January 28, 2020
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An Hour of Code Sparks Imagination for Students
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The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science to show that everyone can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computing. Computer science helps develop problem-solving skills, logic and creativity which is a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
Kindergarten students at Curie Elementary took part in a hands-on activity to learn about algorithms and circuits. Students applied their creativity to engineer their own light up inventions using dough, clay and LEDs. Snowmen, robots, cats and monsters were among some of the projects brought to life.
The ability to code is a superpower that can be developed and connected to every industry. At Bell Middle School, eighth graders used the Hour of Code to be like Iron Man and engineer their own superpower. Students created a circuit then coded it to play specific sounds when their superpower exercised in different ways. This activity was sponsored through a University of San Diego Jacobs Institute STEM grant.
The Hour of Code is a grassroots movement which takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15). It is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was the first to recognize that machines could do more than pure calculation, published the first algorithm to be carried out by a machine and is regarded as one of the first computer programmers.
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Ten SDUSD Choirs on Televised Holiday Special
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Each December, KUSI (Channel 51) records and airs performances of student choirs as a special called “Songs of the Holiday Season.” This two-hour extravaganza of choral singing is broadcast twice: usually the evening of Christmas Eve and the morning of Christmas Day. Choirs from ten SDUSD schools were featured on this year’s special.
Now in its 27th year, “Songs of the Holiday Season” is the outcome of a whole week of bringing local student choirs into the television studio, recording them singing, and compiling the performances. Schools apply in the early fall for a limited number of recording spots. Some schools are additionally given the exciting opportunity to perform live on “Good Morning San Diego” before recording their numbers.
Patrick Henry High School (director Rachel Samuelsz) and Serra High School (director Michael Fiedler) had live on-air performances during “Good Morning San Diego” on Thursday, December 5 and Monday, December 9, respectively. Their performances were re-aired during the “Songs of the Holiday Season” special.
Other participating SDUSD schools include: De Portola Middle School (director Maureen Flynn), Wangenheim Middle School (director Cassandra Brown), La Jolla Elementary School (director Julie Greathouse-Suazo), San Diego High School (director Kayla Rodgers), Dingeman Elementary School (director Garner Saguil), CPMA Middle School (director Sara Freese), Farb Middle School (director Barbara Toombs), and Hawthorne Elementary.
https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2020/01/ten-sdusd-choirs-on-televised-holiday.html
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Anne Fennell Wins National Music Technology Award
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Anne Fennell, K-12 Music Program Manager for the San Diego Unified School District’s VAPA Department, has recently been recognized as the 2020 Mike Kovins Teacher of the Year by Technology in Music Education (TI:ME). TI:ME is a national organization with a mission of assisting music educators in applying technology to improve teaching and learning in music.
Anne has taught for 32 years as a teacher of K-12 students in music composition, steel drum ensemble, and Orff Schulwerk, and the past 11 years teaching composition using technology, teaching teachers how to integrate technology, and advocating administrators to validate technology use in the music classroom. In her current position, she continues to advocate for technology use in music education as it serves students learning music concepts and expressing creativity.
Mike Kovins, President of Korg USA, whom the award is honored and named for, was an integral part of founding and creating TI:ME as a place where music educators could find resources for integrating technology into their classrooms, as well as networking with other music educators who love to utilize technology. TI:ME says, “Mike’s lifetime commitment to music and music education is epitomized by Anne’s past and present work which is why we honor her with the TI:ME 2020 Mike Kovins Teacher of the Year.”
https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2020/01/anne-fennell-wins-national-music.html
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PBL Student Experiences
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Real world experiences are essential to Project-Based Learning (PBL). This fall SDUSD middle and high school interdisciplinary teams from PBL Institute had the opportunity to apply for PBL experiences mini-grants which funded career related experiences such as a project launch, investigation, presentation of learning, or culminating event. Because of these grants 2,300 students have or will participate in the following experiences:
- San Diego River Foundation - Montgomery Middle STEAM Magnet, 6th "Kumeyaay Life That Affects San Diego ‘Keep San Diego’s History Alive’"
- USS Midway Museum - Pacific Beach MS Blue STEAM, 8th "Magic on the Midway"
- San Diego Public Library / MoPA / Telemundo - Roosevelt MS, "SLIM Heroes Entre Nosotros"
- Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College - Kearny HS DMD, 9th "Seeds of Sustainability"
- San Diego Maritime Museum - Mission Bay HS Blue STEAM, 9th "The 'Buc' Stops Here! Maritime accountability in an eco-friendly world "
- UCSD Gardens, Birch Aquarium, and SDG&E Energy Innovation Center - SD HS BXB, 9th "Startups for Sustainability"
- SDG&E Energy Innovation Center - Marston MS, 8th "Advocators for a Pollutions Free Industrialization"
- Natural History Museum - DMD Kearny HS, 11th "STEM Stories: The Power of the Influencer"
- Specialty Produce - Mira Mesa HS "Comida Rica y Saludable-Healthy and Delicious Food"
https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2020/01/pbl-student-experiences.html
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Peek A Boo!
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Mrs. Hayde Zavala, middle school literacy resource teacher, led the 8th grade ELA teachers from Knox in a two-day lesson study. During this time, teachers had the opportunity to visit Health Sciences High and Middle College (HSHMC) to gain a new perspective. While there, the 8th grade team focused on the components of an academic mindset. Knox visiting teachers observed how HSHMC teachers created a safe and collaborative environment by being warm demanders. The 8th grade ELA teachers participated in a debrief session after the site visit. This uncovered opportunities for growth and shifts in culture for teachers and staff to implement. Excitedly, Knox teachers shared one aspect of the visit they would like to implement at Knox. Ms. Sanders expressed that she would love to “renegotiate some of the student expectations that includes student voice.” A big shout out goes to Knox and HSHMC for engaging in this level of collaboration!
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Building Math Habits of Mind
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First graders at Carson STEAM Magnet use mathematical representations to explain their mathematical reasoning. Students justify why their math ideas make sense through physical models. Mrs. Brill has challenged the class to find multiple pathways of solving this problem. As students explain their solution, she makes a public record of different methods that come forward, which creates opportunities for students to notice connections between methods. After the lesson, Lovely, the student who is explaining her thinking in the photo, said “The best part of math is saying what I think. Then, other people help me figure out my ideas.”
Rachel Levy writes in the American Scientist, "To solve modeling problems, mathematicians make assumptions, choose a mathematical approach, get a solution, assess the solution for usefulness and accuracy, and then rework and adjust the model as needed until it provides an accurate and predictive enough understanding of the situation. Communicating the model and its implications in a clear, compelling way can be as critical to a model’s success as the solution itself."
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Life Along the San Diego River
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Montgomery Middle STEAM Magnet sixth graders showcased their learning at their first Exhibition of Student Learning built around the theme, “Life Along the San Diego River: Keeping San Diego’s History Alive.” Students exhibited scale blueprints and models of structures that could be built around the river using the design thinking process. The project highlighted the students' understanding of natural cycle simulations born out of their scientific research and provided them with opportunities to discuss their learning with families, fellow students, and community members.
Montgomery continues its emphasis of designing a better world through community-centered, project-based learning!
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Drive2Life: PSA Contest About Seat Belt Safety
Drive2Life is running a Public Service Announcement Contest about seat belt safety. Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to become seat-belt-safety advocates. Participants will help save lives by researching the hazards of not wearing seat belts, and role-playing what to say when a family member or friend isn’t buckled up. Each participating student must create a storyboard or written script on 8.5 x 11-inch paper for a 30-second PSA promoting the importance of all passengers wearing a seat belt while in a vehicle.
One Grand Prize winner will win $1,000 and a trip to NYC to have his or her PSA filmed professionally. Plus, the winner and his or her PSA video will be featured on Teen Kids News! All entries must be postmarked by February 4, 2020.
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BigSun Scholarship
The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in.
Deadline - June 19, 2020
Amount of Award - $500.00
The successful applicant will be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute and currently involved in some sport at that institution or in the community. Please visit this website http://www.bigsunathletics.com to apply.
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San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application
The San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application gives San Diego students access to more than 100 scholarships that comprise the Community Scholarship Program by filling out just one application.
Deadline is February 5, 2020
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Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families. The scholarships are for children of eligible applicants pursuing a post-secondary education at any accredited school—whether that be a trade school, career training, community college, or four-year university. These scholarships are not competitive, and scholarships are awarded to every eligible applicant.
In the 2019-20 academic year they awarded over $8.2 million to more than 2,360 students, and will provide a similar level of support in the 2020-21 academic year.
The scholarship application for the 2020-2021 academic year opened on January 1, 2020 and will close on March 3, 2020. For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit www.mcsf.org/apply.
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Black College Expo & Scholarship Opportunity
Families are encouraged to attend the Black College Expo on Wednesday, January 29th from 12pm-6pm for on-the-spot college admission opportunities. Students should plan on bringing copies of their current high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores. Please view flyers for more information. |
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High Tech Family Night with the Fleet Science Center
Students and families from San Diego Unified are invited to attend the High Tech Family night at the Balboa Activity Center on February 6, 2020 from 5pm-8pm (2145 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101).
