Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Planning Tools
Crosswalks of the MA 2016 STE Standards and NGSS Standards: These new, sortable tools show the alignment between MA standards, disciplinary core ideas, and the NGSS performance expectations (Pk-5, 6-8, High School) and are best used for reviewing curriculum for MA alignment.
Connections to the Mathematics and English Language Arts /Literacy Standards: This updated connections document is best used for understanding the foundations for the MA standards and their connections to mathematics and English language arts.
OpenSciEd Middle School COVID-19 & Health Equity Unit
The interdisciplinary unit focuses on the question - How can people help end pandemics? The unit is designed to teach students about the COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and its impact on communities. It is appropriate to use in middle school science, social studies or health classes. Check it out here!
Visit the DESE STEM Grant Opportunities webpage to see listings of grants as they become available.
The Digital Literacy Now Grant (DL Now)
Through this grant, District Teams of district administrators, school leaders, and educators will engage in an in-depth, facilitated process to develop a K-12 Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) implementation plan for their District and start implementation in middle grades (6-8). Districts will select middle grades curriculum for SY2022 and complete DLCS educators and coach Professional Development during July and August 2021. Districts applying for the grant for the first time can find more information at this link: DL Now Competitive Grant. Districts who received funding from DL Now last year can find more information on the continuation grant at this link: DL Now Continuation Grant. Grant applications are due February 19, 2021.
DLCS Student Learning Devices Grant
Digital Literacy and Computer Science Teachers: DESE has opened a grant for schools to purchase student learning devices used in DLCS classes to teach programming. This funding can be used to purchase DLCS devices such as tablets, circuit boards, and robots. Maximum purchase is $2,000 per teacher. For more information on the grant, visit the DLCS Student Learning Devices grant webpage. Proposals are due February 19, 2021.
OpenSciEd Middle School Grant
In partnership with the One8 Foundation, DESE is launching a new middle school OpenSciEd grant. Public schools with students in grades 6, 7, and/or 8 can apply for grants to help support implementation of the program, access in-state training, and receive additional support and complimentary programming. The application is now open and is due February 12th. To learn more and access the online application, visit the MassSTEMHubinformation page.
Registration to be a presenter in the 2021 STEM for All Video Showcase ends Friday, February 12th at 8 PM, EST. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your federally funded work sharing research and innovations in STEM education. Register from the homepage of the 2021 STEM for All Video Showcase.
High School Science Teachers!
Integrate Modeling and Simulation into your classes
Introduce your students to computer modeling and simulation — and its relevance in science! Teach them valuable skills in problem-solving by using and modifying computer models. Engage them with activities that build and reinforce their science learning at each step. Science+C enhances three core science courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with units that are customizable for remote, hybrid, and in-person settings. Participating science teachers will receive free Science+C courses, year-long professional development, and a stipend. Neither students nor teachers need previous computer science experience. Learn more atscienceplusc.org and applyhere.
Deeper Learning Implementation Manager
The Kaleidoscope Collective for Learning (KCL) is a collaborative of schools and districts that lead all students to mastery of state standards through strategically cultivating learning experiences that drive deeper learning. The Deeper Learning Implementation Manager will design and implement cohort-based and state-wide professional learning sessions, as well as provide coaching to school leaders and teachers on best practices for creating deeper learning environments in their schools. If you are interested, see the job description and we hope you'll apply!
Take a moment and think of a 7-12 teacher or colleague you know that would be deserving of this award andnominate today!
Nominate a great STEM teacher:
PAEMST Nominations are Open The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Find out more about this award here. Winners of this award receive a certificate signed by the President, a trip to DC, access to a network of previous awardees and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.
Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades 7–12 for the 2020–2021 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org
Grades 5 & 8: Feedback on Innovative Science Assessment Students in either Grade 5 or Grade 8 are eligible to participate in an online voluntary interview. During the 45-minute interview, students will provide feedback on the new Massachusetts Innovative Science Assessment. Students interested in participating, should go to: MA DESE Study Sign-Up or call (240) 403-4800 or e-mail duartej@eurekafacts.com with any questions regarding this project.
Class of 2021 Scholarship Opportunity Four scholarship opportunities offered by Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATMIM) are available. Scholarship applicants must be nominated by a member of the mathematics department of their school. Nominations must be received by March 14, 2021 and winners will be announced by May 1, 2021. More information about each of these awards can be found on the ATMIM website or by clicking here.
As described in this memorandum from Commissioner Jeff Riley, in spring 2021 the Department will significantly reduce testing time for students in grades 3–8 through a session sampling approach, in which each student will take only a portion of each MCAS assessment in each subject. Instead of taking two sessions each of English language arts (ELA), Mathematics, and science and technology/engineering (STE), students will take only one session each. The Department will provide trainings in the coming months to prepare testing coordinators for this unique administration.
Tentative Testing Windows for Grades 3–8 in 2021
Schools will administer the MCAS tests to schools during the following windows. While the ELA window is one week shorter in 2021 than the testing schedule that had been planned for 2020, schools will be administering only one test session for each subject area to students in 2021.
Wed. Feb. 10th - STE District Leaders Network Meeting (email Nicole.Scola@mass.gov to get connected)
Wed. Feb. 10th - 7-8 pm - The Great Outdoors Webinar Series with Becky Schnekser, presented by MAST, Register Here!
Wed. Feb. 10th - 8-9 pm - Fall in Love with Math, ATMIM's Educator Meet Up, Register Here!
Fri. Feb. 12th - OpenSciEd Middle School Grant Due
Fri. Feb. 19th - Digital Literacy Now Grant Due
Fri. Feb. 19th - Digital Literacy and Computer Science Student Learning Devices Grant Due
Tues. Feb 23rd - Math Leaders Network Meeting (email Stephen.Garschina-Bobrow@mass.gov to get connected)
Tues. Feb. 23rd - Same But Different Math: Helping Students Build Connections Between Important Mathematical Ideas with Sue Looney, presented by ATMIM, Register Here!
