Using Online Sources to Support Science Instruction

By Dawn Sparks

When I was hired I consider this…

Also not my job…

Winner of the its not my job…

So what is our job…

Science Data: Fifth Grade 2011-12

Migrant Science Data: 2011-12

Comparing All Student to Migrant

Application of Science

What are the connections between these two worlds?

EALR 3 Application includes the ability to use the process of technological design to solve real world problems, to understand the relationship between science and technology and their influence on society, and to become aware of the wide variety of careers in scientific and technical fields. These abilities are needed for people to apply what they learn in school to meet challenges in their own lives, to understand and help solve societal problems involving science and technology, and contribute to the prosperity of their community, state, and nation.

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Application Questions• There are 6 different application, short-answer questions.– Research and Explore– Plan and Test– Criteria and Constraints– Redesign– Test Solutions– Careers

Which are tested at 5th grade?At 8th Grade?At 10th grade?

5th

8th

Bio EOC

13

Application Questions• Research and Explore: EOC

• Plan and Test: 5th

• Criteria and Constraints: EOC

• Redesign: 5th EOC

• Test Solutions: EOC

• Careers: 5th

Looking at State Resources…• Item Templates

How do we improve…

• Brainstorm and jot down your ideas• Share with others near you with discussion

cards• Formative Assessment Strategy Share Out

“Give Me Five”

How Do We Improve…

• Focused intention instruction…– What are the learning targets?– How are students assessed?

• Practice, Practice, Practice

• I do, we do, you do-– Modeling– Group interactions– Practice on your own

Adding to the Structure with Graphic Organizers and Online Supports

• Pop Fly: Its football with a twist. Invent a way to send a Ping-Pong ball flying high enough to catch it.

• PBS: Design Squad– Educator Resources

Finding Resources

PBS Design Squad• Use simple materials• Pose a problem to solve-often with a video• Use the language of design• Directions for students in English and Spanish• Leader Notes • Wide variety of activities are available

Adaptations for Migrant Students

• Addressed for afterschool ~ family science nights– Add supports-– Lesson Preparation– Build Background– Student Interactions– Practice – Review and Assessment

Objectives:

• Content: I will be able to design and build a system that can launch a Ping-Pong ball high enough to catch.

• Language: I will be able to write the steps I used to solve my design challenge.

Design and build a system that will send a ping pong ball high enough to catch it.

Problem

~The ping pong ball must go high enough to have someone catch it.~The ping pong ball must be launched without anyone touching the ball.~The ping pong ball must be launched from 10 feet away and hit the target on the wall.

Criteria

CRITERIAConditions that must be met to solve the problem.

•No human hands can touch the ping pong ball.

•The launcher can only be made out of the provided materials.

ConstraintsCONSTRAINTS

What are the LIMITATIONS to a solution that solves this problem?Only use the following materials:

Duct tape, 3-5 paint stirrers, 1 ping pong ball, 1 wooden block or spool, 3 ounce paper cups

Human hands may not touch the ping pong ball when it is launched.

Materials

• Duct Tape• 3-5 Paint Stirrers• 1 Ping Pong ball• 1 Wooden

Block/Spool• 3 – ounce paper cup

Research the Problem:

~What do you know about the problem?

~What (scientific) information might be helpful to solve the problem?

~How would you collect that information?

~What scientific words can we use?

Ping Pong Ball Launcher

Explore Ideas

• Describe different solutions• Provide scientific Ideas with solutions

Solution 1 Solution 2

Solution 3 Solution 4

As a Design Team…

• Go over your ideas• Collaborate on the best ideas from everyone

Sketch and Label: Groups Idea

Write a summary of your plan• Include scientific ideas

Test and Evaluate…• How will you test your solution?–What will you observe?–What will you measure?–How will you collect and share your data?

Redesign…

Did your design solve the problem?What worked well? What would you change?

Redesign:How can you modify yourold system to solve a new problem?

New Problem:

Additional Materials and Criteria:

Possible Solutions: Explanation: How would you redesign you old system?How would this solve the problem?

Work with a team to design your own system

Using scaffolds but not using crutches…

• I do, we do, you do-– Modeling– Group interactions– Practice on your own– Remove scaffolds for students

Pop Fly Challenge…

• Design Squad Pop Fly Challenge

• Extra Teacher Supports

Research and Explore