TOST. July 2024

THE OREGON SCIENCE TEACHER  Summer 2024 Summer Update Issue
OSTA 2024 Fall Conference, Eugene OR, NovemberNominations Open for OSTA Awards Summer Learning Opportunities Across OregonOregon Department of Education Updates
Two New NGSS Quality Units PostedJoin Us at the 2024 OSTA Conference in Eugene Oregon!2024 Conference Theme: Uniquely Oregon
November 2, 2024, Roosevelt Middle School, Eugene Oregon Oregon is such a special place. Our varied geography, many cultures, and ways of knowing provide many commonalities among our thirteen regions, and outside of the state. Of course there are many differences too, and that’s what makes Oregon so special. This conference features presenters, exhibitors, and sessions to provide a full spectrum of Science/STEM professional learning and highlight some of the incredible science and science teaching happening in our state.

Have fun connecting with what makes your region and your own science teaching fun and unique! We look forward to our time together in Eugene on Saturday, November 2, 2024!Registration for the conference is now open. Early bird registration open until October 4th* OSTA has arranged for special rates on hotel room blocks. Due to limited availability, we encourage you to reserve your room as soon as possible. When booking, please mention that you are attending the “Oregon Science Teachers Association” Event access the negotiated rate.
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Nominations are now open for OSTA annual awards
Award recipients will be announced at the annual conference. OSTA Outstanding Classroom Teacher Award – Click to NominateThese awards are meant to recognize and honor the work of outstanding classroom teachers from OSTA’s 13 Regions around Oregon.  We award up to four of these awards in each region in the categories of Early Career (1-3 years of classroom experience), Elementary, Middle, and High School.  Awardees will be selected based on their ability to motivate student achievement and excitement in science, community and administrative support, ability to support and mentor new and preservice teachers, and overall contributions to the profession.The Sunrise Scholarship – Click to NominateFor teachers who have completed less than five years of full-time teaching, this scholarship is used to pay registration to attend two consecutive Oregon-hosted OSTA Conferences. Other expenses of attending the conferences are not covered. Recipients agree to volunteer to help out in some way at the second of these conferences, and are encouraged to participate in OSTA activities to learn more about the organization. Each scholarship winner will receive a free two-year membership in OSTA.The Special Service to Science Education Award – Click to NominateThis award honors those individuals who, as classroom teachers, have made significant contributions to science teaching in their own classrooms and beyond. The awardee will be selected based on career longevity and body of work, statewide and regional influence, enthusiasm for science, and the ability to motivate students and colleagues alike.The Distinguished Service to Science Education Award – Click to NominateThis award is intended for nominees involved in teacher training programs at the college level, ESD, district administrators or other administrative positions who have made outstanding contributions to mentoring and developing new teachers. The awardee will be selected based on career longevity, breadth of influence, enthusiasm for science and the profession of science education, and the demonstrated ability to motivate.Special Service to the Oregon Science Teachers Association Award – Click to NominateThis award will be given to an individual who has made significant and long-term contributions of time and effort to supporting the mission of OSTA and to facilitate excellence and continuous improvement in science education. NGSS Team Award – Click to NominateAs Dr. Okhee Lee said, NGSS implementation is a relay, and the strongest runners – the classroom teachers – take the baton over the finish line. OSTA has created the NGSS Team Award to honor the incredible teamwork happening at schools and districts statewide. This award will be given to a team of K-12 teachers who are sharing the work of implementing NGSS-aligned curriculum and assessment at their school or in their district.
