This is a 5 week asynchronous podcast study. Each week we will listen to a 60 minute podcast episode, reflect on our learning, and discuss key ideas and topics highlighted in the episode.
Description: "We know American public schools do not guarantee each child an equal education. Two decades of school reform initiatives have not changed that. But when Chana Joffe-Walt, a reporter, looked at inequality in education, she saw that most reforms focused on who schools were failing: Black and brown kids. But what about who the schools are serving? In this five-part series, she turns her attention to what is arguably the most powerful force in our schools: White parents."

How Can We Predict When the Sky Will Be Dark? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 earth and space science and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Use observations of real and photographed objects as evidence to explain that a girl can see objects outside because light from the Sun is shining on them.

-Use sunrise and sunset data as well as data from text to identify times of the year when the sky will be dark.

-Explain observed phenomena of the Sun and the Moon using observations of the Sun and Moon's position in the sky.

-Use a model Moon to explain that the Moon appears to change shape because we see different amounts of the part with light shining on it.

-Use observations to describe the effect of a light source on the visibility of objects to solve the problem of kids having to walk to school in the dark.

One hour lunch on your own.

Students of all ages have an innate curiosity about our solar system and the broader universe. Space Systems Exploration taps into this curiosity by helping students clarify what they already know about space. Then, starting with the Sun-Earth-Moon system, it challenges them to perform a series of investigations through which they extend and enrich this knowledge. This unit addresses the 3 dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades 6 through 8.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Light Our Way in the Dark? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 physical science, life science, and engineering standards.

In this module, students:

-Investigate interactions between a beam of light and transparent, translucent, and opaque materials, including the formation of shadows and reflection of light

-Identify cause-and-effect relationships as they explain their observations

-Obtain information about animal structures that use light to help the animal survive

-Obtain information about the parts of lighthouses that make the buildings stable and send signals to protect humans

-Design stable solutions to visibility problems, including biomimicry in the design

One hour lunch on your own.

It's time to get a move on! Motion is part of our daily lives-riding in a car, playing a sport, even dropping a coin. The Smithsonian Science Education Center presents Energy, Forces, and Motion, an STCMS™ curriculum unit designed from the ground up to align to the Next Generation Science Standards. Science and engineering practices, teachable core ideas, and crosscutting concepts are integrated into every lesson. The unit relates Newtonian physics to objects that roll, fall, and collide. Join us as we plan investigations and design solutions to explore energy, forces, and motion!

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Send a Message Using Sound? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 engineering and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Ask questions and use a modeling activity to better understand a problem.

-Use prior experiences and a reading to research ways that people communicate over different distances.

-Conduct investigations to test their ideas about how they can make sound.

-Use evidence from investigations and research to explain what causes sound.

-Design, build, and test sound-making devices to solve two problems.

One hour lunch on your own.

Additionally, participants will develop an understanding of the three dimensions of the NYSSLS and the associated instructional shifts. Teachers will gain access to Carolina Science Online and resources created by OCM BOCES to help with implementation of the Smithsonian Science Curriculum.

Teachers are encouraged to bring a device to access these materials digitally.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Do Living Things Stay Safe and Grow? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 life science and engineering standards.

In this module, students:

-Record and use observations of adult plants and animals as evidence that offspring are very similar to, but not exactly like, their parents.

-Obtain information from text, images, video, and a simulation to determine how patterns of behavior help offspring survive.

-Explore how external parts of plants and animals help them survive, grow, and meet their needs. Mimic external parts of plants and animals in designing a solution to a human problem.

-Apply their skills and knowledge using data as evidence to construct an argument and participate in argumentation with peers.

-Apply their knowledge and skills of animal behaviors and plant and animal external parts to design solutions to real-world human problems.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Change Solids and Liquids? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 engineering and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Construct an explanation for how an artist made a sculpture from marine debris.

-Use observations to describe patterns of behavior in solids and liquids.

-Construct an explanation about what happens to crayon wax when heated and cooled.

-Design a solution for changing melted crayons into crayons they can use.

-Compare a variety of materials to make a prediction about which ones will make the best filling for a boo-boo pack.

-Analyze data from tests of their selected boo-boo pack materials to determine if they work as intended after being frozen.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Stop Land from Washing Away? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 engineering and earth and space science standards.

