Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Amanda Bowers | amanda_bowers@dpsnc.net | K-5 Science Specialist
Location: Hillside High School Room 200
Description: Join us for an engaging and interactive professional development session designed to deepen your understanding of the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) outlined in the NC Essential Standards and the new K–12 Science Standards. In this 3-hour workshop, Durham educators will explore how to foster authentic scientific thinking and problem-solving by integrating SEPs into dynamic, cross-curricular learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, collaborative lesson design, and real-world examples, participants will: Analyze how SEPs support inquiry-based and equitable science instruction. Discover strategies to creatively integrate literacy, math, social studies, and the arts into science lessons. Explore student-centered approaches that build scientific reasoning, collaboration, and communication skills. Align interdisciplinary instruction with North Carolina’s science standards and local curriculum goals. Leave with ready-to-implement resources, lesson frameworks, and ideas to energize your classroom. Whether you're looking to enhance your current practices or reimagine your approach to science instruction, this session offers practical tools and inspiration to support all learners in becoming critical thinkers and innovative problem-solvers.
Subject Area(s): Science
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources, Reading, Writing, Thinking, Speaking, Listening, Culturally Responsive Practices, Differentiation/Scaffolding, Outdoor Learning, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers