Teaching Science: Understanding Conceptual Change
This course is part of The Science of Teaching Science.
This professional development workshop explores how students develop new scientific understanding and how teachers can effectively address misconceptions. Based on the Smithsonian Science Education Center's Good Thinking! series, the course helps educators recognize that students come to class with preexisting ideas and mental models from their life experiences. Teachers learn to identify these preconceptions and develop strategies to guide students toward scientifically accurate understanding. The workshop provides practical approaches for facilitating conceptual change in science education, suitable for all K-12 grade levels despite using 5th-grade examples. It can be completed independently or integrated into professional learning communities.
Instructors:
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What you'll learn
Identify student misconceptions and mental models in science education
Develop teaching strategies that address preexisting student concepts
Implement effective methods for facilitating conceptual change
Create lesson plans that build on student prior knowledge
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, Exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
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Module Description
This workshop focuses on helping educators understand and facilitate conceptual change in science education. It explores how students develop and modify their understanding of scientific concepts, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing preexisting mental models. The course provides practical strategies for uncovering student misconceptions and guiding them toward scientifically accurate understanding. Teachers learn to create effective learning experiences that build on students' prior knowledge while introducing new scientific concepts.
Fee Structure
Individual course purchase is not available - to enroll in this course with a certificate, you need to purchase the complete Professional Certificate Course. For enrollment and detailed fee structure, visit the following: The Science of Teaching Science
Instructor
8 Courses
Distinguished Science Education Leader and Professional Development Expert
Dr. Amy D'Amico serves as Division Director of Professional Services at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), where she leads professional development and leadership initiatives since joining in 2013. Her extensive 20-year career in education began teaching middle school science in Cambridge Public Schools, Massachusetts, where she distinguished herself as a Middle Grade Science Teacher Leader. Her academic credentials include a BA in Biology with an Education minor from New York University, followed by MS and PhD degrees in Biology from Northeastern University. Before joining SSEC, she was a faculty member in Georgetown University's Biology Department and co-directed the RISE & Teach program for biology undergraduates teaching in DC Public Schools. Her expertise spans curriculum development and professional development, having collaborated with prestigious institutions including MIT, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and the American Museum of Natural History. As Division Director, she oversees the development and implementation of strategic educational initiatives while continuing to serve as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, demonstrating her commitment to both K-12 and higher education.
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