The High Tech Fair is a FREE event for both families and students and allows those who are interested in a scientific career the opportunity to speak with representatives from local STEM businesses. These representatives come from a variety of scientific sectors, including:
- Aerospace/Defense
- Biotech
- Energy/Sustainability
- Higher Education
- Environmental Science
- Technology
Family Night allows families with students in grades 7–12 to participate in a number of activities while being exposed to scientific fields they may not have considered before. Budding marine biologists, for example, can speak with representatives from Birch Aquarium and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography about the science they use as part of their daily jobs. So too can burgeoning cyber enthusiasts engage with businesses such as Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to learn how technology and engineering play a part in commercial aviation, military defense, virtual reality and unmanned aircraft.
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STEM in Your Backyard - Free STEM events in San Diego!
STEM in Your Backyard (SIYB) provides access to free, meaningful STEM experiences by bringing the spark of science directly to communities throughout San Diego. Each SIYB program is organized similarly to a street fair: local companies, non-profits and community organizations set up exhibit booths with fun, hands-on STEM activities for all participants. SIYB increases the opportunities for students to interact with STEM professionals, providing youth with positive and diverse STEM role models and changing the image of STEM. This STEM exposure encourages youth to stay involved in STEM and consider a career in this field a reality. SIYB provides a holistic approach to STEM outreach and education, as it incorporates parent education, teacher professional development, and year-round student engagement. Approximately 500-2,000 San Diegans from these communities participate in each SIYB Program. Support of this program speaks to a commitment to accessible, quality STEM educational experiences for our communities and a devotion to the sustainability of San Diego County’s thriving STEM-based industries.
Nonprofit and educational institutions who are interested in exhibiting, please fill out the brief application and you will be contacted with more information.
Interested in sponsoring a STEM In Your Backyard? Contact Karmin Noar, Executive Director knoar@biocom.org
Interested in volunteering at a STEM In Your Backyard? Contact Karmin Noar, Executive Director at knoar@biocom.org
Next event: Linda Vista, Kearny High School of Science Connections & Technology, February 26, 2020, 10:00am – 12:30pm
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USD SOLES Innovation Lab
USD SOLES Innovation Lab offers free and open to the public STEAM workshops. Experience VR, coding, and design thinking on a college campus!
Upcoming workshops include "Designing for a Better World Pactful App Introduction" on 1/30/20 from 12:00PM-2:00PM, and the "Creative Collaboration Stations: A Mindfulness Experience" on 2/20/20 from 4:00PM-5:50PM.
Sign up here. https://www.sandiego.edu/soles/jacobs-institute/professional-learning/workshops.php
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The Fleet Science Center’s BE WiSE application window is open!
The Fleet Science Center’s BE WiSE Program application period is fast approaching! The FREE four year program is for girls currently in 7th or 8th grade.
BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering) is a program that stimulates and sustains girls’ interest in science through a science overnight event and workshops throughout their time in High School. Through this program girls will meet other like-minded girls, connect with female scientist role-models, and participate in many hands-on opportunities at science career sites all around San Diego County.
Application window for 2020 is January 2, 2020- February 4, 2020.
Please visit Fleet's website for more details and to apply https://www.rhfleet.org/application or contact Ivel Gontan with questions communityalliances@rhfleet.org
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STEM Conference for High School Girls
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) welcomes high school girls to learn about the exciting career possibilities in engineering and STEM at the UCSD SWE Envision 2020 Conference on February 8, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at Jacobs Hall in UCSD.
Students will participate in hands-on engineering activities and a STEM project fair, hear speakers from industry and academia, and have a chance to be mentored by engineering undergraduates. There will be a parallel parent-educator session that includes discussions about interrupting gender stereotypes in engineering, financial aid, and a student panel.
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Student Leadership Opportunity in DCTEM Conference for High School Girls
Plan International USA is now recruiting for their 2020 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) taking place in Washington D.C. July 20-23rd, 2020. The program will be held at Catholic University of America and is open to US-based youth who are currently in 8th grade – 11th grade.
The program builds young people’s knowledge and capacity in key development issues, like gender equality and climate action, and builds their personal leadership and advocacy skills. Young people participating in the YLA will design projects that they will implement in their community during the 2020/21 academic year with the support of small grants and a mentor from Plan’s youth network.
The entire fee for participation is $100. This fee includes food, housing, activity costs, and transportation during the week. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the YLA. Financial aid is available to those who are eligible.
The program also includes activities to celebrate diversity, learn about other cultures, and explore Washington D.C. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of February 15, 2020 and a general deadline of March 1, 2020. Visit planusa.org/yla to apply.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
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| Month of January |
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Litera-SEA San Diego Library Winter Reading Challenge
https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/winterreading
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Friday
2/14/20 |
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Semester 1 Ends Year-Round |
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Friday
2/14/20 |
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Deadline to register for March 14, 2020 SAT |
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Friday
2/14/20 |
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Lincoln Day Holiday
No School |
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Monday
2/17/20 |
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Washington Day Holiday
No School |
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