San Fernando Valley Science Project

In the upcoming years, teachers of science and science educators will continue to be challenged by the concurrent demands of implementation in the their classrooms of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Literacy in Science and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Additionally, the new English Language Development (ELD) Standards call all teachers, not only ELD teachers, to become knowledgeable and proficient about strategies that facilitate the acqu...

Schools as a Conduit for Energy Conservation

We implement a light bulb exchange at local elementary schools and distribute information about LADWP rebate programs. The exchange and rebate information are embedded into curriculum so that students become effective messengers of energy efficiency.

California Science Project Environmental Literacy Institutes 2017-2019

CSP and NCLB Proposed Scope of Work Overall Vision 2017-2020 For the past 17 years, the San Fernando Valley Science Project (SFVSP) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has provided professional development opportunities for science educators to support the improvement of science learning among California?s secondary school students. We are committed to providing sustained support for science teachers to improv...

Framework for High School Science in California

In 2011, the State Legislature passed a law requiring the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt new science content standards, updating them to account for changes in science and pedagogy in the decade since the previous standards were adopted. On September 4, 2013, the SBE adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. SB 300 (Chapter 480, Statutes of 2013) also calls for the...

Science Framework Revision Writer

The state of California recently adopted new science standards for K-12 schools. The Next Generation Science Standards are quite a shift from our previous standards and teachers are in need of guidance. The Department of Education tapped CSUN faculty led by Matthew d'Alessio from Geological sciences to write a document called the "California Framework for Science in Public Schools" to offer that guidance to teachers and to set guidelines for curriculum publishers...

Engage. Educate. Empower: Effecting energy and water conservation through education.

Thirty-six teachers from six high schools, six middle schools and six elementary schools in the San Fernando Valley will take part in a training program in energy and water conservation that prepares them to engage students in related activities in their school classrooms. Grade-specific curriculum will be designed by content and pedagogy experts and delivered in teacher workshops. Students will share information...

San Fernando Valley Science Project NCLB 12

California science education has entered into exciting times with the roll out of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The successful implementation of these new curricular standards, as well as new pedagogies, and other reforms depends largely on the professional development (PD) of educators. Unfortunately, in-service teacher training or professional development does not always achieve the desired changes i...

Multi-generational school-based Outreach for Energy and Water Efficiency, Underrepresented energy efficiency & water conservation program

We focus intense outreach within the community surrounding four elementary schools. A grassroots, multi-generational group of leaders will meet weekly to plan and execute energy and water efficiency outreach programs that they design. A larger group of families will participate jointly (both parent and student) in an afterschool program for sustainability-focus...