Most CDE offices will be closed for the holidays beginning Dec. 23. All offices will reopen on Jan. 2, 2025.
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Science
Science Education Updates, Events, and Professional Learning Opportunities:
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Access upcoming science events and professional learning opportunities, on this calendar.
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The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PAEMST) is not accepting applications for Science teachers in grades 7-12. Learn more and/or apply on the PAEMST site (linked here).
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The Battelle Climate Challenge for 9-12 graders is officially open and accepting entries until February 7, 2025 This challenge offers students a chance to win a $5000 STEM grant for a public school, library, or non-profit of their choice by learning about the impacts of climate-related hazards within their community and developing a proposed action to help build a more resilient community. If they win the grand prize, they will present their solution on at the Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference in Washington DC.
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Learn more about competing in the 2025 American Rocketry Challenge on their website here. Learn more about funding for Title I Schools here.
Shortcuts to Additional Resources:
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Interested in learning more about SB24-014 The Seal of Climate Literacy Diploma Endorsement? Learn more here
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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.
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Access classroom resources aligned with the 2020 Science Standards for elementary and secondary
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Access 3D teaching and learning
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Access Professional Organizations
Academic Standards
The revised Colorado Academic Standards for Science reflect a new vision for science education that connects scientific knowledge, in authentic ways, to real-world problem solving and innovation. The standards forefront scientific practices that go beyond the inquiry process to arrive at justifiable rationales for interpretations of phenomena.
Curriculum Support
Article IX, Section 16 of Colorado's constitution states, "Neither the general assembly nor the state board of education shall have power to prescribe textbooks to be used in the public schools." However, CDE can still serve as an advisor to help districts and schools adopt, adapt, develop, or use the materials of their choice.
Instructional Support
Colorado's 2020 Science Standards support a three-dimensional model of science teaching and learning. Instructional support is grounded in CDE's shared approach to Best, First Instruction and strategies supported by professional organizations and scholars.
Community
There are many opportunities to connect and grow as a professional educator with the larger science education community, including mailing lists, professional organizations, awards and grants, and events.
Additional Information
Learn more about CMAS Science here.
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