News and Newletters

Working with the Revised Curriculum	The revised curriculum was finally published on the Ministry of Education Website in late December,2007. Hard copies have been distributed to schools. You can find the document on the web at this address: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/scientec18currb.pdf
Update: Where are we as far as aligning our science kits to this new document?	Our SEP Curriculum Teams worked diligently over the spring of 2008 to review all our science kits in light of this new document. We have identified gaps and begun an extensive materials search to determine what is readily available to help us fill those gaps. Equipment and print materials that were identified as "immediately helpful" were purchased in late spring and will be added to kits upon their arrival in late August/early September. Many of these items will help address the new STSE expectations.
What is the next plan of action for our kits?	We realize that there are still gaps to be filled, and the curriculum committees will continue to preview new materials and make additions to our science kits over the 2008-9 school year. During their review, the committees also identified several kit titles that could use a complete overhaul. A schedule will be set up and we'll begin by completely revising the two kit titles identified as the highest priority during 2008-9. You can help us! If you find something - a student book, teacher resource, a piece of equipment - that you feel would be a great addition to a science kit, let us know by e-mailing hooghiwe@lkdsb.net. Wendy will forward your suggestions to the appropriate curriculum team members for consideration.
Basic Highlights and Changes in the 2007 Revision of the Science and Technology Curriculum	There is a reduction from five strands to four, newly named strands. Some topics have been completely eliminated (e.g. Gr. 8 Optics, Gr. 5 Weather) and others have been combined (e.g. Gr. 1 Materials, Objects and Everyday Structures). The document is organized by Grade, not by strand. NEW - In this document you will find; Fundamental concepts Big Ideas an emphasis on environmental education Skill Continua Overall expectations Relating Science & Technology to the World Outside school has become Relating Science & Technology to Society and the Environment (STSE expectations) Developing Skills of Inquiry, Design and Communication has become Developing Investigation and Communication Skills Expanded are the "Assessment and Evaluation" section and the "Glossary".
What SCIENCE KITS are available from the SEP, and how do I borrow one?	Science kits are available to teachers within the St. Clair Catholic District School Board and the Lambton Kent District School Board. Follow the links to the appropriate kit list... I teach in a Chatham-Kent School I teach in a Sarnia-Lambton School Why are there two lists?