Exploring the Crosscutting Concepts and Science & Engineering Practices with Picture Books

This class builds your knowledge of the crosscutting concepts and science & engineering practices – two dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards.  Furthermore, it connects The Science of Reading research with science research to help you create more time for science conversations in your daily routine. The class is divided into four parts. Part One begins with the familiar: read alouds. You will learn how read aloud time is supported by The Science of Reading research and what makes a read aloud effective. In Parts Two and Three, you will dive deeply into the crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices. You’ll learn the research-basis for these two dimensions and become comfortable with the complex meaning of each CCC and S&EP. Then, you’ll connect your science knowledge with your reading knowledge through picture book mentor texts as you discover and practice how to emphasize each CCC and S&EP during read alouds. In Part Four, you will synthesize what you have learned to develop a multi-unit plan to support science conversations during read alouds.

This class is designed to help you meet Iowa Core science and reading standards (or NGSS and Common Core)  by equipping you with science and reading research and pedagogy to help you bring effective science discussions into your read alouds.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Explain at least two research-based reasons to read aloud and when to read aloud in the context of science
• Explain how The Science of Reading supports increased science instructional time
• Apply read aloud best practices in lesson plans and during implementation
• Explain the complex meaning of each crosscutting concept (CCC), and design a read-aloud plan that emphasizes one CCC
• Explain the meaning of each science and engineering practice (S&EP), and design and implement a read-aloud plan that emphasizes one S&EP

Required Texts & Materials: 

NGSS Lead States. (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States (Appendices G and F). Retrieved from https://www.nextgenscience.org/

Also, students are expected to read relevant journal articles and engage with videos assigned throughout the course as needed.

Course Details:

Date: Available for registration anytime
Instructor: Emily Starr (emily@growprofessionally.com)
Number of Graduate/License Renewal Credits:  1
Higher Ed Partner for Graduate Credit: Morningside University