2021-22 Middle School Science

Time to finish strong! You are almost there and we appreciate you. We are excited to share our state science fair winners with you and hope you'll join us in cheering on our International Science Fair candidates as they compete in Atlanta this month. Please take a moment to read through the science updates and opportunities for May. As always, thank you for all you do to support science in our schools.

From March 29th thru March 31st, Twenty Six (26) of Pasco's best science students competed at the state level and performed brilliantly, bringing home 21 awards.

Click here to see who won what and learn a little about their projects!

We invite you to apply and be part of the very first cohort of Florida middle school teachers for our yearlong professional development program titled, “AI Learning in K-12 with Fossil Sharks.” This unique experience will bridge the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and paleontology. To start off this first cohort, members will attend a weeklong professional development workshop this summer. During the workshop, participants will learn how to use a branch of AI called “machine learning,” to teach computers how to use shape, color and texture to identify the species of extinct shark teeth! Participants will leave the workshop with lesson plans that are sure to get their students excited while being exposed to STEM and computer science topics and work with cohort members and scientists throughout the year!

From July 11-15, title 1 middle school teachers have the opportunity to work with paleontologists and AI experts on a fossil shark-themed professional development workshop. Additional information covering the context, logistics, learning goals, and expectations can be found on the workshop website. Teachers who successfully complete all project components will receive a $2,500 stipend.

Interested applicants can apply using: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SAx9zgHvkkMWnI.

To counteract the stereotypes and ensure a more equitable future for STEM, we need more classrooms and resources that celebrate the incredible range of personalities, interests, backgrounds, and pursuits that drive discovery and progress. Every month, we will be sharing a new "I AM A SCIENTIST" spotlight highlighting an amazing real world scientist.

We encourage you to share this information and the scientist's story with your students each month. Because every student deserves a chance to see themselves in science.

I'm a Scientist Website

“Being a scientist is about not being afraid to ask questions.”​

​​- DR. NIDHI SANTEN​

• She fell in love with the idea of “clean energy” (seeking out responsible energy sources) and saw it as a way to protect nature
  

• She studies how we can build our future electric power systems so that we can live how we want and also protect our air, water, and earth.​
  




Download her poster here!

All Watershed Ambassadors Program visits are a go for this year. The Pasco Environmental Programs Team has posted the visit calendar to the WAP's Program Site. All 7th graders participate in this amazing experiential problem based program at Starkey Park or CrossBar Ranch. Please reach out to Karen Stewart for program information.

#PascoDoingScience

Email: mwbutler@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: pasco.k12.fl.us/pascoscienceshowcase
Phone: 813-794-2452
Twitter: @SciencePasco

Email: lwade@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: pasco.k12.fl.us/pascoscienceshowcase
Phone: 813-794-2257
Twitter: @SciencePasco

Email: jmaxwell@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: pasco.k12.fl.us/pascoscienceshowcase
Twitter: @SciencePasco

Email: lwhitake@pasco.k12.fl.us
Website: pasco.k12.fl.us/pascoscienceshowcase
Twitter: @SciencePasco