3rd Grade Science: A Semester of Discovery and Inquiry, Part 2

Students will learn scientific process and procedures through the content typically taught in the second semester of 3rd grade. Strands include  Earth Science and Life Science.

I taught 5th grade science in the largest public school system in my state for 17 years. During that time I attended intense science training programs led by Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and i3Laser through the Smithsonian Institution/Department of Education.  I was honored as Teacher of the Year on my campus and a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year. After 17 years, I moved from the classroom to become a STEM instructional coach, supporting teachers across the district in the STEM content areas, and finally as a math and science instructional coach, leading professional development and supporting teachers and students at low performing campuses. I retired from the school district in 2021, and now I am blesses to focus on instilling the love of science in students without the requirements of state and district assessments. In my classes, students will learn and love science; they will not learn science tests!

Some weeks will have short assignments for students to complete individually, typically requiring no more than 30 minutes. There will be a final semester project based on student choice from a product menu to summarize learning in the course.

Formative assessment will be embedded throughout the course through a variety of games and activities. Parents will be provided with a written report at the end of the course.

1 hour 50 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

This class will follow best practices guidelines as set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association and Next Generation Science Standards.