Applying the lens of cognitive science to existing middle school science curricula in an effort to improve student learning of science
This professional 256-page development manual is written to provide a program of training to accompany the IMAGES: A Resource for Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools publication. This publication is intended for use with K-8 teachers, and provides a sample agenda with detailed hands-on presentation plans for the five strands of measurement and geometry included in the program. Presentations are designed to strengthen teacher content, integrally involve teachers in the lesson, link to literature, and model instruction that is appropriate for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Throughout the presentations, in addition to the strong focus on content, cognitive and developmental issues, print and nonprint resources, manipulatives, and technology play an important role. In one activity, participants investigate several polyhedra (cube, tetrahedron, and one of their choosing) and their corresponding nets. Given a polyhedron, Participants must find at least one net. Given a net, participants must visualize the solid the net will produce.
These presentations are intended for use with teachers and would most likely need adjustment if used with students.
Available only through RBS, IMAGES seeks to improve teachers' content knowledge, increase their use of best practices, change attitudes toward geometry, and provide a better understanding of how students learn.
