Science - Merced County Office of Education

WonderWorks Field Lab at Merced Applegate Zoo

Investing in the critical thinkers, mindful doers, and transformative innovators of tomorrow.

Our Approach

Vision for Science Learning and Instruction

EVERY student demonstrates a passion for science as engaged citizens who “recognize it’s profound influence on our lives, our local environments, and our global community.” - California Association of Science Educators (2020)

Every student is systematically supported with safety, respect, and the curricular tools and practitioners needed to learn.
School systems purposefully design spaces so that students can make meaningful connections with others.
Learning ignites enthusiasm and enjoyment with a community of learners through equitable experiences.
Students are persistent and accountable as they engage in rigorous projects that showcase their curiosity and creativity through high-quality work products.

Science Literacy for All Students

Dinner with a STEAM Professional

Instructional Resources

CDE - 2016 Science Framework

The State Board of Education adopted the Science Framework on November 3, 2016. Curriculum frameworks provide guidance and organization of standards to educators, parents, and publishers, to support implementing California content standards.

Authentic Tasks for Learning & Assessment in Science (ATLAS)

The Authentic Tasks for Learning & Assessment in Science (ATLAS) platform is a free repository of science standard-aligned performance tasks for grades K-12. ATLAS is supported by the California Department of Education in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Digital Promise, Education First, and the CA NGSS Collaborative.

TERC

For more than forty years, TERC has been introducing millions of students throughout the United States to the exciting and rewarding worlds of math and science learning. Led by a group of experienced, forward-thinking math and science professionals, TERC is an independent, research-based organization dedicated to engaging and inspiring all students through stimulating curricula and programs designed to develop the knowledge and skills they need to ask questions, solve problems, and expand their opportunities.

Bring the World to Your Classroom

PBS Science

Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms (BUAC)

Life Science

Crosscutting Concepts

Playground Lesson Framework

STEAM Resources

Made with

Physical & Health Education

VIDEO: What is the California health education framework? Here’s your two-minute primer — also available in Spanish

You can access the health education standards by grade level here: www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/

The Health Education Curriculum Framework for California Public Schools represents the first major update on the subject since 1994 and includes recommendations for physical, mental, emotional and social health, along with sex education guidance in alignment with the 2016 California Healthy Youth Act.

CISC Health & Physical Education Subcommittee Main Folder; Membership List; and Meeting Summaries of all 2025-2026 meetings

Meeting Focus: K-6 Growth, Development, and Sexual Health

5/20/26 HPE Subcommittee Meeting Slides and Folder

Highlighted Resources:

California Health Education Framework: Summary of Guidance on Growth and Development Content in Grades K-6
Brains On Universe presents…Puberty! (The Podcast)

Apple and Spotify

Talk to Your Boys by Joanna Shroeder and our subcommittee member and health educator, Christopher Pepper

K-6 Growth, Development, & Sexual Health Resources, provided by Nora Gelperin, Advocates for Youth Division Director:

· CA Aligned Rights, Respect, & Responsibility (3Rs) Lessons for grades 4^th – 12^th

· 3 Rs Curriculum Teacher Guide (K-12 Educators)

· Growth, Development, and Healthy Relationships in Elementary School Teacher Guide (K-5 Educators)

· Oregon Department of Education K-5 Open Learning Lessons

· Hip Hop Public Health: Building Health Literacy resources

o The ABCs of Me teaches autonomy, boundaries, and consent

· K-5 Lessons Aligned with CA Health Education Standards

Other Resources:

Advocates for Youth Online: https://www.advocatesforyouth.org
A talk from Aspen Ideas: Health with Doug E. Fresh about how Hip Hop and Public Health came together https://www.youtube.com/live/ZIurTTvfz70?si=noWY0oKcHZouwIOw
Book recommendation: Hip Hop As Healing: The Art and Science of Healing in Tumultuous Times by Roberto Rivera https://books.google.com/books/about/Hip_Hop_As_Healing.html?id=TEKb0QEACAAJ
Alphabet Rockers: https://www.alphabetrockers.com/. They offer PL for staff, sessions with students using art and hip hop to create and express themselves, community workshops, and residencies.
Inspiring speaker: Kevin Bracy https://kevinbracy.com/about-kevin/
Free guides from Talk More are organized by age (0-2, 3-5, etc.) and useful for families https://www.talk-more.org/parent-planner
Ashanti Branch and Ever Forward Club Linktree - Young Men’s Conference in November: https://linktr.ee/everforwardclub
Resources for health ed materials: https://californiahealtheducation.org/Pages/Home.aspx and https://www.californiahealthykids.net/
Educational videos: https://amaze.org/
Christopher Pepper’s newsletter for educators and families, including “how to” posts https://www.teenhealthtoday.com/
An article from the Los Altos High School student newspaper about why they are moving to in-person Health classes for all 9th graders https://lahstalon.org/health-at-los-altos-high-school-in-person-online-and-into-the-future/

