Science

Next Generation Science Standards Information and Updates.
The draft of the Next Generation Science Standards is currently under revision. The final version is anticipated to be released to states at the end of March 2013. Please visit the NGSS Information and Update page for more information.

• Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects: Grades 6-8 PDF
• Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects: Grades 9-10 PDF
• Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects: Grades 11-12 PDF

Search for text to use in your science classroom at the AZLibrary for Arizona Residents. Provides a searchable database of full text articles from over 1750 periodicals, research journals, newspapers, and publications.

Webinar: Introducing the Next Generation Science Standards
May 9, May 23: 3:30-4:30 PM MST June 5:

Webinar: Disciplinary Literacy: Developing Readers in Science
May 21^st 2013 3:30- 5pm
Provides information on the essential features of a scientific discourse community and provide participants with strategies for mentoring students as they engage with complex science texts.

June 5^th, 2013 8:30 – 3:30
Disciplinary Literacy: Teaching Reading within Content Courses
This in-person workshop provides secondary educators an opportunity to understand disciplinary literacy as defined by Arizona’s Common Core Standards. The critical skills necessary for reading texts in different disciplines- history, science, literature, mathematics and technical subjects will be shared.

Participants will learn:

• The difference between reading and writing across the curriculum and disciplinary literacy
• How text complexity affects reading within the content areas
• Discipline specific strategies for incorporating text to build conceptual understanding within their content course

June 10-12, 2013
Growing Collaborative School Teams to Implement Arizona’s Common Core Standards
Who should attend: School-based instructional leadership teams and the school and LEA administrators who lead and support their work.
Why attend:

• Expand your repertoire of tools, protocols, and strategies to strengthen collaboration
• Deepen your knowledge of Arizona’s Common Core Standards (ACCS) instructional shifts and strengthen your capacity to support others in making those shifts
• Enlarge your network of colleagues from around the state with whom you can continue learning
• Add detail and vitality to your team’s professional learning plan for your school by interacting with other teams about the lessons being learned from their “journeys of change”
• Increase your familiarity with free resources that can benefit your school colleagues
• Experience the integration of Arizona’s Common Core Standards for Mathematics, English Language Arts, and the Standards for Professional Learning.

External Events: 
Arizona Project WET is presenting the Greater Phoenix STEM Academy for 6^th – 12^th grade teachers!  The 3-day Academy will be held on July 17 -19, 2013 at the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension office in Phoenix.  There will be 30 teachers selected to attend and applications are due by May 20^th.  

Schedule a web meeting for your site
Would you like a webinar or web meeting for your school or district PLC or content team? Please contact lacey.wieser@azed.gov to schedule an online session for your group on any of the following topics that support the Next Generation Science Standards and Arizona’s Common Core Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects:

• Preparing for the Next Generation Science Standard
  Provides an overview of the NGSS development process and how to read and interpret the NGSS documents.
• The Practice of Developing Models to Understand Systems
  An overview of the qualities of scientific models and the crosscutting concept of Systems and System models from, A Framework for K-12 Science Education will be shared. Example lessons aligned to the current Arizona Science Standards will be shared to show the progression of models from grade K-12.
• Overview of Arizona’s Common Core Standards – English Language Arts for Grades 6-12 Science and Technical Subjects
  Provides an overview of Arizona’s Common Core Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects, how to use the Common Core Appendices, and discuss classroom implications and strategies.
• Using the Three Dimensions of Text Complexity in the Secondary Science Classroom
  Participants will have the opportunity to explore the three dimensions of text complexity and learn to use tools for analyzing science and technical subjects text.
• Ideas to Stimulate Argumentation in the Science Classroom
  An overview of argumentation within the science classroom will be discussed. Participants will see examples of rich questions that can engage K-12 students in argumentation aligned with Arizona Science standards and Arizona’s Common Core Standards in ELA

• Testing Calendar
• AIMS Science Student Guides
• AIMS Science Sample Tests
• Science Blueprints
• Grade 4 (pdf)
• Grade 8 (pdf)
• High School(pdf)
• AIMS Periodic Table Reference Sheet -Grade 8 Science 
• Science AIMS Performance Level Descriptors
• Formative Assessment Item Bank- To access these documents, you must be an Arizona educator with access to IDEAL.
• Science AIMS Specifications
  The documents provide information on how science performance objectives will be assessed through AIMS. To access these documents, you must be an Arizona educator with access to IDEAL.

