Sharing best practices and ideas for implementing NGSS
Scientists must be able to communicate complex ideas in clear and concise ways. As teachers, how can we scaffold the development of these writing skills for young scientists? The vlog below includes research-based strategies to scaffold the process of writing a C-E-R argument in science class. Check out the link for free C-E-R graphic organizers below the vlog!
In this video, I describe how to create a scale model of the sizes and distances of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. I use this resource to introduce the crosscutting concept of scale and the science practice of modeling in order to get my students ready for the NGSS Performance Expectation of 5-ESS1-1, where we will look at the Sun and other stars.
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Crosscutting concepts are often the neglected dimension of NGSS. Don't forget about them by making them visible and interactive in your classroom.
With the adoption of three-dimensional learning, science education is more complex than ever. Here are the April 2017 resources that have helped me navigate this new territory!
How does the rotation of the Earth cause changes in shadows throughout the day? Watch the video tutorial for NGSS 5-ESS1-2 for Shadow Length and Direction.
What Does a Plant Need to Grow? Watch the video tutorial to set up an experiment for the NGSS 5-LS1-1 Performance Expectation!
Teaching a hands-on science class is a minor miracle in motion. How is it possible to guide thirty squirming twelve year olds to put on safety equipment, pick up lab materials, and safely complete step-by-step directions at 6 different tables, while cleaning up messes, and then analyzing their results, all in one class period? I am tired just typing that. I know what you’re thinking: the science teacher is superhuman. But this type of class is completely possible when we frontload the work necessary to implement student-led labs.
