Driven by Model-Building
As early as 1990, teachers trained in Modeling Instruction began sharing laboratories and lessons they created to encourage student-centered building of scientific models in their classrooms. Finding quality lessons can be challenging, since traditional textbooks are often written in a piecemeal format without a coherent story-line that resonates with students to increase their understanding.
Therefore, Modeling teachers typically use summer professional development to discuss questions at the heart of student-learning:
- What fundamental models are critical to understanding the core of each STEM field?
- What “paradigm” labs and lessons will uncover these core ideas for students?
- In what sequence should these activities be presented to maximize deep learning and model-building?
- Is this sequence reflective of the true nature of scientific and mathematical practices?
The AMTA community constantly works to refine and share the most effective ideas developed by our members with STEM teachers throughout the world. AMTA members and workshop attendees have complete access to all of our shared lessons via our Curriculum Resources page.