ED X343.98H - 2023 Physical Science: Chemistry and Engineering Summer Institute

Course Description

Certified elementary teachers will participate in activities to help them learn chemistry and engineering as well as gain a deeper appreciation of the scientific practices and cross cutting ideas as laid out by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In addition, teachers will participate in activities that they can take back and use with their students in their classroom. All activities will be aligned with NGSS disciplinary core ideas PS1 (Mater and its Interactions), or ETS1 (Engineering Design). 

Teachers will be prepared to teach NGSS disciplinary core ideas PS1 and ETS1.  In addition, teacher will know what students should have been taught about these subjects in previous grades, as well as, what they need to prepare students for in upcoming grades. Teachers will also develop a better understanding of the scientific practices and cross cutting idea, as well as, how to incorporate them into science activities.  

Course Outline

All of the activities will be facilitated by Darby Feldwinn or a teacher leader. Teachers will carry out activities in small groups. Once the activity is completed teachers will reflect on the activity, as well as, work with content experts to clarify content misconceptions.
 

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the Summer Institute: 

1. Teachers will gain a better understanding about when chemistry and engineering is taught in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms.
2. Teachers will increase their understanding of chemistry and engineering.
3. Teachers will become more comfortable running inquiry activities in the classroom.

Notes

The intended audience for this summer institute are elementary teachers grade levels TK-6.