Teacher Resources
There are literally thousands of exciting and outstanding resources available for the new Science Teacher. Visit some of the sites below and stay tuned for new updates in the future.
- California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs)
- Classroom Management
- Kindergarten Through Grade Eight State Adopted Science Curriculum Materials
- MERLOT
- New Teacher Support Programs
- Pre-Service Teachers: Professional Opportunity
- State and National Standards, Frameworks, and Benchmarks
- “Top" Science Teaching Resources
California Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs)
Effective teacher preparation is a multi-year process. With this in mind, the developers of 2042 program standards derived a set of outcomes specifically for pre-service candidates, known as the Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). Teaching Performance Expectations address multiple and overlapping knowledge and skill domains and provide the basis for course design and assessment for candidates. California teacher candidates are required to demonstrate competency in the TPEs upon being hired.
California teacher candidates are required to to demonstrate competency in the TPEs upon being hired. Click here for a full description of the TPE’s.
Classroom Management
Effective classroom management is key to a successful science classroom. For some very excellent tips on how to effectively manage your science classroom, click here.
Kindergarten Through Grade Eight State Adopted Science Curriculum Materials
For a current listing of K-8 Science State Adopted Curriculum Materials visit the California Department of Education at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/im/scisubpro.asp.
If your not sure which materials are appropriate and you need assistance, please click here.
MERLOT
The MERLOT Digital Library abounds with exciting, constantly updated, resources for teaching and learning science.You can find learning resources by clicking onto any of the subjects below.
New Teacher Support Programs
Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (BTSA)
Teachers with a Preliminary Teaching Credential are served during their
first two years in the profession through the Beginning Teacher Support
and Assessment Program (BTSA), which provides formative assessment
and individualized support. BTSA is co-sponsored by the California
Department of Education and the CCTC. For further information, please click here.
The New Teacher Center's mission is to improve student learning by supporting the development of an inspired, dedicated and highly qualified teaching force. For further information, please click here.
State and National Standards, Frameworks, and Benchmarks
The California Science Content Standards (link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/scmain.asp) describe what California students are expected to know and be able to do for each grade level.The state’s testing program is built upon, and science teachers in California are expected to teach, these standards.
The Science Framework for California Public Schools (link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/fd/sci-frame-dwnld.asp) offers guidance to teachers on how to teach the standards.
At the national level, the National Research Council has also developed National Science Education Standards (link: http://books.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/, and these have been adopted by many states.
Additionally, the American Association for the Advancement of Science developed Benchmarks for Science Literacy (link: http://www.project2061.org/publications/bsl/online/bolintro.htm), which are statements of what all students should know or be able to do in science, mathematics, and technology by the end of grades 2, 5, 8, and 12.
Teachers planning to teach in California should note that, while the National Science Education Standards and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy are esteemed and valuable resources, California does not follow the national standards.
"Top" Science Teaching Resources
- NASA Education Standards Quilt
- The Biology Corner
- Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DO-IT)
- Discrepant Events
- Inclusion in Science Education for Students with Disabilities
- SciTrain - Training for high school math and science teachers to be more effective instructors for students with disabilities
- Digital Library Services for Teaching and Learning
Virtual Courseware Project
Under the direction of Dr. Bob Desharnais, the Virtual Courseware Project at CSULA has developed an exciting array of outstanding courseware to support teachers investigating topics in earth/space science.
By clicking here you will find some of the Virtual Courseware Project’s selection of courseware offerings. These materials will definitely liven up your classroom.
MERLOT Teacher Education
The MERLOT Teacher Education Community's site includes tips for teaching, information about the peer-review process, and search capability specifically for Teacher Education learning materials. Click here to access the Teacher Education Community.
Modeling Instruction
The Modeling Science Program developed at Arizona State University by Dr. David Hesthenes has received worldwide acclaim as a highly effective means for teaching abstract concepts in the physical sciences http://modeling.asu.edu/index.html
Modeling Instruction programs and workshops are available as well as an array of links to teaching and learning materials. Visit the Modeling Instruction Program Website at http://modeling.asu.edu/ to learn more about this exciting program.
English Language Learner Resources
If you are teaching students who are less than proficient in using English or for whom English may be a second language, MERLOT has catalogued a number of lessons (assignments) for ELL students in science. Mr. Troy Tenhet with the Panama-Buena Vista School District has contributed some excellent resources to MERLOT. Visit Troy’s contribution page by clicking here.