Science Skills Development
Practical and soft science skills that help students succeed in all walks of life
K12 Science is outstanding in its richness of opportunities for students to develop a diverse set of skills through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving. But time constraints make practicing and applying science skills a challenge for most schools, even with a well-equipped laboratory. We specialize in helping teachers and coordinators build a science and engineering skills program around their current budget, curriculum and schedule. We demonstrate to teachers how to find the opportunities to build intrigue and relevance by connecting a wide range of seemingly unrelated phenomena, events and skills. Through this method, our previous students have felt more connected to and invested in the natural world, and more empowered to find solutions to personal, local and global issues.
"How can we teach our students to do science?"
Students are underdeveloped in key transferable skills such as research, evaluating sources, experimental design, data interpretation and presentation
The Problem
The Cost
Student vulnerability to misinformation regarding health and environment; weaker applications and readiness for STEM degrees
The Solution
Practical training and modelling for teachers to grow confident in: • Instruction of the Science and Engineering Method Cycle and related skills such as critial thinking, experimental design, data handling, and practical skills • Identifying opportunities for students to learn and practice those skills, to reinforce content and apply skills across varied and new contexts • Developing micro- and macro-skills-based exercises and assessment rubrics that foster progress and retention
The Audience
Science teachers and coordinators
"How do we plan a science fair that's worth the time?"
The Problem
Science fairs are time-consuming and don't result in any meaningful content or skills development
The Cost
Lost learning opportunities; increased stress on teachers having to juggle multiple projects and lose time on content
The Solution
Guidance teachers in planning Science Fairs that efficiently develop, assess and celebrate students' achievements: • Integrating Science Fair projects into skills development throughout the school year • Building teacher confidence in providing effective feedback to projects' experimental design and development • Providing effective and differentiating assessment criteria and rubrics
The Audience
Science teachers and coordinators
