by Michelle French

Since the public reviews of the Next Generation Science Standards have come to a close, like many primary teachers, I’ve been wondering what science will look like in kindergarten, first, and second grade classrooms.  (more…)

by Michelle French and Valerie Joyner

CSTA recognizes that teachers of primary grades play an instrumental role in the delivery of high quality science education in California.  Like all curricular areas, a strong foundation in science is critical to ensure students develop the skills and concepts needed to succeed throughout their journey from kindergarten to high school.  According to A Framework for K-12 Science Education (2012), “There is ample opportunity to develop scientific thinking, argumentation, and reasoning in the context of familiar phenomena in grades K-2, and that is the experience that will best support science learning across the grades.”   (more…)

by Michelle French

Attention all pre-K, kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade teachers!  The 2012 California Science Education Conference (CSEC) will contain an exciting Short Course specifically targeting professional development for primary teachers.  Valerie Joyner, Region 1 CSTA Director, and I are hosting a Short Course that will incorporate:

• professional development in physical science to strengthen your personal understanding of the content area;
• pedagogy sessions which will target the needs of primary teachers and students;
• sessions for integrating science and literacy, and;
• sessions pertaining to the integration and implementation of the California State Common Core Standards.

We will be bringing in the best-of-the-best from around California to present during the six hours devoted to primary teachers…the foundation of science education. (more…)

by Michelle French

I would like to begin by sharing where the “Photo of the Month” found in this issue of the eCCS came from. Last year, I received one of the best presents I will ever get. Paulina, a first grader in my class, walked into my room first thing in the morning and said, “Mrs. French, I have something for you.” She proudly presented her display of painted Styrofoam and toothpicks, and in a grand gesture, handed it to me. She said, “It’s the solar system. I stayed-up until 10:00 last night, and I made it all by myself for you.” The attached note stated, “Planits is a grat way to lern about siens.” I was blown away by her attention to detail and amount of effort she put into her childlike representation of the solar system. (more…)