Elementary Science

Science at Argyle Elementary

Argyle Elementary is getting into the Science Mood.  With a grant from the Georgia Mineral Society, Argyle was able to buy a stream table, and have funding to have a Fifth Grade Science Fair.  We invited special guests, parents, and all other grade levels from our school to visit and vote for the best experiment, best display, and best presentation.  Trophies will be awarded at the fifth grade celebration at the end of the year.  Science ruled the day.  Each fifth grade student was able to share with younger students the things they loved about science.  From robotic cans to gemstones, from sinkholes to what does Jupiter look like was researched and explained.

Cool Waters Workshop

Help! How do I Register for the Mini-Conference?

Click on the PPT below and it will guide you step by step through the registration process.  Good luck!  :-)

Download how_to_register_for_the_science_miniconference.ppt

Here's a PDF version too!

Download how_to_register_for_the_science_miniconference.pdf

Oh...Here are the answers to some FAQs:

If I register do I have to attend both days?
No.  Registering for the conference gives us an idea of how many to plan for.  When you arrive at Harrison on your desired day, you will pick up a ticket for the session(s) you wish to attend.  It will be a first come first serve, sorry!  However, there are repeats of all textbook sessions and local presenter sessions.  There should be plenty of room.  The AIMS sessions must be pre-registered by e-mail sally.creel@gmail.com

Can I earn a PLU?
Yes, you may.  If you wish to earn a PLU you must attend both days.  You will sign into each session and complete a professional development form and turn it in as you leave.  We will process the forms and award the PLUs.

What’s the deal about exempting the Aug. 5th pre-planning training?
In an attempt to differentiate our professional learning opportunities we are offering teachers two options to receive training on the new science instructional materials.  Teachers may attend the sessions being offered on May 29th or 30th or come to the Aug. 5th sessions.  The same information will be shared on each day.  Sign-in sheets will be maintained at each training to document attendance. 

Why do 1st & 2nd grade teachers need to attend a lunch & learn about report cards?
The 08-09 school year will be the first year of implementation for the new standards-based report cards for 1st & 2nd grades.  Teachers need to attend an informational session about using the new reporting system.  Teachers may choose to attend the lunch & learns offered on May 29th & 30th or go to the combination textbook training and report card trainings offered on Aug. 5th during pre-planning.

:-)  Sally

Summer Employment Opportunity

Are you looking for a summer job?  The Chattahoochee Nature Center is looking for teachers to work at Camp King Fisher, an environmental day camp.  For more information please click on here:

Download camp_kingfisher_employment_opportunity.doc

Cobb County Science Mini-Conference

The two days have been evenly distributed into sessions for K-2 and 3-5 groups.  Each day will offer two textbook sessions for various groups.  Participants may attend concurrent sessions on technology or science literacy when they are not attending a textbook session.  There are all day sessions on AIMS resources for K-5 and STARLAB training for 4th, 2nd, or science lab teachers.  The idea for the two days was to be flexible and meet teacher needs. 

Registration for the conference will be available on INFORM by May 9, 2008. Thanks for your interest in advance!  Register early, space is limited.  :-)  Sally

Overview of Sessions - Download science_miniconference.xls  

Conference Flyer - Download science_miniconference_may_2008.pdf

Session Descriptions: 

Download textbook_sessions.doc

Download aims_sessions.doc

Download linking_literacy_science_sessions.doc

Download starlab_session.doc

Want to Start a Robotics Team?

Summer Training Opportunites

Title: Teaching Science through Children's Literature

Dates: June 11^th June 12^th , 2008

Time 8:30-2:30

PLU(s): 1

Title: GPS Science Unit Training for Grades K-2

Dates: July 1^st and July 2^nd, 2008

Time 8:30-2:30

PLU(s): 1

Title: GPS Science Unit Training for Grades 3-5

Dates: July 22^nd and July 23^rd, 2008

Time 8:30-2:30

PLU(s): 1

GYSTC Flyer with more details Download PLUSUMMER08.doc

Classes open to all teachers.  Member system price $25, Non-member price $50.  Lunch is provided.  Registration information: Contact Jaymee Herrington, Regional Coordinator West GYSTC at jherring@westga.edu or 678-839-6147.

