Teaching Science In 3D: Recent Episodes
Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler
An on-the-go professional development podcast for busy science teachers. Get a grip on the new science standards and discover ready-to-use strategies to “NGSS your science class.” Don’t just teach the NGSS -- become an NGSS teacher.
In this episode, Erin continues her conversation with middle school science teacher Char Ritchie. Char explains how she builds on the community building practices discussed in the last episode to build a science routines that contribute to a safe classroom community.
More Resources:
- Episode 121: Respect Agreements
- Check out Char’s resources on Teachers Pay Teachers
More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In the second episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin shares conversations with two special guests — Bailey and her 8th grade science teacher, Char Ritchie.
They reflect on their experiences with Respect Agreements (also called Community Agreements) and Community Circles — what worked, what was challenging, and how these practices shaped their classroom community. From both the student and teacher perspective, this episode offers practical insight into building mutual respect and trust in the science classroom.
More Resources:
- Episode 121: Respect Agreements
- Check out Char’s resources on Teachers Pay Teachers
In the final episode of the series, we’ll share strategies for putting these ideas into action in your own classroom.
More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspective on what actually matters during those first few weeks of school.
In the next episode, we’ll dive into Respect Agreements (aka Community Agreements) from her point of view and from the perspective of her 8th grade science teacher.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing quantity with quality in our science classrooms.
More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiation as opportunities to extend and reteach emerge, and better student learning. Let's invite our students to move away from the "I just need to get it done" mentality to focus on the actual content and skills they are learning!
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters!
More Resources:
- Why You Need Vertical Whiteboards In Thinking Classrooms
- Building Thinking Classrooms For Mathematics (Don't let the math scare you away! There really are some great ideas that can be applied to science classrooms, too!)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In the first episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares three ideas to consider implementing this fall that will engage your students in three-dimensional learning in a way that builds skill through consistency and practice -- all without eating up huge chunks of class time OR creating a sense of overwhelm for you or your students.
1) Notice and Wonder Warm Up -- with ideas for extensions that deepen learning and connect to your content!
Relevant Links
- iExploreScience Blog: Classroom Procedures (Science Starter)
- iExploreScience: Notice & Wonder Curiosity Kickstarter (Winter Theme)
- iExploreScience Notice & Wonder Intro Activity (TpT - Free!)
2) What's Going On In This Graph?
Relevant Links:
- NY Times
- iExploreScience Blog: 3 Ways To Incorporate Data & Data Analysis Strategy Guide
3) Crosscutting Concepts Interactive Bulletin Board
Relevant Links:
- Crazy Science Lady (Side Note: I hope she has found more value in the NGSS since writing this post, but either way, I love her idea!)
More Resources:
- 111 Rethink Your Classroom Management Plan Now
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
Erin discusses her recent ADHD diagnosis. She recorded this episode in hopes that it may potentially help other people who suspect they have ADHD or who want to know more about what its like having ADHD.
In this episode:
- Deciding to be assessed - 4:25
- Being a kid with ADHD - 9:45
- Struggles as an adult and in the classroom 22:00
- Deciding on medication - 30:15
- Things that have helped at work and home 34:40
Recommendations:
- Book - ADHD 2.0 (affiliate link)
- Book/Planner - The ADHD Focus Friend (affiliate link)
- Planner - Future ADHD
Other episodes:
- Podcast: Your ADHD Bestie
- Season 10 Episode 2: Things we want teachers to know about ADHD
- 122 Rethinking That Class: What to Do When Classes Feel like a Challenge
- 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan
- 101- The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
Both Nicole and Erin are parents of children with ADHD. Erin was recently diagnosed as having ADHD herself. In this episode, they share the things they've learned in the last year that they wish they would have known.
More Resources:
- 122 Rethinking That Class: What to Do When Classes Feel like a Challenge
- 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan
- 101- The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
Support the show
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
It's been two and a half years since we recorded our last episode. So, where have we been!?!
In this episode we talk about:
- What we've been up to
- Big changes and life updates
- What this season will entail.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support the show
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
It's been a while! Tune into this quick update to learn more about where we've been, what's ahead, and how you can keep learning with us. 🚨 New Podcast!Sincerely Yours, Intentional TeachApple PodcastsSpotifyJoin The Podcast Community:iExplore Teaching & Learning Lab
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In this episode, Nicole shared three commitments she made in her classroom as she transitioned back into the classroom this fall -- as well as strategies that she utilized to keep those commitments.
- "I’m not working [much] outside contract hours."
- "I’m not rushing through my curriculum to get it covered."
- "I’m not relying on grades as motivation."
She also shared a life update as she takes on a new role in her school and what's ahead for Erin, Nicole, and the Teaching Science In 3D Podcast in 2023.
More Resources:
- Amplify Authentic Engagement (iExploreScience Short-Course)
- 91 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Science Classroom
- 101- The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
- S1 E13: How to Use Relationships to Support the NGSS classroom
- Teaching With Respect Agreements (iExploreScience)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In this episode, Nicole shares an aha moment she recently experienced as she was prompted to reflect on her thinking about the strategies and approaches she utilizes in her classroom. So often we seek out the "one right way" to do something, hoping it to be a "fix" for whatever challenge we are experiencing in the classroom. But the reality is, all of our strategies, approaches, materials, tricks... they're all just tools -- not fixes. Explore this idea more in this thought-provoking episode.
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
The anchor phenomenon routine plays an important role in science classes as students develop their abilities to figure out the questions they need to answer to meet their learning goals. In a perfect world, students work through an anchor experience, ask exactly the right questions, and all together identify and decide the most important question to investigate first... but we know these things don’t always (ever?) happen. So how can we get our students where they need to be? An anchor phenomenon routine builds student skills while navigating the learning forward. In this episode, Nicole shares her process to provide an example of what your anchor phenomenon routine might look like.
More Resources:
- 109 Improving Your Classroom Culture After a Break
- 111 Rethink Your Classroom Management Plan Now
- Focusing Student Questions With Your Anchor Phenomenon Routine
(iExploreScience) - Anchor Phenomenon Example Lesson (iExploreScience)
- Four Ways To Actively Engage Students With Anchor Phenomena
(iExploreScience) - Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTasselInstagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience
In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares a few ideas for moving from whole-group instruction to stations-style, small-group learning. Small group activities create the opportunity to work with students individually, scaffolding and extending learning as needed. Because you can interact on a more personal level, it's a great way to meet students' needs academically while also strengthening student-teacher relationships. Moreover, small group learning keeps all students actively engaged (versus more passive whole-group approaches), reduces "chatter challenges," and as Nicole explains, just makes teaching-life so much easier in the process. This episode introduces several types of activities that work well with the small-group instruction format, as well as some tips and tricks on structure and timing.
More Resources:
- Four Strategies To Create A More Student-Centered Day To Day Experience (iExploreScience)
- How To Set Up Science Stations In Your Classroom (iExploreScience)
- How To Teach Nature Journaling
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Join Spark Science for professional development and curricular resources to support your implementation of student-driven, three-dimensional learning.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
What is your start-of-class routine? Is it working? In this episode, Nicole shares her bell-ringer routine -- a transition time that can make-or-break a smooth class experience. She digs into the actual structure of her routine, how she holds students accountable for the tasks, and how she integrates curiosity-building, student-empowering, three-dimensional activities into those first few minutes of class.
More Resources:
- 109 Improving Your Classroom Culture After a Break
- 111 Rethink Your Classroom Management Plan Now
- Building Classroom Culture With Respect Agreements (iExploreScience)
- Strategies To Build Trust And Classroom Community (iExploreScience)
- Classroom Management: Procedures = Prevention (iExploreScience)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Join Spark Science to participate in the upcoming Integrating Student Agency And Expanding Student Ownership professional development program.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
We win any time we can incorporate literacy in science into our daily lessons and activities. One low-prep strategy that I love to use is to ask students to analyze authentic science texts… but let’s be real, those are HARD to understand. Luckily, there are several organizations who do the amazing work at adapting real science work to a student reading level.
