Welcome back to ready, set, science! Today we are going to focus on all things phenomena! I am so excited to get into this topic because it is one of my favorite ways to teach science. I love when students get to experience science and phenomena is the best way to do that. So let’s get ready to teach science!
What are phenomena?
This is the way that all NGSS aligned lessons should start. When I help teachers transition from their traditional science classes to NGSS, I always emphasize that they should start with PHENOMENA!
Remember that phenomena is the way that students are exploring the world around them.
There are 2 types of phenomena.
Anchoring:
This is what we use to start the lesson. If you listened to my previous episodes on ambitious science teaching, you heard me say that this is the phenomena that you want your students to be able to explain by the end of the lesson.
This needs to be big enough that the students can’t answer it without the evidence that you provide for them throughout the unit.
They are called anchoring phenomena for a reason! They “anchor” the rest of the lesson.
Remember this is not just a hook, you need to refer back to it throughout your lesson.
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to reason about the phenomenon. They should be able to explain it based on the evidence from the daily lessons and investigations.
Investigative:
These are the phenomena that you will use within the lesson to help your students make sense of the anchoring phenomena. Some of these will come from the students' own questions and observations. In fact, these are usually the BEST type of phenomena to use!
Why is phenomena important
Engages and motivates students: Phenomena capture students' curiosity and interest, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. When students encounter real-world phenomena that they can relate to, they become more motivated to explore and understand the underlying scientific concepts.
Contextualizes scientific concepts: Phenomena provide a real-world context for understanding abstract scientific principles. They help students see the relevance of scientific knowledge in their daily lives and foster a deeper understanding of how science impacts the world around them.
Encourages critical thinking: When students are presented with phenomena, they are encouraged to question, analyze, and think critically about what they observe. They learn to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and make evidence-based conclusions.
Promotes inquiry-based learning: Phenomena-based instruction emphasizes inquiry, allowing students to explore and investigate the natural world actively. It nurtures their natural curiosity and cultivates a scientific mindset, which is essential for future scientific endeavors.
Develops problem-solving skills: When students encounter phenomena, they are faced with puzzles or questions that require problem-solving skills. As they try to explain and understand these phenomena, they develop analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Connects different science disciplines: Phenomena often cut across multiple science disciplines. By exploring a phenomenon, students can see the interdisciplinary nature of science and how different scientific principles come together to explain complex phenomena.
Supports the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): The NGSS, adopted by many educational systems, emphasizes the use of phenomena as a central part of science education. This approach aligns with current best practices and helps teachers meet the standards effectively.
Encourages collaboration and communication: Phenomena often require students to work together in groups, fostering collaboration and communication skills. Students discuss their observations, share ideas, and debate possible explanations, enhancing their ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively.
Builds scientific literacy: Engaging with phenomena develops scientific literacy, enabling students to understand and critically evaluate scientific information encountered in their lives. This literacy is crucial for making informed decisions as responsible citizens.
Fosters a love for science: Experiencing the wonder and excitement of natural phenomena can foster a genuine love for science in students. This positive experience can influence their attitudes toward science and potentially lead to future careers in scientific fields.
Things to remember about phenomena:
They do not have to be flashy or showy
They are events or processes that are observable. Not questions or explanations.
They should lead the students to asking questions and explaining their thinking.
Remember that your units are like puzzles that you are putting together. Once the pieces are put together, the phenomena is able to be answered.
Resources:
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