Student-Centered Coaching

Who is coaching for?

EVERYONE because we all have students with needs!

Student-Centered Coaching is…

• guided by learning targets based on the standards
• an opportunity for us to co-teach and learn in a partnership 
• analyzing student evidence to guide our instruction
• showing our impact on student learning

Student-Centered Coaching is not...

• evaluation
• us telling you what to do
• a "fix the teacher" mentality

Coaches can work with teachers one-on-one, in small groups, in PLCs, etc.

Email contact: smatthews@sdcoe.net and mkaraffa@sdcoe.net

Career Pathways for Kids

Let's get kids thinking and talking about career pathways...NOW!

I know when I talk to my students about their future plans, and careers they were often unsure or listed off things they had seen: Teacher, Probation Officer, Nurse, etc.,
These are all viable careers, but there can never be enough exposure to ideas, and pathways to get our kids thinking about their futures.

EXPLORING SCIENCE CAREERS: INTERVIEWS AND INFORMATION BY CAREER FIELD

From 3D animators to veterinarians, genetic research and information technology is revolutionizing all fields of science. Read transcripts of interviews with a range of professionals as they describe their career paths, an average work day, and what they find most challenging and more rewarding about their work. Each featured career also includes additional resources to learn more, including educational requirements and salary information.

• 3D ANIMATOR
• BIOENGINEER / BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER
• BIOETHICIST
• BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGIST / PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGIST
• COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
• CORE MANAGER
• GENETIC COUNSELOR
• LABORATORY TECHNICIAN / RESEARCH TECHNICIAN / SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
• MICROBIOLOGIST
• MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS RESEARCHER 
• PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGIST
• POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST IN DNA AND HISTORY
• SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL WRITER
• STATISTICAL GENETICIST
• VETERINARIAN / VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Share out in the comments below what your students thought about these career pathways, and as always leave additional ideas of career pathways your students are interested in already. Ideas build on ideas...the more we can start the conversation with our students about their futures the more they can start to really visualize their path and make plans to achieve their goals.

Happy Friday!

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Top 20 STEM Educational Podcasts

Everywhere I turn people are talking about Podcasts. They are another available text to use with students and a great way to gather information. Here are the top 20 STEM Educational Podcasts that the science community thinks you should be listening to...now!

Source

1.  StarTalk Radio.  StarTalk Radio is Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s award winning talk show discussing cosmological wonders, cutting edge science technology, and hypothetical feats of imagination. Tyson (known the world over for his easy-going nature, humorous delivery and ability to spark the imagination of even the biggest skeptic) sets out to change how we see the universe and ourselves. StarTalk is a favorite in the science and education community. Listen via SoundCloud or iTunes, or visit the website http://www.startalkradio.net.

2.  Math/ Maths Podcast: 5136 Miles of Mathematics.  A cross-continental conversation about math and maths between experts in Las Vegas and Nottingham, England — Samuel Hansen andPeter Rowlett discuss everything from the world record Rubik’s cube, to learning to code, to discoveries by NSA mathematicians, to building a computer from 10,000 dominos. This is the podcast that makes math an adventure. Visit the pulse-project at http://www.pulse-project.org/pulsemathsmaths.

3.  Chemical Heritage Foundation: Distillations.  History, tech, and science get distilled in this highly relevant podcast series, hosted by Michal Meyer (a historian) and Bob Kenworthy (a chemist) of the Chemical Heritage Magazine. Each episode is dedicated to asking that age-old question: “How did we get here?” Listen and dive in to the science behind a Zombie Apocalypse, debunking CSI myths, why the chicken became a nugget and other tales of processed food, and the chemistry of art. Discover the latest episodes online at viaiTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/distillations/id270428918

4.  The Engineering Commons Podcast.  There aren’t a lot of engineering podcasts out there but this one, hosted by four active engineers, should be tops on your list. This podcast series highlights the challenges and opportunities of studying, teaching, and using engineering to bring about positive change and social good. Great industry insights and food for thought.  Preview episodes athttp://theengineeringcommons.com. Download at iTunes HERE.

5.  Astronomy Cast.  The Astronomy Cast dives into numbers, planets, and current space exploration topics. A great mix of news, ideas and debates. Find the most recent episodes via the website at http://www.astronomycast.com.

6.  NASA Science Casts.  Short, fun, video podcasts cover NASA’s historical space missions, and current space news that students can explore as it happens. There’s plenty of content for classroom discussion and exercises here. This is one podcast you’ll want to subscribe to and bookmark! View the videos at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/sciencecasts. Subscribe via iTunes HERE.

7. More or Less (BBC).  A popular podcast, under the highly respected BBC umbrella, and in partnership with Open University, host Tim Hartford (@TimHartford), More or Less debunks the numbers used in media and political hype, while delivering fun, practical math that educators can use in the classroom. Listen to Tim take on big data merchants, ponder whether religion really makes people more generous, and takeaway geeky facts that will ensure you never run out of small talk.  Tune in via BBC Radio 4’s website or iPlayer Radio HERE.

