2:10-3:10

In our session, we will look at how to bridge informal and formal science education with the use of virtual field trips. Texas State Parks are amazing and informative, but so often just out of our budgetary or logistical reach. We'll show you how to use Virtual Field Trips of Texas State Parks to bring phenomena-driven inquiry instruction to the students in your classroom. 

Dive into the world of science notebooking as we explore its power in promoting inquiry-based learning and reflective practice. Uncover methods to guide students in documenting their scientific journey, from initial curiosity to in-depth investigations. From structuring notebook entries to facilitating meaningful peer discussions, we'll explore techniques that empower students to actively participate in their own learning. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just beginning, this session offers valuable insights into elevating science education through reflective notebooking.

Experience a phenomenon-driven unit approach to 3-dimensional teaching and learning using Dynamic Science.

This session introduces a way to create learning experiences that will give students opportunities to talk, read, and write in the service of sensemaking as they use the DCIs, CCs, and SEPs to explain natural phenomena. 

Have you ever thought about using random household items to represent different types of rocks and soils when your students explore Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition? Your students will love learning these concepts with things like chalk, candy, and confectionary sweets before transferring their learning to rocks and soil that we find in our natural world. 

SEPs - Asking questions, Developing and using models, Planning and carrying out investigations, Analyzing and interpreting data

RTCs - Patterns

New TEKS - 4.10B

Teachers in DFW are facing many challenges since COVID,  including declining student engagement, widening achievement gaps, and limited instructional time for science. Learn how Game-Based Learning (GBL) offers a dynamic solution to these challenges, transforming the student learning experience into an engaging adventure. During this session, you will get to explore how to create assignments (with the newly adopted TEKS) to share with students, track data, and provide meaningful feedback.

So come join us and get your game on!

Get ready to be captivated by the wonders beneath our feet! Join us for a hands-on session, where you'll discover how to use live organism observations to explore the external structures of animals, delve into inherited and acquired physical traits, and unravel the intricacies of instinctual and learned behaviors. Alongside introducing new content TEKS, we'll explore how ant farm observations and other phenomena-based lessons seamlessly incorporate scientific and engineering practices, connecting to recurring themes and concepts. Promising an enriching learning experience, we "ant-icipate" that you'll gain valuable insights! 

Come explore with National Geographic Learning and dig into our 100% ELPS and TEKS-aligned science solutions. We captivate all students with authentic science materials and empower educators with accessible, rigorous, and easy-to-use resources. National Geographic Learning will bring the world into your classroom through our trusted partnership! 

The adoption of the new science TEKS by TEA is bringing many changes to elementary science,  one being the addition of exploring phenomena. When used correctly, phenomena will increase student inquiry and help students see a connection between science in the classroom and science in their world. We will explore what phenomena is, how to choose a phenomenon that is appropriately aligned to the standards you will be teaching, and multiple ways to use it with K-2 students. I will share some of my experiences implementing and using phenomena in my kindergarten classroom this past school year.