This past spring I wrote a blog post following a trip to the Museum of Science with my daughters (it can be seen here: https://readingstem.blogspot.com/2019/04/quality-science-instruction-realized.html) Following that experience I couldn't get it out of my head that to do this work in our instruction, we had to experience that feeling of... you got it, wonder.
I was lucky enough to get in touch with the Manager of Teacher Professional Development for the museum, Lesley Kennedy... now known as my "Thinking Partner." We had a chance to virtually collaborate and she was able to share great ideas and contributions to the planning of our professional learning days - including planning engaging phenomena to engage our teachers.
What really impressed me is our our Reading teachers jumped right into this new thinking about the design of our science instruction - with a willingness and engagement to rethink HOW we do this work. Our staff experienced that wonder with a facilitated phenomena, as well as in their exploration of the museum displays. The best part was when our educators returned, they dug into their materials to find the phenomena embedded in our curriculum resources, and consider ways to highlight it - as well as explore other rich curated resources to support noticing and wondering about the world around us.
My sincere appreciation to...
- RPS teachers in grades 3, 4, and 5 for deeply engaging in this new learning and experience. I cannot wait to see the amazing lessons that come from your work.
- Lesley and Meredith of the Educator Resource Center at the museum for being my thinking partners and collaborators
- The Museum of Science for allowing us to utilize the beautiful learning space
- Assistant Superintendent Kelley for supporting this professional learning idea
Heather Leonard
STEM Curriculum Coordinator, Reading Public Schools
STEM Curriculum Coordinator, Reading Public Schools
Twitter: @STEMReading
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