Philosophy of Science
To help prepare each student to become an environmentally informed citizen, I believe scienceinstruction must be:
Hands On
I achieve this by…
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allowing students to participate in experiments not just be observers
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enabling interaction between students while enjoying science
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using various mediums of support (technologies, textbooks, manipulatives)
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promoting active learning
Inquiry Based
I achieve this by…
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provide opportunities for students to explore scientific phenomena, such as looking for patterns, making observations, recording, and conducting investigations
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directing students to authentically observe, apply, and consolidate scientific ideas
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motivating students to make predictions about questions
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encouraging students to compare, test and revise own explanations
Cross-Curricular
I achieve this by…
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promoting scientific thinking and inquiry in all other content areas
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connecting science to real world examples in student’s homes and communities by instilling the idea that science is everywhere
Scaffolded
I achieve this by…
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providing students with the initial support and materials they need to begin explorations
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guiding students before and during the inquiry process
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providing support through modeling and coaching as students begin to apply scientific reasoning
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diminishing teacher support as the students end the inquiry process, and apply scientific explanations on their own