Cobb is a Non-Member system.  I do have limited funds to pay for registration.  Please let me know ASAP if you are interested.  :-)  Sally

Elementary Science Research

The Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) call for the introduction of science concepts based on earth, life, and physical sciences to all students beginning in kindergarten (Georgia DOE, 2007).  If elementary teachers are going to effectively guide students in their exploration of science concepts, teachers must themselves have a good understanding of those concepts.  The 2000 National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education, conducted by Horizon Research Group (2002), revealed that less than 2% of elementary teachers majored in science or science education, and 67% of elementary teachers reported having 6 or fewer semesters of college science course work.

Teachers who are weak in content background tended to have significantly lower self- efficacy than did teachers with strong content background (Enochs & Riggs, 1990).  Studies have indicated that particularly at the elementary school level, low comfort levels towards science and/or science teaching tend to lead to sporadic teaching of science, the teaching of science during inadequate blocks of time, or the omission of science instruction from the school (Connor, 2005).  The results of these actions are being felt into high school, college, and even extending to the workforce.

A study was conducted to determine if a sustained professional development model offered by the Northwest Georgia Science Educational Partnership (NGSEP) is an effective means to improve teacher self-efficacy in science and increase the quality of elementary science instruction.   The study asked fifth grade teachers involved in the NGSEP to engage in reflection on their self-efficacy.  A mixed methods approach will be used to answer the following research question:
1.    What are the effects of the Math Science Partnership professional development model on teacher self-efficacy as reported by 5th grade teachers?

The results of the study are below.  :-)  Sally

Download ksu_5308.ppt

Internation Science & Engineering Fair 2008

ISEF 2008
Coming to Atlanta
May 11-16, 2008

On Sunday, May 11 over 1500 students from fifty states and over 45 countries are coming to Atlanta!

ISEF one of the most prestigious science opportunities for high school students in the world.
Students are competing for significant opportunities, scholarships, prizes, and awards all totaling about $4 million. 

We need your help!  Please volunteer your time to ensure that this worthwhile event goes smoothly.  Volunteers are needed to act as greeters, tech support, guides, security, and much more. Please check out the links below for more information.  :-)  Sally

For more information go to: http://www.intelisef2008.org/

To volunteer go to: http://www.intelisef2008.org/volunteering.html for information, then, go to: http://www.sciserv.org/isef/volunteers/volform.asp

Join NSTA's New Science Teacher Academy

NSTA New Science Teacher Academy, cofounded by the Amgen Foundation, is a professional development initiative created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge.

   

According to a 2003 study by Richard Ingersoll, nearly 50% of beginning teachers leave their jobs in the first five years. The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy endeavors to use mentoring and other professional development resources to support science teachers during the often challenging, initial teaching years and to help them stay in the profession.

   

As an NSTA Fellow, you will receive:

   

• Comprehensive NSTA membership and its benefits;
• An opportunity to participate in a variety of web-based professional development activities, including web seminars
• Unlimited use of resources including vetted web links for lesson plans, links to state and national standards, professional organizations, safety tips and more;
• An opportunity to participate in e-Mentoring developed by NSTA, the New Teacher Center, and Montana State University that includes:
  • e-Mentoring with an experienced teacher in the same science discipline and grade level;
  • Facilitated online curriculum that focuses on science content and applicable classroom pedagogy;
  • Access to a nationwide, online network of science educators and scientists that facilitate the exchange of information, ideas, and resources;
        
• Accommodations, coverage of airfare, food, and registration fees to attend the NSTA national conference;
• An opportunity to participate in specialized conference pathways and to participate in a Research Dissemination Conference or a Professional Development Institute.

Eligibility    

New Science Teacher Academy Fellows must be:

   

• Located throughout the country*
• Entering their second or third year of teaching
• Working a schedule with 51% of their classes in middle or high school science.

   

Former Academy Fellows are not eligible.

Visit http://www.nsta.org/academy/ for an application