11/9/2023 0 Comments Introducing science phenomena![]() Careful selection of these phenomena allows teachers to respect the experiences that all students bring from their backgrounds (National Research Council, Appendix D, 2013) while presenting global issues through engaging, high-quality content. At the unit level, anchor phenomena serve as observable, relevant, and often puzzling events that drive students to want to figure out the science behind their observations. Immediately grabbing students’ attention and motivating them to make sense of the world around them, phenomena are the foundation of Discovery Education Science Techbook. Sparking Curiosity and Deeper Learning with Real-World Events Not only does the selection of phenomena need to encourage students to dive deep into scientific ideas, the presentation and unpacking of the phenomena needs to respect and acknowledge diversity and relevance to a student’s background and provide opportunities for all students to share their cultural funds of knowledge as they approach how to figure out each situation alongside each other in the classroom. As teachers engage students with phenomena, they need to consider that the “phenomena must be compelling to students based on their experiences in their homes and communities” (Lee, O., 2020). By rooting instruction in relevant phenomena, students focus on figuring out the “how” and “why” behind their observations, while building their understanding of core science ideas along the way. Phenomena-based learning harnesses students’ natural curiosities and empowers them to take ownership of their learning. The Framework for K-12 Science Education states, “Learning science depends not only on the accumulation of facts and concepts but also on the development of an identity as a competent learner of science with motivation and interest to learn more.” Today’s science classroom must allow all students the opportunity to figure out instances of real-world phenomena that are relevant to their everyday lives and emphasize the value each student brings to the collective understanding of their local and the global scientific community. Phenomena-Based Learning Encourages Inclusion However, delivery of scientific facts in the classroom does not always build the necessary foundation for students to analyze data, evaluate information, and uncover reliable evidence to help explain the situations around them. With a solid foundation of scientific ideas, students can critically appraise multiple sources of information, including social media, in order to figure out driving factors behind real-world phenomena and events. Perhaps now more than ever, it is important that all students are able to objectively evaluate the world around them to make sense of global issues such as climate change, pandemics, and human impact on the environment. Written by Amy Gensemer and Haley Adams Mangum, authors of Discovery Education Science Techbook Wow to How | Phenomenal Phenomena Drives Equity & Engagement
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