Middle school classrooms are hard at work as they work through Unit 1 of the OpenSciEd curriculum, diving into learning about Light in sixth grade, Chemical Reactions in seventh grade, and Forces in eighth grade. As Nashoba enters its fourth year using these materials, our teachers continue to refine and deepen their instructional routines.
One key instructional routine that is utilized often in the curriculum is the “scientist circle.” As this picture from one of the seventh-grade classrooms shows, students build on their sensemaking skills by standing in a circle to discuss their findings and share their ideas. The goal is for students to make sense of what they know so far, learn to build from each other’s ideas, ask clarifying questions, and develop a learning community within the classroom.
In this case, the students were working together to write down what they noticed and what the evidence was in the demonstration they saw with bath bombs. Students worked together so well, taking turns, asking questions, and building on ideas. Meanwhile, the teacher listened intently, navigated the discussion as needed, and asked clarifying questions to deepen their understanding. Amazing work by the students and teacher!