K’NEX in the Science Classroom

Virginia Rhame, NWAESC Science SpecialistShawna Williams, Farmington 4th Grade Teacher

• Introductions• Agenda• Goals• Food for Thought

The 5-E Model

Science and Engineering Practices

1. Asking questions (science) and defining problems (engineering)

2. Design and using models3. Planning and carrying out investigations4. Analyzing and interpreting data5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Developing explanations (science) and designing

solutions (engineering)7. Engaging in argument8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

5

Assessment

Curricula

Instruction

Teacher development

Achieve Inc., 2011

K-12 Science Education

SEP Sort

? * !Huh? My students

are supposed to

do this?

Kinda, sorta,

maybe, sometimes

They own it

Hmm. . .what’s in the box?

A Modified 5-E Lesson

•Engage: The 3 Pigs & The Scientific Wolf by Mary Fetzner•Explore: Work in Groups of 2, pick a kit, create a structure•Explain: Show and Tell, id where the simple machines are and how they work•Elaborate: ?? Any ideas??•Evaluate: ?? Any ideas??

RTB

• Reflect: When/how were you doing SEP during building of model? What other skills might use of K’NEX help Ss develop?

• Troubleshoot: How can we make sure to Ss get the most out of K’NEX? Where might we run into problems? What do we need to plan for?

• Brainstorm (See handout): What other areas might you pull K’NEX into your SLEs?

K’NEX and a Transportation Engineering Problem

Going Further with K’Nex: Creating Design Lesson/Brief (see handout)

K’necting all the Pieces

• Website Walk• Reflect• Reconnect to Goals• Please take time to complete our

survey. Thanks.