More Resources:
- Three Easy Ways To Support NGSS-Aligned Literacy (iExploreScience)
- Text Annotation Strategy Guide: Student Key & Rubric (Free Download)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Explore student-driven curricula and professional development through Spark Science.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
In this episode, Nicole shares how she teaches students to annotate texts, a strategy they can pair with any reading task in the science classroom. Text annotations increase student engagement and comprehension when working with science texts, and they provide the educator a better peek into student understanding of text-based tasks. Plus, text annotations make for a simple, low-prep substitute plan. But of course, you have to teach students the art of annotating texts, and in this episode, you'll get Nicole's step-by-step strategy to build student competence in this life-long learning skill.
More Resources:
- Three Easy Ways To Support NGSS-Aligned Literacy (iExploreScience)
- 19: How to Teach Science Vocabulary
- Text Annotation Strategy Guide: Student Key & Rubric (Free Download)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Explore student-driven curricula and professional development through Spark Science.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
In this episode, Nicole shares her personal reflections on the "labels" we may (inadvertently) assign to classes and how that can impact our relationships, classroom culture, and teaching practice. She shares how this label developed with student block in her own classroom and what she is doing to "rethink and reset" her experiences with this group of students in order to bring more joy and ease back into their work of learning.
More Resources:
* Join The iExploreScience Weekly Newsletter
* 91 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Science Classroom
* S1 E13: How to Use Relationships to Support the NGSS classroom
* Teaching With Respect Agreements (iExploreScience)
* Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
* Explore student-driven curricula and professional development through Spark Science.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.
You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares how she has used respect agreements to establish a positive classroom culture and prevent (and address) behavior challenges within her classroom.
What are respect agreements? In short, respect agreements are an effective classroom management strategy that create a stronger community culture than top-down rules and consequences. Through the agreement development process, all students are given a voice in the establishment of our classroom norms and are therefore held more easily accountable to adhering to them.
More Resources:
- Amplify Authentic Engagement (iExploreScience Short-Course)
- 91 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Science Classroom
- 101- The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
- S1 E13: How to Use Relationships to Support the NGSS classroom
- Teaching With Respect Agreements (iExploreScience)
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Explore student-driven curricula and professional development through Spark Science.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.
Incorporating informal writing opportunities in your classroom can improve student understanding of the scientific content while building student confidence in their ability to communicate in writing. This episode explores some ways to support student writing and some quick and easy task formats to bring more writing into your science classroom.
Additional Resources
- Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
- [Free Workshop] Bring Wonder Back: Intro To The NGSS
- Episode 115 How Do You Use Science Notebooks Now?
- 112 CER – How are evidence and reasoning different?
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Way back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary. This is one of our most popular episodes. So, we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary. If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Sarah Suloff, a life science/biology teacher with a passion for and expertise in using nature journaling in the classroom. She shares why you may want to consider bringing nature journaling into your classes, her experience doing so, and some practical tips and tricks to get started.
If you would like to follow up with Sarah, you can find her at https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lynn.science/ --- and please share your experiences with nature journaling with us, whether you're a veteran or just giving it a go! <3
Other Resources
- Using a Notice and Wonder Activity - Sadler Science
- How to Teach Nature Journaling by John Muir Laws and Emily Lygren (Free Download)
- Bring Wonder Back: Intro To 3D Teaching - iExploreScience (Free Workshop Series)
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Have you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be? You aren't alone. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills. This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school.
Click here to read the episode recap.
Other Episodes to Check Out
- Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations
- All About Anchoring Phenomena
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines
Other Resources
- Using a Notice and Wonder Activity - Sadler Science
- Four Ways to Actively Engage Students with Anchoring Phenomena - iExplore Science
- Asking Questions - Sadler Science
- How to Teach Nature Drawing by John Muir Laws and Emily Lygren (Free Download)
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
This episode comes from a listener's question about science notebooks. Lindsay from New Mexico asked the following question.
"I would love to learn more about incorporating interactive notebooks into the NGSS classroom. Do you follow [the] left/right side [structure]? How do you grade them? Do you use them as a lab notebook as well?"
This is a simple question with lots of parts. So, we'll answer. them one at a time. Click here for the episode recap.
Other Episodes to Listen to
- 35 Better Interactive Notebooks for NGSS
- S3 E11: Balancing Science Writing & Exploration with NGSS
Other Resources
- Interactive Notebooks in the Science Classroom Made Simple -Sadler Science
- The Traditional Method For Organizing an Interactive Notebook - Sadler Science
- 5 Ways to Improve Your Interactive Notebooks - Sadler Science
- Interactive Science Notebooks For The NGSS - iExploreScience
- Teaching With Science Notebooks [Inside Spark Science]
If you are just starting your journey with the NGSS and are looking for a clearer picture on what it looks like in the classroom and means for your instruction, check out the Bring Wonder Back Workshop. This is a FREE workshop series designed to get you started. Visit iexplorescience.com/wonder for details.
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
Your district adopted a science curriculum. You hoped it would be well aligned with the NGSS. But, after reviewing it, you realized it wasn't built for 3D learning. You aren't alone.
This week we answer this question from Kim in California. The name of the publisher she mention has been removed because we believe the problems she is discussing are not unique to this particular publisher.
Kim says "I am a 7th and 8th-grade science teacher. Our district adopted [an integrated curriculum]. As a team, we don't love the program. The spiral organization doesn't really make sense and the SEPs and CCCs don't seem smoothly integrated. Do you have suggestions on how to adapt or utilize [this curriculum] specifically or adopted curricula in general? Thanks!"
Check out the full episode recap here.
Once you've listened, here is an episode for each of the things you can choose to work on:
- Science and Engineering Practices
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- Crosscutting Concepts
- Phenomena
- Discovery-Based Learning
Other Resources:
- How to Create Engaging Storylines - Erin's Blog Post
- FREE 3d Lesson Planner - Sadler Science
- Nicole's Free Bringing Wonder Back Workshop
Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
While traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learning, shifts ownership and responsibility for student work where it belongs (to your students!), and creates an environment where teachers can more easily meet the needs of individual students and small groups.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience shares how she sets up science stations to shift ownership of learning to her students and create more ease and flow for herself in the classroom. Beyond the logistics of implementing stations, she shares some thoughts on the types of activities - from phenomenon-focused questioning and exploration to explain-style tasks and formative assessment - that work great as science stations.
Other Resources
- Why I Use Classroom Stations For Science Instruction [iExploreScience Blog]
- How To Set Up Science Stations In Your Classroom [iExploreScience Blog]
- 3 Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Science Classroom [Sadler Science Blog]
- Episode 8: How to Really Use The 5E Model [Teaching Science In 3D Blog]
- [Free Workshop] Bring Wonder Back: Intro To The NGSS
- Designing 5E Instructional Sequences [Find This Course Within The Spark Subscription]
If you are just starting your jouney with NGSS and want to find out what it looks like in the classroom, check out the Bringing Wonder Back Workshop. This is a FREE workshop series designed to get you started. Visit iexplorescience.com/wonder for details.
The CER is a framework that was created to help students with the practice of engaging in an argument using evidence. It helps them understand the difference between parts of an argument. However, it is often confusing for them to distinguish between evidence and reasoning.
We received this question from Ben in Michigan. "The difference between evidence and reasoning gets very blurry. I don't understand the difference." Don't worry Ben! We are here to help.
In this episode, Erin explains the difference and gives you tips for using the CER Framework in your classroom.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Other Resources
* 5 Ways to Use the Practice of Engaging in an Argument
* Episode 78: Improving Scientific Arguments
* Nicole's Analyzing and Interpreting Data FREEBIE
* Erin's Resource for Teaching Argumentation
* CAST Item Specifications
Most often, we think of the back-to-school time as the best time to rethink your classroom management plan. However, it's never a bad time to rethink your strategy in the classroom.
Arguably, this school year was the most difficult one for teachers. If you struggled with classroom management, you weren't alone. In this episode, we discuss what traditional strategies to keep. Then, we let you know which strategies are better left in the past.
Teaching science in a three-dimensional learning environment often feels overwhelming. Many teachers ask us where to start. Here's our answer: It depends.
Each teaching situation is unique. There are differences in time constraints, demographics, resources and so much more. Therefore, your strategy for approaching 3D teaching and learning also needs to be unique.
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss two main strategies for getting started. And, they list several episodes that you can listen to once you've decided which approach to use. To get a full list of episodes that accompany this episode, check out the FULL Episode recap here.