Other Science Assessment Information
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as “the Nation’s Report Card,” is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas.

NAEP Profile for Arizona – Grade 4

NAEP Profile for Arizona – Grade 8

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS, formerly known as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. students compared to that of students in other countries.

• Saguaro Life Cycle Lesson (Grade 3 trade book lesson)
• History of the Periodic Table (Grade 8 integrated reading lesson)
• To access additional Content-Rich Support Materials for science grades K-8, log into IDEAL. Under Curriculum Resources, click the link for Content-Rich Support Materials.

English Language Development Strategies for Science Content
Report on Review of Core Reading Program Alignment to Social Studies and Science Standards
Trade Book Database
Search this database for science trade books that have been aligned to the Science Standard. To access the database, log into IDEAL; click the link for the Learning Resource Manager.

• Atlas for Science Literacy
  This book features visual maps of science content from K to 12, and helps schools and districts with science curriculum development.Benchmarks for Science Literacy
  Developed by the Project 2061, the Benchmarks look at adjusting science curriculum to essential elements with a goal of having all graduates scientifically literate by 2061.
• Curriculum Topic Study
  Curriculum Topic Study is an NSF-funded project that is developing a coordinated set of science materials to help K-12 educators deepen their understanding of the important science topics they teach. CTS builds a bridge between state and national standards, research on students’ ideas in science, and opportunities for students to learn science through improved teacher practice.
• Designing Optimal Knowledge for Teaching Science and Mathematics (pdf)
  This paper examines reform proposals for K-12 science and mathematics teaching, including Literature that delineates the varieties of knowledge that have been associated with this kind of teaching. This paper addresses the character of that knowledge rather than the content of that knowledge.
• EDThoughts: What We Know About Science Teaching and LearningHow Students Learn: Science in the ClassroomMaking Sense of Secondary Science: Research into Children’s IdeasNational Science Education Standards
  Developed in coordination with the National Academies of Science, the NSES look at revising science teaching and learning.
• National Association for Research in Science Teaching
  The National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) is a worldwide organization of professionals committed to the improvement of science teaching and learning through research.
• Science for All Americans On-Line
  Developed by the Project 2061, this book consists of a set of recommendations on what understandings and ways of thinking are essential for all citizens in a world shaped by science and technology.

• Science and Safety: It’s Elementary (pdf)
  An Elementary Safety Guide produced by the Council of State Science Supervisors.
• Science and Safety, Making the Connection (pdf)
  A Secondary Safety Guide produced by the Council of State Science Supervisors.
• School Chemistry Lab Safety Guide (pdf)
• Safe Chemical Management in Schools
  The EPA has assembled a toolkit and resources for the safe handling of chemicals in schools and school districts.
• OSHA Hazard Communication Brief
  Includes updates on maintaining new Safety Data Sheets, chemical labeling requirements, and updated pictogram requirements, and effective dates for implementing these new standards.
• Arizona School Facilities Board requirements for science classrooms. (page 15 of the PDF document)

• Arizona Science Teachers Association
• National Science Teachers Association
• Association for Science Teacher Education
• Council for Elementary Science International
• National Institute for Science Education
• National Middle Level Science Teachers’ Association
• National Science Education Leadership Association
• School Science and Mathematics Association

