October 15, 2019
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Kearny DMD 11th Grade STEM Stories
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As educators, empirical research shows us that individuals who are a part of underrepresented populations and have a mentor of similar gender/ethnic background tend to seek higher level education in STEM fields, which then allows for access to higher level STEM jobs. Therefore, Kearny Digital Media and Design teachers in the 11th grade decided to develop a project to provide their students with opportunities to develop relationships with women and other minorities in STEM with the hopes that they will ultimately be more apt to consider STEM careers.
The interdisciplinary project entitled: “STEM Stories: The Power of the Influencer” is designed for student teams to learn about and share the stories of underrepresented populations in STEM professions. Students will use this information to create a Literary Science Symposium, targeting the Linda Vista Community, in which they will showcase interdisciplinary pieces that incorporate science, art (poetry, multimedia) and history products. Each biography will profile one individual from an underrepresented group in the field of STEM through video and print media. The content will feature his or her inspiration and motivation to work in STEM and his or her struggles and/or the highlights of being part of an underrepresented group in a STEM profession.
During the week of October 14th, STEM professionals from around San Diego will come to the Kearny Education to Employment Lab to be interviewed by the 11th grade student teams. Students prepared for their interviews by doing “Mock Interviews” where they practiced interviewing techniques such as creating follow up questions, rephrasing questions, body language, and maintaining eye contact. We are very excited to see what our amazing students produce! More to come...!
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Bridges Across Borders: 9th Grade Experiences
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9th grade students in Bridges Across Borders, a new educational pathway at San Diego High School, have been getting out and about.
With the support of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Students at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, students attended the “Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit” where they discussed binational and cross border issues, solutions, and ideas.
Students were also provided the opportunity to travel to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve is Southern California's largest coastal wetland, encompassing Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. This trip was the kickoff to their project-based learning project that focuses on understanding energy, water, and cross-border shared resources. Former State Senator Denise Ducheny, a major supporter of the Bridges Across Borders pathway, greeted the students and shared how the governments of US, Mexico, California, and SD County work together in the border region. Students then broke off to learn about the history of the region and the natural environment in the reserve.
This is just the beginning for 9th graders in the Bridges Across Borders pathway at San Diego High School. It’s exciting to think about the impact these experiences will have on this class of 9th graders this year and what impact they will have on cross-border issues and more in the coming years.
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VAPA Department Holds 4th Annual Elementary Liaison Day
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VAPA Liaisons from elementary schools all over San Diego Unified gathered in Balboa Park on September 19th for a powerful day of learning about the arts. Each VAPA Liaison was selected by their principal to receive all VAPA Department communications and share the information to their site staff, as well as benefit from this annual VAPA professional development day. (If you are interested in becoming the VAPA Liaison at your school, please talk to your principal.)
During this year's VAPA Liaison Day, the VAPA Liaisons (most of whom are classroom teachers) gained new insights as to how arts education effectively transforms the lives of students. First, the VAPA Department presented a district arts informational session, held in the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA). Topics included arts programs offered to elementary schools, district initiatives like “Unified Sings” and the “One Book, One VAPA” book club with Becky Bellingham, and general tips for advocacy.
Next, the Liaisons walked down to the Museum of Art (SDMArt) to meet with San Diego County VAPA Coordinator Pauline Crooks. In the SDMArt theater, arts organizations from around the county were set up at tables. During this “AERO Fair” (AERO is the Arts Education Resource Organization, a collective of arts organizations managed by the County Office of Education), VAPA Liaisons had the opportunity to engage with arts organizations of their choice. Then, Liaisons were grouped by neighborhoods to discuss the arts offerings in their cluster and strategize for expanding opportunities.
After lunch, breakout sessions allowed attendees to engage in professional development workshops. Liaisons could choose from sessions on connecting the community, singing in your classroom (arts integration), funding resources, and using the arts for self-care and mindfulness. While the VAPA Liaisons may have learned tools to use in their classrooms immediately, they are also responsible for sharing their learning with their colleagues.
