As science teachers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to build on the foundation of ELA literacy, mathematical numeracy, and civic/social studies literacy to prepare our students for the “next generation.” This webinar will engage participants with discrepant event activities, cartoons, and quotes that explore the synergistic integration of the “seemingly separate” standards. The unique challenges of reading science will be explained by contrasting the tasks of everyday versus science textbook reading. Participants will elaborate and evaluate the efficacy of the webinar by applying and testing the lessons learned with their students.
About the Presenter: Thomas O'Brien, a professor at Binghamton University (SUNY), is a distinguished leader in science education. During the 1980s, he was a member of the writing team for the innovative Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom) program produced by the American Chemical Society. He has also authored a three-book series with the NSTA Press, Brain-Powered Science: Teaching and Learning with Discrepant Events, and served as an author/editor for Science for the Next Generation, another NSTA Press book. His research interests include constructivist approaches to science teaching, professional development, and leadership. For HMH Science Dimensions, he has helped guide the planning and development of the high school chemistry content.