View Erin and Nicole's resources on their blogs:
- Erin's blog: Sadler Science
- Nicole's blog: iExplore Science
Wonder where we have been? Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast.
We would love to answer your questions on the podcast. Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons.
In this episode, Nicole and Erin help you craft a game plan for returning after a break -- from actually taking a rest to making the transition back to teaching in a way that sets you and your students up for success.
More Resources:
- Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
What do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling.
More Resources:
- Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
Authentic learning requires our students to step up and truly engage, truly join the process. But in truth, that's easier said than done... for our students. Learning is scary! It makes us vulnerable. There is a real risk of failure, of embarrassment, of challenging the good things we think about ourselves and reinforcing the bad things. So how can we support our students in taking this leap? How can we scaffold exploration and discovery? In this solo episode, Nicole shares a few ways you can support students as they embark on their authentic learning journey.
Referenced Resources:
- Spark Subscription
- 101 The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
The NGSS completely changed the world of science education. As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers. However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement. And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science.
In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom.
In this episode, Nicole and Erin answer the listener question, "Are there fewer labs with the NGSS?" Like many things with the NGSS, there isn't a simple answer. Get their take on NGSS and lab activities.
More Resources:
- Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
If you are a teacher, chances are you've been overwhelmed by students talking at least once in your career. And, we have all had those classes that are SUPER chatty. It feels like you can't get a word in edgewise. So, what do you do about it?
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what to do when your students never seem to stop talking. They explore common assumptions around student talk. Then, they provide strategies to help you deal with your chatty class.
Other Episodes to Check Out
- How to teach for student discovery
- The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
More Resources:
- Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
One of the common mistakes that teachers make with Science and Engineering Practices is that they teach students the practice at the wrong grade band level. Written as a progression from kindergarten through 12th grade, the practices become more complex as students get older. The idea is that students have the opportunity to get more proficient as time goes on, carrying out each practice at a more sophisticated level. We've talked a lot about this progression on the podcast, but in this episode, Erin outlines in detail how to use the progression -- as well as some common mistakes teachers often make.
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
- Download the NSTA Matrix for the SEPs here.
In any community, communication is key. Your classroom is a community, and establishing effective communication practices is vital to success and "smooth sailing." But communication is HARD. Whether it's expressing directions or expectations, or digging deep into feelings and advocating our needs -- communication is not easy. In this podcast, Nicole shares the 5 Point Scale strategy you can use to improve communication in your science class -- both from teacher-to-student and from student-to-teacher (and for student-to-student!). The 5 Point Scale can also help build self-awareness and provides opportunities for students to practice metacognition when applied to their own learning.
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
When things aren't working, sometimes you need to come back to the basics. In this episode, we look at the brain science behind student engagement (or lack thereof) in the classroom. In the midst of a global pandemic, the "stuff that gets us by" might not be effective enough to "get us by" -- so we may find value in returning to the foundations of authentic engagement and successful 3D teaching: strong classroom relationships, safe community, and routines. This episode (the first of a short series) digs into what's going on in your students' brains as the first step to understanding what you can do to meet their needs right now while paving the way for more successful learning in your classroom moving forward.
Click here for the full episode recap.
Referenced Resources:
- Spark Subscription
- Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain*
More Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
*affiliate link
Nicole and Erin have learned so much in the last 100 episodes! In this episode, they recount what they have learned about 3D teaching in the last 100 episodes. They talk about where they are now and how it is different from where they started. They discuss their wins as well as their challenges and mistakes.
Now that you've taught your students about the Crosscutting Concepts, it's time to use them in your classroom. The more often that students make connections to the CCCs, the more valuable that they become. In this episode, Erin provides you with 5 easy-to-implement Crosscutting Concept examples to use in your classroom.
Click here to see the full episode recap.
Also, before listening to this episode, make sure that you have heard episode 98: How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts
More Resources:
- FREE Download - 55 Ready-to-Use Crosscutting Concept Questions
- Buy Erin's Crosscutting Concept Reference Sheets and Graphic Organizers
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
Even though the Crosscutting Concepts are a vital part of student understanding of science, they are often forgotten in the lesson planning process. In this episode, Erin discusses how to evaluate your lessons and teach the Crosscutting Concepts.
Check out the episode recap here.
Other Episodes:
- 29: How to Integrate the Crosscutting Concepts
- 64: Quick wins with the Crosscutting Concepts
Resources:
- Get Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Planner Template
- Buy Erin's Crosscutting Concept Reference Sheets and Graphic Organizers
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
When you are starting your unit, you want to make sure that your activities are very accessible for all students. In this episode, we discuss activities that don't require a lot of prior knowledge to complete. These will help lead your students into the unit in a meaningful and attainable way.
Other Resources:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
What Should We Do (And Not Do) When Beginning A Unit? In this recording from a pop-up training the Spark Student Driven Science Learning Facebook group, Nicole shares three things she keeps in mind when beginning a phenomenon-based unit.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 17: Using Student Questions to Build Storylines
- Episode 87: How to Choose Better Phenomena
- Episode 94: What To Do With Student Questions
Other Resources:
- YouTube - Why Your Students Won't Ask Questions - By Nicole VanTassel
- Blog Post - Using Student Questions in Your NGSS Storyline - By Erin Sadler
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
As we head into this school year, we know students didn't get the same quality of schooling that they had in the past. So, what do we do about it? How important is prior knowledge in a science class? Do you need to build background knowledge for your students in order for them to be successful? In this episode, we talk all about prior knowledge and explain why you don't have to frontload information in your science units.
This episode is part of the three-episode series that discusses meeting our students where they are when they enter our classrooms this year. Here are the other episodes in the series:
Episode 96 - Coming Soon
Episode 97 - Coming Soon
Other Resources
- Be Curious Community Cohort - Click here for application information.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
Asking questions is one of the Science and Engineering Practices. But what is the significance of the practice? What do you do with those questions? Find out in this episode.
Read the full episode recap here.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 10: How to Teach for Student Discovery
- Episode 17: Using Student Questions to Build Storylines
- Episode 87: How to Choose Better Phenomena
Other Resources:
- YouTube - Why Your Students Won't Ask Questions - By Nicole VanTassel
- Blog Post - Using Student Questions in Your NGSS Storyline - By Erin Sadler
- Be Curious Community Cohort - Click here for application information.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
- Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
An NGSS classroom is a unique learning environment. Sometimes, this leads to confusion. So, it's important to create buy-in right away. Learn how to get parent and admin support for the major shifts that come with the NGSS.
Related episodes:
- 3 Mistakes You're Making with Your NGSS Tests
- How to Teach for Student Discovery
- What to Avoid When You Head Back to School
Other resources:
- Click here to grab your FREE 3D Planner.
- Click here to grab your FREE Storyline Starter and check out the Spark Subscription.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
If you have been teaching for a while you know that relationships are important in the classroom. In fact, we have talked about it over and over on the podcast. So, in this episode, we decided to dive deeper into this concept. Let's find out why it's important to build relationships, especially in the science classroom.
Other Episodes to Listen to:
- How to Choose Better Phenomena
- How to Use Relationships to Support the NGSS Classroom
Other resources:
- Click here to grab your FREE Storyline Starter and check out the Spark Subscription.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
Often, the first days of school are referred to as the honeymoon period. Generally, students are on their best behavior. They are quieter and more reserved than at any other point in the school year. But, this period doesn't last long. In science, it's important to take advantage of this back-to-school period to set the tone for the year.
Other Episodes to Listen to:
- 10: How to Teach for Student Discovery
- 19: How to Teach Science Vocabulary
- 36: Letting Go of the Scientific Method
Other ways to connect:
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get Erin's back-to-school freebie here.
NGSS aligned tests are very different from traditional assessments. The three-dimensional nature of the standards makes these standards challenging to assess. Are you making one of these common mistakes on your summative assessments?
If you liked this episode, you may also want to listen to:
- How to Prevent Cheating on NGSS Assessments
- Using the Performance Expectations to Build Units
- Developing and Using Models for NGSS
Here are other ways to connect with us:
- Click here to grab your FREE Storyline Starter and check out the Spark Subscription.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
The performance expectations are a great place to start when building your units. But, you need to be careful that you aren't just teaching what is listed in the PEs. In this episode, we discuss how to use the performance expectations to build bundles and units with great phenomena. The goal is to create units that authentically connect to the phenomenon so that it doesn't feel forced.
