3. Think Outside: There are great resources for teaching science all around us, we just have to look! An ideal place to start is with a field trip. Some investigations are too messy or complicated for a classroom, so it helps to have a place where students can really let loose. Consider exploring one of VAI’s 40 different field trips that are standards-aligned, engaging topics for K-12 students. Additionally, classrooms can Skype a Scientist to talk about the research that they do or the jobs that they hold. Not only does this help our students learn, but it can also take the pressure off of the teacher to deliver content they may not have an abundance of knowledge about.
4. Think Tech: Technology can help support science investigations in a big way! From providing collaboration tools, to simulated investigations, technology can assist in making room for science. Teachers can use tools such as Padlet for collaboration, Phet for simulations, and Spheros for coding. Additionally, NexGen Inquiry Quests come complete with asynchronous student-facing videos and instructions to conduct science investigations and engineering challenges.
5. Think Cross-Curricular: One way to draw out the most potential in students is by using science as the engager, or phenomenon, to connect the other content you need to teach. Some great cross-curricular examples include The Dirty Truth, a lesson where students learn about the importance of environmental protection and the wonders of space, and What’s in Your Water?, a project-based learning unit where students build watershed models and collect local water samples to run tests to determine water quality. These will save instructional time, but also show students that math, ELA, science, and social studies do not have to live alone in their content silos.
VAI’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter Jones, puts it succinctly when he states: “I think it’s very important for young people to learn about science because it teaches them how the world works and, most importantly at the moment, it teaches them the value of critical thinking – distinguishing truth from fiction.”
Science is more than a subject; it’s a necessity for young minds. So, let’s make sure we’re giving students the opportunity to test their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Create a little room for science exploration, and you’ll be amazed at what your students can achieve.
Related:
5 math resources to boost student inquiry
How to deal with the STEM situation
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