Thank you to the community arts education partners that supported this event:
• Arts for Learning San Diego
• Guitars in the Classroom
• Museum of Photographic Arts
• San Diego Museum of Art
• Arts Education Resource Organization
• San Diego County Office of Education
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Using Camera Angles to Analyze a Story
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Building and refining skills for literacy analysis and preparing students with academic language is a common goal among English Language Arts teachers. The process to achieve that goal will vary among teachers and classroom environments.
Students in Sarah Murray’s 9th grade English class at the Kearny School of Digital Media and Design have taken an interdisciplinary approach to this concept and are using a short story to make decisions about camera angles based upon the analysis of what a particular scene portrays. As a culminating task, they worked as a group to build their claim for the camera angles and presented their findings to the class. Through this learning they are increasing their literacy skills while building context and understanding for this year’s digital media project entitled "Seeds of Sustainability" with Strategic Energy Innovations.
This unit of study not only refined their skills for literary analysis, but it also prepared them to make intentional decisions based on audience and purpose. This is just one example of ways that the Kearny teachers integrate student experience to align and build skills across content area.
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High School Math Teachers Get Innovative!
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High school math teachers from across the district came together to learn all about the awesome new changes happening in SDUSD classes. Teachers reformatted outdated tests, learned about Illustrative Mathematics and the San Diego Enhanced Math pilot, and had a chance to dig deep into Canvas – the latest and highly innovative Learning Management System that is widely used at universities. These teachers are off to a fantastic start in supporting the learning of each and every student in their classrooms, and we can’t wait to see what amazing shifts they make!
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Facing History and Making Connections to Today
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If you walked into the Facing History workshop, filled with History and Social Science Teachers from middle and high schools around the district, it would definitely NOT be quiet! Teachers were busy talking about how best to teach the Holocaust by reading primary source documents, examining photos, and making interactive posters. Facilitators from Facing History, Facing Ourselves shared texts and strategies for not only learning about the past, but for students to learn about themselves and their own identity. It was evident from the buzz in the room that these teachers were passionate about the topic and how best to teach it to their students. There is no doubt that the same buzz will fill many History Social Science classrooms in the weeks to come!
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The Best Part of Me
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Ms. Mejia’s class started the year by acknowledging what they perceive to be the best part of themselves. Millennial Tech’s eighth grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher continues to make learning meaningful by giving fun assignments that directly connect to students. The Best Part of Me assignment gave students the opportunity to practice claims, evidence, and reasoning (CER). Students were charged to write a paragraph using CER to describe the best part of themselves and provide a visual representation. The display of this assignment is a daily reminder to students that each and every one of them is great.
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Rockin' Science
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Rockin' Science kicked off this week as second grade students at Linda Vista STEAM Magnet School engaged in learning about oil spills and ways to engineer solutions that address cleaning up pollution in our oceans. They began the investigation by examining different materials that might be used to remove oil from the surface of water. After several attempts, students determined which materials were most effective at cleaning up the simulated oil spill. A discussion about the effectiveness of each solution followed the experiments. The goal of the activity was to teach students the importance of testing claims and seeking solutions that can make a difference in real world issues.
Rockin' Science is a program that has been offered at the school for over 4 years. The program teaches students to employ the scientific method when addressing problem solving while learning the principles of science. Rockin' Science is the creation of Dr. Marian Plunkett, a cancer researcher, and Savi Madan, a biochemist. Both volunteer their time to support science inquiry at Linda Vista STEAM Magnet School.
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Ambitious Science Teachers
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San Diego Unified District science, STEAM, and special education resource teachers, and Program Managers from the Instructional Innovation and STEAM Innovation offices attended the Region 9 Science Community of Practice, a convening of educators in the San Diego, Orange and Imperial counties, for the first of a series of meetings to plan actions that encourage educators to question: “What kinds of talk, tasks, and tools do students need in order to fully engage in meaningful forms of science learning?”
