Registration opens May 21, 2012 @ PL Site Online
https://aportal.cobbk12.org/secure/login.aspx?AcceptsCookies=1
Teachers who attend both days earn $150 stipend!
Download complete description of each session here: Download TLC Sessions Science Overview Chart
Cobb Plan for K-5 Integration of CCGPS & Science/Social Studies Download K-5IntegrationFAQs
By now I'm sure you've heard a lot of buzz about the roll out of the new Common Core. You know that Common Core (CCGPS) is focused on ELA & Math. So as a teacher who also teaches science, you may be wondering where the Common Core standards for science are. There aren’t Common Core standards for science. Content standards for science were not included in the scope of work during the development of the Common Core standards for ELA & Math. This does not mean that science is not impacted by the roll-out of the CCGPS. The new CCGPS for ELA require a shift in focus from mostly narrative to more informational text. This increased focus on informational text will provide teachers with greater opportunities to integrate science instruction meaningfully into their literacy blocks. This integration will not replace the need for instructional time devoted to hands-on inquiry science, but will enable teachers to deepen student understanding of the concepts about which they are learning through reading and writing.
The science content standards are NOT changing with the implementation of CCGPS. In the 2012-2013 school year we will still be responsible for teaching the same science GPS we have taught since 2006. New national science standards are on the horizon, but they are at least 2 years away from implementation. If you’re interested in learning more about the new Next Generation Science Standards, please visit www.nextgenscience.org.
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Strong Showing of Cobb Schools at State Elementary Science Olympiad
by: Jennifer Gates, Norton Park ES
From CSI-like detection and experiments to NASA-inspired water rocket blasting, student scientists from across the state gathered recently to compete in the Elementary Science Olympiad. Eighteen Cobb elementary schools, from Big Shanty to Vaughn, vied for the top spot at the day-long ESO, held at Kennesaw State University. Nearly two dozen events allow student teams of up to 20 to put their many months of practice and coaching to the test. A variety of events gives students of all skill levels and interests a shot at taking top prize in the science-based content: Mystery Boxes, in which students use their powers of deduction and prior knowledge to determine the use, measurements and description of various scientific tools and resources, to Pasta Bridges, in which students create a load-bearing bridge of their own design out of pieces of pasta noodles.
The Kedron Knights took first place in the state competition followed by another Fayette County team, the Crabapple Lane Cardinals. They were closely followed by 6 Cobb school teams in the top ten: Eastvalley (A) took 3rd place, and Kincaid, Shallowford Falls, Mount Bethel, Murdock, and Brown. Elementary Science Supervisor, and Georgia Science Teachers Association President, Sally Creel, says the competition is an excellent way for elementary students to do and apply scientific knowledge and have fun while doing it. A rainy start to this year’s day of competition didn’t dampen spirits or deter anyone from attending… even the official opening parade march had teams and their supporters lined up around the campus green.
The event draws hundreds of spectators, supporters and volunteers and is done in support with Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education and School of Science and Mathematics. Elementary Science Olympiad motivates students to learn about science and its real-world applications as well as encouraging students, particularly those of diverse and culturally varied backgrounds, to explore science as a foundation for learning in elementary, middle and high school.
The first public draft of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is available at www.nextgenscience.org from May 11 to June 1.
We welcome and appreciate your feedback. The NGSS have been written as student performance expectations grouped by topics, and can be viewed in the topical groupings or individually. The draft performance expectations are composed of the three dimensions from the NRC's Framework for K–12 Science Education. These draft performance expectations describe how students will demonstrate their understanding. To review the draft standards, go to www.nextgenscience.org. When you are ready to provide comments, click on any of the links that say "Go to the NGSS Survey." Be sure to submit your survey by June 1. Feedback collected during the comment period will be organized and shared with the leading states and writing team members. After the feedback is considered, a feedback report will be issued that will explain how feedback was handled and why. In addition, I am attaching a simpler form that will allow me to share your general comments about the standards with the Georgia Science Advisory Committee. Please, if possible e-mail me the form before May 25. I thank you in advance for all input that you could provide Achieve and the Georgia Science Advisory Committee about this important work that will shape science education for the next 15 to 20 years.
Sincerely,
Juan-Carlos Aguilar
Science Program Manager - Division of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Georgia Department of Education - 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE - 1754 Twin Towers East - Atlanta, GA 30334jaguilar@doe.k12.ga.us
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Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced that USDA is seeking 2012 grant applications for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP).
FMPP grants are administered through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and aim to increase the availability of local agricultural products in communities and strengthen farmer-to-consumer marketing. Additional consideration will be given to projects that expand healthy food choices in food deserts or low-income areas.
"These grants will put resources into rural and urban economies, and help strengthen efforts to provide access to nutritious and affordable foods," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "This program not only supports the health and well-being of local communities but also the economic health of their farms and businesses."
Click here for more information on applying for a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant. Applications must be submitted to grants.gov no later than May 21st, 2012. For grant questions, please email usdafmppquestions@ams.usda.gov or call (202) 720-8317.
Preparing a competitive federal grant application takes time, research, and careful preparation, so don’t delay and get started today! Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Applications Accepted Until May 21st
Kirk A. Farquharson
SERO Farm to School Coordinator USDA
Food and Nutrition Service Southeast Region
61 Forsyth Street S.W. Room 8T36
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone; 404-562-7084 Fax: 404-759-2072
Kirk.Farquharson@fns.usda.gov
