Connecting Practice and Theory Week 7

***Pictures coming tomorrow*** Evidence is central through content areas for 6th graders. Being able to interpret and utilize evidenced to expand on learning is a common thread amongst all disciplines. We see this in the state standards for Social Studies… 1. Examine various resources, to look for and find value in different perspectives expressed by others. (Personal Skills: Adaptability/Flexibility) 2. Utilize primary and secondary sources to examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors. (Professional Skills: Information Literacy) 3. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources 4. Conduct research by locating, gathering, organizing information and data, and evaluating online and print resources. 5. Evaluate information critically and competently. (Colorado Academic Standards Online, n.d.) And for Science… Connections to Nature of Science: Science is knowledge based upon logical and conceptual connections between evidence and explanations. (Colorado Academic Standards Online, n.d.) Through my experiences the last two months observing middle school science and social studies, I observed students interacting with and utilizing evidence to create and expand on claims. In social studies, this was done almost every day. DBQs and Mini-Qs are instructional approaches that engage students in analyzing historical documents, and the development of evidence-based arguments. The goal of this approach is for students to analyze the content to construct an argument or answer using evidence to support the responses. When using evidence to back up a claim student are creating a deeper understanding for what they believe. Analyzing evidence fosters critical thinking skills and encourages students to question, evaluate, and draw conclusions based on information and questions. Regardless of the subject, or even grade, students will be able to take what they learn from gathering and interpreting evidence to support in making informed decisions. This helps students avoid forming misconceptions. Relying on evidence encourages students to question and verify information. In science, evidence is the foundation of inquiry. Incorporating evidence-based learning into curriculum sets the stage for students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and informed decision-makers. It has been beyond beneficial to see it in action week after week.