According to Ambitious Science Teaching, written by Mark Windschitl, Jessica Thompson, and Melissa Braaten:
“Ambitious teaching is supported by four sets of core practices that work together throughout every unit of study. These practices start with designing units of instruction (Planning for engagement with important science ideas); they then focus on making visible what students currently know about the science being taught (Eliciting students’ ideas); they help the teacher guide sense-making talk around investigations and other kinds of lab activities or readings (Supporting on-going changes in thinking); and finally they help the teacher scaffold students’ efforts to put everything together near the end of a unit (Pressing for evidence-based explanations).” (Source: https://ambitiousscienceteaching.org)
San Diego Unified took away helpful tools and resources that they hope to share with their science, STEAM and special education teachers in order to engage students in more meaningful discourse and get teachers excited to be more ambitious facilitators of science instruction.
“Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose” – Frank Tyger, Editorial Cartoonist
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E2E Incubator Round Two Microgrant Recipients
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The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education (JI) is proud to announce Round 2 microgrant funding of eight STEAM-based projects that are a collaboration between USD faculty and students and San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) teachers and students at the E2E Incubator at Kearny High School. As a part of USD's Envision 2024 Strategic Investment Fund, the JI is funding two rounds of microgrants for collaborative projects between USD students/faculty and SDUSD students/teachers that utilize the innovative E2E Incubator space.
After a competitive application process, eight projects taking place during June through December 2019 were selected for the second round of microgrant funding (up to $3,500 awarded per project). The winning project titles are below.
- Technology: Developing Your Superpower, Shirley Miranda (Kearny High School)
- Conservation Collaborative, Janel Ortiz and Maisy Feeley (USD)
- Success in Adulthood 4.0, Candice Fee (SDUSD Youth Advocacy)
- Building a STEM Foundation One Block at a Time, Laura Gingras (Marie Curie Elementary)
- Marie Curie Elementary Family Science Nights, Rachel Duron (Marie Curie Elementary)
- STEAM and Maker Lab, Shira Maltz + Amber Redmerski (Jonas Salk Elementary)
- Kindergarten Interactive Playground Music Wall, Janelle Rusch (Silver Gate Elementary)
- Ocean Pollution Solutions - Do you know where your plastic is?, Angela Hummel and Elizabeth Lonnecker (Hoover High School) + Hoover HS students
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| STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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Attention High School Students--Time to Vote!
On Thursday October 17th elections will take place for the Student Board Member that will serve on the School Board until June 30, 2020.
Congratulations to all of our candidates:
- Brianna Brown- Hoover High School
- Dagny Whall- La Jolla High School
- Karen Mendez- Lincoln High School
- Maryane Nguyen- Patrick Henry High School
- Benefice Nisumbavyose- San Diego High School
- Zachary Patterson- University City High School
All high school students in San Diego Unified can vote for any of the candidates.
Voting will be open on October 17th from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Students will login via the website http://bit.ly/studentboard19 using their district login information and will only be able to vote once.
The elected student will be sworn in at the Tuesday, November 12th Board meeting and serve until June 30, 2020. A separate election will be held in Spring 2020 for the 2020-2021 Student Board Member whose term will be July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021.
Questions? Contact the Elections Administrator at sseiders@sandi.net 619-725-7125 |
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Visit Tacos ¡Libertad! during the month of October to support our students!
The League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers (LXS) have partnered with the J.Craig Venter Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Birch Aquarium to bring students from Encanto ES, Jefferson ES, Johnson ES, Washington ES, and Webster ES to visit the La Jolla Tide pools between November 2019 and February 2020.
The King Tide Experience will allow students to explore tide pools alongside oceanographers, microbiologists, and other scientists. Students will collect a test tube of ocean water to examine in the J.Craig Venter Mobile lab under high powered microscopes!
¡Tacos Libertad! is generously donating all profits during the month of October to support the costs of transportation for our students to participate in the King Tide Experience this year for FREE!
Please stop by Tacos ¡Libertad! (1023 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92103) during the month of October to enjoy delicious tacos and support our students! No coupon or flyer is needed.
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SDSCPA Auditions
San Diego's School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) seeks students with potential, passion, and commitment to the arts. Previous training is helpful, but not necessary. The school is hosting its annual auditions for the 2020-21 school year, beginning with the 8th Grade and High School auditions on November 16th. 6th and 7th Grade auditions will be on December 14th.