Physics

• Arizona section of American Association of Physics Teachers
• American Association of Physics Teachers
• American Institute of Physics- Education Division
• American Physical Society Forum on Education
• American Society for Engineering Education

Chemistry

• American Chemical Society, Education Home Page

Biology

• Arizona Association for Environmental Education
• American Institute of Biological Sciences
• Association for Biology Laboratory Education
• National Association of Biology Teachers
• North American Association for Environmental Education

Earth and Space

• Association for Astronomy Education
• National Association of Geoscience Teachers
• National Earth Science Teachers Association
• American Astronomical Society
• American Geological Institute – Education Department
• Geological Society of America – Geoscience Education Division
• National Space Society

• Arizona resources and programs
  Document contains links to Arizona resources and programs, such as parks, museums, and organizations connected to science education.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
  Advances science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association.
• Annenberg Media Learner.org
  Annenberg Media uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools.
• ARS News and Information
  Research news, science for kids, and images from the Agricultural Research Service.
• BioLEAP Lending Library of Life Science Materials
  The National Anti-Vivisection Society provides a comprehensive library of dissection alternatives that includes high-relief, three dimensional plastic models, computer software programs, color transparencies, videotapes and other materials for a wide range of species. These materials are available on a free loan basis to students, teachers, school boards and others interested in advancing science education without harming animals.
• The Biology Project
  An interactive resource for learning about biology concepts, sponsored by the University of Arizona.
• The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education
  CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum through compelling use of the Internet.
• Digital Library for Earth System Education
  The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE), sponsored by the National Science Foundation, includes lesson plans, maps, images, data sets, visualizations, assessment activities, curriculum, online courses, and more.
• Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
  Provides a database that links to free teaching and learning resources developed by federal agencies.
• Harvard University Teacher Resource Website
  Provides content modules for teaching about density, pressure, simple circuits, and ecosystems.
• International System of Units (SI)
  The International System of Units, abbreviated SI, is the modern metric system of measurement. This site provides a list of the 7 base units, derived units, and their symbols.
• Modeling Instruction Program at Arizona State University
  Portal page to the Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction program.
• Modeling for Understanding in Science Education (MUSE)
  Provides numerous research-based, math oriented science units, complete with instructional materials, instructions, and rationale.
• National Institute for Science Education
  Publications, research and educational activities.
• NASA Spacelink
  An Aeronautics and Space Resource for Education
• National Academy of Sciences
  Provides latest research and policy in science, engineering, and medicine.
• National Science Digital Library
  NSDL is the Nation’s online library for education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.
• National Science Foundation
  Includes information about the agency, its programs, and its publications; details of NSF grants; and links to other science-related research centers.
• National Science Teachers Association – Learning Center
  Includes Science Objects (free one- to two-hour interactive simulation-based learning experiences) and NSTA Web Seminars (free weekly 90-minute, live professional development experiences that allow participants to interact with nationally acclaimed experts, NSTA Press authors, and scientists, engineers, and education specialists from NSTA government partners).
• NCREL Science
  Provides research articles on policy and best practices for mathematics and science education issues.
• Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education
  Earth and space science education is undergoing a revolution that is reshaping the nature and content of what is taught-with an increased emphasis on Earth as a system. Earth and space science is emerging as a premier exemplar for innovation, quality education and successful science education reform for students at all grade levels.
• Science Notebooks
  Provides information and strategies for creating science notebooks, including examples of student notebooks.
• The Smithsonian Institution Home Page
  Provides virtual tours of the Smithsonian Institutions, teaching resources, exhibits, and professional development information.
• The Tree of Life Home Page
  Information about phylogeny and biodiversity.
• Understanding Evolution – An evolution site for teachers
  Comprehensive site containing extensive background information to help teachers understand the complexities of evolution and teach it effectively.
• USGS – Education
  The Learning Web, a portion of the U.S. Geological Survey to, a portion of the USGS web sit dedicated to K-12 education, exploration, and life-long learning.