Science With Depth PD
Creating Guiding Questions
Many classrooms fall into the "fact-trap." Students collect disconnected pieces of information but end up feeling lost. This lack of direction leads to an inability to connect Cross Cutting Concepts to real-world phenomena.
In this PD session, teachers will create different levels of guiding questions: Factual, Conceptual, and Debatable. By aligning these questions with Webb’s Depth of Knowledge levels, students can navigate their way through scientific evidence and answer the questions in a systematic way. At the end of the journey, students have a better understand how everything is connected and can apply their knowledge to discuss science phenomena.
Take Home Tool: The Science With Depth Inquiry Compass
Teachers will use the compass as a literal and metaphorical tool to generate questions that go from surface level to deeper applications. A compass is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used throughout the year in biology, ecology, astronomy, and Earth sciences. Once students understand its technical function, they will see the compass as a powerful metaphor for guiding questions. This is a strategy and takeaway that will transform your lessons from random observations to intentional investigations.