Designing the Learning Plan
Once I completed stages 1 and 2 of the UbD template I was ready to begin developing my learning plan. I started to think about what activities would help me [...]
The Twin Sins of Curriculum Design
Using the Understanding by Design template is no easy task. It can take so long to get the enduring understandings and essential questions right. You have to give yourself time [...]
Curriculum Planning using Understanding by Design
This year I am teaching a new grade level at my school. I am now the 6th grade science teacher. This change is both exciting and overwhelming. I am excited [...]
Science Beach Reading
Despite the weird weather over the winter we’re in full on summer mode here at the Academy which means we’re picking our summer reading material. Whether you have a grand [...]
Testing “Performance” in Science
Fourth and Eighth-graders across New York State are in the midst of taking their 2012 standardized “science performance tests.” With some exceptions (see the May 2012 memo issued by the [...]
The Mighty Oysters of New York
Oysters—once more abundant in New York Harbor than anywhere else in the world—fell victim to over-harvesting and pollution. But today, thanks to the efforts of a few key groups—like the [...]
Waste Less, Learn More
As you can probably tell from some of my other posts, I teach a lot about climate change and environmental science. In an effort to practice what I teach, I’ve [...]
It’s a Jungle Out There!
Spring always takes my mind to Central Park and inevitably to some of my favorite museums which border Central Park. One such museum, the American Museum of Natural History, is [...]
Telling Science Stories
In February, the Academy co-produced a night of science teacher’s stories with Story Collider, a science storytelling series. As we worked on marketing language and logistics, a little voice in [...]
Call of the Wild: It’s a Jungle Out There Part II
Nestled in the heart of the concrete jungle that is New York City there is a place that glimpses into the real jungle… and arctic, and desert, and forest. The [...]
