UtSTA 2024: Out-Of-This-World Science Teaching

Clark Planetarium provides professional development training for fourth-grade teachers on how to implement a kinesthetic activity aligned with Strand 4.4 from the Utah SEEd Standards. By using their bodies to model the Earth, participants will demonstrate how rotation and revolution cause the cycles of day and night and changing constellations throughout the year. Participants will also become individual stars by holding an LED light as they investigate how distance relates to perceived brightness and will work together to form the constellation of Orion. This session will emphasize developing and using models to provide students with evidence for observable patterns that can be used to construct explanations for astronomical phenomena. Clark Planetarium is happy to offer a free kit of take-away materials so that teachers can replicate the activities in their classroom.

During this session participants will engage in hands-on and collaborative activities that center around the free online digital tools that inspire creativity and foster interdisciplinary connections. Natural History Museum of Utah’s Research Quest provides a brilliant resource that aligns to Utah science standards, builds students proficiency in the science and engineering practices while supplies students with the research needed to easily complete an informative essay that supports your ELA standards. Whether you're a science enthusiast, language arts aficionado, or tech-savvy educator, this session offers valuable insights and practical ideas to enrich your teaching practice and empower your students for success in a rapidly evolving world.