Why teach science?
Science is much more than just another subject to include in the school day. Why? Science (when it includes lots of hands-on inquiry and dialogue) accelerates student learning. Check out what research shows about how we learn. Learning happens best with activity and with motivation. Science takes care of both. Check out what El Centro district has to say.
The program described here is based on El Centro's work, which combines inquiry science, notebooks, with feedback.
El Centro's experience shows it can accelerate learning in math and ELA
Brain research on memory and learning indicates motivation & ownership are essential
Builds conceptual understanding, supporting language development (Dr. Lowery)
Guided inquiry in a workshop setting; what is inquiry?
Engaging topics & materials
Effective use of questions
Why Notebooks: make thinking visible; teach 'text features'; create vehicle to give and receive feedback; support language development
Giving feedback: keeping it safe; understood by learner; simple and consistent
Implementing Science Notebooks
Scoring system (using mini-stamper markers)
Rubric (one that elementary students understand and internalize)
Samples from recent notebooks (using the Water kit, FOSS)
Meeting State Standards; preparing for high stakes assessment
Writing, Reading, and Math
Grouping students; student "jobs"
Managing materials
El Centro's Background and Resources
Research Report on student performance from el Centro