iExploreScience: STEM in Elem

Are you having trouble implementing 3D learning in your classroom? Listen to the top 3 things that we have found hold teachers back.  Nicoles Storylines Workshop: Curiosity Driven Storylines Check out these 3D Learning Resources to help get you started:  Sadler Science: Your Questions About 3 Dimensional Learning Answered iExplore Science - 4 Ways to Engage Students with Phenomena During Distance...

Teachers are working harder than they ever have before.  And often, we feel like there is so much more to do.  The solution isn't working more hours because there are only so many hours in the day.  For Erin, multitasking hindered her productivity for years.  When she started batch working, her productivity increased significantly.  Learn about the changes she made and how they worked for her...

Here's the thing: SMART goals don't work for everyone. They don't work for me. This year I learned about a totally *different* way to set goals and plan for what's ahead -- and (here's the important part!) actually make progress towards it! -- that resonates way better with my own approaches and work flow. And I know it's working, because I'm already seeing some...

As we come to the end of the year - and especially this year, when you may feel like there’s so many doors you JUST WANT TO CLOSE and move on from - but really often any year, I think we tend to get excited about moving forward, focus all our energy on our new start, and we forget to look back on what came before. And while it’s certainly not great to dwell on the past or live in it or anything li...

How much do we know about what our students really think about a science concept before we start teaching? We've all seen the studies about how important it is to activate prior knowledge before we start a new lesson or unit. Building on previous learning is an amazing way to deepen understandings and improve retention -- for sure! But how often are we spending time identifying misconceptions...

One of the last things I really “got the hang of” when it came to designing NGSS-aligned curriculum was the use of phenomenon.  The problem with this statement is that phenomena should have been where I started. When it comes to 3D learning, science isn’t about learning facts and figures for their own sake but rather in order to explain things that happen in the natural world -- phenomena. Duh. I...

✨ Engaging our students is a key part of learning…  … so how do we make it happen?  ✨ 😬  And what if we’ve been going at it the wrong way? Let's take a quick moment to reflect on how we're engaging our students in this week's Thursday Thought , and consider... could there be a better way? PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.i...

As you gather with loved ones (or enjoy a day by yourself), we just wanted to say... we are grateful for YOU.  Thanks for letting me and Erin be a part of your learning journey. Yours. <3 PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience!  📬 Stay Connected 📰 Substack: https://iexploresci...

So I learned the hard way the importance of relationships for classroom management. Have you been there? I totally trashed my classroom culture my first year... rookie mistake. And while I was busy rebuilding my classroom community so I could, you know, function on the day to day, I considered establishing strong student relationships as part of my classroom management strategy.  I didn’t realize...

Teaching science in a “socially just and rigorous way” means creating learning spaces “where students’ whole-selves and interests are engaged and reflected within classroom science." In this recording of a live video, I talked with Dr. Gray and Dr. Patterson Williams about their educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy (WSP).    The designers identified 5 commitments (w)holistic sc...

You’ve *told* your students this again and again… but it just doesn’t STICK.  In this episode, let's chat: WHY. * For a long time, I thought I was a good teacher because my classroom was fun, my kids were engaged and well-managed, they did cool hands-on activities, they seemed to be learning. But really, they weren’t.  And I knew it, too. You know that feeling you get when you’re reading exit...

Nicole and Erin received a question on the Teaching Science in 3d Instagram account.  Listener Joanna asked when to start an NGSS storyline.  Nicole and Erin provide two different approaches depending on your needs. Nicole and Erin provide two possible solutions to help you find the method that works best for you.   Want to learn more about when to start an NGSS Storyline? Using Student Questions...

Have you ever wondered what an NGSS classroom looks like? In this episode, Nicole interviews Colorado science teacher Kayla Jubert about her journey to meet the intent of the NGSS. Kayla discusses the changes she's made and the benefits to her classroom. Click here to view the episode recap.    Get More Help with the NGSS Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Lo...

