Science /STEAM
Science
Science![]()
Science
The Contra Costa County Office of Education supports districts, coaches and classroom teachers in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in TK-12 classrooms. CCCOE provides learning opportunities to improve science education for all students. Programs include science workshops, network meetings, and customized programs.
Our services include
- Facilitating NGSS implementation
- Supporting content development
- Developing NGSS units with teacher cohorts
- Facilitating the CCCOE Science Subcommittee, a countywide collaboration with representatives from districts.
STEAM
STEAM![]()
STEAM
The main goal of Contra Costa County Office of Education's (CCCOE) Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative is to engage all students in authentic learning experiences aligned with the California Standards. We strive to support districts with professional learning opportunities, instructional resources and regional collaboration as they develop their own STEAM programs that prepare all students for future careers.
Science Subcommittee Meeting Highlights
Science Subcommittee Meeting Highlights ![]()
Science Subcommittee Meeting Highlights
September 26, 2023 Meeting
Participants used journals, colored pencils and pens to do observational drawings with notes.
Subcommittee Meeting Peaks:
- Participants enjoyed nature journaling outside to model 3-dimensional learning with phenomena.
- We learned about the new CAST Interim Assessments available this school year.
- Other highlights include two solar eclipses to look out for this year, the first being on October 14th, then we learned about a STEAM book program and Health Legislative updates.
On the Horizon:
- Bay Area Maker Faire, Mare Island, October 13-15, 20-22
- CC STEM Fair https://ba-leeds.org/science-fair/
- Green Ribbon Schools Awards Program https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/sf/greenribbonprog.asp
- CASE Conference - October 20-22, Palm Springs,
- STEAM Symposium - February 9,10, Long Beach
November 14, 2023 Meeting
Subcommittee Meeting Peaks:
• Guest speaker Laura Wehrley from Sustainable Contra Costa shared sustainability resources for 3rd -12th grade teachers. You can reach her for help setting up a classroom group for the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge or to book her for a presentation at: laura@sustainablecoco.org
• We practiced using this Data Review Protocol with the recently posted CAST data. I encourage you to use it with your staff or teacher groups.
On the Horizon:
• NSTA Awards and Recognition Program - Shell Science Teaching Award application and others due by December 21st• Kids Gardening Youth Garden Grant - due by December 15th
• Ventures Foundation Science Resource Grants - Apply ASAP
• Next meeting will be in collaboration with the Mathematics Subcommittee in person on January 16th
January 16, 2024 Meeting
Subcommittee Meeting Peaks:
• Science Subcommittee members connected and learned alongside our Mathematics Subcommittee peers. We dove into the 2023 Mathematics Framework, Chapter 5 on Data Science. We explored the connections between Data Literacy and Data Science and the practical application in our K-12 classrooms. Slides and resources were offered to support leaders in sharing their learning with their spheres.
•Participants shared their experience using the Data Protocol introduced in the last meeting, and learned updates on the CAST Interim Assessments and California Alternative Assessment for Science.
• Science Subcommittee members connected and learned alongside our Mathematics Subcommittee peers. We dove into the 2023 Mathematics Framework, Chapter 5 on Data Science. We explored the connections between Data Literacy and Data Science and the practical application in our K-12 classrooms. Slides and resources were offered to support leaders in sharing their learning with their spheres.
•Participants shared their experience using the Data Protocol introduced in the last meeting, and learned updates on the CAST Interim Assessments and California Alternative Assessment for Science.
On the Horizon:
• Forestry Institute for Teachers 2024 summer sessions, PK-12 Educators, 5 different sessions, 1 week Institute, options from mid-June - mid July, $300 stipend upon completion, apply HERE
• Tools for Teachers - develop science instructional resources for CAASPP, July 9-12th , Sacramento, Interest Survey by February 1st, $1,000 stipend
• Next meeting will be virtual on March 12th.
March 12, 2024 Meeting
Subcommittee Meeting Peaks:
* Eclipse Resources: Administrator, Educator, NSTA Webinar 2/8/24, Activities for Libraries
* Environmental Education Community Based Partners Resources
* CHYA slide deck, California Healthy Kids Resource Center
* CAST on the Dashboard Update, CDE Slide Deck pgs. 34-47 cpag-amard-feb24item01slides.pptx
* Eclipse Resources: Administrator, Educator, NSTA Webinar 2/8/24, Activities for Libraries
* Environmental Education Community Based Partners Resources
* CHYA slide deck, California Healthy Kids Resource Center
* CAST on the Dashboard Update, CDE Slide Deck pgs. 34-47 cpag-amard-feb24item01slides.pptx
Professional Learning On the Horizon:
* CHYA 3/19 3:30-5pm: Minor Consent and Confidentiality for Sexual Health Services in California, Register HERE
* CHYA 4/16 4-5:30pm: Teaching Sexual Health Education: Facilitating Difficult Questions in the Classroom, Register HERE
* CHYA 4/18 4-5:30pm: Teaching Sexual Health Education: Facilitating Difficult Questions from Parents and Guardians, Register HERE
* CASE 3 part CAST prep Webinar Series, March 7, March 21, April 11 4:30-5:30pm, $30, Register HERE
* John Muir Laws Wild Wonder Foundation 4/28 How to Teach Nature Journaling, one day workshop Online, Register HERE
* John Muir Laws Wild Wonder Foundation 5/28 - 6/2 Nature Journaling Retreat in Point Reyes, Register HERE
* Exploratorium Early Career Teacher Program, two years, Apply HERE
* Understanding Global Change (UC Berkeley), year-long PL with 3 day summer intensive June 12-14, Secondary Science teachers, daily teacher stipends, Apply HERE
May 14, 2024 Meeting
Subcommittee Meeting Peaks:
On the Horizon:
- Participants received the new Reference Guide for Physical Education
- The CDE released another update on the CAST on the Dashboard
- Resources were added and explored on Climate Change as a result of the Exploratorium Climate Change Summit
On the Horizon:
- Reference the Subcommittee website for Professional Learning, grants and summer camp opportunities
- Reach out for collaboration this summer as we plan for next school year
(925) 942-5323
