Essential Science Skills
This course provides students with the tools and techniques necessary to excel in scientific studies, focusing on three core areas: interpreting graphs and charts, mastering the claim, evidence, & reasoning (CER) format, & basic lab skills.
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Learners will receive practice questions that vary from multiple choice, assignments to create graphs that will be graded with a rubric, and scientific writing that will also be graded with a rubric.Certificate of Completion
Students will receive a certificate of completion as they have mastered each skill. Mastery is considered 80% or above twice on an assignment or 100% once.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
Course Title: Essential Science Skills Grade Level: Middle School / Early High School Course Overview: "Essential Science Skills" is a dynamic and engaging course designed specifically for middle school and early high school students who want to build a strong foundation in the essential skills needed for success in any science class. This course provides students with the tools and techniques necessary to excel in scientific studies, focusing on three core areas: interpreting graphs and charts, mastering the claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) format, and understanding lab basics. Course Objectives: Develop proficiency in reading and interpreting various types of scientific graphs and charts. Learn to construct well-supported scientific arguments using the claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) format. Gain hands-on experience with fundamental lab procedures and safety protocols. What Will Be Taught: Students will learn how to interpret graphs and charts, construct scientific arguments using the CER format, and perform basic lab procedures safely and effectively. Teaching Methods and Style: Lectures: Short, focused lectures to introduce key concepts. Games: Interactive games to reinforce learning in a fun way. Slides: Visual aids to support lectures and discussions. Video Clips: Engaging video clips to illustrate complex ideas. Discussions: Group discussions to foster collaboration and deepen understanding. Hands-on Activities: Practical exercises and experiments to apply learned skills that can be done at home or observed in class online Interaction with Instructor: Learners will have multiple opportunities to interact with the instructor through: Live lectures and Q&A sessions. Group discussions and collaborative activities. Personalized feedback on individual projects and assignments. Who Should Enroll: This course is perfect for students in middle or early high school who are looking to enhance their scientific skills and build confidence in their ability to tackle science coursework. Whether you are preparing for more advanced science classes or simply want to strengthen your foundational knowledge, "Essential Science Skills" is the ideal course to help you achieve your academic goals.
Learning Goals
Learn to construct well-supported scientific arguments using the claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) format.Develop proficiency in reading and interpreting various types of scientific graphs and charts.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Essential Science Skills
Course objectives and expectations
Importance of scientific skills
Overview of course structure 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Types of Graphs and Their Uses
Bar, line, pie graphs
Reading and understanding graphs
Activity: Identifying types of graphs 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Analyzing Data Trends
Understanding trends and patterns
Drawing conclusions from data
Activity: Analyzing sample graphs 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Translating Visual Data into Written Summaries
Writing summaries of graphical data
Practice writing exercises
Activity: Summarizing data from graphs 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Pear Deck is a powerful, interactive tool designed to engage students in real-time learning activities and enhance their understanding of the material.
What is Pear Deck?
Pear Deck is an educational technology tool that allows teachers to create interactive presentations and lessons. These presentations transform traditional lessons into dynamic, engaging activities where students can participate in real-time, respond to questions, and receive immediate feedback.
How Will Pear Deck Be Used?
Your child will be provided with a unique code to access Pear Deck during their lessons. This code will allow them to join interactive sessions where they can:
Engage in Real-Time Learning: Participate in interactive presentations and activities designed to reinforce and expand upon classroom lessons.
Respond to Questions: Answer questions and prompts directly within Pear Deck, enabling teachers to gauge understanding and provide instant feedback.
Collaborate with Peers: Engage in collaborative activities and discussions with classmates, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Account Requirement
To participate in Pear Deck sessions, an account is required. The process is simple and secure:
Receive the Code: Your child will be provided with a unique code to join Pear Deck sessions.
Join the Session: Follow the instructions to join the session using the provided code. This can be done easily through a web browser.
Participate: Once joined, your child can start participating in the interactive activities and lessons.
Benefits of Using Pear Deck
Enhanced Engagement: Pear Deck's interactive features make learning more engaging and enjoyable for students.
Immediate Feedback: Teachers can provide instant feedback on responses, helping students understand concepts more clearly.
Active Participation: Students are encouraged to actively participate in lessons, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
Flexible Learning: Pear Deck can be used for in-class activities as well as remote learning, providing flexibility in various learning environments.
I believe Pear Deck will greatly enhance our ability to deliver interactive and engaging lessons that cater to the diverse learning needs of students. If you have any questions or need assistance with joining Pear Deck sessions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Pre-Requisites
Students need to be able to read independently at grade level, add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Supply List
All additional materials will be optional, or demonstrations will be able to be viewed online.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Kansas Teaching Certificate in Science
I was a science teacher for 9 years, I taught subjects including Biology, Geology, Astronomy, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Climatology, and Zoology. I graduated from Kansas State University with my degree in Life Science, and I have my masters form Washburn University in Curriculum and Instruction. Reviews
Live Group Course
$13
weekly or $100 for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
2-6 learners per class
