Module #4: Science in our World - Culture and Community | Snack

This unit is part of Dig Into Science learning modules, part of the ACESSE project. Dig into Science is designed to introduce teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, or anyone else to current science education, often called “three dimensional” science education.

Snack (5-10 minute learning experience)

• Video: Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Facets of Understanding
• The Call to Action for Science Education articulates a vision for high-quality science education, describes the gaps in opportunity that currently exist for many students, and outlines key priorities that need to be addressed in order to advance better, more equitable science education across student learning. These priorities include:
  (1) providing time, materials, and resources for science instruction;
  (2) developing and supporting a strong, diverse science teaching workforce;
  (3) designing supportive pathways for students in science;
  (4) employing well-designed assessments and accountability systems for science; and
  (5) using evidence to document progress and inform ongoing improvement efforts.
  
  Guidance for supporting the advancement of science in respect to access and opportunity can be found in the STEM Teaching tools; developed by by the Institute for Science + Math Education at the University of Washington in collaboration with partners from the Research + Practice Collaboratory: The Exploratorium, The University of Colorado at Boulder, EDC, Inverness Research, and SRI International. This initiative was primarily funded by the National Science Foundation.
  
  There have been significant studies demonstrating that leveraging students’ culture, community, and place-based experiences may increase attendance, GPA, and course completion; others suggest that these approaches boost students’ interest in school and their sense of belonging.