Having difficulty teaching InD and ASD students complex concepts such as photosynthesis and the properties of a cell? FDLRS Alpha has developed a Life Science Curriculum.called BEARS Necessity (Bringing Educational Activities and Resources to Science). This science initiative, developed by a team of accomplished InD and ASD educators, is designed to provide teachers with strategies, websites, and technology activities to provide an engaging methodology in teaching Life Science Access Points. As a culminating activity, teachers attending Professional Development will have the opportunity to participate in a Science Fair, hosted by the Palm Beach Zoo. The 2010 Science Fair held in April of last year displayed science projects developed by 38 classrooms. More than 300 students and staff participated in last year's Fair. This year, the Palm Beach Zoo has found a sponsor who will subsidize transportation and admission to the Zoo.

The second initiative is called Growing-Up WILD, an NAEYC approved environmental curriculum that has been adapted for ESE Pre-K and Early Childhood children. This program builds on children's sense of wonder about nature. Through a wide range of activities that include exploration, technology, cooking, art, and music, Growing-Up WILD provides a foundation for developing a respect for the environment and a lifelong interest in science.

Workshops for both BEARS Necessity and Growing-Up WILD will be offered in September and October. FDLRS staff is welcome to attend. Notify FDLRS Tech secretary, Brenda Tanfield at (561)434-8975 or tanfieldb@palmbeach.k12.fl.us to reserve a seat.