What is 3D teaching?

3D teaching is the new catch-phrase in science teaching.  But what is it?  How do we do it?  Where can we learn more?

3D teaching involves using three dimensions of thinking about science as we plan our lessons.  The dimensions are:
SEPs - Science and Engineering Practices
CCs - Crosscutting Concepts
DCIs - Disciplinary Core Ideas

National Science Education Standards (and important for me, the new Georgia Science Standards of Excellence coming out 2017/2018) are based on best practices largely taken from a study titled,  A Framework for K-12 Science Education.  It can be purchased in book form - and is worth every penny of the thirty some odd dollars you will pay - or you can view it as a PDF file for free.  It is over 400 pages long so the online only version is not as convenient as having a copy of it to hold in your hands and flip through - but it beats nothing if your budget is tight. (and whose isn't)

A Framework for K-13 Science Education is the resource you need if you want to understand 3D teaching and so much more.  It is a wealth of information and is organized in a way that makes it easy to use.  It lays out everything you need to know about each dimension and even gives grade band expectations that explain why certain concepts taught at certain ages and why - if you teach in Georgia - you will see some content moving to different grades.  It's a must have.

To download the PDF go to:  www.nap.edu

I created a presentation to get you started with 3D teaching.  I'm giving you a link to the presentation.  I suggest you copy and paste it into your browser if you can't click on it here.  When the file opens it will ask you if you want to download the file.  You don't have to - but you won't be able to view the videos if you don't download the presentation.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e7fs3x25laqxub8/GSTA%20Presentation.pptx?dl=0

There is so much to be said about changing the way we teach - and about 3D teaching - it's easier to take it in small bites.  I will put up posts for different bits of it all so you don't have to try and take it in all at once.  

​We're in this together and we just have to take it one step at a time and keep moving forward to make the best possible learning experience for our students.

Little Science Bird