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Summer Teacher Learning Opportunities Across OregonDiack Field-based Science Inquiry Workshop: August 5 – 7, 2024Molalla Retreat Center
 The Diack Ecology Education Program and the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School invite you to participate in a free teacher training focused on field-based science inquiry.The Diack Ecology Education Program provides a system of grants, workshops and resources that are distributed to teachers and students in Oregon to encourage them to involve youth in field-based science inquiry and ecology studies. Field-based science inquiry provides the perfect opportunity to get students out of the classroom and into the natural world. This three day workshop will provide hands-on opportunities in the field as well as classroom time to develop curriculum tools and strategies that promote student-driven field-based science inquiry projects from K – 12. Attending teachers will receive a $100 stipend and can also apply for a $2,000 grant ($6000 if you work collaboratively with at least two other teachers) for classroom equipment and resources for field-based inquiry investigations from the Diack Ecology Education Program. This training is sponsored by the Diack Ecology Education Program of the Oregon Science Teachers Association and the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School (JGEMS), a public charter school in Salem, Oregon, focusing on field-based environmental science.For more information, visit our website at www.diackecology.org or contact Mike Weddle at [email protected]   ________________________________________________________________Portland Metro STEM Partnership Summer WorkshopsThe summer workshops are really the best way to learn about the unique and compelling features of the Patterns Curriculum for Physics, Chemistry and Biology.  This weeklong summer hands-on learning experience immerses teachers both as students doing Patterns activities and as teachers reflecting on the impact on students. For the first time, we are offering in-person workshops for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for all of our units! This is your only and best chance to receive hands-on professional development for the 2024-25 school year. PMSP will not be hosting instructional webinars for the school year 2024-25.We have reduced the normal registration fee for summer workshops to $300 per workshop for Oregon residents and teachers. We are using funds from theWRAP (Well-Rounded Access Program) grant to supplement the normal $500 cost. Unfortunately, teachers who do not live or teach in Oregon will still need to pay the full amount for the course.   We are in the final stages of confirming locations and dates for some of our workshops. Please complete our pre registration formfor the workshop(s) you plan to attend, so that  you can be notified when registration begins. PMSP will use pre registration numbers to determine if there will be enough participants to hold each workshop. PMSP reserves the right to cancel a workshop if pre registration attendance numbers do not meet the minimum requirement to hold the workshop. There will be no payment due nowHere is a link to our website, https://hsscience4all.org/  for the most current information on Patterns Science.PATTERNS PHYSICSPatterns Physics is the first course in the 3-year Patterns Science sequence. This workshop focuses on three-dimensional (3D) learning through culturally responsive phenomena-based storylines that intertwine the disciplinary core ideas of physics with the scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts as described in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Teachers experience the Patterns Approach of using inquiry and exploration to learn content as well as how to integrate engineering and student-centered learning experiences, such as coding spreadsheets and simulations, into their instructional design. Teachers will learn instructional practices that advance equitable engagement of students as they solve real-world problems and utilize the science practices to understand and think critically about the world around them. Teachers will also learn how to structure inquiry and engineering investigations with multiple designs to foster equitable discourse and collaboration between students. 
Patterns Physics Units 1-3 (In-person Workshop A) – Units 1-3 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 1- Patterns and InquiryUnit 2: Texting and DrivingUnit 3 – Energy and EngineeringDates: July 29 – August 2, 2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Sunset High School, 13840 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229Facilitators:  Bradford Hill & Matt McCollum
Patterns Physics Units 4-6 (In-person Workshop B) – Units 4-6 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 4 –  Engineering a ShoeUnit 5 – Waves and Technology,Unit 6 – Electricity, Power Production, and Climate ScienceDates: August 12-15,  2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Sunset High School, 13840 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229 Facilitators:  Matt McCollum & Bradford Hill
PATTERNS CHEMISTRYPatterns Chemistry is the second course in the 3-year high school Patterns Science sequence. This workshop focuses on three-dimensional (3D) learning through culturally responsive, phenomena-based storylines that intertwine the disciplinary core ideas of chemistry with the scientific and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts as described in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Participants will experience the Patterns Approach of using inquiry and exploration to teach content to students as well as how to integrate classroom discourse into their instructional design including a variety of data discussion methods. Participants will also learn how to include instructional practices that support student scientific writing that advance equitable engagement of students as they grapple with real-world applications in Chemistry. These applications involve social and environmental justice themes and mathematical patterns and trends. 
