Teachers looking for links and ways to enhance their on-line STEM lessons can take a look at this Science Resource Ideas 2020. I will be updating it frequently, so check back. IF you have things that should be added, e-mail me Donna.Morgan@burnabyschools.ca
Also, I am doing a #dailySTEM tweet with a math-y activity every M,W and F and a science-y activity every T and Th. Follow me on twitter @DonnaMorgan8 to get those each morning (at roughly 9 am).
Last week’s return to work was a huge change for most of us. Rather than greeting students and colleagues in our school communities, we needed to work swiftly to shift those communities on-line. In the coming weeks, we will continue to do that as we figure out how best to deliver essential learning to our students from a safe distance.
To assist with science, a good jumping off point would be the Science Curriculum Backgrounders, 4 page summaries of the curriculum, along with lesson ideas, background information and links to good resources.
Another great place to find links to easy to do science experiments is Science World. Their collection of activities is searchable by topic and grade. Nelson publishers has also opened its online resources, including the BC Science online information.
Remember that these are not ordinary times, and students will not be able to complete the amount of work usually finished in the classroom. We need to keep equity in mind for all of our learners, and support them as best as possible.
I see my role to be supporting teachers–so please don’t hesitate to contact me at Donna.Morgan@burnabyschools.ca for resources, tech support (I’ll do what I can) or even just if you need to talk. Also, those of you involved in the various staff development book groups, teams, and other learning opportunities, expect to hear from me soon about postponement, moving to on-line sessions or other alternatives.
Stay Safe!
So I’ve noticed that every time I start a blog, I say “where did the time go”? I think it is a feeling we teachers often have. The month of September seems to have flown by, and October promises to be stuffed with activity too. Over the past few years we have been asked to change the curriculum, focus on competencies, change our assessment and reporting and to weave Indigenous perspectives throughout our work. We have also been asked to be more inclusive, to be cognizant of social-emotional learning and to use the latest technologies. That’s a lot of change! It is possible that we can only effectively change a part of our practice each year. We must treat ourselves as we do our students: in some areas we will be “extending”, but in other places, it is ok if we stay in “emerging” or “developing” a little longer. Most importantly, reach out. Collaborate with other staff at your school, find a community on Twitter or on other social media, reach out to me to assist in Science and Math. I love to come in to talk about planning and to provide you with some support to explore science!
Check out the following offerings on the Staff Development Calendar:
Argument Driven Inquiry in Science— Gr 5-12. This series of books (published by the National Science Teachers’ Association in the US) gives teachers the ideas and resources to develop the curricular competencies in students and go beyond the recipe book type lab. It also works to develop literacy skills so students can read, write and speak in the context of science.
Science Fair/Celebration for Elementary Schools–Would you like your students to pursue their own inquiry in science? Would you like to build up to presenting at a school wide or at the (new) district wide science celebration? Attend this start up meeting to get resources, support, to meet high school mentors and develop scientific inquiry in your class. October 28, 3:45-5:15 pm.
Too busy to come to an after school session? Join together with at least 3 other staff at your school for a Lunch and Learn session. I will present on one of the following topics (or you can ask for anything):
Contact me by e-mail to set up a date: Donna.Morgan@burnabyschools.ca
Looking to add some science to your Pro D Day in October? Check out these activities:
These first two cost some $, so if you have applied for Detached Duty you might consider:
BC Science Teachers’ Association Catalyst Conference
Classrooms to Communities Place Based Learning Conference
These are low or no cost:
UBC Physics and Astronomy Outreach on Building Circuits
Engineering and Your Classroom (at UBC)
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