Unlocking the Secrets of Scientific Inquiry
In this 8-week course, students will learn about the concepts of the Scientific Process through a self-paced module with online instruction. This will prepare them for Science learning at the middle and high school level.
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. includedAssessment
includedLetter Grade
includedProgress Report
includedClass Experience
Beginner Level
What will be taught? Students will learn the foundational principles of the scientific process, including how to ask questions, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. These skills will prepare them for success in middle and high school science. What topics will you cover? Topics include: The steps of the scientific process Writing testable questions and hypotheses Designing controlled experiments Collecting and analyzing data Communicating results effectively The role of ethics, collaboration, and peer review in science How is your class structured? The course is self-paced over eight weeks and includes 16 interactive lessons. Each lesson includes an instructional component, hands-on activities, and review opportunities. Students will build skills progressively and culminate their learning with a capstone project. How will you teach? The class combines multimedia instruction with engaging activities. Each lesson includes: Interactive videos and tutorials Guided practice exercises Virtual labs and simulations Discussion prompts to encourage reflection and critical thinking What's your teaching style? My teaching style is student-centered and supportive. I use real-world examples to make concepts relatable, encourage curiosity, and promote hands-on exploration. Lessons are designed to be clear, engaging, and accessible to different learning styles. How much will learners get to interact with you? Learners will interact with me through the following: Use of Padlet to share ideas Detailed feedback on assignments and projects Interactive prompts within lessons where I guide and challenge student thinking
Learning Goals
Understand the Scientific Process
Identify and explain the steps of the scientific process, including asking questions, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Formulate testable scientific questions and hypotheses.
Differentiate between independent, dependent, and controlled variables in an experiment.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
What is Science?
Define science and its importance in understanding the natural world.
Explore how scientists ask questions and seek answers through observation. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Steps of the Scientific Process
Introduce the scientific process (ask, hypothesize, experiment, analyze, conclude).
Activity: Identify and sequence the steps in a real-world example. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Scientific vs. Non-Scientific Questions
Learn to differentiate testable questions from non-testable ones.
Activity: Practice crafting scientific questions. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Writing a Hypothesis
Explore the structure of a hypothesis and its connection to variables.
Activity: Write testable hypotheses for given scenarios. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over 20 years of experience as a science educator, primarily teaching grades 6, 7, and 8 at Ponaganset Middle School. Throughout my career, I have focused on fostering student engagement through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, and integrating educational technology to enhance understanding. As the Science Curriculum Coordinator since 2020, I have designed NGSS-aligned units, supported colleagues in implementing best practices, and ensured curriculum standards are met.
In addition to classroom teaching, I am a certified PLTW (Project Lead the Way) teacher and have completed the Medical Detectives program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. My role as a RIDE NGSS Facilitator has allowed me to lead professional development workshops for teachers across Rhode Island, focusing on effective science instruction and curriculum development.
I have extensive experience working with middle school students, creating engaging lessons that connect scientific concepts to real-world applications. My expertise in using tools like Google Suite, Canvas, and Microsoft Teams ensures that I can provide a modern, accessible learning environment tailored to diverse student needs.
Beyond the classroom, I coach AAU basketball for the RI Knights, where I mentor and guide young athletes, developing their skills and teamwork. My role as an EdTech teacher involves training educators and presenting at summits, like the AI in Education Summit, to explore innovative teaching strategies.
This combination of teaching, leadership, and mentorship equips me to create a dynamic and supportive environment for young learners to explore and excel in science.Reviews
Live Group Course
$2
weekly or $10 for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-12 learners per class
