Integrating your Science Class to the Other Sciences I recently was working with a forensics class. This class does not specifically match up to the state standards but there are a lot of cross cutting concepts and scientific practices that apply to the course. For example, during this upcoming unit we will be working on entomology, the study of insects and how insects relate to forensics. Some of the cross cutting concepts from NGSS include:
Some of the other cross cutting concepts noted by NGSS include:
Importance of Cross Cutting Concepts"Crosscutting concepts can help students better understand core ideas in science and engineering. When students encounter new phenomena, whether in a science lab, field trip, or on their own, they need mental tools to help engage in and come to understand the phenomena from a scientific point of view. Familiarity with crosscutting concepts can provide that perspective." Next Generation Science Standards Students will remember the information more if they can attach that information to preexisting schema. Teachers can easily do this by taking a step back from the lesson to remind students what the overarching theme is in the lesson also known as the cross cutting concept. By addressing cross cutting concepts, students will be able to better understand what science is all about and connect it to their other science classes they have taken. More information on cross cutting concepts can be found at: http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/Appendix%20G%20-%20Crosscutting%20Concepts%20FINAL%20edited%204.10.13.pdf Literacy in the Classroom
Mathematics in the ClassroomStoichiometry is the math behind chemistry. If you approach if from this aspect and let students know that ahead of time, they will be able to put themselves in the mindset of a mathematician while they are learning science. Mole conversion: Remind students it is a constant! When I was taught stoichiometry, I learned how to go about stoichiometry with boxes. I've seen teachers just tell students what ever is on the top is multiplied, whatever is on the bottom is multiplied, then divide the top from the bottom. Sometimes having students write out their work with just a line to separate the top from the bottom it can get messy. When students are forced to write it with boxes they are able to organize their work more efficiently. The box method can be found on the link below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu-rRFPR0hM Science can be Applied to Every ClassWhether it is art, music, physical exercise, mathematics, english, etc., teachers can relate science to students' other classrooms. By doing so, you will attract student interest in what they are learning. They will be able to build off of their memory from what they are learning in the other classes as well. It is imperative teachers connect what they are teaching their students into their other courses.
5 Comments
Ryan
3/30/2016 10:30:32 am
I really like that you touched on cross-cutting concepts. When it comes to integration this is very important. When I think of math in chemistry I think of so much more than stoichiometry, I think of all those really ticky-tacky equations for pH and solubility and what not. Do you think students who dislike math can get "checked out" of science when it comes to all of these equations?
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Anna
3/30/2016 12:57:32 pm
Yes I definitely think so and the same goes for vocabulary. It is imperative teachers find a way to show students its not all about equations and its not all vocabulary but also pointing out where literacy and math can tie in when you wouldn't expect it. This is a way of presenting the information with multiple modalities.
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Nikita
3/30/2016 02:44:55 pm
I too liked how you brought up NGSS and crosscutting concepts. These are extremely important in guiding students to deeper understanding of concepts. I found the box model of stoichiometry very interesting. I don't recall learning that way and I think it is a wonderful way to have students list out the process to keep track of their thinking. What do you think would be the best way to engage students when it comes to showing them how subjects are integrated?
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Anna
3/31/2016 12:39:32 pm
I don't think integrating subjects necessarily is something you need to build an entire lesson plan for. You engage the students by showing them how science relates to so many different fields and career paths. The engagement is a part of the integration as long as your integration is realistic and meaningful.
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Nick Robinson
4/3/2016 08:37:51 pm
Really great thoughts on aspects of the NGSS. You mentioned teaching the mole; I have the most success introducing the concept as being similar to a dozen. A dozen and a mole are both just a specific quantity and since students already have knowledge of one, the other is easier to make sense of.
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AuthorAnna Kirkpatrick www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kirkpatrickscience
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