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 – Voices of Hope Project GLAD® Unit
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!
Unit Materials
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.
Energy Transformation (2nd Grade)
The second graders get a presentation about energy change to help them learn how our hydro dams change the energy of the flowing Columbia river into the electricity we use every day.
Electrical Safety & Production (4th Grade)
The fourth graders learn about electric energy production at the hydro dams and important electricity safely rules. This presentation helps support the following NGSS Performance Expectations: 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4, and 4-ESS3-1
Electrical Science Contacts
James Webber
Regional Science Elementary Specialist
509-266-0853
jamesw@ncesd.org
Jane Schuyleman
Administrative Assistant
janes@ncesd.org
River of Power
In coordination with Wenatchee ISD and the Chelan PUD, NCESD developed this exciting field trip for fourth graders in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties that integrates information on power generation, the Columbia River, and salmon migration. Taking place at Chief Joseph Dam and Chelan Falls Dam in the fall, and Rocky Reach Dam in the spring, River of Power serves almost 1,600 students in NCW every single year. Students have the opportunity to tour the hydroelectric dams, view the fish passage, learn about energy transfer, and design and build their own dams with their peers. Students learn that our mountains and streams provide a unique hydropower bounty on the Columbia River, that’s not only a clean, but renewable resource for the entire Northwest.
River of Power Resource Website
Teachers can find lessons about hydropower and information about the dam field experiences on a special website maintained by our Regional Science Elementary Specialist, James Webber.
STEM Materials Cooperative Science Kits
The STEM Materials Cooperative provides school 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.
Science Kit Training Opportunities
More information coming soon about training opportunities for the 2022-23 school year! 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!
Our Climate is Changing, Why Aren’t We?
This collection of books was used in a ClimeTime partnership event between ESD 101, ESD 105, ESD 123, and ESD 171 to support teachers in educating students across Eastern Washington about climate change.
Supporting elementary students with developing knowledge and agency around climate change can be done through the use of children’s literature. Click the button below to view a small collection of books with corresponding resources for engaging your students in learning about climate change.
Careers in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Design: Video Series for Secondary Classrooms
The Careers in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Design video series highlight professionals in Washington whose careers impact products or chemicals used in Washington. Each of these videos highlight a career that connects to green chemistry and sustainable design. In each video, the professionals share their reflections in response to a series of interview questions. The videos are five to ten minutes long. They are designed to be used with secondary students.
Featured Careers:
- Analytical Chemist
- Associate Professor
- Chemist
- Global Lead of Sustainable Materials Innovation
- QA/QC Upscaling Technician
- Regulatory Compliance Director
This project is a collaboration with North Central Educational Service District 171 and Washington State Department of Ecology. It is supported by funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
NGSS Cross Cutting Concepts Flash Cards
Teachers can use these flash cards in their classroom to help students explore seven cross cutting concepts:
- Patterns
- Cause and Effect
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- System and Systems Models
- Energy, Matter, Flows, Cycles and Conservation
- Structure and Function
- Stability and Change
Use the button below to view and download a printable PDF. The PDF produces two sets of flashcard and has information in both English and Spanish.