If you found this episode helpful, you may also want to check out:
- Episode 87: How to Choose Better Phenomena
- Episode 77: All About Anchoring Phenomena
- Blog Post: Using Evidence Statements to Write Objectives
Let's Connect:
- Click hereto grab your FREE Storyline Starter and check out the Spark Subscription.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
Choosing great phenomena isn't easy. Phenomena need to be relevant and engaging in order to meet their intended purpose. But, what makes a great phenomenon great? Get examples of great phenomena and learn how to find your own in this episode.
To check out the full episode recap, click here.
If you enjoyed this episode, here are a few others you can check out:
- Episode 77 - All About Anchors
- Episode 55- Three Things Holding You Back from 3D Learning
- Episode 37 - Does the NGSS Do Enough to Prepare Students
Get More Help from the Teaching Science in 3D podcast!
- Click hereto grab your FREE Storyline Starter and check out the Spark Subscription.
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get on the Waitlist for the Student-Driven Investigations Course by clicking here: SadlerScience.com/investigate
Summer is finally here! After the exhausting year that you have had, you need as much relaxation as you can get. If you are a science teacher who is planning to spend some time prepping this summer, here are things to focus on. These are quick and easy things you can do that won't eat into your summer rest time.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Grab your next Anchor Experience and experience teaching student-driven storylines with the Spark Subscription Trial
- The Student-Driven Investigation Course is available to purchase this week only! Go to SadlerScience.com/investigate to learn more.
This week on the podcast, listen as Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience interviews Nicole H., a high school biology teacher who has done the work getting her school and district on board with three dimensional teaching and learning. It has not been an easy journey (and if you're in the same boat, I know you're nodding along!), but Nicole has some great insight on what worked and what didn't as she worked toward change in her local school system.
If you'd like to connect with Nicole, you can find her on Facebook right here.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Grab your next Anchor Experience and experience teaching student-driven storylines with the Spark Subscription Trial
Are you making the most of your science investigations? When Erin started teaching, she definitely wasn't.
She started by using a mostly lecture-based model for her classroom. Then, when she began to incorporate investigations she didn't consider the purpose of the investigations. Therefore, they didn't add as much value to her classes as they could have.
In this episode, Erin shares easy strategies that she has adopted to add purpose to the science investigations in her classroom.
For a full episode recap click here.
Do you want to join Erin's Free training on June 7th? Click here for info.
Other Episodes to Check Out
- How to Teach for Student Discovery
- How to Teach Science Vocabulary
- How to Include More Exploration
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
Are you using recipe-style science labs in your classroom? While these activities are common, they don't teach students how to plan and carry out investigations. In this episode, Erin discusses the main reasons that teachers are afraid to ditch these recipe-style labs. Then, she provides easy to implement solutions.
If you are interested in learning more about student-driven investigations, get on the waitlist for Erin's Student-Driven Investigations Course.
For a full episode recap, click here.
Other Episodes to Check Out
How to Teach for Student Discovery
* Saying Goodbye to Lessons on the Scientific Method with NGSS*
* How to Teach Science Vocabulary
Let's Connect
* Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
* Submit a Question
* Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
* Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
* Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
This week, Nicole expands on the exploration discussion from last week and discusses how you can "flip" existing lessons to add more opportunities for exploration and discovery. You don't always have to reinvent the wheel, even when you're aiming for exploration-based three-dimensional learning. Oftentimes, simple tweaks and revisions can turn a flat traditional lesson into a three-dimensional discovery experience. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Register for Nicole's June workshop - Exploration Alchemy: Flip Your Lesson For Discovery at www.iexplorescience.com/monthly.
More Resources:
- Episode 6: How to Make Sense of the Science and Engineering Practices
- Episode 8: How to Really Use the 5E Model
- Episode 10: How to Teach for Student Discovery
- Episode 66: Engaging Students in Constructing Explanations
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
This week, Nicole and Erin answer a listener question from Michelle in Washington. Michelle asked, "I would love to know more about how students go through the explore phase. How do you find activities for the students? How do you progress monitor?" She also asks, "how long is an explore phase?" We answer these questions and more in this episode.
More Resources:
- Episode 6: How to Make Sense of the Science and Engineering Practices
- Episode 8: How to Really Use the 5E Model
- Episode 10: How to Teach for Student Discovery
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
The 2020-2021 academic year hasn’t been easy, but for some teachers, it hasn’t been without success either. Meet Mercedes.
“I think I’m still in the middle, but I’m moving closer… it is that spectrum.” [2:50]
Mercedes began exploring how to use three-dimensional teaching in her middle school science classroom just a few years ago, and in this podcast episode, she shares both her successes and where she’s still learning and growing. This candid conversation is both a celebration of what is possible and a reflection on where there’s still space to improve (because we ALL have space to improve). Mercedes’ natural inclination toward engagement, discussion, and empowering student ownership has given her a jumpstart in implementing three-dimensional, student-owned science, but her reflective nature is truly what is making her the amazing teacher she is — it’s allowed her to identify her “next steps” to take her teaching - and her students’ learning - even further.
This episode is sure to spark that reflection in your own teaching - your planning, in how you craft your activities and respond to student questions, and even in more subtle areas like assumptions about student abilities and performance. You’ll also walk away with a few phenomena ideas for science topics like weather and climate, some strategies for encouraging student reflection about participation and talk, and a simple introduction to “flipping” your science lessons for greater exploration.
Click here for the full episode recap.
Additional Resources
- Connect With Mercedes G. >> Instagram
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines - Podcast Episode 17
- 67 [TT] Who Is Doing The Talking?
- 59 Creating A Culture Of Engagement And Connection: Interview With Middle School Teacher Debbie J.
- iExploreScience Be Curious Cohorts Wait List
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
Adopting a curriculum is a major hurdle to overcome in the shift to NGSS. However, after the adoption, you might start to notice that the curriculum isn't connecting with your students. We have found that it's nearly impossible to create an NGSS Curriculum that is one size fits all. Listen to this week's episode to find out why and what you can do about it.
For the full episode recap, click here.
Here are more resources to help you with NGSS Curriculum:
- All About Anchors - Podcast Episode 77
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines - Podcast Episode 17
- How I Create Cohesive Storylines - Sadler Science
Let's Connect
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
The Science and Engineering Practice of Engaging in an Argument from Evidence is often tricky for students to master. Here are five easy ways to that you can scaffold science arguments for your students.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
We know we're supposed to be using phenomena, but what kind? How often? What's an anchor and how is it different from other phenomena? We know that anchoring phenomena can be confusing for science teachers when you're just getting started. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss what anchors are and how they can be used. Then, they share a few common mistakes they've made that you can hopefully avoid!
More Resources For Anchoring Phenomena:
- How to Use Student Questions to Build Storylines - Podcast Episode 17
- Are you making the most out of your demos?
- Anchoring Phenomena: Three Common Mistakes - iExplore Science Blog Post
- Using a Notice and Wonder Activity to Introduce Phenomena - Sadler Science Blog Post
- Why This?: Creating Anchored Science Experiences - Free Workshop Registration
- Anchor Freebie: Spark Subscription Wait List
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) discusses two ways to bundle your NGSS. What are the pros and cons of the Topic Model versus the Phenomenon Model? Which one might be right for you? How can you use the way you bundle your standards to support three dimensional teaching and learning? If you’ve been thinking ahead to changing up how you organize your units, this episode is for you. And even if you haven’t thought of it yet, you may find some inspiration to do so!
Additional ResourcesBundling The NGSS
Be Curious Community Cohorts
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Get on the wait list for the next Be Curious Community Cohort now!
We tend to think about learning as a "steady stream," an incremental progress forward. But how often does learning really happen that way? In this week's Thursday Thought, let's take a minute to consider how learning really plays out for our students and what that might mean for our approach in the classroom. If you're feeling like you aren't making the "progress you should be," this episode is for you.
And if you're ready to make a more concentrated "leap forward," be sure to check out the Be Curious Community Cohorts. Enrollment is open for the Summer 2021 Session.
