A New Approach to Teaching Science
The model and curriculum found on this website was developed by Cari Williams in a collaborative effort with some of the Tustin Unified School District middle school science teachers. This is a grassroots effort and has been gaining popularity as teachers learn new management systems that allow such major shifts in pedagogy. Our focus is on allowing students to drive their learning and make choices while not punishing those who may need more time or support along the way. As more people begin to use this model and curriculum, we hope that you will also join our Professional Learning Community!
Follow me on Twitter
@CariWilliamz
or email me with any comments, questions, or concerns with the model or curriculum found on this site.
cariw369@gmail.com
@CariWilliamz
or email me with any comments, questions, or concerns with the model or curriculum found on this site.
cariw369@gmail.com
The Model
The 4-part learning progression model presented on this website presents one way to meet the lofty requirements of the NGSS. This model provides systems for peer feedback and revision, promoting a shift to the growth mindset that values the process more than the end product. This model provides systems for mastery grading and differentiation, promoting student-directed learning and a more personalized learning experience.
This Blog Post Explains More
A different model for teaching and learning science needed to come before the NGSS-aligned curriculum in order to set up systems that allow for the major pedagogical shifts expected by those who wrote the NGSS. We must realize that these shifts do not occur overnight and students, parents, and teachers will struggle on their journey. But through professional collaboration and reflection with colleagues and peers, we will all figure this out together! By making our learning visible, it will help others along their journey.
This Blog Post Explains More
A different model for teaching and learning science needed to come before the NGSS-aligned curriculum in order to set up systems that allow for the major pedagogical shifts expected by those who wrote the NGSS. We must realize that these shifts do not occur overnight and students, parents, and teachers will struggle on their journey. But through professional collaboration and reflection with colleagues and peers, we will all figure this out together! By making our learning visible, it will help others along their journey.
The Curriculum
The lessons provided are a starting place for teachers to figure out how they want to teach the NGSS. The curriculum presented will continuously improve over the years as we learn more about three dimensional and phenomenon-based learning.
Timeline:
Summer 2017 and Fall 2017: Unit 1 Revisions Made
Late Fall into Winter 2017: Unit 2 Revisions Made
Winter 2018: Unit 3 Learning Progressions Written
Spring 2018: Unit 4 Learning Progressions Written
Please help us out!
We need help brainstorming the upcoming Units 3 and 4!
Below are the links to the folders containing the brainstorm documents for the remaining Unit 3 and 4 learning progressions. This is a lot of work to do alone! Please consider joining the collaborative, grassroots effort in researching and brainstorming the upcoming learning progressions.
If you are done prepping and have time on a planning day, PLEASE add to these documents below!
6th Grade Brainstorming Documents
7th Grade Brainstorming Documents
8th Grade Brainstorming Documents
Timeline:
Summer 2017 and Fall 2017: Unit 1 Revisions Made
Late Fall into Winter 2017: Unit 2 Revisions Made
Winter 2018: Unit 3 Learning Progressions Written
Spring 2018: Unit 4 Learning Progressions Written
Please help us out!
We need help brainstorming the upcoming Units 3 and 4!
Below are the links to the folders containing the brainstorm documents for the remaining Unit 3 and 4 learning progressions. This is a lot of work to do alone! Please consider joining the collaborative, grassroots effort in researching and brainstorming the upcoming learning progressions.
If you are done prepping and have time on a planning day, PLEASE add to these documents below!
6th Grade Brainstorming Documents
7th Grade Brainstorming Documents
8th Grade Brainstorming Documents
The Blogs
Blogging and sharing our weekly lesson plans has helped many of us figure out our own systems for implementation in Year 1. Our new theme for Year 2 is
REVISE< REFLECT< RISK.
Please take a risk and reflect on our collaborative blogs!
Read this blog post to learn more about our theme for Year 2
Looking for Co-Bloggers!
The blogs next year will have more of a focus on teacher learning through reflection.
Email me at cariw369@gmail.com to be added to our collaborative blogging efforts.
6th Grade MS NGSS Blog
7th Grade MS NGSS Blog
8th Grade MS NGSS Blog
Don't forget to follow my blog "Coaching with Cari".
Complete the form on the homepage to get automatic emails when new blog posts are made.
REVISE< REFLECT< RISK.
Please take a risk and reflect on our collaborative blogs!
Read this blog post to learn more about our theme for Year 2
Looking for Co-Bloggers!
The blogs next year will have more of a focus on teacher learning through reflection.
Email me at cariw369@gmail.com to be added to our collaborative blogging efforts.
6th Grade MS NGSS Blog
7th Grade MS NGSS Blog
8th Grade MS NGSS Blog
Don't forget to follow my blog "Coaching with Cari".
Complete the form on the homepage to get automatic emails when new blog posts are made.
