How Do You Build Knowledge?
Teach Phenomenon-Driven Storylines
Presenter: Rolanda Clark
Date: Thursday, April 14, 2022
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Description
Come along as we study trait variations in humpback whales to discover what makes an individual humpback whale unique. As we examine a PhD Science® module storyline, participants build knowledge to make sense of our authentic, compelling, and multilayered web of phenomena.
Participants will
- explore how rich, multilayered scientific phenomena enrich instruction,
- examine how a phenomenon-driven storyline allows students to build knowledge and reflect on their learning, generate new questions, and investigate related topics,
- consider how coherence extends across PhD Science modules and levels as well as content areas, and
- reflect on how students deepen their understanding of fundamental science concepts as they apply their understanding to make sense of new phenomena.
How Do You Illuminate Student Thinking and Spark Interest?
Incorporate Hands-On Experiences
Presenter: Koi Beard
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2022
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Description
How do puppeteers use light to tell stories in Indonesia? And how could light have affected the disappearance of Amelia Earhart? Join us as we investigate the concept of light to uncover how hands-on experiences in PhD Science enable students to build knowledge across grade levels.
Participants will
- see how introducing students to new concepts through engaging activities allows them to observe, wonder, and then investigate and deeply understand phenomena,
- explore how hands-on experiences and other modes of discovery enable students to engage in the science and engineering practices (SEP), and
- understand how planning and carrying out investigations allow students to gather personally meaningful evidence to support their scientific explanations.
How Do You Reinforce English Language Arts Skills in Science?
Make Cross-Curricular Connections
Presenter: Sally Robichaux
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Description
Science can support English language arts (ELA) skills like reading and writing, so why is science usually taught in isolation of other subject areas? Come learn how PhD Science combines these two content areas and reinforces ELA skills as we explore environments around Mount Everest and Mangrove tree ecosystems.
Participants will
- explore how literacy is essential, as reading and writing make up a large part of what scientists and engineers do,
- understand how student knowledge builds more deeply when rich cross-curricular connections are made,
- discover how compelling trade texts and articles allow teachers to present relatable content and inspire student learning, and
- examine how a variety of interdisciplinary connections offer multiple opportunities for students to connect science to ELA, mathematics, history, and more.
How Can You Foster a Collaborative Science Learning Environment?
Explore Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Academic Learning in Science
Presenter: Robby Hunter
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2022
Time: 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Description
Scientists and engineers not only engage with the practices but engage with each other. Discover why and how PhD Science nurtures the five social-emotional competencies as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) in the learning design and pedagogy of the curriculum.
Participants will
- explore what the research says about solely focusing on academic learning and how research connects SEL to academic learning,
- reflect on how students’ social and emotional well-being is intimately connected to their academic success, and
- consider how engaging with science content in a safe, supportive classroom helps students feel competent, significant, and successful.
