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PHASE 1: MAKE THE CASE
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During this first phase of moving towards implementing the PA STEELS K-12 science standards, science educators will become familiar with and experience the shifts entailed in moving from “learning about” to “figuring out” in science classrooms.Summer 2024
FOR ADMINISTRATORS
Administrator-Focused Science Professional Learning
This one-and-a-half-day administrator-focused professional learning offering was specifically created to help leaders support shifts in science instruction towards phenomenon-based, 3-D science teaching.
This offering is steeped in both science learning and leadership for science instruction. The experience is based on the Next Generation Science Exemplar System’s Principal’s Learn and Network to Support 3-D Science Learning (PLANS) Pathway. Although this offering is designed specifically for administrators, it is open to any science leaders, including department heads, grade-band science leads and science coaches. (This offering is a prerequisite for a two-day training opportunity in Phase 2: Create a Plan.)
Price: $350
Audience: Any and all administrators (district or building) or science leaders (e.g., department head, coach, grade-level lead) are invited to attendSummer 2024 Meeting Dates: June 13-14
Register for Summer 2024 Session
Half-Day Follow Up to Administrator-Focused Science Professional Learning
You've previously attended the Administrator-focused Science Professional Learning. Are your teachers starting to make some of the needed shifts in their science classrooms? If so, you might want some follow-up. We are offering a three-hour session to share some "look fors" in K-12 science classrooms. These can be used during walk-throughs or informal observations. We'll also share information about how the Danielson Framework (especially Domains II and IV) connects with shifts in science instruction.
Price: Free to AIU Member Districts
Audience: Any and all administrators (district or building) who have previously attended the Administrator-focused Science Professional Learning in June 2023, September 2023, or January 2024
Summer 2024 Meeting Date: June 14, from 12:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Tech: Please bring a laptop and/or tablet to access online resources.
Register for Summer 2024 Follow-Up Session
ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY & SUSTAINABILITY
Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience for Secondary Teachers
Register now to join us for an exciting day of free learning and fun at Shaler Area High School! This hands-on event is tailored for secondary teachers looking to enhance their knowledge of watershed concepts. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow educators and meet Miranda Crotsley, program coordinator of the Jennings Environmental Education Center, which is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
Price: Free to AIU Member Districts
Meeting Date: Thursday, April 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Locations: Meet at Shaler Area High School Library at 381 Wible Run Road; Pittsburgh, PA 15209; and transition to our outdoor setting, which is just a 3-minute drive from the high school.
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
But what about the T & E in PA STEELS?
Attend a lively and interactive event showcasing the importance of technology and engineering in Pennsylvania
Join us for an in-person event at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. This event will delve into the often overlooked aspects of PA STEELS -- the technology and engineering standards. Brandt Hutzel, who serves as the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Technology & Engineering Content Advisor, will discuss the STEELS Technology & Engineering Standards, Implementation Supports and Upcoming Assessments. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, network with other educators and expand your knowledge. Mark your calendars and be part of this engaging event!
Price: Free to member districts
Date: TBD -- This event was postponed and the rescheduled date has not yet been announced.Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Science Institutes: Year 1
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SCIENCE INSTITUTES: YEAR 1
Attend a free institute for science educators. These three-day science learning experiences align to various grade-levels and science domains. Attendees will develop a shared understanding of phenomenon-based and problem-driven science instruction that effectively incorporates all three dimensions of the standards (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts). Participants will engage in pedagogical practices that foster reasoning and sense-making in the science classroom and support equity and access for all students. Designed with science teachers in mind, science-supportive administrators are strongly encouraged to attend with staff. Please choose the offering aligned with your teaching role:
*Note: These institutes were previously offered during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. If you have already completed these institutes, see the follow-up institutes under Science Institutes: Year Two, which focus on assessment and pedagogical practices.
K-2 STEM Institute
The content focuses on life science, physical science, Earth and space science and engineering design.
Price: Free to AIU member districts
Audience: K-2 Science, Engineering and STEM teachers
Summer 2024 Meeting Dates: June 25-27
Register for Summer 2024 Session
3-5 Science Institute
The content focuses on physical science, life science and Earth and space science.
Price: Free to AIU member districts
Audience: Grades 3-5 Science teachersSummer 2024 Meeting Dates: June 25-27
Register for Summer 2024 Session
Life Sciences Institute for Secondary TeachersThe content focuses on the life sciences in grades 6-12 (with the inclusion of related Earth and space science topics as appropriately connected to the life science content under consideration).
Price: Free to AIU member districts
Audience: Grades 6-12 Life Science teachersSummer 2024 Meeting Dates: June 25-27
Register for Summer 2024 Session
Physical Sciences Institute for Secondary Teachers
The content focuses on the physical sciences in grades 6-12 (with the inclusion of related Earth and space science topics as appropriately connected to the physical science content under consideration).
Price: Free to AIU member districts
Audience: Grades 6-12 Physical Science TeachersSummer 2024 Meeting Dates: June 25-27
Register for Summer 2024 Session
View Year 2 Science Institutes at Phase 2: Create a plan for shifts in science teaching and learning