Challenging the Gifted in STEM Classes..

Without Leaving Everyone Else Behind

Trina Merrick Marshall County High School trina.merrick@marshall.kyschools.us

What not to do:

The Big Bang Theory - Sheldon teaches Penny Physics.flv

Myth: All Children are Gifted

http://www.nagc.org/commonmyths.aspx

Truth: All children have strengths and positive attributes, but not all children are gifted in the educational sense of the word. The label gifted in a school setting means that when compared to others his or her age or grade, a child has an advanced capacity to learn and apply what is learned in one or more subject areas, or in the performing or fine arts. This advanced capacity requires modifications to the regular curriculum to ensure these children are challenged and learn new material. Gifted does not connote good or better; it is a term that allows students to be identified for services that meet their unique learning needs.

What is a Gifted & Talented Student?

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Gifted+and+Talented/Frequentl y+Asked+Questions++Gifted+and+Talented.htm

According to state regulation for gifted and talented programs, a gifted and/or talented child is defined as a category of "exceptional students" who are identified as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level in general intellectual aptitude, specific academic aptitude, creative or divergent thinking, psychosocial or leadership skills, or in the visual or performing arts.

What are our responsibilities?

A comprehensive framework or course of study for GT students shall be based on a district or schools curricula that shall be differentiated, supplemented or modified to assist students to further develop their individual interest, needs and abilities.

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Gifted+and+Talen ted/Frequently+Asked+Questions++Gifted+and+Talented.htm

Differentiation
Differentiation is a method through which educators establish a specific, well thought out match between learner characteristics in terms of abilities, interests, and needs; and curriculum opportunities in terms of enrichment and acceleration options, which maximize learning experiences. Differentiated service options are educational experiences that extend, replace or supplement learning beyond the standard curriculum. -

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Gifted+and+Talented/Frequently+Asked+Qu estions++Gifted+and+Talented.htm

Classroom Reality

We all have a variety of ability levels Each State, School, and Classroom has its own challenges. I will share about my classes, experience, and some new challenges. Please join me and share, too! The best teachers steal from the best teachers!

Is there a way to reach them all?

Maybe I cannot turn every student into a physicist or engineer, but I can do my best to improve their science, reasoning and math skills. Differentiation does not have to be scary! Differentiation does not mean two or three separate activities or lessons. The unit or activity can have differentiation built in.

Some Things to Avoid

Teaching to the Middle Pace to the Bottom Harder is not better Sink or Swim They are motivated, so they will WANT to move fast Do not use GT students as tutors Do not assume they are smart, so they will be fine no matter what, ask Is there a way I can help them reach their potential.

General Suggestions

Have something productive to do (teach, learn, practice, cover) at all times and share the plan with your students. I use a Google calendar & website to communicate. Have a variety of ways students can earn points, but all of them having substance and communicate this to them. Have a routinethat is flexible. Use technology to make things easier on you and more interesting for them.

Specific Strategies with Differentiation Built Right In

Traditional-Lecture, Problem Solving, Math Skills Hands On- Cookbook Labs and Activities, Inquiry Labs, Lab Reports, Cool Demos Creative-Design Projects, Concept Mapping, Movie Physics Project, Physics Photo Essay Technology-Website, Online HW (Quest), Video Analysis, Lab Simulations, Clickers Active Involvement-Clubs, TSA, TEAMS, Science Olympiad, Professional Interviews, Field trips

Traditional Examples
2D Motion Unit Sheet 2D Motion Power Point 2D Motion Skeleton Notes

Hands On Examples
Newtons 2nd Law Lab Fluids Lab Stations *There are appropriate times for cookbook labs as well.

Creative
Design Lab Eggstronaut Challenge Photo Essay Movie Physics Project The Great Rocket Build Off

Technology

Quest or other Online HW Class Response Systems-CPS or online Simulated Labs- PHET , Sim Lab Instructions Technology Based Labs-CBL, computer, LabPro, or Pasco Video Analysis- Logger Pro Online Resources-Kahn Academy, The Physics Classroom, Delores Gende, Mr. Murrays ICP Classroom

Implementing Strategies

Add one at a time-This year Im adding video analysis. Variety for you and students Consider grading strategy for each item you add Do not be afraid

My Assessment Structure:

Formative Assessments Regular Tests There are varying difficulty level questions, formatted like standard test, gradually taking away crutches. Retakes Available-Responsible for getting students to learn, it doesnt matter when. Summative Assessments Midterm and Final Model Standard Test

Dont be a Sheldon

Know your Audience, identified GT students, students that achieve through effort, underachieving GT students, students of lower abilities and/or other strategic populations. Chances are you differentiate already The big picture is: something for everyone.

Credits

Kentucky Department of Education Website-GT Resources http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=482 Lisa Devillez Tina Marshall Kathy Nunley (Layered Units) Dr. Peggy Bertrand Too many to list The best teachers steal from the best teachers!!! Many items can be found on my website: https://sites.google.com/site/mrsmerricksclassroo matmchs/