Use a simple clump of dandelions to anchor a Next Generation Science Standards-aligned storyline that will get your students outside and engaged with science this spring. 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.
You’ll be provided activities to implement between course sessions and an opportunity to debrief and adapt with other 3rd – 5th grade teachers. 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:
- Learn to 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.
STEM Clock Hours, Stipends, and Additional Information:
- 10 STEM Clock Hours
- This course is intended for teachers of 3rd-5th grade students with some flexibility in what they teach. Informal science educators are also welcome!
- 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. This event is open to Washington State teachers only.
All courses are on Zoom and include one optional in-person meeting.
- Session 1: Thu, Mar 23, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 2: Sat, Mar 25, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM OR Optional in-person Sat, Apr 1, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (specific location in Pierce County TBD)
- Session 3: Tue, Apr 25, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 4: Wed, May 10, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Session 5: Wed, May 31, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Asynchronous work due: Fri, Jun 2
