1. Learning About to Figuring Out

As we look into the new standards, you will notice a change in how we deliver science instruction. The idea is that students should be figuring out science with investigations and less on learning about science or the "Sage on the Stage" delivery from teachers. In my recent work with the State Science Network, I was given the opportunity to meet with the professionals and educators responsible for the Next Generation Science Standards and learn from their experiences.

Phenomena-based --> Using phenomena such as an image or demonstration sparks engagement. Students want to figure out what is really going on or what is the science behind it all. Using examples similar to the rainbow photo in class will help drive the learning. The students become investigators of the science rather than listen to the teacher as the expert as it is explained to them. Other examples include images from TJ McKenna's website, NGSS Phenomena.

One person that stands out and should be noted is a fellow science teacher, Paul Andersen, he has taken the Standards and modeled the approach in professional development sessions. Paul has a website with a series of videos that goes into the why and how the change in pedagogy of delivering science instruction. When you get a chance visit Paul Andersen's website and bookmark it for future reference.

In your reflection, I have included an exercise in the use of questioning a phenomenon. Click on the image to contribute to a Jamboard. I would like you to contribute a question with a sticky note. Over time I am hoping to gather questions, they can be the same questions rephrased by different teachers, this method will be demonstrated in a Professional Development session in the near future.