Additional ResourcesBe Curious Community Cohorts
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Get on the wait list for the next Be Curious Community Cohort now!
In this episode, Erin and Nicole share a few concrete strategies for elevating engineering in your science class -- no matter what level you're currently at. They review the four stages that many teachers move through as they integrate engineering and provide a few actionable items to go one step further.
If you didn't listen to last week's episode, be sure to head over to 72 How Well Are You Integrating Engineering? first and identify where you are in terms of integrating engineering. Then, discover a few ideas designed to inspire you to take another step on your NGSS journey.
Additional ResourcesEngineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It
TeachEngineering
Engineering @ STEMTeachingTools
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Get on the wait list for the next Be Curious Community Cohort now!
Erin discusses a science activity that her daughter brought home that wasn't exactly developmentally appropriate. She discusses the concept of Too Much, Too Soonand encourages you to ask yourself if you can think of any examples from your own lessons.
Summer Course - Student-Led InvestigationsThe waitlist is now live for Erin's summer course on student-led investigations. Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss four stages many teachers move through as they integrate engineering into their science classes. If you aren't yet sold on "engineering" in science, they outline why it's an important aspect of science that we should be including and provide a framework to consider how you might make the shift toward a more balanced approach to science and engineering. Where are YOU on the progression? Listen to find out!
Additional ResourcesEngineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
"My students just aren't curious!" I get it - I hear it all the time, and I do agree, oftentimes middle and high school students don't seem very curious. But here's a thought: are your students "not curious" or are they just not curious about your content? And if it's the latter, what can we do?
Make space for "social learning" -- because that's what matters to our students. How can our content and our instruction bring in this "social experience"? How can we better connect what's relevant to our students to what needs to be the focus of our classroom?
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel shares some thoughts and strategies to capitalize on our adolescents' social drives (and desire to find their place in society!) to move their science learning forward.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Nicole interviews high school Earth Science Teacher Alyssa Weisenstein. Alyssa is the creator behind Teacher On A Trip, a blog about using national parks as phenomena. Alyssa loves to travel and brings this enthusiasm into her science classes. She weaves the amazing geographic resources we have here in the United States into her Earth Science storylines.
View the episode recap here.
Additional ResourcesTeacher On A Trip
NGSS Earth Science Storylines On Facebook
Alyssa Weisenstein on Instagram
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Erin discusses a simple self-evaluation strategy. Simply write down what you are already doing in your classroom and how it connects to phenomena and each of the three dimensions. Then, come up with one next step that you can take to improve your lesson sequences moving forward.
To sign up for Erin's newsletter and receive her free template, click here.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss using demonstrations in your NGSS classroom. Too often, demos can translate to "teaching as telling" -- or a "sage on the stage" style of teaching. But it does NOT have to be this way. Tune in to discover how you can use demos effectively while carrying out three-dimensional instruction and actively engaging your students in science learning.
For a full episode recap, click here.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
"The one doing the talking is the one doing the learning." Have you heard it before? My guess is, probably. But what more do we know about this idea? In this week's Thursday thought, Nicole looks at this "catch phrase" in light of what we know about learning and development. Whether you are sold on the idea or not, this quick episode will give you something to think about as you plan your next learning experience.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss how to develop explanations with students so that you can transition from a "teaching as telling" approach to a more student-centered learning experience.
Here are more resources to help you use a student-centered approach in your classroom:
- Teaching for Student Discovery
- Using the 5E Model
- What does direct instruction look like with NGSS?
- How to Teach Science Vocabulary
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
It's true. The NGSS can be totally overwhelming. So, it's important to start small.
In this episode, Erin discusses how you can choose one small area of focus. Then, build upon it to bring in a 3D approach into your science class.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
In this episode, Erin explains that Crosscutting Concepts can give you some quick wins in your science class. Teachers are overwhelmed with the number of things that they have to do right now. Erin explains how to easily incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into your lesson sequences.
Here are some of the question that she answered:
- Why do we need to teach the Crosscutting Concepts?
- Why are the Crosscutting Concepts a great place to start?
- What are the benefits of including the Crosscutting Concepts?
- How do you explicitly teach the Crosscutting Concepts in your Classroom?
Here are the resources that she mentioned in this episode:
- Sign up for Erin's newsletter to get her 3D lesson plan template for free. Click here to sign up.
- Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Middle School
- Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Upper Elementary School
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
* Find the Teaching Science in 3D Podcast on Instagram & Facebook
* Submit a Question
* Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
* Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Dr. Salina Gray about her experiences teaching virtually this year. They discuss the schedules, routines, and practices Salina uses to create a classroom culture where kids show up , take risks, and truly engage in their own learning.Let's Stay Connected In 2021You still have time to catch the replays from the totally free Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners workshop!
We dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do,
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students,
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom
You can register to access the replays and resources from this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Find the Teaching Science in 3D Podcast on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Have you ever had a really rough day where nothing worked? Has that ever happened during a virtual observation? That happened to Erin last week.
In the end, it wasn't perfect. But she ended up finding out there were many good things happening that she totally missed. Listen to hear more.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
- Get Erin's new 3D lesson self-assessment tool by signing up for her email list. Click here to join.
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
You may call them an extension, elaborate, or enrichment activities. No matter what you call them, they often lack meaning in a traditional classroom.
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what these episodes look like in a traditional science classroom. Then, they discuss why you might want to rethink some of these strategies. Finally, they provide some ideas for what to do instead. Click here for the full episode recap.
Other Resources:
- How to Really Use the 5E Model (Podcast Episode)
- Integrate Engineering: A How-to Guide for Science Teachers
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
I've noticed a trend -- my daughter balks when I ask her a question. She is terrified of being wrong. And even if it's something that may not have a right answer, even if we are just exploring ideas, she hesitates.
Thinking back, I know my students did the same.
So how can you invite discussion, exploring ideas, interaction without putting students on the spot? Without scaring them away?
Introducing the... "I wonder why..." statement.
(I mean, I didn't invent it... but I noticed it works!)
Learn more in this episode.
Let's Stay Connected In 2021I started off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners. While the live workshops are over, you can still catch the replays and utilize the resources.
Over three sessions, we dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do,
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students,
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom
You can still grab your replays and resources for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
Connecting with our students and engaging them in our science classroom is more important than ever if we aim to continue our work as educators… but right now, it’s hard.
It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.
In this week’s episode, we are interviewing middle school teacher, Debbie Juracich — who, like you, is experiencing teaching through the challenges that 2020 brought and 2021 has not yet relieved. She has experienced the schedule changes, shifting admin demands, missing out on hands-on activities, and seeing black Zoom screens where she once saw real human faces. She gets it!
But her students are still engaged. They are still connected. It’s not perfect — and she explicitly wanted to point out afterward: not every day goes this way. But there are enough bright moments to carry her on and keep her focused on what matters.
So what’s her secret? What’s the secret sauce to creating a culture of engagement and connection — even in a virtual/hybrid/COVID-era setting??
Tune in to find out. <3
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Erin has been seeing the phrase "relationships over rigor" everywhere this year. And, while relationships are incredibly important in the classroom, they don't need to come at the expense of rigor.
Listen to this episode to hear Erin's thoughts.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook or on the Website.
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
- Enroll in a Be Curious Community Cohort now.
Implementing 3D learning requires a growth mindset. In this episode, we discuss three mindset shifts for science teachers that make the transition easier.
Other Resources to Help You Make the Shift
- Season 1, Episode 10 - How to Teach for Student Discovery
- Season 1 Episode 8 - How to Use the 5E Model
- Using Student Questions in Your NGSS Storylines - Sadler Science
- Core Values for 3D Learning and Life - iExplore Science
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Simply Science Workshop - Curiosity Driven Storylines
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
The other day, while on a hike, my son yelled out, "I'm on the highest tree in the world!"
It got me thinking... what does it take to create such exuberance and pride in our learners? What do they need from us? How can we support them in building this agency and this confidence?
I have a few thoughts, and I hope you'll spend about 5 minutes with me to consider how you can help bring the same excitement and sense of achievement my 3 year old felt climbing a tree-root-ball to your students in your science class.
Let's Stay Connected In 2021I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.
