Understanding Science

The materials for each Understanding Science professional development module are presented in two books: a Participant Book for teachers and a Facilitator Guide for staff developers.

Materials for Teachers

Participant Books contain eight chapters (one per session) and the materials teachers need to participate in all eight sessions of a professional development course. Each chapter contains a teaching case of actual classroom practice that illustrates students’ science thinking and highlights an important teaching dilemma that any teacher might face. Also included is a companion content guide that explains and illustrates core science concepts. This is followed by a series of handouts that: guide the hands-on and sense-making work in each science investigation; focus the analysis of student work and instructional tradeoffs in each case discussion; and describe the classroom connection homework assignment teachers do between sessions. Each chapter concludes with a final handout that summarizes the key concepts and outcomes of the session, including illustrations of the common yet incorrect ways students think about related concepts.

Download a sample chapter from an Understanding Science Participant Book (PDF, 2.2 MB)

Materials for Staff Developers

Facilitator Guides provide extensive support materials and detailed procedures needed to successfully lead each of the eight sessions in a course. Each chapter, corresponding to one of the eight sessions, describes the underlying science (including common yet incorrect ideas of children and adults) and provides scripted yet flexible procedures, such as instructions to guide the hands-on and sense-making work in each science investigation; guiding questions for each case discussion; and instructions for completing the classroom connection assignment teachers do between sessions. For ease of use, the Facilitator Guides also include: goals, syllabus, required materials and preparation, and black-line masters of all handouts and charts. Supporting chapters in the Facilitator Guide share lessons learned from the experiences of staff developers across the country. They also address logistical issues inherent in organizing and leading a course. For example, they offer practical suggestions for adapting the course to different formats and audiences, help staff developers know what up-front preparation is necessary (such as intellectual preparation, gathering and organizing materials, room arrangements), and recommend roles and responsibilities for solo and co-facilitators.

Download a sample chapter from an Understanding Science Facilitator Guide (PDF, 2.6 MB)