This week: (1) Updates on Oklahoma Science Assessments (2) Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers (3) Grant for Teachers (4) Student Opportunities
Greetings Science Educators!
I have received many questions of late about the scientific and engineering practices associated with the Next Generation Science Standards. The scientific and engineering practices were developed to clarify the meaning and application of “Inquiry in the Classroom.”
NSTA is presenting a series of free web seminars explaining the practices and the practical use of them in the classroom. The first web seminar was held on September 11th on “Asking Questions and Defining Problems.”
“Asking Questions and Defining Problems” is a practice that supports Common Core Literacy Standards for Science.
Questioning occurs throughout scientific investigations and drive science. Scientists ask:
· What exists and what happens?
· Why does it happen?
· How does one know?
· How does one communicate phenomena, evidence and explanations?
The webinar provides information pertaining to the practice of Asking Question and Defining Problems (at time point 35:40) and examples of questioning in classroom practice (at time point 44:18 in the web seminar).
You can access the web seminar via the following link: NSTA Webinars on Scientific and Engineering Practices
One of the classroom examples provided in the web seminar focuses on the following lesson outline:
· Start with a driving question: “What is going on inside our bodies that helps us get energy to do the things we do?
- Driving question should be linked to students’ past experiences so…
- students can generate their own questions from the driving question
Are there different types of energy?
- Let the driving question drive the investigation and the activities developed for student exploration of the question.
- During the investigation secondary questions will arise that will continue to drive the investigation or lead to a secondary investigation
- Informational text can be brought in for students to analyze as a means to answer secondary questions that arise from their investigations.
- The investigation as well as any informational text brought in should lead to an explanation for the driving question
The web seminar further explores the application of “Asking Questions and Defining Problems” in a science classroom through additional examples and research. I believe many of you will find that you utilize this structure in your classroom already. However, I hope you will find the information valuable as you begin to explore this practice further.
1. Science Assessment Memo: Latest Updates on Oklahoma Science Assessments
· Please see the Attached memo regarding the most recent information pertaining to science assessments School Year 2012-2013
2. Free Earth Science Workshop for Educators: More! Rock in Your Head
· October 16th, 2012, OKC, OK
· The application and details can be accessed via: Rock in Your Head
3. Project Learning Tree & Project Wet-Claremore OK
4. Monarch Migration and Butterfly Festival
5. Environmental License Tag Grant:
- The deadline is December 1, 2012. See attached flyer
- Contact Sara Ivey (405) 702-7122 or sara.ivey@deq.ok.gov
6. Application for 2013 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
- The award honors young women who are active and interested in computing and technology
- The application and details can be accessed via: NCWIT Award
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
Have a great day!
-Tiffany