Science+Academy+2008-2009

Welcome to the 2008-2009 Science Academy Wikipage! This is a page dedicated to the sharing of all materials used within the science academy! **Silent PPT Timer: ** Interactive Online WhiteBoard: []
 * //__Day 1:__//**
 * What will we do this year! The PowerPoint below contains an overview of our goals! **

What do students think? How do we know? These are powerful questions for consideration! As we grappled with the Mirror Problem and Light Bulb, we began to see that we do not always know what we think we know!
 * Formative Assessments and Minds of Our Own!**

**Question/Problem:** If a mirror was mounted perpendicular to the floor (parallel with wall), what would you do in order to see your entire body? Does the size of the mirror matter? * Please document your initial hypothesis. Experiment to determine if what you think is correct. Document your revised thoughts.

We watched a clip from // Minds of Our Own, // illustrating the power of ideas and the importance of gathering the evidence to verify our student's understanding!

You will have to create an account with learner.org in order to view the entire video on demand:)
 * To view this video, please visit: [] **

Why is it that students can graduate from MIT and Harvard, yet not know how to solve a simple third-grade problem in science: lighting a light bulb with a battery and wire? Beginning with this startling fact, this program systematically explores many of the assumptions that we hold about learning to show that education is based on a series of myths. Through the example of an experienced teacher, the program takes a hard look at why teaching fails, even when he uses all of the traditional tricks of the trade. The program shows how new research, used by teachers committed to finding solutions to problems, is reshaping what goes on in our nation’s schools.

How could we uncover students' thinking? Please take a moment to view Dylan Williams on Formative Assessment from the PA Governor's Institute for Data Informed Decisions 2008. Part 1 [|http://www.dgsweb.state.pa.us/CMSUploads/vod/cms_asx_generator.asp?vi...] Part II [|http://www.dgsweb.state.pa.us/CMSUploads/vod/cms_asx_generator.asp?vi...] 
 * Formative Assessment! **

Available through NSTA at []


 * PDE Science Update c/o Dr. Steven Dear! **

**//__Day 2:__//**

Science Process Skills Circus  Why are process skills so important Please read the following: // **** // 
 * //__Day 3:__//

How do we begin! Let’s Explore //Learning Science Through Inquiry//**


 * 

|| 


 * [[file:Day 3_Launching Inquiry_Annenberg.ppt]]

To view this video, please visit:** [] You will have to create an account with learner.org in order to view the entire video on demand:) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;"> To inquire into specific scientific phenomena, students need to draw upon a foundation of experience. This program shows how you can encourage students to share and discuss what they already know, and to explore the materials and phenomena in an open-ended manner.
 * Launching the Inquiry with 5 E Lesson Design!**




 * Follow Up Information -->**

Below is information related to Day 3 Investigations! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">

Please read, // Foundations, Volume 2, Chapter 6: //** Recognizing Inquiry: Three Hands-on Teaching Techniques **

Or access all of //Foundations// including this chapter by visiting: []
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">Questioning is one of the most important tools for guiding and extending student learning. The examples found in //Questioning Strategies// could help you to develop your own strategies to enhance students' work and thinking! Please check this out below!



Sample KWL Chart: ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">