Enhancing Elementary Science Teaching: A Hands-On Approach

1. Improving Teacher Quality Induction Institute August 7-8, 2014

2. Science Kits for the Elementary Classroom Kristen Hellier, Sr. Administrator, Elem. Science khellier@wcpss.net Walter Harris, Coordinating Teacher, Elem. Sci. wharris@wcpss.net

3. Agenda • Overview - Structure of Elementary Science - 5E Learning Cycle - Unifying Themes by Grade Level • Digging into Resources • Increasing Student Achievement

5. Structure of Elementary Science • Guided Inquiry – Teacher as facilitator Assess Prior Knowledge Facilitate Discussion with Questioning Guide Students in Making Connections Redirect Misconceptions

6. Structure of Elementary Science • Hands On – Students actively engaged Work in Pairs or Small Groups Utilize Science Tools Observe Animals Investigate Phenomena Collect & Analyze Data Communicate Findings

7. Structure of Elementary Science • Integration and Application of Skills Math Reading Writing Speaking

8. Engage • Focus question • Prediction Explore • Plan • Data/Observation Expand • New questions • Next steps Evaluate Explain • Share data/group analysis • Claims and Evidence • Conclusions

9. Unifying Themes by Grade Level

10. Time for Science • Science usually alternates with Social Studies in 4 – 4 ½ week blocks • Grades K-3: 45 minutes daily • Grades 4-5: 50 minutes daily

11. Agenda • Overview • Digging into Resources - Support at School - CMAPP - Elementary Science Wiki • Increasing Student Achievement

12. Resources at School • Science Kits, one taught each quarter • Teacher Guides • Refills and Refurbishments • Formative Assessment Probes • K-5 Summative Assessments • CMAPP • Elementary Science Wiki

13. Support Personnel • Grade Level Team • Instructional Resource Teacher (IRT) • Science Lead Teacher • Science Specialist • Elementary Science Department - Kristen Hellier, Sr. Administrator - Walter Harris, CT

14. CMAPP • Unit Overviews • Lesson by Lesson Guides • Alignment Lessons, where applicable in 3rd-5th • Summative Assessments • Instructional Resources - Unpacked Content - Concept Storylines

15. Elementary Science Wiki • Grade Level Instructional Resources • Formative Assessment Probe Information • Professional Development Opportunities • Live Organism Care & Handling • NC Science Olympiad • Science Notebook Support

16. Agenda • Overview • Digging into Resources • Increasing Student Achievement - Kit Inventory & Realia Wall - Science Notebooks

17. Kit Inventory • What color is it? • Where have you seen it before? or What does it remind you of? • How do you think we will use it in science?

18. Realia Wall

19. A Look Back at Science Notebooks Beatrix Potter Leonard da Vinci

20. Pause to Reflect • How are science notebooks and journals similar and different? Science Notebook Journal

21. Journal Science Notebook • objective • log of learning • procedures • observations • diagrams • data • measurement • charts/graphs • conclusions • math skills • subjective • experiences • fiction • biography • autobiography • poetry • literature • reflection • personal thoughts • questions • compare/contrast • writing skills

23. Focus Question and Data Acquisition & Organization Kindergarten

24. Data Acquisition & Organization and Wrap up 1st Grade

25. Focus Question, Prediction, and Data Acquisition 2nd Grade

26. Data Acquisition & Organization and Conclusions 3rd Grade

27. Data Acquisition & Organization 4th Grade

28. Prediction and Data Acquisition & Organization 5th Grade

29. Science Notebooks… • Promote Thinking • Guide Instruction • Enhance Literacy Skills • Support Differentiated Learning • Foster Professional Discussion

30. Wishing You a Successful Year! Kristen Hellier khellier@wcpss.net Walter Harris wharris@wcpss.net