Understanding Concepts in Secondary Science

Catalog description

Standard Grading Scale Terms Offered: All Terms In this course, Relay students will explore the core principles of science instruction that prioritize student sensemaking. They will deepen their understanding of disciplinary core ideas within one science domain (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) by engaging with science instruction through three-dimensional learning experiences centered on an anchoring phenomenon. Relay students will first examine the key tenets of effective science teaching, focusing on the use of phenomena, model-building, and the importance of student-driven explanation construction. They will then experience sensemaking as learners. Relay students will investigate a rich, real-world phenomenon by collecting and analyzing relevant data, building content knowledge, and constructing explanatory models that reflect their evolving understanding of scientific concepts. Throughout the course, students will critically reflect on sensemaking approaches, compare these methods to traditional science instruction, and 87 develop strategies for implementing phenomena-driven science learning in their own classrooms.