Proposed Legislation:

AB 1851 – This proposes to require the State Department of Education to establish a statewide Tier 1 Social and Emotional Learning, behavioral health, and restorative justice education program for pupils in kindergarten and any of grades 1 to 12.
AB 1956 – This proposes the Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention to focus on activities of young men.
AB 1985 – This proposes mental health training requirements for athletic coaches as part of university training programs.
AB 2003 - This proposes the BHSOAC to develop an online training program to train school staff, parents, and pupils serving grades 1-12 on suicide prevention.
AB 2071 - This proposes the Department of Education, prior to Jan 1, 2028, to develop a plan to expand digital wellness in CA public schools.
SB 1133 - This proposes the IQC to consider including information on evidence-based preventative health instruction, including information on nutrition, food literacy, sleep, movement, stress management, and digital balance in an integrated manner.

Science on the Dashboard (CAST)

New for 2026 Dashboard

At the State Board of Education (SBE) on March 11, 2026, the SBE approved the removal of grace periods from the participation rate calculation for the English Language arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science Indicators beginning with the 2026 Dashboard and all future Dashboard publications. This action followed a review of an evaluation conducted by the CDE and consideration of feedback provided by educational partners.

Effective immediately for the 2025–26 administration of the ELA, Math and Science summative assessments, the California School Dashboard’s calculation of the participation rate will be inclusive of all students enrolled at an LEA/school between the first date of testing (in that subject area) and the final date of LEA’s chosen assessment window. In previous years, the Dashboard allowed a series of “grace periods” at the start and end of the testing period. These “grace periods” have been eliminated and will no longer be applied within Accountability calculations for the 2026 Dashboard.

Next Steps

Differentiated Assistance Determination: The SBE will consider full state indicator status for the Science Indicator, beginning with the 2026 Dashboard. Full state indicator status adds the Indicator to state and/or federal support determination criteria.

For FAQs, visit: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/dbscifaq.asp

California Science Test Information & Links

The statewide California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System includes federally required science assessments in grades five and eight and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve). Since the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA NGSS) in 2013, the California Department of Education developed the California Science Test (CAST), which is aligned with these standards.

CAST Interim Assessments (IAs)

The CAST Interim Assessments (IAs) available through CAASPP's Test Operation Management System (TOMS). The California Science Test (CAST) Interim Assessments (IAs) were released in two rounds, with the first round released during the 2023–24 school year and the second round of updates were released for the 2024–25 school year.

The following Science IAs are available:

Two (2) IAs for 3^rd Grade, 4^th Grade, and 5^th Grade — all of which contain all three domains (physical, life, and earth sciences;
Six (6) IAs middle school and high school — two for physical sciences, two for life sciences, and two for earth and space sciences.

The grade five assessment draws on PEs from grades three through five (3–5) and includes the foundational concepts that are addressed in kindergarten through grade two (K–2). The grade eight assessment draws on PEs from grades six through eight (6–8), and the high school assessment draws on PEs from the grades nine through twelve (9–12). More information about the construction of the CAST can be found in the Revised CAST Blueprint (PDF attached).

Each IA has one performance task, which needs to be hand-scored through the Teacher Hand Scoring System (THSS). Once scored, after about 20 min, the data will be posted on California Educator Reporting System (CERS). More examples of performance tasks are available through Authentic Tasks for Learning & Assessment in Science (ATLAS).

Science Indicator

Learn more at: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/dashboardscience.asp

Science Organizations

CASE- California Association of Science Educators

As the advocate for high-quality science education in California for more than 50 years, the California Association of Science Educators (CASE) offers networking, professional development, and advocacy to ensure state policies and legislation support you in inspiring your students. CASE includes a community of more than 2,000 K-6, middle school, and high school science teachers, college faculty, and educators.

National Science Teachers Association

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), founded in 1944 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership of 60,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.

NAE - National Academy of Engineering

The NAE convened a select, international committee to evaluate ideas on the greatest challenges and opportunities for engineering. The grand challenges for engineering are presented and described in the project website at http://www.engineeringchallenges.org.The NAE Committee on Engineering's Grand Challenges identified 14 grand challenges and opportunities for engineering during the world's next few generations. It pointed to engineering or scientific research and innovation that look promising for addressing each challenge as well as suggested currently unmet research needs.

Society of Women Engineers

For more than seven decades, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. The organization is centered around a passion for members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties.

American Society for Engineering Education

Engineers use their imagination and analytical skills to invent, design, and build things that matter. They are team players with independent minds. Engineers are changing the world all the time by dreaming up creative and practical solutions.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.

Society For the Advancement of Chicano and Native Americans In Science (SACNAS)

SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—to attain advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in science.

National Math and Science Initiative

The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and the teacher training organization Laying the Foundation (LTF) merged at the end of 2011, putting in place a seamless system for preparing middle school and high school students to succeed in Pre-AP and AP courses in the critical fields of math and science.

