Overview
The Science team at North Central ESD is available to assist school districts in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards, selecting instructional materials, in the use of appropriate technology applications, and in providing professional development. We can provide custom designed in-services ranging from on-site for a single school, to a common location for multiple schools and levels. The North Central ESD Science team works in collaboration with the North Central ESD Math and Literacy team.
In addition, our Regional Science Coordinator who, along with the other Regional Science Coordinators, Math Coordinators and Literacy Coordinators from all ESDs, will be working together with the LASER Alliance Directors and OSPI to support the development of a statewide science network.
Complete this form to receive resources, updates, and professional development opportunities!
Climate Science
Upcoming Classes:
A BRAND NEW Climate Science — Project GLAD unit “VOICES OF HOPE”.
When researching for this unit we found ourselves so saddened and downright depressed by what is going on that we had to find THE LIGHT! As we searched for what people are doing all around the world to address climate change we found so many voices of hope.
This unit was designed for 4th – 7th grade classrooms. However, many grade levels could take parts and pieces to apply to their classrooms. It is infused with technology connections, an amazing action plan project that will give your students the agency to make changes that will help our planet, and several science investigations that directly support each of the input charts.
This is the FIRST EVER OER (Open Educational Resource) GLAD unit!
Climate Science: Voices of Hope Project GLAD Unit
Team Packet for TEAM ACTION PLAN
Individual Packet for TEAM ACTION PLAN
Electrical Safety and Energy Education
Electrical energy education presentations are provided through a partnership between the Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan PUDs and the NCESD Science Department. The program serves kindergarten-5th grade, providing teaching materials for all teachers, and in-person presentations for second and fourth graders.
Second graders participate in a 30-minute assembly that introduces the idea of energy and energy transfer. It’s a hands-on presentation, with a particular focus on electrical energy and electrical conservation. The one hour program for each fourth grade class introduces children to hydroelectric power generation and critically important safety information about electricity. We believe this program saves lives and supports the electrical circuit standards required in fourth grade.
- Kindergarten – Teacher Guide18 v 1
- 1st Grade – Teacher Guide18
- 2nd Grade – Teacher Guide18
- 4th Grade – Teacher Guide18
- 5th Grade – Teacher Guide18
- Electrical Safety: Post-Test Report Form
Heather Stringer
Science Cadre Member – Electrical Safety
509-888-7034
heatherst@ncesd.org
Jane Schuyleman
Professional Services Team Secretary
janes@ncesd.org
Equipment Borrowing Program
Equipment Borrowing Options
The North Central Educational Service District is happy to be able to provide valuable science equipment to our schools to borrow. The Alcoa Foundation and NASA provided the grant funds to purchase these items.
The mission of the North Central Educational Service District is to provide leadership and quality service in advocating for innovative educational programs for the children and communities we serve.
List of Available Equipment
Amounts available are located within parentheses next to each item:
Terms and Conditions
- The amount of each type of equipment is limited.
- It is available to check out in one week increments.
- A loan agreement must be signed by the classroom teacher before any equipment will be provided. Please download the agreement here: (NCESD Equipment Loan Agreement) or complete this online form
- If you choose to fill out the agreement, please return it to Jane Schuyleman at janes@ncesd.org
- The person/teacher checking out the equipment is responsible for picking up and dropping off:
North Central ESD
430 Olds Station Road
Wenatchee, WA 98801 - See Jane in the Front Desk area.
- All equipment MUST be returned in good, clean, and working condition.
Jane Schuyleman
Professional Services Team Secretary
janes@ncesd.org
STEM Materials Cooperative Science Kits
The STEM Materials Cooperative serves our participating districts with professional development, support, and resources for using science kits. Every year, participating teachers receive a variety of Smithsonian science kits that include everything needed for a 10-15 lesson science activity based on learning goals for each grade level K-5.
2021-2022 Science Kits & Rotation Schedule
View the 2021-22 Kit Rotation Schedule. If you have any questions about the rotation, please contact Jane Schuyleman at the NCESD.
New for the 2021-22 school year! Teachers at Grades 1-5 will receive 4 kits throughout the year to enable them to provide even more great science opportunities for students. This means that during one of the three rotations during the year, a teacher will receive two kits at once. We’ve helped you kick off the planning with example calendars below to show how you can schedule two kits into one rotation.
Please remember to inventory your kits upon their arrival. Do not hesitate to contact us if you any questions or need assistance.
2021-2022 Science Kit Training Opportunities
In the past, NCESD has held training sessions during the annual STEM Summit in August. Trainings for the 2021-22 Kits will not be held within the Summit Summit this year and require separate registration. These trainings will be offered August 18-20 asynchronously via Zoom and in-person. Click the “Science Kit Training” section tab to view details and register.
Additionally, districts are encouraged to develop their own trainers who can attend a facilitator institute in June where they can develop their presentations and ask questions. Districts may also choose to contact NCESD to arrange a training. A minimum of ten teachers is required. For districts in the STEM cooperative (the professional learning cooperative, not the STEM Materials Center program) the fee is $25 per participant; all other districts will be charged $125 per participant with a minimum of 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of our most commonly asked questions from teachers and districts. To see the full list of the NCESD STEM Materials FAQs please click here to view and/or download.
Questions? We’re here to help!
2021-22 Science Kit Trainings – August 18-20, 2021
This year, we are offerings trainings for five of the newest Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Science units. These trainings are free to STEM Materials Co-Op members, and $75 for others.
Each training session will be offered twice; an AM session and a PM session. Each session is offered via in-person (limit 15) and simultaneously via Zoom (limit 50). In-person participants get to try out the materials, and Zoom participants will be watching and have the opportunity to ask questions.
In addition to the five Classroom Science unit trainings, we are offering a “Carolina Science 101” session designed to familiarize teachers with all of the online resources associated with the Smithsonian curriculum.
Please note: You do not need to attend the trainings to receive a Kit during the school year. Click here to learn more about Science Kits and other resources offered by NCESD.
Training Sessions
Select the grade level/session below and use the links to register via pdEnroller. These trainings are free to STEM Materials Co-Op members, and $75 for others.
Questions?
If you have questions about our Science Kit trainings, please contact Cari Haug (NCESD’s Regional Science Coordinator)
Additional Training Opportunities
Districts are encouraged to develop their own trainers who can attend a facilitator institute in June where they can develop their presentations and ask questions. Districts may also choose to contact NCESD to arrange a training. A minimum of ten teachers is required. For districts in the STEM cooperative (the professional learning cooperative, not the STEM Materials Center program) the fee is $25 per participant; all other districts will be charged $125 per participant with a minimum of 10.
Science Resources
Our Science Staff
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