). In order to do this
     effectively, students need to:
   

• Have a grade-appropriate understanding of what modeling is and how models are               developed and used (the necessary knowledge), and

• Actually create and use the model (often seen as the "skill")

       It is when both students' knowledge and skills come together that they can
       successfully engage in the science and engineering practices in the NGSS.

6) New K-12 Science Standards Emphasize Hands-on Learning by Sanden Totten,
    Southern California Public Radio March 26, 2015

7) West Milford schools set sights on new science standards by David M. Zimmer,
    NorthJersey.com March 29, 2015

8) Planning Investigations in 7th Grade by David Grossman, ngssky.weebly.com
    March 8, 2015


Now lets take a closer look at and see how one after school program is engaging its
students in STEM learning activities.


Name of Out-Of-School-Time Provider: Wheatland School District - After School
Programs

Name of District: Wheatland School District

Grade Level of Activity: 4th thru 8th

Number of Students Who Took Part in The Activity: 80

Type of Activity: Maker Tub

Learner Outcomes - Students will: 

• Be engaged in Project Based Learning Activities
• Learn about criteria and constraints during a die cut challenge
• Learn how to work collaboratively on a task
• Take part in a learning activity that incorporates all five principles of LIAS
• Learn how to engineer a tower that could support a toy animal
• Learn about squishy circuits and about creating a series
• Learn about Physics; Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
• Use academic register during learning activities
• Learn using the Engineer Design Process

Students work collaboratively while engineering a tower made of cards.

Students show off their tall card tower that they have just engineered.

Students engineer a foam marble roller coaster and learn about potential and kinetic energy.

STEM / Expanded Learning / and Other Pertinent Educational Articles

1) Summer Science Project Evaluation Findings 2014 by Partnership for Children and
     Youth and Techbridge 2014 Report

2) The Keys to Success in K-6 NGSS Implementation III: Learning Through Scientific 
    and Engineering Practices report by CSUS, West Ed, CSU East Bay

3) Parents Play A Vital Role in Molding Future Scientist report by
    George Mason University

4) Being Human: The First Step in STEM Education by Ritankar Das
    (Scientific American)

5) Technology and Just-In-Time Learning by John Katzman and Shay David
    (edSurge) 

6) The Value of Wild, Risky Play: Fire, Mud, Hammer and Nails by Eric Westervelt
    (NPR)

7) Learning to Move, Moving to Learn: The Benefits of PE by Eric Westervelt (NPR)

8) Questions to Ask About Ed-Tech at Your Kids' School by Anya Kamenetz (NPR) 

9) Q&A: Raising Kids Who Want to Read by Corey Turner (NPR) 

10) Using Humor in The Classroom by Maurice Elias (Edutopia)

11) Breaking Down Silos: Career Technical Education in the Era of Common Core 

      by Anna O'Brien (Edutopia) 

12) Preparing a Classroom Culture for Deeper Learning by Elizabeth Garcia (Edutopia)

13) Strategies for Helping Students Motivate Themselves by Larry Ferlazzo (Edutopia)

14) Kids on The Move (After School Alliance Executive Summary)


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

1) Are your students thinking critically? (Podcast on Teacher Cast)

2) Improving Parent Communication (Podcast on Teacher Cast)

3) Learn how to record a podcast with your students (Podcast on Teacher Cast)

4) After School Radio
    (Radio programs produced about after school topics by After School Alliance)

5) Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Experiences (Grades 2-6th CASRC)

6) The True Sport Stories (Grades 4-12 CASRC)
     (Empower students with the knowledge and decision-making skills to understand
      proper nutrition and healthy methods for engaging in sports.)

7) Explore It Activities Page (Exploratorium)

8) Earth Day Lessons (Edutopia)


STEM / Educational Grants: 

1) Grant Wrangler STEM Grants

2) Grant Wrangler Health and PE Grants

3) Power of Discovery Grant Databases

4) Power of Discovery Funding Opportunities

5) CREEC Grant / Resource Database

6) Project WET Grant Database


STEM / Other Content Area Professional Development / Misc. / Events / Contest

1) Code.org Workshops at Elliott Ranch Elementary Computer Lab on 
    4/11/15 and 4/25/15 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Free)

2) Code.org Workshops at Arden Middle School Computer Lab on
    4/18/15 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Free)

3) Collaborative Conversations in After School Programs (CCSS) (Free: April 23)

4) 2015 Central Valley STEM Conference (April 25, 2015 from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM)

5) Managing the Environment, Behavior Guidance, and Discipline (Free: April 27)

6) ConnectEd Studios: Hunger Games Challenge (Deadline: May 1, 2015)

7) Principles of LIAS: What Does It Look Like? (Free: May 6)

