SERF Ideas Educational Newsletter Nov /Dec 2009

Karen McCarthy, K-8 Curriculum Specialist for Science and Social Studies, has implemented a number of new district-wide science initiatives funded by SERF Enrichment grants. Here, she shares a few projects benefiting our elementary students across the district.

In the 2008-2009 school year, SERF funded a variety of exciting science-related grants. One such project allowed teachers to investigate the development and implementation of "Science Notebooks" in the elementary classroom as a tool for enhancing scientific inquiry and literacy. One teacher from each of the elementary schools, a literacy specialist, and both the science and language arts curriculum coordinators attended a workshop to learn key understandings about science notebooks and how they maximize student learning. Daniel Garrigan-Byerly, a grade 3 teacher at Haynes, is putting his workshop experience to use in his classroom. Garrigan-Byerly points out, "Scientist's notebooks get to the heart of why students need to learn science in school. The focus of teaching and learning can be the question, communication and connection to the science concept. I need to spend far less time 'teaching science' since the kids are actually being scientists. The notebooks provide a structure for focused questioning, written communication, and authentic academic discourse with peers! The science content and vocabulary are natural byproducts if these things are done well. I can't think of a better learning environment." Science Notebooks are currently being piloted in six classrooms and the work will be shared through the district through these teacher leaders.

"Scientist's notebooks get to the heart of why students need to learn science in school."
-Daniel Garrigan-Byerly, 3rd Grade Teacher, Haynes

"A greater emphasis will be made on renewable vs. nonrenewable forms of energy as students explore models of a mini-generator, solar house, and hydro-electric power."
-Karen McCarthy, K-8 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, on updates to the 4th grade unit on Electricity

SERF also awarded the "Education for a Green Future" grant in the spring of 2009. Teachers have an important role to play in preparing students to become both scientifically literate and environmentally responsible citizens. This grant allowed a group of K-8 teachers to update the science curriculum to integrate more "green" topics. Teachers researched ways to integrate a greater emphasis on environmental issues of sustainability, climate change, and renewable energy into the science units that are currently being taught. Additionally, through the SERF grant, these teachers explored supplementary topics for possible future units. The teachers are disseminating this work through presentations at faculty meetings and through the science curriculum maps that teachers use to plan instruction. An example of this important work can be seen in the changes within the grade 4 electricity unit. A greater emphasis will be made on renewable vs. nonrenewable forms of energy as students explore models of a mini-generator, solar house, and hydro-electric power.

For more information on other science innovations and the SERF-funded professional development opportunity, "Science in the Field: Nature Camp for Classroom Teachers" and some great photos of these projects in action, read the full article...