Science

Science Education Updates, Events, and Professional Learning Opportunities:

• Would you like to access local Colorado data to enhance your instructional materials? See free local, data resources from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, ESRI, and NOAA here!

• In-person STEM meetings across Colorado in September will feature discussions on needs, opportunities, and resources, including mini-grants, quantum activities, and networking through the new STEM Ecosystem app. The events are free and include lunch, with locations in Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Longmont.

  • Sat. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m: CSU Pueblo. Register

  • Sat. Sept. 21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: SVVSD Innovation Center, Longmont. Register

• Interested in winning a grant to support your implementation of SB24-014 The Seal of Climate Literacy? Lyra Colorado is offering grant funding. Early deadline is August 30 and final deadline is 23. Check out more information here. 

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is hosting poster contest for 9-14 year olds (poster flyer linked here) and a video contest for students aged 14-18 (video flyer linked here). Prizes are available for top submissions. The deadline is November 25, 2024; please visit the CDPHE website linked here for details.

• The first Colorado Youth Climate Summit for participants aged 16+ will be held in Carbondale on May 2-3, 2025. Applications (linked here) are now open for the Youth Summit Leader Team, with a deadline of September 17, 2024. Interested youth, educators, and community leaders can also complete a Summit Interest Form (linked here) to stay informed about registration and related opportunities.

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now accepting sign-ups for K-12 virtual programs on topics including wolves, adaptations, mapping, and ecosystems. Programs are offered monthly through November and align with Colorado Academic Standards. Interested educators can sign up using the Google form link here and direct any questions to dnr_cpwsole@state.co.us.

• Check out the Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Toolkit here. Please continue to monitor this site for Fall Professional Learning Dates and Locations! 

• Save the Date for the Colorado Science Conference happening October 25th @ CSU Spur. Learn more about attending, presenting, and/or exhibiting by accessing this link. 

• The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAEMST) nominations are now open for both K-6 and 7-12 science/STEM teachers- a change from previous years. Secondary science teachers (grades 7-12) may complete applications when they open in Fall 2024. Elementary science teachers (grades K-6) may be nominated now. K-6 nominees will be notified during the current 2024-2025 cycle and may begin their applications in the 2025-2026 cycle. Feel free to monitor the PAEMST site (linked here) for more information. 

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

• ​SCILEADPRO is a professional learning opportunity for district science coordinators facilitated by Clemson University. SCILEADPRO is a Science Leadership Institute designed specifically to support coordinators in developing a network and growing professionally. Access the flyer here and sign-up here. 

• 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.

• 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

Shortcuts to Additional Resources:

• Access classroom resources aligned with the 2020 Science Standards for elementary and secondary
• Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Toolkit
• Access 3D teaching and learning 
• Access Opportunities for Educators and Students
• Access Professional Organizations
• Access Building Community and Industry Partnerships 
• Access Computer Science Instructional Supports