Transforming Science Learning with Science and Engineering Practices
Whether you are the proponent of the seemingly never ending evolution of academic standards or not, I hope you will agree with me that we need to shift away from the model of education in which students are asked to memorize and mindlessly recall facts, in favor of a system that empowers them to think critically, encourages them to use creativity, and gives them ample opportunity to gain confidence in their ability to solve problems.
Enter the Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS. The NGSS writing team recognized that present day jobs require more aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) than in the past. They also recognized that this trend is intensifying - as we innovate and become more advanced technologically, STEM-skilled workforce is more in-demand - regardless of the job type.
To this end, the NGSS identifies eight specific Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) that students should experience throughout their education. SEPs outline the behaviors and activities that scientists and engineers undertake as they investigate phenomena and develop solutions to problems and are a component of NGSS designed to provide a pathway to engaging students in the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design.
Here’s the scoop:
Developing and Using Models
This practice includes creating and using physical, conceptual, and computational models to represent and understand phenomena and to predict behaviors in science and engineering.
Classroom Example: Students create a 3D “Reason for Seasons” model to show why many locations on Earth experience spring through winter.
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
This practice involves formulating questions to clarify problems, seek additional information, or challenge existing concepts in science and engineering.
Classroom Example: Students investigate the effects of an El Niño event on their local weather by asking questions about factors that affect weather and defining the problem of how the El Niño will affect factors such as temperature and precipitation.
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Students design and perform experiments to test hypotheses and collect data to answer specific scientific questions or solve engineering problems.
Classroom Example: Students design and perform an experiment to test the albedo of different land surfaces such as soil, sand, grass etc.
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
This practice focuses on examining data collected from investigations to identify patterns, trends, and relationships, and to draw meaningful conclusions.
Classroom Example: Students analyze weather data for a month to identify how variables such as pressure affect wind direction and precipitation in their area.
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
This practice involves applying mathematical concepts and computational tools to analyze data, represent physical variables, and solve scientific and engineering problems.
Classroom Example: Students use math to calculate their carbon footprints based on energy consumption, transportation, and lifestyle choices, then analyze ways to reduce it, and present it as a percentage.
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Students develop evidence-based explanations for natural phenomena in science and create innovative solutions to problems in engineering.
Classroom Example: Students design and build a water filtration system using household materials, explaining the science behind how each component removes contaminants.
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Students gather, assess, and effectively share information from various sources.
Classroom Example: Students research renewable energy sources and present their findings in an infographic, highlighting the benefits and challenges of each source.
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
This practice entails evaluating and arguing (in a good way…) based on evidence to support or refute claims, facilitating the validation of scientific findings or engineering solutions.
Classroom Example: Students debate the potential impacts of a new local construction project e.g. a mall, on the environment, using research and data they find online to support their positions.
So Why Should We Care?
In life… shift happens. It is happening in the world of work, as it shifts away from individual-based, repetitive task completion to a system that requires more creative communication, increased collaboration, and complex problem solving. Our students need practice to build these skills. SEPs might not be the only way, but they provide a path that doesn’t suck and can help teachers lead the way.
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BOOKS & TOOLS
Save planning time with this week-long Earth and Space Science engineering lesson. In this 5 day project, Earth and Space Science students build an interactive physical model that shows the “reasons for seasons” and an interactive computer interface that guides the user through the learning experience.
Includes 12 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last 2 slides).
The project follows the guidelines set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides students in using Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).
Student Performance Objectives:
Design and create a physical model that teaches how solar radiation changes based on latitude and hemisphere.
Create a computer interface that contains directions for using the model and understanding the content.
Student Learning Objectives:
Explain why the amount of solar energy Earth’s surface receives varies at different latitudes.
Explain the reasons for seasons on Earth.
Save time by not having to plan for a week of solar system instruction and employ your students in authentic learning with this NGSS-focused engineering challenge.
Includes 14 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last slide).
Mission Red Planet: Engineer and Deploy a Mars Rover is a challenging 5-day project designed to engage your Earth and Space or engineering students in real-world inquiry and problem solving.
Mission Objectives:
Build the Rover: Design and build a realistic self-propelled space explorer model (Mars rover) that can successfully land and rove.
Land the Rover: Design and perform a simulated planetary surface landing.
Deploy the Rover: Design and build a system that triggers movement upon (and not before) landing.
Explore the Planet’s Surface: Design and build a system that allows your rover to move at least 15 feet or 5 meters.
Save your prep time and engage your students in authentic learning with this NGSS-focused engineering challenge.
Includes 12 detailed lesson materials slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last slide).
Mission Red Planet: Engineer and Deploy a Mars Rover is a challenging 3 to 4-day project designed to engage your Earth and Space or engineering students in real-world inquiry and problem solving.
Mission Objectives:
Design and build the tools needed for a space walk.
Perform a simulated space walk during which you complete two tasks:
- Fix the damaged hull outside of the ship’s storage area.
- Remove the debris from the shield generator vents.
Explain and propose solutions to the challenges astronauts face when working in space.
For use by a school district-level administrator or trainer or a consultant with a professional audience such as teachers and other stakeholders to explain the ins and outs of Phenomenon-Based Learning:
16 slides with speaker notes to aid presentation and cut down on preparation
high quality, original graphics
explain what PhenBL is and how to incorporate it into a classroom step-by-step
multiple examples of phenomena and PhenBL strategies
Explanations of NGSS and 3D learning (DCIs, SEPs, and CCCs)
Everything you need to teach implementation of PhenBL along with tools to do it
After purchase, you will receive a PDF slide that contains a link that will copy this Google Slides presentation to your Google Drive.
Save planning time with this introductory, 3-4 day Earth and Space Science engineering challenge in which students create a computer simulation of an Earth Science topic.
Includes 12 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last slide) + a BONUS resource: Animation Guide for Google Slides.
The project follows the guidelines set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides students in using Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).
Student Performance and Learning Objectives:
Design and create an informative computer simulation.
Use computer animation to simulate a key ESS concept.
Explain the key ideas of an ESS concept of your choice.
3 Equity Promoting Posters.
(1) Equity (11 x17):
Everyone has a different start and finish line
Quality is more important that quantity
Understanding that diversity makes us stronger
Inclusion despite beliefs, appearances, and circumstances
Thoughtfulness lowers barriers and reduces biases
Yesterday's mistakes are today's learning agenda
(2) Equality vs Equity (11 x 17 side-by-side comparison)
(3) Equality vs Equity (11 x 17 the difference Quote)
Every poster contains accompanying images.
8 digital, printable, size 11 x 17 classroom posters:
“Welcome” in multiple languages
“Hi” in multiple languages
Three Equity posters
Classroom Rules: Be Open, Be Kind, Have Fun
“Classroom of Champs”
“Kindness”
ON SALE until August 30th.
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
In this classroom Mistakes are Expected, Respected, Inspected, Corrected!
Learned helplessness is a result of years of conditioning that mistakes are bad for learning. Nothing is further from the truth - some of the most powerful life lessons come from making mistakes, reflecting on them, and growing as a result.
This is a PNG Poster you can print and display in your classroom to encourage a culture of risk-taking and learning from mistakes.
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