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Welcome to the Science Education Page!

 

Contents of the Page

Bellringers
Helpful Links
Resources
Math Science Partnership | Description and Purpose
Presidential Awards for Math and Science
Turn Around Don't Drown Program
Contacts

Helpful Links

Building Academic Vocabulary
Oklahoma C3 Standards | Literacy Strands 6-12 for Science
Accountability and Assessment
Math Education
STEM
ScienceFest - Outside Link

Bellringers

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma State Department of Education are pleased to provide the following bellringer presentations that address Priority Academic Student Skills for Elementary, Middle School and High School Science. It is our hope that these resources are useful enhancements to your Science curriculum. These bellringers are an initial effort. We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Thank you for using the attached form (pdf) which will help us in preparing future bellringer products.

Introduction

These teacher tools and the accompanying bellringer videos are offered to educators as resources that can be
used to enhance elementary, middle school and high school science lesson plans. These educational resources
aren’t intended to serve as curriculum.  In 2010, students and their teachers from selected school districts visited three natural resource locations within Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department filmed these field trips and produced the bellringer videos. Each bellringer is an episode that focuses on specific science process and/or inquiry standards.  Most of these bellringers are between 4 to 6 minutes in length; some are under 3 minutes in length. The longest bellringer is over 11 minutes in length.

The bellringers and teacher tools are organized in the following manner:
       1) location of the student field trip (Okmulgee-Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, Salt Plains National
            Wildlife Refuge, and Tulsa’s Oxley Nature Center);
       2) focus of the bellringer for either elementary, middle school or high school students;
       3) within the grade level focus, each bellringer is listed alphabetically by its title. The teacher tools are
           listed in the same sequence as the bellringer titles.

Each teacher tool provides a description of the content of its corresponding bellringer; the length of the video
presentation; curriculum standards (PASS) that are addressed by the bellringer; and additional resources, which includes websites for more-in-depth information.  These bellringer videos and teacher tools are the result of a collaborative project of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department-Division of State Parks, and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

In addition to the efforts of these two state agencies, this project also greatly benefited from the valued assistance of the individuals and organizations who are listed in the Contributors Section.  These bellringers are a pilot project. The review and suggestions of educators and their students are welcomed.

Please direct these comments to:
Tom Creider, Oklahoma State Parks
120 N. Robinson Street, Room 600
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 230-8382

Videos- COMING SOON!
(Run time m = minutes s = seconds)

PASS (pdf)

Teacher Tools

Oklahoma’s Ecosystems
(7 m 31 s)

Grade 6: Life Science Std. 4

Oklahoma Ecosystems (pdf)

Animal Adaptation
(8 m 56 s)

Grade 7: Life Science Std. 2.2, 3.1, &3.2
Grade 8: Life Science Std. 3

Animal Adaptation (pdf)

Animal Behavior
(5 m 21 s)

Grade 7: Life Science Std. 4
 

Animal Behavior (pdf)

Oklahoma Landforms
(7 m 28 s)

Grade 8: Earth/Space Science Std. 4.1

Oklahoma Landforms and
Oklahoma Rocks (pdf)

 

Oklahoma Rocks
(5 m 57 s)

Grade 8: Earth/Space Science Std. 4.2
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Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge - Okmulgee

Elementary
Videos

PASS

Teacher Tools

Animals Have Structures That Serve Different Functions
(7 m 53 s)

Grade 3: Life Science Std. 2.2

Elementary Teacher Tools for the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in Okmulgee (pdf)

Environmental Changes Can Affect an Organisms Survival
(8 m 21 s)

Grade 5: Life Science Std. 2.2

Introduction to a Bottomland Hardwood Wetland within the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge
(4 m 16 s)

Grade 4: Life Science Std. 3.1
Grade 5: Life Science Std. 2.1

Organisms in a Community Depend Upon Each Other for Survival
(8 m 40 s)

Grade 5: Life Science Std. 2.1

Science Processes and Inquiry
(9 m 10 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Stds. 2.1 & 3.3

Wetlands are Important Ecosystems
(9 m 41 s)

Grade 5: Life Science Std. 2.2
Middle School

Diversity and Adaptations of Organisms: Classification by Internal and External Structures
(5 m 48 s)

Grade 8: Life Science Std. 3.2

Middle School Teacher Tools for the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge in Okmulgee (pdf)

