Elementary Science Methods - WK1

Introduction

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Elementary Science Methods

Big Ideas!

1.Effective Instruction

1.Assessing student learning

1.Science inquiry

1.Lifelong learning

Yeah, but… …what about standards… …and testing?

Woo hoo!Inquiry Rocks!!!!

Two cohorts of 7th and 8th graders that participated in the [science inquiry] project units are compared with the remainder of the district population, using results from the high-stakes state standardized test in science. Both the initial and scaled up cohorts show increases in science content understanding and process skills over their peers, and significantly higher pass rates on the statewide test. The relative gains occur up to a year and a half after participation in the curriculum...

The effect of participation in units at different grade levels is independent and cumulative, with higher levels of participation associated with similarly higher achievement scores. Examination of results by gender reveals that the curriculum effort succeeds in reducing the gender gap in achievement experienced by urban African-American boys.

Process and Outcome Science Inquiry Works.Science

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Geier, R., Blumenfeld, P.C., Marx, R.W., Krajcik, J.S., Fishman, B., Soloway, E., Clay-Clayton, J. (2008). Standardized Test Outcome for Students Engaged in Inquiry-Based Science Curricula in the Context of Urban Reform. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. v45 n8 p922-939

Elementary Science Methods

Elementary Science Methods

Elementary Science Methods

Elementary Science Methods

Big Ideas!

1.Effective Instruction

1.Assessing student learning

1.Science inquiry

1.Lifelong learning

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ScienceScience

Definition Characteristics

Non- ExamplesExamples

http://www.flickr.com/photos/horroriswonderful/

The Mysterious Death Of Mr. Pheoc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/horroriswonderful/

The Mysterious Death Of Mr. Pheoc

Data

Claim

Evidence

Reasoning

Modeling Science

What is Science?Science assumes that the natural world

can be understood by gathering evidence.

Science attempts to explain the natural world and these explanations are tested using evidence.

No magic, gremlins or

other supernatural explanations

needed!

Science Inquiry?

Modeling Science

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

The Essential Features of Science InquiryScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Adapted from the National Research Council. (2000). Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press

Lear Lear

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

The Essential Features of Science InquiryScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Adapted from the National Research Council. (2000). Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press

Learner is Active!

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

The Essential Features of Science InquiryScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Adapted from the National Research Council. (2000). Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press

Evidence-basedExplanations.

Questions

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

The Essential Features of Science InquiryScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Adapted from the National Research Council. (2000). Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press

Evidence-basedExplanations.

Questions

A Scientific Explanation Makes Sense of DataScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

Evidence-based ExplanationsScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

• People are more likely to believe your ideas if you have reasons for them (k-2)

• Seek better reasons for believing something than “Everybody knows that . . .” or “I just know” and discount such reasons when given by others (3-5)

• Notice and criticize the reasoning in arguments in which fact and opinion are intermingled or the conclusions do not follow logically from the evidence given (6-8)

• Insist that the critical assumptions behind any line of reasoning be made explicit so that the validity of the position being taken--whether one’s own or that of others--can be judged (9-12)

AAAS Benchmarks

Process and Outcome

Process --- Outcome

Evidence-based ExplanationsScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

What is happening?

Source Flickr: Orange 42 http://www.flickr.com/photos/fake_eyes/342753239/

An Explanation with Evidence but little Reasoning! Science

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Process and Outcome Evidence-based ExplanationsScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

String Theory

Process and Outcome Evidence-based ExplanationsScience

Inquiry

--------------- Outcome

Fortune Fish

Evidence-based Explanations

What is your… … Question? … Explanation? … Evidence? … Reasoning?

Science Inquiry

Process and OutcomeElementary Science Methods

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