Mr. Scott Danville
Current NYS Master Teacher Academy Member
New York State MASTER TEACHER EMERITUS
Beekmantown Central School District

Scott Danville earned his BS and MEd in Earth Science Secondary Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. In the classroom for more than 25 years, Mr. Danville teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science and Regents Earth Science at Beekmantown High School where he integrates technology into his classroom in many ways.  His AP Environmental Science students create documentaries as a tool for learning about real-world science ( https://HaltingHades.com), and his Earth science students create green-screen TV-news style weather forecasts.

Mr. Danville also serves as Research and Content Coordinator for the Institute of Climate Studies, USA ( http://ICSUSA.org).  He is also active in professional associations, leading workshops to share his "applied learning environments" at science teacher conferences.  As a NYS Master Teacher, Mr. Danville participated in the "NCMasterTeacher.org" workshop, and "Moodle Everything!," and also enjoys regional meetings with fellow Master Teachers.  

Check out Mr. Danville's Applied Learning Environments
Beekmantown Seismic Station - Mr. Danville's Regents Earth Science seismometer
Beekmantown Weather Station - Mr. Danville's grant-funded district weather station
Students as TV Meteorologists  - Mr. Danville's Regents Earth science students as TV Meteorologists
https://HaltingHades.com - Mr. Danville's AP Environmental science student-made film about climate change on Amazon Prime Video
https://ClimateSkies.com  - Mr. Danville's AP Environmental science student-made film about Whiteface Mountain's Atmospheric Science Research Center
https://EPOTS.earthscienceiscool.com - Eagle Pride on the Sky - wireless weathercam
https://EPITS.EarthScienceIsCool.com - Eagle Pride in the Sky - Weather balloon with self-tracking and programmed photography
https://TEACH.EarthScienceIsCool.com - Mr. Danville's Earth Science Teacher Site for Earth and Environmental science teachers

 

Summary: Key Changes from 1996 to NYSSLS

Major Shifts in Emphasis

• From Memorization to Application: The new standards emphasize using scientific practices (modeling, analyzing data, constructing explanations) rather than memorizing facts.
• Three-Dimensional Learning: Each PE integrates Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science & Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts.
• Engineering Design Integration: Several standards (marked with *) integrate engineering design, especially in Unit 9 Environmental Awareness (Climate Change and Human Sustainability).
• Evidence-Based Argumentation: Standards emphasize evaluating evidence, constructing explanations, and developing arguments.

Content Generally Reduced or Eliminated

• Detailed mathematical calculations (travel time curves, water budgets)
• Memorization of specific values, dates, and classifications
• Station model construction and detailed weather map interpretation
• Extensive use of reference tables for routine calculations

Content Expanded or Added

• Climate change science and evidence (HS-ESS3-5)
• Human impacts and sustainability solutions (HS-ESS3-3, HS-ESS3-4, HS-ESS3-6)
• Coevolution of Earth systems and life (HS-ESS2-7)
• Big Bang theory and stellar nucleosynthesis (HS-ESS1-2, HS-ESS1-3)
• Carbon cycling in Earth systems (HS-ESS2-6)

Quick Reference: All NYSSLS ESS Performance Expectations

PE Code	Performance Expectation Summary
HS-ESS1-1	Sun's energy and nuclear fusion
HS-ESS1-2	Big Bang theory and evidence
HS-ESS1-3	Stellar nucleosynthesis
HS-ESS1-4	Orbital motions in solar system
HS-ESS1-5	Plate tectonics evidence
HS-ESS1-6	Earth's formation and early history
HS-ESS1-7*	Cyclic changes (Moon phases, eclipses, tides, seasons) - NY specific
HS-ESS2-1	Internal and surface processes forming landforms
HS-ESS2-2	Earth system feedbacks
HS-ESS2-3	Thermal convection in Earth's interior
HS-ESS2-4	Energy flow and climate
HS-ESS2-5	Water's effects on Earth materials
HS-ESS2-6	Carbon cycling in Earth systems
HS-ESS2-7	Coevolution of Earth systems and life
HS-ESS2-8*	Air masses and weather - NY specific
HS-ESS3-1	Natural resources, hazards, and climate impacts on humans
HS-ESS3-2	Resource management cost-benefit analysis
HS-ESS3-3	Sustainability and biodiversity simulation
HS-ESS3-4	Reducing human impacts design solutions
HS-ESS3-5	Climate change forecasting
HS-ESS3-6	Human modification of Earth systems

* NY-specific performance expectations not in national NGSS

Document prepared for alignment of traditional NYS (1996) Earth Science curriculum with NYSSLS Earth and Space Science standards.