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Ideas, Crafts, Activities, Books, and Videos

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Plant life cycle is always a fun science unit. You get to talk about growing, planting, and nature. Plus, students love digging in and getting their hands dirty when they plant a seed themselves. Here are our favorite plant life cycle activities, projects, and videos to really engage your students and make this lesson fun.

1. Try this window-watching experiment.

SOURCE: Playdough to Plato

If you have great windows and light, then this is an awesome idea. Your students will love watching the progress each day.

2. Teach the basics parts of a plant.

Source: Unknown

It's up to you how involved you want to get on this lesson. This anchor chart is simple, focusing on terms for younger learners. But you can get more detailed with your labels. This really is a lesson you can teach to students from ages from four to 14.

3. Watch it grow in slow-mo.

WeAreTeachers created this time-lapse video, showing the fabulous details of how a plant's root system grows quickly over the course of a few days. Wow! This will really make you want to grab a bean and try it yourself!

4. Create your own printable flowers.

SOURCE: Teaching Momster

This project is an awesome printable where students can create a flower while also learning the different cycles of a plant. You can find it on T eachers Pay Teachers (but it is FREE)!

5. Learn about the life cycle of all different plants.

SOURCE: Jewel's School Gems

This printable is fabulous because it doesn't just lump all plants and seeds together. It shows the plant life cycle of an apple, pumpkin, and sunflower. It is a Teachers Pay Teachers item, but we think it's totally worth it!

6. Teach about the link between plants, animals, and CO2.

Source: Unknown

This anchor chart takes the life cycle concept one step further, showing how plants and animals depend on one another for survival.

7. Add in a vocabulary lesson with cootie catchers.

SOURCE: Science Spot

The good ole cootie catcher never gets old, and this one is a really cute option from the Teachers Pay Teachers store Science Spot.

8. Break down the life cycle with an anchor chart.

Source: Unknown

This anchor chart breaks down the plant life cycle in an easy-to-understand diagram, focusing on key vocabulary words, like germination and pollination. Make this with your students as you go over each step.

9. Let Sci Show inspire a lesson.

We love Sci Show! They regularly post great content. If you need a strong video to kick off a lesson about seeds or the life cycle, then this is a good place to start.

10. Use a flip book to teach the life cycle.

Source: Karen Jones

This Teachers Pay Teachers project is a mix of art and science, and we think it's well worth the $3! The project is designed to "flip," revealing additional information beneath each section.

11. Learning about tiny seeds via Eric Carle.

This YouTube video is a reading of The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. It would be great for your storytime. Just play it on your Smartboard, and you're all set!

12. Create an amazing bulletin board.

Source: Unknown

This bulletin board is a great idea starter of what you could do on a much bigger scale. Have your students define what they want to label and feature on the board and then get them involved in creating it!

13. Write about plants.

If you want a one-stop shop, you must check out Around the Kampfire's collection. She is a second grade teacher and has put together a great set of resources all on this topic, including tips for getting your students to write about plants. There are so many good options to choose from!

14. Let Claymation inspire your learning.

Another YouTube video with learning about seeds to flowers, this time in Claymation!

15. Paint with plants!

This isn't life cycle exactly, but you can use it to work into your overall lesson. We love the creative idea of making chlorophyll rubbings, as seen here from Around the Kampfire.

16. Learn how seeds get from one place to the next.

Here's one more from Around the Kampfire. In this one, students learn about seed dispersal. This is a great lesson to tackle during the fall. So many plants and flowers dry up and drop seeds in the fall. It's a hands-on lesson your students will definitely remember.

17. Regrow kitchen scraps.

You might have life cycle learning opportunities right in your compost bin. Check out this video for info on how to regrow plants. The success rate might be so-so, depending on growing conditions in your classroom. But your students will definitely have fun trying it out!
Check out some of our favorite classroom gardening ideas right here.

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17 Creative Ways to Teach Plant Life Cycle - WeAreTeachers

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Plant life cycle is always a fun science unit. You get to talk about growing, planting, and nature. Plus, students love digging in and getting their hands dirty when they plant a seed themselves. Here are our favorite plant life cycle activities, projects, and videos to really engage your students and make this lesson fun.

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worksheets, crafts, and videos

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Kids love planting and getting their hands dirty, so a plant science unit is always fun to teach. Here are some of the best plant activities, books, printables, and videos to make this topic fun and your planning easier. These are perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students.

We'll be gearing up for Spring soon (yipee). That means planting, so it is the perfect opportunity for lots of hands on learning about seeds and plants.

Children love planting. Every spring we plant seeds at the library and the children get so excited. And about one week later at least one thrilled five-year-old comes back, pot in hand, to proudly show us their seedlings.

"Mrs. Sharon my seed GREW! Look you can see the leaves?

Throughout the summer we are regaled with stories about the growing plants. A few years back one of our seeds grew into a ginormous sunflower. All the staff members had to ohh and ahhh over the pictures every time young T came in with a new progress report.

I love this kind of response to activities. It always excites me to see the learning that occurs quite naturally. Without even trying our five-year-olds were practicing

They were also identifying the major parts of plants and studying flower life cycles. All with very little effort! This is learning at its best.

Why not take advantage of your student's natural enthusiasm to enjoy a plant science unit? To help you we collected our favorite activities, projects, and videos to engage your students and make your lessons fun.

This activity goes well with:

19 CREATIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU TEACH A PLANT SCIENCE UNIT

Let's Start With 4 Helpful Books

Stories about planting seeds are one of the fastest ways to grab the student's interest. Here are some of my favorites.

One Bean by Anne Rockwell

This book takes the reader through the process of planting a bean and looking after the seedling. We watch the seed grow into a plant and finally produce new beans to start the cycle again. The information is delivered as a story and is a lovely way to introduce the topic.

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

This book starts as a strong wind blows flower seeds high into the air. The book follows the perilous journey of the seed as it flies to a new home, settles in the soil and eventually grows into the biggest plant ever. Accompanied by Eric Carle's delightful collage illustrations, this is a wonderful read!

How a Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan

This book takes your student through a simple bean planting experiment to help them learn about seeds. Children will love to read the book and then try the experiment.

The Sunflower House by Eve Bunting

A young boy plants sunflower seeds in a big circle. He takes care of them as they grow into a beautiful sunflower house. The boy and his friends play in the house all summer. When Fall arrives they collect the seeds from the dying flowers to plant for the following year.
Teaching tip
As you read the story, pause to observe what happens to the seed during each stage of its life cycle.

After reading the story, summarize the growing stages of the tiny seed.

Comment that many plants begin and end in similar ways.

Explain that a cycle is something that repeats over and over again.

9 Videos About Plants

Check out these teacher approved videos about plants. There's everything from the life cycle of plants, to, to how to plant them!

1 fabulous activity - planting Seeds and keeping journals

Planting seeds in kindergarten is always such fun, but it can be utter chaos. It's important to have clear directions and backup activities so that students can take turns to get seeds, soil, or water. You'll love our Planting Plants Science Journal . Not only does it walk you through the process of planting seeds with your class, but it has all kinds of printables to teach your kiddos about the plant life cycle. Click here to see all of the activities included in our Planting Plants Science Journals.

1 super fun plant activity kids will love

This fun plant lesson will get your kids talking about the parts of a plant. As an added bonus it will give them the chance to taste some healthy vegetables!

2 Songs to Sing

The Parts of a flower

The Needs of a plant

2 Flower Life Cycle Activities (Free Printables)

Plant Life Cycle Wheel
This life cycle wheel is perfect for teaching students the plant life cycle. The wheel covers seed, germination, seedling, flowers, and seed heads. The fact that the wheel turns in a never-ending circle is a great way to help kids visualize the life cycle.

Templates are in color or black and white to give you extra flexibility in printing. Children can make their own wheels, or you can make one to show the class.
Directions:

1. Print templates onto cardstock.

2. Color (if needed) and cut out both circles.

3. Cut out the window section of the top circle.

4. Lay the top circle on top of the bottom circle.

5. Push a brass fastener through the middle, so you can turn the bottom circle and see the different stages in the window.

Plant Life Cycle Activity Sheet
This sheet invites students to cut out the life cycle pictures and glue them in their correct order. It is a great way to review the life cycle.

What is your favorite plant science unit activity? Do you plant seeds with your students? What kinds? Do you do any experiments? Let us a comment, so we can all learn together!

Want to remember this post for later? Pin the image below!

