Scientific Discourse

 

What is Scientific Discourse?  How can you promote science discourse and why is it important?  

One of the main goals of science learning is to help students make sense of scientific phenomena and ideas.  Rich discourse offers students ways to express their ideas, reasoning and thinking, but what does that look like in an elementary classroom?   For more information on scientific discourse check out the:

STEMscopes Scientific Discourse poster- Link 
and the Building Blocks of Science white paper: Promoting Discourse in Science Class- Link 

Science PD inside and outside NTPS

The following Professional Development is being offered for fifth grade teachers.  All offerings inside NTPS can be found on Frontline.

Professional Development IN and OUT of district:

                    Updated Frequently 

Direct link to the frequently updated document for PD opportunities within NTPS and from agencies around our region.

SCIENCE PD- Link 

SEP Data Collection Resource

Looking for a way to collect data for the SEPs?  

For each of the 3 data collection options described below, remember to make your own copy and save it in your Google Drive.  From there, you can download and/or print what you need. 

The Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are used in NTPS for science grades.  For additional resources on grading, check out the Elementary Science Blog quick links (report card insert, grading, science and engineering practices, science practices grading rubric).    

Option A: Option A is divided into the individual Science and Engineering Practices. On each of the 8 SEP pages, a rubric and brief description of the practice is provided.  

Option B: This option can be downloaded and printed for the whole class or teams of students (4 students per group).  Option B shows all 8 SEPs,which are identified based on the color; Green = priority SEP, Yellow= additional SEP option.  This document is by lesson/scope.    

Option C: Option C lists the lesson/ scope and the SEPs listed for each lesson. A final report card page is available for this option.  

Data collection resource option A- Link 

Data collection resources option B- Link

Data collection resources option C- Link

The 5E model

 What is the 5E model? How does it align with NGSS?

Are you looking for more information on the 5E model and how it aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? Check out the links below for a short overview of the 5E model used in science. See how it differs from the traditional model and aligns with NGSS. In addition, 5E lesson template options, diagrams and additional resources are linked below.

5E overview- Link

5E lesson plan template- Link

5E lesson elements- Link

Best Practice for Science Inventories

Digital science kit inventory 

Science Inventories 

Upon receiving your science kits, please use the hard copy of the inventory found in your kit to ensure you have all of the materials needed prior to teaching your content.  If you are missing any materials, please contact Mary Fluke and Mary will send those to you.

Prior to sending back your science kits you need to complete a digital inventory. Plan on returning ALL kits by their due dates. Dates are listed on all scope and sequences (K-2) or rotation schedules (3-5).

These inventories can be accessed by following this pathway:

1) Sign into the district home page
2) Go to programs and departments                 
3) Select science
4) On the left hand side, select science kits inventory



Inventories link

FREE Scientist career cards

This FREE resource features over 215 different scientist and engineer career opportunity cards.  These colorful cards are printed on heavy cardstock making them great resources for student regardless of their age.  Interested in handing them out to students, or interested in their additional cards, order a second set. Have a great way to share these cards with students?  Post your ideas in the comment section below.    

Free Scientist & Engineer cards- Link

NTPS Science Practices Grading Rubric

"Both, And, Or" - Science Grading Rubric 

NTPS Science Practices Grading Rubric  

The science grading rubric defines levels of student expectations for  each of the 8 SEPs.  A video definition for each SEP is provided as an additional resource. Paying close attention to words like both, and,  or will be especially important when assigning levels for the report card.  For example, "students create models focused on predicting or explaining the natural world" means students either predict or explain, not both.  "Students read and evaluate text to obtain scientific information" means to be proficient they must do both.  Little words carry big meaning. 

Science Practices Grading- Link

Science Practice Diagram- Link