#realworldscied Archive
In an effort to make science more relevant and interesting for our students, participants will discuss & share resources and ideas to make real-world connections to science curriculum. Topics could include, but are not limited to, PBL, science scenarios, citizen science opportunities, science news articles, and sharing lab data with other schools.
Saturday July 30, 2016
Welcome to in the secondary classroom at !
Q1: Introduce yourself: Name, Location, What you teach
A1: I'm Diana Cole, Harrisburg PA, teach HS Bio, Earth, and Environ. Sciences
use to teach in Central Dauphin,
A1: I'm Laura, Aberdeen MD (currently in CA!), HS Chem
A1 Shirlene Murr-Thompson, I'm from Norman OK, and I'm a pre service HS Biology teacher
I am Denise, from Myrtle Beach, SC, online earth sci and writing online astronomy !
AND a Penn Stater?! Me too!!
Hi! Nancye Black, Florida - FSTE President, edtech consultant, school board for LMS
A1: Taught AP Environmental science in NC, currently in DC.
Hello from TX! I am a middle school science teacher.
Matt Strickland, Eureka, MO AP Physics and Physical Science
Q2: Why are real-world connections important for your science classroom and students?
A2: Real-world connections are important for Ss to see the "why" in science. Deeper knowledge & critical thinking.
Hello from Maryville, TN. :)
A2 Real world connections help Ss retain the facts they learn
A2: students need the opportunity to see the connections between school and their lives
A2: it shows them science beyond your classroom and helps them understand their world and community more
Real world connections & problem solving are motivating, relevant, & empowering for Ss. Gives learning purpose.
A2: Real-world connections are essential for building empathy, environmental stewardship, and understanding of nature.
A2: For Ss to find purpose and meaning in the content so they become invested in their learning.
These connections help students see the science concepts they are learning all around them. 🌍
Empathy - yes! So important, especially as that part of teenagers' brains are still developing
Connections make it stick and strengthens learning. If you can connect, you are understanding the concept!
And understanding their world allows them to identify and solve problems in the future!
Agree - definitely higher order thinking if you can connect/apply
Empathy and environmental stewardship are both so critical to our global culture & sustainability!
I agree, and we have to build it in all age groups.
Q3: What activities have you found successful to incorporate real-world science into your classroom?
A3: I use Wonders of Wetland curriculum and Project WET.
A3: Case studies are helpful and engaging. Check out https://t.co/vROUZFemaN for an entire collection for all areas
What's your favorite part of that curriculum?
I use projects is a great site for students to help on a global scale.
A3: I often struggle with this, some students struggle to see how chem relates - such a small scale we can't see!
Hey sorry I'm late I'm Hilary from NC teach HS physics
Our school uses global collab projects like iNaturalist to participate in citizen science. https://t.co/n0kHCPhxcD
Q3: What activities have you found successful to incorporate real-world science into your classroom?
A3 I don't have any answers for this (still pre service) but am anxious to hear what has worked for others
A3: Activities with authentic audiences or - where Ss are collecting & sharing data with others.
Check out the case study link I shared - lots of good chem resources on there!
Well primarily I'm with upper elementary, and I love seeing the excitement on their faces!
It also focuses on everything being interconnected, which is so critical for students to understand.
Yes, that's a big part that students often struggle with - seeing the connections
There r some many possibilities in the phys sciences. We as Ts get bogged down in the content.
Inquiry labs with Physics, using non-traditional lab equipment, and working with engineering classes.
A3 My Ss find examples of energy and Chem/Physical changes easily. Sometimes it is hard to find connections.
A3: Love to have Ss engage in competitions where experts are their mentors. This has been life changing for Ss.
Q4: What online or tech tools do you find helpful for successful real world science in your classroom?
3: we also analyze live water quality data found online from our dept. of environmental resources
Going to do PA Envirothon for the first time with my HS kids this year. Love the idea of competitions!
If we move to project based think. or real world scen. & ask Ss to find the Chem or physics in them. Work backwards
We have to find a way to really engage students. I think at that age, they have a lot of distractions.
Physics have to bring the toys rc stuff drones... Virtual reality etc...
Tell me more about iNaturalist!
A4: So many - to find projects & Ss often use , & .
