3 Argument-based Strategies for STEM-Infused Science Teaching (ASSIST) (3/10) -- Elementary Science Methods I

3 Argument-based Strategies for STEM-Infused Science Teaching (ASSIST) ASSIST The science classroom brings together a blend of students “doing”, teacher planning, and integration of national standards. Argument-based Strategies for STEM-Infused Science Teaching, or the ASSIST framework, is an approach to science teaching that utilizes these three aspects (figure 2). It was created to initiate effective science learning environments, connected to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), that emphasize and promote the following: An IMMERSIVE, ARGUMENT-BASED perspective in which students consistently engage in argumentation as a key aspect of the practices of science and the development of key conceptual ideas of science. The use of LANGUAGE and LITERACY skills as tools for the engagement in science practices and the development of conceptual ideas of science. An INTEGRATED STEM PERSPECTIVE in which the integration of mathematical skills, technology use, and application through engineering is seen as necessary for true engagement in the science practices and development of conceptual understanding of science ideas. Figure 2: Critical Aspects of Science Unit Planning The ASSIST approach utilizes a unit planning method that combines individual lesson plans centered around a theme, and is linked to bundled NGSS. The unit plan is broken down into several main sections: General Unit Overview, Initial Engagement Experience (IEE), Argument-Based Investigation (ABI) plans, and Assessment. The approaches emphasizes the use of multiple methods of communication (e.g. writing, drawing, modeling, verbal negotiation) and is based on the Science Writing Heuristic . General Unit Overview The main focus of the General Unit Overview includes bundling national standards and providing a quick reference and outline for each section of the unit (IEE, ABI, STEM, Assessment). It provides direction and focus, while also predicting what may occur within the unit. Within this section we will discuss how to bundle standards, develop teacher unit big ideas, integrate community connections, and explore the planning tool for this portion of the ASSIST approach. Planning tools for the IEE, ABI Investigation plans, and Assessment plans will be discussed later. Bundling Standards It is unrealistic and impossible to cover each science standard one at a time. For this reason it is suggested that standards are bundled, or grouped, together to form a unit with 2-4 standards within one grade. Though there is technically no wrong way to bundle standards, the most common ways that standards are bundled include: 1. Within science domains based on DCI 2. Within science domains based on Topic Bundling of standards help students observe and experience connections between science concepts as they learn. To strengthen this connection choosing a theme for a unit may be helpful. Themes can vary from broad concepts (e.g. structure and function, relationships, or perspective), to more specific