Science

Science Education Updates and Events:

• Upcoming Educator Events, Student Opportunities, and General Announcements:

  • Congratulations to the 2024 Colorado K-6 Science Finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching: 

    • Teri Crump - STEM Lab School, Adams 12 Five Star Schools 

    • Allison LeWarne - Sunset Elementary School, Moffat School District

    • Tracy Voreis - Challenge School, Cherry Creek School District

  • OERColorado May Webinar Series

    What’s the word? OER is the word! Openly-licensed Educational Resources (OER) for all educators can save schools money and allow teachers the ability to adapt free resources to their classroom context. Open Education is the movement to reduce cost and other barriers to knowledge, making education more accessible to all. 

    -What Are Open Educational Resources (OER) on May 7, 2024

    -Adapting Open Educational Resources (OER) on May 14, 2024

    -Vetting and Adopting Open Educational Resources (OER) Oct 1, 2024      

    -Open Educational Resources (OER) Leadership and Advocacy Oct 8, 2024

    Visit the OERColorado.org curriculum library to see how our resources can support your classroom and school! Email us at OERColorado@gmail.com.

  • Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) is launching a virtual series with aiEDU focused on supporting school leaders as they implement AI. The first summit is March 21, 3:30-4:30. Please share this link LINK to register. It is free and open to all. 

  • Attend the B.E.S.T (BIPOC Educational STEM Thinkers) Conference, presented by the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC), on June 29-30 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Access more information and register here. 

  • Science Standards revision will take place in the Spring of 2025

• Professional Learning Opportunities: 

  • The Denver Museum of Nature and Science provides ongoing Professional Learning for Teachers across K-12. Check out their offerings here or on their webpage. 

  • Check out the new website from inquiryHub at the University of Colorado Boulder that contains OER Science Resources as well as other learning opportunities!

    • SchoolWide Labs Sensor Immersion July 8-9

    • Equitable, 3D Feedback and Grading July 16-17

  • The CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (formerly CIRES Education & Outreach) HEART Force team at CU Boulder, presents  the Resilient Colorado Virtual Teacher Workshop Summer 2024 taking place June 10-28.  this workshop is tailored specifically for educators, like you aiming to elevate your teaching approach with innovative, place-based, NGSS-aligned science curriculum on natural hazards. Register here.

  • Integration of Data Fluency into 6th-12th Grade Education is an in-person workshop taking place July 11-12 in Golden, CO at the Colorado School of Mines. This NSF funded professional learning opportunity has no registration fee and the majority of any travel expenses, including flight/ground transportation (up to $600), hotel, and most meals, will be covered by our conference expense fund. For more details, see the event website here and access the application here. Applications due April 26th. 

  • American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and ExxonMobil are seeking Elementary and Middle School Teachers for the Geoscience and STEM Teaching and Learning Academy in Denver, CO taking place in July. For more details, See application here.

  • Check out the Spring and Summer Professional Learning opportunities offered by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science!

  • The Academy of Charter Schools, in association with the American Modeling Teachers Association, is offering a 2-week workshop on Chemistry Modeling Instruction this summer in Westminster, CO. The opportunity spans June 17 - 28 with hours on Mon - Thurs from 8:00 - 3:30 and Friday hours from 8:00 - noon. There is a limit to 20 registrants. Workshop includes a one-year AMTA membership that provides a supportive community, classroom materials, and more! This workshop is beneficial to new and veteran teachers alike. Here is the link for more information and registration. If your school is low on funding, apply for a scholarship by February 29 here. If you have any questions, please contact Angela Smith at angela.smith@theacademyk12.org.

  • UCAR Center for Science Education provides in-person and virtual professional learning options for teachers that begin in April. Learn more and register here. 

  • American Society of Metals Materials Camp at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, CO on July 15-19. This is a free professional learning opportunity for high school teachers. CEUs and graduate credits are availabile. 

  • TERC Climate and Equity Institute  is seeking 12 teachers for this program taking place in Maine from July 21-July 27. Application is accessible here and is due March 4.

  • Check out ​AI 101 for Teachers – that Code.org co-launched alongside ETS, Khan Academy and ISTE. The program is a free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in AI and its transformative potential in education. 

  • Denver Zoo is thrilled to be launching three new Teacher Professional Development courses designed to fill you with conservation inspiration...so you’ll be ready to engage your students in the fall. Want more information? Contact us at DZEducation@denverzoo.org.
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Starting in August Virtual, free interactive virtual programs for K-12 classes. About: Virtual program topics will include adaptations, mapping, and ecosystems. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide a zoom link and printouts. Additional information will be provided after signing up.  
    Sign-up Here

Shortcuts to Additional Resources:

• Access classroom resources aligned with the 2020 Science Standards for elementary and secondary
• Access 3D teaching and learning 
• Access Opportunities for Educators and Students
• Access Professional Organizations
• Access Building Community and Industry Partnerships