Ideas for integrating history
It is appropriate to explicitly include concepts related to the history and nature of science and math in the Evaluation––history should not be just an "add-on" but rather integral to the lesson. Students can demonstrate their achievement of the lesson's objectives through oral and written communication. Some examples:
- “Identify 3 women mathematicians in history and write a report explaining the significance of their work”
- "Explain 3 different species concepts and give an example of a biologist form history who used each concept”
- “Argue for the importance of peer review in science using Newton and the Royal Society as a case study.”
In addition, teachers can assess and evaluate student mastery of concepts throughout the lesson, by listening to student communication and examinig student-created artifacts like timelines, drawings, etc.
What the Teacher does:
- Observes the students as they apply new concepts and skills
- Assesses students’ knowledge and skills
- Looks for evidence that the students have changed their thinking or behaviors
- Allows students to assess their own learning and group-process skills
- Asks open-ended questions such as, “Why do you think …?” “What evidence do you have?” “What do you know about x?” “How would you explain x?”
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What the Student does:
- Answers open-ended questions by using observations, evidence, and previously accepted explanations
- Demonstrates an understanding or knowledge of the concept or skill
- Evaluates his or her own progress and knowledge
- Asks related questions that would encourage future investigations
(Bybee et a. 2006, p. 33-34)
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