Science Workshops

We are excited to announce our professional development offerings! Click the titles to find a description and registration information. For more information about any of these workshops, e-mail us at science@esc4.net. 

Teaching Academic Vocabulary in Science

Learn more about this workshop in the video interview below.

• August 3, 2021 (Face-to-face session at Region 4 Conference Center)  | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• October 12, 2021 (Face-to-face session at Region 4 Conference Center)  | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Exploring the K-12 Science Framework

August 4, 2021  |  8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

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.

Discuss the instructional implications of scientific and engineering practices and Texas STEM Framework. Examine how crosscutting concepts and core ideas are embedded in the science TEKS and inform science instruction. Learn more and register here.

Incorporating Interactive Notebooks in the Science Classroom

Inject new life into your instruction with interactive notebooks. Discover ways to help students in a diverse classroom build literacy skills, background knowledge, and develop ownership of learning. Spark student discourse, teach concepts, and improve problem-solving skills. Identify best practices that provide ways for implementation, management, and assessment of interactive notebooks in a science classroom. Participants will receive a copy of Gateways to Science Companion Guide: Interactive Notebooks at this make-and-take session. Learn more and register here.

Literacy in Science

October 26, 2021
Do your students struggle when you ask them to read or write in your science classroom? Participate in research based literacy strategies designed to promote reading and writing in the science classroom. Newly gained skills and strategies can make an immediate impact towards closing achievement gaps in classrooms on campuses requiring improvement. Participants will receive a copy of Gateways to Science Companion Guide: Literacy.  Learn more and register here.

Fostering STEM Thinking in the Classroom

STEM is a way of thinking, and STEM skills promote habits of mind that prepare students for college, career, and life. Explore STEM practices such as design thinking, reverse engineering, and making. Learn practical ideas for implementation of STEM practices and making in the classroom. Learn more and register here.

Effective Questioning in the Science Classroom

December 8, 2021 |  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Virtual Zoom meeting)
Explore research-based questioning strategies designed to promote student engagement and higher-level thinking.  Create a cognitive scaffold for questioning to involve students in critical thinking skills.  Participants will design questions that correlate with the rigor levels outlined in the TEKS.  Learn more and register here.

STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K-5

October 6–7, 2021  |  8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.  (Face-to-face session at Region 4 Conference Center) 
Explore ways to implement TEKS-aligned design challenges in your science classroom. Experience using the engineering design process to address design challenges in order to support student growth and success in your classroom and beyond. Participants will receive one printed copy and digital access to either STEMulating  Design Challenges in Science for Grades K-2 or STEMulating Design Challenges in Science for Grades 3-5. Learn more and register here.