Interdependence of Organisms within an Ecosystem
(6 m 55 s)

Grade 6: Life Science Std. 4.1

Living Organisms Have Physical and Behavioral Responses to External Stimuli
(5 m 45 s)

Grade 7: Life Science Std. 4.2

Organisms with Similar Needs May Compete with One Another for Resources
(6 m 15 s)

Grade 6: Life Science Std. 4.2

Science Processes and Inquiry
(10 m 6 s)

Grades 6- 8: Science Process Stds. 1.2 & 2.1

Specialized Structures Perform Specific Functions
(8 m 44 s)

Grade 7: Life Science Std. 2.2

Water Quality Measurements
(6 m 41 s)

Grades 6 & 8: Science Process Stds. 1.2, 2.1, 3.5 & 4.1
Grade 7: Process Stds. 1.2, 2.1, 3.4 & 4.1
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Oxley Nature Center - Tulsa

Discovering Pond Life at Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center
(2 m 43 s)

Grades 1-3: Science Process Standards 3.1 & 3.2
Grades 4 & 5: Standard 1.1

 Elementary Teacher Tools for Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center (pdf)

Exploring the Outdoors at Oxley Nature Center and How Can I Become a Naturalist?
(4 m 21 s)

Grades 1-3: Process Standards 1-4
Grades 4 & 5: Standards 1-5
Grades 1-3: Life Science Standard 2Elementary Teacher Tools for Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center
Grade 4: Life Science Standard 3
Grade 5: Life Science Standard 2

Pond Life is an Indicator of Water Quality
(3 m 43 s)

Grade 4: Life Science Standard 3.1
Grade 5: Life Science 2.2

Use of Controlled Fire to Help a Prairie Habitat
(4 m 6 s)

Grade 3: Life Science Standard 2.1
Grade 4: Life Science Standard 3.1
Grade 5: Life Science Standard 2.1 & 2.2

Using A Dichotomous Key to Identify Macroinvertebrates at Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center
(6 m 50 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Standards 1.2 & 2.1
Grade 2: Life Science Standard 2.1
Grade 3: Life Science Standards 2.1 & 2.2

Using Measurement and Data Recording in Studying Macroinvertebrates at Oxley Nature Center
(5 m 22 s)

Grades 1-3: Science Process Standards 1.1 & 3.3
Grades 4 & 5: Science Process Standards 1.1 & 5.2
Grade 1: Life Science Standard 2.2
Grade 3: Life Science Standard 2.1

Using Random Samples to Collect Data at Oxley Nature Center
(5 m 46 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Standard 3
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Middle School

The Amazing Structures of Macroinvertebrates at Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center
(5 m 26 s)

Grade 7: Life Science Standard 2.2
Grade 8: Life Science Standards 3.1 & 3.2

Middle School Teacher Tools for Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center (pdf)

Animal Adaptation - Birds
(8m 7 s)

 Grade 7: Life Science Standard 2.2
Grade 8: Life Science Standard 3.2

Birding at Oxley Nature Center Tips for Viewing Birds
(4 m 18 s)

Grades 6-8: Science Process Standards 1, 4.1 & 4.3
Grade 6: Life Science Standard 4.1
Grade 7: Life Science Standard 4.2

Use of Controlled Fire to Help a Prairie Habitat at Oxley Nature Center
(2 m 29 s)

Grade 6: Life Science Standards 4.1 & 4.2
Grade 7: Life Science Standard 2.2
Grade 8: Life Science Standard 3.2

Using Observation Skills in Studying Macroinvertebrates at Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center
(5 m 11 s)

Grades 6-8: Science Process Standards 1.2 & 2.1
Grade 7: Life Science Standard 2.2
Grade 8: Life Science Standard 3.1
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High School

Bird Walk at Oxley Nature Center A Study of Bird Adaptation
(4 m 28 s)

Biology I: Science Inquiry Standard 3.2

 High School Teacher Tools for Tulsa's Oxley Nature Center (pdf)

Birding at Oxley Nature Center: Tips for Viewing Birds
(8 m 1s )

Biology I: Science Process Standards 3 & 4

Opportunities for Participating in Citizen Science & Volunteer Programs That Benefit the Environment
(5 m 3 s)

Biology I: Science Process Standards 1.2, 2.1, 3.3, 4.8, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 & 6.4
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Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge - Northwestern Oklahoma

