9-12 Science Digital Supports

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Tech to support the Science and Engineering Practices

Asking questions and Defining Problems

Asking Questions and Defining Problems grade level descriptors

A practice of science is to ask and refine questions that lead to descriptions and explanations of how the natural and designed world works and which can be empirically tested. Linked below are a variety of tools to engage the SEP of Asking Questions. 

Phenomena resources to inspire students to generate questions

Online sticky notes

  • Padlet– Online sticky notes allow students to post their thoughts and allows for reorganization
  • Lino– Online sticky notes allow students to post their thoughts and allows for reorganization
  • Jamboard– Found in Google Drive, Jamboard is a whiteboard with sticky note features to collect and curate questions. The whiteboard features add an extra bonus as you are able to directly write/annotate on the resource. 
  • SMART Learning Suite (school subscription needed)- For those of you with this product, use the Shout It Out feature to collect student questions and reorganize them if you would like. 

Developing and Using Models

A practice of both science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations. These tools include diagrams, drawings, physical replicas, mathematical representations, analogies, and computer simulations.

Developing and Using Models grade level descriptors

Asking Questions Graphic organizer 

Digital Whiteboards

  • Jamboard– This Google Suite feature allows for annotation, images, and sticky notes to model learning. The iPad app makes the pen tool more natural for drawing. 
  • Sketch.io
  • AutoDraw

3D design tools

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually. Their investigations are systematic and require clarifying what counts as data and identifying variables or parameters.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations grade level descriptors

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Graphic Organizer

Virtual Simulations

Data Collection Tools

Evidence curation tools

Collaborative Online Spaces

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Scientific investigations produce data that must be analyzed in order to derive meaning. Because data patterns and trends are not always obvious, scientists use a range of tools—including tabulation, graphical interpretation, visualization, and statistical analysis—to identify the significant features and patterns in the data. Scientists identify sources of error in the investigations and calculate the degree of certainty in the results. Modern technology makes the collection of large data sets much easier, providing secondary sources for analysis.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data grade level descriptors

Analyzing and Interpreting Data Graphic Organizer

Data Sets and Analysis Tools

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

In both science and engineering, mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their relationships. They are used for a range of tasks such as constructing simulations; statistically analyzing data; and recognizing, expressing, and applying quantitative relationships.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking grade level descriptors

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking Graphic Organizer

Data Analysis Tools

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

The products of science are explanations and the products of engineering are solutions.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions grade level descriptors

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Graphic Organizer

Digital Whiteboards

  • Jamboard– This Google Suite feature allows for annotation, images, and sticky notes to model learning. The iPad app makes the pen tool more natural for drawing. 
  • Sketch.io
  • AutoDraw

3D design tools

3D Visualizing Tools

Presentation Tools

Screencast Tools

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Argumentation is the process by which explanations and solutions are reached.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence grade level descriptors

Engaging in Argument from Evidence graphic organizer

Verbalizing Argument from Evidence

Research Databases for Peer Reviewed Resources

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Scientists and engineers must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively the ideas and methods they generate. Critiquing and communicating ideas individually and in groups is a critical professional activity.

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information grade level descriptors

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information graphic organizer

Obtaining/evaluating Information

Communicating Information

Physics

Content resources

Chemistry

Content Resources

Biology

Content Resources

Earth/Space Science

Content Resources

Featured Resources to support continuous learning opportunities

Staying grounded when remote learning

Resources for setting norms and facilitating enrichment or required learning. 

Online access required

  • PBS Media – Science: Explore natural phenomena and scientific practices with videos, lesson plans, and interactive tools
  • Khan Academy – Science: Learn about all the sciences, from physics, chemistry, and biology, to cosmology and astronomy, across hundreds of videos, articles and practice questions.
  • PhET Online Simulations: Free science and math simulations for teaching STEM topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, and math, from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Offline/Print available

  • CK-12 Flexbooks: “Techbooks” can be accessed in offline mode, which doesn’t require continual internet access but does require a device. More Information can be found here.
  • National Science Digital Library (NSDL): Created by the National Science Foundation to provide organized access to high-quality resources and tools that support innovations in teaching and learning at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
  • NASA Education: NASA provides hundreds of resources organized by subject, grade level, type, and keyword. The lesson plans and teaching materials primarily support STEM curriculum.

Video Channels

Don’t Forget!

Also check out the AEA digital resources that support 9-12 science learning

  • ScienceFLIX
  • NBC Learn
  • Learn 360
  • Gale Researcher