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19 Creative Resources to Help You Plan A Plant Science Unit - Simply Kinder

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Kids love planting and getting their hands dirty, so a plant science unit is always fun to teach. Here are some of the best plant activities, books, printables, and videos to make this topic fun and your planning easier. These are perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students.

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All About Plants Science Unit - FREE ACTIVITY - Keeping My Kiddo Busy

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PRIMARY SCIENCE UNIT 3 - PLANTS Unit 3 in my primary science series is here! We are diving in and learning about plants - their lifecycle, how they make food, the parts of a plant, why animals and humans need plants, plus so much more.

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Short videos (mostly 1-3 grade)

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science scienceforkids education scishow "hank green" kids elementary ngss cartoon animation puppet biology chemistry physics engineering stem steam

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From the team behind the YouTube series SciShow comes SciShow Kids! Join Jessi, Squeaks the Robot Lab Rat, and all their friends at the Fort as they conduct experiments, research new questions, and talk with experts to learn about the science-filled world around us.

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Short videos on LOTS of science content (mostly 3-5 grade level)

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Welcome to Crash Course Kids! This bi-weekly show from the producers of Crash Course is all about gradeschool science. We’ll look at Earth, Habitats, Space, Chemical Reactions, Engineering, and much much more with host Sabrina Cruz. So, join us every Tuesday and Thursday for new uploads. This series is beginning with 5th grade science, so we’ll be delving into Earth Science, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, Engineering, and Astronomy. Have a look at our playlists on each subject!

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1-Hour coding activities/tutorials designed for all ages in 45 languages.

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Hour of Code

This year, we're taking Hour of Code to new heights by offering coding opportunities that encompass both artificial intelligence (AI) and non-AI components.

Want to keep learning? Go beyond an hour

Teachers: Host an hour or read the How-To Guide

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Use computer science to explore and learn about AI!

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learn about animal needs and habitats around the globe.

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🦈🦇Wild Kratts | Watch FULL EPISODES on PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS VIDEO APP! 🦅🐆

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Play games and watch FULL EPISODES of Wild Kratts videos at http://pbskids.org/wildkratts. Join the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter in...

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Cool Science with Sid the Science Kid | The Jim Henson Company

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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NGSS Phenomenon for all grade levels, lesson resources (activities, mini-lessons, graphic organizers, material printouts, and assessments).

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The Wonder of Science website aggregates the work of Paul Andersen around the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

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All grade levels

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Nat Geo Kids makes it fun to explore the world with weird, wild, and wacky videos featuring awesome animals like sharks, tigers and lions, cool science, funny pets, and more! Come back every week for new videos! Fuel kids’ curiosity with magazines designed to inspire and empower children ages 3 an…

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Searchable database for lessons vetted for NGSS alignment

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The NSTA Next Generation Science Standards Hub offers information, resources, news, professional learning opportunities, and expert advice in understanding and implementing the Next Generation Science Standards - NGSS

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An online archive of first-person stories by and about Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists with advanced degrees in science.

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Highlighting Diverse STEM Role Models | SACNAS

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Aiming to inspire future STEM leaders, the SACNAS Biography Project contains first-person stories from Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists.

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NGSS lessons built around children's literature

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Teachers love using picture books to teach science!

Introducing Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons!

Students love learning through inquiry!

Teachers rave about Picture-Perfect Science Workshops!

Teachers love Picture-Perfect Science workshops!

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Teachers love using picture books to teach science! Introducing Picture-Perfect STEM Lessons! Students love learning through inquiry! Teachers rave about Picture-Perfect Science Workshops! Teachers love Picture-Perfect Science workshops!

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preschool - early elementary

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Peep and the Big Wide World - YouTube

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Peep and the Big Wide World gives wings to the innovative idea of teaching science to preschoolers. Set in and around a pond, a bush, and a tin can, the show follows a newly hatched chicken named Peep, and his friends Chirp and Quack (a robin and a duck), on their daily adventures. Surrounding them…

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The California adopted science standards for grades K-5

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NGSS Standards

On September 4, 2013, the SBE adopted the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve (CA NGSS) as required by California Education Code 60605.85. The NGSS Appendices A-M were also adopted to assist teachers in the implementation of the new science standards and to aid in the development of the new science curriculum framework.

The SBE-adopted California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) can be viewed below by grade level Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI): Life Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, and Physical Sciences or by grade level Topic (e.g., Chemical Reactions, Structure and Function, or Space Systems).

For information on how to read the standards and implement the standards, please read How to Read CA NGSS (PDF) or consult the 2016 Science Framework or visit the Adopting and Implementing NGSS page. For questions about the CA NGSS and 2016 Science Framework, contact the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division (CFIRD) at cfird@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0881.

Kindergarten through Grade Five Standards

Standards Arranged by Disciplinary Core Ideas (Life, Earth and Space, and Physical Science)

Grades Six through Eight Standards

On November 6, 2013, the SBE approved the Science Expert Panel's (SEP) recommended Integrated Learning Progression model as the preferred model for middle grades six through eight. At the same November meeting, the SBE approved a recommendation by the SSPI to reconvene the SEP in order "to develop ... as an alternative model ... a discipline specific model" for the grade span of six through eight based on Achieve's domains model in Appendix K.

In December 2013, the SEP reconvened to develop an alternative domain specific course model.

The documents below provide middle school educators the rationale for the CA NGSS Integrated Learning Progression Course for middle grades six through eight and the Alternative Discipline Specific Course for grades six through eight. The documents also describe learning progressions for each grade level.

Integrated Learning Progression Model (PDF)
This document provides middle school educators the rationale for the Integrated Learning Progression Course arrangement of standards developed by the California Science Expert Panel. Documents containing the standards for each grade level are below.

Discipline Specific Model (PDF)
This document provides middle school educators the rationale for the Discipline Specific Course arrangement. Documents containing the standards for each grade level are below.

Integrated Model Standards Arranged by Disciplinary Core Ideas

Discipline Specific Model Standards

Grades Nine through Twelve Standards

Standards Arranged by Disciplinary Core Ideas (Life, Earth and Space, and Physical Science)

NGSS Appendices A-M

The NGSS Appendices A-M were adopted to assist teachers in the implementation of NGSS and in the development of the new science curriculum framework.

Questions: Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division | cfird@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0881

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, September 26, 2023

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NGSS for California Public Schools, K-12

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In 2013, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve.

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Visit any place in the world, take tours, and create tours.

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Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here.

Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

Learn more about Google Earth.

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Aw snap! Google Earth isn't supported on your browser. You may need to update your browser or use a different browser. Please see our system requirements for more information. Chrome is a great choice and you can download it here. Or if you're feeling adventurous, you can try Earth anyway by choosing an option below.

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The Nature Conservancy's youth curriculum, searchable by age group.

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Youth Engagement

Nature Lab is The Nature Conservancy's youth curriculum platform.

Connect With Nature Middle school children birdwatch and learn about the species of birds during the First State National Park's Bioblitz outside Wilmington, Delaware. On May 20 and 21, 2016, the Nature Conservancy and the National Parks Service partnered with National Geographic to execute the First State National Park's first Bioblitz. Over the course of the two-day event, over 800 observations were recording and more than 300 species were identified. More than 30 volunteers, 200 middle and high school students, and 100 community members participated in nature walks, species inventories and educational science experiments. © Devan King/TNC

Nature is the fantastic factory that makes the building blocks of all our lives-food, drinking water, the stuff we own and the air we breathe. That's why The Nature Conservancy and its 1000+ scientists have created Nature Lab: to help students learn the science behind how nature works for us and how we can help keep it running strong.

Wildfires: Impact of Climate Change

The impacts of climate change can be seen in ecosystems in many ways. Some effects can be minor, and some can be more detrimental to the overall health of the ecosystem. Since ecosystems can manage changes well for a certain amount of time, changes can often be seen through long term research. Explore how wildfires leave a measurable impact on an ecosystem.

Ocean Heroes: Coastal Frontline Communities and Climate Justice

The health of the oceans is suffering, and this has affected some of us more than others. Coastal communities, and those who are less-advantaged because they have less access to resources and face increased societal oppression, are more at risk from rising sea levels and storms. But there's some amazing groups working around the world to make change.

Nature Lab at Home!

Grades 3-8 | Use our week-long thematic family guides to lead at-home enrichment activities! With videos and learning activities, including a weekly hands-on project to get outside safely, kids can explore nature right in their community. Download individual weekly guides below.

