1. Middle School Science Webinar Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:00 PM Tammy Mims

2. Webinar Basics Type your question here One-click Webinar Entry Simple Attendee Interface Audio Preferences Hand Raising Text Question and Answer Polls and Surveys

3. Why a Webinar? Minimize travel costs Accessible from individual computers (school, home, library, hotel room, Panera ) and does not require installation of software Goes to the teacher Saves time while still allowing for communication between teachers County-wide participation (planning period meetings, after / before school, department, etc.) Cost effective 21st Century focus on future technology

4. Science Mission Statement The mission of the science section of the Curriculum Department is to promote the success of all students by building the capacity of administrators, teachers, parents, and support personnel. This is a service- oriented department that provides professional development, curriculum support, and instructional resources. We address data-driven needs, the county’s goals, and research-based best practices through collaboration, communication and reflection among all stakeholders.

5. Middle School Science Vision Statement All students need a high-quality science program designed to prepare them for high school success and competitive careers in the 21 st Century. Gaston County Schools offers a rigorous and challenging science program for every student. The science program reflects a balance of quantitative and qualitative process skills, conceptual understanding, inquiry- based problem solving and critical thinking opportunities aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. All 8 th grade students must take the 8 th grade science EOG and are required to pass a Biology course / EOC to graduate from high school. All students are encouraged to complete advanced science courses needed for college.

6. 07-08 HS Science EOC Proficiency

7. S.M.A.R.T. Goal Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely In the 2008-2009 school year, Gaston County will increase their Biology proficiency to 65%, their Chemistry proficiency to 66%, their Physical Science proficiency to 60%, and their Physics proficiency to 82%. Other high school science courses will provide instruction within their courses that reinforces and supports the curriculum within EOC courses.

8. Gaston County 6-12 Science Resources 6-12 Science Resources Website http://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/departments/secinstr/is/science/science.htm (GCS Home > Departments > Secondary Instruction > 6-12 Science Resources) 6-12 Science Wikispace http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/

9. Important Dates Professional Learning Workshops http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science Benchmark Calendar http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science

10. Major Focus Projects for 08-09 Science Fair and Graduation Projects http://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/resources/sciencefair/index.htm Professional Learning Communities http://www.allthingsplc.info/http://www.allthingsplc.info/ and http://go.solution-tree.com/PLC/http://go.solution-tree.com/PLC/ Formative / Common Assessments http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science 5E Lesson Planning http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science 21 st Century Science Skills http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=39 http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=39 and http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php?Itemid=33&id=31&option=com_content&task=view

11. Other Important Information DPI Curriculum Units http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/units/ SCASS / NAEP http://sciencescass.org/ username (ncsci), password (6nc5cs) Donors Choose http://www.donorschoose.org/homepage/main.html Vocabulary Reinforcement Strategies http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/AS/506.HTM

12. Local Field Trips … AND … Teacher Workshops Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens http://www.dsbg.org/index.phphttp://www.dsbg.org/index.php and http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science Schiele Museum of Natural History http://www.schielemuseum.org/index.php Discovery Place http://www.discoveryplace.org/home/discovery_place-home.php

13. Your Turn! What I want from you… TODAY: A school specific vision statement (for science) A SMART Goal for each department For each course, complete the “Collaborative Planning: Establishing Outcome Goals”Collaborative Planning: Establishing Outcome Goals” can be found at: http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science http://gastoncountyscienceresources.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Science A sign-in sheet with all teachers and the courses they teach (indicate present or not present during the webinar) NEXT WEEK: One 5E lesson plan from each teacher (to share with other teachers and will be posted on the wikispace for everyone to use)

14. Thank You! Tammy Mims 366 West Garrison Boulevard Gastonia, NC 28052 tammymims@gaston.k12.nc.us 704-718-0684 (cell) or 704-866-6241 (office)

15. Perspective…