Come for a quick peek at the fascinating history of science education and reforms as it relates to defining scientific literacy.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Scientific literacy may mean many things to different people and groups but, in general, a scientifically literate person is one who uses science in everyday decisions and understands the interrelationships between science, technology, and society; 2. Historical events such as Sputnik and the Vietnam war have influenced the focus of science education over time, shifting the emphasis back and forth between more rigorous and more relevant; and 3. A human-centered approach to science teaching and learning is more equitable because it emphasizes student voice and choice, creativity, and self-value.

SPEAKERS:
Becky McDowell (Independent Contractor: Springfield, PA)

The 5E is effective for learning most concepts, but not for processes. Other models may need to be included within the 5E.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Clearly understand the various instructional models and the best practice for their uses; 2. The learning objective must be clearly identified as a concept of a process to correctly identify the best practice and instructional model; and 3. Use other best practices such as moving instruction from the known to the unknown or concrete to pictorial to abstract or limiting objectives within a 5E.

SPEAKERS:
Sandra West (Texas State University: San Marcos, TX)

The Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science provides teachers with an entire unit of instruction that includes a variety of assessments, free and available for download.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. The units created by the Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science (TIES) can be presented to a whole class, small groups, or can be assigned to individual students. They are teacher-guided or student-guided. 2. The TIES units can be easily downloaded for free and meet or exceed the evolution standards of every U.S. State. 3. The TIES units contain a variety of assessments, including online games, video questions, data analysis, puzzles, and formal assessments. They include a student response sheet, rubric, and formal assessments.

SPEAKERS:
Alison Seymour (Science Teacher: Winchester, 0)

Learn how graphical reasoning helps students bridge the STEM gap. Gain tools to help students become proficient at graphing, making predictions, and deepening content understanding.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Help students who lack algebraic fluency bridge the gap between science and mathematics; 2. Gain tools and tips to help students become proficient at creating graphs, identifying common graph shapes (e.g. linear, inverse square), linking graphs with their algebraic representations, making predictions, and deepening content understanding; and 3. With hands-on demonstrations, data from our research studies, and lesson plans, teachers can utilize the information shared in this session to better support their students.

SPEAKERS:
Janice Gobert (Rutgers Graduate School of Education: New Brunswick, NJ), Michael Sao Pedro (Inq-ITS by Apprendis: Berlin, MA)