8. Software Engineering Radio.  A no-nonsense podcast offering intelligent discussion on topical issues for professional software engineers featuring highly respected researchers. Dig into data mining, analytics, open source, and practical tips for overcoming current challenges. Praise for the podcast includes professors who have used the material for software architecture courses, and who have dubbed the host the “Michael Jordan of Enterprise Solutions.” Learn more about the show and volunteer as a guest host via the website at http://www.se-radio.net. Download and subscribe via  iTunes HERE.

9.  This Week in Science.  This Week In Science science and technology radio show pits a car salesman and an amateur physicist against neuroscientist Dr. Kirsten Sanford (@DrKiKi) for compelling debates in science from the practical to the highly theoretical. If nothing else, listening to this podcast, you’ll be able to keep track of the Countdown to World Robot Domination. Download at iTunes HERE.

10.  NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.  Video and audio podcasts from Caltech’s NASA Jet Propulsion Lab keeps you in-the-know on the latest space news, research and discoveries being made by spacecraft, updates from the Curiosity Mars Rover and Cassini missions and gives helpful tips for amateur astronomers (which can surely be extended to the classroom). Download from iTunes HERE.

11.  Ask an Astronomer.  Prepare to be thoroughly stimulated listening to real NASA astronomers from the Spitzer Science Center and Infrared Processing and Analysis Center field questions from their audience on astronomy.  Ask the Astronomer is full of great ideas and ways to incorporate science inquiry into student lessons including asking these pro-Astronomers questions students may have. Subscribe to new podcasts via iTunes HERE.

12.  Big Picture Science.  The Big Picture Science radio show from the SETI Institute finds surprising and humorous ways to connect technology and natural science with coffee, alien life and the stars. Far more grounded than it sounds and entertaining, to say the least! Subscribe via iTunesHERE

13.  Ecogeeks: Untamed Science Video Podcast.  Untamed Science is a seriously fun science video podcast made by real biologists for nature lovers, delivered in an easy to convey messaging format for use in the K-12 classroom. Plus how-to science and nature filmmaking tips. Explore the website and blog at http://www.untamedscience.com and subscribe via iTunes HERE.

14.  Ask the Naked Scientist.  Savvy, fun loving physicians and researchers from Cambridge University strip down science to its bare essence in this entertaining and educational podcast. Find out why Guinness bubbles go downwards, what caused the ebola outbreak, how many organs you can donate and stay alive, and if a cure for procrastination has actually been discovered. Fun facts for curious minds offers a ton of great content for classroom lessons. Check out the behind the scenes pics via the website at  http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/about-us or subscribe and download on iTunes HERE.

15.  Engines of our Ingenuity.  A podcast featured on KUHF-FM radio Houston, Engines of our Ingenuity (hosted by Dr. John Lienhard) is a favorite among educators. The show dives into history, art, technology, and the epic failures and successes our curiosity has led us to – which is what makes this show itself, epic! Check it out at iTunes HERE.

16.  Labcast (the Media Lab).  Straight out of MIT’s Media Lab, Labcast (a video podcast) connects educators and students with radical future technologies being designed to enable people to create a better tomorrow. Discover cutting edge research and applications including coding for kids, 3D printing, robotics and responsive home design. Needless to say, it does not disappoint! Read more about Labcast on MIT’s website at http://labcast.media.mit.edu and download episodes at iTunesHERE.

17.  Everyday Einstein.  Everyday Einstein’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Making Sense of Sciencemakes learning complex ideas approachable and easy for the K-12 crowd. A few of the topics they’ve tackled recently include: “Should I Worry About the Ebola Outbreak?” “The Big and Small of Scientific Numbers” and “Why Do I Have to Know This Science Stuff Anyway?” More online atQuickandDirtyTips.com and definitely subscribe at iTunes HERE.

18.  CISCO Technology Series.  CISCO Technology’s tech news podcast is primarily for IT professionals (covering networking, mobility, data centers and security) but there’s plenty here for STEM educators who want to connect classroom technology and comp-sci lessons with the real world for students. Past episodes include: “Innovative Data Center Delivers Real-Time Data Globally,” “Terremark CTO Delivers Enterprise-Class Cloud Services Across the World,” and “The Business Benefits of Cloud Computing.” Download and subscribe at iTunes HERE.

19.  Science Magazine.  You can pretty much bet that a podcast by Science Magazine is going to stimulate and inform the brain (not to mention inspire you).  Science Magazine Podcast is a regular audio-cast from the world’s leading science journal, covering original research and current new topics including the NIH, controlling populations, psychedelic research, galactic gamma rays, and the hunter-gatherer gut. For the science educator and science student alike, going through their library of podcasts is like being a kid in a candy store!  Get the full details on their website at http://www.sciencemag.org/site/multimedia/podcast/. Subscribe and download new on iTunes HERE.

20.  Killer Innovations.  Seriously inspirational. Get your mental juices salivating, and throw your brain into overdrive, with this award winning podcast from author, and ex-CTO of Hewlette Packard, Phil McKinney (@philmckinney). McKinney generously shares his experience and lessons learned building products and technologies for the past 30 years. Insights you won’t find in a text book! Learn more about Killer Innovations at http://philmckinney.com/killer-innovations and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes HERE.

