Walk the Science Walk! Leverage Curiosity to Enhance Science Learning

Dr. Judy Willis succinctly captures a critical issue in education in her Psychology Today article, “Want Children to ‘Pay Attention’? Make Their Brains Curious! Force Feeding Won’t Work Even on a Hungry Brain”. In her groundbreaking article, Dr. Willis highlights the pressing need to redesign our approach to teaching, particularly in the area of science education.

For the past four years, I have had the privilege of pioneering the role of K-5 Science Instructional Coach in my district. This position has allowed me to work closely with educators, administrators, preservice teachers, and students, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes student engagement and active learning. My role is not only to support teachers but to transform their instructional approach by advocating for a student-centered, inquiry-based approach to science education.

By shifting our focus from a two-dimensional delivery of information to a three-dimensional exploration of scientific concepts, we can ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the material among our students. This shift of approaches not only enhances engagement but also improves and encourages critical thinking skills that are essential for their future success in science and beyond.

In our county, we are fortunate to have a wealth of science resources available to our schools; however, many of the ideas for these resources have originated from external sources. When educators seek additional resources or innovative strategies, I often refer to my top three sources that effectively bridge the gap between traditional lecture methods and a more dynamic, exploratory learning experience.

Resource #1: Discovery Education: Phenomenal Science

One innovative resource that can facilitate this transformative approach is the new Discovery Education series Phenomenal Science. Available in within Discovery Education Experience, Phenomenal Science is designed to ignite curiosity in young learners through the presentation of real-world phenomena. This engaging series highlights high-interest natural phenomena that can be seamlessly integrated into your instructional content, making it a versatile tool for educators.

Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, this resource is also adaptable for states with their own specific science standards, covering a broad spectrum of topics. Each episode encourages students to engage actively with the material by observing phenomena, posing questions, engaging in discussions, and making predictions. Importantly, students are prompted to support their observations and predictions with evidence, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

What sets this series apart is that it does not immediately provide explanations during the viewing of the phenomena. This approach empowers students to form their own notices and wonders, allowing their sense of ownership and curiosity over their learning to increase. By creating a space for personal reflection before introducing answers, teachers can encourage deeper engagement and understanding.

Additionally, this format provides teachers with a valuable opportunity to listen in on student discussions surrounding the episodes. By doing so, educators can identify misconceptions and areas of content mastery, allowing for targeted instructional supports or adjustments that meet the diverse needs of their students personalizing the educational approach. Ultimately, this resource not only enhances student curiosity but also promotes a more interactive and responsive classroom environment.

Resource #2: K20 Learn

Another valuable resource for transforming science education is K20’s LEARN platform, which features a lesson and strategy index that has been rigorously teacher-vetted and is grounded in the 5E instructional model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This free resource is designed to support educators in creating a more interactive and inquiry-driven learning environment.

K20’s LEARN offers clear, step-by-step directions, along with downloadable handouts that facilitate easy integration in the planning process and classroom. Its user-friendly search function enables teachers to efficiently locate specific supports and adjustments needed for the unique needs of their classes. This targeted approach allows educators to customize their lessons to increase student understanding and engagement.

The website includes a variety of instructional strategies categorized by content area, providing a variety of options for addressing diverse learning objectives. Additionally, it emphasizes student-centered thinking approaches, such as encouraging students to ask questions and support their responses with details or data. These strategies not only promote a deeper cognitive engagement but also grow a collaborative classroom culture.

Furthermore, K20’s LEARN methods increase student engagement and build a sense of community within the classroom. By implementing these strategies, educators can create a learning environment that empowers students to explore before explained to.

Resource #3: MagicSchool

As educators, we have all had those moments when inspiration seems elusive, whether we are working independently or collaborating with colleagues. In these moments, the challenge often lies in finding innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and deepen understanding of specific concepts. This is where MagicSchool can be a helpful resource.

MagicSchool is an AI-driven platform specifically designed to support teachers in their instructional needs. It offers suggestions for a variety of content areas, helping educators generate new ideas. For example, it can provide hypothetical data for studies on weather phenomena that may not be directly observable in a specific region, thereby providing students an experience they may not have while learning where they are.

Additionally, MagicSchool can facilitate the development of 5E lesson plans by guiding teachers through the process of creating engaging and effective units. Its interactive chatbot feature allows educators to engage in simulated conversations, helping to redesign or update current lessons, or explore alternative approaches in real time. This interaction can spark new ideas and fosters a collaborative spirit, even in solitary planning sessions.

However, it is important to keep a few things in mind when utilizing AI tools. While these resources can offer valuable suggestions, they are not always without fault; therefore, educators should verify any information before incorporating it into their teaching. Also, due to privacy concerns, it is crucial to refrain from using any identifiable information, such as student names or specific locations, when interacting with these platforms.

By leveraging these three innovative resources, educators can transition from traditional two-dimensional lecture formats to immersive three-dimensional learning experiences. This approach increases student engagement and develops a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. These three resources serve as valuable tools for inspiration and support while empowering teachers to cultivate excitement and curiosity in their science classrooms.