Let's Go Bird Watching at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(8 m 36 s)

 

 

 

Elementary and Middle School Teacher Tools for the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (pdf)

Macroinvertebrates Finding Treasure in Wetlands of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(6 m 25 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Standard 3.3
Grade 3: Life Science Standard 2.3
Grade 4: Life Science Standard 3.1

Observing Macroinvertebrates at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(6 m 59 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Standards 1.1, 2.1 & 3.3
Grade 3: Life Science Standard 2.2

Pollution Can Affect Survival
(5 m 51 s)

Grades 1-5: Science Process Standards 1.1, 2.1 & 3.3
Grade 3: Life Science Standard 2.2

Middle School

Identification of Macroinvertebrate Species at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(4 m 28 s)

Grades 6-8: Science Process Standards 1.2 & 2.1

Elementary and Middle School Teacher Tools for the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (pdf)

Importance of Macroinvertebrates to Habitat at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(2 m 44 s)

Grade 6: Life Science Standard 4.1

Let's Go Bird Watching at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(8 m 36 s)

Grades 6 & 8: Science Process Standards 1.2, 2.1, 3.3 & 4.1
Grade 7: Process Standards 1.2, 2.1, 3.2 & 4.1

A Study of Macroinvertebrates in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(7 m 26 s)

Grades 6-8: Science Process Standard 1.2
Grade 6: Life Science Standard 4.1

Using Tools to Observe Macroinvertebrates from the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(6 m 11 s)

Grades 6-8: Science Process Standards 1.2 & 2.1

High School

Cation Exchange Capacity: An Indicator of Soil Fertility
(8 m 58 s)

Biology I & Chemistry: Science Process Standard 3
Chemistry: Science Inquiry Standard 2.1

 

High School Teacher Tools for the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (pdf)

Determining the Dissolved Oxygen of Water Samples
(7 m 23 s)

Biology I: Science Process Standard 1

Determining the pH of Soil Samples
(7 m 19 s)

Biology I & Chemistry: Science Process Standard 1

Determining the pH of Water Samples
(4 m 20 s)

Biology I & Chemistry: Science Process Standard I

Estimating Wildlife Populations at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(5 m 50 s)

Biology I: Science Process Standards 1.2, 2.1 & 3.3

Let's Go Bird Watching at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(11 m 28 s)

Biology I: Science Process Standards 1.2, 2.1 & Science Inquiry Standard 3.2

Using Transects to Perform Wildlife Surveys at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
(7 m 10 s)

Biology I: Science Process Standard 3.3 & Science Inquiry Standard 6.2
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State Park Directory (pdf)

  • State Parks with Naturalists and Nature Center Facilities
  • Other State Operated Parks
  • Other Environmental Education Programs Provide by Oklahoma State Agencies
    and Other Public Entities

Other Environmental Education Opportunities and Resources

(Outside Links)

Chickasaw National Recreation Area
The National Park Service
Travertine Nature Center
Sulphur (580) 622-3161

Oklahoma Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
(918) 585-1117

Ouachita National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
Talihina
(918) 653-2991

Kirkpatrick Foundation
(405) 608-0937

National Wildlife Refuge System

 

Math Science Partnership

Program Introduction

In January of 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) became law. Title II, Part B of this legislation authorizes a Mathematics and Science Partnerships (MSP) competitive grant program. The intent of this program is to encourage institutions of higher education, local school districts, elementary schools, and secondary schools to participate in professional development activities that increase the subject matter knowledge and teaching skills of mathematics and science teachers. Professional development activities must be sustained, intensive, classroom focused, and aligned with the state standards (Priority Academic Student Skills [PASS]) , local standards and mathematics and science curricula. These activities must result in a demonstrable and measurable improvement in K-12 student academic achievement in mathematics and science.

Core partners in these grants must include mathematics, science, and/or engineering departments from higher education institutions, including community colleges. Partnerships of higher education, K-12 districts, and other stakeholders will draw upon the strong disciplinary expertise of the mathematicians, scientists, and engineering faculty from higher education institutions to develop professional development activities that will effect improvements in student outcomes by providing K-12 teachers with strong mathematics and/or science content knowledge.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is responsible for the administration of this program. Funds available for the Oklahoma Mathematics and Science Partnerships (OMSP) competitive grant program will be awarded by the OSDE to support successful proposals submitted by high-need school districts in partnership with departments of mathematics, science, or engineering at Oklahoma institutions of higher education; or in partnership with entities listed as eligible partners that have formed partnerships to provide programs and resources that will improve mathematics and science instruction.

