Hands-On Science and Essential Labs Grade 11

Sebastian OddoneDistrict SupervisorDivision of Math, Science, and Advanced Academic ProgramsInstructional Discourse forScience Leaders:

Department Chairs

Goals for Department Chair SessionExplore the job description of the Science Department ChairReview essential Internet resourcesDiscuss main objectives of teacher workshopsState News

2NormsWe are all learners todayWe are all working towards the same goalWe share discussion timeWe are respectful of each otherWe turn off all electronic devicesIts all about us!3Review the normsAction-in-common we realize that there are things we must do together to be successful each of us may need to set aside our individual preferences in order to achieve our goal Its time to realize that success really means all of our students in Dade County when you have a problem with a student and they change classes, its the other teachers problem but really it is our problem it is all of our problem we need to offer help We will be gathering as a community next year you will be with your same team I invite you and your team to add another norm Ask them to add one for their particular team

The Role of the Department ChairResponsibilitiesDiscuss what is the role of a Department Chair

LiaisonCommunication FacilitatorResource ProviderMiscellaneous functions

As a team, discuss what is the role of a Department Chair. Describe years of experience in said role.

Review the Science Leader Handbook.

Miscellaneous functions: Science Fair Coordinator, lab coordinator, etc.4Essential Uniform Resource LocatorsDistrict Science Website

Discuss and present content of a useful comprehensive science website

http://science.dadeschools.netDiscuss and present content of a useful comprehensive science website (use large post-it)

Essential URLs5

Professional DevelopmentMake sure to check Weekly Briefings for specific informationName of Session, Dates, LocationName of Instructor/FacilitatorFind Sessions under Instructor (if applicable)Check the status of your session and any related emailsSessions with less than 5 participants will be cancelled by 4 PM two days prior to the session.

Florida State WebsitesFlorida Department of Education http://www.fldoe.org/educatorsAssessmentFCATFCAT 2.0EOCTest Design Summary 2011Senate Bill 4Florida Standards and Course Descriptions http://www.floridastandards.org/

Essential Uniform Resource Locators11Summer PD SessionsGoalsEffective Implementation of the 2010 Pacing Guides with an emphasis in hands-on learningEnhanced questioning strategy skillsExplore hands-on activities designed to promote understanding of specific science content and the nature of science using an explicit-reflective approach.Unwrapping the Benchmarks

12Unwrapping BenchmarksUnwrapping allows educators to:Know and understand the critical attributes of each standardIdentify what prerequisite skills are needed to master the benchmarkPresent learning in a variety of contexts while differentiating for learning needsImplement the appropriate assessment to determine the level of achievementIntegrate the understanding of benchmarks into the continuous improvement model (PDCA)

Continuous Improvement Model (Plan Do Check Act)13Why Unwrap BenchmarksTo ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to learnTo prioritize and discern which benchmarks are most important for academic instructional prioritiesTo establish and drive instructional prioritiesTo determine the rigor and relevance of student work: classwork, homework, interventions, and assessmentTo ensure clarity for instructional targets and what achievement looks like BEFORE instruction beginsTo have regular opportunities (Collaborative Debriefing Time) to discuss benchmarks, learning, and instruction

Unwrapping Benchmarks No-NosA check-off list of benchmarks that you have coveredAn isolated activity unrelated to instruction or assessmentA document for EVERY benchmarkA one-time event

How to UnwrapPrerequisite SkillsWhat knowledge, understanding, or reasoning will you require to achieve this benchmark?VocabularyWhat vocabulary needs to be understood to achieve this benchmark?Achievement CriteriaWhat performance skills or products will you require to demonstrate achievement of this benchmark?Extending LearningHow will you differentiate instruction to extend the learning of the standard?How will you assess achievement?What test or performance will give you data about student progress toward achievement of this benchmark?

Unwrap (Topic 6)SC.B.1.4.1 The student understands how knowledge of energy is fundamental to all the scientific disciplines (e.g., the energy required for biological processes in living organisms and the energy required for the building, erosion, and rebuilding of the Earth). (Also assesses B.1.4.2) - AA Explicit Scientific InquiryComplete the Unpacking Benchmarks WorksheetDesign lesson addressing Pacing Guide topic content and objectives.Design questions that will address the objective of the lab and enhance the instruction of the topic content.Discuss lab activity: Questioning strategies before, during, and after activity.Benefits, constraints, limitations, modifications.Writing in Science.Appropriate technologies to enhance instruction.Explicit approach involves relevant questioning, discussions, and guided reflection to help learners understand aspects of the content. Questions must be planned and carefully placed in the discussion/activity to bring forth student prior knowledge and develop ability to connect to new ideas. How does it tie in to the main benchmark. Focus on NOS, relevant questioning, discussions, and guided reflection.19Continuous Improvement ModelPlan - Data DisaggregationDevelop a school wide timeline that encompasses all tested benchmarks and that incorporates the M-DCPS Testing CalendarCreate an instructional focus calendarDo Instructional FocusFollow district pacing guidesImplement explicit science instruction (Essential Labs)Check AssessmentAnalyze assessment data to monitor trends in each core subject areaIdentify strong and weak areasIdentify problems and/or errors and prioritize skills needing improvementIdentify and share strategies that are/are not workingAct EnrichmentProvide enrichment opportunities to address areas in need of improvementFeedbackWhat items in the professional development session were useful to your instructional practice?

What information would you like to see in future professional development?

How could this professional development be modified to address your specific needs?

Additional question(s) or comment(s)