KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
Science teachers often lament about loss of progress when they need to be away from the classroom/lab. We jump to the notion that the vast majority of substitute teachers cannot teach science, especially upper level sciences. They most certainly should not be doing labs with students. So the question presents itself: how do you keep students learning and moving forward instead of merely completing a filler lesson.
If an absence is preplanned, prep students on your last day with them to do a longer term assignment. Be sure to provide a rubric in advance so students clearly know your expectations since you won't be there to answer their questions. This could include research, a project, writing a lab report for a lab you did with them, or even an independent study. Watching a movie with purpose and with a written assignment works well too. If an absence is unplanned, the best old stand by is providing a current science news article for students to read and analyze. This can come from online or a favorite grade appropriate science magazine. Science World and Science News are amongst my favorites. I keep these handy and organized as emergency sub plans. When I return to class, I have students share what they learned. Any chance to connect classroom learning to the real world is never time lost. Don't panic the next time you need to leave your students in the hands of a substitute teacher. Be thoughtful in your plans and your students will continue to progress through your curriculum. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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