Our groups' narrative/theme ideas for fun and engaging science instruction.

1. Denise Warren
Christina Wood
Carrie Schlagler
Teaching and Learning: Science
January 25, 2012

2. Idea 1: Time Traveler/Earth Explorer
 Looking at New York State through
time.
 Compare/contrast climate, cultures
latitude/longitude, ecosystems, and
any information that could go into a
pamphlet to help other travelers
understand the area better.

4. Idea 2: Everyday Mad Scientists
 Everyday activities involving science like
cooking, baking, sports, gardening, video
games etc.
 Incorporate chemistry, biology, physics, earth
science & multiple units
 Connect science knowledge to prior
experience to make learning more
meaningful.
 Use real-life examples/experiments, videos,
technology

5. Everyday Mad Scientists
 Cooking/Baking to teach  Gardening to teach Earth
Chemistry, science, Geology,
Microbiology, States of Environmental Science,
Matter, Agriculture, Anatomy & Physiology
Math/Measurements

6. Idea 3: Intergalactic Tour Guides
 Students make brochure to teach visitors
 Earth or beyond
 Incorporate weather, natural resources, flora/fauna,
history of location, ecology, astronomy, biology . . .
 Questions: Can it support life? Why/why not?
As we fly past Jupiter’s
moon, you’ll notice
the layer of ice . . .

7. Some of our other ideas
 Actors/role play/charades (Ex. Have students
act out different types of bonding or cellular
components)
 Star Trek/Star Wars theme – intergalactic
heroes trying to solve intergalactic problems
 Investigative reporters/journalists searching for
answers to puzzling questions
 Playing games like charades, 20 questions, etc
to make learning the vocab/content details
more fun

8. Teaching Science 21st
Century Style:
Why Does it Matter?
 Interdisciplinary Approach
 Meaningful connections
 Literacy across the curriculum
 Inquiry & exploration, not memorization/rote learning
 Constructing knowledge
 Critical thinking and problem solving
 Future success
 Effective use of technology and related skills
 Smart boards are not glorified white boards
 Appreciation & Historical perspective
 Depth over breadth of knowledge

9. Teaching Science 21st Century Style:
How can we do that?
 Internet/computer technologies
 Videos/POV: clips & plan ideas
(http://www.pbs.org/pov/educators/)
 Video games/virtual worlds
 Real-life examples/experiments
 Texts, journals, other reference material
 Guest speakers – local & diverse to show anyone can have
career in science
 Models, demonstrations
 Proper planning, assessment and management
 And . . .