Why is Science Important?

Science is a foundational component of STEM education.  Science literacy empowers students to build knowledge, solve problems, and contribute to their communities. 

The Eastern Upper Peninsula STEM Region as part of the MiSTEM Network strives to be a catalyst for authentic STEM experiences in every classroom and community.

Michigan Merit Curriculum

• Science Course/Credit Requirements

Next Generation Science Standards

On Tuesday November 10, 2015 the Michigan Board of Education voted to adopt the Michigan Science Standards. Michigan, one of the original lead states, is the 17th state to have adopted the Performance Expectations from the Next Generation Science Standards. The Michigan Science Standards are the performance expectations from the Next Generation Science Standards.

The complete Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are available at nextgenscience.org. The National Science Teachers Association provides resources to support the Next Generation Science Standards.

The best way to understand our new standards is to referrence the book, "A Framework for K-12 Science Education". 

• NGSS Overview for Principals
• How to Read the Next Generation Science Standards
• Bozeman Science NGSS videos

New Vision for Science Education

With the new vision for science education brought about by the Next Generation Science Standards, we have moved away from classrooms in which "students are learning about" science to classrooms in which "students are figuring out" how to explain scientific phenomena and solve problems. Students are encouraged to take on the role of scientists and engineers as they learn by engaging in the Science and Engineering practices. The MiSTEM Network promotes 3P-Based Learning.  3P learning engages students through Place-based, Problem-based, and Project-based learning.

• Designing Units and Lessons for the Next Generation Science Standards

Instructional Resources

NGSS Instruction and Assessment 

Instruction and Assessment supports provide tools that are used to evaluate instructional materials and create assessments.

Cereal City Science

A number of EUP school districts use Cereal City Science in grades K-8. The Cereal City Science curriculum offers a phenomenon-based science curriculum designed for the Next Generation Science Standards.  New for 2020 is Cereal City Science Online, which is a comprehensive online companion to the K-8 NGSS aligned curriculum.

PhET Interactive Simulations

PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery. The simulations are searchable by grade level and topic.

Explore Learning Gizmos

Interactive simulations with attached lessons are available for schools who have purchased Gizmos.

Google Jamboard

Support virtual learning with Jamboard, a free Google App. Rebecca Brewer, a high school science teacher at Troy High, posted a video called Biology Jamboards on YouTube.

First Robotics

First Robotics has developed opportunities for online learning/skills development that are available to all students even if they are not currently involved with First Robotics.

PBL Works – Problem Based Learning for all

Developed by the Buck Institute for Education to provide access to PBL resources

ESRI Education

The EUPISD has had a very productive collabarative with ESRI. ESRI has provided their software bundles to our region for educational use.  Opportunities include geoinquiries, content area lessons, career exploration and 3P learning applications.  Contact the EUP STEM Region for more information.

Desmos

Desmos provides free digital lessons and a suite of software tools including a graphing calculator, scientific calculator, and geometry tool.

Next Generation Science Assessment

The Next Generation Science Standards are three-dimensional.  Performance expectations have been developed by combining core ideas, practices, and crosscutting concepts.  Assessment is therefore driven by the performance expectations and engage students students in explaining phenomena connected to the core ideas, using the science and engineering practices to build knowledge, and making connections to big ideas through the crosscutting concepts.  The following resources can be used to better understand three dimensional assessment and build high quality three dimensions assessments for both formative and summative purposes.

Source: https://www.nextgenscience.org/three-dimensions

Assessment Resources

Next Generation Science Standards Instruction and Assessment Supports

Next Generation Science Assessment Classroom-ready Assessment Tasks

NSTA Conducting Assessments

MDE Guide to State Assessments

Mi School Data

NWEA MAP

Illuminate

STEM Related Student Activities

All EUPISD sponsored professional learning sessions can be found in Wisdomwhere by clicking on the "Events" link at the top of the page.  This feature will allow you to view the professional learning sessions that are available by month.  You may also use the Advanced Search function to search by keywords such as "Science", "Math" or "STEM".