On this episode, Nicole and Erin answer a question from listener Paige. Paige asks “how do you recommend allowing students to explore and just do science, but also write down important information?” Nicole and Erin explain how to balance science writing and exploration in your NGSS aligned class. To view the full episode recap, click here . Learn more about writing for NGSS: Better Interactive Not...

This week we answer another listener question.  Kristen asks "How do you teach a student to create a model who has not had any experience with creating them?"  Nicole and Erin discuss the Science and Engineering Practice of Developing and Using Models and provide tips for helping your students make models. To view the whole episode recap, click here .  Other Resources: NSTA Matrix for th...

This week, Nicole and Erin answer another listener's question.  Listener Marissa asks for advice on preventing students from cheating on her NGSS assessments.  Nicole and Erin discuss practical strategies and the intent behind the NGSS. Get More Information How to Evaluate Student Learning  Engaging 3D Assessments - iExplore Science Creating Assessments for the NGSS- A Step by Step Guide - iE...

In this episode, Erin addresses a listener question.  Sonia listened to a previous episode and wanted to know if we recommend doing lab style activities during out synchronous time.  She also asked about breakout rooms and notes that students aren't participating as much as she would like. Get Erin's advice on making breakout rooms more productive and prioritizing activities for your syn...

The NGSS were designed as “all standards for all students” -- rigorous science instruction, no matter students’ labels, demographics, or past experiences. In this episode, Nicole interviews four Special Education experts to discuss NGSS accessibility.  Learn how to make the NGSS accessible for all students.  Kristen Rademaker, Dr. Marquita S. Blades, Barbara A. Hopkins and Brian Raygor participate...

In this episode, Nicole and Erin address a common objection to the NGSS standards.  Many teachers worry that the NGSS isn't adequate preparation for college and careers in science.  To view the full episode recap, click here .  Learn More  Preparing Students For a Lifetime of Success - NextGenScience.org Next Generation Science Standards- What's different and do they matter? STEM Teachin...

In this episode Nicole and Erin explore the question, "Is it time to let go of the Scientific Method?"   Nicole and Erin discuss why the answer is a resounding yes.  Though many teachers start the school year with lessons on the scientific method, this doesn't meet the intent of the NGSS.  Find out why and what to do instead.   To view the full episode recap, click here .   Other Ep...

In this episode, Erin discusses strategies for using interactive notebooks an NGSS aligned class.  She discusses the flaws in traditional notebooking methods.  Also, she discusses why these methods don't align with NGSS.  To view the full episode recap, click here .  Other Episode to Listen To How to Use a Discovery-Based Approach How to Teach Vocabulary   Using Student Questions to Build Sto...

On this episode, listener Elissa asks "How can students do activities when they don't have supplies at home?" It is imperative that your students have the ability to engage in science activities even if they are doing them from home. Nicole and Erin provide a few useful strategies to help make sure your students can do activities when they aren't in the classroom. To view the f...

This week Nicole and Erin answer two listener questions.  These questions came from the NGSS Newbies Facebook Group . From Alyssa "How can I best facilitate student discussions online?" From Hanadi - How to do group work online? Nicole and Erin discuss several methods for facilitating class discussions and group work.  These tips are great for facilitating student discussions online.  Bu...

Over the summer, Nicole and Erin received numerous questions about teaching an NGSS aligned course online.  In this episode, Nicole and Erin talk about the main things you should focus on to make sure that you are meeting the intent of the NGSS using an online platform. To view the full episode recap, click here .   The Teaching Science in 3D Website Is Now Live! Over the summer, Nicole and Erin l...

This is a quick update on all of the things that are happening with the podcast.   Our podcast is now available on Stitcher.  If you are new to our podcast, welcome! The Teaching Science in 3D website is live.  Visit TeachingSciencein3d.com. Season 3 will be starting on August 17th. We need your help.  Submit your questions (written or voice memo) to TeachingSciencein3d.com/questions .  Finally, w...