distance learning

How can we continue delivering quality science learning experiences to students while schools are closed?

In an effort to do our part to continue this conversation, OSTA has compiled resources for educators contemplating online learning. Please share additional vetted resources with us: communications@oregonscience.org. This page will be updated periodically.

General Online Learning Resources

Distance Learning Resources compiled by Clackamas ESD.

The Beaverton School District Remote Learning page includes resources at-home learning activities for PK-12.

This crowdsourced list includes digital resources provided for free in the wake of school closures.

Google Apps for Education

Take a look at this Google Classroom guide, compiled by Clackamas ESD.

Learn how Google Apps for Education is working to support distance learning. Included are trainings for teachers on how to use Google Classroom, ideas for preparing students to learn at home with Chromebooks, and more.

EdTechTeam is offering free webinars to help educators get started with Google Classroom and distance learning.

Check out this unit plan around the problem of plastic waste in the ocean, using Google Classroom. The activity is designed around data from Austin, TX but could be modified to include Oregon data (see page 21 and onward).

Zoom Video Conferencing

Zoom is lifting the 40 minute meeting limit for free accounts for educators affected by school closures. OSTA uses Zoom for webcasts, and we've found it to be a fantastic tool. Learn more and register for your free account here. You must use a district or school email address to register. 

Need additional support with Zoom? Contact us! If we have capacity, we can lead a brief introductory meeting to go over the features.

Outschool is providing free webinars to introduce educators to using the Zoom platform for online learning. Something to do while you're home next week? Register here.

Research

The Oregon School Library Information System (OSLIS) has many resources available for student research projects.

Distance Learning Modules

Has your school shut down due to the coronavirus? Looking for a free unit on evolution your students can do on their own? Here is is! This unit should take a total 5-6 hours for students to complete. Email TIES Director Bertha Vazquez at bvazquez@centerforinquiry.org for the answer key and instructions. It targets middle school standards but can be adapted for high school biology. I will send you a modifiable version if you email me! https://tieseducation.org/resource/ties-guided-lessons-for-evolutionary-biology/

WIRED International Community Health Education has created a free module for high school students that covers the Coronavirus epidemic.

The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning is providing access to digital course materials for K-12 science, mathematics and computer science courses. Courses include assessment, labs, presentations and more.

NSTA has created lesson plans to cover Coronavirus. They are not created to be digital lessons, but could be taught remotely using Zoom meetings and Google Classroom. Find elementary and secondary lesson plans, and take advantage of NSTA's free 30-day membership to access them.

Science Simulations and Videos

Planning distance learning activities for your science classes? Check out these online simulations, labs and videos, compiled by educators and organized by science discipline. 

Mystery Science is opening up free access to many of their popular videos. (K-5)

The American Association of Chemistry Teachers has unlocked their teaching resources through March 31.

At-Home Science Investigations

Elementary teachers: many resources for taking science home were shared in the January issue of Science and Children from NSTA. (K-5)

Check out this series from Scientific American: Bring Science Home. 

Other Resources for Teachers

NSTA is offering a free 30-day membership to support teachers in planning for distance learning. Included are thousands of digital learning resources for teachers and students.