SDSCPA serves the young aspiring creative mind who is already demonstrating a passion for and potential lifelong commitment to the arts. Learn more by attending a Magnet Monday tour or a Prospective Families meeting.
Visit SDSCPA's auditions page for more information https://www.sdscpaauditions.com/. |
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Kids FREE in October
There's no better time to be a kid in San Diego than in October! Throughout October, kids 11 and younger are free at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, kids 12 and under receive free admission to 40 participating museums across the county, and kids 3-9 get free admission to SeaWorld!
To learn more and take advantage of the museum offer, register for the free coupon at the San Diego Museum Council website. To learn more and take advantage of the SeaWorld offer visit their website and "purchase" a free child ticket. All offers require the purchase of a paid adult ticket and other restrictions may apply. Please visit the links for more information. |
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A “WOW” Volunteer Opportunity!
Students needing community service hours have a unique opportunity to support the theater community and see free shows. La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) Festival is four days of immersive and eclectic theatre for adventurous art lovers, thrill seekers and families. Now in its fourth outing, this year’s WOW Festival lands at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station October 17 – 20, which will come alive with vibrant, interactive experiences that amplify the energy of the city.
All WOW volunteers will receive a WOW Festival t-shirt. We ask that volunteers commit at least two (2) shifts (6-10 hours total). Volunteers are eligible for free access to WOW performances that take place outside of your scheduled volunteer shifts. Free show access is based on availability. Volunteers of all identities encouraged to apply – if you would benefit from an accommodation, just let us know! Questions? Contact WOW@ljp.org.
Sign up at https://formspring-xpeow.formstack.com/forms/wow_2019_volunteer_search |
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STEM Explorations: Microscopic Mysteries
The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is transforming students into marine scientists for a day in their Microscopic Mysteries program. Students use scientific tools and methods to collect samples and explore the microscopic critters found in Mission Bay.
To register your child to become a marine scientist, visit: https://mbaquaticcenter.com/youth-classes.htm and scroll down to STEM Explorations: Microscopic Mysteries. The next sessions are offered on Sunday, October 20th and Sunday, November, 23rd from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $45, but be sure to let the aquatic center know that your scientist comes from San Diego Unified to receive $15 off with the coupon code: sdusd.
Additional youth classes including more STEM Exploration classes are offered at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center throughout the year. Click here for more information. |
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$1,000 Scholarship Opportunity
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts.
Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a Symposium on Race at Princeton University where they will meet and engage with other Prize recipients from across the country.
Prize recipients are recognized at ceremonies in their local regions by Princeton alumni.
PPRR operates through 27 Regional Committees and has an At-Large Regional Committee to support areas where we currently have no geographic presence. We are an alumni volunteer-run organization, enlisting the support of over 450 Princetonians, all dedicated to an inclusive and supporting society. |
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USD's Character Development Center Essay Contest
The University of San Diego's Character Development Center announces the fourth annual Fall Essay Contest sponsored by The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and the Character Education Resource Center.
This year's theme, "Who is Your Hero?", asks students in grades 6 to 12 to reflect on the core values of the U.S. Marine Corps and our society by exploring what the virtues of honor, courage, and commitment mean in their own lives. All entries must be received by November 11th. Click here for more details. |
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2020 San Diego NOSB Garibaldi Bowl on Saturday, February 29, 2020
The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education. Through this program high school students are introduced to and engage in ocean science activities that prepare them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and help them become knowledgeable citizens and environmental stewards. http://nosb.org/about-nosb/
This is a great opportunity for high school students (led by a high school teacher). The Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department at University of San Diego, led by Professor Prairie, will hold the 2020 San Diego NOSB Garibaldi Bowl on Saturday, February 29, 2020. There will also be a few (optional) events beforehand for the competing students like tidepooling and a STEM fair/practice NOSB day.
Dr. Prairie will support the preparation for first-time participating schools, or for schools that serve a high proportion of low-income students or those from underrepresented backgrounds by providing graduate student mentors. More information can be found at http://home.sandiego.edu/~jcprairie/nosb.html or the National NOSB website http://nosb.org/ |
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