2019 Wyoming Innovations in Learning

Attendees will explore a novel approach for science assessment in a standards-based learning environment. In this hands-on session we will conduct a short lab (absorption of energy by plant pigment) and discuss results. Following completion of the primary lab, attendees will brainstorm with other “students” and propose questions raised by the lab. Attendees will then use these questions as a base from which to further explore photosynthesis. Materials will be available for attendees to then design and conduct a new experiment to address their questions, applying the skills they have just learned. This structure provides scaffolding for open inquiry learning. This is the technique currently used by our Science Department for differentiating instruction for students, and providing students a format to go above and beyond to attain a score of a 4.

Upon completion of this session attendees will have a new understanding of the benefits of standards based grading, which is focused both on students attaining proficiency in a standard, as well as enabling a more advanced student the opportunity to truly go above and beyond and be challenged in a way they may have never been challenged before. Attendees will have explored from the perspective of a student what it takes to get a 4 using a student-centered learning approach. Lastly, attendees will have a lesson plan that they can use in their classroom.