We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do,
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students,
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom
You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Are you having trouble implementing 3D learning in your classroom? Listen to the top 3 things that we have found hold teachers back.
Nicoles Storylines Workshop: Curiosity Driven Storylines
Check out these 3D Learning Resources to help get you started:
- Sadler Science: Your Questions About 3 Dimensional Learning Answered
- iExplore Science - 4 Ways to Engage Students with Phenomena During Distance Learning
- Season 1, Episode 4 - How you know it's not NGSS
- 3 Exploration Activities that will Transform Your Remote Learning Classroom
For the full episode recap, click here.
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Teachers are working harder than they ever have before. And often, we feel like there is so much more to do. The solution isn't working more hours because there are only so many hours in the day.
For Erin, multitasking hindered her productivity for years. When she started batch working, her productivity increased significantly. Learn about the changes she made and how they worked for her.
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Here's the thing: SMART goals don't work for everyone.
They don't work for me.
This year I learned about a totally different way to set goals and plan for what's ahead -- and (here's the important part!) actually make progress towards it! -- that resonates way better with my own approaches and work flow. And I know it's working, because I'm already seeing some of my goals come to life. <3
In this Thursday Thought, I want to share this process with you. I want you to be able to look ahead to 2021 and see the changes you want to make in your classroom, your teacher practice, your relationships, and your life in general -- and actually make goals that get you closer to your objectives!
Let's Stay Connected In 2021I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.
We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do,
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students,
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom
You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
As we come to the end of the year - and especially this year, when you may feel like there’s so many doors you JUST WANT TO CLOSE and move on from - but really often any year, I think we tend to get excited about moving forward, focus all our energy on our new start, and we forget to look back on what came before.
And while it’s certainly not great to dwell on the past or live in it or anything like that >> there’s certainly value in giving ourselves a little space for reflection.
So I decided before I took time to look ahead, I was going to sit and reflect on where I’d been, where I was coming from, and then (here’s the important part) USE that information to help me look ahead — more mindfully, more realistically, really more usefully.
So with that in mind, I wanted to challenge you this week — before you get caught up in New Years resolutions and all of that — to take a few minutes to sit, reflect, and process.
Then you can use that information to guide you forward:
to help you identify the changes you may want to make (and what you want to keep the same!),
and to help you implement those changes in ways that will last.
So some questions or prompts you may want to consider:
- What were my favorite memories?
- What advice would I give myself if I traveled back to the beginning of 2020?
- How do I truly feel about the past year?
- What is my year in ONE sentence or ONE word?
Let's Stay Connected In 2021I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.
We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do,
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students,
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom
You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder
Get More Help With 3D Teaching
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
How much do we know about what our students really think about a science concept before we start teaching?
We've all seen the studies about how important it is to activate prior knowledge before we start a new lesson or unit. Building on previous learning is an amazing way to deepen understandings and improve retention -- for sure!
But how often are we spending time identifying misconceptions?
Are we even aware our students have them?
And what do we do about them?Here's a little Thursday Thought to get you started!
PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience!
One of the last things I really “got the hang of” when it came to designing NGSS-aligned curriculum was the use of phenomenon. The problem with this statement is that phenomena should have been where I started. When it comes to 3D learning, science isn’t about learning facts and figures for their own sake but rather in order to explain things that happen in the natural world -- phenomena.Duh.
I missed the point there.
Learn from my mistakes in this Thursday Thought!
PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience!
✨ Engaging our students is a key part of learning…
… so how do we make it happen? ✨
😬
And what if we’ve been going at it the wrong way?
Let's take a quick moment to reflect on how we're engaging our students in this week's Thursday Thought, and consider... could there be a better way?
PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience!
As you gather with loved ones (or enjoy a day by yourself), we just wanted to say... we are grateful for YOU.
Thanks for letting me and Erin be a part of your learning journey.
Yours. <3
PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience!
So I learned the hard way the importance of relationships for classroom management.
Have you been there?
I totally trashed my classroom culture my first year... rookie mistake.
And while I was busy rebuilding my classroom community so I could, you know, function on the day to day, I considered establishing strong student relationships as part of my classroom management strategy.
I didn’t realize the profound impact it would actually have on my students’ ability to LEARN.
As I’ve learned how our brain is hardwired, I have realized how fundamentally important positive student-teacher relationships are — they are literally the FIRST step to “priming” our students to engage with our content.
Let's chat why in this bonus Thursday Thoughts episode!
Teaching science in a “socially just and rigorous way” means creating learning spaces “where students’ whole-selves and interests are engaged and reflected within classroom science."
In this recording of a live video, I talked with Dr. Gray and Dr. Patterson Williams about their educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy (WSP).
The designers identified 5 commitments (w)holistic science teachers make:
(1) a commitment to an ever-developing self-awareness,
(2) a commitment to science and its practices,
(3) a commitment to science as a transformative agent,
(4) a commitment to their students’ social emotional wellness, and
(5) a commitment to restorative practices.
We talked about a few of these commitments and how WSP and its approaches align so well with the work we are doing in our NGSS classes to engage all science learners, tie science learning to the real world, and prepare students for the 21st century world and its demands. This conversation was truly transformational, focusing on how we can really bring our students whole-selves -- our students exactly as they are -- into our science classrooms.
To see the video and see the full bio for Dr. Alexis Patterson Williams and Dr. Salina Gray, check out the YouTube version of this episode here.
Who are Dr. Patterson Williams and Dr. Gray?
Alexis Patterson Williams, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Patterson’s research lies at the intersection of equity studies, social psychology, and science education. Her recent project has led to the development of an educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy, with her colleague and sister scholar, Dr. Salina Gray.
Salina Gray, PhD has spent 23 years teaching in traditional public and charter schools. In 2014, she received her doctorate from Stanford University in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education. She along with her colleague and fellow Stanford alumnus Dr. Alexis Patterson have developed and published an educational framework called W(h)olistic Science Pedagogy.
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- Sadler Science - Exclusive Black Friday Deals
- iExplore Science - Join my email list.
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
You’ve told your students this again and again… but it just doesn’t STICK.
In this episode, let's chat: WHY.
*
For a long time, I thought I was a good teacher because my classroom was fun, my kids were engaged and well-managed, they did cool hands-on activities, they seemed to be learning. But really, they weren’t.
And I knew it, too. You know that feeling you get when you’re reading exit tickets or quiz results, and you think, “I TOLD my students this. It was in the video, the text, talked about, in games, in the notebook. HOW do they still not get it!?”
Yah, I felt that a lot when I started teaching. It took me a long time to figure out what I was missing that would take my students from forgetting EVERYTHING within a day to connecting content across units. No joke - it was a shock to me too!
If this is something you’re struggling with too, have a quick listen to this week's Thursday Thoughts episode.
Nicole and Erin received a question on the Teaching Science in 3d Instagram account. Listener Joanna asked when to start an NGSS storyline. Nicole and Erin provide two different approaches depending on your needs.
Nicole and Erin provide two possible solutions to help you find the method that works best for you.
Want to learn more about when to start an NGSS Storyline?
- Using Student Questions In Your Storylines
- How to Build an NGSS Storyline
- Sadler Science: How I Create Cohesive Storylines
- iExplore Science: Using Storylines to Structure NGSS Units
Black Friday Deals: Sign up to Receive Emails Here
- Sadler Science - Exclusive Black Friday Deals
- iExplore Science - Join my email list.
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
Have you ever wondered what an NGSS classroom looks like? In this episode, Nicole interviews Colorado science teacher Kayla Jubert about her journey to meet the intent of the NGSS. Kayla discusses the changes she's made and the benefits to her classroom.
Click here to view the episode recap.
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science
On this episode, Nicole and Erin answer a question from listener Paige. Paige asks “how do you recommend allowing students to explore and just do science, but also write down important information?” Nicole and Erin explain how to balance science writing and exploration in your NGSS aligned class.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Learn more about writing for NGSS:
- Better Interactive Notebooks for NGSS
- Interactive Science Notebooks for the NGSS - iExplore Science
- Updating Interactive Notebooks for NGSS - Sadler Science
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
This week we answer another listener question. Kristen asks "How do you teach a student to create a model who has not had any experience with creating them?" Nicole and Erin discuss the Science and Engineering Practice of Developing and Using Models and provide tips for helping your students make models.