Science Newsletter

Reports and Publications

The Nations Report Card

In 2015, National Assessment of Educational Progress measured students' knowledge in science including physical science, life science and earth and space science. Results are available at the state level in grades 4, 8 and 12.

Promising Practices for Differentiated Assistance Learning From County Offices of Education Across California June 2024

The Geographic Leads (Geo Leads) partnered with WestEd to research, summarize, and disseminate information on promising practices for providing differentiated assistance (DA). This partnership is part of the Geo Leads’ continuous efforts to encourage collaboration among county offices of education (COEs) and enhance statewide capacity for DA.

STEAM Fair

The Merced County STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Fair allows students to showcase their Science and Engineering Projects in a competition to qualify for the California Science and Engineering Fair. The Fair partners with UC Merced Labs and Scientists and Artists from the community and MCOE to offer presentations and hands-on experiences.
STEAM Fair (Grades 5-12)

STEAM Fair Intent Form

Project Data Sheet

Science Fair Competition (Grades 5-12)
*Qualifier for California Science & Engineering Fair (6-12 only)

STEAM Packet - Rules

STEAM Fair Rubrics

California State Science & Engineering Fair - April 11 & 12 (exact location is TBD, but it is usually in Southern CA)

Merced County STEAM Fair

WonderWorks Field Lab

Merced Applegate Zoo

5th Grade Students (Weaver USD, | March 16-20, 2026)

Authentic Task

Students presenting their dioramas and evidence-based reasoning to Mayor of Merced.

Field-based Learning

Student learning at the Merced Applegate Zoo.

UC Nature: Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve

MVPGR main gate

Dropped pin (Google Maps)

Workshops

Science in Action

Data Analysis and Evidence-based Reasoning

Student working in groups regarding data analysis with a scientific explanation.

Collaboration and Sensemaking

Students working together to make a scientific model and explanation.

Burning Mg and Steel Wool

Students working in a lab centered around predicting chemical reactions related to burning magnesium and steel wool.

Excretory System Lab: Self-paced & Collaborative

Self-paced and collaborative lab on the excretory system.

Engineering a Water Turbine

Design Process Notes

Student's notes before and after testing their design of a water turnbine.

Engineering a Water Turbine

Water Turbine Design Iterations

Student Notebook showing the first, second, and potentially third iteration of their water turbines.

Initial Thoughts

Professional Learning and Support

Personalized Coaching

Science Night

Fossil Models

Teachers in a workshop creating models of fossils

Collaborative Lesson Design

Why Partner with MCOE Science?

We're committed to science education that dismantles barriers, inviting each student to productively struggle in making their critical thinking visible, authentic, and public. Through partnerships with educators, we build curious, courageous learning communities centered on safety, connection, and excellence.

Empowering Educators, Inspiring Scientific Thinkers.

As Continuous Improvement Coordinators at the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) who support Science, we provide strategic and equitable support to district leaders, educators, and school communities. Aligned to the Science Education Hierarchy of Needs, the CA Science Framework, and the NGSS, our services ensure that each student is engaged in rigorous, joyful learning experiences where curiosity, collaboration, and creativity are celebrated. Together, we cultivate a system in which learners grow to be critically thinking and scientifically literate citizens.

Our Services

Professional Learning & Capacity Building

Customized training on standards and curriculum
CAST and CAST IA support
Lesson studies focused research-based and relevant science instruction
Updates on new initiatives and laws

Instructional Coaching & Modeling

Individual and team coaching cycles
In-class modeling of high-impact science lessons emphasizing student voice, inquiry, and engagement
Metacognitive routines and feedback systems to empower reflective learne-rs

Curriculum and Assessment Design

NGSS-aligned unit, lesson, and curriculum mapping support
Equitable formative and performance-based assessment design
Tools to monitor growth, surface misconceptions, and inform instruction

Systems-Level Planning and Implementation

Collaborative support for site and district science plans
Guidance on instructional materials adoption, review, and strategic resourcing
Leadership development through mentor training, teacher leader coaching, and science lead networks

Family and Community Engagement

Support planning engaging science nights, family STEM events, and student showcases.
Celebration of student learning that highlights creativity, curiosity, and scientific identity.

Support with Outdoor Education

Support with integrated STEAM field-based experiences throughout and out of the county rooted in real-world and relevant phenomena and questions.

Join our Science newsletter!

CONTACT

Camille Fagundes

Science Coordinator

cfagundes@mcoe.org | (209) 381-5971

Laura Delmas

Science & Mathematics Coordinator

ldelmas@mcoe.org | (209) 381-4020

See Xiong

Staff Secretary | sexiong@mcoe.org | (209) 381-4509

MCOE Downtown Professional Development Center
1715 Canal Street, 2nd Floor
Merced CA 95340