Science

Science Education Updates and Events:

• Upcoming Educator Events and General Announcements:

  • Are you interested in customizing your classroom materials using authentic, Colorado data?Join experts across our state to learn more about accessing free, authentic, Colorado data to customize your K-12 classroom resources. (Professional Learning hours towards license recertification available.) Webinars take place on August 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th from 3-4 PM. Check out the flyer here and register for the webinar here. 

  • Check out the Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Toolkit here. Please continue to monitor this site for Fall Professional Learning Dates and Locations! 

  • Congratulations to the 2024 Colorado K-6 Science Finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching: 

    • Teri Crump - STEM Lab School, Adams 12 Five Star Schools 

    • Allison LeWarne - Sunset Elementary School, Moffat School District

    • Tracy Voreis - Challenge School, Cherry Creek School District

  • Save the Date for the Colorado Science Conference happening October 25th @ CSU Spur. Learn more about attending, presenting, and/or exhibiting by accessing this link. 

  • Science Standards revision will take place in the Spring of 2025

• Professional Learning Opportunities: 

  • Apply to join the 2024 Microgravity Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers at University of Colorado Boulder on July 17th from 8AM-5PM at the University of Colorado Boulder. Teachers will also be trained on hands-on activities that bring microgravity and real research data from the International Space Station (ISS) into the classroom. After fully participating in this professional development program, teachers can receive up to a $200 stipend ($100 after completion of the Microgravity SIMST, $100 after implementing a microgravity lesson in the classroom). Travel assistance is also available to those who qualify. UPDATE: Application deadline extended to July 5, 2024 at 11:59pm MDT. Learn and/or apply here.

  • Interested in learning more about agrivoltaics? Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center (CALC) is a resource for our valuable Colorado educators to learn more about agrivoltaic. For Educator Professional Learning Opportunities, access this flyer. For Student Learning Opportunities, access this flyer. 

  • SCILEADPRO is a professional learning opportunity for district science coordinators facilitated by Clemson University. SCILEADPRO is a Science Leadership Institute designed specifically to support coordinators in developing a network and growing professionally. Access the flyer here and sign-up here. 

  • The Denver Museum of Nature and Science provides ongoing Professional Learning for Teachers across K-12. Check out their offerings here or on their webpage.

  • Join us this summer as the Cherokee Ranch Science Institute is offering a unique opportunity for elementary and middle-level educators. The professional development program, free of admissions fees, will be led by retired science teacher John McKinney. Participants will have a day of hands-on learning where they will focus on developing authentic learning experiences and assessments in the earth sciences. Additionally, they will visit two archaeological sites and hike through the beautiful backcountry of Cherokee Ranch. The program aims to show how to apply the next­ generation science standards in the classroom while learning about the Earth's history and weather along the Front Range of Colorado. Access the flyer and sign up here. Email with questions. jmckteacher@gmail.com.

  • Check out the new website from inquiryHub at the University of Colorado Boulder that contains OER Science Resources as well as other learning opportunities!

    • SchoolWide Labs Sensor Immersion July 8-9

    • Equitable, 3D Feedback and Grading July 16-17

  • The CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (formerly CIRES Education & Outreach) HEART Force team at CU Boulder, presents  the Resilient Colorado Virtual Teacher Workshop Summer 2024 taking place June 10-28.  this workshop is tailored specifically for educators, like you aiming to elevate your teaching approach with innovative, place-based, NGSS-aligned science curriculum on natural hazards. Register here.

  • Integration of Data Fluency into 6th-12th Grade Education is an in-person workshop taking place July 11-12 in Golden, CO at the Colorado School of Mines. This NSF funded professional learning opportunity has no registration fee and the majority of any travel expenses, including flight/ground transportation (up to $600), hotel, and most meals, will be covered by our conference expense fund. For more details, see the event website here and access the application here. Applications due April 26th. 

  • American Geosciences Institute (AGI) and ExxonMobil are seeking Elementary and Middle School Teachers for the Geoscience and STEM Teaching and Learning Academy in Denver, CO taking place in July. For more details, See application here.

  • UCAR Center for Science Education provides in-person and virtual professional learning options for teachers that begin in April. Learn more and register here. 

  • American Society of Metals Materials Camp at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, CO on July 15-19. This is a free professional learning opportunity for high school teachers. CEUs and graduate credits are availabile. 

  • TERC Climate and Equity Institute  is seeking 12 teachers for this program taking place in Maine from July 21-July 27. Application is accessible here and is due March 4.

  • Check out ​AI 101 for Teachers – that Code.org co-launched alongside ETS, Khan Academy and ISTE. The program is a free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in AI and its transformative potential in education. 

  • Denver Zoo is thrilled to be launching three new Teacher Professional Development courses designed to fill you with conservation inspiration...so you’ll be ready to engage your students in the fall. Want more information? Contact us at DZEducation@denverzoo.org.

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Starting in August Virtual, free interactive virtual programs for K-12 classes. About: Virtual program topics will include adaptations, mapping, and ecosystems. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide a zoom link and printouts. Additional information will be provided after signing up.  

    Sign-up Here

Shortcuts to Additional Resources:

• Access classroom resources aligned with the 2020 Science Standards for elementary and secondary
• Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Toolkit
• Access 3D teaching and learning 
• Access Opportunities for Educators and Students
• Access Professional Organizations
• Access Building Community and Industry Partnerships 
• Access Computer Science Instructional Supports