Tune in to these STEM education podcasts, let the inspirational sparks start to fly, and you will be running back to the classroom overflowing with ideas for more interactive and engaging lessons using current, real-life science news and debates.  Let us know which ones are your favorites and, if we’ve missed any that you think should be on the list, let us know in the comments below!

Source: http://blog.iat.com/2014/08/12/top-20-stem-education-podcasts-listening-now/

Teaching Science through Science Fiction

The literary genre of science fiction offers a “human lens” to complex scientific ideas, providing readers and learners with a more comprehensive and accessible view into topics such as biology, chemistry and physics. Bringing this genre into the classroom offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning, integrating English-Language Arts (ELA) and History into science lessons, which is especially important with the implementation of the Common Core Standards and its focus on ELA skills across all content areas. Education initiatives such as the SciFiEd Project aim to provide educators with the tools, guidance and training necessary to enhance teaching practices and make science more attractive to students by connecting lessons to science fiction literature and real-life issues such as environmental control.

Julie Czerneda argues the importance of science fiction in the classroom in her article “Science Fiction & Science Literacy: Incorporating Science Fiction Reading in the Science Classroom.” Czerneda distinguishes science fiction from good science fiction, noting that good science fiction is “story, science and speculation all wrapped up in a package custom-made for improving literacy and critical thinking skills.” Her article explains why science fiction should be a crucial part of a class curriculum, and provides teachers with resources and classroom activities aimed at using science fiction to peak student interest, motivation and comprehension in an otherwise complex subject.

THE HUNGER GAMES & GMOS

Sci-fi is not limited to aliens and UFOs; author Suzanne Collins tackles issues of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biology, ecology and environmental control in The Hunger Games. Set in a dystopian future society, The Hunger Games takes place on the ruins of what was once North America, a land now ravaged by environmental disaster. Mutated animals (or GMOs) roam the land, scientific side effects of a totalitarian government. While The Hunger Games is in fact fiction, the science of the novel has an air of credibility; we are faced with issues of global warming, and the DIY biology movement is on the rise. jabberjays and tracker-jackers (GMOs from the novels) may not exist, but we did have Dolly the Sheep. The Hunger Games metaphors make the novel useful for teachable moments in science.

The New York Times’ education blog The Learning Network created a lesson plan that utilizes jabberjays and other creatures in The Hunger Games as a template for teaching about GMOs and the DIY Biology movement. The lesson,‘Hunger Games’ Science: Investigating Genetically Engineered Organisms, is based around the following prompt:

‘In the movie “The Hunger Games,” the Capitol (a term used to refer to what we would call the government) produced genetically enhanced birds called jabberjays to spy on rebels. Unexpectedly, these birds bred with mockingbirds, creating a new hybrid bird called the mockingjay. The Capitol did not intend for this to happen, and the bird became a symbol of rebellion. What lessons can we draw about genetic engineering from these examples? Could a scenario like this, where a genetically engineered organism hybridizes with a wild animal or plant, happen in the real world? Why or why not?’

A GMO or genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic makeup is altered by science, engineering and technology. Examples of GMOS in The Hunger Games include jabberjays, mockingjays and tracker-jackers. The Hunger Games Wiki offers detailed explanations of these GMO creatures:

• Jabberjays: A mutation of male birds that was created in Capitol labs to spy on the rebels and enemies. Jabberjays have the ability to memorize and repeat entire human conversations, and were used to gather information from the rebels. Once people of the districts realized their private conversations were being transmitted, they used the jabberjays to spread lies to the Capitol. Consequently, ceased the usage of jabberjays, and left them to die off in the wild. Contrary to what the Capitol believed, before the male jabberjays became extinct, they bred with female mockingbirds to create a new species, mockingjays.
• Mockingjays: Birds created through the mating of jabberjays and female mockingbirds. While they lost the ability to memorize words, mockingjays can mimic any sounds from a ‘child's high-pitched warble to a man's deep tones,’ and even songs with multiple verses.
• Tracker-jackers: Genetically engineered wasps, coded to attack anyone or anything that disturbs their nest. Once they make a person their target, they follow him or her far away from their nest. Tracker-jackers were used as weapons during the war and planted around the districts of Panem.

While tackling topics of genetics, biology and organic chemistry may be difficult for young students, framing this discussion through pop culture helps motivate and engage students in an otherwise ‘dull’ topic. Other examples of pop culture offering accurate portrayals of science can be found in programs such as The Big Bang Theory, Breaking Bad and Mythbusters.

 Other examples of pop culture offering accurate portrayals of science can be found in programs such as The Big Bang Theory, Breaking Bad and Mythbusters.

• Hunger Games Lessons
• Science Fiction Stories with Astronomy and Physics
• Battlestar Pedagogica, Using Science Fiction to teach Science
• Using Science Fiction in the classroom Pinterest
• Finding the science behind science fiction with paired reading

Source: Teach Make a Difference Blog

Please let us know if the comments if you try any of these lesson ideas, or if you have additional resources to share!

Thank you