Welcome to Spring Branch ISD

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Welcome to Spring Branch ISD
New Teacher Orientation August 15, 2007
Director of Science Joyce Olson Presenters Amy
McElhaney Amy Blinsky
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Who are we?

• Amy McElhaney
• Science SIS
• (School Improvement Specialist)
• Westwood Elem.
• 713-365-4550
• amy.mcelhaney_at_springbranchisd.com
• 8 years teaching
• taught 2nd grade and ½ year 5th grade
• 3 years as a Science SIS

• Amy Blinsky
• Science SIS
• (School Improvement Specialist)
• Buffalo Creek Elem.
• 713-329-6600
• amy.blinsky_at_springbranchisd.com
• 16 years teaching
• taught 1st and 3rd grades
• 2 years as a Science SIS

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I Have, Who Has? GAME

• review science tools from Objective 1 (and from
  the TEKS and FOSS kits)
• can be modified for any knowledge level and
  content area
• attentive listening
• critical thinking
• logical responses and reasoning
• vocabulary building
• interactive and hands-on
• multi-ability levels (grouping)
• picture clues can be added if needed
• verbal skills through discussion
• reinforces questioning techniques

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Mission for Science
To prepare SBISD students for academic success by
providing quality hands-on science instruction
District TAKS Goal Exemplary in Science!! 90
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3D to 2D Instruction

• 3D the hands on manipulation of materials and
  experiments
• 2D ending the concept/lesson/experiment with a
  TAKS-like question or paper-pencil
• Science notebooks
• Scientists Meeting for closure (by the students)
• Science vocabulary from the TEKS
• Workstations
• Games

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The Countdown BeginsEssential Questions

• What are the components of the science
  curriculum?
• What materials and resources are used to support
  the curriculum?
• How much time do I have and how should I organize
  my instruction?
• Who do I call if I need help?!?!

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TAKS Objectives

• Objective 1 Nature of Science (13)
• Objective 2 Life Science (9)
• - Objective 3 Physical Science (9)
• - Objective 4 Earth Science (9)

TEKS are organized into two categories
Process Skills and Concepts
Nature
Loves
Planet
Earth
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PASS Chart and TEKS chart
Take 10 minutes to review each chart and discuss
with your table. Write any questions or comments
you have down on a sticky note to share with the
group or privately.
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What materials and resources are used to support
the curriculum?
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Toolbox of Support

• FOSS and/or SBISD Units
• AIMS (3rd, 4th, and 5th only at this time)
• Textbook
• Trade Books
• SBISD Science Portal Page
• Library Resource Page
• Science Websites
• Science Center

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Science Portal
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Curriculum Support Materials
FOSS Science Kits for Grades 1-5th
FOSS Science Stories
Science Notebooks Writing About Inquiry
Scott Foresman Science
AIMS Science Teacher Edition Currently only
available for 3rd, 4th and 5th
ScienceSaurus
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Additional Resources
Science Songs

• Earthquake (Level F)
• Electricity (Level F)
• Found a Pebble (Level E)
• I am Twister (Level E)
• In the Ocean (Level F)
• My Plant (Level D)
• Ocean Creatures (Level E)
• On the Moon (Level D

http//sbe.springbranchisd.com/Science/songpresent
ations.htm
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What Do They See?
Astronauts fly to the moon Men and women fly to
the moon Astronauts fly to the moon And what do
you think they see? They see mountains down
below They see valleys down below They see
craters down below And that is what they see
from Avenues
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Navigating the Science Day
How much time do I have and how should I organize
my instruction?
Workstations designed to review concepts,
reinforce process skills and vocabulary.
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Time 45-60 minutes
Primary Lesson Design

• 10 minutes Mini Lesson Direct Instruction
• Think Aloud/Read Aloud
• 20 minutes Investigation/Inquiry
• FOSS Investigations
• SBISD Science Units
• Workstations
• Vocabulary (word work)
• Textbook
• 15 minutes Sharing and Processing for Meaning
• Journal
• Sharing
• 15 minutes Extending Ideas
• Making Connections
• Extension Activities
• Science can be integrated into other content
  area lessons.

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Intermediate Lesson Design

• Time 90 minutes
• 15 minutes Opening
• Problem of the Day
• TAKS Toppers
• Literature read aloud/Think Aloud
• Check homework
• Assess prior knowledge and begin to build
  background knowledge
• 30-45 minutes Investigation/Inquiry
• FOSS Investigations
• Region IV Module
• Textbook
• Bridging to TAKS
• Vocabulary (word work)
• 10-15 minutes Reflection
• Journal
• Sharing
• Science can be integrated into other content
  area lessons.

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Teamwork

• Students work in cooperative groups
• Starter Keeps the group focused on the tasks
  and details of the investigation, and ensures
  every one gets to take a turn and contribute to
  the investigation
• Getter 1 and 2 Gets and returns materials
  maintains the use and safety of the materials
• Recorder Records the groups observations and
  findings
• Reporter Communicates the groups results to
  others
• Timekeeper Monitors the time on tasks as needed
  for the investigation

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Blast off!The 1st Week of School

• Introduce the scientific method for hands-on
  discovery
• Prepare and personalize science notebook
• Observation Games
• Mystery box
• I Have Who Has?

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Campus Support

• School Improvement Specialists
• Math/Science or Science Only SIS
• Mission
• To model lessons and/or co-teach, support in
  identifying student needs, assist in locating
  resources, analyze data, provide campus and
  district trainings, keep staff informed of
  changes in curriculum.

Resources
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Additional Boosters

• Science Lead Teacher
• Mentors
• Grade level team
• Principal
• Assistant Principals
• Librarian
• Administrative Assistant
• Textbook Clerk
• Check PDLC often for science classes offered at
  the science center

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Prepare for a Smooth and Successful Year!