To view the whole episode recap, click here.
Other Resources:
- NSTA Matrix for the Science and Engineering Practices
- NSTA Matrix for the Crosscutting Concepts
- NGSS Modeling is Not an Art Project - iExplore Science
- Four Ways to Help Your Students Make Better Models - Sadler Science
Related Episodes:
- How to Make Sense of the Science and Engineering Practices
- Making the NGSS Accessible for All Learners
- How to Teach for Student Discovery
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
This week, Nicole and Erin answer another listener's question. Listener Marissa asks for advice on preventing students from cheating on her NGSS assessments. Nicole and Erin discuss practical strategies and the intent behind the NGSS.
Get More Information
- How to Evaluate Student Learning
- Engaging 3D Assessments - iExplore Science
- Creating Assessments for the NGSS- A Step by Step Guide - iExplore Science
- How to Teach NGSS Online
Get More Help with the NGSS
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Submit a Question
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Get more information about the NGSS with Sadler Science.
In this episode, Erin addresses a listener question. Sonia listened to a previous episode and wanted to know if we recommend doing lab style activities during out synchronous time. She also asked about breakout rooms and notes that students aren't participating as much as she would like.
Get Erin's advice on making breakout rooms more productive and prioritizing activities for your synchronous time in this episode.
Other Episodes to Check Out
- How to teach NGSS online
- How to Facilitate Student Discussions Remotely
- How Students Can Do Science Activities from Home
More Resources
- Erin's Breakout Room Survey
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Sadler Science - 5 Tips for Teaching NGSS Online
- iExplore Science - How Discovery-Based Learning Transformed My Most Challenging Class
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
The NGSS were designed as “all standards for all students” -- rigorous science instruction, no matter students’ labels, demographics, or past experiences. In this episode, Nicole interviews four Special Education experts to discuss NGSS accessibility. Learn how to make the NGSS accessible for all students.
Kristen Rademaker, Dr. Marquita S. Blades, Barbara A. Hopkins and Brian Raygor participated in this panel to provide their expertise. To learn more about these experts, please see the original video.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Resources:
- STEM From The Start
- Dr. Blades Consulting LLC
- Illinois Storylines Working Group
- STEM Teaching Tools
- NextGenStorylines
- Teaching Engineering
- English Learners In STEM Subjects
- NGSS Lesson Screener
In this episode, Nicole and Erin address a common objection to the NGSS standards. Many teachers worry that the NGSS isn't adequate preparation for college and careers in science.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Learn More
- Preparing Students For a Lifetime of Success - NextGenScience.org
- Next Generation Science Standards- What's different and do they matter? STEM Teaching Tools
- Nicole answers the question - What happened to my content?
- How You Know it's Not NGSS
More of Our Resources
- Visit our website to find episode recaps and submit a question.
- Enroll in iExplore Academy to get NGSS professional development led by Nicole VanTassel.
- Visit Sadler Science to view Erin's resources.
In this episode Nicole and Erin explore the question, "Is it time to let go of the Scientific Method?" Nicole and Erin discuss why the answer is a resounding yes. Though many teachers start the school year with lessons on the scientific method, this doesn't meet the intent of the NGSS. Find out why and what to do instead. To view the full episode recap, click here**.
Other Episodes to Check Out**
- How to Make Sense of the Science and Engineering Practices
- How the NGSS Will Change your Content
- Ditch the Scientific Method
More Resources
- NSTA Matrix on the Science and Engineering Practices
- A Framework for K-12 Science Education
- Sadler Science: Why the Scientific Method Doesn't Align with NGSS
In this episode, Erin discusses strategies for using interactive notebooks an NGSS aligned class. She discusses the flaws in traditional notebooking methods. Also, she discusses why these methods don't align with NGSS.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Other Episode to Listen To
- How to Use a Discovery-Based Approach
- How to Teach Vocabulary
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines
More Resources
- Using a Notice and Wonder Activity
- Crosscutting Concept Graphic Organizers
- Digital Notebooks - The Table of Contents Method
- Nicole's YouTube Video on Digital Notebooks
Learn more...
- Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
- Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
On this episode, listener Elissa asks "How can students do activities when they don't have supplies at home?" It is imperative that your students have the ability to engage in science activities even if they are doing them from home.
Nicole and Erin provide a few useful strategies to help make sure your students can do activities when they aren't in the classroom.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Other Episodes to Listen To
- S2 E8: How to Go From Hands-on to Minds-on
- S2 E15: How to Include More Exploration
Other Resources:
- Sadler Science: How to Successfully Scaffold the Experimental Design Process
- Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience
- Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
- Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
This week Nicole and Erin answer two listener questions. These questions came from the NGSS Newbies Facebook Group.
- From Alyssa "How can I best facilitate student discussions online?"
- From Hanadi - How to do group work online?
Nicole and Erin discuss several methods for facilitating class discussions and group work. These tips are great for facilitating student discussions online. But, they can also be used if you are needing to distance your students during in-person learning.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
Learn More:
- Get the full episode recap here.
- How to make sense of the SEPs
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Over the summer, Nicole and Erin received numerous questions about teaching an NGSS aligned course online. In this episode, Nicole and Erin talk about the main things you should focus on to make sure that you are meeting the intent of the NGSS using an online platform.
To view the full episode recap, click here.
The Teaching Science in 3D Website Is Now Live!Over the summer, Nicole and Erin launched the Teaching Science in 3D website.
- Check out the website by clicking here.
- Submit a question here.
- View the full episode recap here.
Related Episodes:
If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out these episodes.
- How to Incorporate Phenomena
- Teaching for Student Discovery
- How to Include More Exploration
Other Resources
- Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
- Sadler Science - 5 Tips for Teaching NGSS Online
- iExplore Science - How Discovery-Based Learning Transformed My Most Challenging Class
- Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
This is a quick update on all of the things that are happening with the podcast.
- Our podcast is now available on Stitcher. If you are new to our podcast, welcome!
- The Teaching Science in 3D website is live. Visit TeachingSciencein3d.com.
- Season 3 will be starting on August 17th.
- We need your help. Submit your questions (written or voice memo) to TeachingSciencein3d.com/questions.
Finally, we appreciate your ratings and reviews so much. If you haven't already, we would love it if you left us a rating or review.
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with middle school teacher Sarah Ratelis about her experience using the NGSS in your inclusive classroom. They discuss how to start differentiating to meet the needs of ALL of your students - including the gifted learners - without getting totally overwhelmed.
Resources Referenced:
Ratelis Science
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss strategies to integrate the Crosscutting Concepts into your three dimensional instruction. The Crosscutting Concepts provide students with a "lens" through which to view phenomena, a tool to make connections between disciplines, and a strategy to understand and integrate new content into their existing understanding. But how do you carry that out in the classroom? Erin outlines how she explicitly teaches the Crosscutting Concepts, and then both educators share strategies they use to incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into their daily lessons.
Resources Referenced:
NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
Crosscutting Concepts Crash Course from Sadler Science
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Erin Sadler discusses school closures and remote learning. She answers the questions that you submitted to and provides suggestions for this new challenge in education. Erin answers questions about maintaining a work-life balance while working from home, dealing with a lack of engagements and inequities in the remote learning space.
Resources Referenced:>> Establishing Norms for Remote Learning from Sadler Science
Google Apps Suggestions from Sadler Science
Is it Alive? A Closer Look at Viruses Remote Learning Resource from Nicole at iExploreScience
Integrating the NGSS SEPs During Remote Learning from Vanessa Logan Wentzloff at Out of the Box Stem
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
NGSS Newbies Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole and Erin chat about how to use several Science and Engineering Practices together to guide student learning.
Resources Referenced:
NSTA Matrix for Science and Engineering Practices
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with Ohio teacher Mindy Cottrell about her experience at the NSTA Area Conference in Cincinnati in November of 2019. They discuss how to prepare for a teaching conference, how to make the most of your time there, and how to reduce the overwhelm you might feel by the time you leave!
If you're planning to attend NSTA Boston in April 2020 or any other science conference, you definitely want to listen to advice from two teachers who have had their fair share of conference experiences!
Resources Referenced:
NSTA Conferences
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss how you might use objectives -- or why you might choose NOT to -- in your NGSS classroom.
