iExploreScience: STEM in Elem

The 2020-2021 academic year hasn’t been easy, but for some teachers, it hasn’t been without success either. Meet Mercedes. “I think I’m still in the middle, but I’m moving closer… it is that spectrum.” [2:50] Mercedes began exploring how to use three-dimensional teaching in her middle school science classroom just a few years ago, and in this podcast episode, she shares both her successes and wher...

Adopting a curriculum is a major hurdle to overcome in the shift to NGSS.  However, after the adoption, you might start to notice that the curriculum isn't connecting with your students.  We have found that it's nearly impossible to create an NGSS Curriculum that is one size fits all.  Listen to this week's episode to find out why and what you can do about it.   For the full episode...

The Science and Engineering Practice of Engaging in an Argument from Evidence is often tricky for students to master.  Here are five easy ways to that you can scaffold science arguments for your students.  Get More Help With 3D Teaching The Secrets of CER : Your Step-by-Step Guide Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered lear...

We know we're supposed to be using phenomena, but what kind? How often? What's an anchor and how is it different from other phenomena? We know that anchoring phenomena can be confusing for science teachers when you're just getting started. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss what anchors are and how they can be used. Then, they share a few common mistakes they've made that...

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) discusses two ways to bundle your NGSS. What are the pros and cons of the Topic Model versus the Phenomenon Model? Which one might be right for you? How can you use the way you bundle your standards to support three dimensional teaching and learning? If you’ve been thinking ahead to changing up how you organize your units, this episode is for you...

We tend to think about learning as a "steady stream," an incremental progress forward. But how often does learning *really* happen that way? In this week's Thursday Thought, let's take a minute to consider how learning really plays out for our students and what that might mean for our approach in the classroom. If you're feeling like you aren't making the "progre...

In this episode, Erin and Nicole share a few concrete strategies for elevating engineering in your science class -- no matter what level you're currently at. They review the four stages that many teachers move through as they integrate engineering and provide a few actionable items to go one step further. If you didn't listen to last week's episode, be sure to head over to 72 How We...

Erin discusses a science activity that her daughter brought home that wasn't exactly developmentally appropriate.  She discusses the concept of  Too Much, Too Soon  and encourages you to ask yourself if you can think of any examples from your own lessons.   Summer Course - Student-Led Investigations  The waitlist is now live for Erin's summer course on student-led investigations.  Click...

In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss four stages many teachers move through as they integrate engineering into their science classes. If you aren't yet sold on "engineering" in science, they outline why it's an important  aspect of science that we should be including and provide a framework to consider how you might make the shift toward a more balanced approach to science...

"My students just aren't curious!" I get it - I hear it all the time, and I do agree, oftentimes middle and high school students don't seem very curious. But here's a thought: are your students "not curious" or are they just not curious about *your content*? And if it's the latter, what can we do? Make space for "social learning" -- because that&ap...

In this episode, Nicole interviews high school Earth Science Teacher Alyssa Weisenstein. Alyssa is the creator behind Teacher On A Trip , a blog about using national parks as phenomena. Alyssa loves to travel and brings this enthusiasm into her science classes. She weaves the amazing geographic resources we have here in the United States into her Earth Science storylines. View the episode recap he...

In this episode, Erin discusses a simple self-evaluation strategy.  Simply write down what you are already doing in your classroom and how it connects to phenomena and each of the three dimensions.  Then, come up with one next step that you can take to improve your lesson sequences moving forward.  To sign up for Erin's newsletter and receive her free template, click here .  Get More Help Wit...

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss using demonstrations in your NGSS classroom. Too often, demos can translate to "teaching as telling" -- or a "sage on the stage" style of teaching. But it does NOT have to be this way. Tune in to discover how you can use demos effectively while carrying out three-dimensional instruction...

"The one doing the talking is the one doing the learning." Have you heard it before? My guess is, probably. But what more do we know about this idea? In this week's Thursday thought, Nicole looks at this "catch phrase" in light of what we know about learning and development. Whether you are sold on the idea or not, this quick episode will give you something to think about...

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss how to develop explanations with students so that you can transition from a "teaching as telling" approach to a more student-centered learning experience. Here are more resources to help you use a student-centered approach in your classroom: Teaching for Student Discovery  Using the 5E Model What...

It's true.  The NGSS can be totally overwhelming.  So, it's important to start small.  In this episode, Erin discusses how you can choose one small area of focus.  Then, build upon it to bring in a 3D approach into your science class.  Get More Help With 3D Teaching Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning...

In this episode, Erin explains that Crosscutting Concepts can give you some quick wins in your science class.  Teachers are overwhelmed with the number of things that they have to do right now.  Erin explains how to easily incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into your lesson sequences. Here are some of the question that she answered: Why do we need to teach the Crosscutting Concepts? Why are the...

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Dr. Salina Gray about her experiences teaching virtually this year. They discuss the schedules, routines, and practices Salina uses to create a classroom culture where kids show up , take risks, and truly engage in their own learning. Let's Stay Connected In 2021 You still have time to catch the replays from the totally free Brin...

Have you ever had a really rough day where nothing worked?  Has that ever happened during a virtual observation?  That happened to Erin last week. In the end, it wasn't perfect.  But she ended up finding out there were many good things happening that she totally missed.  Listen to hear more.  Get More Help With 3D Teaching Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question E...

You may call them an extension, elaborate, or enrichment activities. No matter what you call them, they often lack meaning in a traditional classroom.  In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what these episodes look like in a traditional science classroom.  Then, they discuss why you might want to rethink some of these strategies.  Finally, they provide some ideas for what to do instead.  Click...

I've noticed a trend -- my daughter balks when I ask her a question. She is terrified of being wrong. And even if it's something that may not have a right answer, even if we are just exploring ideas, she hesitates. Thinking back, I know my students did the same. So how can you invite discussion, exploring ideas, interaction without putting students on the spot? Without scaring them away?...

Connecting with our students and engaging them in our science classroom is more important than ever if we aim to continue our work as educators… but right now, it’s hard.  It’s hard, but it’s not impossible. In this week’s episode, we are interviewing middle school teacher, Debbie Juracich — who, like you, is experiencing teaching through the challenges that 2020 brought and 2021 has not yet relie...

Erin has been seeing the phrase "relationships over rigor" everywhere this year.  And, while relationships are incredibly important in the classroom, they don't need to come at the expense of rigor.  Listen to this episode to hear Erin's thoughts.  Get More Help With 3D Teaching Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook or on the Website.   Submit a Question Explore ph...

Implementing 3D learning requires a growth mindset.   In this episode, we discuss three mindset shifts for science teachers that make the transition easier. Other Resources to Help You Make the Shift  Season 1, Episode 10 - How to Teach for Student Discovery  Season 1 Episode 8 - How to Use the 5E Model  Using Student Questions in Your NGSS Storylines - Sadler Science  Core Values for 3D Learning...

The other day, while on a hike, my son yelled out, "I'm on the highest tree in the world!" It got me thinking... what does it take to create such exuberance and pride in our learners? What do they need from us? How can we support them in building this agency and this confidence? I have a few thoughts, and I hope you'll spend about 5 minutes with me to consider how you can help...