Science and Engineering Practices (SEP)
This is a practice blog site for EDM 510. I tried 3 other gmail accounts and Blogger didn't want to play with them. So this is my 4th attempt. This is practice, but if it were a real blog to use with the teachers I support, here is a good topic:
_________________________________________________________________________________
For the next eight weeks, we will be looking closely at the Science and Engineering Practices. We will dissect each one, unpacking as we go, and discussing how each would look in our classroom.
Todays focus is practice standard #7 Engaging in Arguments from Evidence. I would use this space to really discuss what this means in a science classroom. I would like to a powerful video on youtube that shows a great explanation such as this one:
I would also direct my teachers to great research from the NGSS, like Appendix F that discusses the Science and Engineering Practices in great detail, even unpacking them by grade bands.
Then I would offer pose an open ended question and have bloggers make claims and provide evidence. Such a this.
original artwork by Lacey Vitalec
We find mythical creatures all through literature. I can remember reading Hans Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid as a child, and then watching the Disney version with my child. Since we have been studying the structures and function of organisms, consider Mermaids. If mermaids were real would they be classified as fish or mammals? What evidence do you have to support your claim? Comment with your claim and supporting evidence.
I love it, STEM with the use of children's literature. Side note, (**Hand* Christian Anderson's Little Mermaid ). I first like how this lesson can be simple/basic for younger grade bands and expanded, in my opinion, to high school levels. It appeals to higher cognitive functioning no matter what grade band it falls within because it requests that the student complete data from different content and to synthesis a coherent argument, with evidence. Thanks for the post and the continued great ideas that you always pass along.
ReplyDeleteWow - this is a neat idea! This is something I have never seen in my learning experience. I agree with Mallory - it appeals to higher cognitive functioning. It really makes your students think about what you have taught them! You will definitely be able to tell if they understood the teaching material. This would be a great blog assignment because then the students can read what their peers think and build off of each other. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very cool STEM activity. I liked that YouTube video and how it explains what arguing means right off the bat because that term can be misinterpreted especially by younger students. I also like how this standards asks for evidence. It's easy to give your opinion but this digs deeper and asks for evidence to support your claim. That's so important because kids are being asked to support their claims a lot now and are unable to do so.
ReplyDeleteJust for fun: If allowed to, I would say that mermaids are mammals :). They do not have gills that we can see so they must have some sort of special lungs that allow underwater breathing. They have hair and I would think they give birth rather than lay eggs. It wouldn't take much to change my opinion though.