_____ INTASC 1. Science Content and Research. The teacher intern understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful to students. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 1a. The candidate knows and understands the major concepts and principles of the science discipline as defined by Virginia Tech based on state standards and the National Science Education Standards. |
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| _____ NSTA 1b. The candidate knows and understands the major concepts and principles unifying science disciplines identified by the National Science Education Standards. |
Conceptual Map Map connecting common themes of my DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit plan DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan Ten lesson plans centered around the major concepts and principles of DNA and genetic engineering technology Thematic Unit Plan Lesson plans encompassing science literacy, content, and science and technology in society |
_____ NSTA 1c. The candidate can design, conduct and report research investigations in his or her discipline.
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Mammology Research Project : Habitat analysis of Mountain Lake Mesocosm Research Project: Group project based on the design of a habitat Poecilia latipinna DNA analysis: Comparison of three different species of fish in Lake Cunningham Strouble's Creek Study: Research designed to assess the cleanliness of Strouble's Creek and the Duck Pond |
_____ NSTA 1d. The candidate can apply mathematics to problem-solving and investigations in his or her discipline.
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Mammology Research Project : Species accounts, habitat measurements, grid maps, and habitat data analysis of Mountain Lake Poecilia latipinna DNA analysis: Determined whether speciation had occurred in a lake, based on mathematical analysis of the collected data Strouble's Creek Study: Performed statistical analysis of macroinvertebrate distribution among six different sites along Strouble's Creek and the Duck Pond |
| _____ NSTA 1e. The candidate knows and understands the tenets and philosophy of science and the conventions of scientific explanations and incorporates them into planned activities. | Barbara McClintock Biography and The Tangled Field: Book Review : These two assignments from History of Science helped expand my knowledge of the tenets and philosophy of science, which helped me incorporate these ideas into my future lesson plans DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Students gained an understanding of the nature of science, and how the process of "discovery" can be very different among scientists |
_____ NSTA 1f. The candidate knows and understands scientific inquiry and the processes of developing of scientific knowledge.
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DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Students learned about the discovery of DNA, and more recently, the Human Genome Project and the beginning of genetic screening and gene therapy |
| _____ NSTA 1g. The candidate knows and understands the relationship of science to technology, to other social institutions, and to cultural values. | Barbara McClintock Biography : A paper detailing McClintock's contributions to science, as well as her role as a woman in a male-dominated field The Tangled Field : Book Review on Barbara McClintock and her research with "jumping genes" Ethology and Ethics Paper : Paper examining aggression in humans (the Hell's Angels biker gang) and the similarities and connections to many primate societies DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Students discuss the controversy and ethics of many modern advancements in science, and the cultural values that lead to these debates Project WET/Project WILD lesson plan: Activities to introduce students to the effects of humans on the environment, specifically taking a look at local streams |
_____ INTASC 2. Student Learning. The teacher intern understands how students learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support a student's intellectual, social, and personal development. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
_____ NSTA 2a. The candidate relates science to students’ social and personal, as well as intellectual, needs.
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Prior Knowledge Investigation: Used group work to get students involved in fun, social activity that helped introduce the concept of cell structure for the first time DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Used many group activities, including computer labs to get students more engaged in discussions of current technology and debates in science |
_____ INTASC 3. Diversity. The teacher intern understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 3a. The candidate plans and develops science curriculum addressing the needs of students with differing social or cultural backgrounds or learning styles. | DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: The lessons in this unit utilized a variety of teaching methods, to address as many different learning styles as possible Prior Knowledge Investigation: Students were allowed to work in social groups to create a project that was a team effort. These students didn't get the opportunity to work in groups very often, and they worked very diligently and produced great results Thematic Unit Plan: Lesson plans incorporating a wide variety of social and cultural backgrounds, as well as different learning styles |
_____ INTASC 4. Instructional Strategies. The teacher intern understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 4a. The candidate uses diverse and effective actions, strategies and methodologies effectively to teach science. | Prior Knowledge Investigation : Students built an edible cell model to introduce basic cell structure and organelles Thematic Unit Plan: Lesson plans that incorporate diverse activities to build connections between disciplines (science, history, business and agriculture) DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Includes extraction lab, student drawings, model building, class discussions, student brochures, coding activities, computer labs, research and reflections |
| _____ NSTA 4b. The candidate engages students effectively in scientific inquiry and investigations. | DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Students had multiple assignments where they had to investigate and work their way through problems Genetic Engineering Posters: Students were asked to explore genetic engineering and design a poster explaining an example of the new technology's impact on society |
| _____ NSTA 4c.The candidate facilitates students learning of the nature of science and conventions of scientific explanation. | DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Students learn about the nature of science through collaboration, and trial-and-error activities |
| _____ NSTA 4d. The candidate engages students effectively in studies of the relationships of science to technology, society and other human values and endeavors. | STS lesson plans (from Unit Plan) : Different lessons exploring the relationships of science to technology, society and other human endeavors. Main focus is on controversy and ethics surrounding various topics Thematic Unit Plan: Addresses the connections between science and agriculture to technology and society |
_____ INTASC 5. Learning Environment. The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. |
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 5a. The candidate uses prior conceptions and interests of students to promote their learning of science. | Prior Knowledge Investigation: Investigated students' prior knowledge of cell structure and then planned a lesson to address common misconceptions DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Assessed students prior knowledge of DNA and Genetic Engineering then planned multiple lessons to address misconceptions |
_____ NSTA 5b. The candidate manages science activities effectively using different group strategies and configurations to successfully achieve different learning outcomes.
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Prior Knowledge Investigation: Students worked in groups to build an edible cell model over a two-day period DNA Extraction Lab: Students worked in pairs to isolate and view DNA from a banana Genetic Engineering Posters: Students were allowed to work individually, or in groups to research a genetically engineered product and create a poster Karyotyping and DNA fingerprinting computer labs: Students worked in pairs to complete computer lab activities, but individually on accompanying worksheets |
_____ INTASC 6. Communication & Technology. The teacher intern uses knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal and media communication techniques and appropriate technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom. |
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
_____ NSTA 6a. The candidate makes effective use of advanced technologies to teach students science.
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Digital Video: Introduction and outline to my unit plan Karyotyping and DNA fingerprinting computer labs: Students worked in pairs to complete virtual simulations of chromosome karyotyping and DNA fingerprinting DNA Extraction Lab: Students worked in pairs to isolate and view DNA from a banana |
_____ INTASC 7. Planning. The teacher intern plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, state and national standards, students, and the community. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 7a. The candidate develops coherent, meaningful goals, units and lesson plans aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning and the National Science Education Standards. | DNA and Genetic Engineering Unit Plan: Ten lesson plans, each prefaced by the Virginia Standards of Learning and National Science Education Standards addressed Prior Knowledge Investigation: Lab aligns with 7th grade life science SOLs Probeware Lesson Plan : Lab aligns with 7th grade life science SOLs Thematic Unit Plan: Each lesson in unit has appropriate SOLs outlined. Lessons span four different disciplines |
| _____ NSTA 7b. The candidate knows how to safely manage the activities and materials of science in storage areas, labs, and field. | DNA Extraction Lab: Students worked in pairs to isolate and view DNA from a banana and had to follow safety rules Science Safety Plan : Outlines rules and regulations for a science classroom and lab Science Safety Workshop: February 10, 2005, Blacksburg High School. Learned how to safely operate a fire extinguisher, and discussed other science safety issues in the classroom. Ethics Web Quest: Acceptable Use Policy Outlines rules and consequences of student use of classroom computers, and especially the internet |
| _____ NSTA 7c. The candidate knows how to keep and use living organisms as in the classroom in a safe, ethical and appropriate manner. | Science Safety Plan Outlines proper care of animals and plants in the classroom environment |
______ INTASC 8. Assessment. The teacher intern understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies, consistent with instructional goals, to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner. |
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 8a. The candidate aligns goals and instruction with assessment. | Prior Knowledge Investigation: Students knew how they were to be assessed before starting the assignment. By making my expectations of them clear from the beginning, I received high quality projects that met all requirements Assessments from Unit Plan : Assessments varied based on the type of assignment and the goals I had for student learning for the assignment |
| _____ NSTA 8b. The candidate uses a variety of contemporary science assessment strategies in order to assess and evaluate multiple learning outcomes. | Prior Knowledge Investigation: Rubric-based assessment Assessments from Unit Plan : Utilized a variety of assessment strategies, ranging from simple "participation grades" to graded research papers and formal quizzes and tests Unit Plan Final Assessment: Written after the completion of my 6-week unit on DNA and Genetic Engineering |
_____ INTASC 9. Teacher Reflection. The teacher intern is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 9a. The candidate continuously reflects upon his or her work, using data from student assessments and self-assessments to guide instruction and improve instructional practices. | Prior Knowledge Investigation Reflection: Written after my prior knowledge investigation on cells. Student evaluations of my teaching: After the completion of my unit plan I had my students fill out a short survey about my teaching Unit Plan Final Assessment: Assessment of my unit plan, my teaching, and student learning |
| _____ NSTA 9b. The candidate engages in on-going professional development and participates in professional organizations beyond the requirements of the program. | Member of Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Member of Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) |
_____ INTASC 10. Professionalism. The teacher intern fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students and well being. Link to Reflective Analysis and Evidence
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National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Standards |
List of specific artifacts included |
| _____ NSTA 10a. The candidate knows and understands the values and needs of the community and their effect on the teaching and learning of science. | Thematic Unit Plan: Addresses the importance of involving community and family resources in the learning process Teaching Brochure: Addresses the importance of community and family in the classroom |
| _____ NSTA 10b. The candidate uses the human and institutional resources of the community to facilitate learning of science in the classroom and field. | Thematic Unit Plan: Addresses the value of involving the community and other outside resources to facilitate learning in the classroom and make connections to the real world for students Project WET/Project WILD lesson plan: Completed Project WET and Project WILD certification and designed combined lesson plan to introduce students to the effects of humans on the environment, specifically taking a look at local streams |
| _____ NSTA 10c. The candidate works willingly and interacts well with peers, supervisors, counselors, administrators and parents in a professional manner. | Parent-teacher conferences during middle school placement: Observed team conferences with parents Faculty Meetings: Attended monthly faculty meetings during spring student-teaching Evaluation by 7th grade cooperating teacher (Part 1 & Part 2) Lesson sharing with cooperating teacher and other biology teacher at high school: I worked closely with the other biology teacher at my placement and received a great deal of support and guidance from her and my cooperating teacher. I also observed a great deal of classes and received advice from the two earth science teachers in the school |