Planeta Bala

Discover Nature Lab content in Spanish, including virtual field trips, teaching guides, and a new series created with Nickelodeon, Planeta Bala. || Descubre más recursos diseñados para jóvenes en español, incluyendo guías para maestros, vídeos educativos, y una nueva serie, Planeta Bala.

Planeta Bala header Planeta Bala © N/A

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To manage or opt-out of receiving cookies, please visit our

Privacy Notice .

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Nature Lab is our hub for youth curriculum that gives teachers, students and families customizable, interactive lesson plans to explore and understand nature.

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K-8 engineering-focused units (with option to purchase materials kits)

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Prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Encourage critical thinking and problem solving to inspire young learners to think like engineers. Engineering is Elementary, 2nd Edition presents real world challenges that encourage students to explore multiple ways to solve a problem. Following the Engineering Design Process and using scientific inquiry, students make connections to the real world. Twenty hands-on, standards-aligned engineering units guide students to activate and share prior knowledge as they build communication, perseverance, collaboration, and presentation skills- those skills necessary to be successful in today's world.

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Prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Encourage critical thinking and problem solving to inspire young learners to think like engineers. Engineering is Elementary, 2nd Edition presents real world challenges that encourage students to explore multiple ways to solve a problem. Following the Engineering Design Process and using scientific inquiry, students make connections to the real world.

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Compilation of digital and paper options for 2 NGSS-aligned units for each grade level (K-5th)

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K-5 distance learning SCIENCE resources (FCSS)

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Test administration information plus practice/training tests

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Go to: Video || Testing Materials || Practice Test Scoring Guides || Test Administrator Tutorial for General Assessments || Accessibility Resources || Estimated Testing Times || Reporting || Test Security

The California Science Test (CAST) is an online assessment based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) . All local educational agencies (LEAs) with eligible students in grades five and eight and in high school (grade ten, eleven, or twelve) administer the CAST. Every device used for testing must have the secure browser installed. Stable, high-speed Internet is required.

Who takes the CAST? The CAST is administered in grades five and eight and once to each student while that student is in high school. All students must take the CAST by the end of grade twelve, but have the option of testing in grade ten or grade eleven. Only eligible students may participate in the administration of the CAST. Students assigned to take an alternate assessment should take the California Alternate Assessment for Science.

Visit the California Department of Education (CDE) California Science Test web page for additional information.

Video

The California Science Test (CAST) and the Next Generation Science Standards video presents an opportunity to learn about the standards and how they are built into the CAST. The video has information about the structure of the CAST and the types of questions students can expect to see on the assessment.

Testing Materials

Administration Materials

Test Coordinator Resources

Paper-Pencil Test Administration Directions for Administration (DFAs)

Requests for CAST paper-pencil tests are reviewed and approved by the CDE.

Testing Notification Templates

Parent/Guardian notification templates that can be used to notify parents and guardians of the year's statewide assessments are available on the Parent/Guardian Notification web page.

Practice Test Scoring Guides

The CAST practice and training tests include all accessibility resources found in the operational assessments. Refer to the California Science Test Online Practice Test Scoring Guides and DFAs web page section for additional information.

Test Administrator Tutorial for General Assessments

The Test Administrator Tutorial is designed to prepare test administrators to administer the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics, the CAST, and the California Spanish Assessment. This tutorial is optional and may be used in addition to the LEA's local training.

Participants can log on to the Moodle Training Site and use an assigned enrollment key to access the Test Administrator Tutorial. The online Certificate of Completion is generated after a participant views the required sections and related videos and answers the Checks for Understanding questions correctly.

Accessibility Resources

Once it has been determined that a student should receive an embedded or non-embedded designated support or accommodation, an LEA CAASPP coordinator or site CAASPP coordinator should assign the student's accessibility resource(s) in TOMS at least 48 hours prior to testing. More information about accessibility resources can be found on the CAASPP Accessibility Resources web page.

Desmos Calculators

A student taking the CAST can access to the embedded Desmos calculator during the entire test. The calculator that appears in the test delivery system is assigned on the basis of the student's grade level. The student can resize and reposition the calculator on the screen as needed.

The Desmos calculator is free and available all year via the Desmos website for the student to build familiarity with this resource. A student using Job Access with Speech (JAWS®) can use the Desmos calculator.

Translated Test Directions

Translated test directions are available as a non-embedded designated support. A biliterate student or adult can read these directions in conjunction with the CAST. Refer to the CAST Translated Test Directions web page to download a language-specific PDF.

Science Reference Tools

The CAST assessments for grade eight and high school include a periodic table of the elements and a reference sheet of formulas that students may access during online testing as universal tools. The reference sheet provides all formulas that a student may need to use in responding to a test item; however, this does not imply that the student will receive a specific item type. The purposes of these reference tools are to signal that students do not need to memorize formula sheets and to ensure that students have equal access to the tools during testing. These reference tools are not meant to guide instruction.

Refer to the Printing Enlarged Science Reference Tools quick start guide if the student requires the science reference tools to be enlarged and printed on 11×17 paper.

Periodic Table

An updated and accessible periodic table of the elements is available for all students on the practice and training tests. This periodic table can be resized and moved within the item and is accessible for a student using JAWS.

A printable CAST periodic table has been provided as a resource intended for classroom use. This printable version closely resembles the online periodic table available in the CAST and can be downloaded and printed to give a student practice using the periodic table in a format similar to the online version. Students are encouraged to practice using both types of periodic table resources throughout the year.

Files that contain a periodic table and reference sheet of formulas-.brf and.prn files-are intended to be printed using a braille embosser.

Reference Sheet

Estimated Testing Times

Administration of the CAST is estimated to take approximately two hours. Note that the CAST is an untimed test.

The CAST is composed of six segments of test questions: two or three segments of discrete (stand-alone) questions followed by three or four PTs, where each PT is a segment. It is strongly recommended that a PT be started and completed in a single test session and that students only pause the test after the end of a segment.

Reporting

Once a student completes the CAST, the student's score is available in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS) . Student Score Reports (SSRs) are produced and available for download in TOMS and made available to parents and guardians through parent or student portals.

Typically, an LEA can access results in the CERS and SSRs in TOMS by June of the test administration year, after the CDE verifies and approves the data.

Each student receives an SSR in English and one in the student's primary language if that language is Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Filipino, or Cantonese (traditional Chinese). To view a sample SSR in each language, visit the CAASPP Sample Student Score Reports (SSRs) web page. If the student needs an SSR in one of the provided languages and that language is not the student's primary language, the LEA should change the language of the SSR in TOMS prior to student testing.

Test Security

LEA CAASPP coordinators and site CAASPP coordinators have the ability to submit STAIRS cases in TOMS as a means of reporting testing incidents. Refer to the CAASPP and ELPAC Security Incidents and Appeals Procedure Guide and the Test Security web page for more information.

Last Reviewed: February 16, 2022

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Go to: Video || Testing Materials || Practice Test Scoring Guides || Test Administrator Tutorial for General Assessments || Accessibility Resources || Estimated Testing Times || Reporting || Test Security The California Science Test (CAST) is an online assessment based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) .

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This spreadsheet has book suggestions (fiction and non-fiction) tied to all Performance Expectations K-5.

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Instantly access over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids on Epic

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Ideas for setting up notebooks plus strategies for note-taking and reflection

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Sample our easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your classroom or home!

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Here is a 17-minute video showing a quick overview of the NGSS standards and how to read them.

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Family-friendly activities students can do at home (tech connections optional)

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#1 Weather - FCSS - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#2 Scavenger Hunt - FCSS - STEM Family Activites (1).pdf

#3 Shadows-FCSS-STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#4 Plants-FCSS-STEM (1).pdf

#5 Sink or Float-FCSS-STEM (1).pdf

#6 3Rs - FCSS -STEM (1).pdf

#7 Bottle Bowling-FCSS STEM (1).pdf

#8 Moon Gazing - FCOE - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#9 Shapes in Nature - FCSS - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#10 Where Did the Water Go_ - FCOE - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#11 Hide and Seek - FCOE - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

#12 Paper Challenges - FCOE - STEM Family Activities (1).pdf

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FINAL STEM 1-PAGER FLYERS (public shared folder)

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Organized resources/references for CAST

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California Science Test - CAST

In 2019 all LEAs will administer the first operational version of the CAST or the CAA-Science field test to all students enrolled in grades 5, 8, and students in grade 12 who have did not participate in the 2018 CAST Field Test or CAA Science Year Two Pilot. The CAST testing window opens January 9, 2018. Districts may elect to administer the high school assessment to students enrolled in grades 10 and 11 (see "High School Administration Guidance" below for details).

