Ever wondered how armadillos manage to swim despite their tough, armored shells? Or why the patterns on a king snake’s head bear a striking resemblance to human fingerprints?
These questions might seem quirky at first glance, but they highlight a key educational principle: shifting the focus from rote learning to exploring the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind intriguing phenomena can revolutionize the learning experience.
Let’s face it—if your chemistry lecture begins with a dry explanation of oxidation-reduction reactions, your students might not be on the edge of their seats. But imagine if you posed a question like, “How do batteries store energy?” and then handed your students a set of batteries for hands-on investigation. That’s a game-changer.
The Next Generation Science Standards (2016) emphasize the importance of anchoring student learning in phenomena. By presenting students with real-world phenomena, they get to ask, “Why do I need to learn this?” before even diving into the specifics. This approach not only makes science more engaging but also helps students understand its relevance in their lives.
So, how can you effectively introduce these phenomena into your classroom?
Finding the right examples might seem daunting, but there are fantastic resources out there to help. KnowItAll.org is a treasure trove of educational content.
For instance, their new series, Coastal Kingdom, offers captivating video clips that delve into animal adaptations, reproduction, biodiversity, and more. Picture this: showing your students a clip of a swimming armadillo, which could spark a discussion about how different animals have evolved unique adaptations to their environments.
Another great resource is Web of Water, which provides webisodes that explore how various rivers have shaped the landscape of South Carolina. This visual approach can help students understand geological and environmental changes in a more dynamic way.
For those teaching chemistry or physics, Archaeo-Tech offers intriguing phenomena like 3D laser scanning systems and Carbon-14 dating. Students can observe how these technologies uncover mysteries of ancient materials and historical artifacts, making abstract concepts more tangible.
Ultimately, the key is to consider your students' interests when selecting phenomena. The more relatable and intriguing the examples, the more likely your students are to engage deeply with scientific concepts. By making science relevant and exciting, you foster a classroom environment where curiosity thrives, and learning becomes a journey of discovery rather than a series of lessons.
So next time you’re planning your lesson, think about the phenomena that could ignite your students' passion for science. Whether it’s the curious case of the swimming armadillo or the mystery of ancient artifacts, connecting scientific concepts to real-world phenomena can make all the difference in sparking a lifelong love of learning.
NGSS. (2016, September). Using Phenomena in NGSS-Designed Lessons and Units. Retrieved from: https://issuu.com/achieveinc/docs/using_phenomena_in_ngss
For more on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), visit nextgenscience.org.
Bio:
Dr. Kristin Devers serves as a secondary science curriculum consultant for Richland School District One. She is celebrating her 21st year in education. Dr. Devers has taught high school Biology, 6th-8th grade science, acted as the Lead Teacher to a science-based middle school magnet program and served as the principal of a local private school.