Region 4 Science–Professional Development Calendar

Find out the latest information regarding our annual science conference.

Region4 - Region 4 Science–Professional Development Calendar

Check out our upcoming trainings!

Find resources to help you in the classroom.

Check out our STEM related resources and professional development.

We'd love to hear from you!

Connect with us!

Region4 - Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Professional Organizations

Find updates from TEA and other professional groups.

Find information about upcoming Leadership Network meetings.

Come visit us at CAST!

The McKinney Conference Center at Region 4 ESC will be under construction until June 2024. With that in mind, please note the following:

Pay close attention to workshop locations. They will be listed on all workshop confirmations.
Please register for all sessions at least 14 days prior. We must have a certain number of registrants to secure alternate training sites.

Region 4 Science Professional Learning Menu

This document is designed for instructional leaders to use as they determine the professional learning needs of their teachers. It lists all of the workshops we're currently providing. The first few pages are organized by grade band and include detailed descriptions of each workshop. The last few pages display a grid that highlights key considerations including workshop length, ideal audience, and focus areas. Feel free to view, download, and let us know what you need!

Click on the appropriate link to search by theme or grade band:

	Themes
	Science Leadership
	Science Speaker Series
	Online Course Learning

Grade Bands

For more information about any of these workshops, e-mail us at science@esc4.net.

All session times are from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).

K-12

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
November 30	Exploring Recurring Themes and Concepts (RTCs)		X
December 5	Fostering STEM Thinking in the Classroom		X
January 9, 2024	Designing High-Quality Assessments in Science		X
January 24, 2024	Developing Models for Student Sensemaking in Science		X
February 6-7, 2024	K-12 State-wide STEM Teacher Training		X
February 13, 2024	Visual Literacy in Science	X
February 15, 2024	Exploring Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs)		X
February 28, 2024	Driving Science Instruction using Phenomena		X
February 29, 2024	Exploring Recurring Themes and Concepts (RTCs)		X

K-5

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
February 13, 2024	STAAR Review to Go for Grade 5 Science, Volumes 1 and 2		X
February 20, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS, Grades K-5		X
May 16, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS, Grades K-5		X

Grades 6-8

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
January 17, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS, Grades 6-8		X
January 31, 2024	STAAR Review to Go for Science Grade 8 (Volumes 1 and 2)		X
March 26, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS, Grades 6-8	X
May 2, 2024	Engineering Design in Science Instruction (Grades 6-8)		X

Grades 6-12

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
November 28	Literacy in Science		X
January 25, 2024	Increasing Inquiry in Secondary Science		X

Grades 9-12

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
January 18, 2024	Planning & Teaching Biology with E’s: Evolutionary Mechanisms and Body Systems		X
January 23, 2024	STAAR Review to Go for Biology (Volumes 1 and 2)		X
February 6, 2024	STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades 9–12		X
February 8, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS—High School (Virtual)	X
April 16, 2024	Transitioning to the New Science TEKS—High School		X
May 14, 2024	Planning & Teaching Biology with E’s: 5E Lessons on Biomolecules and Cell Cycle & Growth		X

Science Leadership

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
January 9, 2024	Designing High-Quality Assessments in Science		X
January 10-11, 2024	K-12 State-wide STEM Leadership Training		X
March 27-28, 2024	Curriculum Mapping in Science		X

Shell Speaker Series 2023–2024

Date	Session	Virtual	F2F
November 6, 13, 27, and December 4, 2023	Shell Science Speaker Series: Engaging Students in the Science and Engineering Practices Web Seminar Series (NSTA)	X
December 7–8, 2023	Shell Science Speaker Series: Making Sense of Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning (NSTA)		X
January 30, 2024	Shell Science Speaker Series: Mastering 3D Instruction—A Hands-On Guide for Teachers of Science (Paul Andersen)		X
February 12, 19, 26, and March 4, 2024	Shell Science Speaker Series: Strengthening Science Learning with the Crosscutting Concepts Web Seminar Series (NSTA)	X
March 5–6, 2024	Shell Science Speaker Series: Making Sense of Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning (NSTA)		X
June 18–19, 2024	Shell Science Speaker Series: Making Sense of Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning (NSTA)		X

Online Course Learning

Interested in taking Region 4 Science courses when it's most convenient for YOU? We offer several online courses that can be taken over 30 days, at your own pace. Earn as many as 6 CPE from the comfort of your computer! For more information, follow the links below. For more information about these sessions, e-mail science@esc4.net.

STAAR Review to Go for Science:

In this self-paced online course, participants learn how to use STAAR Review to Go: Science to create folder-based or digital TEKS-aligned science activities designed to review science concepts assessed on STAAR Science. The registration fee for this session includes a copy of grade-specific STAAR Review to Go: Science, and a license for digital access.

science-online-course-k-12-framework-square

Exploring the K-12 Science Framework

Explore the three dimensions of science education outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education (National Research Council): scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. COMING SOON!

STEM Literacy

Define and discuss STEM literacy and its importance. Explore strategies that can be used before, during, and after reading that allow for independent and collaborative student work. Examine how to safely research on the Internet using various search engines and tools to curate information. Complete the course by putting new skills into practice. Learn more and register here.

Getting STEM Ready

Explore what having a STEM ready classroom entails. Define STEM and discuss what a STEM classroom looks and feels like. Consider materials, where to find them, and then how to manage and design makerspaces. Experience STEM in practice and conclude by mapping out how to embed STEM into your classroom. Learn more and register here.

The Engineering Design Process

Explore the engineering design process (EDP). Learn how STEM experiences are supported and explore the key components of the EDP through the lens of teacher and student actions. Participants will leave with a design challenge and ideas for implementation, including supporting students as they develop their STEM thinking. Learn more and register here.

Safety in the Secondary Science Classroom

Understand the importance of teacher instruction and lab supervision to promote safe practices in the science classroom. Gain knowledge to establish and maintain safety equipment and proper chemical management including the GHS implementation (OSHA Hazards Communication Standard). Learn more and register here.

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