In the fall of 2018, CDE will make available assessment results in the form of preliminary indicators from the 2018 CAST field test (see the "Field Test Results" tab below for details).

UPDATED AS OF 3/12/20
CSTA NGSS Committee has developed and updated a set of Frequently Asked Questions, in conjunction with CDE Assessment staff and leadership.

CAST Segments for 2018/19 Administration

This table outlines the six segments that make up the single CAST test. Unlike the Smarter Balanced Language Arts and Math Assessments, the Performance Task segments of the CAST are not separately administered. It is all one assessment. (Table coming soon!)

Source: California Department of Education: http://www.caaspp.org/rsc/pdfs/CAASPP.CAST.Suggested-Pausing-Points...

CAST Blueprints

Assessment blueprints document the content standards to be measured using the assessment. The CAST Blueprints were approved by the CA State Board of Education on November 8, 2017. The blueprint is available from CDE.

CAST General Achievement Level Descriptors and Score Reporting Structure (Operational Assessment)

On November 8, 2017, the SBE also approved CDE's recommendation for the CAST general Achievement Level Descriptors (ALD) and Score Reporting Structure. General ALDs provide descriptions of student performance level expectations across four levels. These general ALDs will be used to develop both student level reporting of performance and grade-level specific ALDs.

Source: California Department of Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/yr17/documents/nov...

The operational CAST score reporting structure will include an overall scale score and three sub-scores, one each for three-dimensional Earth/space, life, and physical sciences. Assessment items measuring PEs from the Engineering, Technology, and Application of Science domain will be set in the context of life, physical, or Earth and space sciences and those items will be reported according to one of those three domains in the reporting structure.

Source: California Department of Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/ag/ag/yr17/documents/nov...

CA NGSS Quick Nav

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cast
california ngss assessment
california science test

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In 2019 all LEAs will administer the first operational version of the CAST or the CAA-Science field test to all students enrolled in grades 5, 8, and students in grade 12 who have did not participate in the 2018 CAST Field Test or CAA Science Year Two Pilot.

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10 thematic guides to encourage science learning with K-5 families. Includes a teacher guide, parent guide, and student journal. These are also great for after school programs or summer learning. (Spanish versions available for parent guide and student journal - contact me!)

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At-Home Science TEACHER GUIDES (1-pager).pdf

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Perfect for primary level! (Preschool - 2 grade)
FREE digital fiction/non-fiction books searchable by content. Narration available in English and multiple other languages. NO LOG-IN REQUIRED - simply share link

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Unite for Literacy provides free digital access to picture books, narrated in many languages. Literacy is at the core of a healthy community, so we unite with partners to enable all families to read with their young children.

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Additional detail on what students should know and be able to do for each standard

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NGSS Evidence Statements provide educators with additional detail on what students should know and be able to do. These Evidence Statements describe a detailed look at the NGSS performance expectations.

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PL Workshop - 8/5/2020

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DLA Workshop - Start Your Year with Science (Lesley Gates)

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How to read the NGSS at a glance.

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(Click on "Open in New Window" otherwise it will not open!)

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CAST resources and communication materials, reporting information

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Program Overview

The statewide California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System includes federally required science assessments in grades five and eight and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve). Since the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA NGSS) in 2013, the California Department of Education developed the California Science Test (CAST), which is aligned with these standards.

High school students will have only one opportunity to take a science test (i.e., in grade ten, eleven, or twelve). Local educational agencies (LEAs) can elect to administer a science test to students in grade ten or eleven. Students in grade twelve, who have not yet taken a science test, will automatically be registered to test. Students repeating grade twelve are not eligible to test.

The following links provide additional information about the program.

Resources and Communication Materials
Resources for Communication with Parents/Guardians Talking to Parents About the CAASPP (PPTX; 5MB) CAST Informational Video CAST Assessment Fact Sheet flyer (PDF) Introducing CAST Item Specifications flyer (PDF) 2020-21 California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science (PDF) CAST Practice and Training Tests flyer (PDF)
Partner Organizations

Test Administration

CAST-How to Start a Training Test

CAST-How to Start a Practice Test

CAST-How to Start a Test Session (This resource is intended for California educators and requires district log-in credentials.)

Periodic table of elements

Reference sheets that include formulas and constants

Science Test Administration for High School Students (PDF) Student Accessibility Resources web page
Scores and Results Reporting

Test Results for California's Assessments Website -For directions on how to view results, go to the Quick Reference Guides.

The CAST Reporting Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) (PDF) document provides descriptions of the four levels possible for a student's overall performance on the CAST and the three levels possible for a student's performance by science domain.

CAST Scale Score Ranges provides the scale score ranges by grade and achievement level.

CAST 2017-18 administration research files contain the results from the 2017-18 field test. CAST aggregated results are reported by the state, county, LEA, and school levels as well as by student groups. These research files are intended for use by educators or researchers to perform analyses and prepare customized reports. Caution should be used when interpreting the preliminary indicator results, given that these results are from an assessment that was not operational.

Laws, Regulations, and Requirements
California Education Code Section 60640 Assessment Apportionment Reimbursements to LEAs
Technical Documents

CAST Blueprint (PDF) was used to build the 2018-19 through 2020-21 administrations of the CAST.

Revised CAST Blueprint (PDF; 2MB) will be implemented with the 2021-22 administration of the CAST.
CAST Item Specifications CAST Range Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) 2016 Science Framework Accessibility Supports for Operational Testing (PDF) CAASPP Technical Reports and Studies
CAST Interim Assessments

The CAST Interim Assessments (IA) in grades three, four, and five will each assess all three science domains. Middle school and high school will each have three interim assessments that assess a single science domain. Each CAST IA will consist of two segments: one discrete segment and one performance task (PT) segment. The PT consists of four to six items, including one constructed response item worth 2 points that must be hand-scored.

The CAST IAs will be available for preview in mid-September 2023, with full access to administer in mid-October 2023.

Questions: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765

Last Reviewed: Tuesday, November 21, 2023

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California Science Test - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System (CA Dept of Education)

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California’s statewide science assessment for students in grades five and eight and once in high school.

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Visuals of the SEPs and CCCs

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5-10 minute videos for a variety of science topics

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"science for kids" "science for children"

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Give yourself a round of applause because you all deserve it for making this place a happening place for kids. We want to send out a special thanks to all of those awesome parents, teachers & kids who watch, comment, subscribe to us.

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Free digital access to K-8 informational text.

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Encourage passion and wonder while reading digital Explorer magazine content!

We are no longer available in print and have transitioned to a free all-digital format that can be accessed in the archive below.

Leveled in six editions for grades K-5, our non-fiction content supports national reading and science standards. For more nonfiction articles, videos, photographs, maps, infographics, and assessments, explore our free Resource Library.
ACCESS RESOURCE LIBRARY

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Encourage passion and wonder while reading digital Explorer magazine content! We are no longer available in print and have transitioned to a free all-digital format that can be accessed in the archive below. Leveled in six editions for grades K-5, our non-fiction content supports national reading and science standards.

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Pre-recorded Virtual PL session

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A K-5 Teacher's Guide to Sketchnoting .mp4

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Bring a real scientist into your classroom virtually

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Skype a Scientist matches your classroom, scout troop, or library with scientists for Q&amp;A sessions for free!

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Multicultural Children's Books covering STEAM topics 

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Multicultural Children's Books covering STEAM topics 

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STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) has been an important part of the school curriculum for many years now. More recently, art has been added in order to emphasize the importance of creative thinking, and so STEM became STEAM.

This list of multicultural STEAM books for children should have something for everyone: Girls, Boys, Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School - I even found a science board book series for babies!

50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children

Babies & Toddlers

"Bird can fly. How does Bird fly?" With accurate facts, yet simple enough for babies and toddlers, Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering! explores the fascinating physics of flight, from birds to aeroplanes and rockets. The visually stimulating illustrations are sure to keep even the littlest readers' attention. ~ African - Babies & Toddlers

More in the Baby Loves Science series: Baby Loves Thermodynamics! // Baby Loves Quarks! // Baby Loves Quantum Physics!

Little scientist Ada has a boundless imagination and curiosity. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific smell, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments. Inspired by real-life female scientists, best-selling Ada Twist, Scientist promotes girl power in science with playful rhyme and cartoon illustrations. ~ African - Preschool

More great picture books released in 2016: The 40 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2016

Move It! explores the physics of why and how things move. Loaded with surprising facts and hands-on activities, this is a fun picture book that taps into young children's fascination with the everyday world and is sure to hold their interest. ~ Diverse - Preschool

Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building is a fun collection of illustrations, poetry and photographs that shows how young children's constructions, created as they play, are reflected in notable works of architecture from around the world. ~ Diverse - Preschool

"When I grow up, I know what I want to be..." Doc Like Mommy is a new picture book release that teaches little girls that they can be anything they want to be. The cute illustrations will appeal to young readers. ~ African - Preschool

A young boy wants to write a story, just like his big sister, but he only knows letters, not words. "Why don't you start with a letter?", his sister encourages him. So the boy does and soon discovers that he has everything he needs to write his own perfect story. With lively graphic novel style illustrations, A Squiggly Story is a sweet book that celebrates imagination, creativity and self-expression. ~ Diverse - Preschool

"So into the earth, / and into the sky, / we question the how, / the where, when, / and why." With cute illustrations and poetic text, What Is Science? is a fun introduction to the intriguing world of science, from stars and planets to rocks, soil, hurricanes and aeroplanes. Children learn that science is about curiosity: asking questions and exploring possible answers. ~ Diverse - Preschool

Look What Brown Can Do! tells of the accomplishments from yesterday's and today's Black heroes. From painters, dancers and scientists, to musicians, writers, and athletes, this engaging picture book captures a variety of interests and is sure to help children understand that greatness can be achieved in every shade of brown. ~ African - Preschool

The latest book in the award-winning Sunlight series explores how water flows around the Earth and the sun's important role as it changes between liquid, vapour, and ice. With bright artwork and easy-to-understand scientific explanations, Rivers of Sunlight introduces young readers to the water cycle and shows them how to conserve one of our planet's most precious resources. ~ Diverse - Preschool

More from the Sunlight series: Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring The Earth To Life // Ocean Sunlight: How Tiny Plants Feed the Seas // Buried Sunlight: How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth

In a Malawian village, Kondi is determined to make a galimoto - a toy vehicle made of wires. Despite his brother laughing at the idea, Kondi gathers up the wire he needs and starts to construct the push car. By nightfall, his car is finished and all the village children enjoy playing with it. With expressive watercolour illustrations, Galimoto tells of a young boy's creativity and determination. ~ African - Preschool

More books about recycling: 22 Multicultural Children's Books for Earth Day

More books set in Southern Africa: 23 Children's Books set in South Africa

A young boy abandons his beloved digital device when his dad's old-fashioned zigzag ruler causes his imagination to run wild. He turns it into a house, a car, an elephant, a tree, and finally a water-spouting whale. The Carpenter is a beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book that inspires imagination and creativity. ~ African - Preschool

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All the kids in Mr. Tiffin's class get to have a guess how many seeds there are in a big, a medium, and a small pumpkin. Surprisingly, the smallest one has the largest amount of seeds. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, happily exclaims: "Small things have a lot going on inside of them!" How Many Seed in a Pumpkin ? is a fun counting book that makes a great read-aloud companion to any maths or science curriculum. ~ Diverse - Preschool

In the first book of this series, Zoey finds a glowing photo and discovers that injured magical animals come to her backyard barn for help. When a sick baby dragon appears, Zoey and her cat Sassafras need to figure out what's wrong before it's too late. With easy-to-read text and cute illustrations, Dragons and Marshmallows balances scientific and fantasy elements perfectly, making it an appealing book for young readers. ~ African - Preschool, Elementary School

More multicultural series: 40+ Multicultural Book Series for Girls & Boys

Swift Walker's speedy legs take him to all the planets in our solar system. Kids can join him on his space adventure with this fun picture books that will power your child's imagination with real information. Swift Walker: A Space Adventure is a perfect book for home, school, and homeschool. ~ African - Preschool, Elementary School

More books in the Swift Walker series: Swift Walker: A Continental Journey // Swift Walker: A Journey Around the Oceans // Swift Walker: World Geography Coloring Book

Elementary School

Clouds encourages children to look up at the sky and observe the clouds in order to find out what the weather will be. With simple text and folk-art style illustrations, this colourful picture book introduces 11 different types of clouds according to their positions in the atmosphere. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

From bean seeds to oak seeds, this charming book explains in simple words how fast different seeds grow. With realistic watercolour illustrations, How a Seed Grows encourages children to follow each aspect of the growing process. ~ African - Elementary School

More books about growing seeds: 21 Multicultural Children's Books: Growing Your Own Food

Roll, Slope, and Slide: A Book About Ramps
by Michael Dahl

Roll, Slope, and Slide is a simple concept book that describes the different kinds, uses, and benefits of inclined planes and ramps. Includes an activity. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

Born just after slavery ended and orphaned at age seven, Sarah Breedlove Walker went on to become the richest African American woman of her time. Going bald as a young woman from years of poor nutrition and hard labour, she created a formula to restore the health of both hair and scalp and built her business into the Mme. C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, one of the biggest companies in America. Rich in historical detail and with expressive illustrations, Visions of Beauty is the rags-to-riches tale ofa powerful role model for girls and women of all races. ~ African - Elementary School

More books about inspiring female role models: 32 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models //
26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls
Meet Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician whose unparalleled calculations (done by hand!) helped plan the trajectories for NASA's Mercury and Apollo missions (including the Apollo 11 moon landing). Part of the "You Should Meet" series, this Level 3 Ready-To-Read biography teaches children about one of the greatest American minds of all time in a fun way. Includes info on history and math, plus inspiring careers for math lovers. ~ African - Elementary School

If your daughter is dreaming of blasting off into space, being a dancer or a doctor, she should meet Mae Jemison! Despite a lot of discouragement and discrimination, Mae Jemison became the first African American female astronaut. Part of the "You Should Meet" series, this Level 3 Ready-To-Read biography introduces young readers to the amazing achievements of this fascinating multi-talented woman. ~ African - Elementary School

Tyree Guyton loved his childhood home where his grandpa Sam taught him to "paint the world." But with vacant lots, abandoned houses and lots of trash, his old neighbourhood was in trouble. So Tyree started to transform everyday junk into magic trash with his paintbrush, and soon local families joined him in rebuilding their neighbourhood. Magic Trash is a colourful picture book biography that shows the power of community and art. ~ African - Elementary School

More books about community: 12 Multicultural Children's Books about the Power of Community

More books about recycling: 22 Multicultural Children's Books for Earth Day

How do you heal when you cut your skin or break a bone? How does your body keep making new blood or brain cells? How does a plant keep growing larger? Stem Cells Are Everywhere is an engaging introduction to stem cells that keeps the subject simple enough for young readers. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

How Much Is a Million? "Taller Than The Tallest Buildings / Higher Than The Highest Mountains. If you wanted to count from one to a million / It would take you about 23 days." In simple words, supported by busy, whimsical illustrations, Marvelosissimo the mathematical magician explains inconceivable numbers. A magical math class young readers will love! ~ Diverse - Elementary School

Three amazing books in a beautiful box set! With dynamic drawings and enchanting story lines, Creatrilogy celebrates the power of creative thinking. The Dot invites children to express themselves without worrying about the end result, Ishteaches them that thinking "ishly" leads to a far more wonderful outcome than "getting it right", and Sky Color shows them that if we open our eyes and look beyond the expected, inspiration will come. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

This beautiful new picture book tells the inspiring story of brave ichthyologist Eugenie Cark. After seeing sharks at the aquarium for the first time in the early 1930's, 9-year-old Eugenie decided to dedicate her life to studying them and sharing their beauty with the world. She went on to become an internationally respected scientific authority as well as a fierce advocate for the misunderstood predators, earning her the nickname "Shark Lady." ~ Asian - Elementary School

For a more in-depth review, go to: Multicultural Book of the Month: Shark Lady

This stunningly illustrated picture book biography tells the story of modern art phenomenon Jean-Michel Basquiat who shot to fame in the 1980s. With vivid text and bold artwork - inspired by Basquiat's style -, Radiant Child captures the artist's energy beautifully and sends the powerful message to young readers that art doesn't have to be neat or conform to anything to be beautiful. ~ African - Elementary School