Program Description and Purpose

  • Improve and upgrade the status and stature of mathematics and science teaching by encouraging institutions of higher education to assume greater responsibility for improving mathematics and science teacher education through the establishment of a comprehensive, integrated system of recruiting, training, and advising mathematics and science teachers;
  • Focus on the education of mathematics and science teachers as a career-long process that continuously stimulates teachers' intellectual growth and upgrades teachers' knowledge and skills;
  • Bring mathematics and science teachers in elementary schools and secondary schools together with scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to increase the subject matter knowledge of mathematics and science teachers and improve such teachers' teaching skills through the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and work space, computing facilities, libraries, and other resources that institutions of higher education are better able to provide than the elementary schools and secondary schools;
  • Develop more rigorous mathematics and science curricula that are aligned with the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS), Oklahoma's challenging academic content standards and with the standards expected for postsecondary study in engineering, mathematics, and science; and
  • Improve and expand training of mathematics and science teachers, including training such teachers in the effective integration of technology into curricula and instruction.

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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

This awards program is open to practicing public, private and parochial school teachers with a minimum of five years teaching experience. State finalists are chosen on the basis of their teaching performance, background and experience by a state selection committee. Application packets for each finalist are then forwarded for judging to the National Science Foundation. A national committee selects one math and one science teacher as the Oklahoma Presidential Awardees. The competition alternates each year between teachers of grades K-6 and teachers of grades 7-12. Teachers of grades 7-12 are eligible to apply for this award in the 2009-2010 school year. Teachers of grades 1-6 are eligible to apply in the 2010-2011 school year. The Awardees each receive an official notification from the White House, a $10,000 grant, and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

For more information about this national awards program, visit the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Web site (Outside Link).

The following educators have been selected by a national committee as outstanding mathematics and science teachers and will serve as models for their colleagues and leaders for the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
Oklahoma's National Award Winners
1990-2010

Year

Math

Science
2011

Ashley Moody, Secondary Mathematics, McLoud Public Schools


Rebecca Morales, Secondary Science, Broken Arrow Public Schools

2010

Paige Bergin, Elementary Mathematics, Union Public Schools

Denise Thomas, Elementary Science, Union Public Schools

2009

Beth Harper, Secondary Mathematics, Moore Public Schools

Kristy VanDorn, Secondary Science, Deer Creek Public Schools

2008

Patricia Morgan, Elementary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools

Jeri Doane, Elementary Science, Edmond Public Schools

2007

Heather Sparks, Secondary Mathematics, Oklahoma City Public Schools

Susan Bigge, Secondary Science, Tulsa Public Schools

2006

Betsy Glad, Elementary Mathematics, Union Public Schools

Stacy Darling, Elementary Science, Norman Public Schools

2005

Julie Owens, Secondary Mathematics, El Reno Public Schools

Colleen Bennett, Secondary Science, Bartlesville Public Schools

2004

Lynn Peacher, Elementary Mathematics, Jenks Public Schools

Ruth Rayner, Elementary Science, Edmond Public Schools

2003

Lori Martin, Secondary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools

Susie Stevens, Secondary Science, Latta Public Schools

2002

Susan Powell, Secondary Mathematics, Cimarron Public Schools
Kristy Ford, Elementary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools

Deborah Cornelison, Secondary Science, Byng Public Schools
Deidre Wakely, Elementary Science, Tulsa Public Schools

2001

Karen Phillips, Secondary Mathematics, Lone Grove Public Schools
Barbra Carlson, Elementary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools

Melissa Parnell, Secondary Science, Tahlequah Public Schools
Jana Rowland, Elementary Science, Hydro-Eakley Public Schools

2000

Gloria Dupree, Secondary Mathematics, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Jacquelyn Coolley, Elementary Mathematics, Bartlesville Public Schools

Jeff Marshall, Secondary Science Jo McGuire, Elementary Science, Cyril Public Schools

1999

Joyce Shrock, Secondary Mathematics, Guymon Public Schools
Anne Garrett, Elementary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools

