Embedded Files
From 2018-2022 the Teacher Leadership Institute focused on Science and Environmental Literacy integration and locally-based outdoor learning with standards-based classroom curriculum. K-12 Teacher Leaders and Environmental Education Partners created and tested the lesson sequences below. The design process built participants skills as science learning leaders. In many cases, teacher leaders then trained peers in how to implement the lessons as part of implementation at school sites.
From 2018-2022 the Teacher Leadership Institute focused on Science and Environmental Literacy integration and locally-based outdoor learning with standards-based classroom curriculum. K-12 Teacher Leaders and Environmental Education Partners created and tested the lesson sequences below. The design process built participants skills as science learning leaders. In many cases, teacher leaders then trained peers in how to implement the lessons as part of implementation at school sites.
2018-2019 Teacher Leadership Institute for Science and Environmental Literacy
2018-2019 Teacher Leadership Institute for Science and Environmental Literacy
The inaugural year of the TLI brought 64 K-12 emerging teacher leaders together with educators from 12 local environmental organizations. Participants applied their learning by drafting lesson sequences connecting classroom to the outdoor field experiences. These materials were developed first and foremost for educators' own learning as practitioners, but other teachers may find value in adapting them for use.
2019-2020 Teacher Leadership Institute for Science and Environmental Literacy
2019-2020 Teacher Leadership Institute for Science and Environmental Literacy
A second year of the TLI was offered for a new cohort of teacher leaders to increase our network of science and environmental literacy leaders to reach every school in the county. This second cohort also applied their learning by drafting lesson sequences. These materials were developed first and foremost for educators' own learning as practitioners, but other teachers may find value in adapting them for their own use.
The pandemic demanded a new approach to lesson design. The lesson sequences below were developed in 2020-2021 with the following goals:
Engaging in NGSS based Distance Learning that takes students offline and outdoors
Adapting locally-relevant NGSS-based distance learning lesson sequences created by Environmental Education partners
Focusing on NGSS content related to local themes of watershed, ocean, and climate
Identifying explicit connections to districts’ adopted curriculum in science and other content areas when applicable
Integrating outdoor learning, local environmental issues and student action projects into science instruction
NOTE: These lessons were developed to support both distance learning due to the pandemic and in person instruction. Virtual elements should be replaced with in person field trips when appropriate!
What different kinds of structures do animals have and why? How can animal structures and functions help humans solve problems?
How does water level affect steelhead trout's ability to migrate?
Why is the ocean different colors on different days?
Lesson Sequence
Teacher Training Guide
What does a diverse bird population tell us about the health of an ecosystem?
Lesson Sequence
Teacher Training Guide
Where are all the monarchs?
Lesson Sequence
Teacher Training Guide
What causes climate change, what is the evidence and what are the solutions?
Lesson Sequence
Teacher Training Guide
Additional Distance Learning Lessons from EE Partners
Additional Distance Learning Lessons from EE Partners
After working together to better understand how to translate 5E-based NGSS lessons into distance learning formats, some of our amazing EE partners created additional lesson sequences to support teachers in distance learning.
NOTE: These have not yet been fully reviewed using the modified EQuIP Rubric for NGSS alignment.
Coastal Watershed Council: We All Live in a Watershed Kindergarten
Coastal Watershed Council: Where Does All the Water Go? Grade 2
Coastal Watershed Council: Green Engineering for Stormwater Solutions Grade 5
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: First Peoples of Santa Cruz Grades K-2
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: First Peoples of Santa Cruz Grades 3-5
Elkhorn Slough Reserve: Form and Function in a Wetland Grade 4
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Dive into Kelp Forests Grades 2-4
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Protect Your Watershed Grades 3-5
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Deep Sea Discovery Grades 3-5
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Sounds in the Sanctuary Grades 3-5
Cal Academy of Sciences: Coastal Redwoods 3-Part Series Grades 3-5
Save the Redwoods: Explore Your Watershed Teacher Guide Grades 4-5
Save the Redwoods: Discover Redwoods Teacher Guide Grades 4-6
Santa Cruz Climate Speakers: Climate Change Lessons Grades 4-7 and 8-12
Save the Redwoods: Redwoods and Climate Change High School Curriculum Grades 9-12
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