For a more in-depth review, go to:Multicultural Book of the Month: Radiant Child

What does your brain really do?This fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain will empower young readers to stretch and grow their brains. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain shows children that they can strengthen their brains by trying new things and not giving up. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

Little Summer has a big dream: She wants to become a TV Meteorologist. Summer loves sharing weather facts and wonders why everyone laughs at the thought of her on T.V. The Meteorologist in Me is an inspirational story about overcoming fears and gaining the courage to reach for your dreams. ~ African - Elementary School

In a Guatemalan village, the tiny schoolhouse desperately needed expansion. When the money ran out before the project was finished, someone had a creative idea: Why not use readily available soda bottles for the walls? The Soda Bottle School teaches children that thinking outside the box can lead to the perfect solution. ~ Hispanic - Elementary School

Sasha Savvy is a super smart 10-year old who is trying o decide which class to take for summer camp. Her mom, a software developer, suggests she'll give the coding for girls class a try. Sceptical at first, Sasha soon starts to enjoy the class. Written by a black teenage girl, Sasha Savvy Loves to Code is an early reader chapter book that will encourage young girls to try out coding. ~ African - Elementary School

What keeps objects from floating out of your hand? What if your feet drifted away from the ground? What stops everything from floating into space? With beautiful illustrations and simple text, Gravity makes a complex subject accessible for young readers. ~ Diverse - Elementary School

More from the same series: // Grand Canyon // Coral Reefs //Island: A Story of the Galápagos

Voted Best Science Book of 2016, Women in Sciencehighlights the contributions of fifty notable women to STEM fields. Although only ten out of the fifty featured scientists are women of colour, it is still an amazing, strikingly illustrated resource that will inspire young girls to pursue careers in science. Includes a timeline, statistics, infographics, and an illustrated scientific glossary. ~ Diverse - Elementary School
Women in Science: 100 Postcards
More books about amazing women: 26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls // 32 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models

One of the most popular toys of all time, the Super Soaker was invented by Lonnie Johnson entirely by accident. Whoosh! tells the story of the inventor's childhood. A love for rockets, robots, and inventions, coupled with a mind for creativity and a passion for problem-solving became the cornerstones for Johnson's career as an engineer and his work with NASA. ~ African - Elementary School

More great picture books released in 2016: The 40 Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2016

Middle School

In 1960's Cleveland, Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower bets he can make a gallon of his own toothpaste for the price of one store-bought tube. He experiments, develops a production plan and starts a successful toothpaste making business with his good friend Kate. The Toothpaste Millionaire is a breezy story with a nice subtle message about treating everyone as equal, irrespective of race or gender. 35th-anniversary edition with exclusive author interview and reader's guide. ~ African - Middle School

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar introduces kids to little-known African American inventors in this vibrant book. From James West who invented the cell phone microphone to Fred Jones who invented the refrigerated truck and Dr. Percy Julian who synthesized cortisone from soy, What Color Is My World? offers profiles of great black inventors who persevered against all odds, framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins. ~ African - Middle School

This inspiring book chronicles the life of May Chinn who succeded against the odds to become one of the first African American female doctors in the U.S. May Chinn tells of the doctor's childhood in New York City through to her 50 years as a medical practitioner and researcher. A fascinating read that teaches children about May Chinn's struggles and accomplishments in the world of science. ~ African - Middle School

Since 2012, the organization Girls Who Code has taught computing skills to and inspired over 40,000 girls across America. Written by its founder, Girls Who Code bursts with dynamic artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of girls and women working at places like Pixar and NASA. An inspiring and empowering read for girls! ~ Diverse - Middle School

More 'Girls Who Code' books: The Friendship Code #1 // Team BFF: Race to the Finish! #2 // Code It! Create It!: Ideas & Inspiration for Coding

Hidden Figures tells the amazing true story of four African American female mathematicians at NASA. Known as "human computers", they helped achieve some of the greatest moments in the US's space program by calculating the numbers that would launch rockets into space. ~ African - Middle School

More books about inspiring female role models: 32 Multicultural Picture Books About Strong Female Role Models //
26 Multicultural Picture Books about Inspiring Women & Girls
When William Kamkwamba's family lost their crops in a terrible drought in their Malawian village, he started exploring science books in order to find a solution. He eventually came up with the idea to build a windmill out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts. William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is an inspiring memoir that shows how creative thinking can change a desperate situation for the better. ~ African - Middle School

*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA by clicking on the book titles or images*

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50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children - Colours of Us

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STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) has been an important part of the school curriculum for many years now. More recently, art has been added in order to emphasize the importance of creative thinking, and so STEM became STEAM.

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An in-depth resource for reading the NGSS 

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"Structuring a Science Lesson for Distance Learning" K-5

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"Structuring a Science Lesson for Distance Learning" K-5

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PL Workshop - 8/4/2020

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 DLA Workshop - Structuring a Science Lesson for Distance Learning (Lesley Gates)

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A brief summary of Appendices A, E, and F of the NGSS.

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(Click on "Open in New Window" otherwise it will not open!)

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Home

Testing & Accountability

Testing

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System

Item specifications describe how items for the CAST are developed to assess the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).

The CAST item specifications provide details on each assessed dimension of a CA NGSS Performance Expectation (PE). The CA NGSS dimensions are Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). Item writers use the item specifications to write the CAST multidimensional test questions, which are aligned with the CA NGSS. With these specifications, educators will gain a better understanding of the three-dimensional nature of the CAST; however, they are not intended to guide instruction. Educators can use the item specifications and the 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools as resources for developing items for interim, benchmark, and summative assessments for the classroom.

Background

The item specifications are based on the PEs in the CA NGSS and are designed to help item writers write test questions for the CAST. The item specification for an individual PE describes how students can demonstrate their understanding of the PE on the CAST. An item specification also includes possible phenomena and any relevant Environmental Principles and Concepts associated with a PE. The grade five assessment draws on PEs from grades three through five (3–5) and includes the foundational concepts that are addressed in kindergarten through grade two (K–2). The grade eight assessment draws on PEs from grades six through eight (6–8), and the high school assessment draws on PEs from the grades nine through twelve (9–12). More information about the construction of the CAST can be found in the Revised CAST Blueprint (PDF).

The CAST item specifications were written for all 175 PEs (i.e., 45 for grade five; 59 for grade eight; and 71 for high school) assessed on the CAST. One item specification is available per PE. Each PE addresses at least one SEP, one DCI, and one CCC, and each item specification represents the integration of the three dimensions.

All 175 item specifications are now available. The item specifications will be updated annually on the basis of input from California educators.

Introduction to the California Science Test Item Content Specifications (DOCX)

Grade Five Assessment

There are 45 PEs that may be assessed on the CAST; these item specifications are presented individually and by content areas.

Grade 5 Earth and Space Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

Grade 5 Life Sciences (DOCX;Posted 26-Jul-2021)

Grade 5 Physical Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

Grade 5 Engineering, Technology, and Application of Science (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

Middle School (MS) Assessment

There are 59 PEs that may be assessed on the CAST; these item specifications are presented individually and by content areas.

MS Earth and Space Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

MS Life Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

MS Physical Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

MS Engineering, Technology, and Application of Science (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

High School (HS) Assessment

There are 71 (PEs) that may be assessed on the CAST; these item specifications are presented individually and by content areas.

HS Earth and Space Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

HS Life Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

HS Physical Sciences (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

HS Engineering, Technology, and Application of Science (DOCX; Posted 26-Jul-2021)

Appendices

Appendix A: Complete List of the SEP Subpractices (DOCX)

2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools, Appendix 2 (PDF)

Questions:

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765

Last Reviewed: Friday, November 19, 2021

Recently Posted in Testing

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CAST Item Specifications - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System (CA Dept of Education)

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Item specifications describe how items for the CAST are developed to assess the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).

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Read this book to students as an intro to using notebooks...just like real scientist!

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Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings

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Paperback

ISBN-10: 1681403072

ISBN-13: 978-1681403076

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Library Binding

ISBN-10: 168140379X

ISBN-13: 978-1681403793

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Take a trip through time to discover the value of a special place to jot your thoughts, whether you're a famous scientist or a student. Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings brings to life the many ways in which everyone from Galileo to Jane Goodall has used a science notebook, including to sketch their observations, imagine experiments, record data, or just write down their thoughts. You also get four steps to starting your own notebook, plus mini-bios of the diverse featured scientists. Written in captivating rhyme, the text is sprinkled with lively illustrations. In fact, it looks a lot like the science notebook you'll be eager to start after reading this inspiring book.

Purchase Notable Notebooks from:

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Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings ​ ​ Paperback ISBN-10: 1681403072 ISBN-13: 978-1681403076 ​ Library Binding ISBN-10: 168140379X ISBN-13: 978-1681403793 ​ Take a trip through time to discover the value of a special place to jot your thoughts, whether you're a famous scientist or a student.

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10 minute videos on each SEP, CCC, and DCI (great overview!)

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NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards Introduction

Scientific & Engineering Practices

Asking Questions & Defining Problems
Developing & Using Models
Planning & Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing & Interpreting Data

Mathematics & Computational Thinking
Construct Explanations & Design Solutions
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Obtain, Evaluate, Communicate Information

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns
Cause & Effect: Mechanism & Explanation
Scale, Proportion, & Quantity
Systems & System Models

Energy & Matter: Flow, Cycle, Conservation
Structure & Function
Stability & Change

Physical Science Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS1A - Structure & Properties of Matter
PS1B - Chemical Reactions
PS1C - Nuclear Processes
PS2A - Forces & Motion
PS2B - Types of Interactions
PS2C - Stability & Instability
PS3A - Definitions of Energy

PS3B - Energy: Conservation & Transfer
PS3C - Energy & Forces
PS3D - Energy in Chemical Processes & Life
PS4A - Wave Properties
PS4B - Electromagnetic Radiation
PS4C - Information Technologies

Life Science Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS1A - Structure & Function
LS1B - Growth & Development
LS1C - Organization in Organisms
LS1D - Information Processing
LS2A - Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2B - Cycles in Ecosystems
LS2C - Ecosystem Dynamics

LS2D - Social Interactions & Behavior
LS3A - Inheritance of Traits
LS3B - Variation of Traits
LS4A - Evidence of Common Ancestry
LS4B - Natural Selection
LS4C - Adaptation
LS4D - Biodiversity & Humans

Earth & Space Science Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1A - The Universe & Its Stars
ESS1B - Earth & the Solar System
ESS1C - History of the Planet Earth
ESS2A - Earth Materials & Systems
ESS2B - Plate Tectonics/Large Scale Systems
ESS2C - Role of Water on Earth

ESS2D - Weather & Climate
ESS2E - Biogeology
ESS3A - Natural Resources
ESS3B - Natural Hazards
ESS3C - Human Impacts on Earth Systems
ESS3D - Global Climate Change

Engineering, Technology & Applications of Science
Disciplinary Core Ideas

ETS1A - Defining & Delimiting an Engineering Problem
ETS1B - Developing Possible Solutions
ETS1C - Optimizing the Design Solution
ETS2A - Interdependence of Science, Engineering & Technology
ETS2B - Influence of Science, Engineering & Technology on Society & the Natural World

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NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards - bozemanscience

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Anatomy and Physiology AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics Biology Chemistry Earth Science Educational NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards Physics Statistics & Graphing

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PL Workshop - 8/4/2020

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DLA Workshop - Encouraging Engagement with Simple Tech Tools in Science(Lesley Gates)

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Be sure to look at the "speaker notes" on the first slide for directions on how to use these! (Click on the OPEN IN NEW WINDOW to access the slides)

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MASTER Thinking Maps (digital) - Google Slides

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Quick descriptor of the practice test vs the training test

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Great book to use with students about why collecting data/evidence is so important

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Exemplary Evidence: Scientists and Their Data

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Paperback

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Library Binding

If you think of science as a puzzle, you'll see that data is a key to unlocking it. Exemplary Evidence: Scientists and Their Data touches on the world's many riddles-from how we see to what's at the bottom of the ocean. It shares how scientists have solved such puzzles by collecting measurements, taking notes, and even making sketches. The book also provides mini-bios of the nine featured scientists plus four steps to using data to tease out your own answers about how the world works.

Purchase Exemplary Evidence from:

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Exemplary Evidence: Scientists and Their Data ​ ​ Paperback ​ Library Binding If you think of science as a puzzle, you'll see that data is a key to unlocking it. Exemplary Evidence: Scientists and Their Data touches on the world's many riddles-from how we see to what's at the bottom of the ocean.

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Introducing sketch-noting to your students

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Tap into the power of your visual brain. Sketchnoting is a creative superpower, and I want to help you wield it.Imagine a world where you actually remember and apply the ideas you learn about ... Read More

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Drive

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1st Grade

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2nd Grade

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3rd Grade

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4th Grade

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5th Grade

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6th Grade

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7th Grade

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8th Grade

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HS Earth and Space Science

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HS Engineering

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HS Life Science

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HS Physical Science

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Kindergarten

Download

Power Points for Class Activities

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Short activities for children to explore science at home with extension activities for K-2 and 3-5. Shareable through simple Google Slide presentations

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Find out what Universal Tools and Designated Supports are available

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Start your school year with your students by reading this book and get them NOTICING AND WONDERING!

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Keep curiosity alive! That's the message of Never Stop Wondering, which inspires children to develop an enduring interest in the mysteries of the universe. Illustrated with whimsical drawings and written in lively verse by Emily Morgan (author of the Next Time You See series), the book is a vibrant ode to the power of asking questions and the endeavor of science. It prompts kids to be inquisitive and persistent like the great scientists of history and provides activities to get their questions flowing; it motivates them to appreciate scientific inquiry; and most important, it encourages them to never stop in their quest to explore the "whys" of the world.

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Keep curiosity alive! That's the message of Never Stop Wondering, which inspires children to develop an enduring interest in the mysteries of the universe. Illustrated with whimsical drawings and written in lively verse by Emily Morgan (author of the Next Time You See series), the book is a...

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Searchable database of current events and science content.

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It's time to improve literacy skills during social studies instruction and ensure that readers of all abilities have what they need to access grade-level social studies concepts.

Join us on Thursday, December 7 for a look at scaffolded materials that provide extra literacy support while building key social studies concepts and skills.

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Newsela | Content and assessment platform

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Content Aligned To National & State Standard, Flexible To Support Relevant Curriculum. Find the Perfect Piece Of Content For Lessons. Go beyond the book.

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The "how" and "why" of sketchnoting plus tons of sources

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@dianasoriat and @sam_hh to help users begin to feel comfortable with sketchnoting.
Right-click and download the ilinked file or click on it and drag it to your desktop or tap on it to save it to the Camera Roll on your tablet.
​Use it as a background in your favorite drawing program or screencasting program or print it off to use the analog version!

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Sketchnoting, in its purest form, is creating a personal visual story as one is listening to a speaker or reading a text. I also believe the interactive notebook, which includes the process of taking...

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includes suggested modifications for distance learning

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Research - College of Education - Michigan State University

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Access to Kindergarten Curriculum Materials
Access to 1st Grade Curriculum Materials Access to 2nd Grade Curriculum Materials
In the folders for each curricular unit, you will find different documents. In the table below, we list the types of documents, descriptions of each document, and where to find the documents in the folders.

Overview

Provides:
- A general description of the unit,
- Unit objectives
- NGSS performance expectations addressed throughout the unit,
- Teacher background Information,
- Unit Puzzling Phenomena,
- Unit Driving Question,
- Formative Assessment Opportunities,
- Texts, and
- Overview of Lessons

Main Google Drive Folder

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Access to Kindergarten Curriculum Materials Access to 1st Grade Curriculum Materials Access to 2nd Grade Curriculum Materials In the folders for each curricular unit, you will find different documents. In the table below, we list the types of documents, descriptions of each document, and where to find the documents in the folders.

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HOW TO USE  . . .                           All Google Suite apps!   

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HOW TO USE  . . .                           All Google Suite apps!   

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CAASPP Test Results - CAASPP Reporting (CA Dept of Education)

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Starting point for viewing test results for California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

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Listen and watch astronauts read stories from the International Space Station! Over 20 books

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Story Time From Space | T2 Science & Math Education Consultants

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Visual Note-Taking for Educators: A Teacher's Guide to Student Creativity

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Visual Note-Taking for Educators: A Teacher's Guide to Student Creativity [Pillars, Wendi] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Visual Note-Taking for Educators: A Teacher's Guide to Student Creativity

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Formative assessments for NGSS to use in your classroom, written by teachers and vetted by experts!

