Patterns Biology
This workshop immerses participants in the dynamic world of biology education, focusing on the integration of three-dimensional (3D) learning. Through culturally responsive, phenomena-based storylines, rooted in the disciplinary core ideas of biology and the scientific and engineering practices, alongside crosscutting concepts outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), educators delve into the immersive experience of Patterns Biology—the apex of the 3-year high school Patterns Science sequence.
Engaging in hands-on lab work, participants explore the intricacies of biological phenomena, fostering inquiry and exploration as central pedagogical tools. These labs serve as a cornerstone for teaching content to students, emphasizing the integration of scientific practices with core concepts. Through guided discussions and demonstrations, educators gain insights into effective instructional strategies, navigating the intricacies of laboratory procedures and fostering student engagement in scientific inquiry.
Furthermore, participants delve into the art of integrating talk structures and fostering meaningful classroom discourse. Embracing a variety of data discussion methods, educators learn to cultivate environments where students actively participate in scientific dialogue, enhancing their understanding of biological concepts and processes.
In addition to honing instructional techniques, this workshop equips educators with strategies to support student scientific writing, fostering equitable engagement across diverse learner populations. By exploring real-world applications within biology, including themes of social justice and the implementation of Oregon’s Tribal History/Shared History lessons, educators empower students to grapple with complex biological concepts and their broader implications.
Through this comprehensive approach, educators gain the tools and knowledge necessary to create dynamic learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Biology.
Facilitator: Jason Baca
Assistant Facilitator: Scott Davis
Registration Link for Oregon Teachers and/or Oregon residents.
Registration Link for out-of-state teachers. Cost for registration is $500.
For more information, please contact:
David Strayer (PMSP) at david.strayer@pdxstem.org
Susan Holveck (PMSP) at susan.holveck@pdxstem.org
Kristen Harrison (PMSP) at kristen.harrison@pdxstem.org.
David Melville (GOSTEM) at dmelville@eou.edu
Stefanie Holloway (GOSTEM) at sholloway@eou.edu
Casey Boothby (GOSTEM) at boothbc@eou.edu
About WRAP (Well-Rounded Access Program)
In 2020, Oregon received a five-year, $9.8 million US Department of Education grant to expand access to well-rounded education courses with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), specifically emphasizing the integration of arts into STEAM. Through this opportunity, in addition to several other courses, ODE has contracted some of these funds to the expansion and modification of High School Science for All. The High School Science for All program was designed to increase student access to science courses by providing an openly licensed, vertically articulated curriculum that has potential to align district pathways for students' science course taking. It is currently being used by several school districts throughout Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Education has contracted with Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University to improve the curriculum and and online availability of the curriculum and expand professional development and use of the curriculum, targeting modifications to the relevance and useability for rural areas of the state.
The scope of this project focuses primarily on strengthening the curriculum and course content so that it aligns more closely with the design principles identified in the project; includes greater clarity and organization structured around the key phenomena; includes culturally responsive techniques and strategy within the content, aligned with the accompanied professional development; reflects changes to support implementation in rural areas of the state; incorporates greater elements of STEAM instruction, specifically arts-integration; and is designed to be implemented in an online setting.
Secondarily, this project focuses on expansion of professional development to increase use of this content across the state and a greater understanding/support of culturally responsive teaching practices.
To learn more about this course, please contact Beth Blumenstein and beth.blumenstein@ode.oregon.gov or 503-931-9174.