Since the release of the National Research Council’s A Framework for K-12 Science Education in 2011 and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in 2013, elementary and secondary science teachers have been in a exhilarating phase of adaptation and transition. Teachers are opening their minds to new ways of thinking about science education, and, with the right support, … Continue reading “Coaching with TPACK and Teacher Narratives”
Digital instructional materials start to make more sense for K-12 schools as states and districts align science education practices with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and prepare students for 21st century science and engineering jobs. In an effort to orient families, teachers, administrators and curriculum designers to the work, I’ve gathered some evaluation tools … Continue reading “Fundamental Elements of Digital K-12 Science Instructional Materials”
To develop positive, productive and collaborative digital age STEM learning environments, educators can help students develop troubleshooting skills and provide opportunities for them to share their ideas with their peers and with communities outside of the classroom. Creative problem solving can help students with everyday tasks in the tech-enhanced classroom, and will also foster a … Continue reading “Troubleshooting and global collaboration in digital age STEM learning environments”
Science and technology are fundamentally interwoven with society. The benefits of science and technology are only as great as their application in society, and, inversely, the needs and interests of society are what drive advancements in science and technology. To fully understand the practice of science, students must understand its impact on society, and, in … Continue reading “Empower Science Students through Activism”
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for educators as designers calls (5b) calls for us to “design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.” Designing technology-enhanced instructional materials for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can be a complex … Continue reading “Using the NGSS EQuIP Rubric to Design Tech-Enhanced, Middle School Science Lessons”
Science educators who attempt to enhance their classrooms with technology, but fail to empower students through culturally responsive teaching (CRT), will find student engagement to be only screen deep. That is to say, technology alone may increase student engagement, but only superficially. Students must be able to see the relevance and value of science and … Continue reading “Make your tech-enabled science class relevant for students with culturally responsive teaching”
Back in my first year as a middle school science teacher, I asked experienced colleagues, “When will I know what I am doing as a teacher?” One said it would be at least three years. Another forecasted five. Well, I am approaching the end of my fifth year, and I have come to know what … Continue reading “Boost your professional learning network with Twitter chats”
This year, our middle school has taken part in an amazing opportunity to pilot a new, web-based science curriculum that incorporates digital simulations and hands-on learning experiences in an immersive learning environment. As a school, we are teaching the curriculum with as much fidelity as possible in order to be able to provide useful feedback … Continue reading “Individual Project Lesson: Modeling and Understanding Chemical Reactions in Middle School Science”
Blogging as a practice shows great potential for students and teachers to redefine science classrooms. When implemented thoughtfully, blogs can empower students and expand the classroom through interactions with outside learning communities. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards call for 21st century science students to be creative communicators and global collaborators, and … Continue reading “Redefine Your Middle School Science Classroom with Blogging”
Evidence abounds that computational thinking (CT) is gaining ever more visibility, relevance and utility in education and our everyday lives: CT’s integration into Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for students, the Hour of Code, a global computer science initiative, best-selling books like “Algorithms to Live By” to science fiction movies like “Ready … Continue reading “Computational Thinking in the Middle School Science Classroom”