Resources Referenced:
NGSS Evidence Statements
Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha: Intro To The NGSS.
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the iExploreAcademy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Erin talks to Brendan Fitch from Inner Orbit about crafting three dimensional formative assessments for your NGSS classroom.
Resources Referenced:
Inner Orbit
RocketLit
Contact Brendan Finch
NGSS Evidence Statements
Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives
NGSS Progressions By Grade: Disciplinary Core Ideas
NGSS Progressions By Grade: Science and Engineering Practices
NGSS Progressions By Grade: Crosscutting Concepts
Achieve Task Annotation Project
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with New York teacher Christine Missert about her experience implementing the NGSS. They discuss how to take students from engaging hands-on learning to the minds-on thinking that the new standards demand.
Resources Referenced:
Christine Missert on Instagram
Teaching Science In 3D Podcast on Instagram
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this week's episode, we explore the listener question, "How do I increase student independence in my classroom?"
There are so many ways that we can help students take control of their own learning, but we can't expect it to happen overnight. These tips will help you ease that transition.
Resources Referenced:
7 Ways to Increase Student Autonomy in Your Classroom
Super Simple Warm-Ups
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss strategies to meet the needs of all students, particularly English Language Learners and students with IEPs. Unsurprisingly, many strategies dubbed effective for diverse student populations actually benefit ALL students. Check out some of their best ideas in today's episode.
Resources Referenced:
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Erin talks with high school teacher Vanessa Wentzloff about standards-based grading in the NGSS classroom.
Other Episodes to Check Out:
- How to prevent cheating on assessments
Resources Referenced:
Out Of The Box STEM on Instagram
Blog: Out Of The Box STEM
Grading From The Inside Out
Formative Assessments and Standards Based Grading
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience shares an exclusive training on teaching vocabulary in your NGSS classroom - staying true to exploration and discovery while still supporting vocabulary acquisition.
Check out the full episode recap here.
Resources Referenced:
Explore To Aha! Academy
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Nicole talks with high school teacher Mariah Ramos about her experience as she transitioned to the NGSS and transformed her classroom. They discuss impacts on student learning, the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, and the reality that transitioning to the NGSS is a journey. They also spend some time discussing how Mariah might outline her next NGSS unit -- a process you may want to dive into yourself.
Resources Referenced:
Mariah Ramos on Instagram
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about using student questions to build storylines. Erin is a master at this, so she is going to share the highlights of a presentation she delivered on this topic at the California Science Teachers Association conference last fall.
To see the full episode recap, click here.
Resources Referenced:
Erin's Presentation
Quick Start Guide To Storyline Your NGSS Unit
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this episode, we are getting back into the swing of things and answering our listener's questions! Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about their fall conference highlights and address a few questions about finding and using NGSS-aligned curriculum.
To read the full episode recap, click here.
Resources Referenced:
OpenSciEd
Stanford NGSS Integrated Curriculum
Illinois Science Teachers Association Storyline Working Group
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
In this short solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience takes a closer look at incorporating discovery into your NGSS classroom. Building from the fundamentals in Episode 10 How You Can Teach For Student Discovery, this episode outlines several activity formats that work well to engage students in exploration and discovery.
Resources Referenced:
Episode 10: How You Can Teach For Student Discovery
Questioning To Support Student Discovery (iExploreScience Blog)
Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)
Teach The NGSS: Adopting NGSS Instructional Approaches (iExploreScience Blog)
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
Learn how to build a storyline to guide your students in the discovery of content in your classroom.
Before you listen, you might want to listen to
Episode 7: How You Can Incorporate Phenomena
Episode 12: How the NGSS Will Change Your Content
Example year-long storylines from the California Framework: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/cascienceframework2016.asp
From Sadler Science:
Using Evidence Statements to Write Objectives
How I Create Cohesive Storylines
From iExplore Science:
Freebie: What I See, What it Means - Analyzing and Interpreting Data
In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience talks with Dana Skillman - an NGSS teacher and member of the Science Teacher Tribe - about the importance of building strong relationships in your NGSS classroom. Get the scoop on why it's important -- and more importantly, how to do it -- from a teacher-expert in this episode.
Resources Referenced:
Dana Skillman on Instagram
Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this quick solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience outlines the big content shifts you can expect to see with your transition to the NGSS. What are you supposed to teach? How are you supposed to know? Where can you go to find answers and clarification? Get your questions answered in this podcast episode.
Resources Referenced:
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
Using The NGSS Evidence Statements For Backwards Planning (Sadler Science Blog)
Getting Creative With Your NGSS Content: When It's Not In The Standards (iExploreScience Blog)
Breaking Down The Evidence Statements (iExploreScience Blog)
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
Erin Sadler of Sadler Science talks to Juli Cannon (Juli Cannon Science) about 3-dimensional assessment strategies and instructional shifts with the NGSS.
Resources Referenced:
Juli Cannon Science
Juli Cannon on TeachersPayTeachers
K-12 Science Framework
NSTA Disciplinary Core Ideas Matrix
NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
STEM Teaching Tools
STEM Teaching Tools Task Format
STEM Teaching Tools Crosscutting Concept Prompts
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this episode, we dive into some strategies you can use to help your students truly DISCOVER the content and move away from "teaching as telling."
Resources Referenced:
NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
Using The Evidence Statements (Sadler Science Blog)
Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this episode, Nicole interviews Sarah from Happy Teacher Heart about being brave with the NGSS. What does that mean? Sarah shares her experience piloting the new standards and the pushback she received from colleagues who weren't comfortable with changing things up. Sarah describes an activity that gets to the heart of what the NGSS means and outlines a few ways she uses YouTube to introduce engaging phenomena.
Referenced Links:
Happy Teacher Heart
Happy Teacher Heart on TeachersPayTeachers
Happy Teacher Heart on Instagram
It's OK To Be Smart on YouTube
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Connect with us on Facebook in NGSS for Middle and High School Science Teachers and NGSS Newbies!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this episode, Erin interviews Nicole on her (second) favorite topic - the 5E Model and how she uses it in her NGSS-aligned lessons and units.
Resources Referenced:
What I See, What It Means Data Analysis Freebie
NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
Using phenomena to relate content to your student's lives is an important shift when creating an NGSS aligned classroom. In this episode, Erin discusses the importance of phenomena, how to relate phenomena to the content and the lives of your students and the difference between anchoring and investigative level phenomena.
Resources Referenced:
Blog Posts:
Simple Phenomena
5 Tips for Making NGSS Bundles
Anchoring Phenomena 3 Common Mistakes
Phenomena Resources:
Project Phenomena
Phenomena for NGSS
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss a different way to think about the Science and Engineering Practices -- by considering them as part of categories to help students discover, make sense of, and critique ideas and concepts. Then, they dive into a few ways you can quickly incorporate the SEPs into your daily instruction.
Resources Referenced:
NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this solo episode, Erin discusses why she doesn't use the scientific method in her classroom and what she does instead. If you're teaching an NGSS-aligned curriculum, you shouldn't be using the scientific method either!
Resources Referenced:
NGSS and the Scientific Method
Starting the Year with NGSS
STEM Teaching Tools: Why Focus on Science and Engineering Practices
K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In this episode, we talk about how you can identify resources that may be labeled NGSS but aren't actually aligned to the NGSS! NGSS-washing is a big problem, so listen up to get the tools you need to identify when something ISN'T "NGSS."
Check out the full episode recap here.
Referenced Links:
NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Are you just getting started with the NGSS? Not sure where to start? In this episode, Nicole discusses 3 main ways to start teaching the NGSS. Nicole discusses getting to the heart of the instructional shifts without worrying about the NGSS jargon.
For a detailed episode recap, click here.
Learn more...
- Grab your FREE NGSS Glossary HERE.
- Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
- Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss the biggest changes to science instruction that teachers using the NGSS need to know! They discuss discovery-centered approaches, student-driven content, storylines, and the "Three Dimensions". This episode will give you a basic overview of what changes you can expect to see as you begin your NGSS journey!
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!
In the first episode of the Teaching Science in 3D podcast, Erin and Nicole discuss how they got started working with the NGSS as well as how they began collaborating. They discuss some of the challenges that they experienced when they started working with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Learn more...
Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!