In this module, students:

-Gather information to better understand a land-change situation and define a problem to solve

-Make observations to provide evidence to explain if wind and water can change the shape of the land

-Obtain additional evidence from a construction site and from a nonfiction text to support their explanation of land change over different time scales

-Test and compare models of four methods used to prevent or reduce erosion

-Apply their understanding of wind- and water-induced erosion to a new engineering problem related to land change at a beach setting

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Find the Best Place for a Plant to Grow? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 life science and engineering standards.

In this module, students:

-Figure out why a radish seed sprouted inside a backpack.

-Define the problem that a tomato plant needs to be pollinated to produce tomatoes.

-Design a tool that can be used to pollinate tomato plants.

-Figure out how an acorn was planted in a pot on a third-floor balcony.

-Find the best place to plant plants in a schoolyard.

One hour lunch on your own.

One hour lunch on your own.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of Math Intervention teachers across the CNY region.

-Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

We will highlight lessons that can include topics that will engage your students in new and exciting ways such as:

-The relationship between distance, rate and time.

-Designing and measuring a segmented path.

-and more!

This session includes both TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire™ CX technologies.

Anyone who would like to rent the TI-Innovator™ Rovers for their classroom are required to attend a training.

Educators will practice lesson creation strategies to utilize during their school day planning to finalize activities to implement with students and share out their reflections to create a common bank of resources in a shared Google Classroom.

Participants will:

---Collaborate to develop activities that reflect the three dimensions of science learning - DCI's, SEP's, and CCC's.

---Explore how the standards promote a student-centered approach to science education.

---Explore NYSED resources as samples of 3 Dimensional instruction

---Continue to develop and share our library of lessons and supportive resources.

Dates are: 9/24/2024, 12/5/2024 and 3/12/2025 Participants must attend all 3 days to participate.

One hour lunch on your own.

What Explains Similarities and Differences Between Organisms? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 3 standards. It has a focus on life science with a secondary focus on Earth and space science.

In this module, students:

* Make observations of variation in traits in Wisconsin Fast Plants and analyze data for patterns of inheritance

* Collaboratively plan, carry, out and analyze the results of fair tests to see the effect of environmental variables on plant traits

* Analyze average temperature and precipitation data for a range of cities to uncover patterns of climate zones

* Develop a model the represents the stages common to all organisms' life cycles

* Analyze data from a study on how bees' preference for certain flower colors gives plants a reproductive advantage

* Construct an explanation for why guppies in some streams are bright orange while others are dull

One hour lunch on your own.

It's time to get a move on! Motion is part of our daily lives-riding in a car, playing a sport, even dropping a coin. The Smithsonian Science Education Center presents Energy, Forces, and Motion, an STCMS™ curriculum unit designed from the ground up to align to the Next Generation Science Standards. Science and engineering practices, teachable core ideas, and crosscutting concepts are integrated into every lesson. The unit relates Newtonian physics to objects that roll, fall, and collide. Join us as we plan investigations and design solutions to explore energy, forces, and motion!

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Map Land and Water on Earth? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 earth and space science standards.

In this module, students:

-Compare maps from different cultures and historical periods.

-Observe patterns that can be used to categorize the shapes and kinds of land and water on Earth.

-Conduct an investigation into the observable properties of solid and liquid water.

-Obtain information about where solid water can be found on Earth.

-Use what they have learned about patterns as evidence to describe the types of land and water one could expect to find in a particular place on Earth.

-Develop and compare maps of the land and water in a particular place on Earth.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Provide Freshwater to Those in Need? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 5 standards. It has a focus on engineering design, with a secondary focus on Earth and space science.

In this module, students:

* Define the problem of human's need for freshwater and the limited amount of freshwater available

* Develop a model to show how human activities interact with components of the Earth's system to cause groundwater pollution

* Design, test, and evaluate different solutions for treating contaminated water

* Use a digital simulation to design and test a solution to the problem of water scarcity

* Communicate two perspectives on the causes and effects of an environmental crisis

* Design, test, and evaluate a solution to pump, treat, and allocate water in a particular town

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Predict When the Sky Will Be Dark? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 earth and space science and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Use observations of real and photographed objects as evidence to explain that a girl can see objects outside because light from the Sun is shining on them.

