Nicole VanTassel

iExploreScience: STEM in Elem

Education EN ↓ 155 episodes

iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is for upper elementary teachers — especially grades 3–5 —who want to make elementary science and math more engaging, without adding more prep or overwhelm to their day. If you’re looking for practical ways to bring STEM and hands-on learning into your classroom while still meeting standards like NGSS , this podcast is for you. Each week, you’ll get (ideally) short, (always!) actionable episodes (about 15–30 minutes) filled with classroom-tested ideas you can actually use. From simple STEM challenges and low-prep science activities to math routines, lab management...

Author

Nicole VanTassel

Episodes

5 How You Can Ditch The Scientific Method 16.09.2019 21:40

In this solo episode, Erin discusses why she doesn't use the scientific method in her classroom and what she does instead. If you're teaching an NGSS-aligned curriculum, you shouldn't be using the scientific method either! Resources Referenced: NGSS and the Scientific Method Starting the Year with NGSS STEM Teaching Tools: Why Focus on Science and Engineering Practices K-12 Science...

4 How You Know It's Not NGSS 09.09.2019 27:16

In this episode, we talk about how you can identify resources that may be labeled NGSS but aren't actually aligned to the NGSS! NGSS-washing is a big problem, so listen up to get the tools you need to identify when something ISN'T "NGSS." Check out the full episode recap here . Referenced Links: >> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix >> NSTA Crosscuttin...

3 How to Teach the NGSS Today 02.09.2019 21:12

Are you just getting started with the NGSS? Not sure where to start? In this episode, Nicole discusses 3 main ways to start teaching the NGSS. Nicole discusses getting to the heart of the instructional shifts without worrying about the NGSS jargon. For a detailed episode recap, click here . Learn more... Grab your FREE NGSS Glossary HERE . Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExplore...

2 How The NGSS Changes It All 26.08.2019 29:59

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss the biggest changes to science instruction that teachers using the NGSS need to know ! They discuss discovery-centered approaches, student-driven content, storylines, and the "Three Dimensions". This episode will give you a basic overview of what changes you can expect to see as you begin your NGSS journey! Learn more... >> Check out Nicol...

1 How We Got Started With The NGSS 14.08.2019 30:21

In the first episode of the Teaching Science in 3D podcast, Erin and Nicole discuss how they got started working with the NGSS as well as how they began collaborating. They discuss some of the challenges that they experienced when they started working with the Next Generation Science Standards. Learn more... >> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience ! >> C...