113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations

While traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learning, shifts ownership and responsibility for student work where it belongs (to your students!), and creates an environment where teachers can more easily meet the needs of individual students and small groups.

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience shares how she sets up science stations to shift ownership of learning to her students and create more ease and flow for herself in the classroom. Beyond the logistics of implementing stations, she shares some thoughts on the types of activities - from phenomenon-focused questioning and exploration to explain-style tasks and formative assessment - that work great as science stations.

Other Resources 

• Why I Use Classroom Stations For Science Instruction [iExploreScience Blog]
• How To Set Up Science Stations In Your Classroom [iExploreScience Blog]
• 3 Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Science Classroom [Sadler Science Blog]
• Using a Notice and Wonder Activity [Sadler Science Blog]
• Episode 8: How to Really Use The 5E Model [Teaching Science In 3D Blog]
• [Free Workshop] Bring Wonder Back: Intro To The NGSS
• Designing 5E Instructional Sequences [Find This Course Within The Spark Subscription]

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Screen Deep
A podcast decoding young brains and behavior in a digital world.

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Chapters

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• 18:10 (Cont.) 113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations