Science Review Curriculum Council May 22, 2012
Elementary Teacher Feedback
Parent Feedback
Next Generation Update Paradigm shift in teaching science The methodology for teaching science: Practices What we teach: Content- less content, deeper learning Concepts: Cross cutting- endures across all scientific strands (life science, physical science, earth science) Engineering embedded
What was Reviewed Elementary Interactive Science Pearson FOSS Science Fusion Houghton Mifflin National Geographic Active Science Sangari Middle Project Based Inquiry Science FOSS IQWST Sangari Interactive Science Pearson Science Fusion Houghton Mifflin
Recommendation Active Science, Publisher Sangari IQWST, Publisher Sangari
Rationale: Why Active Science? Endorsed by NSTA past and present presidents and advised by Joe Krajcik, University of Michigan & NRC Inquiry based; experiences, experiments aligned to the science practices Ex. Each lesson begins with a big idea in a question format, embedded probing questions drive learning Engaging experiments-differentiated process Built around the 5 E’s of science: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate Students document learning (data and observations, etc) with scientific writing in a science notebook High quality labs with real life connections Answer question generated about the big ideas Graphic organizers align with Treasures Paradigm shift– Data and habits haven’t gotten us different results Articulation of a K-8 program
Rationale: Why IQWST? The only resource that already aligns with the new framework practices, core ideas, and cross cutting concepts Only resource that addresses the need for a shift in the teaching of science Two out of Four authors of curriculum were on the National Research Council that developed the framework Product of a National Science Foundation funded research project (MI, OH, IL, TX, AZ, FL) Literacy Component: Leann Sutherland, University of Michigan Rigor
Staff Development Training and Staff development on content, cross cutting, and practices Active Science and IQWST are the only resources that have this embedded (others might say it but they weren’t designed with this in mind) Coaching, modeling, co-teaching Staff development video clips of how to teach
Differentiation- Hands-on investigation (structured and open –ended) Technology: Digital access to books, games, web links Video and digital links are provided for every lesson Current Events Ipad applications Visual (pictures for Background knowledge), auditory (student discussion, read aloud, argumentation) and kinesthetic (hands- on) Each lesson provides science vocabulary and definitions (ELL) All students can access high levels of science content through practices EX: Parkview MS, Urban school
Literacy Connections Leann Sutherland, PhD University of Michigan Access to science through hands-on investigations Read about it, write about it, talk about it Big questions access prior knowledge Predicting Writing Vocabulary development (ELL) Formulate research evidenced base arguments Teacher “before reading” and “after reading”
Assessment Assessment: Embedded in every lesson, Lesson Check Ups, Unit assessment
Models Park View Middle School Illinois Foxbourough School District, MA Dayton STEM, Ohio