Understanding Science

Developed by the Understanding Science for Teaching™ project, Making Sense of SCIENCE™ (MSS) is a comprehensive series of professional development courses that focus on core topics of K–8 earth, life, and physical science. Each course explores the intersection of science knowledge, teaching, and literacy so that teachers are better able to support students in making sense of essential science content. These courses help teachers learn effective instructional practices that facilitate hands-on science lessons, support evidence-based discussions, and develop student academic language and literacy skills in science, along with the habits of mind necessary for sense making and scientific reasoning.

The MSS professional development series is designed to compliment any science curriculum and is aligned with national science standards. Each course is nationally field-tested. There is compelling evidence this approach to professional development strengthens teachers' content knowledge, transforms classroom practices, and boosts student achievement — especially for low-achieving students, English learners, and students with poor literacy skills. As a result, MSS courses can help close student achievement gaps.

Two Making Sense of SCIENCE courses are available for purchase beginning in June 2011 (Force & Motion and Energy), and the Understanding Science for Teaching project will host Facilitation Academies for each course in the summer of 2011. Facilitation Academies prepare staff developers, district science leaders, and other teacher educators to effectively lead a Making Sense of SCIENCE course for teachers. Academy participants experience the teacher course firsthand; collaboratively investigate the art of facilitation, including strategies for promoting evidence-based conversations among teachers and strategies for supporting teachers' analysis of student work and use of formative assessments; and practice facilitation and receive one-on-one coaching.

The development and evaluation of the Making Sense of SCIENCE courses has been supported by the National Science Foundation, Stuart Foundation, Institute for Education Sciences, and the Stone Foundation, along with the expertise of a multitude of classroom teachers, staff developers, scientists, and education researchers.

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