What is the difference between Creativity and Innovation? Mike will set you to the task in the Marshmallow Challenge and draw insights from your participation. He will introduce you to other strategies that can be used to get your kids' creative juices flowing at any ability or grade level.
This is a session geared around the ideas of discrepant events and how to use them to stimulate student thoughts and ideas. We will review some common and some not too common examples of these teachable moments. All materials will be supplied and all safety and disposal protocols followed. Each participant will receive a sample to keep at no charge, and the confidence to use these events in their science programs once back at school.
This workshop will focus on the Smarter Science model by using a standard text book lab (e.g. diffusion lab) and having the participants discover what it is they would like to learn from their observations. Classroom ready ideas will be provided.
Using the SCAMPER technique, Mike will lead you through 2 exercises that will get kids thinking outside the box, literally. This strategy blends well with brainstorming and you will take part in a lively session that has 'no holds barred'!
An inquiry plan is an outline for developing a level III Inquiry Challenge. Inquiry Plans typically start with an engagement piece (discrepant event, science news, video etc.) and outline Background Information for the teacher.They also include how to identify the Process Skills used in the inquiry and where this inquiry fits in your curriculum.
Mike will guide you through the process of creating an Inquiry Plan. Templates will be available in paper copies, a MS Word template and as an online form.
You will leave this session with the beginnings of your very own Inquiry Plan.
Successful open-ended inquiry requires properly explicated reasoning. Attendees will use various inquiry techniques (e.g., PEOE) and practice at how to get students to develop smarter inquiry skills. Some classroom research will be mentioned.
Having trouble thinking outside the box? Let Kay Stephen lead you through a workshop inspired when she received a package in the mail. Even before opening the package questions were generated! Questioning is the heart of critical thinking! If you have questions you have science! Once the package was opened and the packing peanuts spilled out the experimental opportunities were limitless! Kay will show you how to inspire excitement in your classroom, model questioning techniques, and demonstrate how to facilitate a Smarter Science experiment. These processes transcend all age groups and learning strands! What was in the package? Come and find out!
So, you're all excited about the inquiry approach to science, and you return to school and try to convince the colleagues in your department to consider adopting Inquiry. And nothing happens…
Mike Newnham discusses the barriers to change and the elements necessary to convince teachers to change their attitude about this highly engaging and rewarding approach to teaching.
During this session you will collaborate with other attendees on methods for creating a culture of innovation in your department. You will leave this session with a step by step plan that you can implement.
