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

This session will focus on innovative strategies for integrating Mathematics, English Language Arts (ELA), and Computer Science into the elementary STEM classroom, ensuring full alignment with the Utah SEEd standards.

Educators will gain practical insights and discover engaging, research-based activities that enhance student learning and foster a deeper understanding of core STEM concepts. Participants will explore effective ways to embed Math, ELA, and Technology/Computer Science into their existing science curriculum, resulting in a more dynamic and immersive learning environment.

The session will emphasize the value of hands-on, experiential learning and the application of real-world contexts to promote student engagement and relevance. By the conclusion of this workshop, attendees will have access to a comprehensive toolkit of resources and strategies, equipping them to seamlessly incorporate authentic, interdisciplinary integrations of Math, ELA, and Technology/Computer Science into their STEM instruction.

Finding the time for effective and equitable science instruction in elementary classrooms is a challenge.  To address this challenge, teachers are told to integrate.  What does effective integration look like and how do teachers plan for it?  This session shares ideas for integrating the science of reading and sense-making in science.  Participants will be introduced to a framework for aligning 5E lessons with the LETRS reading comprehension checklist. Participants will learn how to use phenomena to frame integrated lessons, when to introduce vocabulary, and how to use sentence anagrams, graphic organizers, sorts, and paragraph frames to support comprehension and writing.

The teacher’s role in the classroom is to motivate students to learn. Curiosity is an important and useful tool for teaching science. Teachers can develop effective strategies with the SEEd Standards to leverage curiosity that motivates students to read, engage in discourse, and write .

Good science instruction can motivate students to develop literacy skills. Building literacy skills in our students is an important tool for learning science. Scientific investigation effectively motivates students to develop better reading comprehension, build skills for engaging in evidence-based discourse, and improve writing skills (NRC, 2019).

Students enter the classroom with diverse abilities, needs, and backgrounds. Selecting and using local and culturally relevant phenomena is an important way to engage all science investigations. Making connections to place-based aspects of science phenomena adds to the relevance of science for each student and motivates students to engage in discourse, reading, and writing.

Come engage with Ogden Nature Center as we show you how to bring STEM learning, community science, and conservation to your students. We will go over methods and materials for 3 different conservation projects. Level 1: simple seed bombs-perfect for a short lesson. Level 2: Composting in the classroom-a low cost year long project that helps reduce waste. Level 3: Creating a pollinator garden for your school-a longer term project that requires planning and investment. Whatever your classroom age or level of time and commitment, we have something for you. So come learn how to engage your students in conservation and come ready to get your hands a little dirty!
STRANDS: K.2, 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.1, 5.3 , 6.4