Elements of Excellence: Effective Science Education
by Holly Hinkhouse
November 19, 2008
Learning science…enables students to use reasoning and think critically
- Critical thinking frees individuals from unjustified beliefs, insupportable attitudes, and other factors that may prevent a person from taking complete charge of his/her life
- Science at RHS educates students not only about specific content, but also about inquiry, technology, science in personal and social perspectives, and the history and nature of science
- Examples include investigating the cause of a fish kill and examining the effects of global warming
Learning science…requires a variety of instructional techniques
- Instruction at RHS emphasizes students constructing their own learning to form more concrete understanding
- Instruction is also differentiated to meet the needs of all students while challenging opportunities are provided for all students to learn science
- Instruction utilizes cooperative learning where students teach each other
- Instruction includes students assessing themselves and each other to monitor their progress along the way
Learning science…requires direct involvement with phenomena
- Research has shown that activity-based science is the most effective way for students to learn science
- Performing investigations develops understanding, ability, the value of inquiry, and knowledge of science content
- At RHS, students investigate concepts in the lab, at home, and through research. Lab experiences include making slime, biodiesel, golden pennies, and much more!
Learning science…involves working collaboratively
- Effectively learning science requires group investigations and discussion of how to interpret observations and data
- At RHS groups of students analyze and synthesize data and defend their conclusions
- Students then apply the results to create scientific explanations and arguments
Learning science…does not involve memorizing an entire textbook
- Texts full of disconnected facts neither educate nor motivate students
- Telling students a lot of stuff doesn’t result in very much of learning
- At RHS, students learn content through explorations, discussions, and multimedia presentations
Learning science…will prepare students for making real-world choices
- The RHS science curriculum engages students in not only science but also the real world and provides time for students to communicate their thoughts and understanding
- RHS science also includes experience with natural phenomena and science-related social issues that students encounter in everyday life (Examples: Purifying Foul Water, Fortune Telling Fish, Car Wars Project)
These Elements of Excellence are based on research and were developed by Holly Hinkhouse in the Summer of 2008.
