Developing and Using Models
Models represent reality. Students may think of a model as a physical object, but a scientific model can be a formula, a Punnett square, a labeled diagram, or computer simulation. A good model is explanatory and predictive. Models are based on observations or data. Students should be able to apply a model to a novel […]
How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts with Wisconsin Fast Plants
Hedi Baxter Lauffer, PhD Director, Teaching & Learning Wisconsin Fast Plants Program University of Wisconsin-Madison The Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) recommend we build our lessons to unify learning in 3 dimensions: scientific and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts. However, it can be challenging to include crosscutting concepts explicitly. Lessons taught with Wisconsin Fast […]
7 Ways Carolina Can Support Your NGSS Implementation
The Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS) call for students to engage in science and engineering practices while applying core ideas and cross-cutting concepts. Carolina has many solutions to help you implement these rigorous standards in your classroom. This article describes 7 reasons Carolina is your “go to” source for materials that support NGSS implementation. 1. […]
Integrating Engineering into the Science Classroom with Carolina STEM Challenge® Kits
Schools, science specialists, and teachers are all involved in ensuring that their curricula meet national or state standards for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Most school systems are successfully incorporating the S, T, and M components into their classrooms, but many find the E practices to be particularly daunting. Carolina STEM Challenge® kits are […]
Scientific and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts
What do all sciences have in common? All sciences have a set of practices and conceptual processes in common. How many science classes begin by teaching the scientific method? Our common practices and conceptual processes define our discipline. In the 3-dimensional instructional model, the practices that are part of every scientist’s lessons are listed in dimension […]
Dihybrid Inheritance Patterns with Wisconsin Fast Plants: 3-D Genetics Teaching Actively Engages Learners in Making Sense
Dihybrid genetics versus Monohybrid Inheritance Patterns: Which to choose? Wisconsin Fast Plants seed lines offer both mono- and dihybrid inheritance options for teaching genetics. So, when might you choose the dihybrid model? Answering that question is discussed in this article in the context of planning for how we facilitate genetics investigations with Fast Plants. In […]
Science and Engineering Practices
In the three-dimensional learning model, dimension 1 is science and engineering practices. The National Research Council (NRC) states that “…students cannot fully understand scientific and engineering ideas without engaging in the practices of inquiry and the discourses by which such ideas are developed and refined.” (NRC 2012) Scientific and engineering practices are identified by the NRC […]
Inquiry Is Tough, but So Are You
Innovation is tough in any classroom. However, that’s no reason not to do it! Because high school curricula are typically content-driven, students don’t often have the opportunity to practice learning in novel situations. Many teachers using guided inquiry activities (guided inquiry is a teaching technique, unlike true inquiry where the students direct the learning) have […]
How to Make a Good Scientific Model
Are your students able to generate observations and then construct a good scientific model? After your students complete an inquiry activity, use our scientific model checklist to guide them through constructing and refining a model. Encourage students to use the checklist to ensure their model is sound. Allow lab groups to switch models and critique them. Go […]
Explore Carolina Digital Kits
Carolina kits have gone digital! When you purchase a kit, you will receive access to valuable digital resources on Carolina Science Online. Just create or sign in to your teacher account and redeem the access code sent via email. Most of our kits now come with a digital version of the Teacher’s Manual, which includes these […]