Session 13: Making Thinking Visible with Modelling

SESSION OVERVIEW 

This session is an opportunity for participants to reflect on how the scientific practice of developing and using models can help to make their own thinking about science concepts visible and deepen their science understanding. It also provides an introduction to how scientists use models to make explanations and mechanisms more clear. Participants discuss how students can develop the habits of mind and skills for using models in order to reason with ideas and build a better understanding of science concepts. By the end of the session, they should come away knowing how models make invisible processes, mechanisms, and components both visible and testable.

In this session, participants engage in a model FOSS® (Full Option Science System) lesson that uses argumentation strategies. (Full Option Science System, Second Edition, developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science; Published and Distributed by Delta Education/School Specialty). The Water Planet Module (2009) is designed for grades 5-6.

SESSION OBJECTIVES 

Theme Goals 
Argumentation – Build awareness of how argumentation deepens understanding of science ideas.
– Engage in argumentation about molecular models for air pressure investigations.
Learning and Teaching – Explore making thinking visible through modeling helps deepen understanding of scientific phenomena.

Leader Guide and Slides

Handouts

Videos