In this workshop, participants will experience how NGSS-focused instructional materials can create an equitable classroom that supports all students to design solutions to real-world problems.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. In the Next Generation Science Standards, problems are defined as “situations somebody wants to change,” which is different from construction or design projects, where the ultimate goal is achieving a design or tinkering; 2. Problems that describe real-world situations grounded in compelling contexts that students care about can create intrinsic motivation for all students to learn science and engineering ideas; and 3. The presence of an authentic and compelling problem in instructional materials is not enough; it also needs to be used in instruction in a way that will effectively support students’ learning and motivation.

SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Childress Self (NextGenScience: San Francisco, CA)

This session will describe how to identify and challenge your advanced science students that are in underrepresented populations.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. Identify the characteristics of underrepresented advanced learners in science classrooms; 2. Explain classroom strategies to help underrepresented gifted/advanced students thrive; and 3. Explore a science lesson that has been differentiated for advanced students.

SPEAKERS:
Justin Pata (Cardiff Junior High School: Katy, TX)