Science Practice #1

A free, downloadable, book from the National Academies that provides the research base for all science education, K-12. In particular, for this practice, focus on the initial chapters and Part Three: Realizing the Vision.

An overview of the vision of science in a classroom today, with phenomenon/problem driven instruction at its core. This is a quick 3 page article from Science Scope, an NSTA publication written by Joe Krajick. 

Ambitious Science Teaching is a set of elements that represent quality science instruction, including starting with a phenomenon or problem, in line with the Next Generation Science Standards. It defines elements of instruction that should be included in facilitating learning with students to engage them in scientific literacy and understanding. 

The Achieve NGSS Design Badge is awarded to top-rated science units designed for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  These unit resources use problem based learning for students to figure out/explain phenomenon using all three dimensions of the NGSS. Teachers can use these as a starting point for learning about and implementing phenomenon-based units. 

This site, from Michigan State University, provides OER Phenomenon/Problem-Based Unit Resources and Simulations - for K-12 students and teachers. 

This short STEM Teaching Tool focuses on WHY phenomenon are critical for science teaching. The brief can be used by teachers in Professional Learning Communities to better understand the role of phenomenon in science teaching. 

This short STEM Teaching Tool focuses on evaluating anchoring phenomenon as critical for science teaching. The brief can be used by teachers in Professional Learning Communities to better understand the qualities of good anchoring phenomenon in science teaching. 

This STEM Teaching Tool develops the argument for Place-based education as an equitable practice. The brief can be used by teachers in Professional Learning Communities to better understand the critical need for equity in science education through place-based education. 

This site provides a science curriculuar resources for high school content areas. Note that chemistry requires a textbook, and physics is in beta form.

This site provides OER Phenomenon/Problem-Based Unit Resource - Middle School, High School, and Elementary Field Study.

This site provides OER Phenomenon/Problem-Based Unit Resources - for K-12 students and teachers.

This site provides OER Phenomenon/Problem Based Unit Resources - for high school students and teachers.

In science, it is critical to use student-generated questions throughout learning. This technique can be used to create a driving question board, bubble maps, notice/wondering charts, and more as students engage in science and engineering practice of asking questions within a lesson or unit of instruction. The Question Formulation Technique, created by the Right Question Institute, is one strategy to support students as they formulate their own questions. 

KQED Learn is not a full curricular resource. It would need to be developed into units that include many additional science learning opportunities; however, KQED Learn is a free platform for middle and high school students to tackle big issues and build their media literacy and critical thinking skills in a supportive environment. These are phenomenon ideas for science.  

This resource provides a science curricular resource for high school biology. It is a good starting point, but teachers will need to supplement with more investigations.

The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI) supports active stewardship of the Great Lakes and their ecosystems through place-based studies and explorations in local communities. The initiative’s approach to teaching and learning results in vibrant, hands-on experiences that increase student achievement and help young Michigan residents become lifelong stewards of the environment.

From Ambitious Science Teaching, this is one overview of a unit starting with a phenomena of a voice breaking glass. Students then model, explain, and revise their thinking over time. 

The Buck Institute provides support for designing PBL units. These resources have not been vetted using a science standards based rubric. You will find a growing set of resources to help you design and implement powerful learning in your classroom. Registration is free.  Includes resources such as: planning tools, rubrics, student handouts, student materials, and more.

This resource supports teachers in the development of the beginning of a phenomenon-based unit. It includes the creation of the driving question board. While designed for remote learning it is applicable for all classrooms. 

While the examples provided are applicable to secondary math and science classrooms, all educators can be inspired to begin a unit of study with short inquiry tasks to spark student curiosity.