I'm teaching a new Earth Sci course this year - any resources you could share about this would be great!
A:4 I also encourage students to download free apps and check out solar weather like space weather viewer/solar storms
Q5: What are some ways you could use real-world science to connect to others within or outside your community?
There are some great virtual cell apps out there, too, that make learning the parts more engaging
A5: We use a wetland area to bring students in for hands-on learning. It's also open to the community.
A5: Share data w/other Ts & Ss, Skype, volunteer, speakers (companies, government, etc)
A5: I want to bring in scientists in the field to talk to students (possibly about projects we are working on)
A5: also want to get students thinking critically about global issues & solutions
Those who bring in speakers: all kids at once, or speaker in each class period? Do kids prep questions ahead of time?
A4 love using Google sites for collaborative projects and plan to create portfolios in sites this year.
There are so many design thing and pbl for env sc and bio and bio. Tech to go w it! I'm jealous! Authentic learning
A5: Skype/Google HO are good options to connect to scientists or industry who are not close by
I have spoken to groups in either format. It is whatever is convenient for the teachers interested.
A4 in SC I use https://t.co/IFOUMcnzeA to teach turbidity/dissolved/ oxygen, ph, pick/best lake/fishing tournament!
thinking about using virtual hangouts, classes rotate getting to ask q's, others can still watch the video later
Also global water sampling project is a great, online global collaboration among students on this topic
A bit far away! I'm with the Middle Nolichucky Watershed Alliance in TN!
Q5:The is incredible. Ss worked w/ , & strategists.
A5 I am going to use flipgrid to connect with other classrooms. Looking for other 6th grade science teachers to share with.
Connect with she teaches 6th grade sci and might be interested!
A5: Remember your graduates in a science field or still at college! The seniors are great resources and love to come back.
A5: The is incredible. Ss worked w/ , & strategists.
participated in a virtual star party with astronomers all across the world 12 hour time difference can view day/night sky !
Q6: What impact could real-world science connections have on your students?
A6: Deeper understanding, more interest in STEM careers, critical thinking, problem solving
A6: It helps them to make informed and sustainable decisions as one day they will be leaders in their fields.
A6: I would love to see Ss thinking about issues and how to solve them
the leadership skills are key!
A6 Adds value and meaning.
A6: Real world science preps students for solving problems that do not yet exist.
Absolutely! students need to be learning how to think critically https://t.co/aSMMpia2kn
A6: Real world science preps students for solving problems that do not yet exist.
A6: gettng them to understand to contribute / to be apart of something bigger/contribute to the world on a grander scale.
Yes, it adds value to the activity, as well as value to the student's thinking and their hardwork!
A6: They see that their voice is important & make connections & find passions they didn't know they had before.
A6 seeing real world connections can help shape everyone's future
Agree! Students need to feel valued and that their ideas are heard.
A6: Make informed decisions, improve/protect the earth, learn to think and question.
Yes! To Question is to really think about a topic and is a critical scientific skill.
It gives meaning to the content. More importantly prepares them for ever changing world they have in front of them!
Q7: Do you have any favorite resources about real-world science in the classroom? Or project/lesson plan resources?
looks like I have to dip out early but thanks for the awesome chat everyone & especially 4 moderating!
A7: AAPT or The Physics Teacher. Newsela is great for articles.
Love especially being able to change reading levels
Thanks for joining! Will put a link to the whole transcript after it is over.
A7) I don't but will certainly be borrowing anything that gets posted
That's part of what this chat is all about! Gathering and sharing resources from each other!
You work w to identify, track & report animal sightings. , share more?
Very cool, I'll have to check it out!
Thanks for an amazing chat everyone!
Q8: Do you have any other questions, comments, resources, concerns, etc. you want to ask/share about ?
A8: Time time time! Especially time to go in depth with 42 min periods, and state testing standards looming
thank you for this great chat and please share your science resources
Thank you for joining in to discuss ! I am grateful for the opportunity to learn with you. Enjoy the rest of !
A8: The initial planning required for a real world activity can be difficult but the end result is so worth it.
Will create & send a transcript of shortly
Agree!! I need to remind myself I can start with one or two and build up every year.
Anyone interested in chatting about throughout the year, too?
yes, taught F@F camp this week lost of planning having their creation come to life worth it
