Welcome back to the ready, set, science podcast! This is episode 18 and today we are going to be talking about how to support teachers in science education. Especially teachers who do not normally teach science and might not have the content knowledge in science. This is a big issue and I can’t wait to get into it! So let’s get ready, get set, let's teach science!
In 2018, the National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education found that “students in grades K–3 were taught science for an average of just 18 minutes a day, compared with 89 minutes for English language arts and 57 minutes for math. Why is there such a large gap and how do we fix it?
Elementary teachers need to feel confident in their ability to teach science. They also need to learn how to help students engage in science and engineering practices.
Remember that the NGSS are the “what”. They do not tell us how to teach the science concepts.
“The NGSS tells us what kinds of ideas should take center stage in classrooms and they feature science practices as the active context for student learning. But the NGSS provides little insight into how a teacher might design and enact learning experiences for students.”
Ways to start implementing the NGSS
Use anchoring phenomena for every unit
Integrate with other subject areas
Reading
Integrate storytelling into science lessons to create a narrative that captures students' imagination. Stories can make complex scientific concepts more relatable and memorable. Teachers can use children's books, science fiction, or even historical stories of scientific discoveries to illustrate principles in a captivating manner.
Technology
Incorporate technology into science lessons to enhance engagement and understanding. Interactive simulations, educational videos, and virtual field trips can bring abstract concepts to life and make learning more captivating. Encourage teachers to use age-appropriate educational apps and online resources to supplement classroom activities.
Art
Integrate art with science to foster creativity and interdisciplinary learning. Students can create science-themed artwork, design posters explaining scientific phenomena, or build models to represent scientific concepts. Artistic expression can help students explore science from a different perspective, reinforcing their understanding.
Go outside whenever you can.
Take advantage of the natural environment by incorporating outdoor learning experiences. Conducting nature walks, observing local flora and fauna, and studying weather patterns not only make science more tangible but also instill a sense of environmental stewardship in young learners.
Bring in guest speakers
Invite scientists, engineers, and professionals from various scientific fields to speak to the students. Guest speakers can provide real-world insights and career perspectives, inspiring young minds to pursue their interests in science.
Ways for administrators to support teachers in science
Provide professional development opportunities for teachers in science
Provide content experts
Have clear expectations
Give them more class time for science
Things to know about NGSS
Content isn’t everything! Many times teachers don't feel comfortable teaching science because they are overwhelmed by the content. While content is still important, in NGSS, students will be expected to engage in science practices in order to demonstrate learning.
The standards have become more developmentally appropriate for the grade levels.
Don’t worry about vocabulary! Allowing students to describe things as they see or experience them will allow them to engage with science in a better way. NEVER front load vocabulary.
Fellow PA teacher Nichole talks about why you should not front load vocabulary in this episode 19 of her podcast “Teaching Science in 3D”
You will need to find more time for science in your classroom to make NGSS work. Yes this is not easy but address it with your administrative team or curriculum leader. They will be able to help you to figure out how to budget more time.
Remember what I tell my students all of the time. Science is the most important subject because it is the only one that encompasses all of the other subjects and it explains how the world we live in works! You can use this idea to find overlaps in your other curriculum areas and use this to help you find more time for science.
Resources:
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