Introducing SEPUP
Mark Koker, Ph D, LAB-AIDS Director of Curriculum
National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference, San Francisco CA March 2011
About SEPUP and LAB-AIDS
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SEPUP is based at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of
California, Berkeley
SEPUP is a group of science educators and researchers who get
along well, unlike in other programs where they fight all the time...
SEPUP has been funded by NSF since 1987 and has been published
and distributed by LAB-AIDS
LAB-AIDS is based on Long Island, where we have been making
innovative secondary science kits and curriculum since 1963
Teachers rely on LAB-AIDS to reduce prep time and increase
learning!
The SEPUP Approach
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Teach science using real-world issues that connect with students
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Embed support for literacy throughout the science program
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Use ‘4-2-1’ for a consistent approach to cooperative learning
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Use inquiry, because students learn by doing, as well as
reading/writing
Make sure key concepts spiral throughout the curriculum
Provide a nationally-acclaimed assessment system, with formative
and summative strategies, to monitor student progress
SEPUP and Brain Research
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"Brain compatible instruction is based on active learning and
emotional engagement, consideration of student's intelligent spans,
use of hands-on experiences with attention to multiple intelligences,
promotion of physical movement, high-level thinking, and application
of knowledge and skills."
The Brain Compatible Classroom, Laura Erlauer, ASCD Press, 2003,
p. 11
Issues give a context for learning
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Where should the nation store its nuclear waste?
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Should we test everyone for genetic diseases?
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What are the practical limits of renewable energy?
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What can we do to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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What is the true impact of introduced species?
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How can cars be redesigned to reduce the risk of injuries due to
accidents?
Scope and sequence
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The SEPUP program provides a complete middle level sequence in
the life, earth, and physical sciences
These can be used alone if a discipline-based program is desired...
Or combined to form an integrated course of study from grade to
grade...
Issues & Earth Science
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Studying Soils Scientifically
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Rocks and Minerals
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Plate Tectonics
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Erosion and Deposition
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Weather and Atmosphere
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Earth in Space
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Exploring the Solar System
Issues & Life Science
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Studying People Scientifically
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Body Works
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Cell Biology and Disease
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Genetics
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Ecology
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Evolution
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Bioengineering
Issues & Physical Science
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Studying Materials Scientifically
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Water
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The Chemistry of Materials
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Energy
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Force and Motion
Inquiry in SEPUP
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Improves understanding of concepts and improves process skills
Guided inquiry supports conceptual learning, while open inquiry
supports higher level cognitive skills -- both are found in SEPUP
Supports the essential elements of inquiry, as recommended by the
National Science Education Standards
The SEPUP Learning Cycle
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Provides structure for activities in every SEPUP unit, as seen below:
Program Components
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Student book
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Teacher’s Guide
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Equipment kit
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Website
Student books
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The student book guides investigations and
provides related resources…
It features ten different activity types, designed to focus on concept
and skill development...on-line students books available, too!
The analysis questions at the end of an activity call for students to
apply or evaluate their knowledge
The use of a science journal is
emphasized for recording data,
observations, notes, vocabulary,
and answering questions
Teacher’s Guides
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Activity overview & teaching summary
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Key concepts and Vocabulary
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Equipment and advance preparation
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Support for literacy, assessment, technology
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Differentiated instruction
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Test item banks
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Key skills matrix
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Solution prep & CD set
Equipment kits
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Complete kits; unpack, set up and teach!
Each kit supports up to 160 students
(5 classes)
Micro-scale, less waste
Safe -- no glassware or open flame,
and dilute chemicals
Tray inserts keep you organized
Technology/website
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Each course contains more than
100 web links, to support basic instruction
and enrichment
Students can share ideas and data with
their peers on the SEPUP web site
Other software applications and
simulations support
specific activities and units…
These are open to the public,
check them out at
www.sepuplhs.com
Assessment in SEPUP
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The SEPUP assessment program has an academic and
practical base few other middle-level programs can match,
has taken years to develop
It has appeared in numerous journal articles, meeting
papers, etc., and in national publications on assessment
It is embedded and authentic
It uses a variety of strategies (item banks,
open-ended tasks score with rubrics, questions
in student books, long term projects, etc.)
Assessment in SEPUP
Support for Literacy
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Support for literacy in each program
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Strategies to support:
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Reading comprehension (anticipation
guides, 3 Level Guides, STT)
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Enhancing student writing (writing frames, etc.)
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Facilitating group discussion (discussion webs, walking debates)
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Synthesizing concepts and vocabulary (KWL, concept maps)
Integrated and comprehensive, as seen in Teacher’s Guides
Support for Differentiation
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Students with Learning Disabilities
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English Language Learners
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Optional student sheets with
step-by-step procedures,
hands-on activities provide
concrete experiences…
Vocabulary introduced with operational definitions, 4-2-1 cooperative work
groups, literacy strategies facilitate reading and writing
Academically Gifted Students
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Extension activities encourage in-depth inquiry into real world topics, lab activities
encourage student-designed complex investigations
SEPUP ACADEMY PROGRAM
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Support for classroom teachers and local workshop leaders alike!
Two locations to choose from -- Silverthorne CO and Charleston, SC;
programs offered in June and July 2010
Three- and four-day programs
that develop SEPUP know-how,
but also include time for fun, too!
For more information, and to register,
go to www.lab-aidsinstitute.com
For further information...
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Contact us! NSTA BOOTH #1529
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E-mail me at: mkoker@lab-aids.com
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Telephone: 800.381.8003
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Visit us at www.lab-aids.com for correlations, PD help,
product information, workshop calendar, and more...
The Glenn Seaborg Story, or how I stopped worrying and
learned to like the Periodic Table…