The purpose of TIES is to inform interested middle school science teachers about the most up-to-date concepts of evolution for them to confidently cover the topics in their classrooms and fulfill their curriculum requirements. The Disciplinary Core Idea addressed will be Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. This idea states that, “Evolution and its underlying genetic mechanisms of inheritance and variability are key to understanding both the unity and the diversity of life on Earth.” Our presentation will guide teachers through our website where we have compiled the best evolutionary resources available in one easy-to-access location. Our resources promote the practices in which scientists regularly engage, such as problem-solving, data collection, and making predictions. Because resources are arranged by curriculum standard, teachers can choose what best suits their needs. These resources range from short videos which can be used as phenomena to investigations where students can seek out patterns in nature, see examples of cause and effect, and witness real-life examples of change over time. TIES also connects science teachers with the experts in the field of evolutionary biology by offering live monthly webinars with authors and scientists, such as Nathan Lents and Kenneth Miller. Check out our website at www.tieseducation.org.
With the rise of misinformation, a program that teaches students to ask questions and question their own beliefs and opinions is important. It’s ok to be wrong! Intellectual humility and science inquiry are key. Generation Skeptics has dozens of free lessons. In our “Power of Words” lesson, students learn the importance of multiple trials and double-blind protocols when designing experiments. In “How To Sell Pseudoscience,” students learn to identify the gimmicks used to sell pseudoscientific products. It is our hope students will learn to spot nonsense when they see it on TV or social media. We also have lessons teaching students to discern between credible and non-credible sources, and many more. We also have guest speakers who can Zoom into classrooms and discuss and discuss these topics for free. We offer $500 stipends to teacher leaders who are interested are starting GenSkeps clubs at their schools. All our lessons are free. Check out our website at www.generationskeptics.org.
When are we ever going to use this? Be prepared to answer that question in your Ag, Math, Science, or Tech class. This session seeks to recruit teachers to a partnership with Madison College to foster connections between high school class content and applications in chemistry of concrete, strength of materials, hydrology, water analysis, soils, and surveying & mapping. Participants will learn about opportunities to receive professional development, curriculum, and lab activities that support instruction in the classroom. In addition to technical content, participating faculty will learn about academic and career pathways in engineering and engineering technology.
Participants will explore Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program’s BRAND NEW, inquiry -based Building Energy Detectives Lessons. Lessons follow a 5E structure, include a career connection, and provide opportunities for climate change conversations. Participants will work hands-on with tools from KEEP’s Energy Audit Kit exploring the anchor phenomenon: What energy actions can I take at school, at home, and in my community to create a more sustainable future? The presentation will guide participants through the following essential questions: How much energy is used by appliances in the classroom when turned on and off? How can I reduce energy consumption of appliances at school? What can I do to help my school’s HVAC system operate well and conserve energy? How can we achieve recommended light levels throughout the school while decreasing the amount of electricity used for lighting? What does an energy bill look like and how can actions we take to conserve energy at school impact it? How can actions we take to conserve energy at school affect our carbon dioxide emissions? All lessons are designed to align with NGSS standards, WI Standards for Science, and WI Standards for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability.
WI Standards for Science/NGSS CC2: Cause and Effect CC4: Systems and System Models SEP1.A: Asking Questions SEP1.B: Defining Problems SEP3: Planning and Conducting Investigations SEP4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data SEP5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking SEP6.A: Constructing an Explanation SEP6.B: Designing Solutions SEP7: Arguing from Evidence SEP8: Obtaining, Evaluating and Communicating Information SCI.ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems SCI.ESS3.D: Global Climate Change SCI.ETS2.B Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World
WI Standards for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Strand 1: Connect, Standard 1: Students develop and connect with their sense of place and well-being through observation, exploration and questioning.
Curriculum Integration: Educators will learn strategies to effectively incorporate the Agriculture Pen Pal and Exchange Box activities into their existing curriculum, enhancing subjects like science, social studies, and language arts through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. Facilitation Techniques: Teachers will develop skills to facilitate meaningful discussions and reflections among students regarding their agricultural exchanges, promoting critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness in the classroom.
