NSU to host Science Standards Workshop

(Tahlequah, Okla)--On Feb. 17 and 18, Northeastern State Universitys College of Science & Health Professions will be hosting one of several regional Science Standards Workshops focused on transitioning to the new Oklahoma Academics Standards for Science.

The two-day event will take place in the University Center, Ballroom C on the Tahlequah campus, and will be open to all K-12 teachers, teacher leaders, science department chairs, science curriculum coordinators, administrators and higher education faculty members from the departments of education and science. Each day will hold activities from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.with an hour, open lunch break. There is no cost associated with the workshop.

"NSU is delighted to partner with the Oklahoma State Department of Education andScience Director Tiffany Neil to provide facilities for these two-day workshops for area teachers, Dr. April Adams, professor of Science Education at NSU, said. These workshops will help teachers transition from PASS to the new Oklahoma Academic Standards forScience.

On Feb. 17, the workshop will provide participants with informational sessions, as well as engaging classroom activities in order to gain a greater understanding of the 3 Dimensions of Science (Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas). Topics discussed include: Integrating the 3 Dimensions into Classroom Instruction, Integrating Engineering, Constructing Explanations, Teaching Natural Phenomena, Science Discourse Strategies, and Assessing Student Understanding.

The following day will focus on developing resources to aid teachers and districts in making the transition to OAS-Science. Developed resources include: Transition Plans, Grade Level or Course Curriculum Maps, Science Performance Tasks and Strategies for Redesigning Existing Curriculum.

"The new science standards will enable Oklahoma students to be better prepared for STEM careers, Adams said. In addition, the increased emphasis on Scientific and Engineering Practices will increase their interest in pursuing those careers."

In addition to offering the workshop to those currently in the profession, there will also be a limited number of spots for NSU teacher candidates to attend. Teaching candidates interested should contact Dr. April Adams atadams001@nsuok.edu.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn more about the new sciencestandardsand to interact with experienced teachers," Adams said.

For more information about the workshop or registration for the workshop, contact Joel Smith at (405) 521-3363 orjoel.smith@sde.ok.gov.