Approaches to Learning: Creating a Continuous Cycle of Inquiry in Your Course
(F Feb 19, 1pm-2:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Although there are many authors who cite their model or use their preferred terms, the cycle of inquiry essentially boils down to actions the student takes to apply concepts and reflect upon them before applying them again. This method can be harnessed to provide visible thinking by asking […]
Math-infused Science: Data Modeling Activities for Ecology – Lincoln’s and Simpson’s Indices
(Tu Feb 23, 7-8:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Using manipulatives found in our homes, we will simulate two common field science experiments: Lincoln’s Index for measuring abundance and Simpson’s Index for measuring biodiversity. Participants in this 1.5 hr. workshop will gather evidence and make calculations that can be used to describe the health of and changes […]
Statistics for Teaching Science: Part 4 Expressing Error on a Graph
(W Feb 24, 11am-12:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Error bars are placed on a graph to give a more detailed account of what was observed. Although there are many descriptors that can be used to draw error bars, in each case the value is used to express the uncertainty or variability of the data. Error bars […]
Approaches to Learning: Using Team Challenges to Foster Collaboration
(W Feb 24, 1-2:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Whether for STEM, foreign language, arts, or humanities, applying information is one of the most effective ways for a student to increase their level of understanding and for a teacher to assess mastery of knowledge and skills. Team challenges include any activity that asks a cooperative group to […]
Remote Teaching and Learning Series: Part 4 Optimizing Critical Thinking in a Synchronous Video Class
(F Feb 26, 11am-12:30pm Eastern Standard Time) This 1.5-hour workshop will address teaching techniques that can be used while conducting a class via live video streaming where all students would meet at the same time (aka synchronous teaching) using a platform such as Google Meets, Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc. During this 1.5-hour workshop, you will […]
Approaches to Learning: Making Thinking Visible
(F Feb 26, 1pm-2:30pm Eastern Standard Time) One of the gifts of learning how to teach in a remote learning environment has been the increased use of documentation for student work. When we have moved our classes online, every step of the thinking process was recorded digitally. Optimizing what was gained from this shift teachers […]
Student-designed Experiments: Part 1 Building Curiosity
(Tu Mar 2, 7-8:30pm Eastern Standard Time) In this workshop, we will practice a repeatable structure for introducing a topic that will be studied through scientific exploration using a remote or in-person teaching platform. We will help our students conduct a preliminary investigation at home developing interest in a particular phenomenon by generating data and […]
Statistics for Teaching Advanced Science: Part 5 Hypothesis Testing Using a Chi-squared Analysis
(W Mar 3, 11am-12:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Parts 5-8 continue the Statistics for Science series to include the skills required in high school Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses. In these workshops, we will learn how and when to use each of the most common statistical tests that are used to test […]
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning: Using Debates to Teach Evidence-based Reasoning
(W Mar 3, 1-2:30pm Eastern StandardTime) Debates are an exciting way to engage your students as an introduction to content, an in-depth exploration of the nuances, or an assessment of understanding. The peer interactions of this learning format motivate students to use research skills and hone communication skills. In this 1.5 hr. workshop, teachers will […]
Standards-based Grading Series: Offering Choice Menus for Differentiated Assessment
(F Mar 5, 11am-12:30pm Eastern Standard Time) Participants will be given an example of a choice menu to see how this assessment tool can be used within an online or in-person class. Assessment menus allow greater autonomy in a class as students choose the type of assignment that appeals to them or allows them to […]