Teaching STEM and NGSS at the Primary Level Grades K-2

This online course for teachers takes K-2 educators through a step-by-step explanation of the standards and includes examples and suggestions of how to incorporate them into your science classroom. The course also guides you through how to interpret the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas at the K-2 level. Then, teachers are taken through each dimension with details provided for how to translate the standards into daily instruction. The 5Es of inquiry-based science are discussed, as well as how Universal Design for Learning, multiple intelligences, and STEM strategies all work together to connect the design and implementation of science lessons, labs, and stations. Specific strategies for connecting math and science are also shared. Additionally, teachers will be introduced to an overview of assessment and how it applies to the Next Generation Science standards, as well as a brief overview of how to manage an inquiry-based classroom.

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Supporting Math Foundational Skills in the Primary Grades Grades K-3

Preparing Students with Special Needs to Meet the Standards Grades K-3

Unleashing the Power of the NGSS and STEM Grades 3-5

This online course for teachers takes educators of grades 3-5 through a step-by-step explanation of the standards and includes examples and suggestions of how to incorporate them into their science lessons. The course also guides teachers through how to interpret the science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas contained within the NGSS. Teachers will be introduced to various instructional models for learning, including the 5Es of inquiry, the 4E x 2 model, and Universal Design for Learning. Teachers will learn how to create an active learner-centered classroom so that various STEM strategies can be used to connect the design and implementation of NGSS-based science lessons, labs, and stations. Teachers will be introduced to an overview of assessment and how it applies to the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as a brief overview of how to blend technology and flip a science classroom to make it more student-centered.

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Developmentally Appropriate Content Activities for Early Learners Grades PreK-2

Math Manipulatives in the Primary Classroom Grades K-2

This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades K-2 who want to learn how to incorporate manipulatives into their everyday teaching in order to guide their students to become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. The course begins by discussing math standards and the role of manipulatives in problem solving. A plethora of suggestions for how to incorporate specific manipulatives into your math instruction in order to improve the way students approach complex mathematical topics are provided. Specific manipulatives discussed in the course include linking cubes, color tiles and counters, pattern blocks, number lines, base ten blocks, place value chips, and hundreds charts to build basic math foundation skills. Ways to introduce play money and clocks are also included. Strategies and activities for using attribute blocks, Cuisenaire rods, rekenreks for addition and subtraction skills, tangrams, and geoboards as an introduction to geometry are shared. Additionally, an overview of how to create a math workshop using hands-on manipulatives is also included.

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Learner-Centered Math Instruction Using Manipulatives Grades 3-6

This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades 3-6 who want to learn how to incorporate manipulatives such as linking cubes, color tiles and counters, number lines, Cuisenaire rods, base ten blocks, place value chips, fraction strips, algebra tiles, Algeblocks, pattern blocks, pentominoes, attribute blocks, tangrams, Anglegs, dice, geoboards, and even virtual maniplatives into their everyday teaching in order to guide their students to take ownership of their learning so that they can become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Information on math standards is shared together with distinct suggestions for how to incorporate specific manipulatives into your math instruction in order to improve the way students approach math problems.

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Incorporating SEL Skills into the Content Areas Grades PreK-5

This online course for teachers is designed to take a deep dive into social-emotional learning and the core competencies that surround it. Teachers will learn how to use growth mindset principles and strategies so that an inclusive classroom community can be built and supported, resulting in an atmosphere of self-awareness and self-efficacy. Teachers will learn how to use interactive read-alouds to promote perspective taking, and they will learn how writing can be used as a pathway to promote self-awareness. In terms of math, teachers will learn how to create shared learning targets and connect the mathematical practice standards to SEL so that students can become mathematically proficient. The content area of science is also explored, as teachers learn how to incorporate SEL best practices through project-based learning so that students are motivated to become engaged and informed world citizens. Teachers will also learn about the importance of incorporating SEL best practices into the arts, and that doing so fosters a complete and whole student perspective.

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Implementing the Workshop Model in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science Grades 4-8

This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades 4-8 who want to learn how to better engage their students as they examine and investigate a variety of interesting and engaging concepts and activities on a daily basis using the workshop model. The focus of the course is on helping teachers implement a workshop model for reading, writing, math, and science that includes a mini-lesson, student-directed independent work (while the teacher meets with small groups or conferences), and sharing. Some of the additional highlighted topics include backwards planning and organization, goal setting, project-based learning through the use of STEM activities, and tapping into students’ natural curiosity using makerspaces, all under the auspices of a rigorous, supportive, and engaging classroom.

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Creating a Dynamic Classroom Through Project-Based Learning Grades K-5

This online course for teachers is designed for K-5 educators who are looking to explore how PBL can fit into their current curriculum. In doing so, students become immersed in the guided inquiry process. As they work through a variety of projects, they become critical and creative thinkers and communicators who are able to work collaboratively while embracing what has become known as Gold Standard PBL. This course begins by discussing the role that PBL plays in 21st century learning. As teachers progress through the course, they will take a deep dive into each of PBL’s essential components. Teachers will learn how to effectively implement each of the components throughout several content areas, including reading, math, science, engineering, and social studies. Teachers will learn strategies for establishing a PBL mindset in their classrooms and they will learn how to “marry” some “out of the box” strategies within the PBL framework. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel more confident and successful in their quest to implement project-based learning into their own teaching practices.

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