McREL to present at National Science Teachers Association National Conference in Boston, Mass.
March 21, 2008
Denver
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McREL consultants Sarah LaBounty, John Ristvey, and Anne Tweed will present on the following current topics at the upcoming 2008 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference March 27–30 in Boston, Mass.:
Trying to cover too much science content is the largest barrier to developing students' conceptual understanding. Find out how to make decisions about what to prune and why it will pay off in student achievement gains.
Learn how to incorporate research-based inquiry learning tools, such as virtual manipulatives, into high-quality science lessons that support improved student learning.
Learn how to make decisions during your lesson planning about what students should understand about the science content and how you will know that they have understood. We will provide a planning template and examples of science content described in terms of students' conceptual understanding.
An interactive simulation is used to explore concepts of the forces that form between charged particles and the properties of ions in the plasma phase.
Often times, students don't learn because teachers have not considered the differences between scientific process knowledge and science content knowledge. In this session you will learn which types of knowledge are required to understand a concept and identify the research-based instructional strategies appropriate for teaching various types of knowledge.
Understand how to teach diverse learners by applying "pedagogical content knowledge," that is, understanding science content, your audience, and quality instructional strategies. Learn more about accessing students' prior knowledge and how to address common preconceptions.
Students can provide the right word, definition, or formula, yet still hold misconceptions. Learn formative and summative assessments to determine understanding and ensure higher achievement.
Learn about experimental design diagrams to help students plan for and conduct experiments. Participants will design two experiments using the experimental design diagram.
To learn science concepts, students need to talk about ideas. Learn inquiry questioning strategies, include question stems, and practice using these strategies.
Thinking scientifically means applying learning about the nature of science to every day. Design your lessons to promote scientific thinking. Participants will be provided with sample lesson materials.
NanoLeap represents an approach for teachers to introduce the exciting world of nanoscale science and technology by integrating interdisciplinary research while supporting traditional science concepts.
This year's conference theme, "Science: Bridge to the Future," brings the latest science content, research findings, and teaching techniques to classroom teachers.
Attendees are invited to visit the McREL Exhibit Booth (Booth #312) for free McREL publications, to ask questions of McREL presenters, or to speak with us about working at McREL.
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McREL is a nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization located in Denver, Colo., dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service. In 2006, McREL provided research-based guidance to educators and policymakers in 42 states across the U.S.