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Smarter Tools for Teachers. Discover classroom resources you can use today. Educator-created lessons, activities, strategies, and professional development to help tailor instruction and boost learning.

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Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science 

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Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science 

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Activate student prior knowledge and then use as formative assessment

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Order Delay Notice

Our warehouse was closed for an end-of-fiscal-year inventory count May 23-29, 2022 and as such, orders are still experiencing a processing/shipping delay. Thank you for your patience.

Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science, Volume 1: 25 New Formative Assessment Probes for Grades K-2

by: Page Keeley

Winner of the Distinguished Achievement Award from PreK-12 Learning Group, Association of American Publishers!

What ideas do young children bring to their science learning, and how does their thinking change as they engage in "science talk"? Find out using the 25 field-tested probes in the newest volume of Page Keeley's bestselling Uncovering Student Ideas in Science series, the first targeted to grades K-2. This teacher-friendly book is:

* Tailored to your needs. The content is geared specifically for the primary grades, with an emphasis on simple vocabulary as well as drawing and speaking (instead of writing). The format of the student pages uses minimal text and includes visual representations of familiar objects, phenomena, or ideas.
* Focused on making your lessons more effective. The assessment probes engage youngsters and encourage "science talk" while letting you identify students' preconceptions before beginning a lesson or monitor their progress as they develop new scientific explanations.
* Applicable to a range of science concepts. This volume offers 8 life science probes, 11 physical science probes, and 6 Earth and space science probes that target K-2 disciplinary core ideas.
* Ready to use. The book provides grade-appropriate reproducible pages for your students and detailed teacher notes for you, including clear and concise explanations, relevant research, suggestions for instruction, and connections to national standards.

Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science is an invaluable resource for classroom and preservice teachers and professional development providers. This age-appropriate book will help you teach more effectively by starting with students' ideas and adapting instruction to support conceptual change.

NSTA Press produces classroom-ready activities, hands-on approaches to inquiry, relevant professional development, the latest scientific education news and research, assessment and standards-based instruction.
Learn More

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Uncovering Student Ideas in Primary Science, Volume 1: 25 New Formative Assessment Probes for Grades K-2 | National Science Teaching Association

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Order Delay Notice Our warehouse was closed for an end-of-fiscal-year inventory count May 23-29, 2022 and as such, orders are still experiencing a processing/shipping delay. Thank you for your patience. by: Page Keeley Winner of the Distinguished Achievement Award from PreK-12 Learning Group, Association of American Publishers!

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Article supporting sketchnoting in the classroom

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Article supporting sketchnoting in the classroom

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Want students to remember something? Ask them to draw it.

It's long been known that drawing something helps a person remember it. A new study shows that drawing is superior to activities such as reading or writing because it forces the person to process information in multiple ways: visually, kinesthetically, and semantically. Across a series of experiments, researchers found drawing information to be a powerful way to boost memory, increasing recall by nearly double.

Myra Fernandes, Jeffrey Wammes, and Melissa Meade are experts in the science of memory-how people encode, retain, and recall information. At the University of Waterloo, they conducted experiments to better understand how activities such as writing, looking at pictures, listening to lectures, drawing, and visualizing images affect a student's ability to remember information.

In an early experiment, they asked undergraduate students to study lists of common terms-words like truck and pear -and then either write down or illustrate those words. Shortly afterward, participants recalled 20 percent of words they had written down, but more than twice as many-45 percent-of the terms they had drawn. This experiment helped to establish the benefits of drawing.

In a follow-up experiment, the researchers compared two methods of note-taking-writing words by hand versus drawing concepts-and found drawing to be "an effective and reliable encoding strategy, far superior to writing." The researchers found that when the undergraduates visually represented science concepts like isotope and spore, their recall was nearly twice as good as when they wrote down definitions supplied by the lecturer.

Importantly, the benefits of drawing were not dependent on the students' level of artistic talent, suggesting that this strategy may work for all students, not just ones who are able to draw well.

Across a total of eight experiments, the researchers confirmed drawing to be a "reliable, replicable means of boosting performance"-it provided a significant boost to students' ability to remember what they were learning.

Why is drawing such a powerful memory tool? The researchers explain that it "requires elaboration on the meaning of the term and translating the definition to a new form (a picture)." Unlike listening to a lecture or viewing an image-activities in which students passively absorb information-drawing is active. It forces students to grapple with what they're learning and reconstruct it in a way that makes sense to them.

The researchers also suggest that drawing results in better recall because of how the information is encoded in memory. When a student draws a concept, they "must elaborate on its meaning and semantic features, engage in the actual hand movements needed for drawing (motor action), and visually inspect [the] created picture (pictorial processing)."

At a neural level, the strength of a memory depends largely on how many connections are made to other memories. An isolated piece of information-such as a trivial fact-is soon forgotten in the brain's constant effort to prune away unused knowledge. The opposite, however, is also true: The more synaptic connections a memory has, the more it resists eventually being forgotten.

So when we draw, we encode the memory in a very rich way, layering together the visual memory of the image, the kinesthetic memory of our hand drawing the image, and the semantic memory that is invoked when we engage in meaning-making. In combination, this greatly increases the likelihood that the concept being drawn will later be recalled.

This Is Not About Learning Styles

It would be a mistake to think that drawing is beneficial because it taps into a particular learning style. Research has debunked the idea that students learn best when teachers try to match instruction to a single modality.

Instead, what's happening is that drawing taps into multiple modalities-visual, kinesthetic, and semantic-which is superior to tapping into only one. When students draw something, they process it in three different ways, in effect learning it three times over.

In the Classroom

Student-created learning aids: Instead of buying or printing posters that reinforce learning-maps, anchor charts, or diagrams-have students create them.

Interactive notebooks: Don't let students take notes verbatim-push them to be creative. One side of their notebooks can be used for written notes, the other for drawings, diagrams, and charts.

Data visualization: Asking students to collect, analyze, and present data in visual form can deepen their understanding of a topic. Examples include visualizing concepts in math, analyzing classical literature, and exploring fractals.

Bookmaking: Blending academics and art, students at Symonds Elementary create their own books to visually represent topics in subjects ranging from science to English language arts. Students can also create comics books to tell stories or describe events.

Assessing learning through art: Jill Fletcher, a middle school teacher in Hawaii, uses "one-pagers" to challenge students to show their understanding about a topic through art, making it less about finding the "single correct answer" and more about crafting a response they can stand behind. And students at Normal Park Museum Magnet School create travel journals as a visible record of their learning.

There are several ways that teachers can incorporate drawing to enrich learning.

The takeaway: Encourage students to draw. Doing so is a powerful tool to boost student learning because it improves recall by challenging students to explore an idea in different ways.

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Want students to remember something? Ask them to draw it.

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Google Photos album with images of student notebooks (K-6)

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A video overview of CER approach to formulating scientific explanations.

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Graphic Organizer to scaffold CER approach.

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CER_GraphicOrganizer with transition words for writing

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Describes the 5 areas and purpose of a KLEWS chart for science explanation-building.

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Demonstration of how to use a KLEWS chart.

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How to conduct a science talk infographic

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Experiments, engineering challenges, and demonstrations with hands-on activities for 1-hour or less.

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Please ensure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. If you leave JavaScript disabled, you will only access a portion of the content we are providing. Here's how.

Anytime can be the right time to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Explore our favorite experiments, engineering challenges and demonstrations with these fun hands-on STEM activities! Materials are easy to find, most activities take an hour or less, and the STEM learning is limitless.

Explore Our Science Videos

DIY Mini Drone Part 2: Altitude Control Circuit

How to Make Popping Boba: The Science of Spherification

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Please ensure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. If you leave JavaScript disabled, you will only access a portion of the content we are providing. Here's how. Anytime can be the right time to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Explore our favorite experiments, engineering challenges and demonstrations with these fun hands-on STEM activities!

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Human Circuits Lesson - Energy 4th Grade

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Human Circuits Lesson - Energy 4th Grade

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Students explore how energy flows in electrical currents.

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Human Circuits - Energy Ball - Building Circuits

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Biodegradable Seed Pods

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DIY Watch It Grow Seed Pots - 24 Pc. | Oriental Trading

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Do It Yourself Watch It Grow Seed Pots. Plant flowers or herbs in these pots and watch them grow! Made of biodegradable peat fiber, these miniature pots are ...