Patterns Chemistry Units 1-3 (In-person Workshop A) –  Patterns Chemistry Units 1-3 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 1 – KMT and Climate ChangeUnit 2 – Atomic Structure and the Periodic TableUnit 3 – Nuclear ChemistryDates: July 29 – August 2, 2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Sunset High School, 13840 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229Facilitators:  Andrea Leech & Jomae Sica
Patterns Chemistry Units 4-6 (In-person Workshop B) – Patterns Chemistry Units 4-6 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 4 – Bonding and Intermolecular ForcesUnit 5 – Chemical ReactionsStoichiometryUnit 6 – StoichiometryDates: August 5-9, 2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Sunset High School, 13840 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229.Facilitators:  Kristi Miller & Jomae Sica
PATTERNS BIOLOGYThis workshop immerses participants in the dynamic world of biology education, focusing on the integration of three-dimensional (3D) learning. Through culturally responsive, phenomena-based storylines, rooted in the disciplinary core ideas of biology and the scientific and engineering practices, alongside crosscutting concepts outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), educators delve into the immersive experience of Patterns Biology—the apex of the 3-year high school Patterns Science sequence.
Engaging in hands-on lab work, participants explore the intricacies of biological phenomena, fostering inquiry and exploration as central pedagogical tools. These labs serve as a cornerstone for teaching content to students, emphasizing the integration of scientific practices with core concepts. Through guided discussions and demonstrations, educators gain insights into effective instructional strategies, navigating the intricacies of laboratory procedures and fostering student engagement in scientific inquiry.
Furthermore, participants delve into the art of integrating talk structures and fostering meaningful classroom discourse. Embracing a variety of data discussion methods, educators learn to cultivate environments where students actively participate in scientific dialogue, enhancing their understanding of biological concepts and processes.
In addition to honing instructional techniques, this workshop equips educators with strategies to support student scientific writing, fostering equitable engagement across diverse learner populations. By exploring real-world applications within biology, including themes of social justice and the implementation of Oregon’s Tribal History/Shared History lessons, educators empower students to grapple with complex biological concepts and their broader implications.
Through this comprehensive approach, educators gain the tools and knowledge necessary to create dynamic learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Biology. 
Patterns Biology Units 1-3 (In-person Workshop A) – Patterns Biology Units 1-3 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 1: Ecosystems & BiodiversityUnit 2- BiomoleculesUnit 3 – Cells to Organisms. Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Century High School 2000 SE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 Facilitators:  Charlotte Denis, Nicole Matthews, Avery Marvin, Jason Baca 
Patterns Biology Units 4-6 (In-person Workshop B) – Patterns Biology Units 4-6 will be covered in this workshop. Unit 4 – Genomics,Unit 5 – EvolutionUnit 6 – Ecosystem Matter & EnergyDates: August 5-9, 2024Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PMLocation: Century High School 2000 SE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 .Facilitators:  Jason Baca, Scott Davis, Avery Marvin   Idaho Science Teacher Association Conference (ISTA)with ICTM & IDEEA Annual ConferenceAugust 1 & 2, 2024, Coeur d’Alene, High School
Keynote Speakers: Stephen Pruitt and Jo Boaler Link to Conference Details (Schedule, Sessions, and Registration, etc.)   _____________________________________________________________________Incorporating Place-based Inquiry, Storytelling, Games and Robotics to Engage Students and Meet Standards 
What: Meet NGSS, Common Core, Climate Literacy, and Ocean Literacy Standards through engaging experiential activities supported by a range of strategies and skills. Explore place-based inquiry, Scratch coding,  and digital storytelling. Try different robotics tools to take student learning to the next level. Incorporate local phenomena and student-directed research projects to drive learning.Offered 100% free through support from Oregon Coast STEM Hub (OCSH). Receive a $100 stipend + transportation reimbursement after spending an enjoyable day with us at the Oregon Coast! (Funding priority given to educators in the OCSH service area, but all are welcome and we hope to compensate everyone.) Delicious lunch, breakfast and snacks also provided, with time to