Loading…
← Back to schedule
From Kindergarten to CAST: A Schoolwide Strategy for 5th Grade Science Success LIMITED
Friday August 8, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
106
How do we ensure every elementary grade level contributes meaningfully to 5th-grade CAST success? In this hands-on session, participants will experience how phenomena-based instruction and intentional SEP development across K–5 prepare students for CAST’s complex performance tasks. We’ll kick things off with a phenomena-driven lesson hook, modeling how real-world events engage students and spark inquiry. Then, we’ll analyze released CAST questions to highlight how the test emphasizes Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) over Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)—requiring students to model, investigate, explain, and argue from evidence. Next, we’ll dig into the four most common SEPs found on CAST: developing and using Models. planning and carrying Out investigations, constructing explanations, engaging in argument from evidence, participants will collaborate to uncover grade-level NGSS skills that lay the foundation for these practices—discovering how observation, pattern recognition, questioning, and basic data collection in early grades support higher-order reasoning later on, and finally, teachers will analyze sample CAST questions, identify the thinking demands, and reflect on how their instruction supports 5th grade readiness. Walk away with a vertical alignment handout, a CAST sample question guide, and evidence-based teaching strategies to bring rigorous, inclusive Tier 1 science instruction to life across all grade levels.
Speakers
avatar for John Zawacki

John Zawacki

Teacher, ABCUSD
John Zawacki has been a passionate science educator for 28 years, dedicated to making science meaningful and accessible for all students. In recent years, they have focused on supporting teachers in integrating effective ELD strategies into science instruction. Currently, they are... Read More →
avatar for Carolyn Westdal

Carolyn Westdal

Teacher, ABCUSD
Carolyn Westdal is a 5th grade teacher at Melbourne Elementary School. She previously taught high school Physics and served as Science Department Chair, Engineering Club Moderator, and Grade Level Coordinator at Verbum Dei High School in South Central Los Angeles, where she focused... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
106
  K-5

Attendees (7)


Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, check-in, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share
Need help? View Support Guides
Event questions? Contact Event Planner
Powered by Sched Event Planning Software
©2025 Sched • About • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link