Abstract:

Twenty three elementary teachers in grades 3-6 on the Big Island of Hawaii participated in a voluntary professional development program to support their pivot to distance teaching during the COVID-19 shutdown of schools. Teachers were tasked with a full school day teaching schedule and needed ways to provide science instruction that was not just based on the student's reading or interacting with digital resources. The Next Generation Science Standards - Curriculum Coordinator (NGSS-CC) met with grade level cohorts via ZOOM for a 45 minute planning period every two months to discuss, and plan lessons that address the grade level performance expectations. The NGSS-CC curated or developed 3-4 lessons to meet those needs, as well as the simple materials that every student could use to DO the science. Materials and supplies were ordered, student/teacher lessons were published, envelopes with the student worksheets AND baggies of simple materials were collated, and finally the teachers came to pick up their class sets. The expectation was that teachers would DO the lesson virtually with the students on their computers so that hands-on science could still be part of their instruction.

Overall, 600 students participated in the Envelopes of Science Awesomeness over the 2020-2021 virtual school year. Students completed a total of three different Envelopes of lessons over the school year with their teacher leading the lesson via a digital platform. Students completed a google form assessment at the completion of the Envelope packet. Results revealed that students enjoyed the lessons and learned the content. Additionally, when asked on the assessment how they feel when they are DOING science, the majority reported "happy to be doing hands-on lessons", and "excited to get to do something new". Teacher feedback on the post survey revealed that teachers were very happy to have the Envelopes for their students, noticed increased engagement from their students, and felt comfortable doing the lessons that were provided.

Overall results revealed that when teachers are provided the time, professional development support, materials & supplies, they can and will teach science to their students.

Keywords:

Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, science, elementary education, primary education, student perceptions, teacher professional development.