Science is all around us, in many different forms, and plays a significant role in our everyday lives. As teachers of science, it is our responsibility to nurture that curiosity in our students, leading them to discover the natural wonder that science provides in the world and facilitate opportunities for them to engage in investigations, critical thinking, and collaboration with others.
When our district began to identify what curricular materials we needed to accomplish that goal at the middle school, at the forefront of our minds was the importance of hands-on learning for kids. It is imperative that students get the opportunities to experiment and grapple with concepts leading to an environment where you hear students not just talking about science, but talking like scientists. The new curriculum we selected for our middle school does just that.
In our OpenSciEd classrooms, you will see students generating questions, explanations, and ideas revolving around phenomena that motivates learning. You will see them engaged in discourse and testing their ideas and potential solutions. You will also see teachers as the facilitators of learning, eliciting ideas, coordinating collaboration, and guiding learning to deep conceptual understanding. Students have the opportunities to work and learn from each other, discovering, investigating, and constructing understanding with their peers.
There are several advantages to having a student-centered science classroom that extends beyond middle school. This curriculum and instructional method allows students to explore science not just as a class at school, but as a pathway for their future. This type of learning gives students the opportunity to see themselves as a scientist, exploring different career pathways that interest them. As the middle school students move on to high school, they will have the background knowledge coupled with the passion for science in the real world to help them further their successes.
Science is central to our lives and helps us understand the world around us. It is crucial that students have access to high quality science curriculum and instruction as it prepares them to be successful in their academic, personal, and future professional aspirations. We are excited to prepare students for long-term success in science and beyond.
Jen O’Neal is the 7-12 Curriculum and Professional Development Leader for Marshalltown Community School District. She can be reached at joneal@marshalltown.k12.ia.us.
