iExploreScience: STEM in Elem

The NGSS were designed as “all standards for all students” -- rigorous science instruction, no matter students’ labels, demographics, or past experiences. In this episode, Nicole interviews four Special Education experts to discuss NGSS accessibility.  Learn how to make the NGSS accessible for all students. 

Kristen Rademaker, Dr. Marquita S. Blades, Barbara A. Hopkins and Brian Raygor participated in this panel to provide their expertise.  To learn more about these experts, please see the original video. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Resources: 

• STEM From The Start  
• Dr. Blades Consulting LLC 
• Illinois Storylines Working Group 
• STEM Teaching Tools 
• NextGenStorylines 
• Teaching Engineering 
• English Learners In STEM Subjects 
• NGSS Lesson Screener 

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

In this episode, Nicole and Erin address a common objection to the NGSS standards.  Many teachers worry that the NGSS isn't adequate preparation for college and careers in science. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More 

• Preparing Students For a Lifetime of Success - NextGenScience.org
• Next Generation Science Standards- What's different and do they matter? STEM Teaching Tools 
• Nicole answers the question - What happened to my content?  
• How You Know it's Not NGSS

More of Our Resources

• Visit our website to find episode recaps and submit a question.  
• Enroll in iExplore Academy to get NGSS professional development led by Nicole VanTassel.
• Visit Sadler Science to view Erin's resources. 

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

In this episode Nicole and Erin explore the question, "Is it time to let go of the Scientific Method?"   Nicole and Erin discuss why the answer is a resounding yes.  Though many teachers start the school year with lessons on the scientific method, this doesn't meet the intent of the NGSS.  Find out why and what to do instead.  

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Check Out

• How to Make Sense of the Science and Engineering Practices
• How the NGSS Will Change your Content
• Ditch the Scientific Method

More Resources

• NSTA Matrix on the Science and Engineering Practices
• A Framework for K-12 Science Education
• Sadler Science: Why the Scientific Method Doesn't Align with NGSS

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

In this episode, Erin discusses strategies for using interactive notebooks an NGSS aligned class.  She discusses the flaws in traditional notebooking methods.  Also, she discusses why these methods don't align with NGSS. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Other Episode to Listen To

• How to Use a Discovery-Based Approach
• How to Teach Vocabulary 
• Using Student Questions to Build Storylines 

More Resources

• Using a Notice and Wonder Activity
• Crosscutting Concept Graphic Organizers
• Digital Notebooks - The Table of Contents Method
• Nicole's YouTube Video on Digital Notebooks 

Learn more...

•  Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
  • Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
  • Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy. 
• Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

On this episode, listener Elissa asks "How can students do activities when they don't have supplies at home?" It is imperative that your students have the ability to engage in science activities even if they are doing them from home.

Nicole and Erin provide a few useful strategies to help make sure your students can do activities when they aren't in the classroom.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Listen To

• S2 E8: How to Go From Hands-on to Minds-on
• S2 E15: How to Include More Exploration

Other Resources:

• Sadler Science: How to Successfully Scaffold the Experimental Design Process
•  Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience
• Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
• Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
• Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
• NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

This week Nicole and Erin answer two listener questions.  These questions came from the NGSS Newbies Facebook Group.

• From Alyssa "How can I best facilitate student discussions online?"
• From Hanadi - How to do group work online?

Nicole and Erin discuss several methods for facilitating class discussions and group work.  These tips are great for facilitating student discussions online.  But, they can also be used if you are needing to distance your students during in-person learning. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More:

• Get the full episode recap here. 
• How to make sense of the SEPs
• Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

Over the summer, Nicole and Erin received numerous questions about teaching an NGSS aligned course online.  In this episode, Nicole and Erin talk about the main things you should focus on to make sure that you are meeting the intent of the NGSS using an online platform.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

The Teaching Science in 3D Website Is Now Live!
Over the summer, Nicole and Erin launched the Teaching Science in 3D website.  

• Check out the website by clicking here. 
• Submit a question here. 
• View the full episode recap here.    

Related Episodes:
If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out these episodes.  

• How to Incorporate Phenomena
• Teaching for Student Discovery
• How to Include More Exploration

Other Resources

• Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook
• Sadler Science - 5 Tips for Teaching NGSS Online
• iExplore Science - How Discovery-Based Learning Transformed My Most Challenging Class
• Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

This is a quick update on all of the things that are happening with the podcast.  

1. Our podcast is now available on Stitcher.  If you are new to our podcast, welcome!
2. The Teaching Science in 3D website is live.  Visit TeachingSciencein3d.com.
3. Season 3 will be starting on August 17th.
4. We need your help.  Submit your questions (written or voice memo) to TeachingSciencein3d.com/questions. 

Finally, we appreciate your ratings and reviews so much.  If you haven't already, we would love it if you left us a rating or review.  

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with middle school teacher Sarah Ratelis about her experience using the NGSS in your inclusive classroom.  They discuss how to start differentiating to meet the needs of ALL of your students - including the gifted learners - without getting totally overwhelmed.


Resources Referenced:
>> Ratelis Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/

In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss strategies to integrate the Crosscutting Concepts into your three dimensional instruction.  The Crosscutting Concepts provide students with a "lens" through which to view phenomena, a tool to make connections between disciplines, and a strategy to understand and integrate new content into their existing understanding.  But how do you carry that out in the classroom? Erin outlines how she explicitly teaches the Crosscutting Concepts, and then both educators share strategies they use to incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into their daily lessons.

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
>> Crosscutting Concepts Crash Course from Sadler Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group

📬 Stay Connected

• 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
• 🛍️ TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience
• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iexplorescience/
• 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iexplorescience/
• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolevantassel/