NYSCATE 2020 Annual Conference

In order to maintain robust Science instruction in remote learning environments students must continue to work on Three Dimensional Learning as outlined in the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS). The three dimensions include Science & Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Student centered NYSSLS aligned Science units were created by a team of STEAM Professional Development Specialists. The units follow a constructivist methodology and maintain the integrity established by The Framework for K-12 Science Education. The student centered experiences were deliberately curated within instructional sites to provide students the opportunity to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate... The 5E Instructional Model. Within the units, students have the opportunity to create authentic digital artifacts to show what they know. Students utilized hands-on experiences, virtual literature, videos/ media, simulations, G-Suite, Flipgrid, and more. The Science units and professional development relating to the units were delivered to staff via Google Meet and were delivered in three phases. The first phase was delivered to the entire district K-2 cohort and a 3-6 cohort. The second phase was delivered to individual grade level cohorts for the entire district. The third phase was delivered to specific grade level cohorts within individual buildings. Teachers and STEAM Professional Development specialists then delivered synchronous lessons to students via Google Meet establishing the expectations for the work. Additional synchronous lessons were strategic and utilized during the Explain phase and at the Evaluate phase of the learning cycle. Asynchronous lessons were also utilized, they were created using screencastify and embedded into each phase of the 5E Instructional Model.