Engaging Students in the Science Practices

This workshop included resources for learning about each practice, as well as classroom implementation and assessment ideas. It was presented on August 8-9, 2023 as part of the science/Focus back-to-school trainings, and facilitated by Megan Black (GSD Elementary Science Specialist) and Milo Maughan (USBE Secondary Science Specialist).

• • • Workshop folder (includes presentation slides, folders of resources for each practices, and other materials from the Aug. 8-9 workshops).

6.2.3: Why don't all hot things burn me?

This workshop includes activities that align with standard 6.2.3, and was presented by Emily Harward at the Fall 2022 UtSTA conference.

• • • Workshop folder (includes presentation slides, and resources for implementing the activities with students)

9-12th Grade Back to School Workshops (August 12, 2022)

• • Workshop folder (includes resources for Bio, Chem, ESS, & Phys)

11th Grade Proficiency Based Learning Institute (June 14-15, 2022)

• • Workshop folder

  • Resource slides

8.3.1 Algae Beads for Photosynthesis (Feb. 3, 2022)

• • Workshop materials, including supply list with amounts and links. 

Leveraging Phenomena for Student Sensemaking (UtSTA Conference, Oct. 25, 2021)

This workshop includes strategies for using phenomena for more than a hook at the beginning of a unit. A model lesson from 8.1.3 was used, but the strategies could be used with any grade/subject.

• All the workshop materials

• 8.1.3 Storyline (Phenomenon: Light yellow dye and white developer are mixed and applied to hair, and the hair is permanently dyed dark brown. How does light-colored dye make hair a dark color?)

Analyzing and Interpreting Data Workshop Series (Sept. 9, 16, 23, 2021)

• • Workshop materials from all three workshops, including stipend information 

Developing Curriculum for the SEEd Standards (June 14-15, 2021)

• • Workshop materials, including planning templates and strategies

Leveraging Tech Tools to Engage Students in the Science Practices (April 14, 2021)

This workshop was presented by Cari Winger, Chris Horne, and Nick Angell from Kearns High as part of the Growing our Practice Together GSD/SLSD Workshop Series.

• Workshop description

• Workshop materials

Modeling Physics: Teaching SEEd Using a Curriculum Designed for Student Sensemaking (March 10, 2021)

This workshop was presented by Kyle Dittmer, who teaches AP Physics at Highland High, as part of the Growing our Practice Together GSD/SLSD Workshop Series.

• Workshop description

• Workshop materials

Strategies for Engaging ESS Students in Engineering (March 1, 2021)

This workshop uses standard ESS.2.6 as a model for how to engage students in the engineering process. The workshop was presented by Philippe Vanier, who teaches ESS and AP Environmental Science at Olympus High, as part of the Growing our Practice Together GSD/SLCSD Workshop Series.

• Workshop description

• Workshop materials

8.4.2/Arguing from Evidence (UtSTA Conference; Dec. 3, 2020)

This workshop was designed to provide scaffolds to help students engage in the practice of argumentation. We used standard 8.4.2, but the scaffolds and strategies could be used for any standard. The workshop was presented by Emily Harward during the December session of UtSTA's virtual conference.

• • Workshop materials, including agenda (with links to lots of resources), and student-facing materials.

  • A student-facing module of this storyline is available in the Canvas commons. Search for "GSL granite" to find it. The module is designed for asynchronous learners, but everything is easily adaptable for synchronous learners. 

  • Workshop recording.

BIO.4.2/BIO.4.4 Storyline (UtSTA Conference; Oct. 22, 2020)

This workshop uses standard BIO.4.2 to investigate ways to help students address their own preconceptions and gives an introduction to the crosscutting concepts. It was presented by Emily Harward during the October session of UtSTA's virtual conference.

• • Workshop materials, including agenda (with links to lots of resources), and student-facing materials.

  • A student-facing module of this storyline is available in the Canvas commons. Search for "primate patterns" to find it. The module is designed for asynchronous learners, and there are teacher notes at the top of each page/assignment with suggestions for implementing the activities with in-person learners. 

  • Workshop recording.

SEEd Workshop Series (2019-2020) 

• • Canvas course with resources from the workshops can be found at: tinyurl.com/GSDSEEdworkshops. 

6-8 Digging Deeper (UtSTA Planting the SEEd of Science Conference; Spring 2020)

This workshop was developed for middle school teachers to "dig deeper" into the SEEd standards and how to teach them. The workshop was developed and presented by Emily Harward, Milo Maughan (physics teacher in Canyons District), and Cindi Long-Fisher (6th grade teacher in Granite District).

• • Workshop materials, including sample lessons, slides, and templates. The workshop slides include a sample lesson progression where students analyze data and construct and explanation. 

6.3 (UtSTA Planting the SEEd of Science Conference, Spring 2020)

In this workshop, we presented storylines for each of the standards in strand 6.3. The storylines were developed and presented by Emily Harward and Cayme Olsen (science specialist in Ogden District).

• • Workshop folder, including the storylines, additional resources, and slides from the workshop

  • 6.3.1: Cycling of Water Storyline

  • 6.3.2 Interactions of Air Masses Storyline

  • 6.3.3 Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation and Regional Climates Storyline

  • 6.3.4 Greenhouse Effect Storyline

Using Storylines to Support Student Sensemaking (NSTA Regional Conference, SLC, Oct. 2019)

This workshop focused on how and why to use storylines. It was developed and presented by Megan Black and Emily Harward. 

• • The workshop slides include the activities done in the workshop.

  • All the resources from the workshop are on this website. Find sample storylines for 3rd and 6th grades and biology, templates, and other resources for developing storylines.