Worcester, MA
August 10, 2015
Conference Website
The Summer Mini-Conference of the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers – “Colorful Chemistry” – will take place at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Monday, August 10
Infusing Curricula with Modeling: Explore and Discuss a Sample of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Inspired Materials
10:30 AM–12:00 PM, Room S-123
Modeling is a central practice that is part of the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants will explore a range of freely available simulations and see how some have been used in the context of a curriculum specifically designed to respond to the NGSS call for greater student engagement in scientific and engineering practices coupled with disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts. Participants will share how they currently use similar tools, and the pedagogical considerations that go along with integrating these components in an online curriculum. The curricular materials are freely available as are the simulations, which are easily integrated into any curriculum, either through links or directly embedded into web-based materials. Learn how to do this for yourself at this hands-on workshop. Bring your own laptop, iPad or tablet, or share with someone else.
Designing Formative Assessments for Performance Expectations as Expressed in the NGSS
2:00 PM–3:30 PM, Room S-123
The Next Generation Science Standards represent a shift toward performance expectations. Developing assessments for student performance is challenging. Participants in this workshop will share current efforts and learn about a principled process for developing formative assessments to gauge student progress toward achieving mastery of these kinds of goals. Explore exemplar items, and develop your own as part of this interactive workshop. Bring your own laptop, iPad or tablet, or share with someone else.