Use observable seasonal changes to anchor a Next Generation Science Standards-aligned curriculum that will get your students excited about doing science in their schoolyard. Incorporating your schoolyard and community into your classroom is a powerful strategy for justice-centered and equitable science learning that connects Next Generation Science Standards to personal experiences, makes learning relevant and affirms all students as scientists.
Model lessons integrate science standards with ELA read alouds and culturally sustaining activities that engage students’ families and communities. You’ll be provided with activities to implement between course sessions and an opportunity to adapt and debrief with your peers. In the final session of the course, we’ll reflect on lessons learned and how to carry the strategies forward towards increasing equity, justice and engagement in your classroom.
There will be five online sessions with one optional in-person session in Pierce County (specific location TBD).
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Gain and implement strategies and curriculum for using the schoolyard as a learning space
- Experience how incorporating outside spaces supports equitable student engagement
- Reflect on how local, relevant, and community-based science instruction is an antiracist endeavor and is integral to the pursuit of climate and education justice
- Collaborate with and learn from other teachers as part of a professional learning community
This course is intended for teachers of Pre-K-2nd grade students with some flexibility in what they teach. Informal science educators are also welcome!
- 10 STEM Clock Hours
- After completing this course, teachers will need to claim and pay for clock hours at pdEnroller.
- Washington State Public School Teachers will receive a $300 implementation stipend upon submission of teacher and student work and completion of assessments.
- Funding provided by the Washington State Legislature through the ClimeTime Proviso and is available to Washington State teachers and educators only.
All sessions are virtual with the exception of one optional in-person session.
- Session 1: Wed, Oct 5, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 2: Sat, Oct 8, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM OR Optional in-person (location TBD): Sat, October 15, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Session 3: Wed, Oct 26, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 4: Wed, Nov 2, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 5: Wed, Nov 16, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Asynchronous work due: Fri, November 18
