Casey Sylvain

This unit was designed as a way to incorporate STEM into a more traditional Science Fair model with connections to STEM careers. Students are encouraged to choose a topic that they are deeply interested in and they learn how to connect scientific thinking to concepts outside of science class. They are also introduced to future STEM careers and community resources. The unit is directly aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core. In order to help students achieve t

Are you interested in enhancing STEM at your school? This updated take on a Science Fair will allow students to explore the many aspects of STEM and present their comprehensive understanding. By using online resources such as ScienceBuddies, students learn how to research a topic, form a hypothesis, and conduct an experiment, design plan, or technological exploration. Students record their work through an online document to keep track of their procedures. In order to make the project more ma

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the Common Core of Science! In order to get a better handle on the standards and what teaching them entails, I have created a framework based off of Understanding by Design for lesson development. Each standard has been broken down into its basic meaning, necessary vocabulary, and prerequisite skills. This will help educators as they move toward the inquiry-based model of NGSS. Also included are suggested resources and guides.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the Common Core of Science! In order to get a better handle on the standards and what teaching them entails, I have created a framework based off of Understanding by Design for lesson development. Each standard has been broken down into its basic meaning, necessary vocabulary, and prerequisite skills. This will help educators as they move toward the inquiry-based model of NGSS.

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are the Common Core of Science! In order to get a better handle on the standards and what teaching them entails, I have created a framework based off of Understanding by Design for lesson development. Each standard has been broken down into its basic meaning, necessary vocabulary, and prerequisite skills. This will help educators as they move toward the inquiry-based model of NGSS.

Middle School is a time when students are exploring their identities and learning more about themselves as individuals. Studies have shown that when students picture themselves as college bound at a younger age, they are more likely to attend college. This is especially true for students who do not have college-educated role models at home. But what about the students who will not attend college? A large component of this project is focusing on career exploration and future goals. For examp

Students will use the elements of rising action of a familiar story to create a graphic novel. Using the website www.pixton.com, they can create their own telling of a fairy tale, a self-created tale, or a class-generated story. This includes an organizer for student ideas and directions to create their graphic novel using Pixton. Students can also create a more simple comic strip, as time permits. A checklist for grading is included.

Students will learn how to analyze the periodic table by adopting an element and completing a presentation. They will use the Biteslide program to create an online poster. Included are directions to create the project using Biteslide, Google Slides, and a paper poster. Teachers may select the type that works best for their classroom situation. There is also a checklist to assess student work, understanding, and presentation skills.