Highlights For Science Teachers

Of the 11 design-based tasks showcased in DITC, those most closely aligned to science class use include: Model Parachute, Paper Bridge, Electromagnet, Baking Soda, Vehicles In Motion and Machines That Help. Look over the introductory pages of these tasks to see the science content and skills they address.

Some topics of more general interest to science teachers include:

• Visit Movie Comparison to get a "cross-cultural" perspective by comparing tech ed and science teachers attempts to do the same parachute task.
• Since your training as a science teacher probably didn't include it, you may want to check out the items under the Learn About Design to get an introduction to design strategies.
• The Standards pages show links between various design activities and the National Science Education Standards and selected state standards.
• Differentiate between Inquiry Versus Design by hearing teachers and others reflect on these important ideas.
• Listen to Harvard's David Perkins as he talks about identifying What's Hard In a Topic? when designing lessons.
• View a case study of a elementary teacher designing his own solar house design challenge in Designing Design Tasks.
• Watch one science teacher's attempt to get her students to be more reflective and metacognitive in Developing Students' Awareness of Designer Roles and Strategies.