Michigan Science Teachers Association Conference 2019 (MSTA)

Explore Project-Based Learning materials for grades 3–5. Experience the power of three-dimensional learning and innovations in assessment with freely available open education resources. Our resources highlight a system of assessment including strong support for formative assessment processes, as well as summative (end-of-unit and end-of-year) assessments.

Learn about ready-to-use free online teacher resources for middle school science classrooms. Teachers will explore the online portal containing resources to support teachers in effectively implementing a set of online NGSS-aligned 3-dimensional (Practices, DCI, and Crosscutting Concepts) physical and life science assessments and accompanying rubrics. Resources include Task Guidance, Task Rubric, Examples of Student Responses, and Suggested Student Feedback. We will also discuss classroom strategies for using the assessments and accompanying teacher supports.

Engaging students in developing and using models is a complex endeavor. Scaffolds (assistance to enable a learner to engage in a practice otherwise out of reach) are important to the learning process. This session bridges the gap between research and practice of teaching modeling in class. Participants will experience the challenges that students face when modeling on paper/online, and we will demonstrate the research-based scaffolds needed to support them at each step of process.

For administrators, curriculum coordinators, teacher leaders, and teachers. This session will explore what MSS classrooms look like and common pitfalls teachers have in early implementation. Emphasis will be supporting teachers and administrators in understanding the shift, and how schools and districts can work together to realize the vision of MSS. This session includes multiple iterations of collaborate discussion, so come ready to share ideas!