Student Sensemaking
Elevating student sensemaking using OpenSciEd’s key instructional elements
Session Overview
This two-day professional learning session focuses on the key instructional elements of OpenSciEd in addition to the focal units. It assumes the prerequisite completion of OpenSciEd Curriculum Launch professional learning and previous experience teaching an OpenSciEd unit. Included in this session are opportunities for teachers to:
- Reflect on successes and challenges of implementation of OpenSciEd units
- Identify OpenSciEd key instructional elements for teaching and learning
- Examine student video and artifacts from OpenSciEd units in relation to the key instructional elements
- Engage in the actual lessons of the unit as a student
All of the instructional materials associated with this professional learning session are available for download from the Access the Instructional Materials page.
Session Resources
Session Agenda
Day 1: What are the key instructional elements of OpenSciEd and how do they support student sensemaking?
Guiding Question:
What are the key instructional elements of OpenSciEd and how do they support student sensemaking?
Participants will understand:
- The OpenSciEd key instructional elements for teaching and learning and what they look like in the classroom
- How the key instructional elements are supported in the focal units
- The anchoring phenomenon routine and storyline for the focal units
- Ways to enact the OpenSciEd units to align with the key instructional elements, but still meet the needs of their localized context (e.g. district, school, students)
Length:
- 1 hour – Opening: Reflection on OpenSciEd instructional elements & classroom video analysis
- 5 hours – Unit Specific: Experience the Anchoring Phenomena routine and build the Storyline for the unit
- 1 hour – Closing: Discussion and reflection
Day 2: What teacher moves and curricular supports promote the OpenSciEd key instructional elements?
Guiding Question:
What teacher moves and curricular supports promote the OpenSciEd key instructional elements?
Participants will understand:
- Teacher moves and curricular supports to promote the key instructional elements
- How the navigation and problematizing routines support the key instructional elements
- Key lessons in the focal units
Length:
- 1 hour – Opening: Analysis of classroom video and discussion of OpenSciEd routines
- 5 hours – Unit Specific: Experience key lessons from the unit
- 1 hour – Closing: Discussion and reflection
