Greetings Science Educators!
I hope the week finds you well. It has been a very busy time for many of us since returning from Winter Break! We are wrapping up the last three Science Standards Regional Workshops around the state and the Oklahoma Science Standards Framework Project is moving full steam ahead! Currently we have nineteen highly qualified Oklahoma educators working diligently to prepare resources to support OKSci teachers as they implement the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science.
The resources should be available sometime this summer. However, we will be putting out samples of the resources this spring!
Assessment Update:
I wanted to introduce you to our new Science Assessment Coordinator at the SDE, Tony Cortez. Tony is taking over for Craig Walker, but Craig still remains in the assessment office and will continue to support districts and teachers.
Contact Information:
Tony Cortez
P: (405) 522-3341
E-mail: Tony.Cortez@sde.ok.gov
Resources:
- Biology practice test and reference sheet can be accessed using the following link: Testing Resources
Use the information below to get started with the practice test:
URL: http://oklahoma.measuredprogress.org
Student Login: practice
Password: Oklahoma
- State Score Summary Report can be accessed using the following link: Science Score Summary Sheet
- Spring Testing Updates can be accessed using the following link: Spring Testing Updates
Science Assessment Q&A
Below you will find a short Q&A regarding several questions we’ve received and responses from Tony and/or Craig.
Q1: Can students use calculators on the 8th grade science test this year?
A1: Scientific calculators can be used for the 8th grade science test, please refer to the following link for more information: Calculator Policy.
Q2: Do students need a scientific calculator for the 8th grade science test this year?
A2: Scientific calculators (or 4 function calculators) are allowed on the Grade 8 science test for Spring 2015. We didn’t want to restrict calculator usage to just 4 function calculators because teacher committees stated that both types of calculators were used during classroom instruction, so the policy includes scientific calculators. Cosine/sine functions will not be needed for Grade 8 science calculations. As an example, a student may encounter an item that requires students to calculate speed of an object (See page 17 of the Test & Item Specification document).
Q3: Are formulas going to be provided on the 8th grade science test this year?
A3: All Grade 8 science items requiring the use of formulas are embedded in each item.
Q4: Will the 8th grade science tests be paper-based or computer-based this year:
A4: Grade 8 science tests will be paper-based tests for Spring 2015. We intend to provide Grade 8 Science and Social Studies through a computer-based test in Spring 2016. The decision has not been finalized.
Q5: Are there online practice tests for 5th or 8th science?
A5: Only online tests will have online practice tests. The purpose of the online practice tests is to familiarize students with the tools that they will be using during the exam such as the eraser function, scientific calculator, etc. The parent teacher student guide (PTSG) would be the manual of reference for paper/ pencil tests. Spring 3-8 PSTG’s will be online 2/6/15 and EOI PSTG’s will be online 2/9/15.
Resources Shared on #OKSci Facebook:
There are several questions being posted concerning textbooks and the textbook adoption process on the OKSci Facebook page. Check out the responses by other science by joining the OKSci Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/118400268320217/ .
Educator Opportunities:
Summer Authentic Research Experience for Teachers
Where – Participants will either be on-site (stipend & lodging provided) working with NSF EPSCoR Research Scientists at:
(1) Kiamichi Forest Research Station near Idabel
(2) Urban ecology in Oklahoma City and K20 in Norman:
Areas of Study:
Kiamichi: (1) Ecological response of plants and animals to drought
Urban area: (2) Vegetation response to drought, land cover and land use
When – Monday-Thursday, June 8-11, 2015
Register at https://k20.wufoo.com/forms/z1a02xfm0247ib5/
For more information, contact Quentin Biddy 405-325-2530 quentinbiddy@ou.edu
Improving Your Schoolyard Habitat Workshop:
See attached SchoolSite Workshop Flyer for details.
Hosted By: The Oklahoma Green Schools Program & Oklahoma Project Learning Tree
When: February 21st
Where: OSU Botanic Garden in Stillwater
Register: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/workshop-schedule
Yellowstone Science Course for Educators.
Oklahoma State University will host a new travel course, Yellowstone Science for Educators. During the first three days of this two week course graduate (CIED 5280) and undergraduate (CIED 4560) students will hear presentations from top scientists regarding the science of Yellowstone (i.e. extremophiles, plate tectonics, deforestation due to natural causes, ecological impacts of specie introduction, etc.). Then we head to Yellowstone National Park to experience the scientific wonders of this majestic place. In addition to course readings, students will develop a standards-based lesson addressing the science of Yellowstone. Application Deadline is March 9th 2015 with a limit of 15 students. For more information contact Dr. Julie Angle at mailto:Julie.angle@okstate.edu or Vallory Vencill at vallory.vencill@okstate.edu .
Student Opportunities:
Kansas-Nebraska-Oklahoma Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS).
This prestigious event provides high school students (9-12) with an opportunity to present their original research and research paper to a panel of judges. Sponsored by the Academy of Applied Sciences, and held on the OSU Stillwater campus, the first place award winner will receive $2,000, second place $1500, and third place $1,000 cash scholarship. Five students will receive an all expense paid trip to the national JSHS competition with the potential of earning an additional $12,000 scholarship.
Hotel and food will be provided free to participating students and sponsoring teacher. Sponsoring teachers will receive a $100 stipend with the potential of winning the $500 teacher award.
Student applications and research papers are due by 5:00 on Tuesday February 24th, 2015. For more information go to: https://education.okstate.edu/outreach/jsh or contact Dr. Julie Angle at mailto:Julie.angle@okstate.edu .
NSTA Free Articles
Elementary: Virtual Modeling – http://static.nsta.org/files/sc1505_30.pdf
Observing Life in a Square – http://static.nsta.org/files/sc1404_26.pdf
Middle School: No Ordinary Coronary – http://static.nsta.org/files/ss1404_24.pdf
High School: Project Based Science – http://static.nsta.org/files/tst1501_25.pdf
Catching the Wrong Species – http://static.nsta.org/files/tst1409_25.pdf
Stay Connected:
Social Media:
Twitter: @tiffanyneill
Facebook: #OKSci
Hashtags: #oksde #OKSci #OKSTEM
Sign Up for a Twitter account: https://twitter.com/
Accessing Archived Science Messages:
You can access Archived Science Messages I’ve sent out since March via the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) website. Scroll down to see previous posts.
Science Listserv:
Please encourage others to register for the science listserv and pass along the following registration link:
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!