The concept of matter is fundamental to understanding our world. Everything we touch is made of matter. The air we breathe is made of matter. Even the blood that runs through hour veins is made of matter.
In this course, participants work to make sense of the different kinds of matter and how that matter can change. It is a comprehensive, research-based professional development that provides the necessary ingredients for building a scientific way of thinking, a deep understanding of the concept of Matter, and the skills teachers need to support students making sense of related concepts.
Learn to facilitate hands-on science lessons, support evidence-based discussions, and develop students’ academic language. Learn how to bolster students’ reading and writing skills in science, along with the habits of mind necessary for sense making and scientific reasoning.
As part of the resources included in this course, participants have access to the Making Sense of Student Work PLC protocol, the Matter Formative Assessment Task Bank for grades 5–8, and the Matter Formative Assessment Task Bank for grades 9–12. An optional Next Generation Science Toolkit is also available. The toolkit supports building a deeper understanding of energy in the context of Next Generation science as described in the NRC Framework for K-12 Science Teaching.
I learned new ways to get kids talking about science in a rich way, ways to analyze student work, and ways to improve my lessons. I also came face to face with my own science misconceptions. My teaching practice is changed forever.
Vicki Baker
National Board Certified teacher
Union City, California
- Audience: For teachers of 5–12 science
- Time: In-person | 5 full days
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Companion Resources & Services
Facilitation Academy
Prepare staff developers to facilitate a specific MSS Course. Attendees experience the course as learners and delve into the techniques needed to facilitate it for participants.
Matter Course Materials
This comprehensive set of materials supports the professional learning in our 5-day Matter course.
Matter Formative Assessment Task Bank for Grades 5–8
The formative assessments involve gathering and analyzing evidence of students’ thinking, then using what is learned to inform instruction.
Matter Formative Assessment Task Bank for Grades 9–12
These formative assessments involve gathering and analyzing evidence of students’ thinking, then using what is learned to inform instruction.