-Use sunrise and sunset data as well as data from text to identify times of the year when the sky will be dark.

-Explain observed phenomena of the Sun and the Moon using observations of the Sun and Moon's position in the sky.

-Use a model Moon to explain that the Moon appears to change shape because we see different amounts of the part with light shining on it.

-Use observations to describe the effect of a light source on the visibility of objects to solve the problem of kids having to walk to school in the dark.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Does Motion Energy Change in a Collision? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 4 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on life science and engineering.

In this module, students:

* Collect evidence to show that energy can move from object to object and change into heat, light, and sound

*Construct an explanation that faster objects have more motion energy

*Obtain information from text on how animals move fast in order to survive

*Collect evidence from hands-on activities and text to explain why objects slow down

*Design and build a model of a bicycle helmet using an egg as a model for the brain

*Analyze data to predict how far an object will slide in a collision

One hour lunch on your own.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of Geometry teachers across the CNY region. -Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Looking at the questions from the June 2024 regents.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Do Weather and Climate Affect Our Lives? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 3 standards. It has a focus on Earth and space science with a secondary focus on engineering.

In this module, students:

* Carry out an investigation to determine if weather can vary over short distances

*Analyze the function of an anemometer in order to adjust the structure and improve the function

*Represent data on bar graphs to identify annual weather patterns

*Design, build, and test a roof to withstand the effects of a climate with heavy precipitation

*Analyze and interpret patterns in climate data to make a claim about which month would be best to host a soccer tournament in a particular city

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Predict Change in Ecosystems? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 5 standards. It has a focus on life science with a secondary focus on physical science.

In this module, students:

* Carry out investigations to provide evidence that plants get most of their matter from air and water.

* Analyze data showing that animals get both matter and energy by consuming food.

* Develop and use food web models to track matter and energy flows in ecosystems.

* Obtain information about the causes and effects of invasive species.

* Use models to support a prediction about which of two coastal locations is more likely to be invaded by a nonnative sea squirt.

One hour lunch on your own.

-anyone new to the Nspire family of calculators

-Special Education Teachers

-Teacher Assistants

-High School Interventionists

-New Math Teachers

It would also be beneficial to learn more about the capabilities of this technology if your district is looking to upgrade their calculators.

This session will include:

-An overview of the TI-Nspire™ graphing calculator, including general calculator, graphing and statistical functionality.

-Exploration of dynamic, interactive lessons for algebra I, geometry, algebra II, precalculus, calculus and statistics.

-Introduction to basic features of the teacher software.

Utilizing TI-Nspire™ CX technology, we will explore topics such as: -Linear functions and systems

-Functions and relations

-Quadratic, exponential, radical and rational functions

-Probability

This is a full day session with an one hour lunch on your own.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of Algebra II teachers across the CNY region. -Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Looking at the questions from the June 2024 regents.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Stop Land from Washing Away? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 engineering and earth and space science standards.

In this module, students:

-Gather information to better understand a land-change situation and define a problem to solve

-Make observations to provide evidence to explain if wind and water can change the shape of the land

-Obtain additional evidence from a construction site and from a nonfiction text to support their explanation of land change over different time scales

-Test and compare models of four methods used to prevent or reduce erosion

-Apply their understanding of wind- and water-induced erosion to a new engineering problem related to land change at a beach setting

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Provide Energy to People's Homes? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 4 standards. It has a focus on engineering with a secondary focus on physical science.

In this module, students:

* Observe evidence of energy in systems and explore how that energy moves and changes

* Research how people obtain sources of energy for practical purposes

* Explain that some sources of energy affect the environment more than others

* Investigate how their designs affect the success of a student-built device

* Use their understanding of science and engineering to design and test a model house doorbell system that runs on solar energy

One hour lunch on your own.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of Middle School Math teachers across the CNY region.

-Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Looking at the questions from the June 2024 regents.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of Algebra I teachers across the CNY region.

-Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Looking at the questions from the June 2024 regents.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Send a Message Using Sound? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 engineering and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Ask questions and use a modeling activity to better understand a problem.

-Use prior experiences and a reading to research ways that people communicate over different distances.