Karen Evans, Secondary Science, Hydro-Eakley Public Schools
Robye Pursifull, Elementary Science, Norman Public Schools

1998

Susan Arn, Secondary Mathematics, Metro Tech
Clara Southerland, Elementary Mathematics, Tulsa Public Schools

Sue Shoenhals, Secondary Science, Shattuck Public Schools
Lori Painter, Elementary Science, Enid Public Schools

1997

Sandra Pendergraft, Secondary Mathematics, Ponca City Public Schools
Deborah Cox, Elementary Mathematics, Edmond Public Schools

James Calaway, Secondary Science, Lawton Public Schools
Cynthia Brown, Elementary Science, Woodward Public Schools

1996

Melisa Rice, Secondary Mathematics, Coyle Public Schools
Abigail Boatman, Elementary Mathematics, Heritage Hall

A. Pool, Secondary Science, Clinton Public Schools
Maria Pierce, Elementary Science, Enid Public Schools

1995

George Abshire, Secondary Mathematics, Jenks Public Schools
Candace Howard, Elementary Mathematics, Lawton Public Schools

Alicia Smith Osborne, Secondary Science, Pryor Public Schools
Janice Lue Luce, Elementary Science, Union Public Schools

1994

Larry Hesler, Secondary Mathematics, Stillwater Public Schools
Judith Pike, Elementary Mathematics, Edmond Public Schools

Bobby Melton, Secondary Science, Putnam City Schools
Carol Upchurch, Elementary Science, Norman Public Schools

1993

Jetta Burton, Secondary Mathematics, Norman Public Schools
Richard Weir, Elementary Mathematics, Putnam City Schools

Betsy Mabry, Secondary Science, Enid Public Schools
Karen Heizer, Elementary Science, Enid Public Schools

1992

Linda Hall, Secondary Mathematics, Tulsa Public Schools
Lynn Fox, Elementary Mathematics, Tulsa Public Schools

Terry Shaw, Secondary Science, Norman Public Schools
Barbara Clark, Elementary Science, Checotah Public Schools

1991

Judy Roach, Secondary Mathematics, Midwest City-Del City Public Schools
Betty Wright, Elementary Mathematics, Oklahoma City Public Schools

Marcia Chamberlain, Secondary Science, Stillwater Public Schools
Elizabeth Zadorozny, Elementary Science, Woodward Public Schools

1990

Karen Reed, Secondary Mathematics, El Reno Public Schools
Jodie Coulson, Elementary Mathematics, Madill Public Schools

Beverly McMillan, Secondary Science, Marietta Public Schools
Denise Slack, Elementary Science, Jenks Public Schools

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Grants and Awards

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Turn Around Don't Drown

The Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association (OFMA) (Outside Link) along with the Oklahoma State Department of Education have teamed up to provide flood safety education to Oklahoma children.

Over half of all flood-related deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths occur when people walk into or near flood waters. Many of these deaths are preventable.

Call the OFMA Regional Representative for your county - this information is provided on the Teacher Instructions document - no later than March 1, to make arrangements for the posters to be picked up. If you have any questions, please contact the OFMA Education Committee Chairman at (918) 396-1900.

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Resources

General Science Information - Outside Links

Access Excellence

Quiz Hub

Annenberg/Projects

Exploratorium Digital Library

Community Learning Network Science Resources

DLESE (Earth Science Digital Library)

Exploratorium Digital Library

National Geographic

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

NASA

Science News for Kids

Safety - Council of State Science Supervisors

National Green Week

University of Oklahoma Biological Station

Safety - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Science Fair Resources

Safety - Laboratory Safety Insitute

Thinkfinity

National Science Teachers Association

Try Science

 

Earth Science

Life Science

Physical Science

Current Issues

Astronomy
 

Biology4Kids

BioEd Online

ChemIDplus

the Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Earthquakes

More Earthquakes

Cells Alive

Visible Human Project

K-12 Engineering

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Earth Science Weekly Newsletter
Contact: Mark France

Forensics in the Classroom

Nuclear Energy Institute

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL)

Earth Net

Geography4Kids

Kids Gardening

Planting Science

Physical Science Resource Center

Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Smithsonian National Zoological Park Conservation Central

 

 

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Contacts

For more information contact: Tiffany Neill, Director of Science Education, SDE (405)  522-3524



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