8) Social Emotional Learning (Free: May 7)

9) CalSac presents the Afterschool Challenge Registration Available (May 11-12, 2015)

10) Project WET Advanced Training (Free: May 11 and 18, 2015)

11) Skillastics Physical Activities (Free: May 2, 2015)

12) Techbridge STEM Activities (Free: May 3, 2015)
     

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

Back to School STEM Blog Post

As we all know the autmnal equinox (September 23) is getting closer and marks the official end of summer in the northern hemisphere. For some of us, summer officially ended a few weeks ago (if not earlier) with the start of the 2014-2015 academic year. No matter what calendar we adhere to, the fact is that the doors to over 400 after school programs in Region 3 are open and over 27,000 students are being engaged in numerous expanded day learning activities.

The Region 3 STEM team (Monica Gonzalez-Williams, Phil Romig, and Mark Drewes) would like to take a moment to wish you and your after school team and programs a wonderful 2014-2015 school year. With many of you recently opening your doors and just getting your programs started for the year, we decided to highlight some STEM websites in this month's blog post that we believe will add to the richness of the STEM activities in your after school programs.

Please feel free to call or email us at any time. We are an additional resource for all of your STEM needs.

STEM and Other Pertinent Articles:

1) STEM Education Coalition: The Case for STEM Education as a National Priority
    (A condensed fact sheet) (STEM Education Coalition)

2) Why Girls Should be Encouraged to Pursue Their Interest in STEM 
    (Dr. Victoria Zhong)

3) Expanded Learning Focus: Examining the Impact of After School STEM Programs
    (Noyce Foundation)

4) New Study Shows Gap in Specific STEM Skills (U.S. News and World Report)

5) Girls' Social Connections Affect Math Learning (Science Daily)

6) Parent Education Toolbox (Gwen Pescatore; Edutopia)

7) 7 Questions to Ask Parents at the Beginning of the School Year
    (Elena Aguilar; Edutopia)

8) Why Teaching Music Matters (Corey Turner; NPR)

9) Kids and Screen Time: What Does the Research Say (Juana Summers; NPR)

10) Project WET Gazette (Newsletter)


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

1) This is Your Brain on Music (Corey Turner; NPR)

2) Engaging Students in Work That Matters (Teaching Channel)

3) Share and Learn (Teaching Channel) 

4) Backyard Mystery Curriculum (After School Biology Activities) (Grades 5-7)

5) 4-H Curriculum (After School Activities)

6) Great Science for Girls (Curriculum)

7) Sally Ride Science (Help improve science literacy, support Common Core and Next
    Generation Science Standards, and help students make connections between 
    STEM lessons and STEM careers with the Sally Ride Site License) 

8) 239 Cool STEM Websites for Kids

9) A is for Apps: Educators Share their Top Digital Tools of the Trade

10) Engage the Brain Game Series: (History, Math, English Language Arts, etc.)
      (Grades 6-8) (CASRC)

11) Fun Literacy Activities for After School Programs
      (History, English Language Arts, Reading, Visual and Performing Arts)
       (Grades K-8) (CASRC)

12) Camp BOOST Out-of-School-Time Program
      (Alcohol and Drugs, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health, Nutrition, etc.) 
      (Grades K-6) (CASRC)

STEM Grants:

1) 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.)

2) Google RISE Awards: (Apply by September 30, 2014)

    Programs with a focus on computer science are invited to submit proposals for the 

    Google RISE Awards. With grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000; selected programs

    will be selected to expand their impact on their student body populations by widening 

    access to and interest in computer education. Programs aiming to improve education for 

    girls, underrepresented students, and low income students are encouraged to apply.

3)  Toshiba America Foundation Grant: Grades K-5:

     Toshiba America Foundation's mission is to provide teachers with additional funds to 

     support classroom projects. After school, summer projects, and independent study 

     projects are not eligible. The Foundation strongly encourages projects planned and led 

     by individual teachers or teams of teachers for their own classrooms. Any K-5 teacher 

     in a public or private (not-for-profit) school is eligible for a grant to support science or

     math education up to $1,000 for project materials. 

     (Deadline: October 1, 2014) 

3) 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.

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

STEM Professional Development / Misc. / Events / Contest:

1)  GEMS Electric Circuits:

    (SMUD Hosted) (September 20, 2014) (Free) (Grades 4 - 8)

2) Techbridge Announces Launch of Role Models Matter
    Online Training

3)  Click2Science Launches a New Skill to Make STEM Click

4) Project WET Common Core and EEI:
    (SMUD Hosted) (October 11, 2014) (Free) (Grades K-12)

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

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)

7) 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)
8) Invent a Board Game (Must submit by October 15, 2014)
     (Click on Link to see contest rules)

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