GCISD Science Blog

CAST is in our rearview window and the winter break is around the bend. Are there other events that science teachers can attend to increase their skill set as professional educators? Absolutely. And many provide meals during the training and free classroom resources that can help you teach your students. Monday Night STARS Event Southwest Medical STARS program provides professional development and resources that can support life science, biology, and microbiology teachers. All events and resources are free for teachers. Meals are also provided!  Saturday Symposium:   Biology Labs Made Easy, December 7, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Meeting Room K2.610 2020 Teacher CRISPER, February 1, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Meeting Room K2.610 Women In Science and Medicine, February 29, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Lecture Hall, D1.700 Monday Night Events: How We Balance Cholesterol, January 6, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Lecture Hall D1.502 So Many Ways to Die!, April 6, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Lecture Hall, D1.502 Re

Using Concept Task Cards for Science Concept task cards develop the habit of mind for teachers and students that science topics transcend multiple concepts.  Oftentimes, we focus on the topic of learning and may miss opportunities to squeeze more learning out of a lesson from a conceptual viewpoint. The overarching themes addressed include Models, Systems & Interactions, Change, Energy, and Patterns & Properties.   Consider a single topic you teach?   How many concepts might be related?   Concept Task Cards PK-8 5 Ideas for Using Concept Task Cards 1.  Pass the ring of cards from student to student.  Each student makes a connection between the topic and the concept without repetition. 2.  Write a summary of our learning today use 3 words from the word wall and one connection to a concept task card. 3.  In a small group, determine which concept task card best fits today's topic and be ready to justify your decision.  Share out across each group and de

D/FW Metroplex Mini-CAST is February 8, 2020 in HEB ISD at the Pat May Center and adjacent Technology Center. There will be traditional sessions that last about an hour, lunch, vendors displaying materials and providing giveaways, and door prizes a-plenty! But this year's super-bonus feature is the keynote address by * the * Page Keeley! If you are looking to expand your science leadership skills, consider presenting a session! This conference is local and smaller than a state conference, so it is a safe space to try out presenting a session. So, if you have some great ideas or innovative practices you have used in your science classroom that you would like other folks to know about, visit  the website to submit a proposal! Ideas for all grade levels and courses can be submitted. The deadline for proposal submission is December 6, 2019. Be on the watch for information regarding registration. We hope to have a large group from GCISD at  D/FW Metroplex Mini-CAST this spring se