collaborate outdoors with colleagues. Presented by veteran educators Rick Reynolds, M.S.Ed., Founder of Engaging Every Student and Edward Nichols, M.S.Ed., Teacher from North Bend. Special appearances by Kama Almasi, Ph.D., new Director of the Oregon Coast STEM Hub and other experts from the area. Get a certificate for 6 PDUs, $100 and more after you attend the workshop and reflect on how you might use what you learned to engage students. Receive free curriculum and guidance to help receive grant funding to support place-based/STEAM learning.When: Monday, August 19, 2024 North Bend, Oregon 9:00 – 3:30 pm (Open to all pre-K – 12 educators (We will break into grade-band teams.)Where: North Bay Elementary School93670 Viking Ln #1North Bend, OR 97459Click the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4OisKdNBHmvREvTUJ3Rb6Wo_nDN-5jYNCCU3xsPu6fkjngA/viewform    ____________________________________________________________Free Earth Science Teacher Online CourseThe University of Portland STEM Education and Outreach Center offers a self-paced online course about plate tectonics, earthquake, and tsunami in the Pacific Northwest.The four modules are:• Pacific Northwest Plate Tectonics• Earthquake Basics• Cascadia Earthquake Science and Hazards• Cascadia Tsunami Science and Hazards
Within each chapter, a video lecture (or series of video lectures) introduces the topic,along with additional videos and animations. Most chapters contain lesson plans forclassroom activities and demonstrations (including student worksheets and answerkeys). These lesson plans were designed for middle school students but can beadapted to elementary, high school, and college levels and are aligned to the NextGeneration Science Standards. Successful completion of the course will result in receipt of a certificate for 28 PDUs. If you have an interest and would like to register for the course, please send your preferred email address to: Bob Butler, University of Portland Professor Emeritus, [email protected].   _________________________________________________________________Registration is now OPEN for SuperQuest 2024!SuperQuest is our flagship Professional Development program and will be offered VIRTUALLY for all to participate statewide and beyond. There is no charge to attend due to a gracious sponsorship. We hope you will join us for engaging PD that you can implement immediately into your classroom.August 5-8 and August 12-15, 2024
Register for as many specific sessions as you wish!

VISIT  OregonCSTA.org for complete dates, course descriptions and to REGISTER.Topics include….Computer Science Optional Standards Update from ODE (tentative)Modern App Design with Python and PyQt6Artificial Intelligence: The good, the bad and the ugly of harnessing it for the classroom and beyondMake your intro to computer science class count as a high school math graduation creditGodot 2D/3D game design engine similar to Unity and Unreal Engine. Free and FERPA compliantROV-Underwater RoboticsIntro Python – easy and fun to learn and teach, never asked, “Why do we have to learn this?”Intermediate Python – through AP course topicsImmersive Realities: creating VR/AR class programming

The Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OregonCSTA) is an organization of teachers training teachers in Oregon since 1984. Our main focus is professional development in the areas of computer science and engineering education for K-12 educators and extended program volunteers.Back to topAOregon Department of Education Update
In case you didn’t see it, here is a link to the most recent ODE newsletter:June 2024 – Science Educator Update






Back to topTwo New NGSS Design Badge Quality High School Units Postedhttps://www.openscied.org/curriculum/high-school/high-school-instructional-materials/
In the Relevant Classroom Media Mayhem unit, students investigate how the components of the dairy food system impact the environment, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, climate, and biodiversity. At the end of the learning sequence, students evaluate multiple solutions to reduce the dairy sector’s environmental impact. The unit was developed by Relevant Classroom, the educational division of Vivayic and awarded the NGSS Design Badge by NextGenScience’s cadre of expert reviewers.See the unit and the corresponding EQuIP Rubric for Science evaluation report here.The Relevant Classroom How Can We Design Cattle to Better Meet Human Needs? unit is anchored in the phenomenon of “Super Cattle.” Students explore the wide variety of cattle breeds and investigate what caused this diversity through the role of inheritance, DNA, and proteins. The unit was developed by Relevant Classroom, the educational division of Vivayic and identified as a Quality Work in Progress by NextGenScience’s cadre of expert reviewers. 
See the unit and the corresponding EQuIP Rubric for Science evaluation report here.