With the advent of the Next Generation Science Standards, it's more important than ever for teachers to be provided with opportunities to engage in authentic science experiences. We are fortunate in San Diego to have access to world-class research facilities, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the very best! At SIO, Drs. Nerida Wilson, Greg Rouse and Ron Burton are investigating the role that the Scotia Arc plays in connecting benthic marine invertibrate populations from South America to Antarctica. This work will help to contribute towards understanding biodiversity in Antarctica. Cheryl Peach, director of Scripps Educational Alliances, connected these researchers with the San Diego Science Project via the CREATE STEM Success Initiative and together we developed a plan for engaging biology teachers in authentic science and the process of Lesson Study.
During the first day, the group spent the morning focused on the research of Antarctic marine invertebrates, determining relationships between species of starfish and sea worms between the tip of South America along the Scotia Arc to Antarctica. Dr. Wilson spent time detailing the research proposal, motivation for the work and the experience being at sea collecting and analyzing species. She then presented the teachers with data and gave them time to analyze the data and determine geographic barriers between species in the region. The 6 teachers (1 student teacher came along) were very much engaged during this time and had a wonderfully challenging experience working with the data! Dr. Wilson then discussed their findings with them and reviewed the project's own findings. Said one teacher, "Hearing the examples of what other teachers do stimulates my own ideas. Also, learning about how scientists interpret information made me think of examples to share with me students."
The group then went to the collections area and viewed some of the species that the researchers were investigating. It was pretty cool to check out the actual animals in jars! Dr. Burton then gave the group a tour of the lab area and discussed the DNA analysis that they can do in the lab.
After an enjoyable lunch break, the afternoon was spent with just the teachers. The teachers spent time discussing the relationship of their work in the morning to NGSS, and then the group spent time examining and learning about the lesson study process. The group will meet again on November 23rd to spend the day collaboratively planning a lesson that incorporates the Rouse/Wilson/Burton research and NGSS science and engineering practices.
On December 6th, the group is then going to observe the lesson at San Dieguito Academy taught by Jocelyn Broemmelsiek (as decided by the group) and will reflect on and revise the lesson afterward. 2nd semester, another teacher (TBD) will teach the revised lesson which will be videoed and disseminated to the teachers for analysis and final revisions.
Dr. Wilson and Dr. Burton did a wonderful job connecting with the teachers and engaging them in the science in a hands-on way. They are great examples of how scientists can engage in work with teachers. At the end of the day, one teacher commented, "It is always a great experience and motivating to work with like-minded teachers. To be in a room with other teachers who want to improve their craft and dissect the teaching process is very empowering."
After an enjoyable lunch break, the afternoon was spent with just the teachers. The teachers spent time discussing the relationship of their work in the morning to NGSS, and then the group spent time examining and learning about the lesson study process. The group will meet again on November 23rd to spend the day collaboratively planning a lesson that incorporates the Rouse/Wilson/Burton research and NGSS science and engineering practices.
On December 6th, the group is then going to observe the lesson at San Dieguito Academy taught by Jocelyn Broemmelsiek (as decided by the group) and will reflect on and revise the lesson afterward. 2nd semester, another teacher (TBD) will teach the revised lesson which will be videoed and disseminated to the teachers for analysis and final revisions.
Dr. Wilson and Dr. Burton did a wonderful job connecting with the teachers and engaging them in the science in a hands-on way. They are great examples of how scientists can engage in work with teachers. At the end of the day, one teacher commented, "It is always a great experience and motivating to work with like-minded teachers. To be in a room with other teachers who want to improve their craft and dissect the teaching process is very empowering."