Science

Science Education Updates and Events:

• Awards and Funding Opportunities:
  • CDE will be releasing the new Colorado Academic Accelerator Program (CO-AAP) grant application on December 15th! The CO-AAP programs will be focused on increasing student outcomes in STEM, particularly science and math. For more information, please see the CO-AAP webpage. 
  • Are you a rural middle school teacher interested in a paid experience using a Green Building Energy instructional resources developed by CSU and the University of Missouri? Access more information about how to get involved here. 
  • Nominations for the 2023-2024 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science (PAEMST) award cycle for K-6th grade teachers is now open. To review all of the eligibility requirements and to nominate a teacher, see the PAEMST website.
    • ​To be eligible for a PAEMST award, applicants must teach at least half time, and have at least five years of full-time experience. 
    • Once nominated, the teacher will need to complete an application including a resume, a video of their teaching, a written narrative, supplemental materials, and three letters of recommendation. Mentoring is available and encouraged to ensure teachers submit high-quality applications.
  • If you have been a member of the Colorado Association of Science Teachers (CAST) for at least a year, consider applying for a CAST mini-grant. 
    • Here is the grant application and more information. Fall applications due August 31, 2023. Spring applications due by December 31, 2023.

• Upcoming Educator Events and Student Opportunities: 
  • Denver Museum of Nature and Science
    • Free Educator's Night at the Museum Tuesday January 2nd from 6-9 PM 
    • Professional Learning Opportunity The Science of Changing your Mind: Building Deeper, Stronger conceptions of the World 
      • This is a blended course with meeting dates on January 6, January 20, and February 3. University credit available. Register Here
  • NOAA Boulder Pen Pal Mentors: NOAA is partnering with schools to match 35 students with NOAA pen pal mentors. To participate please complete this form by 12/15/2023.
  • NSELA Conference: March 20, 2024 in Denver
  • NSTA Conference: March 20-23, 2024 in Denver (CSC cancelled this year)
  • The CoorsTek Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair - Register by 1/12/24, Event 2/23/24
  • Student Opportunity in Veterinary Medicine: a contingent of professionals in shelter medicine, animal clinics, hospitals, veterinary associations and foundations have come together over the last six months with the purpose of bringing opportunities to students to learn about and generally be exposed to the different pathways in veterinary medicine. For more information please contact Emily Berger at Emily.berger@denvergov.org.
  • Science Standards revision will take place in the Spring of 2025

• Professional Learning Opportunities: 

  • Check out ​AI 101 for Teachers – that Code.org co-launched alongside ETS, Khan Academy and ISTE. The program is a free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in AI and its transformative potential in education. 

  • Denver Zoo is thrilled to be launching three new Teacher Professional Development courses designed to fill you with conservation inspiration...so you’ll be ready to engage your students in the fall. Want more information? Contact us at DZEducation@denverzoo.org.
  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife Starting in August Virtual, free interactive virtual programs for K-12 classes. About: Virtual program topics will include adaptations, mapping, and ecosystems. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide a zoom link and printouts. Additional information will be provided after signing up.  
    Sign-up Here
  • Resilient Colorado: Natural Hazards Education for Secondary Science and Social Studies Teachers September 5th - November 27th. Presented by CIRES, Virtual Training

Shortcuts to Additional Resources:

• Access classroom resources aligned with the 2020 Science Standards for elementary and secondary
• Access 3D teaching and learning 
• Access Opportunities for Educators and Students
• Access Professional Organizations
• Access Building Community and Industry Partnerships