The future of the US is moving more and more towards a global perspective. So why doesn’t education do the same thing? An understanding of various cultures from around the world results in students who have knowledge, consideration, and compassion. This creates action oriented students who strive to make a difference in problem solving and change the world to be a better place. This is especially important in science education. For most of the world’s population, the majority of the aspects of living are now influenced by advancements in science and technology. Since it is a common practice for scientists to openly collaborate at the global level, it is likewise imperative for science educators to globally collaborate. After all, it is these science educators who are teaching the future scientists and they must help them develop a world perspective. Come see what global science education is all about!
With the expansion of technology as an instructional tool, professional development in the digital age can look very different, and should. Explore the many sources to build your own professional development through social networking sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and many others.
Spark 101: Engage. Connect. Inspire. Looking for free ways to engage your students in real-world problem solving and build 21st century skills? Spark 101’s inquiry-based, active-learning videos empower you to ignite your students’ interest through project based challenges presented by diverse industry experts. This free online resource embeds skills and knowledge into “real world” problems, allowing students to build critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and communication skills critical to long-term success. Spark 101 connects classrooms to real-world experts—and saves you time. Our 10-minute videos are aligned to proven national secondary STEM-focused curriculum. The easy to use videos are designed in a consistent, three-segment format, with pauses for student interactions. Visit www.spark101.org. Contact our regional affiliate, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science at spark101@perotmuseum.org.
Spark 101 Coordinator, Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Inspiring minds through nature and science. Bridging the skills and STEM gap through real-world applicaitons; Exposing students to STEM fields; STEM Equity.
Formative and summative assessment continue to drive the planning for our classes. Use of the ranking tasks can be a part of the assessment process. The ranking tasks will help students to use the relationships established in physics and identify some of the misconceptions within the physics concepts the students have maintained. The use of the ranking tasks will help build student confidence in the work and decision-making. Packets of ranking tasks for the entire year will be distributed and books with ranking tasks will be given to the first 20 through the door.