-Conduct investigations to test their ideas about how they can make sound.

-Use evidence from investigations and research to explain what causes sound.

-Design, build, and test sound-making devices to solve two problems.

One hour lunch on your own.

The expectation for participating in this group is:

1. Attending all three meetings during the year. We will have a focus of study for the year that will build on our previous work.

2. Being prepared for the meeting by completing any personal learning required by the facilitator of this group.

3. Being responsible for working with your team to bring the learning from the meeting back to your district.

4. Being designated or gaining approval by your district to participate in this group.

Join our mission to create a community where educators are empowered to lead with purpose, inspire positive change, and advocate for the success of every student.

Participants must attend all 3 mornings of Science Leadership and the 3 Community of Practice afternoon sessions.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Change Solids and Liquids? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 2 engineering and physical science standards.

In this module, students:

-Construct an explanation for how an artist made a sculpture from marine debris.

-Use observations to describe patterns of behavior in solids and liquids.

-Construct an explanation about what happens to crayon wax when heated and cooled.

-Design a solution for changing melted crayons into crayons they can use.

-Compare a variety of materials to make a prediction about which ones will make the best filling for a boo-boo pack.

-Analyze data from tests of their selected boo-boo pack materials to determine if they work as intended after being frozen.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Use the Sky to Navigate? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 5 standards. It has a focus on earth and space science with a secondary focus on physical science and engineering.

In this module, students:

* Develop and use models to support an argument that gravity is directed toward the center of a spherical Earth

* Use evidence of the Sun and stars' daily pattern of motion to support a claim that Earth rotates on an axis

* Use a model to predict the annual pattern of daylight at the school's location

* Carry out an investigation to determine which of the two solutions is better for measuring the altitude of Polaris

* Engage in argument about the plausibility of sailing long distances without instruments by using evidence that the patterns of the Sun and stars can be used to navigate

One hour lunch on your own.

Join others from around the region in these interactive sessions to discuss MTSS best-practices related to:

-Tier 1 evidence-based writing instruction Look Fors (IES practice guides /Closing the Writing Gap)

-Writing instruction supported by CRSE practices (relevant, authentic and spark curiosity)

-NYSED Curriculum Guide

-NYSED Literacy Briefs

-Disciplinary Literacy

-Supporting ENL

-Using data to provide feedback

-Using Artificial Intelligence

Outcomes:

-Develop an in-depth understanding of effective Tier 1 reading and writing instruction as part of a MTSS system

-Build connections with administrators and teacher leaders with similar vision/goals

-Make evidence-based decisions to take actionable steps to improve effectiveness of teacher professional development, curriculum, instruction, intervention, and assessments

Time:

All Meetings will be held VIRTUALLY

All Meetings will be 2 hours (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

Anchor Text: The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler.

The goal of a Community of Practice is to improve the skills and knowledge of educators through collaborative study, best-practice exchange, professional dialogue, and data analysis. This group will meet four times to share expertise and work collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students through the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Continue building a community of elementary teachers across the CNY region.

-Utilize NYS assessment data interactively, allowing participants to analyze trends, patterns, and learning gaps together, and discuss instructional strategies.

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Protect Animals When Their Habitat Changes? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 3 standards. It has a focus on engineering design, with a secondary focus on life science.

In this module, students:

* Identify the problem of animal population decline caused by habitat change

*Design a classroom habitat where roly polys can survive

*Use camera trap data to explain why different animals live in different habitats

*Compare fossils to modern organisms to explain that habitats on Earth have changed

*Use a model of a tiger habitat to explain why tiger populations have declined

*Design a salamander tunnel that will reduce the deaths of salamanders on roads

One hour lunch on your own.

The expectation for participating in this group is:

1. Attending all three meetings during the year. We will have a focus of study for the year that will build on our previous work.

2. Being prepared for the meeting by completing any personal learning required by the facilitator of this group.

3. Being responsible for working with your team to bring the learning from the meeting back to your district.

4. Being designated or gaining approval by your district to participate in this group.

The formal meeting will occur in the morning. However, your district may ask your team to use the afternoon to develop a plan for implementing the learning from the meeting in your district. If your district asks this of you the meeting space will be available in the afternoon for use by those who wish to stay and work.

How Can We Identify Materials Based on Their Properties? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 5 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on life science.

In this module, students:

* Compare six solids using just senses and argue from evidence that sugar and cornstarch are made by plants

*Draw models to show that the dissolving of sugar in water and the evaporation of a sugar solution can be explained by very small particles

*Obtain information from a text to explain that salt is added to roads in the winter to lower the freezing point of water

*Carry out an investigation to show that mixing solids with vinegar and iodine can result in something new being formed

*Graph weight before and after mixing to show that in any change the weight remains the same

*Argue from evidence that four unknown solids can be identified based on their properties

One hour lunch on your own.

Participants will:

-Deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards

-Have a hands-on experience with the Lab Investigations

-Collaborate on strategies for successful implementation in the classroom

There will be a one hour lunch on your own.

Professional Learning Series for District and Building Administrators: Deepening Understanding of NYSED's CRSE Framework

Grounded in the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework, this series is dedicated to dismantling biased systems and reconstructing equitable school environments that address the diverse needs of all learners. District and building administrators who are in positions to drive meaningful change within their educational settings are encouraged to participate.

Objectives:

• Identify and Address Bias: Learn strategies to identify, confront, and eliminate biases within school systems, policies, and practices.
• Equity-Centered Practices: Develop and implement equitable practices that promote inclusivity and support the academic and social-emotional growth of all students.
• Collaborative Learning: Engage in meaningful discussions and activities with educators, administrators, and stakeholders committed to fostering equitable educational environments.
• Action Planning: Create actionable plans to integrate CRSE principles into your school or district, ensuring sustained impact and continuous improvement.

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of education.

This immersive experience will provide Art Educators with:

How Can We Light Our Way in the Dark? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 physical science, life science, and engineering standards.

In this module, students:

-Investigate interactions between a beam of light and transparent, translucent, and opaque materials, including the formation of shadows and reflection of light

-Identify cause-and-effect relationships as they explain their observations

-Obtain information about animal structures that use light to help the animal survive

-Obtain information about the parts of lighthouses that make the buildings stable and send signals to protect humans

-Design stable solutions to visibility problems, including biomimicry in the design

One hour lunch on your own.

Workshop Highlights:

NASA Data's Resources: Discover the vast array of Earth System data sources, activities, lessons and tools that NASA offers to the public for classroom instruction

Introduction to Data Literacy: Gain a solid understanding of what data literacy is and why it's essential in today's information-driven world.

Lesson Development Strategies: Learn effective strategies for transforming My NASA Data resources into engaging and informative lessons suitable for various educational settings.

Program Benefits:

-Become more familiar with My NASA Data resources

-Opportunities for your students to interact with subject matter experts

-Participation in Community of Practice professional development events

-Optional: Completion of a My NASA Data Teacher Leader Certificate

-Optional: Qualification to apply for presenter's conference registration fee

Teacher Leader Program Requirements:

-Teachers will complete two badges toward the Teacher Leader Program: My NASA Data Resources and 5E Instructional Sequence Badge

-Optional Data Literacy Badge (asynchronous)

-Teachers will provide 5-10 hours of professional development to colleagues each year.

-Teachers will submit two 5E classroom implementation sequences to the My NASA Data team each year.

By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to harness My NASA Data's vast resources effectively, creating captivating and informative lessons that inspire a new generation of STEM enthusiasts and data-savvy individuals.

Lunch provided by the Master teacher program.

Part of this Community of Practice will be to:

-Create and share materials, strategies, and best practices that foster a hands on and active learning for students.

-Identify and describe techniques for differentiating instruction for below and above grade-level students.

Any teacher that teaches or supports an Ensemble Curriculum is invited to attend.

This group will meet four times throughout the year. One hour lunch on your own.

How Can We Predict Patterns of Motion? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 3 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on engineering.

In this module, students:

* Ask questions about what causes objects to move

* Investigate forces that can act at a distance

* Investigate the properties of permanent magnets and electromagnets

* Design a solution to a problem that can be solved using a magnet

* Ask questions about and investigate how magnets affect a steel pendulum's motion

One hour lunch on your own.

Participants will:

-Deepen their knowledge of the New York State Science Learning Standards

-Have a hands-on experience with the Lab Investigations

-Collaborate on strategies for successful implementation in the classroom

There will be a one hour lunch on your own.

How Can Animals Use Their Senses to Communicate? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 4 standards. It has a focus on life science with a secondary focus on physical science and engineering.

In this module, students:

* Analyze structures that support animals' senses and investigate how light travels when they see an object

* Investigate how information is processed in the brain and analyze data to determine how memories can affect behaviors

* Carry out an investigation into whether fiddler crabs wave more often when there are other crabs present and analyze the system in terms of sender, signal, and receiver

* Design and test a method for sending information about a picture using 1s and 0s and short and long flashes of light

* Construct an argument based on testing with models for which firefly flash patterns are the most effective for communicating to find a mate

One hour lunch on your own.

Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and real-world examples, educators will learn how to:

-Implement SEPs and CCCs: Understand and apply the eight SEPs and seven CCCs outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to design effective learning experiences. -Discuss instructional strategies: incorporate both SEPs and CCCs to promote interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking. -Engage Students in "Minds-On” Learning: Utilize inquiry-based approaches to encourage student exploration and problem-solving.

By the end of this series, participants will have the knowledge and tools to create dynamic and 3 dimensional lessons aligned to the NYSSLS that prepare students for future scientific and engineering challenges. Whether you are a novice or an experienced educator, this workshop will provide valuable insights and tools to enhance your teaching practice and improve student outcomes in science and engineering education.

Dates are: 9/17/2024, 11/19/2024, 2/11/2025 and 4/1/2025. Participants must attend all 4 full days to participate.

One hour lunch on your own.

Additionally, participants will develop an understanding of the three dimensions of the NYSSLS and the associated instructional shifts. Teachers will gain access to Carolina Science Online and resources created by OCM BOCES to help with implementation of the Smithsonian Science Curriculum.

Teachers are encouraged to bring a device to access these materials digitally.

One hour lunch on your own.

Additionally, participants will develop an understanding of the three dimensions of the NYSSLS and the associated instructional shifts. Teachers will gain access to Carolina Science Online and resources created by OCM BOCES to help with implementation of the Smithsonian Science Curriculum.

Teachers are encouraged to bring a device to access these materials digitally.

One hour lunch on your own.

The expectation for participating in this group is:

1. Attending all three meetings during the year. We will have a focus of study for the year that will build on our previous work.

2. Being prepared for the meeting by completing any personal learning required by the facilitator of this group.

3. Being responsible for working with your team to bring the learning from the meeting back to your district.

4. Being designated or gaining approval by your district to participate in this group.

The formal meeting will occur in the morning. However, your district may ask your team to use the afternoon to develop a plan for implementing the learning from the meeting in your district. If your district asks this of you the meeting space will be available in the afternoon for use by those who wish to stay and work.

Participants will explore the book's insights through structured online modules, including reflective prompts, discussion boards, and resource materials. Gain a deeper understanding of AI's impact on diverse student populations, and explore strategies for using AI responsibly and equitably in educational settings.

Perfect for educators and administrators seeking flexible, in-depth learning about AI's role in education, with the convenience of completing the study at your own pace.

Note: Participants will need to purchase the book to participate in this book study. In addition, the times are required to receive CTLE credit and will not be LIVE contact hours.

It is recommended that districts send a team to the Leadership meetings that includes teacher leaders (elementary, middle and high school teachers) as well as building and district leaders.

This group serves to support the development of district and regional capacity related to the transition to the New York Learning Standards for the Arts. This includes sharing and discussing up-to-date information related to the standards implementation from the State Education Department. Additionally, the goal of this group is to develop collaboration between districts in the region to support high-quality K-12 Arts education and position the region to successfully implement the new Arts standards. The expectation for participating in this group is:

It is recommended that districts send a team to the Leadership meetings that includes teacher leaders (elementary, middle and high school teachers) as well as building and district leaders.

This group serves to support the development of district and regional capacity related to the transition to the New York Learning Standards for the Arts. This includes sharing and discussing up-to-date information related to the standards implementation from the State Education Department. Additionally, the goal of this group is to develop collaboration between districts in the region to support high-quality K-12 Arts education and position the region to successfully implement the new Arts standards. The expectation for participating in this group is: